Rotary’s big help for Small Homes
by David Shanahan
The Rotary Club of Kemptville, about to mark 90 years serving this community, have made a $10,000 donation to Shalom Small Homes Kemptville and are challenging other service clubs and organisations in North Grenville to do the same.
Shalom Small Homes Kemptville is a very practical project with the aim of providing small homes for over-55’s in the community, on the basis of
affordable lifetime rental agreements. Approximately 30% of those over 55 suffer from an increasing inability to meet the rental costs of their homes, which they have lived in for years. This project, it is hoped, will allow them to live out their lives with dignity and peace.
This first phase of the project will see homes provided for four North Grenville seniors; these houses have already been framed, and volunteers are working with Lockwood Brothers Construction staff
to finish the interiors. All of the work is being done by volunteers, and donations in money and in kind are really welcome and are an integral part of the Shalom Small Homes vision.
Rotary’s support of Small Homes is just the latest example of the Club’s 90-year history of community activism, which has seen them involved in everything from the Duck Race to international immunisation campaigns. The Club will be holding a celebration dinner on October 15 to mark their 90th
anniversary in Kemptville (see the poster in this issue for details).
Some volunteers are signed up for the next steps in the Small Homes build, but more are needed! Shalom Small Homes is seeking skilled volunteers who can donate a day of physical labour and supply their own tools, such as a battery operated screw gun, nail gun, and saw. Other volunteer openings are also available. Anyone willing to serve can get in touch by phone at 613-884-4245.
L-R: Cathy Gilpin, John Beking, Janne Ritskes, Bruce Wehlau and Serge Lacroix photo compliments of Anna Van Adrichem Rochon
Model Parliament and Youth Arts Programs accepting applications
If you’re a high school student interested in politics or want an inside look at how legislation is passed at Queen’s Park, Leeds Grenville Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP, Steve Clark is encouraging you to apply for the Legislative Assembly of Ontario’s Model Parliament program.
Applications for the threeday program that’s open to Ontario students in grades 10 to 12 are being accepted until October 6th.
Students selected to participate will be at Queen’s Park from February 19th to 21st, 2025.
“Model Parliament is an excellent opportunity for young people to become engaged in the political process and to see the impact it has
on everyday life,” said MPP Clark. “I know students who have represented Leeds and Grenville in previous years have really valued the experience.”
During the program, students have an opportunity to meet the key officials in the legislature, tour the building, learn about its history and study the province’s legislative process.
The highlight of the three days is when students take their seats in the Legislative Assembly Chamber to participate in a debate as the “MPP” for their home riding.
Anyone interested in learning more about the program or applying can do so by visiting https://www.ola.org/ en/visit-learn/programs/model-parliament-high-school-
students
If art is your passion, you could have your work on exhibit at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. The Youth Arts Program celebrates the artistic talents of students between the ages of 12 and 18.
Each year, youth from across the province submit their works of art to be displayed throughout the Legislative Building, showcasing their creativity and diverse artistic abilities, including sculpture, drawings and paintings. Online applications are being accepted until October 15th.
Anyone interested in learning more about this program or applying can do so by visiting https://www.ola. org/en/visit-learn/programs/ youth-arts-program
CSE Consulting to host Annual Job Fair in North Grenville
Join us for an exciting opportunity to enhance your Earning, Learning & Living in North Grenville! CSE Consulting, Grenville County’s Employment Ontario Service Provider, is excited to announce its 8th Annual Fall Job Fair in North Grenville, taking place on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. The event is organized in partnership with the Municipality of North Grenville and will feature more than 25 of the region’s top employers, along with 6 service agencies and a variety of training providers to provide additional resources at this year’s event.
“If you are looking for a job or considering a career change, this is a must-attend event,” says Tracy McDonald, Job Developer with CSE Consulting in North Grenville. “Jobseekers will have the chance to meet recruiters from companies from a wide range of sectors for in-demand careers.”
The job fair is a unique opportunity for job seekers of all ages and backgrounds to interact directly with local employers, showcase their skills and qualifications, and explore potential employment opportunities and career paths. Job seekers are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resumes, dress professionally, and be prepared for on-the-spot interviews. CSE Consulting also offers free resume assistance and job fair preparation workshops for interested candidates. The next workshop will be held on Thursday, October 3rd, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the CSE office.
Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Discover incredible opportunities at the North Grenville Job Fair & Training Expo. Whether you’re looking to earn more, learn new skills, or get to know your community, this event is for you! Call now to learn more or register as an employer! 613-258-6576 or visit www.cseconsulting.com.
CSE Consulting has been serving the communities of Grenville County for over 30 years, providing a variety of employment services and programs for both job seekers and employers. CSE’s mission is to help individuals achieve their employment goals and to support local businesses in finding and retaining qualified staff. CSE is funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
BDH hosts fun and successful Community Day and Resource Fair
Beth Donovan Hospice is excited to share the success of our recent Community Day and Resource Fair, held on Saturday, September 14! With 30 local community partners joining us, the event was a wonderful celebration of the many resources and services in our community.
One of the crowd favorites was the amazing performance by the NGDHS Big baNG drummers, whose lively beats brought energy to the event. We were also happy to have Shalom Homes, Yazdani Dental, and Kemptville Retirement Living share important information about the services they provide.
The day was extra special as we celebrated Beth Donovan Hospice’s 32nd birthday
with cake, and thanks to our wonderful community. A big shout-out to the Kemptville Masons for organizing and running the charity BBQ –everyone was well-fed and happy!
We were also proud to launch Compassionate North Grenville, a new effort to create a caring community where people come together to help those dealing with illness, caregiving, grief, and end-of-life.
A huge thank-you goes out to Virginia Boro and the fantastic team of women who organized this year’s Par ‘Fore Care’ golf tournament. This 3rd party fundraiser brought in an amazing $17,500 to support Beth Donovan Hospice! Their
dedication is a wonderful example of how strong and caring the North Grenville community really is. We are so thankful to everyone who helped make this day a big success! The fun doesn’t stop here! As we continue celebrating our birthday month, we’d love for you to join us at the Night Market – A Harvest for Hospice on Thursday, September 26th at the Kemptville Campus from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
For more information about Beth Donovan Hospice or to learn how to get involved in our upcoming events, visit www.bethdonovanhospice.ca.
Priceless, not worthless
by Brandon Mayer
Is it possible to put a price on the truth? Or more importantly, should we?
This Saturday, September 28 is World News Day. Generally speaking, news is not expensive. That’s one of the things that makes the news industry so great – it’s accessible to all. In publications such as the Times, news is distributed for free, funded by local advertising dollars. Even publications that charge readers, such as the Ottawa Citizen, are generally affordable for almost anyone. The news business can certainly be profitable in the case of some larger news agencies, but quality news focuses on integrity and truth, rather than on profits and wealth.
Why then, is there a distinctive lack of truth in some “news” that is shared, particularly when it’s shared on social media? The reason is money. Truth is solid and unchangeable, and so sometimes, it’s destined to be “boring”. Fiction, on the other hand, can be as interesting and outlandish as the writer’s imagination allows. People crave this type of “hyped” content much more when they are also told it’s true. Think of how excited we get when a feature
length movie begins with the words “based on true events”. There is something exclusive and “raw” about news in the sense that it’s real, and so the prospect of combining the best of both truthful news and “hyped” stories makes scam artists see dollar signs.
How can dishonest reporting translate into money? Many internet users are undoubtedly familiar with so-called “clickbait”, which uses misleading headlines or photos to encourage people to click on an article only to be inundated with ads or pop-ups. But we can’t only blame the internet. Tabloid magazines and papers have been around probably as long as news publications themselves. That said, journalistic integrity has never been a more complex topic than it is today. It may be wrong to lay partial blame on one specific person, but I dare to be so bold: Donald Trump has caused a lot of undue mistrust in trustworthy news sources. In the days of Trump’s 2016 campaign for the US presidency, he was obsessed with labelling any negative coverage of himself as “fake news”. In much the same way as Trump shows immaturity by openly mocking and insulting people, and by be-
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor,
While Doug Ford celebrates the availability of booze in convenience stores, the Financial Accountability Office announces an investigation into his decision to end the province's contract with the Beer Store a year early.
Premier Ford was happy to write a cheque to the Beer Store for almost $250 million to end a contract one year early at the same time as Kemptville District Hospital is fundraising $2 million to get a CT scanner. This is a staggering waste of taxpayer money.
As Ontario Greens Leader and Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner said: “Ontarians want a government that invests in housing, healthcare, and other everyday needs. This government is out of touch and we deserve to know exactly how much it's costing us. I'm glad the FAO is looking into this expensive, questionable decision, and I hope the investigation brings us the answers we deserve.”
Steve Gabell Local Greens President
ing brazenly self-absorbed, he also has shown himself incapable of understanding the difference between “fake news” and “I don’t like it”. His followers (and there are far too many of them) eat this up.
We have come to progressively worsening points of division over the years when it comes to trusting news. Many Canadian conservative voters take everything published by the CBC as false. Most American democratic voters won’t trust Fox News. There is some reason for this skepticism on both sides. The CBC is undoubtedly liberal leaning, and Fox News is certainly the opposite. A critical difference exists, however, between biased reporting and “fake news”. We are all human, including those of us who have the privilege of working in the news industry. We all have our own opinions, and topics that facilitate dialogue and critical thought may not always be “neutral”, but they are far from “fake” as Trump would have us believe. Opinion must simply always be labelled as such. Fox News certainly has a reputation for being unreliable or biased, but truly “fake news” is better described as the nonsense spewed by publications such
Dear Editor,
I just read the article by Mr. Gooch RE the state of sidewalks, but having penned this already I would like to add my voice.
I moved to Kemptville late in 2021 as I had always wanted to try a semi-rural lifestyle. I found people to be friendly and welcoming despite Covid, and I started to settle in. One of the things that was important to me was exercise, and I was pleased to see that Old Kemptville where I live offered access to several walking options, e.g. the Rail Trail and the Riverside Park walking path. The problem that exists is the condition of the sidewalks that one has to negotiate to get to these spots. In places there are large cracks, broken bits, uneven sections and fissures with large weeds growing from them. It is not only that they are eyesores, but for anyone walking or jogging, the risk of tripping is real, and for those who have to rely on mobility devices, they pose a serious hazard indeed.
as Druthers. Those who wish to help truth prevail should immediately recycle such trash.
With great power comes great responsibility. Reliable news agencies welcome feedback and scrutiny. I frequently proofread and format opinion articles that I don’t agree with in order to get them ready for publication. We don’t censor at the Times. The only op-eds we refuse to print are those that are overtly insulting or inappropriate, or those that make unprovable accusations or provably false claims. Note that news agencies, in the interest of facilitating important conversations, will always publish opinion pieces that are properly labelled as such. An opinion that does not correlate with our own is not “fake news”.
Have you ever noticed how, following a newsworthy occurrence, several news organizations will present almost the exact same details? This is because news is about integrity, and sometimes there are only a limited number of facts available, with no room for embellishment or speculation when it comes to the truth.
the same standards. Above all, we must stick to the rule that the truth is not a commodity to be bought or sold. The truth – the real, unadulterated truth – is priceless, not worthless. To a scammer looking to make a quick buck, “priceless” means “worthless”. To those of us who wish to do a service by keeping our neighbours
informed, “priceless” means “not to be trifled with”. This World News Day, we at the Times encourage you to think critically and to engage in meaningful dialogue about the news you consume. No reputable news agency would ever ask you to do otherwise. Long live truth.
Perhaps someone from Public Works could take a look at the area and assess the situation? Maybe some repairs to the worst areas could be undertaken before winter.
Thank you, Ruth Barrie
Dear Editor, North Grenville is at a defining moment, and the future of our community’s cultural and environmental heritage cannot be left to chance. The 13 acres of heritage agricultural land at Ferguson Forest Centre are a critical part of our legacy, and as discussions continue, one thing is clear: we cannot afford to lose this land. Instead, we must seize the opportunity to turn it into a showcase of sustainable innovation that reflects both our history and our future. This land has the potential to become a beacon of environmental leadership, and by partnering with Canadian Wollastonite, we can transform it into a living
The reality is that most of us in the news business – whether it be large agencies or small publications – adhere to the principles of journalistic integrity. You can stop being paranoid that you are reading “fake news” in the Globe and Mail or hearing “fake news” in a CTV broadcast. I’m proud to say that the Times adheres to
Ottenhof marketing@ngtimes.ca 613 329 0209
BBQ and Corn Boil
followed by a brief encouraging message at Bishop’s Mills United Pentecostal Church.
12 pm on Sunday, September 29 at 10 St Lawrence Street, Bishop’s Mills. Free admission but space is limited.
example of how heritage, sustainability, and economic growth can work together.
North Grenville cannot miss this chance to lead by example and demonstrate that protecting our past is key to building a resilient and thriving future.
The land at Ferguson Forest is much more than a resource; it reflects our agricultural roots and a vital part of our community’s identity. Its preservation aligns perfectly with Ontario’s cultural policies, which emphasize safeguarding heritage assets while promoting sustainable land management practices. Rather than allowing this land to be sold off, I propose we partner with Canadian Wollastonite – a leading producer located in nearby Seeley’s Bay – to create a model of environmental leadership that supports both economic growth and cultural preservation.
Through this partnership, we can leverage the powerful properties of wollastonite – a mineral known for its ability to regenerate soil, enhance biodiversity, and sequester carbon – to revitalize these 13 acres. This project would not only support Ontario’s sustainability goals, but would also create a high-visibility hub along Highway 43, demonstrating the potential of corporate collaboration in driving both economic and environmental progress.
By embracing this partnership, North Grenville can preserve its agricultural heritage, set a new standard for regenerative land use, and position itself as a leader in environmental innovation for all of Eastern Ontario. The future of Ferguson Forest should not be one of lost opportunity but rather one of leadership, growth, and sustainability for generations to come.
Sincerely, Heather Popazzi
Patience on the road will help avoid accidents during harvest season
by Bill Groenheide, Director, OFA
Fall is a busy time of year. School has started up again, people are enjoying the warm temperatures to get some additional cottage or camping days in, and farmers are harvesting a wide range of crops, from field tomatoes to soybeans and more.
All of this means that Ontario’s roads are busy, and motorists have to share those roads with slow moving vehicles and farm equipment. This can quickly lead to frustration and impatience – which is often when accidents happen.
Road safety is always important, but even more at this time of year when farmers move between fields, farms and other locations to harvest crops and get them to market, processing or storage.
It’s even more critical in northern Ontario, where there aren’t as many roads as in other parts of the province, giving motorists fewer alternatives, and where the roads we do have can quickly become clogged, even during the tail end of tourism season in the fall.
I farm just outside of Thunder Bay with my wife and our two sons and their spouses, raising beef, chicken and growing crops. I also represent northern Ontario farmers on the board of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. In addition to Thunder Bay, this includes Algoma, Cochrane, Dryden, Kenora, Manitoulin-North Shore, Muskoka, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Temiskaming and Thunder Bay.
Several years ago, following a resolution brought forward by some of our northern Ontario members, the OFA began taking an active role in promoting road safety and slow moving vehicle awareness.
Since then, we’ve undertaken a variety of initiatives, including signs, videos, billboard campaigns and partnerships with other organizations to encourage drivers to be patient and alert around slow moving vehicles.
At the same time, we’ve stepped up our efforts to remind farmers that they also have a responsibility to be cautious, courteous and safe when they’re taking equipment on the road.
Our local federations are also taking an active role here, with many of them applying for funding from the OFA Revive Fund for road safety and slow moving vehicle awareness projects in their areas. These range from roadside safety signs and radio ads to reflective farm equipment stickers and signs and more to remind fellow drivers how to be safe around slow moving vehicles on the road.
The Revive Fund was first launched in 2021 to help our county and regional federations with matching funding for projects and initiatives to support agriculture in their local communities, and to date, about $975,000 has been invested in the program – and it’s still going strong.
Here are some top tips for motorists that will help prevent road accidents this harvest season:
- Watch out for orange triangles on the back of farm equipment. These are slow moving vehicle signs that mean we legally can’t go faster than 40 km/hour.
- Pay attention to indicator lights and remember that a gap between a slow moving vehicle and an oncoming car or truck can close very quickly.
- Be patient and pass only when it’s safe. Farm equipment is much larger than it used to be, and many rural roads have narrow shoulders that don’t let farmers pull safely off to the side to let someone pass.
Farmers can also do their part to keep our roads safe, such as:
- Conducting a daily 360-degree safety check of their equipment before leaving the farm.
- Ensuring hitches, brakes, tires and PTOs are well-maintained and road ready.
- Making sure lights are working properly and that the slow moving vehicle sign is visible and secure.
- Staying off the mobile device while driving. Distracted driving is distracted driving whether in a car, truck, tractor, or combine.
We all have a role to play in keeping roads as safe as possible and by working together, we can make sure everyone returns home safe and sound this harvest season.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
100 Men Who Care North Grenville. 26th September, 6PM @ Catered Affairs
WDMH Auxiliary Annual Bazaar, Bake Sale and Silent Auction - September 27 from 9 am-2:30 pm
The Lobby of The Winchester District Memorial Hospital FREE PARKING
Truth and Reconciliation. - September 28 at 12:00 pm
Join the North Grenville Indigenous Advisory Circle, Indigenous Leaders, Council and members of the public as we come together in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Ferguson Forest Arboretum. (In case of rain - at Anniversary Park).
Photos in the Park - September 28 from 9 am - 4 pm
A professional photoshoot in Curry Park. A perfect opportunity to capture memories with friends and family. Your fourlegged friends are welcome too! 100% of funds go directly to the SCS Transportation Service. Limited spots! Contact jill.woodley@seniorscs.ca to book your spot. Curry Park Art & Craft Supplies Sale. October 5 from 10am - 2pm.Yard sale-style event for crafting supplies. NG Municiapl Centre High Tea. October 5 at 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
High Tea Fundraiser for the Kemptville Hospital CT Scanner hosted by the Quilters’ Guild of Kemptville There are two sittings - 10 - noon and 1:30 - 3:30. Tickets are $25. Please contact Linda at 613-258-4581. Enquire about our take-out option. Held at the United Church.
WIZARD CARD GAME TOURNAMENT. October 6 at Pierce's Corners, also known as the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 12:30 and play starts at 1:00 p.m. $5 per player. For information contact debiar@ymail.com.
Music for an Autumn Afternoon. October 6 from 2:00 pm
St. John’s United Church will resound with music for piano, cello, clarinet and voice. Free will offering at the door towards St. John’s Church Outreach programs.
St. John's United Church 400 Prescott Street, Kemptville Job Fair. October 8 from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Presented by CSE Consulting. North Grenville Municipal Centre, 285 County Road 44, Kemptville
National Association of Federal Retirees. Branch information and new member recruitment meeting. Guest speaker Lynn Nasralla, Medoc / Johnson Insurance. October 16, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. North Grenville Municipal Hall, Salon A. Kemptville
Touchdowns & Terrors: A Fundraising Gala for the GridIron - October 26. Cocktails at 6:30. Dinner at 7. Kids party starts at 6:30 at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. Get those costumes out and join us for a spooky evening of fun & fundraising to help support youth football in North Grenville. Get your tickets today! https://app.teamlinkt.com/fundraisers/support/kemptville_ minor_football_club_touchdowns_and_terrors_gala A Christmas on Campus
Join My Local Markets and the North Grenville Arts Guild as we celebrate the festive season at the Kemptville Campus. November 16 & 17 from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. Kemptville Campus, 75 Campus Drive, Kemptville, ON Free Parking | Free Admission
Donations to Beth Donovan Hospice are welcomed.
VOLUNTEERING IS THE
Close to the edge
by David Shanahan
Canada is getting very close to the edge. Anyway following the events around Parliament Hill this week must worry about where this country is going. More and more, it seems to be following the very sad and dangerous example of other nations around the world where political activism and protest is turning increasingly aggressive and violent. The kind of intimidation and racist comments being yelled at Members of Parliament, Hill staff, security personnel and even members of the public visiting the seat of government is completely unacceptable (to use a tired cliche), and out of keeping with what has traditionally been understood as the Canadian character.
the end of the Cold War is the exception, not the rule. The West, as it was known, was in a period of nearcomplacency, comfortable in its prosperity and strength, with a clear “enemy” in the East against which unity and a shared identity was essential and easy to understand.
Truth and Reconciliation
OF OUR COMMUNITY
Join the North Grenville Indigenous Advisory Circle, Indigenous Leaders, Council and members of the public as we come together in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Saturday, September 28th at Noon at the Ferguson Forest Arboretum (In case of rain - at Anniversary Park)
Event will include speakers, music, food, and the reveal of the new Indigenous Forest Space.
Everyone welcome!
We have, unfortunately, become accustomed to that kind of behaviour in the United States since the rise of Trump, extreme social media posts, conspiracy theories, and anti-immigration protests. But that behaviour is spreading around the world, with similar deeply concerning activities taking place in European countries in particular. My own homeland, once known as “Ireland of the Welcomes’, and a nation that understands more than most what emigration means, has seen awful examples of mobs attacking and destroying buildings set aside for use by immigrants.
The comment by one woman verbally abusing a black security guard at one of these centres is only too typical of the kind of rhetoric of hate being spewed in other countries: “You’re not welcome here. You’re a different breed!” But it is too easy to simply dismiss this as ignorant and unthinking racism. There is much more behind this unhealthy trend than that, though there is a strong element of the ignorant and uninformed about it.
The fact is that this phenomenon is not new, it has been a constant feature of our history, coming to the surface at times of social and political uncertainty and insecurity. The relative peace of the years before
But things get very unstable when empires fall apart, and both the Soviet Union and the West as a block fell apart after 1989, when that common enemy disappeared, temporarily, and internal divisions reemerged within countries and between former allies. Ironically, peace and prosperity has led to a sense of social disintegration, as the infamous 1% grew wealthy at the expense of everyone else. Oligarchs in the former Soviet Union, newly-minted billionaires in the U.S. and Europe, the rising influence of social media companies and the obscene wealth of their owners, all joined with the massive disruption of globalisation, all combined to create an atmosphere of grievance, anger, and genuine suffering for many millions of people. Older class divisions evolved into conflict based on elites versus the masses, actually, a return to socio-political separations seen in previous eras and societies.
So, the current rise in angry and even violent clashes comes, not just from the extremism encouraged by platforms on-line, where people feel free to be more nasty, racist, and negative than they might be in real life.
But the example of Trump and his MAGA gang have made it acceptable to carry that over into the real world. What has to be remembered is that there are genuine grievances behind much of what has brought all this about. People do feel threatened, poorer than they were, deprived of opportunities they felt they had a right to expect.
As long as those inequalities continue, and continue
to grow, there will be a strong foundation for this activity. But another danger exists and has already been demonstrated in the States, where the Republican Party has really sold its soul for power and popular support. Knowing the character of Trump and his ilk, they willingly killed their ethics, threw away their integrity and history, and compromised everything they once stood for.
Can it happen here? Most definitely, and it may well have already started. Aside from the activities outside Parliament last week, the behaviour inside the House was even more worrying. The Conservatives under Poilievre seem to be taking a lesson from the Republicans in that they’re indulging in populist rhetoric, nasty personal attacks on all opposition party leaders, and appealing to the very people who are attacking people on the Hill.
Will they continue down this road of copying the worst traits of the MAGA movement? Will traditional Conservatives stand by them if they do, as Republicans have in the States? Canada is close to the edge, and if we continue in that direction, we’ll go over.
Like it or not, we have to understand that this is how things started in Germany in the 1930's, or Italy in the 1920's, or Russia after 1917. Bullies on the streets, personal attacks on political opponents that are designed to create anger and hatred, political leaders encouraging, openly and without shame, those who are preaching violence and hatred and attacking the rule of law: we’re starting to see these things more and more in Canada. We can’t let party loyalty get in the way of national security. Look at the U.S., the collapse of that great experiment in Democracy. They are closer to that edge than we are, but where do we go from here?
World News day
THANK YOU to our advertisers and loyal readers for supporting The North Grenville Times on World News Day. This global day celebrates the vital role local journalism plays in keeping communities informed. Local news outlets like ours provide a trusted source of information, helping to ensure that our stories, voices, and issues are heard. Your support helps maintain a strong, independent press, and we are thankful for your support in keeping local journalism alive and thriving.
Journalism is society's safety net
by David Walmsley Editor in Chief, The Globe and Mail, Creator of World News Day
A record number of newsrooms have signed up for World News Day 2024, recognizing the positive influence of journalism the world over.
More than 600 newsrooms and media associations across all continents join to bring awareness to the purpose of journalism, a trade that is under constant attack.
It’s a day to pause; and reflect on the importance of independent and often brave journalists who make a difference in their communities and country by providing the proof that leads to the truth.
Too often, he or she who shouts loudest on social media seems to be the newsmaker of the day, overshadowing the professional reporters and editors trained and determined to stand behind everything they publish.
Responsible journalism is a tough business when done properly. It necessarily confronts the easy, repetitive, and instant swirl of polemicists and propagandists determined to derail life to fit agendas that are often based on certainty and exclusion.
Photographing events that happen, reporting out the facts, beginning with incomplete information and building a more complete file over time and ultimately ensuring, in
the final edit, that the facts are pried out and placed squarely into the public discourse, is the business of mainstream media. It is inefficient yet is a timeless tradition without parallel.
Professionals fight back against the hackneyed idea that belonging to the mainstream is somehow inferior to being extreme.
World News Day is a day of awareness, to better explain journalism to the public at large. It is also a moment to provide room for our audiences and highlight how their meeting a journalist improved their life. How, perhaps, finally, they were listened to. Or to reflect on the contributions of a local newspaper to the body politic, or the cost of liberty for a reporter detained for no reason, other than she could be, by those with armies at their disposal.
Amid the growing coarseness of public debate, the pride of independent journalism stands as a source of optimism and belief.
Often at significant personal cost, whistleblowers entrust journalists with secrets. Businesses, politicians and others in power increasingly refuse to meet reporters or explain themselves but that doesn’t mean they are unaccountable. The rot is still exposed by individuals.
This past year I met a source determined to get the truth out, but the conversations took place in a hot-tub to prove I was not wearing a
First, Choose Truth
by Kathy English Chair, Canadian Journalism Foundation
Journalism has long been, first and foremost, a calling to seek and report the truth.
“Truth should be their idol, their first and last consideration always,” stated an 1853 article entitled Truth in Journalism, published in Scientific American Magazine. “Seek truth and report it,” states the first ethic of the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics, first drafted in 1926. “Journalism’s first obligation is to the truth,” echoes Principle 1 of The Elements of Journalism, the now classic 2001 work that speaks to the essential responsibilities of journalists.
This year, on World News Day, a global initiative to draw public attention to the role that journalists play in providing trustworthy news and information that serves citizens and democracy, we draw together around the world to “Choose Truth.”
World News Day is organized by the Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF), the World Editors Forum and the South Africa-based Daily Maverick’s Project Kontinuum. The annual September initiative was first launched
listening wire, and, on another occasion, in my underwear for the final interview. The story was worth it all, but I couldn’t have known it would be when I started out on the four-month odyssey. That’s the romance of the business that recruits and repays the indefatigable.
Interest groups laden with bias threaten economic punishment – “I’ll cancel my subscription” “we’ll pull our advertising”. Perhaps next year we list those people who act that way. So far, news organisations take the hit and don’t make it public. But it is all an attempt to interfere with editorial independence and it is wrong.
Attacks on journalists, including murder, run at record highs. Journalism was not created for the messenger to be shot. But, while you can kill the journalist, you can’t kill the story. Others will take it on. Look at journalists in Mexico or Iran if you haven’t received your daily dose of inspiration. The rate of impunity, killing journalists and not being arrested, creeps toward 100% in some countries, but still the stories mount up.
A great miracle exists in the business of journalism – facts are not suppressible.
And those in need understand it. It is those least in need who fight us most. The powerful terrified their world can’t be entirely controlled. And that’s the magic of world news day. As you talk to friends, and consider your community, village,
by the CJF in 2018 to enhance the relationship between the news industry and its audiences. From the outset, the goal was to create a greater public understanding of why quality journalism matters – especially in a world polluted by misinformation.
The theme of this year’s World News Day, “Choose Truth” is the first global campaign from Project Kontinuum, which was established by Daily Maverick founder and editorin-chief Branko Brkic to reaffirm journalism’s critical role throughout the world.
This message could not be more critical or more timely. In a world in which we have increasingly witnessed fiction become fact and misinformation turn mainstream, choosing truth has perhaps never been more important - or more difficult.
For the public, this means the need to distinguish between real news and rumours and falsehoods masquerading as fact, a challenge ever more difficult in this era of AI-generated digital content and “bad actors” intent on sowing public discord with malicious disinformation. For journalists, it means doubling down on our core principle to serve the public with truth grounded in thoroughly
town or the wider world, think what you have learned today. There is a fair bet journalism was involved. The story tellers, who come from your community, tell the facts, no matter how uncomfortable that can be.
That is why, unarmed and living in your community, they are targeted, hassled, belittled, threatened. And it is why they respond with more facts, more answers, more independence of thought and maintain the link between you and the wider world.
Journalists are a bridge as we build the future, supported by the capstone of our audience who are as loyal and determined as the reporter and the editor. Together, on World News Day, if it feels at times that the vestiges of hope are falling away, remember the safety net of journalism is there.
David Walmsley is the Editorin-Chief of The Globe and Mail, Canada and is creator of World News Day
verified fact.
To choose truth requires that trust be the foundation of the relationship between the public and the journalists who seek to serve the public good. But, as the 2024 Digital News Report of Oxford University’s Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, tells us, “... across the world, most of the public does not trust most of the news most of the time.”
What does journalism’s obligation to seek truth and report it mean? It demands a staunch commitment to being trustworthy. That means being accurate and fair, dedicated to a transparent process of verifying the facts that form the foundation of truth. It means telling our audiences what we know and how we know it – being clear about our sources of information. It means understanding that on any given day, the facts we find may well be “the best available version of the truth” not the whole story and thus, we must always scrupulously update the facts as we learn more, and correct our mistakes when we err.
A timeless truth: Facts are complex and truth is not always self-evident. Journalism is not infallible.
In a polarized world, too many can’t agree even on what
is a fact and argue that truth is dead. That makes it all the more critical for both responsible journalists and the public to understand what constitutes trustworthy, evidence-based information. It is not simply a matter of delivering and consuming the news; it is about empowering people with the facts they need to navigate their world.
As Rasmus Kleis Nielsen, outgoing director of the Reuters Institute wrote in 2018, “For both journalists and the public, the basic journalistic aspiration of finding truth and reporting it is of enduring importance, as are all the ways in which journalism can empower people by helping keep them informed about, oriented in and engaged with the world around them.”
The truth is, quality journalism in the public interest matters, Facts matter, Truth Matters. On this World News Day, we must all - journalists and citizens alike - Choose Truth.
Kathy English, chair of the board of the Canadian Journalism Foundation, served as public editor of the Toronto Star for 13 years. She was a Journalism Fellow at the Reuters Institute in 2020/21.
'NROCK CURL
Art & Craft Supplies Sale coming October 5
On Saturday, October 5 from 10am – 2pm, the Art & Craft Supplies Sale will return to the North Grenville Municipal Centre. This event is not a typical craft show, there are no finished products being sold. This is a yard-sale style event, by crafters, for crafters. There will be all kinds of art and craft supplies, including but certainly not limited to yarn, fabric, scrapbooking supplies, papercraft supplies, Cricut supplies, market display items, craft storage, sewing notions, stamps, crafting equipment, baking equipment, etc.
Organizer Amanda Keyes says the first Art & Craft Supplies Sale she hosted in March 2024 had over 500 shoppers in attendance. People were lined up out the building, ready to get their hands on second-hand craft supplies! The interest was high amongst vendors and shoppers, and registration for the October 5 event had already begun. The October 5 sale is sold out for vendors, but there is a link to join the waitlist on the event’s Facebook page.
Amanda shared that she attended a similar event in Ottawa as a shopper, and wanted to host one in her hometown, Kemptville. Born, raised, and currently working in Kemptville, Amanda holds community close to her heart. Proceeds from the on-site bake sale will once again support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Leeds & Grenville. Amanda has been a Big Sister with BBBSLG since April 2023, and says it’s been one of the most rewarding volunteer opportunities.
There will also be a FREE table, open to everyone to add to or take from. At the March event, the free table was constantly changing, as more and more supplies were added to it. Anyone, vendors or shoppers, can add or take items, as long as they are respectful and not greedy. Any leftover free items at the end of the event will be donated.
If you love crafting and love a great deal, come out to the Art & Craft Supplies Sale on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at the North Grenville Municipal Centre (285 County Road 44, Kemptville) from 10am – 2pm. For any questions, contact Amanda Keyes at madebymandyrae@gmail.com
OR IN PERSON Pay with a credit card by phone, or at our office where you can also use cash, or cheque.
Our office is located at 215 Sanders St, Suite 106, Kemptville, ON . Hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 9AM to 3PM.
Art & Craft Supplies Sale
Saturday, October 5, 2024 10am - 2pm North Grenville Municipal Centre 285 County Road 44, Kemptville Yard sale-style event for crafting supplies
by Jane Rutter
First Reuben Crescent apartment building breaks ground
Dennis Eberhard, CEO of Ottawa Valley Developments GP Inc., is happy to announce the start of construction of the newest apartment building in North Grenville. Located in the downtown Kemptville at 215 Reuben Crescent, the first of three buildings broke ground last week. The first phase will be a 59 unit apartment with one and two bedroom suites ranging in size from 600 square feet to 850 square feet. Located adjacent to Riverside Park and a short stroll to shops and services in downtown Kemptville, the developers of the new building anticipate welcoming their first tenants in late fall of 2026.
“We are very excited to deliver much needed rental accommodations to North Grenville, and invite new residents to experience everything downtown Kemptville has to offer,” said Dennis.
A modest proposal: IV
Greetings North Gremlins. Fall is upon us. Don't look up. The leaves are falling. It won't be long until the most colourful time of the year turns to white. Now, what did I do with my thermal under-oos?
The children are safely back in school. The parents, with a great look of relief, have handed them back to the classroom teachers saying, “Tag! You're it! Fix 'em, won'tcha! They won't listen to me anymore!”
The great presidential debate has taken place, and one issue that keeps coming up is school lunch programs. Consider the following:
Imagine if, in a given classroom, a teacher made up a rule or guideline that said, “If you behave and if I think you meet all of MY criteria, I will give you a new pencil and a new notebook. Also, I will allow you to have the food as part of our lunch program. But if you don't meet MY criteria, then you won't get any of it.” There would be quite a reaction... especially from today's parents.
Then, further, if the teacher said, 'The girls have done such a good job of meeting MY criteria, they will get extra food and extra supplies. The boys, who
haven't done nearly as well? Well... they will have to do without, altogether.” So, one side gets more, while the other still hasn't seen their first round of the basics. Ridiculous? Of course. Wrong? Absolutely.
This is not just the season of the leaves, it also looks like the season of the roads. Specifically, the rural roads. There is a lot of pavement being laid down. Just like the girls in the classroom, many of these roads are getting more – fresh new layers of surfacing on top of the existing surfacing. Meanwhile, the 'boyroads'... the ones that have never seen any surfacing at all, they get a whole bunch of nothing! Not a dang thing! Beach Road West just got about 1.5 km of beautiful new asphalt. It was already paved! What was wrong with it? Did it have a crack?
A pot hole? Over here, in Never-Never Land... where pavement has never-never been seen, pot holes are a way of life. Yesterday, the Department of Highways & Bi-ways of North Grenville, dumped a load of gravel at the corner, where the potholes have been loosening our teeth and fillings for 3 or 4 months. They were even gracious enough to spread it.
That's all we get. We were incredulous. How did they know where we were? Who told them that our goat path of a road was in deplorable condition? Now, my question is this:
Hidden deep in the darkest depths of the Department of Rural Rewards and Smooth Surfacing, who is this mystery person who makes these decisions? Who is this unknown/un-elected person who wields so much power? I'm pretty sure neither the Mayor nor any of the Councillors are driving around checking the roads to see that everyone is able to drive on something that is now a muddy, rock-strewn mess – a throw-back to the by-gone days of the United Empire Loyalists.
But this person has set out a criteria that states that if your road does not have something like 200 or more trips on it, each and every day, you are off the list. No pavement for you! He's like the Soup Nazi – of roads.
Maybe this rule that he has come up with is no longer valid. Maybe a lot of these residents are working from home. Some of them might be retired. Either way, who gave this guy the right to create 'MY' criteria. I didn't elect him. He hasn't
had my vote. But yet, he decides to resurface half the rural roads... roads that were happily surfaced, and tell the poor schmucks on Eager, O'Neil and McGovern road... “No Soup for You”!?
I'm pretty sure he must live on a nicely-paved road... not like myself or poor ol' Councillor Wilson. We live on Never-Never roads. It's not only ridiculous, it's not right.
Time for some reasonable decisions and some answers, my hard working elected decision-makers of North Grenville.
P. Johnson, Upper Oxford Mills
McGovern Rd. Aka...Never Never Road
P.S. John Loudon MacAdam invented asphalt 204 years ago... isn't it time we got to see it at the end of our driveways? If our road was paved, then the ridiculous rule of only graders can plow the snow on non-surfaced roads would be obsolete, and we wouldn't have to deal with our mailboxes being buried every winter... but that's another decision that was made by an unelected bureaucrat.
Peter Peers
Following a lengthy and courageous battle Peter Peers passed peacefully at the Montfort Hospital on September 11th, 2024, at the age of 76. Peter will be most remembered for his work as an Advertising Manager with local newspapers and publications such as the North Grenville Times, Ottawa Carleton Review, and Manotick Messenger. His love and passion for music, festivals, and community, along with his entrepreneurial spirit, left a lasting impact on many. You may have also seen him on his daily walks through South Mountain, which he religiously continued which is an ode to his positive outlook. Peter is predeceased by his wife, Helen Lynne (née Sistek), and his daughter, Zoe. He is survived by his loving daughter, Kim (Mike), and son, Jesse. Peter was the cherished grandfather of Justin, Gillian, Chase, and Ella. He will be fondly remembered by the Dalton, D’Allesandro, Sistek, Lodge, Holmes, and Luecke families.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful medical staff at the Montfort Hospital for their support and compassion during this difficult time.
Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the House of Lazarus are most welcomed. We also thank Byers Funeral Home for facilitating all arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.byersfuneralhomeinc.ca.
A Celebration of Life will be planned in the near future by the family.
VOLUNTEERING IS THE H
Emile Trottier puts on a clinic with a Hattie and assist in 73's home opener
Pretty perfect puck...Samuel Dumont celebrates after teammate Sydney Loreto with helpers from Samuel Dumont and Nicholas Bennett puts it top shelf during Kemptville 5 to 2 Friday evening home opener victory.
by G.J. the sportsguy
Kemptville was in Cornwall for a matinee showdown with the Pembroke Lumber Kings on Saturday for their first game of the Showcase that alotted them a hard fought 5 to 4 win.
Kemptville came out strong to draw first blood from a combination with Voicey and Graves to find O'Doherty in the lane to beat Jannes Kamp at 6:41. F. Canevari transitioned to McDougall with Ryan Rutley to pull the trigger at 13:15 to give the 73’s two zip advantage. Pembroke bounced back when Penna with Cameron found Spencer Bowes to spoil Ryland Donovan's SO at 19:48 to end the period.
Spencer Bowes with Penna and Barnard notched his second at 5:03 for the Lumber Kings to knot it at two. Pembroke pulled away with assists from Sancibrian and Barnard to Jayson Alegria at 13:04. Kemptville answered back at 13:26 when McDougall with McIntyre set up Nicholas Bennett for the tie. Matthew Montoni with helpers from McDougall and Loreto for the 73’s to break the tie at 13:26. At 14:06 from Pembroke's Sancibrian and Carvalho to Miko Kahriman for a tie yet again to close out the second at four all.
Kemptville down a man in the final twenty when McDonald stripped the rubber to McDougall, unto Nicholas Bennett SHG stick for his second and game winner for 5 to 4 victory at 9:42.
Pembroke pulled their stopper for extra attacker at 19:06 without success.
Kemptville overpowered their opponents by 34 to 28 SOG with 0/2 PP and 0/3 for Pembroke.
Coach thought they had a good team win and had a scrambly second, but tightened things up in the third to secure the win.
Unfortunately the second game with the Rockland Nationals was a different story as they were blown out 4 to zip. Rockland opened the flood gates in the initial twenty when Trystan Felix-Tremblay caught Trenten Bennett off guard for the game winner at 2:19. Insurance for the Nationals as Turnbull combined with Dylan McDougall in the middle frame at 16:37.
Two more markers in last twenty from Myloserdnyy to Nathan Landriault at 4:10 and at 7:17 for Anthony Hall assisted from Tremblay with Le Houillier to blank the 73’s 4 to nil. Rockland hammered Kemptville 30 to 18 with 0/1 PP and their opponents failed to capitalize with 0/5 attempts. Kemptville's Friday evening home opener with Nepean Raiders received a heavy comeback beat down of 5 to 2 from Emile Trottier and his Boys of Winter.
Nepean drew first blood to open the initial twenty when Nicolas Papineau pushed a loose rubber from Benoit under the pillows of Trenten Bennett at 11:43. Kemptville knotted it up at 5:28 in the second go around with extra attacker, from Sweetapple and Trottier to Carter Graves PPG on the doorstep to beat John Gedraitis. Picture perfect goal from Emile Trottier as he punched it under the bar with helpers from MacIntyre and McDonald at 6:59. Raiders on the attack took advantage of a terrible 73's line change when Gedraitis stretched it to Etchart for Luka Benoit to deke the stopper at 10:19. Game winner for Kemptville as MacIntyre with McDougall caught Emile Trottier on the side for his second of the evening at 11:39. Combination of Dumont with Esposito to Sydney Loreto, lifted it blocker top shelf for 73's insurance at 14:59. Emile Trottier capped it off with six hole Hattie with helpers from Bennett and Graves 16:20 for a 5 to 2 runaway to shut down the middle frame.
Third twenty remained scoreless with both teams having opportunities and Kemptville picking up a controversial major that squashed by special teams. Kemptville outshot their opponents by 41 to 28 with 2/3 PP and 0/5 for Nepean. Coach thought his team played well with solid goal tending and special teams executing well, with a number of good things to capitalize going into Sunday matinee at Navan to meet the Grads.
Next game session is on October 4 evening contest with Renfrew Wolves. Hockey with EDGE…see you around the wall.
TRAVEL TALK
Driving to a Cruise Port from Canada
Driving to a cruise port instead of flying offers several advantages, including cost savings, convenience, and flexibility. Here are some key benefits:
Cost Savings
1. No Airfare Costs: By driving, you eliminate the cost of airline tickets, which can be significant, especially for families or larger groups.
2. Baggage Fees: Avoiding airline baggage fees can save money, especially if you need to pack a lot for your cruise.
3. Airport Transfers: You won’t need to pay for transportation to and from the airport at both your departure and arrival points.
4. Parking: While there may be parking fees at the cruise port, these are often less than the combined costs of airfare and airport transfers.
Convenience
1. Flexible Schedule: Driving allows you to leave on your own schedule without worrying about flight times, delays, or cancellations.
2. Direct Route: You can travel directly to the port without layovers or long waits at the airport.
3. Comfort: Traveling in your own vehicle can be more comfortable than flying, with the ability to take breaks, stretch, and adjust your environment.
4. Luggage Space: You have more freedom to pack as much as your car can hold without worrying about airline luggage restrictions.
Peace of Mind
1. No Flight Stress: Avoid the stress associated with flying, such as security checks, boarding processes, and potential flight disruptions.
2. Accessibility: For those with mobility issues or special needs, traveling by car can be more accessible and comfortable than flying. Overall, driving to a cruise port offers numerous benefits, making it an attractive option for many travelers, especially those living within a reasonable distance from the port.
Here are some popular cruise ports in North America that are accessible by car from Canada:
East Coast
1. Boston, Massachusetts
◦ Offers cruises to Bermuda, Canada/New England, and the Caribbean.
2. New York City, New York
◦ Offers a variety of cruises to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada/New England, and Europe.
3. Cape Liberty, New Jersey (near New York City)
◦ Offers similar itineraries to New York City, with cruises to the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Canada/New England.
4. Baltimore, Maryland
◦ Offers cruises to the Caribbean and Bermuda. West Coast
1. Vancouver, British Columbia
◦ Offers cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, and the Pacific Coast.
2. Seattle, Washington
◦ Offers similar itineraries to Vancouver, with cruises to Alaska and the Pacific Coast.
3. San Francisco, California
◦ Offers cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, and the Pacific Coast.
4. Los Angeles, California
◦ Offers cruises to Mexico, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, and the Panama Canal. These ports provide a range of cruise options making them great choices for Canadians looking to drive to their cruise departure location.
Sign Off:
Visit www.gravitate.travel and click on the “Let’s Talk” icon to schedule a time to talk or drop by our offices to chat about your next cruise and the benefits of driving to your cruise port or flying.
TICO # 50026003 215 SANDERS STREET, UNIT 201A / KEMPTVILLE, ON K0G 1J0
CLASSIFIEDS
FOR SALE
4 winter tires on rims
225/60R/17, fits Hyundai. $500, Call 613258-1058
4 Snow Tires on rims
- 225/65/17 - asking
$600 - call Reg 2587606
Camera-Canon Rebel
T1i with telephoto lens
$100 Call 613-2582604
Drill press on stand. Delta model 11-960C $150 Call 613-2582604
Table saw Delta model 36-325C $300 Call 613-258-2604
Pegasus mobility scooter, like new, $1400 or best offer, silver gray. Call 613-258-7020
Four 205/55 R16 tires on rims for sale, $25.00 each. Used one winter. Robert 613-258-7426.
RECURRING EVENTS
Monthly Suppers prepared by Knights of Columbus at Holy Cross Church Hall at 503 Clothier St W. Suppers will be held on the last Thursday of the month. Cost $10 per adult, $5 for children under 12 and $25 for families.
PROBUS: Fellowship, Fun and inFormed presenters are part of the PROBUS gathering on the third Wednesday of each month at St Paul's Presbyterian Church Hall at 9:30AM. For more information contact at n.g.probus97@ gmail.com
Kemptville Legion: Fridays 3-9. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome
BINGO, Kemptville Legion, Bingos run from the beginning of September until the end of June on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays.
NG Duplicate Bridge Club, Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptville, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155
Friendship Lunches are offered to everyone every Friday. Please join us in our lower hall by 11:30 for a free meal, companionship and fellowship at St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. and begin at 11:30. There is no charge. A free will offering is appreciated. Everyone is welcome. Friendship Café is open to the community Tuesday's from 10 to noon. All are welcome to stop by, enjoy a hot beverage, a sweet treat and some friendly conversation all at no cost. At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. Spencerville Agricultural Society planning general meetings. If you are interested in joining our committee, please email info@spencervillefair.ca to receive all of the meeting details. Oct 21, Nov 11. The Drummond Building, 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville Ontario
BID EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, October 8, 22, November 5, 19, December 3 and 17. Registration starts at 6:00 p.m., play starts at 6:30 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com
Kemptville Farmers' Market: Many local farmers, producers and makers. Every Sunday from noon til 4pm, May 12 - October 27. Located at 301 Rideau St, Kemptville, across the lot from B&H Grocers
St. John’s Drawing Circle is every Friday at 4 pm. This is a 3 hour drawing studio with life drawing models (clothed) for artists of all ages and abilities. Cost is $120 for 12 weeks or $15.00 for drop ins. RSVP please Jennifer @ gowjb@msn. com. At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. Tuesday Community Hub hosted by the House of Lazarus All are welcome to drop in. Advocacy, “make a meal, take a meal” cooking opportunities, community services assistance are just a few of the weekly programs. Stop by and visit or contact House of Lazarus directly at 613-989-3830 for more details. “Building Community, Sharing Hope”. Upstairs at St. John's United Church at 400 Prescott St. Winchester Open Mic Cafe, Sundays 2pm to 5pm at the Old Town Hall, 478 Main Street, Winchester. Free, accessible, everyone welcome.
Modern Square Dancing in Kemptville with the Grenville Gremlins Square Dance Club. Monday Evenings 7:309:30pm. North Grenville Municipal Center County Road
44 For more info call Debbie at 613-795-3032 or Google "Kemptville Square Dancing"
Saturday Art Social every Saturday morning at the NG Public Library! 10 am - 11:30 am at the NG Public Library. Free with basic materials provided
Assorted sports memorabilia for sale 613-2150665
Canoe, Cedar and canvas, 15 1/2 feet. Comes with 3 paddles. $950 nadfudt@gmail.com
Electric fully-enclosed 4-wheeled scooter, lightly used, good price, 613-269-2432.
Mixed hardwood firewood. $120 per face cord. Call or text Jon 613-227-3650.
4X4 round bales and small squares of hay, suitable for horses. Call or text Jon 613-2273650.
Womens hooded spring & fall coat front pocket beaded emblems med tall $50. Mens white cardigan sweater button front med.$20. contact Dan at nadfudt@gmail.com
Arborite countertop grey specs round front 22X38X 1.5 inches $25.00 Used kitchen sink stainless steel 20x18x7 inches $10.00 contact Dan at nadfudt@gmail.com
New camco RV 1/2 inch drinking hose $10. Multimedia computer keyboard mod.CLXPou2 XPLIO $15.00. contact Dan at nadfudt@gmail. com
MISCELANEOUS
Looking to rent farmland in North Grenville & surrounding areas. Call or text Mitch @ 613-2621204.
FOR RENT
Beautiful 1400 sq.ft. Apartment for Rent in Chesterville. 2+1 bedrooms in a triplex. Bright kitchen with Laurysen cabinets, fridge, stove, laundry on site. Tenant controls energy efficient utilities. Lots of parking with snow removal. Large backyard with lawn mowed.References. First and last. $2000.00 monthly. 613448-2350
CROSSWORD
Across 1. Weighing machine
6. Neuter 10. Crones 14. Not upper 15. Murres
16. Decorative case 17. Illicit sexual relationship 18. Angers 19. Dry 20. Nonsense
22. Small brook 23. Eat sparingly 24. Property 26. Arouse
30. Influenza
31. Cotillion girl
32. Essence
33. Arm or leg
35. Sea eagles
39. Not consumed
41. Side by side
43. Woodland deity
44. River in Spain
46. Abbey area
47. Band performance
49. Circle fragment
50. Hoard
51. Revenue
54. Oriental grain
56. Aromatic ointment
57. He loves himself
63. Fifty-three in Roman numerals
64. Diva's solo
65. Expensive fur
66. Rear end
67. Require
68. French for "Airplane"
69. Blabs
70. Empty weight
71. Affirmatives
Solutions to last week’s Sudoku
DOWN
1. Thick slice
2. Deep sleep
3. Absent Without Leave
4. A feudal vassal
5. Made a mistake
6. Rule of thumb
7. Printed mistake
8. Prevaricates 9. Sprinted
10. Grief
11. Skylit lobbies
12. Lack of innocence
13. Move furtively
21. A shoulder firearm
25. Fortune teller
26. Twirled
27. Small
28. Detail
29. Classical music compositions
34. Roadblock
36. Back of the neck 37. Being 38. Stair 40. Not us
42. Italian bowling 45. Obstruction 48. Renter 51. Embellish 52. Nigerian money 53. Crunchy 55. School assignment 58. Environs 59. Rescue 60. Nile bird 61. Blackthorn 62. Anagram of "Sent"
Solution
Takeout meals are rarely healthy Watch for algal blooms into the autumn
Picking up an order of takeout food is a convenient way to get a meal without doing the cooking. Although there are more options all the time, even in the best of circumstances, meals-to-go have never been considered a nutritional boon.
But with the changing lifestyles of each generation, a clear trend continues toward convenience. Sadly, convenience does not go hand in hand with mindfulness about healthy eating by either producers or consumers. With healthcare systems starved for resources to cover so much illness, everyone should be motivated to take a few steps towards better health. That means we need to have a closer look at those takeout menus.
Tufts University reported on a large study involving 35,000 adults that found about 70 percent of fast-food meals and 50 percent of meals at full-service restaurants were “of poor dietary quality”. What’s worse? Only that “less that 0.1 percent – nearly none – of all the restaurant meals consumed over the study period were of ideal quality.”
What do the experts suggest considering this problem? One consistent message is, “Go for plants.” Plant food that can be eaten in its natural state is particularly good! Think fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Next best are plant foods that are minimally processed, meaning the food has been prepared for sale in a manner that does not fundamentally alter it. Applesauce that has not been sweetened is a good option. Fresh and dried pasta qualify. Frozen vegetables. Milk and plain yogurt. Coffee too. Plant foods are rich in potassium, which amounts to another benefit. Potassium helps counter the effect of excessive sodium in other foods. Excessive dietary sodium is associated with high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.
Today, most sodium that people consume comes from added salt during commercial food processing. Full-service restaurants and fast-food outlets are often using high amounts of salt. According to the Tufts report, a single full-service meal contained more than twice the daily limit recommendation of 2,300 milligrams of sodium.
Keep in mind that sodium is often found in soups, bread, sauces, dressings, and processed meats, like frozen beef and sausage products.
When eating in restaurants, ask if they have a low-sodium selection on the menu. If ordering a pizza, ask about a whole wheat crust option. And don’t be hesitant to enquire if you can swap French fries for a healthy fruit cup or cottage cheese.
Few people have the fortitude to turn away from meats that have been processed by skilled craftspeople over centuries to taste perfection. Examples are pepperoni, bacon, sausage, and even deli meats like sliced turkey and ham. But these
foods are linked to cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and premature death. Congratulations to those who can resist them. For the rest of us, we need to practice moderation. And practice it a little harder.
Try to order sustainably harvested fish. Eat it baked, not fried. That goes for chicken too. Avoid breaded and deep fried chicken that is served with butter and sauces.
But it’s difficult to limit calories when eating out. One study showed that meals in some restaurants, even without the drinks, appetizers, or desserts, contained more calories than recommended for an entire day for an average adult.
Studies have also shown that when people are presented with more food than they require, they eat it. Human nature is hard to change. And restaurants are going to continue to serve unhealthy meals. So for your next meal out, divide the portions and put half in a takeaway container at the outset. Bon appétit, at a better bargain.
Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive our weekly e-newsletter. For comments, contact-us@ docgiff.com. Follow us on Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones.
You may have noticed that algal blooms are not fading away with the drop in water temperatures as autumn arrives. The reason for this is that more nutrients in the water can stimulate an algal bloom. In the summer, warmer water will float above the cooler water and the nutrients sink to the bottom of lakes and ponds. In the fall, the cycle is in reverse since the cooler surface water will begin to sink to the bottom, and the warmer water rises to the top bringing with it the nutrients from the bottom. This larger supply of nutrients at the surface of the water in the autumn can stimulate a late algae bloom into the fall.
“Many of these blooms are relatively harmless,” says Joyce MacNeil, Senior Public Health Inspector with the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. “However, some species have the potential to produce toxins which may be harmful to people and animals.”
The presence of a harmful algal bloom and its toxins can only be confirmed through a laboratory test, so it is recommended to take a cautious approach when you suspect a potentially harmful algal bloom. Toxins are released when algal cells break down. These toxins, when released, can cause skin irritation, nausea and vomiting, and in higher concentrations, liver problems.
Algae blooms do degrade with time; however, it is not possible to say whether the toxins have completely left the area. Once the toxin is released from the cell, where it goes depends on the local characteristics of water movement in the area. The toxin will eventually be diluted into the body of water as any other soluble compound.
Drinking Water
The Health Unit advises people using surface water for recreation and drinking to become familiar with potentially harmful algae so they can make informed decisions on when to avoid contact with the water. Surface water is never a safe source of drinking water without effective treatment. The toxins released by harmful algae are not removed by commonly used treatment methods such as boiling, chlorination or ultraviolet light treatment. Surface water requires specialized treatment. Consult a water treatment specialist if your drinking water comes from a surface body of water such as a lake or river. You may want to choose another source of water for drinking.
Recreational Water Use
Avoid activities that increase your exposure to toxins in the water during an active algae bloom. When deciding whether to resume recreational use of the water after a harmful algae bloom (swimming and water sports) consider the following factors:
- Faster moving water will dilute and move the toxins out of an area more quickly, further decreasing the risk to health. Each property will have a different water flow pattern, so a local assessment is useful to further assess risk.
- Skin irritation is the first sign that the level of toxin is significant in the water, so if this occurs, it is important not to go in the water. A few more days will help to clear the water if it is moving well, unless another bloom has occurred.
- Bacteria, viruses and other microbes that can affect health are commonly found in surface water such as lakes and rivers, so it is important not to swallow the water. Young children are more likely to swallow water, so they should be watched carefully when playing or swimming in the water.
- Be cautious about eating fish caught in water where a harmful algae bloom has occurred. Toxins are concentrated in the liver, so avoid consuming the liver, kidneys and other organs of fish caught in an area affected by potentially harmful algae.
Algae exist in nature; however, nutrient levels can contribute to an increase in blooms of algae. You can help reduce nutrient levels entering water bodies by reducing the use of household fertilizers, agricultural runoff, and ensuring your septic system is in good working order.
Residents are encouraged to contact the Spills Action Center at 1-800-268-6060 to report any new potentially harmful algae blooms. If possible, take pictures of an active bloom as this may help identify the type of algae.
For more information about harmful algal blooms including blue-green algae, visit the Health Unit’s Recreational Water page or call 1-800-660-5853. You can also connect with @LGLHealthUnit on Facebook and X or on Instagram @lglhealthunit.z for important public health updates.
Jigglers lose against the Warriors 1 to 4
by Marguerite Boyer
The Jello Jigglers, an appropriate name for these women over 60, took on the Kemptville Warriors (age 11) on the soccer pitch, all for a good cause, raising money for cancer research, in honour of Kika Smith, former owner of Brewed Awakening, who died of cancer a few years ago.
It was quite an exciting game, due mostly to counting the many injuries sustained throughout the game, all on the Jigglers side. By half time, there were only perhaps four Jigglers left who were sound enough to keep playing, while the others tended to just hobble along doing their best. Most of the action was around the Jiggler’s goal mouth, where the Warriors camped for most of the match. The Jiggler’s coach was heard to say that perhaps they should have taken on a younger team. In the end, and despite all the injuries, the game raised over $2,000 for the cause. Bravo to both teams! I totally enjoyed the game. And I hope the injured will get better soon!
BDH teams up with Kemptville 73’s in support of palliative care
Beth Donovan Hospice (BDH) is thrilled to announce its partnership with the Kemptville 73’s Jr A hockey team for the 2024/25 season as part of its “Unlock the Beds” campaign. With the 73’s long-standing leadership in the community and their dedicated fan base, this partnership brings together the excitement of local hockey and the critical mission to bring palliative care beds closer to home.
The 73’s deep roots in North Grenville make them the perfect partner to help raise awareness, because hockey and heart go hand in hand!
This collaboration is part of a larger campaign, supported by the Canadian Cancer Society. Together, we are addressing the shortage of hospice beds in North Grenville where it’s needed most – right in our own community.
Currently, families in North Grenville must travel more than 55 kilometers to access hospice care, a burden that places unneces-
sary strain on patients and loved ones during an already challenging time. Through the “Unlock the Beds” campaign, BDH is urging residents to act by signing a petition at cancer.ca, which is automatically sent to the Minister of Health.
“We are thrilled to be leading this important campaign,” said Sue Walker of Beth Donovan Hospice.
“Everyone deserves the right to spend their final days surrounded by loved ones not far from home. ‘Unlock the Beds’ is about ensuring North Grenville families can receive the care they need, where they need it most.”
The Canadian Cancer Society’s Bring Care Closer campaign highlights the fact that Ontario currently only has 3.47 hospice beds per 100,000 people, well below the recommended 7 beds per 100,000.
The “Unlock the Beds” campaign is aimed at closing this gap for North Grenville, ensuring the community has the facilities to support pal-
The Food Corner
by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville
This is the time of glory for vegetarians, with all of the good stuff coming out of the gardens. Since we can have meat all year round, concentrating on vegetable dishes might be in order for your family and guests. This combination of veggies, pasta and cheese cooked on your stove top in your favourite non-stick pan is easy and my oh my, is it tasty.
So here goes with Pan Pasta-Veg Stir Fry
Pan Pasta-Veg Stir Fry
Ingredients
1 package of bowtie pasta cooked separately all dente
3 tablespoons of butter or margarine
1 tablespoon of crushed garlic
1 red onion, sliced thinly
1 small Zucchini, cut into thin disks
1 small eggplant, cut into ½ inch pieces
The kernels sliced off of one cob of corn
1 cup each of cauliflower and broccoli florets, blanched
½ cup of shelled fresh peas
2 cups of grated Mozzarella cheese
3 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh basil leaves
1 teaspoon of black pepper
3 tablespoons of soya sauce (low sodium preferred, always)
3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
Preparation
Melt your butter in your favourite largish pan until a drop of water sizzles
Add and sweat your garlic, then add the onion and cook till softened
Add the rest of the vegetables and also cook till softened
Add the soya sauce and Worcestershire sauce as you are cooking
Sprinkle the basil, cover and simmer till all the veggies are done but still a bit crispy
Mix in the bowtie pasta, add the black pepper and stir to coat with veggie juice
Mix in the cheese, cover and let simmer briefly or till the cheese is melted
Serve directly from the pan into soup bowls with tablespoons. A nice dipping bread from Grahame’s works really well with this dish. So does a light beer, if you are so inclined.
Baldwin’s Birds
liative care needs.
To help raise awareness, Beth Donovan Hospice has partnered with the Kemptville 73’s Jr A hockey team. During home games, BDH will host a booth at the Kemptville arena, providing fans and attendees with the opportunity to sign up for the petition, and get involved in securing these essential hospice beds for the community, helping us take a huge step toward making hospice care a reality for North Grenville.
“We’re excited to partner with the Kemptville 73’s to get the word out,” said Sue Wlaker. “Hockey brings the community together, and we hope the energy of the games can drive even more awareness for this critical cause.”
Beth Donovan Hospice is committed to making sure that North Grenville has the resources it needs to provide quality palliative care for everyone, right here at home.
A sparce time for birds in the garden
Yet another fine day for everyone to enjoy, but there is a distinct lack of bird activity in our garden to further brighten the day. Maybe it’s because I decided that I should change my two aging home built bird feeders in the front garden, which have done quite a few years of service and are not looking the best, for the wear and tear they bear, from both the birds and the squirrels! So having decided that I would do it, I am now in the throes of cutting up wood and re-using tools that I haven’t used for, seemingly, ages. I’m not quite finished as I write, but hopefully the next few days will see my not very expert finished articles mounted
and doing what they are supposed to do.
Our Hummingbirds have definitely disappeared from the scene as have our Goldfinches, although I suspect the latter will be back, when the colder weather sets in, and they are looking to our feeders for sustenance, rather than their natural wild food sources.
Downloading my camera, prior to writing this article, I was surprised to see that I haven’t taken many pictures of the birds over the
past couple of weeks. I usually post a couple of current ones for the week that I am writing, but this week will be an exception, which I hope you will pardon, but still enjoy. With my subject being more about feeders, I have included a couple of pictures of the birds doing just that, and enjoying themselves. I hope you too are still getting joy from seeing your own birds feeding. Stay safe and well.
Cheers, John Baldwin
