Issue 39 2022 October 6 NG Times

Mysterious oil spill causes driving chaos

by Brandon Mayer

On September 27, motorists using County Road 43 between Kemptville and Winchester had to take alternative routes, owing to a mysterious oil or hydraulic fluid spill on the roadway. The spill was causing the roadway to be slick, with the resulting safety concerns leading to emergency road closures in some spots.

Officials from the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry identified the problem on social media, but gave little details as to the cause. Motorists were advised to avoid both County Road 43 and County Road 1, though in the case of the

ladder road, it was not clear whether it was the Reids Mills Road section or the Mountain Road section affected, or both.

It is unclear exactly where the spill came from, but the scope of the spill suggests that the fluid was leaking from a moving vehicle. Motorists within the village of Kemptville reported experiencing slippery road conditions on that stretch of County Road 43, possibly originating near a gas station at the intersection of County Roads 43 and 44. Slippery conditions were also reported closer to Winchester, with reports of cars in the ditch along that stretch of County Road 43 after encountering the slick

road conditions.

“I was turning into [St. Michael Catholic High School] and was wondering what the heck was going on with my brakes. It felt like ice,” wrote one social media user. “As I was braking, I noticed I was sliding a bit and I was like it’s too warm to be icy. The road had a bit of a rainbowy glisten to it,” another user wrote. Yet another chimed in with a harrowing story, writing “I came close to clipping 3 cars after fishtailing back and forth between my lane and oncoming traffic twice. The guy in front of me slammed his brakes and when I hit mine, I was going to smash right into him, so I swerved left into oncom-

ing traffic, then back into my lane fishtailing then left again, into oncoming traffic again, came 2 inches from a head on collision with a 5 ton truck, swerved back into my lane... It was nuts! I did this all in front of the firetruck, too, that was pulled off onto a side road so they saw firsthand how slippery it is. Close call. I feel very lucky to have made it!”

Roads were open again within a day as crews worked to make the roadway safe again by spreading sand to absorb the spill. Environmental spills can often be met with heavy penalties, but as of the time of writing, there is no word on who is responsible or what exactly happened.

At

have what you need to protect your

A County Road 43 sign marker in Hallville, roughly in the centre of the area motorists were cautioned to avoid. Cars reportedly slipped off the road here around the sharp curves

Kemptville Smile Cookie Campaign

by Kristy Carrière, Foundation Coordinator, KDH

Monday, September 19 marked the start of the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign in Kemptville. 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of Smile Cookies will go to support local Children's Mental Health programs.

Both stores combined sold 11,483 cookies. This means we raised a total of $11,483 for the Kemptville District Hospital ($3,000 more than the previous year).

Thank you to all for helping make the fundraiser such an amazing success and helping kids in our community.

Truth and Reconciliation can start here

by Ashley Sloan

A mural by local Artist Finian Paibomesai was unveiled after the Every Child Matters Flag Raising held at the North Grenville Municipality on September 30. Mr. Paibomesai explained that his art work does not start on paper but in his dreams. Guests were invited inside the Municipality where the Mural is displayed on the main floor.

by Ashley Sloan

Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa and Habitat for Humanity

Islands are in partnership to build a 15 unit Condo in Kemptville. On Saturday they hosted a community event where everyone could learn what Habitat was all about. Staff and volunteers were on hand to answer any questions regarding the build itself, or the organization. There was lots of entertainment, from pumpkin decorating to testing your building skills with a hammer and nail. If you were not able to attend but would like to know more, you are invited to check out

Karen Mccallion

Croteau

L-R: Jose Salvador, Tim Hortons owner, Joanne Mavis, KDH Foundation, Ingrid Kohling, Tim Hortons owner, Deb Girard, KDH Foundation Board member, Rachel Burns, RNJ Youth Services

Clarification

by David Shanhan

Some people have been confused by a statement issued by the Municipality on their Facebook page regarding Council candidate, Chris Wilson. He had registered an incorrect email address when he signed up as a candidate, and some residents wondered why a statement was released about it. To clarify the situation, I should note that Mr. Wilson has attacked the NG Times on Facebook claiming that we failed to include him when we asked candidates to answer questions as part of the campaign. Their responses will be published in the Times. He also complained that he had not been asked to submit a photograph of him reading the Times for World News Day.

We explained to him that

we had, in fact, sent him the same emails as all other candidates based on public records at the municipal office, but he claimed he had not received them, denied that this was an honest mistake, and refused to accept our offer of a public apology in the Times. His reply was: “ I do not believe this was a mistake. I will be publicly sharing my views on this soon.” And so he stated on Facebook that we had never contacted him.

The problem was that he had provided everyone with the wrong email address in the first place. We sent him again copies of the original emails in which we had invited him to contribute, but he refused to accept that we might have made a mistake. Except, we didn’t.

What makes the situation

The death of an idea…

more concerning is that he knew, even before he accused us, that his email was incorrect. The day before he began complaining to us about excluding him, he had contacted the Municipality to inform them of the incorrect email address he had registered. He knew that it was his mistake, not ours, yet he decided to carry on without informing us of his correction.

That is, at least in part, why the Municipality issued their statement: to clarify the situation. Anyone trying to contact him using his registered email on file at the municipal office at that time would not have received a reply, and assumed he had received their communication, as we did.

The NG Times advocates for a fair and informed elec-

torate and as such sponsors open candidate debates. Our paper only prints information that can be verified and supported with fact.

Sadly the latest response from this candidate suggests otherwise, and in addition to suggesting we work together to de-escalate this situation, he further wrote: “If you are planning on continuing to try and make this my fault, I want to remind you guys what I do for a living.

submitted by Paul Cormier RANA Development Inc. of Kemptville deeply regrets to announce the sudden and untimely death of Michel Alarcon, the inspired originator of the idea to develop an ecoagricultural research centre in North Grenville. Originally slated for the land now destined by the province for a prison, the North Grenville Centre for Agricultural and Environmental Technologies was planned to be a Public-Private-Partnership (P3) between Agritech Alliance Canada and the Municipality of North Grenville as well as the involvement of First Nations. The plan included projects related to: Vertical Farming, Dairy research and development, development of the equestrian centre, an Aquaculture operation (a fish hatchery), active use of the W.B. George building for shows and exhibits and an agricultural museum for the region, among others. Mr. Alarcon had attracted a “green” investor and the entire set of projects was to support North Grenville’s vision as a ecologically responsible municipality. The plan also included a phased turn-over of the Centre’s land back to the municipality, so that the original footprint of the old Kemptville College of Agricultural Technology might be re-instated. Mr. Alarcon’s vision, energy and wisdom will be acutely missed by his friends and colleagues in a world struggling to achieve a balance between agriculture and the protection and enhancement of our environment.

I am a liability specialist who works with all types of media companies to protect against lawsuits. I understand deeply the intricacies of personal injury liability, media liability, and advertising liability. If you make claims in your paper, that you are unable to adequately back up with facts, you will he held personally responsible for any damages you cause me or my campaign. I would suggest you err on the side of caution in your language when describing the situation and be careful not to misrepresent any facts. ”

Vote

ANDRE

Who

Editorial

Words by David Shanhan

I’ve been thinking a lot about words recently. Maybe it’s because I’ve been spending the past couple of weeks in Ireland, surrounded by two languages so different from each other, and yet adapted to serve one people. Words are amazing things. Humans are the only creatures on earth to produce novels, plays, poetry, songs, and so many languages, each expressing a particular culture and identity. When Hamlet was asked what he was reading, he replied: “Words, words, words”. (Classical reference; product of a good education). We depend on words to communicate, to express ourselves, to find our place in life. “It’s only words, and words are all I have”. (Bee Gees reference; product of a proper education).

Even the original source of some of the words we use shows the imagination and power of words to communicate ideas that are otherwise

impossible to express. Think of the word “sincere”. We know what it means, generally, but it comes from a Latin phrase, “since cera”, which means without wax.

In other words (there’s that word again), solid, dependable. There is no wax filler made to look solid, all is firm and real, hence, sincere.

Against that, there’s a wonderful Irish saying that also says something otherwise hard to express.

Translated into English, it says “it’s only from the mouth out”, meaning, it’s not sincere, not true and honest. Things said from the mouth out don’t come from the heart, are not genuine or true.

We’re in an election, and all that is sincere and only from the mouth out is being heard, especially online. Things are being said about the Times, hateful things that are, not to put too fine a point on it, lies. People are saying we have published hate, but can’t actually cite anything specific to prove it. This is

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

As the October 24 municipal election approaches, we should remember every vote counts, especially in our rural municipality which like so many others, the voter turnout rarely exceeds 50 per cent.

Every four years, we have the freedom to participate in our local, democratic process. North Grenville provides fire and police services (via the OPP), parks, public libraries, municipal roads, and water and sewage within Kemptville. These represent how our propertytax dollars are spent. Our vote is important.

We have to be thoughtful in consideration of the candidates for whom we vote. Good candidates will not promise what they cannot control. Promises beyond the scope of municipal powers defined in the Municipal Act are disingenuous. Good candidates offer a vision to the community based on the length of their experience in our community. Their vision of our shared future must speak to our needs and aspirations.

A good candidate must be steeled to be disliked because difficult decisions must be made in the face of pressures put on the municipality by matters over which the council has limited or no control. Difficult or unpopular issues affecting the community will arise and must be tackled.

Council membership is a collaborative responsibility. Successful candidates can only commit to what they can influence under the limitations of their role as councillors. As decisions come to be made there will be disagreements, but councillors must work in a collegial environment. The council chamber is no place for single-issue members or party politics.

We know the current council was elected in a sweep four years ago, they cleaned the mess left by previous administrations. They have made great strides from a standing start to set North Grenville on the cusp of a brighter future.

I think, therefore I vote.

Michael Whittaker

because there isn’t anything like that. These people say something is “hate-filled”, when they really mean they don’t agree with it.

It is amazing to me that there are so many who believe whatever they see posted on social media. Equally amazing is that the people posting don’t seem to realise that even the ones they are lying about can also see the posts. When confronted, they seem shocked. Someone recently posted about me that I am a “know it all”, and that’s one of the nicest things that has been posted. When I actually quoted this to the man who posted it, he squirmed a bit and said: “Don’t take it personally!”.

Is that not the most ridiculous thing? There is really no way that any credence can be placed on anything someone like that posts online. But it is only too widespread these days for people to accuse others in the safe cocoon of Facebook. Now, it is not the Canadian way to get into a public ar-

gument, or to be too controversial. But I am Irish, and according to the stereotype (and my personality) I am not averse to discuss things openly. Read Wendy’s Letter published in this issue, and then ask yourself: what kind of people create that level of fear and trauma on a neighbour? Is this really the kind of community you want? Do the keyboard crusaders even care that they are acting in so callous and vindictive a way?

Individuals in North Grenville have posted hateful and nasty things about the Times, accusing us of being hateful and nasty. Do they even see the irony, not to mention the utter hypocrisy of that? A small business lashes out at us because we tried to provide a forum for all points of view, perhaps forgetting that we, too, are a small business here: not a corporate publication, but a local community newspaper that has tried to provide that forum. We are not obligated to give space to all sides, but

we think it’s the right thing to do, and we shall keep doing it.

The business of a newspaper is based on words, as is the business of a politician, or wanna-be politician. I will stand behind the words we write and publish, sincerely. But words are dangerous. “The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider that a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire.” One candidate for Council this time has been busy online making statements that are a fire, deliberately designed to cause division and without merit. We have a record of this and will be happy to publish it. This election has become as nasty and vicious as I feared it would be. The majority of those running are sincere, without wax, even where they disagree with each other. These deserve attention and consideration. Some are busy pandering to every possible group of potential supporters, careful

not to be too specific about what their support would actually mean once they got elected. This is the way of politics, always.

North Grenville had one Council who wrote an open letter declaring that no-one, not the media and not the public, had the right to criticise them. They got thrown out. Other Councils were divided and bitterly antagonistic to each other. This time, we’ve had an era of peace and good government, even if not everything was done that perhaps should have been done. I want to hear from people who talk about what they are for, not what they’re against, who have a broader vision, not a narrow sectarian one. I’m looking for those who are without wax, and nor talking only from their mouth. What about you? “It’s only words, and words are all I have....”

Dear Editor,

Don’t you think that Prescott Street at the college is the wrong place to build a jail. Prescott Street is the most direct route into Kemptville and from Kemptville for either highways, and is the only one to take to get to the hospital, should an ambulance be needed. A jail break would close down this route, and that would make a problem getting there.

Poor choice, in my opinion.

There used to be a jail farm at Burritt’s Rapids, but the government of the day closed that one up. Too expensive then, it was said.

Another problem is that if there were a jail break, it wouldn’t be far from the 416, or Hwy 43, or besides Kemptville downtown itself to escape to, creating big problems to all who live in the region.

Think well before you decide.

Yours, Lorne Thompson

north grenville

TIMES

Dear Editor, Looked out on our deck and saw something I'd never seen before in Kemptville (and I've been here a long time) - a large brown rat. Next day a smaller one appeared with one baby, and the next day with two babies, My neighbours have the same problem. It has been suggested the dumsters around town are a cause? I read in today's Citizen that Alberta is rat free. Can we not be the same?

Helen Phillips (Prescott St. Kemptville)

Dear Brandon, I was compelled to responsd to your incredibly well written and thoroughly relatable editorial from the September 22 NG times.

Thank you so much for a very enjoyable and thought provoking read.

I’ve often thought all of those same things! How writers and futurists that created science fiction back in the day gave us future humans so much credit for being far more advanced than we have been able to

keep up with! (while still keeping women in the lesser roles??) Except of course Star Trek which inspired cell phones, tasers and equality and diversity in the work place.

And the newspaper! The love of the newspaper. Friends and I were just discussing this recently. My husband has the record store

Vinyl Destination in Merrickville and he had an email sent to him from a reporter from the Toronto Star who gave him an advance view of an article that was to be printed in the Saturday edition about their visit to the Village that his store was mentioned in.

We reached out to friends in Toronto to see if they could find a hard copy of the newspaper for him, and one friend went to seven stores until he was able to find a newspaper! He lamented that no one carries them anymore. We reminisced how when we were school kids in the 1960s, we looked forward to coming home at the end of the school day and opening up not one but two

Mailing

separate newspapers that our family got delivered to the door; the morning Montreal Gazette and the evening Montreal Star. They had you covered, no matter what happened in the city, we’d find out, eventually.

It seems every generation has to reinvent itself as we continue to strive for the better, the quicker, the faster than what came before. It always has me thinking (never mind the potential of how the next inevitable world war will be fought – simply remove all the technology and people would certainly be at a loss since we rely on it now for virtually everything) of what skills, craftsmanship and creativity we are sacrificing and leaving behind to history with this constant need to ‘improve’ .

Anyway my real intent was just to say thank you for that AND many other articles of yours that I have enjoyed reading since you started writing for our local paper!

I think you just keep getting better and better! dawn

IPM traffic: Was it good or bad?

by Brandon Mayer full on the days that the event was open, and County Road 44 had a significant build up of traffic much of the time as well, suggesting that attendance at the event was excellent despite often rainy weather.

As often happens in small towns, there is a great debate currently taking place, in this case about the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo that recently came to town. Just like when the IPM came to the nearby town of Finch a few years ago, preparations for the IPM took months, and locals and business owners saw the arrival of the IPM as a big deal. Now the topic up for debate is whether some businesses were swayed into over-preparing.

About a half dozen local business owners shared concerns during the 5-day-long event, saying that their business had seen a significant decrease in customer traffic despite being told to prepare for a surge of customers. Estimates suggested that about 100,000 people were poised to visit North Grenville due to the IPM, though it is not clear how many actually did. Parking areas were certainly

Catered Affairs owner Natalie Castellas was busy with business at the IPM event itself, but she came to learn firsthand about the effect on some other local businesses when going out to pick up supplies in town.

She told the Times that many business owners had added extra staff shifts and stocked up their refrigerators with plenty of food, but did not end up seeing the expected surge in customer traffic.

“Nobody wanted to stop and everybody was afraid of the traffic,” said Natalie.

“They had the tractors going all around the plowing match, maybe load them up and bring them into town!”

It is almost certain that North Grenville will not host the IPM again for at least the

next several decades, but situations like these can act as a learning experience for different types of future events. Natalie described how the weather negatively affected some of the vendors at the IPM as well, because people seemed to “run and hide” when it would start raining. “It really is a gamble,” she said.

Despite the concerns raised by some business owners, others pointed out that they did see a significant increase in traffic during the IPM. It is unclear what drove tourists to some local businesses but not others, but it is important to remember that there will likely be lasting benefits resulting from the exposure that the IPM created. Councillor Debbie Wilson wrote online, “They may not explore now, but will remember and come back to visit again.” Let us hope that local businesses will see the fruits of their labour in the months and years to come.

MUNICIPAL OFFICE HOURS

The Municipal office is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Visit our events calendar to find out what’s happening in the community: www.northgrenville.ca/events-calendar

2022 MUNICIPAL AND SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION – KEY DATES

• Voter Instruction Letters will be mailed October 4, 2022

• Internet and Telephone Voting will begin October 17, 2022 – available 24 hours

• Advance Polls will take place on October 20 and 21, 2022 – 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• Election Day is October 24, 2022 – 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

To ensure that you are on the Voters’ List, please contact the Clerk at 613-258-9569 ext. 171. Please note that any changes to the information on the Voters’ List will require an appointment and identification must be provided. Visit NGvotes.ca for Election updates and the list of Candidates.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

COUNCIL MEETINGS

Council meetings will be held in Council Chambers and will be live streamed on YouTube at: youtube.com/user/NorthGrenville/featured and on the Municipality’s website at: northgrenville.ca/govern/governance/agendas-and-minutes.

To make a deputation in relation to an item on the agenda, please provide your comments no later than two hours prior to the start of the meeting to clerk@ northgrenville.on.ca

Council agendas are available at: northgrenville.ca/govern/governance/agendas-andminutes.

• Council Meeting (Open) – Council Chambers – Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.

VOLUNTEER AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Please visit northgrenville.ca/careers for information and updates on volunteer and employment opportunities.

The Municipality of North Grenville

Dear Editor, Disheartened, Sad, Frustrated and Overwhelmed

I do not engage on social media to either fuel or squelch fires. I try every day, even in my imperfect way, to just be a decent human being. I have never shared my core beliefs online, but I will do so here. My God - whatever and whoever that may be to me - does not give me the right to judge, diminish or destroy another human being. I was baptized a Catholic, raised an Anglican and as I have often said in private, I have faith that there is more beyond ourselves.

On occasion, I've been challenged, called out or had people hang up on me. I've had conversations with current council members and our Mayor, Nancy Peckford over the past few years that didn't always go my way. I also have some friends who disagree with some of my thoughts or ideas but we are always able to TALK because we respect each other and our differences do not stop us from being friends. It simply means we care about our community. We agree to disagree because as mature adults we understand that it's not only okay to have opposing opinions and viewpoints, it's how we get better answers.

So much of the online anger and blaming that has

been directed towards me has been relentless for over three months since Canada Day! Is it not time to heal now? Is it not time to move on from anger? Is it not time to work together on solutions and to forgive?

Social media is becoming a dumping ground for grievances and negative opinions without so much as a knock on a door or picking up the phone to discuss differences. I will not participate on this new "social media." I realize that this means I've left myself open to judgement and I understand that it is still continuing. That being said, I'm not sure I would have the right responses anymore if any of these "online warriors" were to knock on my door. I'm angry. Not at any one person, just at all of 'this'. The town I fell in love with, the community that opened their arms to me and my family, the community that was so full of diversity and joy, no longer seems the same to me.

I now have cameras around my home. I lock my truck and my doors at night and sometimes I wake up to do so. I look down the aisle at the grocery store before turning in. I no longer silence my pup when she barks and I pay attention as to why. Those who constantly berate myself and others

who I care about, don't even look sideways at me. They don't say hello or acknowledge me. They don't say anything because a computer screen isn't in front of them where they are emboldened to spew out the horrible things which they don't have the courage or decency to say out loud. They would rather sit there and giggle at defensive responses or heap more garbage on the pile.

Do you really think those of us who are giving up endless hours of our time and resources to the community are this vindictive? Do you really think we are the horrible human beings you paint us out to be? Or are we just easy targets for you to judge and vilify? I am finally writing this after months of being silent because it's time to stand up to online bullies and I hope others are like minded.

As this election campaign moves forward, I am looking for mature leadership who understand the needs of this community. I know that those who I support will grow this community to the point where those who are righteously angry or marginalized will feel comfortable and safe to have a voice. While some may read this letter as my effort to silence free speech, it is quite the opposite. In fact, I propose the contrary.

285 County Rd. 44, PO Box 130 , Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Tel: 613-258-9569 Fax: 613-258-9620 general@northgrenville.on.ca www.NorthGrenville.ca Building: 613-258-9569 x130 Fax: 613-258-1441

Fire Services Info: 613-258-9569 x201 Fax: 613-258-1031

By-Law Services: email: bylawinquiries@northgrenville.on.ca 613-258-9569 x211 Police Administration: 613-258-3441 Animal Control: 613-862-9002

I simply ask that before making an all out effort to diminish someone's name and character, take a deep breath, look at the big picture, consider your next step carefully and then find a creative way to build up instead of tearing down, having a conversation instead of typing, listening instead of demanding to be heard, taking a chance on a new friendship despite differences of opinion, shake a hand instead of slapping yours. These actions would be really refreshing. I'm not certain some will ever see these possibilities, but I won't stop hoping or trying despite my sadness.

Wendy Embleton

Why I shouldn't make assumptions!

An interesting week for some rather unusual bird activity, both in the garden and away from home, but still fairly local. One of our NGTimes readers, living near the Rideau River, had the good fortune to see and photograph a Great Egret, a rarity in this neck of the woods. They also got a great view of a Turkey Vulture when it landed on their property. I myself spotted a couple of them locally and a half dozen of them when having to drive between Winchester and Chesterville passing within the proximity of the town dump!

Garden-wise, the usual crowd is here, but I did take a second look at what I had wrongly assumed was either a Chipping Sparrow or a Tree Sparrow, and I'm glad I

did. On getting a reasonable picture of it and consulting my bird books, I realised that my first assumption was wrong and that it was in fact, a Field Sparrow that I was looking at. Its major distinguishing feature was its pinkish colored bill, which differs from the bills of the other two birds. Of course there are other very slight differences in the head and wing markings when in compared with the others, but the bill color seems to be the main one. The realization that I was taking things for granted when looking at the everyday birds was a bit of an eye-opener, so I'll have to be more careful in the future.

With the weather getting a lot cooler than earlier in the season, I was also very surprised to witness a Robin

taking a bath, but it did, and very deliberately so too. It wasn't just a quick hop in and a quick rinse and out, but quite a prolonged session of in and out several times, with lots of fluffing of feathers and a lot of water flying around. It was very entertaining while it lasted, and I'm glad I didn't miss it. Perhaps you have also seen some of these strange but not abnormal things occurring, but if you haven't, then make sure you keep an eye out to enjoy them too. Stay safe and well.

Cheers, John Baldwin

Rain puts damper on IPM Quilt Tent

Truth, brought to you by real-life superheroes, the people behind your local press.

the power of words with the new “Champions” font inspired by the essential service

submitted by Elaine MacNaughtan

The 2022 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo, which was held in North Grenville September 20 -24, has come and gone. It was five very busy days showcasing agriculture and Rural living.

Unfortunately, the rain put a damper on the Quilt Tent and the IPM Quilt Committee had to make the difficult decision to not display the majority of the quilts. Using the entry area of the tent, it was possible to display the smaller items on wire frame racks along with the three quilts made from the 2022 IPM Quilt Block Challenge. The barn quilts were also displayed on fence railing.

Inside and outside the tent, there were beautiful displays of autumn flowers, pumpkins and corn stalks. Planters, which were made with barn quilts on all

four sides, were filled with marigolds and strategically placed. Kudos to the volunteers who made this happen.

The Kemptville District Hospital Auxiliary and Victoria’s Quilts Canada, Kemptville Branch, each had a display where they were able to promote their cause. These two groups along with The Kemptville Quilters Guild, The Thousand Island Quilters Guild and The Upper Canada Quilters Guild came together to plan, organize and execute both the August Show and IPM Quilt Tent. They were under the leadership of cochairs Teresa Harrison and Nancy Grundy.

During the week, there was a running photo slide show of the quilts that were in the August IPM Quilt Show and should have been hung in the tent. Also shown was a video of the August quilt show which was pro-

2022 IPM Raffle Quilt WinnerShown, left to right are Nancy Grundy, Margaret Ruppel, winner of the 2022 IPM Raffle Quilt, and Teresa Harrison. Nancy and Teresa were the 2022 IPM Quilt Committee Co-Chairs

duced by Betty Cooper. The quilts not hung were kept in a safe dry place offsite.

The raffle quilt, which was one of the three quilts made from the quilt block challenge blocks, was won by Margaret Ruppel. The other two made from these blocks were given to the 2019 Queen of the Furrow and the 2022 host family, Charles, Rosemary, Zachary and Kirsten Bennett.

Stitch by Stitch Quilt Shop from Kingston had a display and a draw for a Brother SE600 Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery Machine. Anyone entering the quilt tent could fill out a ballot for a chance to win. The winner of this machine at the IPM was Yvonne Lindfield. The quilt shop also held a draw at the August Quilt Show for the same make and model of sewing machine, this one was won by Bernadine Lavers.

Many good memories were made at the Home on the Farm Quilt Show & British Tea and at the IPM Quilt Tent. The IPM Quilt Committee would like to thank everyone involved for contributing to those good memories with your creative talents and fellowship.

Local Optometrist joins campaign to help ensure children around the world have access to eye care

impaired simply because they don't have access to an eye exam and a pair of glasses.

"I have supported Optometry Giving Sight for 16 years," said Dr. Eamon. Preventable blindness is a solvable problem and we are proud to help give better vision to those in need. Everyone can make a difference and we are thrilled to be contributing to universal eye health."

An eye exam and low vision assessment though an Optometry Giving Sight funded project provided Kiet with glasses and a low vision device to help him see objects far away.

THOMAS M.

Local Optometrist, Dr. Carla Eamon of Dr. C.L.Eamon Optometry is taking part in the World Sight Day Challenge October 13, 2022 to help give the gift of vision to people in underserved communities around the world.

Now in its 16th year, the World Sight Day Challenge is Optometry Giving Sight's

largest annual fundraising campaign to address avoidable blindness caused by uncorrected refractive error – simply the need for an eye exam and glasses.

On World Sight Day (October 13), Dr. Eamon will make a donation to raise funds to help the more than 1.1 billion people who are unnecessarily blind or vision

Participating is easy –simply make a single or monthly donation before the end of October.

This year's campaign will help raise funds for more people like Kiet from Vietnam. Kiet is an active and intelligent 6 year old who unfortunately struggled to read, write, watch television, look across the street, and spot anyone from a distance.

Kiet was very happy that he could now read what was far away. In fact he was ecstatic about it. The tears of joy in his mother's eyes expressed how happy she was that Kiet could better see the world around him.

We look forward to your support as we help to raise urgently needed funds for this critical cause.

For more information, go to www.givingsight.org

Dr.

TRUE STORIES – an Evening of Live Storytelling and Live Music

and international voyaging, hotels, general stores and flying high!!!!. Come listen to strong, life changing, and sometimes dangerous life events from people you just might know, while also giving to charity. All profit goes to House of Lazarus.

ing the profits from what you enjoyed are going to help the community. That is the Art of Giving. That is A Bunch of People Arts and Events!

To book call: 613 3465064 or email: abunchofpeopleartsandevents@gmail. com

Food Corner

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders

Doreen’s Lunar Rhubarb Cake

creamy

Looking at the scheduled events coming up, there are more entertainment options now than there were last year, and the community is living life again!

October and it is starting to get cold. What a great time to sit in a cozy theatre and listen to true stories of peoples' lives enhanced by musical accompaniment?

On October 15, 2022 two shows - 2 pm and 7:30 pm –a performance of people telling TRUE STORIES from their lives, accompanied by live music, will be held in Winchester. The brain child of Harmony Koiter, this evening is also directed by her.

"This is the 2nd time we have put out a call for people's life stories and the response was wonderful!", Harmony said. These stories will fill an evening of entertainment and will feature True Stories from Murray Barkley, Patrick Burger, Syviane Duval, Harmony Koiter, Gabrielle Thomas, Chantal Tranchemontagne and Tom Schoch. These seven local authors have teamed up with six local musicians to deliver a captivating evening of storytelling and instrumental music. This evening of TRUE STORIES is filled with downhill fun, police investigations, road trips,

The TRUE STORIES evening tickets are $15 for adults, $10 dollars for youth between the ages of 13-18 years. The event will take place at the Winchester Old Town Hall, 478 Main St., Winchester, ON.

All profit from this event will go to a local charity (House of Lazarus). ABOP's motto is: What is better than having a good time? Know-

Beat

A Bunch of People Arts and Events is a not-for-profit corporation headquartered in rural Ontario (Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry, in Eastern Ontario). Working with experienced & amateur physical, musical & visual artists we help organize artistic and/or entertaining events to help raise money for charity

The other day, Doreen MacDonald, our good neighbour and friend that lives across the road from our farm, came over with a full 9X12 glass pan of her Lunar Rhubarb Cake. It was DELICIOUS! We had it with some whipped cream that she also brought over and added some vanilla iced-yoghurt. What a treat! So, here it is…

Batter Ingredients

½ cup butter

1 large egg

1 ½ cup granulated sugar

2 cups flour + one tablespoon

1 teaspoon of backing soda

1 teaspoon vanilla

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup sour cream

2 cups rhubarb chopped into ½ inch pieces

Topping Ingredients

¼ cup butter

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350F

2. Cream the butter and the sugar until smooth and

3. Beat in the egg and vanilla

4. Sift the flour, soda, salt

5. Add to the mixture above, alternating spoonfuls of the sifted flour and sour cream

6. Toss the rhubarb with the 1 tablespoon of flour and mix gently into the batter

7. Spoon into a buttered 9X12 glass cake pan and smooth the surface

8. Blend together the topping ingredients and spread over the top of your batter

9. Bake for 45 minutes or until top is browned and a probe comes out clean 10. Serve hot if you can’t wait or cold if you can; no issue either way

With whipped cream or with vanilla iced-yoghurt or ice cream, you will surely enjoy this lovely fall dish (now that we’ve had our first frost).

Please stay in touch as always at pcormier@ ranaprocess.com

The right direction

by Brandon Mayer

Canada’s second annual Truth and Reconciliation Day has now come and gone. It is just one of many days in Canada intended to celebrate diversity and work toward an equal cultural mosaic that is the dream of so many. Another that passed just days before Truth and Reconciliation Day was Franco-Ontarian day on September 26. These types of days are meant to keep us moving forward. We cannot change the past, but we can certainly learn from it.

The idea of a cultural “mosaic” is that people with different beliefs and value systems can live together peacefully and happily. This is something that Canadians can be proud of, because not all countries approach diversity this way. Many readers are probably familiar with the term “melting pot”, which refers to the traditionally American style of expecting immigrants to assimilate to an “American” way of life, whatever that means.

It is interesting to think

of how our ideas of inclusivity have changed over the years. In fact, just the word “inclusive” is a step forward from using the word “tolerant” to describe welcoming those from cultures other than our own. Decades ago, those seen as the most culturally forward-thinking were anthropologists and research professors who were interested in studying and documenting practices and customs in other cultures.

The keyword here is “other”, as the basis for such research was usually in making a comparison between “us” (the in-group) and the “other” culture (the out-group).

Of course, considering that a century ago half the population was openly racist, and just a few decades ago the level of discrimination was far worse than it is today, it is easy to see why researchers who actually cared enough to document diverse cultural practices were considered the liberal heroes of their day. No one questioned the euro-centric way of doing things because it was at least a step in the right direction.

We now know that in order to facilitate true cul-

tural diversity, people must be able to share their own stories and teach their own values. Why have a Caucasian university professor study a particular ethnic group and then teach a group of students about this “outside” culture, when it makes so much more sense to let diverse groups do their own teaching? When studying music in undergraduate university, I took one of my two seminar courses on the music of Canadian Indigenous peoples. Yes, the professor was a Caucasian woman, but she understood that she was not in a position to have the greatest expertise on Indigenous practices, despite being a professor of such. Our teachers for the course were mostly Indigenous musicians and Indigenous elders. Oh what an enriching experience that was!

When we think back to the mistakes we have made in this country, including with Indigenous people, it can be daunting to even begin to imagine how we are going to fix it. We acknowledge that we live, work, and raise our families on unceded Indigenous terri-

tory, but of course that does not mean we are planning to give it back anytime soon.

I recall listening to a radio talk show years ago during a discussion on how our land is unceded territory, wherein the host of the show quipped “well, I own my piece”. Yes, I own my property as well, but I think the host missed the point. No one is asking us to give up our homes and our properties – to do so would not be the Indigenous way. The best way forward from any situation of such immense wrongdoing is to begin listening – truly listening – to the affected group. A group of Euro-Canadian policymakers sitting in a boardroom have no right to come up with ways to make amends with Indigenous peoples. Only Indigenous peoples can tell us how to truly make things right, and the process is gradual.

Of course, it is not only Indigenous people who have been marginalized throughout the years. For example, LGBTQ2S+ individuals have had a rough go for centuries. Progress has been made, but there is much more to do. One thing so-

OPENING

ciety still seems to struggle with is not acting like we are doing marginalized groups a favour when we treat them fairly. Fair treatment of all is an imperative, and is something we can be proud of not because we are going above and beyond, but because we are fundamentally doing the right thing – nothing more, and nothing less.

Of course, there will always be groups and individuals who continue to spread hate and division. Some religious groups have a bad reputation for this, including locally. Why don’t we shut them down? Why don’t we limit our tolerance to only the most forward-thinking of ideas? Irony, that’s why. It is ironic to think that imposing our beliefs and shutting down entire religions that disagree with us is forward thinking, when the shut-

ting down of an entire set of cultural beliefs was the goal of the now infamous Residential School System. We must be careful that in our quest to shut out hate, we don’t end up creating more division and hostility.

Speaking out against specific acts of hatred is one thing, but painting entire groups with one brush and moving to eliminate them because of their beliefs is hypocritical when done under the guise of inclusivity.

As days like Truth and Reconciliation Day pass, it can be disheartening to know that there is still hurt to fix, and still progress to make. The important thing to remember is that we don’t always have to get to our destination quickly – we only have to keep moving in the right direction.

Ron's Small Engine Repair

Mr.Sam Lima

October 9 to 15 is Fire Prevention Week

by Brandon Mayer

An annual event intended to help remind us of the importance of fire safety is upon us once again. This year’s Fire Prevention Week will take place next week from October 9 to 15. It’s a special year this time around – the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week. To commemorate the event, the Kemptville Fire Station will have an Open House on Wednesday, October 12 from 6-8 pm.

The now century-old Fire Prevention Week was created in 1922 as an expansion of an annual Fire Prevention Day that had been started three years prior. These steps were taken at the urge of the National Fire Protection Association, which hopes for a common annual fire prevention event with cooperation from the governments of both the USA and Canada. The Fire Prevention Week tradition has been going strong ever since, with the not-for-profit NFPA choosing the theme for each year.

The theme this year is “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape.” House fires can escalate quickly, and probably much more quickly than most people anticipate. The NFPA estimates that in a house fire, occupants may have two minutes or less to escape after hearing the smoke alarm. This means that the escape itself is all the occupants are likely to have time for, not figuring out how and where to escape. It is therefore prudent to plan an escape route and alternate route ahead of time.

Making a fire escape plan

takes time, but is well worth it. First, figure out two escape routes for every room, in case the primary exit is blocked. For rooms on upper floors, this may mean installing extra safety equipment, such as escape ladders. Second, practice staying low while moving toward exits, in order to avoid the smoke. Finally, plan a meeting spot a safe distance away from your home. It is best to practice fire evacuation at home regularly – about twice per year is a good benchmark.

Families with children should take extra steps when it comes to fire safety. A house fire is a scary event, so knowing what to expect and having a plan in place can help children get out safely. For young children (around age six or younger), part of your escape plan should include designating adults to help these children escape, as they may be too frightened or confused to move on their own. For older children, practicing how to escape could very well save their lives one day. Children should be taught never to re-enter a burning building under any circumstances. It is also a good idea to remind children that if they become trapped in a burning building, a firefighter dressed in full gear may come to rescue them. A fully equipped firefighter can look like a monster to a child who

is already frightened in a building filled with smoke and flames, so it is wise to get them used to what a firefighter looks like when wearing safety gear, including a respirator.

Other important safety tips are beneficial to run through as a family as well. These include using the back of one’s hand to check if a door is hot before opening it, and the familiar “stop, drop, and roll” technique if clothing is on fire. Families should also get in the habit of leaving the house any time a smoke detector sounds. Bad habits form quickly, so failing to exit when the cause of the alarm is assumed to be false could end up being deadly in the future.

This year’s important Fire Prevention Week theme of planning your escape is particularly important because it has been proven that newer homes tend to burn faster than older homes. This is because of the lower quality materials used in modern homes, the often synthetic material with which furniture is constructed, and the open concept design of many homes which allows excess air flow.

For more information on fire prevention and Fire Prevention Week, visit the website of the National Fire Protection Association at https://www.nfpa.org/.

NG Photography Club

Photo by Trevor Button.

As Fire Prevention Week

submitted by Jill Sturdy, Municipality of NG

The North Grenville Fire Service is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week (FPW), October 9-15, 2022.

This year’s FPW campaign, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape”, works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires.

North Grenville Fire Service shares these key home fire escape planning tips:

• Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

• Smoke alarms should be installed outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of your home.

• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily. Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.

• Practice your home re drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. (Practice at least once during the day and at night).

The NGFS is hosting a series of events in October in support of Fire Prevention Week:

“Fill the Boot campaign” on Friday October 7th from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. Fire ghters will be passing the boot at Station 1 and other locations to collect donations for Muscular Dystrophy – a 66-year-old Fire ghter tradition. School visits and “Win a ride to school in a retruck” contest for all Grade 4 students in North Grenville.

Open House Station 1 on Wednesday October 12th from 6-8pm. Meet your North Grenville Fire ghters, see the retrucks, and spray some water. There will be a ladder truck presentation and a portable re extinguisher challenge. Visit the re prevention table for re safety information and say hello to Sparky.

Closing out the week, re ghters will be at the Kemptville 73’s home game on October 14 at 7:30 pm.

To nd out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in North Grenville, please contact Fire Prevention O cer Shannon Armitage at reprevention@ northgrenville.on.ca or call 613-258-9569 ext. 205.

For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and re prevention, visit fpw.org and sparky.org.

Classifieds Classifieds

FOR SALE

WHEELCHAIR FOR SALE, LIKE NEW ONLY SIX MONTH OLD. PAID OVER 4000.00, ASKING 2,000.00 BUT WILLING TO NEGOTIATE. PLEASE CALL 613-296-8778

WALKERWITHSEAT;ELECTRICACTIVECYCLE(PEDAL ONLYTYPE),MANUALEXERCISECYCLE.CALL613-5678533

HELP WANTED

MOUNTAIN DAIRY FARM REQUIRES MALE/FEMALE OR STUDENT FOR CHORE DUTIES DURING MILKING TIMES, 5-8 AM/4-7 PM. SCHEDULE NEGOTIABLE. CALL 613 989 5204 OR 613 227 6026.

PERSON WITH GENERAL LANDSCAPING AND HORTICULTURE KNOWLEDGE. NOT AFRAID TO GET HANDS DIRTY. CONTACT ANDRELSIMARD@GMAIL.COM

ARY TO APRIL. WEEKDAYS ONLY. HAS SMALL FRIDGE, KITCHEN NOT REQUIRED. NEEDS RELIABLE INTERNET ACCESS. CALL CHRIS 613200-7016.

GARAGE SALE

LARGE Yard Sale on Saturday, October 8th, from 9 - 2, no earlier! (Rain date - 22nd.) 105 Bridge St. S, Kemptville.

BLACK WALNUT PLANKS AND DISKS MERRICKVILLE JGHARRIS@SYMPATICO.CA

BARBER CHAIR, OLD STYLE, CHROME & LEATHER, $235. NADFUDT@GMAIL.COM

ADULT SNOW SUIT, LIKE NEW, 42 XL TALL, $110. NADFUDT@GMAIL.COM

SETS OF WINTER TIRES

195-60R 15"; 1 SET ON GM 4 BOLT RIMS; $120 PER SET. CALL 613-282-1836, LEAVE A MESSAGE

HAY AND STRAW FOR SALE

4X4 ROUND BALES, STORED INSIDE. CALL JON 613-2273650

NORCO CITY COMMUTER BIKE. MINT CONDITION $300. NICK 613 890 3512

40" DYNAMAX TV. IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION. $75. NICK 613 890 3512

MISCELLANIOUS

HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE ON SEPTEMBER17TH AND CANADIAN FIREARMS COURSE ON OCTOBER 22 AND 23 IN BURRITTS RAPIDS. PLEASE CONTACT KERRY COLEMAN AT 613-791-7515 OR KERRYCOLEMAN@XPLORNET. COM

WANTED

Looking to rent winter parking near Asa St. Contact 613-545-5420.

KEMPTVILLE AREA ROOM. MATURE STUDENT, STUDYING AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR IN KEMPTVILLE, NEEDS A QUIET ROOM WITH BATHROOM FACILITIES FROM SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER AND FROM FEBRU-

SERVICES

RETIRED CARPENTER

Renovations, kitchens, bathrooms, additions, decks, home repair.

Call George at 613 462 7637

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Call Bill 613 774 2922

Hedge Trimming Small or Tall Call Rob 613-795-1845'

ACROSS

Leeds & Grenville OGS Branch Drop-In Gathering

the Leeds & Grenville Branch of Ontario

curiosity

Genealogical Society

Branch Drop-In Session using Zoom. What better time than following a family gathering to talk about your family history research?

on Thanksgiving Monday, October

hope to have members and other researchers in Leeds & Grenville Counties share their research strategies and discover what resources are available in our Branch Archives that might help in your research.

We welcome short stories about successful research (AHA moments always welcome), and discussions about the brick walls you are facing! Maybe someone else in the meeting will be able to offer fresh insight into the challenge.

We look forward to talking with members and researchers about their successes and challenges, or simply talking genealogy!

This discussion is open to everyone, but you will need to register in advance. To register, visit our website at leedsandgrenville.ogs.on.ca and follow the link, or click this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvcu2hpjItHtPw7THckJqmnFvDdFRlHk0j.

will send out instructions about how to participate with your confirmation email.

Sudoku

week’s Crossword

Rideau Glen Ladies League end season

submitted by Cecile Fortier

After a short hiatus, I am back reporting a summary of the Rideau Glen Ladies League events for the last half of the summer. Although the weather was very capricious, the ladies were able to attack the wet course with a vengeance! More then eighty ladies every week managed their games and the tournaments left to be played.

The de Pencier tournament in mid August was well attended and battledout. The winning team was Lynsey Ferris and Frankie Baird, 2nd place was Joyce Lavergne and Leslie Cheal. It is noted that Lynsey Ferris took 7 points of her own, which helped her team. Most honest golfer's award went to Cheryle Canning and Mary Whyte. Congratulations to all!

The league Championship was tackled in two separate games in the following days. A radiant sun and dry, beautiful weather was appreciated for this hard fought tournament. Inadvertently, the "crème de la crème " came to the top and shone with their skills and

abilities. The Ladies League Champion is none other then Leslie Cheal , who expertly executed a feat of great prowess on hole 17 with an EAGLE ! She could not have wished for anything better!

A Flight winner: Donna Lush, Runner- up: Cathy Maur.

B Flight winner: Jean Potvin, Runner- up: Maryann Sumstrums

C Flight winner: Mary Garrett, Runner- up: Cecile Fortier

D Flight winner: Pat Kealy. Runner- up : Brenda Macumber.

Kudos to all the winners and also to those who ventured out to participate. Photos were taken for the scrapbook and the archives.

Birdies made during the last two months were numerous. In July we have: Janne Ritskes, Marie MacGuillevray, Bonnie Thibaudeau, Brenda Clark, Penny Pepin, Cathy Valcour, Carol Spenser Liz Forbes, Leslie Cheal. August we have: Judy de Grosbois, Donna Lush, Cathy Maur, Marg McCornock, Cathy Valcour, Leslie Cheal, Kelly Bakker,

Bonnie Thibaudeau. September : Etta Drost, Marg McCornock, Leslie Cheal.

Other awards: Broke 80-- Cathy Maur on July 20th.

Broke 100: Sue Laewren on September 14th.

Eagles: Cathy Maur and Leslie Cheal.

Congratulations ladies.

The season ended with the fun game of using only 3 clubs. Cheers and laughter kept the players going. A super luncheon was serve by Pam and Don Miller. A business meeting was held by Mary. She announced the resignation of Jean Potvin. Her successors are Sandy Ochoski and Cheryle Canning. A standing ovation was well worth the thanks given to Jean who withstood through many years of unremitting tasks as captain. She always accomplished her duties with a smile, and if required a joke or two.

The 2022 season ends with hopeful thoughts of seeing each other again next spring---" ce n'est qu'un au revoir"!

Land Control Services ending

As of October 1, 2022, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit will no longer provide Land Control services on behalf of 19 municipalities in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark. This change is based on a decision by our Board of Health in February 2022 and will allow Health Unit staff to focus resources on its primary public health mandate, outlined by Ontario Public Health Standards, and continue to work through the agency’s recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Health Unit has been providing services under PART VIII of the Ontario Building Code for 19 of 22 municipalities in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville since 1998. These services include: review and approval of applications for septic system permits, installation inspections, file searches, sewage system maintenance inspections, review of subdivision plans and severances.

The following is a list of municipalities that will provide in-house services and be the principal authority for inspection services and permit issuance for septic systems less than 10,000 li-

A Message from Dr. Paul about COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses as we head into fall

As we head into fall and the beginning of the respiratory illness season, I wanted to take a moment to discuss the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and some precautions we can all take to prevent its spread, as well as the spread of other respiratory illnesses throughout the fall and winter.

Updated COVID-19 case and contact management

As you’re likely aware, Ontario’s Ministry of Health recently updated its guidelines for individuals who either develop COVID-19 symptoms, test positive for COVID-19, or are in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

Guidelines for individuals with symptoms

In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses such as the cold and flu, the province is now instructing individuals who have COVID-19 symptoms to stay home while sick, regardless of testing results. Once their symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (if they have respiratory symptoms)

or 48 hours (if they have gastro-intestinal symptoms), they can head out again, as long as they continue to wear a mask for 10 days from the time they got sick. They must also avoid nonessential visits to vulnerable individuals and highest-risk settings such as long-term care homes for 10 days.

Guidelines for individuals with no symptoms Individuals who test positive for COVID-19, but don’t have any symptoms are no longer required to isolate. However, they must wear a mask when out in public and avoid vulnerable individuals and high-risk settings for 10 days from the time they test positive. If the situation changes and they develop symptoms, they must isolate immediately.

Guidelines for close contacts

Individuals who are exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 are no longer required to isolate, regardless of their vaccination status.

They must however wear a mask for 10 days from last exposure and avoid non-

essential visits to vulnerable individuals and high-risk settings. Once again, they must isolate immediately if symptoms develop.

Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines

Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines remains the best way to protect yourself and others from serious illness caused by COVID-19. The greater the number of people who stay up to date, the more we can prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in our communities and protect the most vulnerable, such as individuals in long-term care homes and retirement homes.

Combined with other precautionary measures like screening for symptoms every day, washing your hands frequently, and staying home when ill, the vaccines also help reduce the burden on our healthcare system and protect our most vulnerable.

The bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine

Bivalent vaccines provide protection against the original strain of COVID-19

as well as the Omicron BA.1 variant. Preliminary study results indicate that bivalent vaccines will also provide protection against the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants. The bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine is now available for all Ontarians aged 18 and up.

COVID-19 vaccines for children

I also want to remind parents that getting their children vaccinated against COVID-19 can help prevent serious illness and long COVID, especially amongst the most vulnerable. A primary COVID-19 vaccine series is available for children between the ages of 6 months to 4 years old, and children between the ages of 5 to 11 now have access to a thirddose booster.

Looking forward with optimism

Finally, I want to thank all of you for doing your part to keep your loved ones and our communities safe throughout the pandemic. Without a doubt, it has been a challenging time. However, the situation today is

tres per day moving forward.

A map can also be found on our website:

Regions that will be providing an in-house “one stop shop” service:

City of Brockville

Town of Prescott Town of Perth

Township of Drummond-North Elmsley Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands Montague Township Township of the Village of Merrickville-Wolford Town of Gananoque

The townships of Mississippi Mills, Beckwith, North Grenville, Lanark Highlands, Town of Carleton Place and Town of Smiths Falls and Tay Valley Township have designated Mississippi-Rideau Septic System Office as their principal authority for inspection services under PART VIII of the Ontario Building Code

Edwardsburgh-Cardinal, Augusta, ElizabethtownKitley and Front of Yonge have designated South Na-

tion Conservation Authority as their principal authority for inspection services under PART VIII of the Ontario Building Code

Rideau Lakes Township will provide shared services for the Township of Athens

Please note: the Health Unit will carry out all inspection work for permits received or extended on or before September 30, 2022. Permits will have one year from the date of issuance, no later than the end of 2023. These inspections will be completed over the next year by our Part VIII staff.

For more information about Land Control and Sewage services and maintenance, please visit the Sewage and Land Control page on our website, or you can call 1-800-6605853. You can also e-mail us at contact@heathunit. org or connect with @LGLHealthUnit on Facebook and Twitter or @lglhealthunit.z on Instagram.

much different than it was in early 2020. As a result of the vaccines and natural infections, we now have greater community immunity. We also have access to antiviral treatments to prevent severe illness in vulnerable individuals who contract COVID-19. Although the pandemic is not yet over,

I am glad to say that with these layers of protection and the precautionary measures mentioned above, we are well equipped to continue on our path towards a more normal life.

Take care, Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, MD, Medical Officer of Health

Ontario Health Unit

73’s seeking correct combination

8:50. Noah Kinloch - Varga from Bouwer at 14:21 to make it a 4 to 1 runaway for the Canadians. Kemptville clawed back with a solo effort from Noah Houle at 15:38. The 73’s rested their stopper for extra sniper at 18:59 when the magic of Ty Whyte capitalized with helpers from Lammi and Trottier at 18:56 to pull them within one. The clock wound down giving Carleton Place a 4 - 3 win.

by the sportsguy

Ottawa Junior Senators found their revenge to hold onto a 4 to 3 during Friday evening battle in front of Kemptville’s home crowd.

First frame showed the domination of the Senators as they hit everything that moved and focused on punishing their speedy opponent. Kemptville came through the neutral zone with pass and go from Trottier to Vollett, over to Rhett Palmer driving hard to flip it over Rorke Applebee pads at 14:10 for first blood to end the initial frame. Ottawa outgunned Kemptville by 15 to 13 to close out the frame.

Second stanza was owned by the Jr. Senators as they capitalized on three unanswered markers as they were allowed to free wheel and control the wall. At 9:08 Massimo Gentile SHG with assists from Moffat and Staresinic, rifled in a second rebound over a sprawling Conor Blackwood to even at one. Tiebreaker at 16:55 as Braxton Ross with helpers

from Villiard with Velocci over the outstretched stopper. Velocci combined with Gentile to Wil Murphy on the doorstep for the insurance at 18:03 to wrap up the second and Jr. Senators outshooting the 73’s 14 to 11.

Final twenty miler with Ottawa having man advantage as Anton Sorensen PPG with helpers from Velocci with Hebert to give them a 4 to 1 lead at 4:08. Kemptville mounted a comeback to get them out of a hole with extra man as Vollett tic - tac - toe to Trottier cycling low with Patrick Haughian PPG launching a missile from the point at 11:13. The 73’s with a man short, transitioned from Warner, reversed to Patrick Haughian SHG for his second at 17:06 to move them within one. Unfortunately the clock was not kind as Ottawa managed to hold onto a 4 to 3 squeaker for the win.

Kemptville had 9 PP with one result and Ottawa with 5 and only one PPG.

Kemptville head up the

road to Carleton Place to face the Canadians for a Sunday matinee as they experienced a scrappy affair to take another loss of 4 to 3.

Canadians connected first when Cole McGuire with assists from Dickey with Jamieson to twitch the mesh behind Jacob Biron at 3:20. This was the only point of the frame with Carleton Place outshooting Kemptville by 8 to 6.

Kemptville miscued with extra attacker to open second, as Kinloch - Varga sprung Matteo Disipio SHG to give Carleton Place a two goal lead at 2:23. Another man advantage for Kemptville when Campeau combined with Emile Trottier PP to slam it past Jackson Pundyk to put them on the sheet at 4:20. Canadians outgunned the 73’s by 10 to 8 as Kemptville had numerous PP attempts that failed.

Carleton Place came out strong to start the final twenty as Matteo Disipio posted his second with helpers from Pollock and Prudhomme at

Kemptville with 7 PP’s with one result and Carleton Place with 4 unsuccessful attempts with both teams PK on point.

Next challenge for the “Boys of Winter” will be the October event to be held at the Bell Senplex in Canadian Tire Arena and return home to play Renfrew Wolves on Friday, October 14 at 7:30 pm.

Hockey with EDGE… see you around the wall… enjoy beer in the barn.

North Grenville Historical Society meeting

Our next public meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 12, beginning at 7 pm at The History Hub, 148 Prescott Street, in Kemptville. Our speaker will be Dr. Judith Klassen, an ethnomusicologist and curator of Cultural Expression at the Canadian Museum of History. In addition to research and collection development in areas of sound, puppetry arts, and other aspects of expressive culture, she is currently undertaking a research project that examines the complex and sometimes mythologized histories of popular music in Canada. She will examine the many and varied ways this iconic musical instrument pushes boundaries and challenges convention, using examples from the guitar collection of the Canadian Museum of History.

Terrific tic-tac-toe….after Emile Trottier combined with Carter Vollett, Rhett Warner pulled the trigger for the Kemptville 73’s first marker during a battle with Ottawa Jr. Senators in their home barn on Friday evening.

Conor Blackwood

Nickname: Colin Born: Canada July 18, 2003 Hometown: Halifax, NS Position: Goalie

Previous Hockey Club: Kemptville 73’s Hockey Hero: Marc Andre Fleury Favourite Movie: Shawshank Redemption Favourite musician: J. Cole Favourite Food: Pasta Favourite sport (beside hockey): Baseball Favourite Hockey Moment: Winning the league in U18 Life as a Jr. A player: Awesome! One word that describes me: Tenacious

258 2902

3-15 Precision Dr. Kemptville

NGTimes has apologised to Chris Morgan for the error in his name. He is a true gentleman.

Brown, Margaret Ann (nee Fisher)

Rake up the leaves this

What’s the most absurd image of healthy living? It’s a picture of a young woman using a leaf blower to clean up leaves in her yard while wearing ear protection, eye protection, and a mask covering her nose and mouth. The only thing that makes good sense is the mask. It’s the leaf blower that is most offensive.

The first offense is the condoning of laziness. A leaf blower nearly eliminates the physical effort needed to clean up the leaves. In the past, we may have looked upon this as a good thing. Less work equals better life. False!

Raking up those leaves offers a wonderful cardio workout, in the lovely outdoors, resulting in the satisfaction of a job well done. It’s exercise that can be self-paced. The twisting and bending are nothing but good!

The second is environmental. Gas-powered leaf blowers spew pollutants at astounding rates. A remarkable study in 2011 compared a consumer-grade leaf blower to a 6,200-pound Ford F-150. The tests found that a 4-stroke leaf blower emitted “almost seven times more oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and 13.5 times more carbon monoxide (CO)" and a 2-stroke leaf blower emitted “23 times CO and nearly 300 times more non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC)” than the pick-up truck.

One reporter calculated that the “hydrocarbon emissions from a half-hour of yard work with the two-stroke leaf blower are about the same as a 3,900-mile drive from Texas to Alaska.” Gulp.

How about noise pollution? These machines can produce levels between 80-92 decibels (dB), and sometimes over 100 dB for the operators. At a distance of the length of a semi-truck trailer, the noise can still measure over 70 dB. No wonder neighbours get annoyed.

Why do dangerously noisy leaf blowers exist? One wisecrack observer noted we allow it “for the same reason that builders made chimneys to be cleaned by starving, frightened orphan boys: it was not yet illegal.”

In fact, leaf blowers are banned in some cities and subject to increasing regulation across North America. But the pace of lawmaking is slow.

Removing the leaf blower from the scene, what about the mask worn by the woman in the picture? There may be good reason for this.

Fallen autumn leaves can be a haven for molds, pollen, and weeds that cause allergies. The plentiful fall pollen of ragweed, for example, travels far and can settle on all those leaves. Leaves dampened by rain or morning dew become a haven for mold. Raking up the leaves can send pollen and mold spores into the air, causing aggravation for asthma sufferers.

Dr. Purvi Parikh is an allergist and spokesperson with the Allergy and Asthma Network. “Most people associate allergies with spring, and often fall allergies get mistaken for viruses and other infections due to weather getting cold,” she notes. The distinguishing feature of an allergy is that it does not cause a fever. However, if an allergy leads to a sinus infection, a fever can result.

One more thought about those leaves. They are full of nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. These are the ingredients for healthy soil needed by productive gardens, beautiful landscapes, and all the grasses that are home and sources of food to diverse wildlife.

To see the picture of good health, look at those falling leaves with anticipation and admiration, not dread. The rake, a pair of gloves, and maybe a mask are the items to use this fall when tidying up the yard.

Remember moderation too. Raking leaves can be just as strenuous as shoveling snow. And that’s the next thing!

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Suddenly, this past Saturday, Ann passed away in the arms of her love, soulmate and husband of the past 42 years, David Brown.

The daughter of Dr. George C. Fisher (deceased) and Norma Fisher of Kemptville, Ann will always be remembered as being a gentle soul, with a giving heart. She had a love for nature, especially for the bunnies, birds and squirrels that kept her amused and entertained in the backyard. Remy our cat is still roaming the house in search of you!

As a previous member of both the Manotick and North Grenville curling clubs, to say Ann had a passion for curling would be an understatement. She has probably been in every curling club within 150 miles of home. At the time of her passing she was intentively watching curling on tv.

Her daughters, Lyndsey and Stephanie, were the prides of her life. Even though they lived far away in Northern Ontario, she wanted to see them regularly. Ann was a 6-year survivor of lung cancer, but this past year she saw limited travel because of congestive heart disease.

The family would like to thank doctors McCrae and Goss from oncology at the Ottawa General Hospital. More recently, we would like to thank Dr. McGuinty of the Ottawa Heart Institute; PSW Abdul who helped her out weekly, and Rasik of Osgoode Pharmacy. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Ottawa Heart Institute, in Ann’s name.

Ann is survived by her daughter Lyndsey (Adam) and their children Jade, Owen and Noah; her daughter Stephanie (Mike) and their children Alexandra and Aiden; her son Craig (Pei) and their children Liland and George. She is also survived by her mother Norma Fisher and brother Bob (Karen) of Oxford Station; her brothers-in-law Timothy (Lea) of Jacksonville FL; Philip of Belleville; mother-in-law Dora Brown of Ottawa; and many nieces and nephews. And of course, her husband David Brown of Osgoode.

Together, we have had many good and memorable times! A few sad and sorrowful times too! However, it is now your time to spread your wings and fly on a journey into eternal peace, without pain. LOVE YOU – L., S., & D.

Interment will be a private affair at St. James Anglican Churchyard in Kemptville on 12 October. A “Celebration of Life” will occur at the North Grenville Curling Club at a future date.

Condolences/Tributes Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca 613-258-2435

Rosemary Faye Dolan

Precious Memories

The first time I saw you, Our first kiss

My Best Present ever when you said: “I do” on my birthday October 9, 1976

Your cute smile, your laughter, your blue eyes

Your little black dress that teased my senses each time you wore it Singing your favourite songs while we consumed cans of PBR or Miller High Life Waking up beside you each day Holding your hand as God called you home You were my champion, my sanctuary, my inspiration, and most of all, my best friend Rose, I still miss everything about you and I will always cherish

“What a Wonderful World” you gave me Always in my Heart, Jim

Redmond, Joseph Gerald (Gerry) 1952-04-05 - 2022-09-07

Gerry passed away peacefully at Kemptville Hospital with Rudy by his side on September 7, 2022. Gerry in his 71st year will be forever loved by his partner/husband and best friend Rudy Vens of 30+ years. Gerry was born on April 5, 1952, in Nipawin Saskatchewan to Jack (D2020) and Hazel (D2012) Redmond. He was the beloved brother of Leary (Colleen), sisters Cindy (Jim) and Joanne (Dan) and the late brother Jim (D2021) (Mira), an abundant amount of nieces & nephews and the many more family members and friends.

Gerry served more than 33 years of dedicated and decorated service to his country. From his humble beginnings with the Privy Council Office of the Government of British Columbia to the many postings he had with what was then known as the Department of External Affairs Canada. He left an amazing and lasting impression with the people where he had been posted such as Guyana, Surinam, Bangladesh, Burma, Japan, Thailand, French Guiana and many more right down to the 95 Halifax Summit, Canada.

Gerry was “My Strength and Stay” and he will be with me forever.

A memorial service will be held in Victoria, British Columbia on Saturday, October 22, 2022.

U Y I N G O R S E L L I N G Y O U R H O M BE U Y I N G O R S E L L I N G Y O U R H O M E

Local storm chaser heads to NS to experience Hurricane Fiona

Hello! I’m Connor Mockett, a storm chaser and photographer based out of Winchester, Ontario, and I went to Nova Scotia to get hit by Hurricane Fiona. On purpose.

My storm chasing partner, Tom Smetana, picked me up in Winchester late in the afternoon of Thursday, September 22 to start Day 1 of traveling towards our destination province of Nova Scotia. After a 7.5 hour drive on Day 1, we stopped in Edmunston, New Brunswick, and got a hotel for the night. Due to the excitement we were both feeling and ideas of where our final destination would be for the chase, we only got about 4 hours of sleep.

The next morning, Friday, September 23, after a quick stop at the grocery store for some food in case we were to get stranded somewhere, we got back on the road at around 8:45 am. Throughout the drive towards Nova Scotia, we contemplated back and forth about if we wanted to risk crossing the Canso Causeway, which is the only road that connects the mainland to Cape Breton. We ultimately decided to stay on the mainland side, as we weren’t sure if the Causeway would

get closed for numerous days, which we personally couldn’t risk. With that in mind, we started to scout out areas on Google Maps to get an idea for where on the mainland we were going to ride the storm out.

In the afternoon of Friday, we decided that we were going to get hit by Hurricane Fiona right at the Canso Causeway, and in a little town nearby called Mulgrave. But first, we needed to find a hotel to sleep in before our chase started on Saturday morning. After having a tough time finding a hotel with available rooms, we found a spot in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, about a 40 minute drive from our chasing target at the Canso Causeway. With a forecasted landfall of 9 am, our plan was simple: get another 4 or 5 hours of sleep, hit the road at 2 am, and chase the rest of the night and through the morning.

That’s not at all what happened.

As I’m sleeping, my chasing partner, Tom, knocks a couple times on my bedroom door and says “we’ve gotta go”! Confused, I ask “why?”, and then look at radar on my phone. The storm’s landfall was going to be about 5 hours early

due to an upper trough in the atmosphere slingshotting the storm super fast, straight at Nova Scotia. And after 2 hours of sleep for myself and 0 hours for Tom, we were out the door to chase Hurricane Fiona at 10:30 pm on Friday night.

Once we got on the Highway to get to the Canso Causeway, the wind was at about 100km/h, and the rain was like someone was standing on top of our truck, dumping buckets of water on us. Trees were being shredded around us. Wind was rocking the truck. Visibility was very low. It was an intense drive, but the adrenaline was flowing and both Tom and I were loving it.

Once we got to the Causeway and Mulgrave, winds were sustained at about 70km/h, with gusts up to 110km/h for most of the night. Storm surge wasn’t much of a problem where we were in Mulgrave and around the Causeway, as the water only came up 3 to 5 feet. Unfortunately, combined with rain waters causing the storm drains to not be able to keep up, water did surround a home in Mulgrave and put a couple streets under about 4 feet of water. Tom and I talked to a local around 1:30 am on

Saturday morning and asked if they needed help, as their pumps ran to get water out of their basement.

Wind calmed down around 4:30 am for about 45 minutes. Right at that same time, in the early morning hours in Mulgrave, Nova Scotia on our first ever Hurricane chase, Tom and I managed to get right into the center of the eye of Hurricane Fiona, and also during that time, the all-time Canadian record was broken for lowest pressure in a storm, at 932.6mb, which means the storm was the strongest ever to make landfall in Canada. Ever. And we were there for it!

After the eye passed, the backside of the storm at the Canso Causeway and Mulgrave wasn’t as strong. Winds from about 5:30 am onwards were about 5080km/h, with a whole bunch of rain again coming through the area. An Environment Canada weather station on the Causeway recorded 156mm of rain from this storm.

Later in the morning on Saturday, around 7 am, considering we had to be back home in short order, we decided to leave the storm to come back home, even though it was still actually on-going. Once we started driving back west on the Trans Canada Highway and back to Antigonish, for the next 3 hours of driving, the amount of fallen trees was absolutely indescribable. The forest blowdown in that area, and much of the province of Nova Scotia (and PEI and Newfoundland for that matter), will be something that is not forgotten for many, many years.

Forests will take a lifetime to recover from that storm.

We ended our chase around 7 am Saturday, as I said, and we were home in Winchester by 10 pm on Saturday. A wild weekend of weather for both of us, and 3 provinces.

Unfortunately, some places saw catastrophic damage from this storm, specifically in Port aux Basques,

Newfoundland, where many homes were completely swept away and the short line was utterly decimated, and because of that, someone lost their life. No matter how fun it was for Tom and I, it wasn’t fun for others, and we knew that. May that person Rest in Peace, and may every family affected find the help they need during this difficult time.