Issue 41 2024 October 17 NG Times

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The Voice of North Grenville

CAPP protests Ford campaign fundraiser at Catered

by Brandon Mayer

An Ontario PC Party fundraiser held on October 11 at Catered Affairs in Kemptville drew what the Party likely felt was “the wrong kind of crowd”. The location of the fundraiser remained undisclosed, although it was soon discovered. Also in attendance was local MPP Steve Clark at the fundraiser, which reportedly cost $1,000 per plate to attend.

The local group CAPP (Coalition Against the Proposed Prison) launched a “Where’s Doug” campaign to highlight the secret nature of the fundraiser’s location, endeavoring to find the location and protest outside of it on the day in

question. The group did indeed find the location and staged a rally, urging the government to cancel the prison and save farmland. Members of the group distributed copies of a new report that they claim exposes the negative environmental impacts of the prison plan, with the aim of handing copies direct to Premier Ford and MPP Clark.

“This prison does not belong in Kemptville in a time of food insecurity and climate catastrophe or in any backyard given the proven and costly failures of imprisonment,” CAPP said in a news release. “It needs to be stopped.”

The fundraiser ran from 12:00 pm-1:00 pm, and appeared to go off

without a hitch. CAPP has been rallying for a reversal of an August 2020 announcement by the Ford government that a provincial jail would be built on the former land of the Kemptville College. A news release from CAPP summarizes the issue: “Supporters of the campaign to stop the Kemptville prison are fighting to halt the facility from being built on the 178-acre property that includes prime agricultural land and existing farm buildings purposely being left idled by the province, a floodplain slated to be paved over for the project, as well as a Rideau River watershed creek and a number of at-risk species that would

be harmed if the plan moves forward.”

In February of this year, an application for a judicial review of the jail plan was rejected on the basis that CAPP and another organization – the Jail Opposition Group (JOG) – waited too long to take the judicial route, instead spending two years rallying public support and attempting to run an anti-jail candidate for Mayor in the 2022 municipal election. Despite the setback, the group carries on fighting and seeking opportunities to make their voices heard, such as in last week’s protest.

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Kemptville Campus

Kemptville Campus, in partnership with the Municipality of North Grenville, will be hosting a public forum to discuss potential co-working opportunities on campus.

Kemptville Campus Education and Community Centre operates on over 600 acres of biodiverse land, with 17 main buildings, trails, sport fields, greenspace, and more. Within the unique buildings, there are both long-term leasing options and short-term facility rentals available, making it an optimal location for community groups to come together for meetings, events, and co-working opportunities.

Mayor Nancy Peckford and Jennifer Hood, Executive Director of the Downtown Kemptville BIA will be speaking on the benefits of a co-working space to the North Grenville community, with presentations by Kemptville Campus and LAUFT. The meeting will discuss potential spaces on campus and the advantages of a local co-working space, then the floor will be open for public questions.

The forum will be held in the Parish Hall Auditorium (40 Campus Drive) from 6:30 –8:00 pm on October 29. For more information, please contact info@kemptvillecampus.ca

A

for Kemptville Retirement Living

by Cecile Fortier

On Saturday, September 28 from 7pm-9pm, the doors of Kemptville Retirement Living were thrown wide open to welcome people of the Ottawa Valley to it’s first Vernissage.

THOMAS M. BYRNE

Barrister and Solicitor

General Practice

Corporate / Commercial

Family Law

Estates

Real Estate

Wills & Powers of Attorney

tom@tmblaw.ca

613.258.1277

222 Prescott St., Kemptville

An eclectic group of budding artists gather every week to create and paint under the guidance of artist Tammy Keith. For more than two years, they have been dabbling with acrylic paint on canvas and are amazed when something grandiose appears. It is fascinating to see their interest and their “joie d vivre” when they discover at their age – from 70’s to 90’s – that it is possible to unearth a hidden talent. The artists are Barb, Beverly, David, Muriel, Noella, Ollie, Roger, Sue, and Cecile.

A variety of crafts, created by additional RVRL residents, such as quilts, knitting, wood craving, stained glass, teddy bears made from fur coats, pillows made with coats and shirts, and even bird houses were displayed. Guest painter, Rodrigo Amador, as well as guest local photographer Deb Simpson displayed their work as well.

People mingled and admired all the art while enjoying wine, cheese, and crackers. Tammy opened the “soiree” with a speech welcoming everyone, including Deputy Mayor John Barclay and KVRL Owner Ron and his family.

Around 100 people came through to view this new interest in KVRL. The evening was a huge success.

Photo credit: Roxane

Two dignitaries visit Kemptville to learn about apprenticeship programs

On Friday, October 11th, MPP Steve Clark, Minister David Piccini and Premier Ford visited North Grenville to learn more about the apprenticeship programs being offered on Kemptville Campus, and through local businesses in the community. In the lead up to their visit, they announced ongoing funding from the Government of Ontario's Skills Development Fund, which has enabled more individuals, whether they are youth or adults pursuing a new career, to benefit from apprenticeship opportunities right here in North Grenville since 2021.

In the morning, MPP Clark, Minister David Piccini and Mayor Nancy Peckford got a tour of Devries Power and Utility Solutions, who are receiving over $263,000 this fall to train 40 new diesel heavy mechanics, as well as electrical and powerline workers at their growing company

located near South Gower Drive. They spoke at length with Nathan and Curtis from Devries, who described their company's success and how important it is to be able to train apprentices as the demands on their business increase.

On Friday afternoon, Premier Ford toured the Power and Equipment building on Kemptville Campus and personally met some of the students enrolled in the Upper Canada District Level 1 and Level 2 apprenticeship programs, including for Heavy Duty Equipment, Agricultural Equipment, and Truck and Coach.

Premier Ford saw the powerful impact of this innovative partnership between the Upper Canada District School Board, the Kemptville Campus and local businesses, and was able to get a tour of some of the equipment that the students use to learn, including a transport truck donated by RUSH Truck Centre, and

agricultural machinery both new and old. Through the Skills Development Program, the Upper Canada District School Board will receive $840,912 this year in support of this program.

This particular partnership has enabled hundreds of students every year since 2022 to participate in a variety of pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, as well as introductory sessions for students as young as Grade 7. North Grenville's Municipal Council and MPP Clark have met with the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development nearly every year since 2020 to emphasize the value of these programs which are delivered on Kemptville Campus in partnership with 75 businesses in the community.

In this year alone, $4.1 million is being invested in Leeds-Grenville through the Skills Development Fund.

Nathan and Curtis from Devries with MPP Clark, Minister Piccini, and Mayor Nancy Peckford

Students from the Upper Canada district school board’s Level 1 and 2 Apprenticeship programs on Kemptville Campus, with MPP Steve Clark, Premier Doug Ford and Mayor Nancy Peckford

You are in check

by Brandon Mayer

Small town people are proud people. We are proud enough, in fact, to be quite angry when someone threatens our community, including our schools and our children within them. In the past month, threats that have been levelled against schools in Kemptville and Iroquois have hit close to home, but the worst part is – there really isn’t anything we can do about it.

When a person commits the cowardly act of calling in an anonymous threat to a school, it’s true that even the police often have an incredibly difficult time locating the culprit(s). A mob of infuriated parents is unlikely to fair any better. And ultimately, we are left asking “why?”

There are many possible reasons why a person would want to threaten a school, not that there is any situation in which it’s ever acceptable. The possibilities range from likely to

extremely unlikely. It could be a criminal organization –perhaps one not even based in this country – wanting to test the vulnerabilities of the Canadian school system in preparation for future ransom demands or other financial schemes. It could be more personal, such as a disgruntled former student who wants to “punish” the school with inconveniences. Probably least likely, but still possible, is that some students found a way to get their school closed for free vacation days. These reasons are speculative and they are only a few out of potentially dozens of possibilities, but it just goes to show how complicated the “why” can be when it comes to senseless crimes. No matter what the “why” is, it really shouldn’t matter. So long as these threats keep being made, parents will continue to be afraid, and students will continue to sit at home learning nothing on days when they are supposed to be getting an education. A

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

We are fortunate to have such a wonderfully stocked library in our small town, and one that displays new and important books so prominently. With the recent National Day for Truth and Reconciliation I'd like to highlight two books I've read this year thanks to the library:

“Water Confidential” by Susan Blacklin details the fight to bring clean, safe water to Indigenous communities (reviewed in the NG Times, Sept 19).

“Valley of the Birdtail” by Andrew Stobo Sniderman and Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii) investigates the history of two intertwined communities in Manitoba, one an Indigenous community and the other a settler community. The communities are located across the river from each other, and were established within a few years of each other. The consistent, sustained, and

intensive efforts of settler governments to keep Indigenous peoples in poverty, controlling many aspects of their lives, are thoroughly detailed – things like Indigenous nations being forbidden from using any technology on their farms, having movement restricted, being forbidden from becoming or hiring lawyers, and significantly underfunding education for Indigenous students.

Public libraries are something we should all treasure, offering us all access to a wide range of carefully curated books (amongst other services) at zero cost. Steve Gabell

Dear Editor, If there is a common refrain in Conservative election platforms, it’s lower taxes. No matter what the current tax level is, Conservatives believe that it must be lower in order to enjoy the benefits of a prosperous

precedent has been set. Any awful person who finds a way to ensure their own anonymity has the power to shut down an entire public school (or lock it down) for at least a day. If the goal of these threats was to explore the vulnerabilities of our schools, then not only did the perpetrators succeed, but they also brought these same vulnerabilities to our attention.

Sweeping changes need to be made to the security of schools, particularly high schools. It’s true that almost all intermediate and secondary schools operate with the main set of doors unlocked for the entire school day. Yes, office staff are supposed to be on the lookout for who is coming and going, but anyone who has ever picked up their child from such a school knows what a busy place the office can be. Sneaking past the office is anything but difficult. Furthermore, particularly here in small town Ontario, “security” at schools is simply within

the purview of educators who, by and large, are not trained in formal security procedures. No one wants to see students enter school through metal detectors under the watchful eye of security guards like in some USA schools, but having a dedicated safety officer on site might become necessary sooner rather than later. One consideration that should forever boggle our minds is this: Why are we primarily relying on the goodwill and gentlemanly behaviour of criminals as our first best defence against school violence? It seems that we are currently operating on a “schools are safe unless someone tells us that they are going to commit a violent act” assumption. Have we completely forgotten about the category of people who aren’t so polite about their ill intentions? Have we not considered that the people most likely to actually commit school violence are also the least likely to provide the “courtesy” of

an advanced warning that ensures an empty school when they arrive?

What we are at risk for here is a truly dangerous situation. What if we are becoming trained to think that since schools are deemed unsafe on days when direct threats have been levelled, then likewise, schools are confirmed safe on days when no such threats are made? I am reminded of the end of the movie “Signs”, in which Graham and Merrill use the baby monitor to check if it’s safe to come out of the basement. Hearing no chatter, they assume it’s safe, perhaps forgetting that the absence of evidence (radio chatter) to confirm alien presence is not the same as evidence confirming that the coast is clear. We need to be careful about letting school security get lax on days when no anonymous phone calls come through. Absence of threat evidence is not the same as a confirmation that we can let our guard down.

A bad person who wants

to truly determine to commit “a violent act involving weapons” (as has been the common threat) against a local school would simply walk in the unlocked front door and commence with violence. Life isn’t a chess match. Our opponents are not obligated to declare “you are in check” to give us a chance before making their fi nal move. It’s therefore time that we start treating schools as the secure environments that they should be every day of the academic year, not just when someone has phoned in a threat. If we had intermediate and secondary schools with chronically locked doors at minimum, and perhaps also a dedicated security officer, we would be able to open schools even on days when pranksters and opportunists decide to stir the pot. Until then, we can only hope that disruptions to our children’s school year are few and far between.

economy.

About the same time as I came across Michael Barrett’s latest attempt to obfuscate, (because federal taxes were lower in 2022 than they were in 2004, though these savings were more than offset by increases in provincial taxes, so MP Barrett should be going after the Ford government and find out why), I found an article written by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, (CCPA), entitled “Dismissing the low tax myth with a word”. That word was “Norway”, which has a higher GDP rate than Canada. Sweden and Denmark are similar.

Norway has one of the world’s highest tax rates, at 42 percent of GDP. Canada’s is 33 percent. According to conservative economic theory, Norway should be a mess. It isn’t. Sweden and Denmark also have higher GDP rates than Canada, and they do it with scarcely

a trace of oil and gas, unlike Canada.

To optimize your economy, you need a well-educated population that is enabled to do their best, and quality education, health care and welfare don’t come cheap. By maintaining a relatively equal society with a fair distribution of wealth, you achieve a healthier society. Unequal societies tend to have worse social outcomes, more crime, drug use, obesity, mental problems etc. You just have look south of the border for an example of that.

GDP is not a measure of the quality of a society. GDP is a measure of stuff, not of human well being. Indeed, economic growth can have negative effects on society, such as contributing to climate change, ecological spoilation, or inequality. We hear so much about CEO’s earning as much as the annual salary of their workers by about the 3rd of January

in any given year, and yet neither Conservative nor Liberal governments will tax the wealthy at the same rate as the rest of us. When a mere 1 percent of wealth tax can generate billions of extra dollars for social programs, you must wonder why they don’t do it.

You just know that lower taxes will mean cuts in social and health programs to pay for this, because the money must come from somewhere, as governments don’t want to bite the hand that feeds them by taxing those that can well afford it.

Lower taxes aren’t the

answer. They never were. A more equal society is what we should be aiming for. Taxation of the wealthy is a central means to reduce inequality, provide robust infrastructure and services that benefit everyone, and create opportunities for all to live a decent life.

Colin Creasey, Kemptville

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO DESIGNATE PROPERTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT

R.S.O. 1990 (Ch.O.18, Sec. 29)

Take notice that the Council of the Corporation of the Village of Merrickville-Wolford intends to designate the property municipally known as 448 County Road 23, also currently known as “McGuigan Cemetery” (see key map below) as a property of cultural heritage value or interest under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, as amended, (c.O.18, Sec. 29)

Cultural Heritage Value: 448 County Road 23

The McGuigan Cemetery, nestled at 448 County Road 23 Road, stands as a poignant testament to Eastern Ontario’s rich history. Spanning approximately 20,000 square feet, this sacred ground holds within it the echoes of centuries past. Established around 1806, McGuigan Cemetery is a cornerstone of Merrickville-Wolford’s heritage, making it one of the oldest cemeteries in the region. Its significance is palpable, with each tombstone whispering tales of pioneers who shaped the landscape with their toil and perseverance. From Samuel McCrea, whose resting place dates back to 1806, to the Irish laborers who lost their lives during the construction of the Rideau Canal, the cemetery bears witness to the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us.

Originally part of a 100-acre farm owned by William Robert Nicholson, the cemetery’s association with notable figures such as Miles McGuigan and Samuel E. McCrea only adds to its historical allure. The names etched upon its tombstones—McCrea, Stafford, Cox, McCrea, Nicholson, Chester, Tackaberry, Weedmark, Alexander, Gibson, Davidson, Dougherty, Campbell, Bigham, Lake, Nicklesson, and many more—serve as a reminder of the diverse tapestry of settlers who once called this land home.

Walking through McGuigan Cemetery is akin to stepping back in time. Its rural charm, characterized by meandering pathways and a variety of tombstone styles, evokes a sense of tranquility amidst the passage of time. Each stone, whether adorned with intricate designs or standing weathered by the years, tells a story of its own, adding depth to the narrative woven into the cemetery’s soil. Moreover, the presence of unmarked fieldstones speaks volumes about the hardships endured by the Irish laborers during the canal’s construction—a silent tribute to their sacrifice and contribution to the region’s development.

McGuigan Cemetery is not merely a burial ground; it is a living testament to the resilience and spirit of those who came before us. Its preservation is not just an act of remembrance but a commitment to honoring the legacy of those who shaped Eastern Ontario’s landscape. As such, it stands as a vital piece of our heritage, a place where the past converges with the present, reminding us of the debt we owe to those who paved the way for future generations. Description of Heritage Attributes:

• Original location and dimensions: The cemetery’s original site, orientation, and dimensions offer insights into its historical context and evolution over time.

• Placement of gravesites: The positioning of gravesites reflects the organization and layout of the cemetery as it was originally intended, providing a glimpse into past burial practices and societal norms.

• Original grave markers and inscriptions: The surviving grave markers and stones, along with their inscriptions, serve as tangible links to the individuals interred within the cemetery, preserving their memory and stories for future generations.

• Variety of styles, materials and symbolism: The diverse array of marker styles, materials used, and symbolic motifs present on the grave markers offer a rich tapestry of cultural and artistic expression from the time periods they represent.

• Range of marker sizes and sophistication: From simple fieldstones to intricately carved tombstones, the range of markers sizes and levels of craftmanship reflects the socio-economic diversity and cultural preferences of those memorialized in the cemetery.

• Surviving physical attributes: The physical attributes of the markers, including their form, material composition, and functional elements, provide valuable insights into historical burial practices and memorialization traditions.

• Representative example of 19th Century rural cemetery: McGuigan Cemetery stands as a representative example of 19-century rural cemeteries, embodying the prevailing attitudes towards death and commemoration.

• Undisturbed grave sites: The undisturbed nature of the grave sites underscores the respect and reverence accorded to the deceased and reinforces the cemetery’s roles as a sacred resting place.

• Association within William Robert Nicholson and Rideau Canal Workers: Its original location on Nicholson’s farm and its association with workers involved in the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Rideau Canal contribute to its historical significance and connection to broader regional narratives.

• Contribution to historical environment: McGuigan Cemetery enriches the unique historical environment of the area, providing a tangible link to the past and enhancing our understanding of the landscape’s evolution over time.

These character-defining attributes underscore the vital role of McGuigan Cemetery as a repository of cultural heritage in Eastern Ontario. Through its preservation of ancestral memory and historical narratives, the cemetery not only honors past generations, but also deepens our appreciation of the region’s rich history. As a sacred space where stories converge, McGuigan Cemetery enriches our collective understanding of the diverse tapestry of life in this historic area.

For further information with respect to the proposed designation please contact Julia McCaugherty-Jansman, Clerk by email at clerk@merrickville-wolford.ca or by phone at 613-269-4791 ext. 257.

Notice of objection to the proposed designation, together with a statement of the reasons for the objection and all relevant facts may be served on the Clerk of the Village of Merrickville-Wolford on or before the 16th day of November, 2024, in accordance with Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act

Dated at the Village of Merrickville-Wolford this 17th day of October, 2024.

Julia McCaugherty-Jansman, Clerk

317 Brock St. West

PO Box 340, Merrickville, ON, K0G 1N0

Phone: (613) 269-4791

Parents angered by school bus route cancellations

by

Brandon Mayer

Complaints from parents in the area are rolling in regarding frequent school bus route cancellations. The Times has heard from many parents who are pointing out that while it’s understandable for a route to be cancelled once in a while, what has been going on since the start of the school year is far bigger than that, with some families experiencing a half dozen route cancellations per month.

Holly Amber Brown has 4 kids who attend 3 separate schools. Both she and her partner are employed in downtown Ottawa, meaning their commutes are already extremely long. They work different hours to offset the costs of any before and after school care, which means that often only one parent is at home. This puts a heavy burden on that parent’s shoulders when a bus route gets cancelled.

Like many working parents, Holly can’t simply leave work when she wants. She manages a team in the healthcare field and frequently runs training sessions and meetings –things that she can’t just get up and walk away from. The result is that her kids have sometimes had to miss school entirely. Holly points out that since we live in a rural area, the options for being transported to school are limited to the bus or a drive from a parent. When a school bus route is cancelled, there is no regularly scheduled public transportation ready to take kids to school. In fact, many places in the local area don’t even have bike paths or sidewalks for children to use. Holly also urges the consideration of children with disabilities, who may be more affected by the change in routine when their bus route is cancelled.

Holly doesn’t have an easy solution to the problem, but she argues that Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario (STEO), which manages bus transportation in the area, should be more transparent about the problem and the steps they are taking to resolve it. She also suggests that it may be necessary for secondary schools to begin offering before and after school clubs, at least until the busing problem is resolved. One of the times when Holly’s daughter’s bus was cancelled and she couldn’t make it on time, her daughter had to wait in the hall to be picked up.

Many people, including bus drivers, have weighed in on the reason why bus routes are being cancelled so often. The general consensus is that the job’s compensation and benefits are insufficient to attract casual drivers who will drive when other drivers take a day off.

“The bus cancellations are because our regular drivers are sick, and there are no spares to do the runs,” said Francine Allen-Lalonde. “It’s not because we don’t want to work. If more money was granted to the companies and their drivers, then there could be more training which would mean more drivers, more spares and less cancellations.”

School bus drivers typically make around $20-21 per hour, which is far below comparable jobs in the city with much better hours. The starting wage for an OC Transpo driver in Ottawa is over $29 per hour, with significant raises in the first two years. School bus drivers have fewer working hours split into two shifts at off hours of the working day. They also haul the most precious cargo we have – our children. It’s not surprising that with the compensation offered, driver positions aren’t filling.

Policing has changed in North Grenville

by David Shanahan

Continuing uncertainty over the future of the Police Services Board in North Grenville brings to mind the long history of policing in this area.

Before amalgamation in 1998, the Town of Kemptville had its own police force, costing about $800,000 a year, but the Kemptville Council recognised that serious upgrading would be required with the looming issue of amalgamation putting the future of policing into a new light. Should Kemptville allow their police force to be absorbed into the OPP under the new arrangements, and what would the cost be to taxpayers of a newly-expanded service to the entire community?

Kemptville Police Chief McCurley believed it would involve no more than the four Kemptville officers "changing their shirts". For much of its history, Kemptville had been served by individual constables, hired by the town and handling the everyday infractions of a small town. When the Village of Kemptville separated from Oxford-on-Rideau Township in 1857, they appointed a High Constable, a rather high-sounding title for an officer who, for the first five years, was not even paid for his services. But things evolved after 1862, and the High Constable usually had between two and four Constables to assist him in policing the Village. The High Constable was paid $12 per year, with an additional $1 a day for policing the quarterly Fairs held each year. The Constables received $1 a day.

It was not until the 1870's that the Village put

bylaws regarding the police on the books, and these were called Laws for Preserving Peace, Order and Morality. As is often the case with municipal bylaws, some of these sound rather odd today.

Anyone caught swearing in a public place was fined $1, the same penalty for indecently exposing themselves.

Starting a fight brought a fine of $2, and swimming in the South Branch between 6 and 8 in the morning brought a fine of 50¢. Swimming naked in the South Branch would cost you $1.

Law No. 5 was particularly strange. I quote: "It was alright to be publicly intoxicated, providing, you didn’t throw stones, snowballs, or get into a quarrel with anyone, and if you did, a fine of one dollar." In 1906, the Village Council hired M. McIntosh as Chief of Police, Truant Officer, Fire Inspector, and bridge maintainer, at a salary of fifty dollars a month, and he held office until 1916. That year, P. J. Smith took over as Chief of Police and Truant Officer, and he held that position until 1924.

When Gordon Ault took over as Chief, he was also appointed County Constable, and there were other men in that position until 1943, when Deb Sayeau became Chief of Police, and policed on his own for almost twenty years until I962, when Brian Hollywood was hired as his Constable. A second Constable was hired in 1966, when Stephen Kinnaird joined the force, a sign of an expanding service, and perhaps an expanded need for policing in Kemptville.

In 1966 Chief Sayeau retired, and Brinn Hollywood became Chief of Police, He resigned in 1968 when Douglas Brown took over

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until 1971, when Stephen Kinnaird took over as Chief of Police. By the time the Kemptville Council came to discuss the future of policing under amalgamation, a tradition had grown up around the local force.

Individuals serving in the Village had all been local men, who knew the community well, and had that insight into the people and places in Kemptville that allowed them to do their jobs. The question was raised: would OPP officers be able to replace that local expertise?

Kemptville Council was sharply divided between those who wanted to have a costing done on OPP services for the town, and those who wished to keep the local force intact. On January 22, 1997, local MPP and Solicitor General Bob Runciman announced that there would be new charges for OPP services: not the per capita $126 expected, but based on the level of crime in each community. If a municipality wanted a certain level of service from the OPP, it could pay for just what it wanted. But there was a problem for Kemptville in the announcement too. The OPP had provided specialised services when required, such as traffic collision technical support, underwater search and rescue, etc. In future, the OPP would be charging for such extras, making the cost of local policing that much higher for small jurisdictions such as Kemptville.

In July, 1997, the OPP presented their proposal for services to Kemptville: $502,000 for five full-time officers and a Sergeant. The Kemptville Police Association decided to join the OPP, arguing that it would be cheaper than upgrading

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training and services as a separate force. Later that month, the Kemptville Council agreed to accept OPP services.

By September, 1997, a Transition Board, set up to implement the amalgamation of the three areas, was informed that OPP services for the new municipality would cost $1.5 million, and would consist of 15 constables and three Sergeants. On March 25, 1998, the first Mayor of the new municipality, Don Cameron, announced that

the Kemptville Police Force would be absorbed into the OPP on May 3. The official ceremony took place at the Ferguson Forest Centre, where the five members of the Kemptville force were sworn in as OPP officers. Former Chief Chris McCurley had been made Sergeant and posted to Smith’s Falls, but the other four men remained in Kemptville. Guest of Honour, OPP Deputy Commissioner Diane Nagel, presented two of them, Doug Baker and Ron Laderoute,

with special medals marking their twenty year service in the Kemptville Police. The last decades of the Kemptville Police force are remembered fondly by many: the brown uniforms with the Mountie hats, the local men who knew everyone, part of the community. Amalgamation ended many things in 1998, and it began a new order in North Grenville as the OPP moved in to take up the work carried on so well for so many years by the men of the community.

Kemptville police officers sworn in as OPP, May 3, 1998: left to right: Chris McCurley, Ron Laderoute, Gord McAinsh, Doug Baker, and Robert Wheeler.

Councillor Doreen O’Sullivan reads a copy of the North Grenville Times in Rome, Italy in honour of World Newspaper Day.

Local optometrist joins campaign

Local Optometrist, Dr. Carla Eamon of Dr. C.L. Eamon Optometry, took place in the World Sight Day Challenge on October 10 to help give the gift of vision to people in underserved communities around the world.

Now in its 18th 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. The theme “Giving Together, Seeing Forever” celebrates the collective power of the optometry community to help give the gift of sight to millions of families and individuals in need.

On World Sight Day (October 10), Dr. Eamon made a donation to raise funds to help the more than 1.1 billion people who are unnecessarily blind or vision impaired simply because they don’t have access to an eye exam and a pair of glasses.

“I have supported Optometry Giving Sight for 18 years,” said Dr. Eamon. “Working together, we can solve preventable blindness and we are proud to be a part of this fundraising campaign to help give better vision to those in need. Everyone can make a difference and we are thrilled to be contributing to good vision worldwide.”

Participating is easy – simply make a single or monthly donation before the end of October. This year’s campaign will help raise funds for people like Miss Marie. A seamstress most of her life, she had made her living by sewing clothes and household items for her neighbours in a remote town in Chihuahua, Mexico. Her vision began to fail as she approached 40. First, her distance vision faltered. Then, her near vision deteriorated.

No longer able to do her life’s work, she began to rely on her children to support her. It was a devastating blow for Marie, a woman who had prided herself on her independence and contributions to her community.

During a free mobile vision clinic made possible in part by a grant from Optometry Giving Sight, optometrists from the Guerrero Crystal Foundation were able to identify her vision issues and provide her with free eyeglasses – one pair for reading and one pair for distance. When she donned her reading glasses for the first time and looked at the reading card she was given, she broke down in tears. It was the first time in almost 17 years that she could see clearly up close. For Miss Marie and others, a gift to OGS can bring the gift of sight.

For more information about Optometry Giving Sight or to make a donation, go to givingsight.org. Dr. C.L. Eamon Optometry is located at Unit 3, 212 Van Buren Street, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0. Call 613258-7438 or visit www.drcleamon.com to schedule an appointment.

Terry McGahey

(son of Paul & Marian)

August 9, 1967 - October 14, 1975

In memory of our son Terry. Terry, you are in our hearts forever. Your life however short, was so precious. Your were and still are so precious.

LAWYER CONNIE@LAMBLE.CA

is pleased to announce the addition of a new lawyer, Hugh O'Toole

Love Mom & Dad and your family

Providing legal services to Kemptville and the surrounding area

613-258-0038

www.lamble.ca

222 Precott Street, Kemptville

The many ways you can VOLUNTEER in North Grenville

KD Hospital

Andre Rancourt andrerancourt16@gmail.com

SKBP Venturers skbp.venturers@gmail.com Girl Guides theleangs@gmail.com

NG Art Challenge jayne.couch@yahoo.com

NG Art Guild

northgrenvilleartsguild@gmail.com

Beth Donovan Hospice amy.tibben@bethdonovanhospice.ca

Oxford Mills Community Association susannelarner@gmail.com

Kemptville Youth Centre brucewehlau@hotmail.com

Friend of the NG Library blrousseau26@gmail.com NG Historical Society karenrepta@gmail.com

Rotary corabeking54@gmail.com

Christian Reformed Church sidypma@gmail.com

United Church gowjb5@gmail.com

House of Lazarus cashby@houseoflazarus.com

Youth Alliance: ng.rainbowyouth@gmail.com

Seniors' Community Services jill.woodley@seniorscs.ca

Shalom Small Homes shalomsmallhomeskemptville.org

The NG Library sjones@ngpl.ca

Friends of the Forestry Centre ldpaibomesai@gmail.com

Kemptville & District Community Assn. wdembleton@gmail.com

BIA shelleybmitchell@gmail.com

Pride chair@ngpride.ca

Lions Club

mikeamirault@hotmail.com

Knights of Columbus, Council 5333

Leeds Grenville Big Brothers Big Sisters

Vanessa.martin@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

Canadian Guide Dog Assoc Info@guidedogs.ca

Jags kemptvillejags@gmail.com

Pentacostal Church kohls.s.m@gmail.com

United way Ed@uwlg.org

North Grenville Giving Garden

michelleroussellemcevoy@gmail.com

Kemptville Farmers' Market kfmmanager1@gmail.com

Kemptville Restore kemptvillerestore@habitat1000islands.org

LAWYER HUGH@LAMBLE.CA

Real Estate · Wills & Estates · Family Law · Criminal Law

Small Business Week

October 20 to 26, 2024

Small Business Week has been celebrated in Canada since 1979, when it was first launched by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the economy and local communities. Held every October, this week highlights the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that fuel our economy. Being a small, locally-run business, we know firsthand the importance of supporting the backbone of our community small businesses. Small businesses make up 98% of all businesses in Canada and employ over 10 million Canadians. When you support small businesses, you're not just buying a product or service—you're supporting local jobs, services, and charities. For every dollar spent at a small business, 66 cents stays in the community, compared to just 11 cents when shopping at large multinational companies. This has a direct impact on local families, schools, and organizations, helping our community thrive. This week and beyond, make a lasting impact by shopping local. Every time you choose a local business, you're supporting jobs, families, and the community we all love.

The towns I love so well

by Marguerite Boyer

When we first moved here over 30 years ago, every hamlet had its own general store, run by a local. The first town we lived in was Bishop’s Mills, and its general store had a gas pump across the street from it. Burritt’s Rapids had a store, with no gas service. Oxford Mills had a full service gas station along with a post office. In Kemptville, there were at least two general stores. One was across the street from what was once Scotiabank in the downtown, and the other on Clothier Street beside the Hyde Smokehouse restaurant.

Over the years, these stores have disappeared,

the only ones remaining now are in Heckston and Hallville, and both of those had to adapt themselves to the changing times in order to survive. I for one, felt the sadness from each of these closures. The North Grenville archives have amazing footage of the store in Heckston from 1955, showing a very active community centre, a gathering place for many locals.

With the disappearance of the general stores, chain convenience stores started springing up, mainly on County Road 43, with one more downtown on Rideau Street. Then the big box stores opened in Colonnade, driving people

away from downtown area shopping, which once had been thriving. That wonderful new Walmart, which we were told was very important in order to attract new development. Which it has certainly done.

So, I often am told we are losing our small town charm. I would almost agree. I miss the small town general stores, where you were sure to run into a neighbour and where the owner knew you, had watched families grow up, etc. So many new suburbs sprouting up. So many new faces, where once I could identify almost everyone, if not by name, then by looks.

The downtown has faced a whole new challenge in trying to survive the changes. With the creation of the BIA and the Kemptville and District Community Association [KDCA], there was hope for change, new hope for the downtown. But it has been a struggle, and now the KDCA is no longer active, leaving the BIA alone in trying to invent new ways to attract people back to the downtown.

Last Friday, I went to the Friendship Lunch downtown at St. Johns

Church on Prescott Street. They served approximately 120 dishes that day. The meal was provided by the people at St. John’s, the Pentecostal Church, Catholic Church, and House of Lazarus, an amazing partnership. But there was a sense of community in there that day, and such friendship, extended to all who walked in that door. The lunch is a goodwill token, pay what you can or not, depending on your situation. The donation box sits by the door, and is not monitored. Yet, last year they raised over $6,000, after expenses, and that money was donated back to the community. That is an amazing amount of money, considering what the lunches have to offer each week. And on top of that, all food provided is locally sourced, not from Costco or Walmart.

There certainly was that air of community there. The downtown Legion has also so much to offer, with plenty of activities such as bingo, darts, pool, monthly breakfasts, music, folk nights – such a long list. I don’t feel we are losing this community sense yet. Yes, it has changed, but I think it is up to us, as individuals, to ensure

we keep supporting these events. Local businesses are a huge financial support, not only to the NG Times, but also to so many events put on locally. You only need to look at the list of thank you’s posted in this paper almost weekly to get a sense of how this community thrives due to the volunteers, and without the businesses’ support many would not survive. And it is not the big box stores being thanked. Just remember that. If we want to keep this community thriving, we all need to do our part and support the businesses that support us, the community, and this newspaper. It is because of these businesses that we can run ads for non-profit group events for free in our paper.

So, whether you are buying a home, needing a

gift, groceries, fresh bread, take out, dine in, whatever it is, remember who supported your hockey team, or your soccer event, fundraiser, etc.

Don’t complain about losing our small town feeling if you force busineses to shut down, because you can get one item cheaper at the box store. And if an event, to your mind, has not been run as efficiently as you would like, rather than post something negative on-line, become a part of the solution. Volunteers work hard and are needed more than ever. So donate a bit of your time, there is something for everyone here. The NG Times runs a weekly list of ways you can volunteer.

I love this community. We can, together, keep its fl avour, if we all do our part.

I

Support local this fall to help Ontario farms grow

ness by Angela Cammaert, Director, OFA

Every year, in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, our province marks Ontario Agriculture Week. It’s a time to recognize and celebrate the important ongoing contribution Ontario farmers make to our society and our economy in producing food, feed, fuel and flowers.

The agri-food sector contributed $50.7 billion to the provincial economy, provided jobs to 11 per cent of Ontario’s work force and generated exports worth $26.2 billion this past year. Those are impressive numbers, but agriculture is much more than numbers.

It’s also about people – and as a fifth-generation family farmer raising beef cattle and growing crops near the southwestern Ontario community of West Lorne, about halfway between London and Chatham, I’m proud to be part of this vibrant and essential industry.

Our family loves to buy from other farmers; whether it’s a protein, vegetable or tender fruit, we like to have a relationship with the people behind our food and know where that food comes from.

We’ve done direct to consumer sales of beef from our farm, and one of my favourite parts of that business is getting to meet and interact with our customers and answering their questions about what we do on the farm.

In an age where so many people are disconnected from where their food comes from, I strongly believe these relationships matter – and many of my fellow farmers do too.

survey participants came from many different sectors, which suggests that there are many unique possibilities to tap into new opportunities with products ranging from maple syrup, wool and Christmas trees to meat, eggs, fruit and vegetables.

Most farmers interested in local food or agritourism ventures are established businesses, and many have completed special certifications, like organic, CanadaGAP food safety, or commodity-specific quality assurance programs.

Pen and paper is still the most common way for farmers to manage their direct to consumer sales (55%), followed by spreadsheets, and Point of Sale systems like Square. One fifth are using Facebook or Instagram shops and 16% are using an e-commerce platform. And although 60% of respondents said their farm doesn’t have an online presence, you can find those that do on social media (32%) or by visiting their farm business websites (26%).

Annual direct-to-consumer sales continue to be lower than $100,000 per year for the majority of farms (72%), indicating this is very much an opportunity to diversify farm business incomes, although there is a segment of respondents who reported grossing over $200,000 per year through these channels.

Farmers’ markets are the most common way for farmers to sell their products directly to consumers off the farm (27%), followed by wholesale, retail and directly to restaurants. Farm tours, on-farm activities and teaching or educational workshops are the most common agritourism offerings.

I’m also a director on the board of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, and in response to growing interest from our membership in local food sales, agritourism and direct-to-consumer marketing, our organization has just completed our third survey about selling to Ontarians.

It’s been our most popular survey yet, garnering responses from 640 respondents. Although more than 60 per cent grow grains and oilseeds, our

To help more farmers explore the potential of direct-to-consumer sales, the OFA and many partner organizations have launched the Cultivating Local: Seizing opportunities to grow Ontario’s local agri-products sector project and hosting a series of nine free online workshops.

Topics include everything from current market trends and how to get started in value-added

agriculture to exploring agritourism, selling in rural and remote Ontario, and considering local products beyond food.

The two-hour online workshops will be held Thursday mornings from November 2024 to February 2025; for those who aren’t able to participate, all workshop recordings will also be posted on OFA’s website. More information, including how to register, is available at ofa.on.ca/cultivating-local

So, what can you do to mark Ontario Agriculture

Week? When you’re out shopping, look for local –not just this week but all year long.

Shop at on-farm stores, farmers’ markets and stores in your community that sell products from Ontario farms, from food and beverage to flowers and more. Ask us about our farms and what we do to grow your food.

Your support makes a difference to us, and we appreciate it.

Join us in celebrating SMALL BUSINESS WEEK! Shop Local, Shop Small!

Discover unique finds, delicious eats, special offers, and personal service at our downtown businesses.

Resources for Small Businesses

Municipality of North Grenville resources for small business

by Megan McDonald

North Grenville Economic Development is dedicated to creating an environment for business owners to thrive in the community. Municipal staff work closely with local businesses, regional organizations, the Community Economic Development Advisory Committee, and community partners like the Old Town Kemptville BIA, Chamber of Commerce, and CSE Employment Resource Centre to deliver strategic local investment programs, and provide tailored business support.

By fostering community partnerships, the department connects entrepreneurs with regional organizations, small business experts, and local lenders such as Community Futures Grenville, whose goal is to help small business owners succeed. Additionally, the Downtown Community Improvement Plan (CIP) provides a suite of financial incentives for businesses looking to enhance or expand their properties, helping to revitalize North Grenville’s downtown.

The department also assists with grant matching, identifying funding opportunities to support growth and innovation. To encourage residents to shop local, businesses can be found on the LoveNG.ca directory, which makes it easy for the community to discover and support North Grenville’s small businesses. https:// www.northgrenville.ca/doing-business/business-resources

Leeds and Grenville resources for small business

by Jeanette Johnston

Leeds Grenville Small Business is dedicated to empowering and supporting small business owners throughout the region. Providing expert guidance for entrepreneurs at every stage, services include crafting comprehensive business plans, and finding funding opportunities. The platform acts as a vital resource hub, helping business owners register companies, access referrals, and connect with a network of private and government resources tailored to specific needs. Additionally, a variety of workshops, webinars, and networking events are hosted throughout the year, ensuring entrepreneurs stay informed, connected, and engaged within the business community.

In addition to expert advice and community events, Leeds Grenville Small Business offers specialized training programs designed to elevate business skills in areas such as financial planning, marketing, and leadership. Local entrepreneurs are equipped with the tools and support necessary to thrive. Whether starting out or looking to grow, small business owners can rely on Leeds Grenville Small Business for the resources and guidance needed for long-term success. Leeds Grenville Small Business serves the Town of Gananoque, Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands, Township of Front of Yonge, Township of Athens, the southern part of the Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley, City of Brockville, Town of Prescott, Township of Augusta, Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal, and Municipality of North Grenville. This initiative operates from the Economic Development Department of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and is funded by the Province of Ontario, the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, and the City of Brockville. For consultations, visit www.invest.leedsgrenville.com and click on Small Business or call 613-342-3840 x 5367.

Networking in NG

Networking opens doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and clients. Building strong connections with other professionals and business owners can lead to collaborations, referrals, and invaluable advice.

North Grenville Business Builders

https://ngbb.ca/

Weekly meetings every Thursday morning for members. More information about membership can be found on their website.

North Grenville Chamber

https://www.northgrenvillechamber.com/

The North Grenville Chamber hosts many networking and business resource events over the year.

BIA

https://downtownkemptville.com/

The Old Town Kemptville BIA provides networking opportunities and resources for business in the BIA catchment area.

Let's Network

https://www.ehaffirmations.com/

Local networking group for women or those who identify as women that have a monthly breakfast on the first Thursday of every month. LET'S Network also hosts other networking events and workshops.

Troubles at North Dundas Council

by Brandon Mayer

East of the North Grenville border, the Council in North Dundas has been mixed up in a fury of drama. At the open of the regularly scheduled meeting on October 10, three out of the five Council members got up and left the room while the Mayor was speaking, with no explanation given. The Mayor and one remaining Council member were left in silent disbelief, and the meeting had to be put on hold as it lost quorum (the minimum number of members required by law to conduct municipal business).

Residents of North Dundas were left scratching their heads, wondering the reason behind the walkout. The Township has undoubtedly been plagued with financial and infrastructure challenges for many years, but some argued that a walkout was akin to the three members “abandoning their posts”. Others argued that they must have had a valid reason.

The Times sought answers from all five members of North Dundas Council, as well as the only live audience member who attended the meeting. The reason for the walkout? There seems to be a consensus amongst a few members that the work environment at the municipality is toxic, and it’s clear that the number of people resigning their positions is not only concerning, it’s also becoming expensive for taxpayers.

The finger has been pointed by several people at North Dundas CAO Angela Rutley, as well as Mayor Tony Fraser. It is argued that the pair often conducts municipal business as a “duo”, rather than respecting the authority of Council as a whole. The Mayor is standing by his record as long-time Mayor of the Township.

Far more details gleaned from the interviews with the Council members can be found in an extensive article in the October 17 issue of our sister paper, the North Dundas Times.

One year since the disappearance of Robbie Thomson

It has now been one year since Robbie Thomson was last seen in the Smiths Falls area.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Smiths Falls Police Service (SFPS), under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, have been continuing to investigate Robbie's disappearance. This has involved multiple searches by the OPP Emergency Response Team, OPP Aviation Services, Canine Units and Underwater Search and Recovery Unit.

Robbie Thomson, who would now be 35, was reported missing October 19, 2023, but is believed to have gone missing sometime between October 12 and 18, 2023.

Robbie is described as:

- 35 years old

- 6'2" (188 cm)

- Medium build

- Brown hair and brown eyes

Robbie is known to frequent locations in Smiths Falls and Prescott.

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Robbie Thomson, please contact the dedicated tipline at 1-855-677-4636. If you want to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

Cellular energy is part of the formula for health

Some people just have more energy than others. You can pick them out of a crowd. They are running up the stairs, two at a time. Their toes are constantly tapping. They are ready for more fun and games when everyone else is exhausted. But is this outward show of energy a marker of good health?

The fact is everyone needs to have enough fuel in the tank to operate essential life systems. Our bodies need sufficient energy for breathing in and out and keeping organs operating. Beyond these necessary functions, energy might better be considered a lifestyle matter. Yoko Ono once quipped, “if you don’t have it, don’t bother with rock and roll.”

But are you wishing you had more of it? Don’t be misled by the quick fix. A caffeinated drink will pick up your pace. A chocolate bar will offer a sugar rush. But to appreciate the body’s own energy system and how you sustain energy, you need to understand what is happening at the cellular level.

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10 for short, is a compound produced by our bodies that plays a role in cellular energy production. If you think of each cell in the body as a factory that needs energy to operate, then CoQ10 are the battery chargers. There are other important components, but CoQ10 helps keep the machinery running smoothly.

It is found in virtually every cell in the body, with higher concentrations in organs with high energy demands, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies' ability to produce CoQ10 diminishes.

That’s not ideal, since one of the benefits of CoQ10 is its role in maintaining cardiovascular health. The heart is an energy-hungry organ. Like fully charged batteries, CoQ10 keeps the supply of energy flowing to cardiac cells. CoQ10 also acts as an antioxidant, protecting heart cells from oxidative damage and reducing inflammation within the cardiovascular system. CoQ10 can help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol profiles, and enhance overall heart function.

This is why you will see CoQ10 as an ingredient in the formulas of heart-healthy supplements in natural health food stores.

Studies have revealed that CoQ10 supplementation can be particularly beneficial for individuals with heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure and angina. It aids in improving the heart's pumping capacity, alleviating symptoms, and enhancing quality of life.

The brain is another energy-intensive organ and CoQ10's potential to enhance cellular energy production has made it a subject of interest among brain health researchers. Several studies suggest that CoQ10 supplementation may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

As an antioxidant, CoQ10 helps neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, preventing cellular damage and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can wreak havoc on our cells, leading to premature aging and a higher risk of conditions like cancer and heart disease. By bolstering the body's antioxidant defenses, CoQ10 helps safeguard cells from oxidative stress.

For diabetics, CoQ10 can help manage blood sugar levels. Research suggests that CoQ10 supplementation can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce oxidative stress, both of which are factors in diabetes management. By enhancing the body's ability to use insulin effectively, CoQ10 helps control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes complications.

Most young and healthy people produce enough CoQ10 naturally. But since levels deplete with age, supplementing daily in the range of 100-200 mg is the typical recommendation. It’s safe at higher levels, but those on blood thinners, chemotherapy drugs, and antidepressants should consult with their doctor about possible interactions.

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.

Criminalizing residential school ‘denialism’ would silence indigenous voices, too

by Mark Milke courtesy of the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy

The effort by MP Leah Gazan to criminalize residential school views she labels “denialist” is a mistake. Gazan’s Bill C-413, if passed, would criminalize any statement that might be interpreted as “condoning, denying, downplaying or justifying the Indian residential school system in Canada through statements communicated other than in private conversation.”

Let’s start with examples of whose speech Gazan’s bill would criminalize, if repeated in the future: indigenous Canadians who have publicly “condoned,” or at least partly justified, residential schools.

In 1998, Rita Galloway, a teacher who grew up on the Pelican Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan and then-president of the First Nations Accountability Coalition, was interviewed about residential schools. She noted that she had “many friends and relatives who attended residential schools,” and argued, “Of course there were good and bad elements, but overall, their experiences were positive.”

In 2008, the late Richard Wagamese, an Ojibwe author and journalist, wrote in the Calgary Herald about the many abuses that took place at residential schools. He then straightforwardly argued that positive stories needed to be told, too, including his mother’s.

After praising her neat, clean home and cultured lawn on a reserve outside Kenora, Ontario, Wagamese noted how his 75-year-old mother “credits the residential school experience with teaching her domestic skills.” Critically, “My mother has never spoken to me of abuse or any catastrophic experience at the school.”

Wagamese argued the then-forthcoming Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) “needs to hear those kinds of stories, too,” and that telling “the good along with the bad” will “create a more balanced future for all of us.”

That’s not because such schools were perfect — or even optimal. As has been extensively documented, physical and sexual abuses occurred in some schools, and that is something that no one should downplay.

But it’s too easy to forget the limited choices that existed for 19th- and early 20th-century Canadians. As we do today, most people back then believed in the value of universal education. Many Canadians, indigenous and non-indigenous, lived in poverty, had rudimentary transportation links, limited job opportunities and thus limited possibilities for day schools in remote areas, such as reserves.

Imagine the outcry today if earlier generations of parishioners, parents (including Indigenous parents) and politicians mostly ignored remote reserves and failed to provide indigenous communities with educational opportunities. The same voices today who accept no nuance on residential schools would likely excoriate that choice to deny education to Indigenous children.

The choices in the 19th and 20th centuries were not between perfection and its opposite; they represent a trade-off between suboptimal choices. Understanding this requires nuance, which is in short supply these days.

As an example, consider the perspective of Manitoba school trustee Paul Coffey, a Metis man who made a presentation to the Mountain View School Division board meeting in Dauphin, Manitoba, about racism in April and was pilloried for it. His remarks included comments about residential schools. Coffey tried

to argue that residential schools had good and bad aspects, but he was roundly criticized for his views.

In a July interview, Coffey again offered nuance about the schools, noting what much of the media missed in their initial firestorm coverage: “I said they were nice. I then also said they weren’t. I said treaties were nice and then they weren’t. I said even TRC is a good idea, until it isn’t.”

Criminalizing these stories and opinions would mean that these three indigenous voices, and many others, could face fines or jail time. This is precisely why speech, unless urging violence, should never be criminalized.

Another reason not to criminalize speech is because it makes it even more difficult to correct bad ideas and lingering injustices. An open society requires open discourse. It’s the only way errors can only be corrected. That disappears if one becomes subject to fines and imprisonment for thinking out loud, including when one is ultimately proved to be in error.

Gazan’s bill is the latest attempt by Canadian politicians to suppress views and conclusions with which they disagree. That suppression is illiberal and unhelpful. Mandating a single point of view damages the accumulation of knowledge that’s necessary for progress, prevents a useful dissection of why abuses occurred in residential schools and will prevent the open discrediting of wrongheaded positions.

No one person will be right every time. Open, public debate is critical to exposing errors and advancing human progress.

Specializing in Residential House Beautification

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Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

I found David Shanahan’s article, “Reconciliation: more than one day a year” disturbing, and troubling. So much in fact, I thought I’d best find out on what authority the author wrote the article. I was surprised.

Mr. Shanahan believes, and worse, in sharing that ‘many children’ actually enjoyed their school days, and that there were ‘positive aspects’ to children being forced to attend the schools. This, despite the children ’no longer understanding their language, or able to communicate with their family’. Mr. Shanahan fails to substantiate these ’truths’, nor does he offer how many children hated their school days.

In the article, David Shanahan ponders whether the goal of the 1830’s “Civilisation Policy” is ‘cultural genocide’, or rather a nuanced approach to the “Indian problem”. What? He also throws in the ‘media card’ as a problem; suggesting that they only they write about the ‘darkest picture’ of the past. Perhaps Mr Shanahan agrees with Lynn Beak. I don’t. (https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/beyak-removed-from-senate-committee-over-residential-school-comments/article34610016/)

Mr. Shanahan’s article is irresponsible, and your readers are not well served reading it. The truth is this: the Residential School Program was wrong, has been found to be wrong, and Truth and Reconciliation Day commemorates the acknowledgement. That’s the starting point for Canadians; our forefathers messed up; our brethren have suffered; and we should respect their desire for reconciliation. Look up the word reconciliation… it means coming together again.

About the only thing that makes sense in Mr Shanahan’s article is that there can be no reconciliation without truth. I’d say he ought to know better than to write something on a well established wrong that suggests there’s anything right about the matter. Especially since, as he points out, so many people are ill informed.

Respectfully,

Liz Waterfall

Response from David Shanahan:

I don’t often feel obliged to talk about my own qualifications or career; but Liz Waterfall’s letter means I have to provide "authority" for what I wrote in my article "Reconciliation: more than one day a year". The issue, as I discussed in the article, is one that has caused incredible confusion and misinformation which prevents real reconciliation. As Liz agrees, there can be no reconciliation without truth, and if the truth is misrepresented, or even suppressed, then there is no hope for reconciliation.

Liz wants me to substantiate what I wrote about some children actually enjoying their days in residential school. First of all, let me remind readers that this was something said, not by me, but by survivors and their families, and described by them as one of the "hard truths" that had to be accepted. There is an idea that every child at a residential school was abused, either physically or sexually, and that every teacher was intent on destroying the lives of the children in their care. Can anyone actually believe that? If so, they know nothing about the issue.

What is my "authority" for what I write? I have a Doctorate in Canadian History, and I’ve spent the past 35 years working for Indigenous communities and organisations across Canada. I have written extensively on Indigenous history in scholarly publications such as Ontario History, as well as in Indigenous publications and newspapers. I come from a colonised people, the Irish, who have more in common with Canada’s Indigenous peoples than most other nations, and relate to their history in ways not many other peoples can.

All of this is to say that implying, or stating explicitly, that I am in some way racist, spreading disinformation, or downplaying the reality of Indigenous experience at the hands of British and Canadian governments, is something I find annoying, to say the least.

Portraying Indigenous peoples as simply victims and helpless, weak and unable to resist oppression is just another form of colonisation. There has been resistance, there has been a growing level of success by Indigenous lawyers, professionals, leaders across the First Nations, in fighting the effects of colonisation. And many of these leaders say with pride that the education they received at the hands of the Settlers enabled them to counter the racism and oppression foisted on them over centuries.

Misinformation can take two forms: covering over the real grievances and suffering of the past and present, or else portraying it as a black and white, all good or all evil, clash of cultures. Like it or not, not all bureaucrats were racists, not all teachers, priests and nuns were predators and pedophiles, not all schools were equally or always hell on earth for every child. There were racists and predators and pedophiles, there were times and places where schools were hell, and both of those things are true truth. Have some respect for the past, and all truths. Have respect for what people suffered and what they achieved out of their suffering.

If Canadians try to hide the truth in order to look humble and repentant, then there will be a backlash at some point when the real facts are shown. Balance and truth, those are the priorities, not a new form of colonisation that only creates new division and new grievances to be overcome. Ignoring the facts when they don’t suit your viewpoint is just as bad coming from the well-meaning and ill-informed as when it’s indulged in by the racists and haters.

To pass laws making the search for truth illegal, or questioning misinformation a crime, is not the best direction for Canadian society to go. This is not a Holocaust denial kind of issue. This is a matter of experts, people who have been involved in the subject for decades, being labelled as racists or "irresponsible" by people with a superficial knowledge of their history.

Nothing in Irish history has ever made me as angry as the way Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island were treated by British and Canadian governments. I have spent 35 years working for justice and reconciliation in this country, so forgive me if I find it hard to be accused of writing irresponsibly or without authority. There are hard truths for everyone involved in this story to face and acknowledge. That is the only path to real reconciliation for those who truly believe in it. My apologies for self-indulgence in writing this.

CLASSIFIEDS classifieds@ngtimes.ca

OASIS PAINTING

10% O Interior Projects 613-408-4432 - Will

SMALL TO MEDIUM JOBS

Framing - Drywall - Laminate Floors - Demolition - Decks - Painting - etc ... Bill: 613.774.2922

Pegasus mobility scooter, like new, $1400 or best offer, silver gray. Call 613-258-7020

Assorted sports memorabilia for sale 613-2150665

DOWN

1. Reliance

2. Washer cycle

3. Alphabetical listing of topics

4. Flowery verse

5. Arrow poison

6. Give a speech

7. French for "Quick"

8. Stimulates

9. Scarlet

10. Term of endearment

Occasional House Cleaning Kemptville and Area Jackie 613-821-6161

FOR SALE

King size bed, excellent condition, including mattress protector, base and bedding. Offers. 613-258-7778

For sale, wine and beer kit, 100 plus pieces, $100.00. Robert 2587426

Solid wood 2x4 park bench bolted together, 48x33 inches. $65. nadfudt@gmail.com

Gozone home fitness mini stepper, hardly used. $45. nadfudt@gmail.com

Dry stacked hardwood firewood. Located east of Kemptville. $115 per face cord incl HST.

613-258-7778 or millerak43@gmail.com

3 Plastic Fuel Csns: 1.5 litre, 2.5 litre & 5 litre. Call Doug, Kemptville: 613 258-4573

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

Drill press on stand. Delta model 11-960C $150 Call 613-2582604

Table saw Delta model 36-325C $300 Call 613-258-2604

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 $40. Mens white cardigan sweater button front med.$10. contact Dan at nadfudt@gmail.com

Arborite countertop grey specs round front 22X38X 1.5 inches. $15.00. contact Dan at nadfudt@gmail.com

MISCELANEOUS

ACROSS

1. Threesome 5. Shroud 10. Smear 14. Peel

15. Liquid bodily waste 16. Being 17. Underestimated

19. Passed with flying colors

20. South southeast 21. Consumer of food 22. Clothe 23. Feel

25. Area below the abdomen

27. East southeast 28. Bishoprics 31. Seaweed 34. Clowns 35. Anger

36. A young horse

37. A group of concubines

38. Departed 39. Decay 40. Haven

41. They form skeletons

42. Characteristic of opera

44. Women's ___

45. Inn

46. Human-powered taxi

50. Stock

52. Fatuous

54. How old you are 55. Boor

56. Pertaining to sound

58. Abbey area

59. Reason 60. Flunk

61. Existed 62. Twisty turns 63. Male offspring

11. A movement upward

12. Applications

13. Sleeping platforms 18. Employ again 22. Documents

24. Blue-green

26. Chamber 28. Column style

29. Coastal raptor 30. Notices

31. A bushy hairdo 32. Coil

33. Castle entrance

34. Churches 37. Detest

38. Mongolian desert 40. Pledge 41. Basin for washing anal area

43. Damaged by decay

44. Focusing glass (plural) 46. Hesitate 47. Chocolate source 48. Another time 49. Chimes

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SHOP LOCAL

Looking to rent farmland in North Grenville & surrounding areas. Call or text Mitch @ 613-2621204. -Support neighbourhood character -Keep Money in Your Community -Keep Small Communities Intact -Help the Environment

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

50. Spill the beans 51. Lariat 53. French for "We" 56. Air hero 57. Possibilities

Thirty year Storm brewing for one day

by G.J. the sportsguy

When I arrived at the North Grenville Municipal Centre on Saturday, October 12, you could sense a special event was brewing with limited parking and young girls trapesing through the lot with their hockey equipment in tow.

Today was IIHF World Girls' Ice Hockey Weekend and the local Storm girls wanted to share a glorious accomplishment.

When you entered the lobby, you could feel the excitement in the air as the young players were being registered to their assigned ice pad and dressing rooms.

Open ceremonies on Rink 2 kickstarted the younger teams from U7 to U13 on the morning schedule on both pads to the delight of the proud parents, relatives and onlookers in the stands cheering them on.

Off the ice action was

available with 50/50 draws, air hockey, raffle basket draws with an ice cream bar, and vendors showing their wares.

As the morning wound down, the entertainment stepped up another notch as the U9 to U13 faced more competitive teams from the area. U13 to U18 were featured on Rink 1 for rest of the afternoon, with a Storm Senior game slotted in at 1 pm against the Ottawa

Valley Selects on Rink 2. The events moved through the afternoon as the older girls in U13 to U18 displayed their talents and finesse on both Rinks to finally solidify the last contests of the day, as the U18H1 took on the Cornwall Typhoons at 7:30 pm on Rink 2, and the U18AA met the Ottawa 67's at 8:30 pm on Rink 1 to call it a day. What a day it was with a steady stream of enthusiastic young girls chomping at the bit to lace up their skates and hit the ice with their teammates.

If you are reading this article, you are probably curious why I have failed to relinquish the final outcome of the events here today. Well as I continued to soak up the atmosphere of jubilation, comradery and celebrations, I suddenly came to the realization that there were no losers in today's scrimmages. A winning attitude is essential in the world of sports, but today was also about sharing a legacy – only winners in this

once in a lifetime celebration that will never be repeated. This was made possible with the individuals from this wonderful community volunteering their time, talent, skill and commitment for this fantastic girls youth winter sports program to survive thirty years.

All minor hockey programs have the ability to open doors for further education, launch an athletic career or just development new friendships and families.

Today was truly a super, special Storm with a bright future in the horizon. So come out to their games to show your appreciation and support!

MELISSA OTTENHOF

Marketing Consultant

Phone:613 329 0209

Email: melissa@ngtimes.ca

73's defend home territory on weekend as they post three points

by G.J. the sportsguy

Cornwall Colts galloping into Kemptville's barn to corral their opponents with a 4 to 3 win in OT was a see saw Friday evening session with Kemptville playing catch up for sixty minutes. Cornwall counted first within two minutes when Luc Beliveau with helpers from Oulette and Goyette deflected a fortuitous bouncer by Trenten Bennett at 1:29. Extra attacker for Kemptville as O'Doherty controlled the wall, unto Loreto who reversed to Drew MacIntyre PPG on the point to throw into a crowd past Cohen Lespearence-Spack to knot

it at 14:27. Another fluky bounce for the Colts when assisted from Bowen with Miron for Bradley Fraser for tie breaker at 17:10. McDougall dipsy doodle with Trottier to newbie Aiden Stubbings in the slot to open fire into traffic to even it up at 19:01 to close out the frame.

Cornwall moved forward with Lamb and Oulette for Tristan Miron to post a 3 to 2 lead at 5:30. The 73’s countered with a combination from Redmond with Canevari unto Matthew Montoni streaming through the middle to even it again to force OT. Up and down battle through

the final twenty with both teams having opportunities to remain 3 all tie.

OT started and ended with an attack from below the goal line from Bowen with Oulette behind the line to Sean Matthew Goyette on the side to bury it between the post and pillow at 1:46. Kemptville had to settle for one point during a hard fought North South confrontation and a bouncing rubber.

Kemptville outshot Cornwall 35 to 29 with 1/2 PP and 0/3 PP.

A return home Sunday matinee meeting with the Smiths Falls Bears was a redemption run for the un-

timely loss suffered in the Bears Den in September. Kemptville tasted the sweet flavour of revenge with a 3 to 2 victory.

Smiths Falls drew first blood as Chris Cadillo with assists from Childerhose and Heron found Trenten Bennetts’ five hole at 11:54. Kemptville answered back with tie goal when Dumont controlled the half wall to O'Doherty who reversed to Sydney Loreto in the slot to rifle it home behind Ethan Morrow at 15:30.

Tie breaker for Kemptville to start the second frame at 7:39 when Montoni combined with F. Canevari across to Emile Trottier from line to ignite a howiltzer top shelf. Smiths Falls with man advantage as Tyson Parker PPG with helpers from Booth and Oulette at 14:19 to knot it up at two.

AP Tyson MacCoubrey for the 73’s blew it by stopper under the bar for the game winner after Redmond with Canevari held the zone at 8:49 in the last twenty. The Bears pulled their goalie for an extra attacker at 7:51 unsuccessfully to allow Kemptville to hold on for the win.

Kemptville was hammered by Smiths Falls 40 to 22 SHG with 0/4 PP and

73's 0/1 PP.

Coach was very pleased with the performance of Tyson MacCoubrey, Owen Redmond and Andrew Hopley and being rewarded for their efforts. Excellent weekend to get three of the four points and looking forward to rematch with Cornwall into a busy three game stretch coming up.

73'S on the road to meet the Cornwall Colts on Thursday evening and then return home to host the Carleton Place Canadians on Firiday evening. Closing out with another road trip into Rockland to face the Nationals for Sunday matinee showdown.

Avery Shaw

Making it count...Samuel Dumont with Matthew O'Doherty celebrate Sydney Loreto marker as Ethan Morrow checks where the rubber is during Kemptville 73's 3 to 2 win over Smiths Falls Bears on Sunday matinee.

Baldwin’s Birds

The bird movements of late seem to be a little more delayed than usual, due to our still occurring warmer temperatures, which must be affecting their migration senses this year. Abundance of natural food is a factor in their delayed departures, so that we are getting to enjoy them a little longer than usual, but having said that, I am having quite a job today of deciding what I am going to talk about. The Canada Geese are still

here and are flying back and forth from the Rideau River to the river (creek?) that runs past the end of our road, between Kemptville and Oxford Mills. They make this trip twice daily, as indicated by their honking, both in the morning and then later in the afternoon. It is always quite exciting to see them, especially as they usually negotiate their route at relatively low levels, giving you a chance of getting good in-flight views of them. Su-

per! Especially more so on their evening trips, as they head into the lovely sunsets that we have been seeing, on their way back to the Rideau for the night.

Our other stalwarts are still here, but not showing themselves so predominately at present. We did get some good views of one of our regular “ground feeders”, the Slate Grey Juncos this morning, as they fed and then perched on the pine trees, whose vivid greens

showed them up very nicely too. Dressed in their slate grey upper plumage, which sharply contrasts with their very white lower bodies, beautifully defined where the colors come together in very distinct lines. Their beaks are always quite striking as well, being a bit on the yellowish side, not like their eyes which are a very deep black.

Stay safe and well, Cheers, John Baldwin

UPCOMING EVENTS

Beef Supper: October 19 – Eat In Or Take Out Seatings at 4:15 pm & 5:30 pm , Advance Tickets ONLY – $25.00 each Order tickets before October 16th by calling 613-258-4695

Serving: Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Corn, Baked Beans, Turnip, Coleslaw, Roll and Pie. Bishops Oxford United Church, Bishops Mills

Repair Café - October 19 from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

We encourage you to come out with your broken items, and we will endeavor to fix them for free. North Grenville Public Library

Guiding Tails: October 19 at 6:30 pm

Celebrating dogs in stories and songs An event featuring Kim Kilpatrick, her dog Ginger, and musicians Mary Moore and Donnie Higgins. North Grenville Public Library

Pumpkin Palooza - October25 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Hosted by Community Living North Grenville. Everyone is welcome to join into our Halloween themed activities. Wear your costume!! Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Heritage Hall (820 Heritage Drive, Kemptville College)

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

The Merrickville and District Historical Society announces the October lecture, “Conserving Heritage Trees”. October 29 at 7:00 pm at the Merrickville Legion. Suggested donation at the door: $2.

Twilux Lantern Parade - November 2 @ 6:00 pm

Free community lantern festival - featuring live music, circus performers, light installations, refreshments, a dance party, and more. Maplewood Park, Oxford Mills

WIZARD CARD GAME TOURNAMENT on Sunday, November 10 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.

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.

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 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

EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, October 29, November 12, 26, and December 10. 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 NG Pride will be hosting an 2SLGBTQI+ and allies Seniors Meeting up on the first and third Sunday of each month between 2 - 4pm. Join us for games, cards, snacks and conversation at the NG Public Library.

Ground feeders in action

Cadets were out raising money at Kemptville grocery and retail stores on Saturday, October 12. Pictured outside of Food Basics is Alexander Gourlie of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets. Great work, Cadet!

Should God be in the newspaper?

by David Shanahan

Regular readers will know that I write an occasional article in the Times dealing with matters of religion. These are usually dealing with misunderstandings about what Christianity is about, or answering criticisms about its historical validity, and so on. I probably get more positive responses to these articles than to anything else I write; but there are also some objections to having that kind of topic discussed in the newspaper. The reasons given for objecting are not very specific. They generally come down to either, “I don’t want to be preached at in the newspaper”, or “if you’re going to push one religion, you should print points of view of all of them”, or even simply, “the paper is no place to talk about religion”.

These complaints are always made by people who are not “religious”, or think what you believe is something you should keep to yourself. For some, Christian articles will never be acceptable, so there’s nothing can be done about that.

As for other objections, they’re worth looking at.

First of all, is God, or questions about life, meaning, death, or what’s beyond (if anything) worth talking about?

Is a hockey game, a concert, astronomy, climate change, or politics more important? If someone can write to promote one political point of view in a newspaper, why can’t someone write about religion the same way? Is someone who writes in favour of their favourite team somehow “preaching”, or should they be expected to give equally favourite coverage to their team’s opponents?

Some will say that religion is different, that it is divisive, that it has caused all the wars and hatred we’ve seen throughout history, so we should avoid talking about it in public forums. Have you never seen people argue passionately over politics, or sport, or social issues (climate change, gender identity, abortion, etc.)? The worst wars and conflicts in human history were caused, not by religion, but by ideology. The Twentieth Century was the bloodiest in history: caused by ideology, imperialism. Even the examples used against religion, like the Crusades or the Inquisition, were not really religious

in nature. They were political, colonial, at their base they were about social structures, the political power of Popes, Kings and elites.

And where religious, particularly Christian, motives were given for war, persecution, or violence, then those engaged were not following Christian teaching, they were disobeying the very teaching they were claiming to represent. When God says “Don’t kill, love your neighbour as yourself”, etc., how can anyone justify using Christianity as a reason for violence and oppression? Don’t blame God for the actions of those who are going against his commands.

What, then, is the reason for the Christian articles in the paper? The fact is that we live in what is being called a postChristian world. There was a time, not too long ago, when most people knew something, at least, of what Christianity and the Bible was all about. They learned it in church, Sunday School, or, yes, in the local newspaper. Read papers from as recently as the 1970's and you’ll see articles from priests and ministers discussing all things religious. It’s only recently that this became less acceptable.

Here’s my thinking: if there is a God (and there is), then the implications are enormous. Is it not worth having them talked about? Should we not clear up any misunderstandings or misinformation about what we think about God, meaning, the Bible, or who we are as human beings? Or should we be content to drift through life without asking questions like this, without considering that, perhaps, we’re more than accidental by products of blind mechanical

forces, destined to exist for a few decades and then disappear into nothingness?

If that’s all we are, and all that we mean, why do we believe in justice, equality, civil and human rights? Is it just our preference, opinions without rational or ultimate foundations, which can change radically and fundamentally from one generation to the next? This has never been the actual, practical way we have lived throughout history. We have always known in our hearts that human beings were more than that. We have always asked questions, looked for answers, wanted to know and understand who and why we are in this life, unwilling to accept that we were without meaning and purpose.

That being the case, what else is more relevant to a community and its newspaper than to talk about those things with at least the same space and time we devote to the temporary chaos caused by roadworks, or the most recent nonsense perpetrated by politicians? Not all of us are interested in hockey or football, not all of us want to know the latest details on Taylor Swift’s increasing bank account. They don’t affect us in our lives or interests. But God, pro or con, and the issue of life and death and everything before and after – these issues do affect every one of us. Is it not worth our time to think about them? If not, don’t read the articles, so you won’t be annoyed by them.

And if someone wants to write and refute what I have to say, or to represent a different religious point of view, they are sincerely and always welcome, and we’ll discuss together with respect and sincerity. That’s what a newspaper is for, after all.

Caribbean Cruising Travel Tips and Destinations

A Caribbean cruise is the perfect way to escape the daily grind and bask in the beauty of sun-soaked islands, turquoise waters, and white sandy beaches. With countless islands to explore, a cruise through the Caribbean offers endless possibilities.

Tips:

Pack Light and Smart: Caribbean cruises call for lightweight, breathable clothing due to the warm climate. Pack plenty of swimwear, casual beachwear, and a few formal outfits for any upscale dining or events onboard. Don’t forget sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and comfortable sandals or water shoes for exploring.

Book Shore Excursions

Early: Popular excursions, such as snorkeling, diving, or island tours, can fill up quickly. Booking in advance ensures you get a spot on these activities. You can also explore on your own; just make sure you know the ship's departure times to avoid missing it!

Stay Hydrated and

Mind the Sun: The Caribbean sun can be intense, so it’s important to stay hydrated throughout your cruise. Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it often. Reapply sunscreen frequently, especially after swimming, to avoid sunburn.

Take Advantage of Onboard Amenities: While the islands are the main attraction, don't overlook the amenities on your cruise ship. From pools, spas, and fitness centers to specialty dining and entertainment, there’s plenty to enjoy while at sea. Make reservations for specialty restaurants early and check out the daily schedule of events.

Top Caribbean Cruise Destinations:

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands: Known for its pristine beaches and duty-free shopping, St. Thomas is a favorite among cruisers. Magens Bay Beach is perfect for a relaxing day in the sun, while Charlotte Amalie, the capital, offers vibrant markets, boutiques, and historic sites like Blackbeard’s Castle.

Cozumel, Mexico: A top spot for diving and snorkeling, Cozumel boasts crystal-clear waters and vi-

brant coral reefs. The island offers a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, with beautiful beaches, and delicious local cuisine.

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands: Famous for Stingray City, where you can swim with gentle southern stingrays. The island also features Seven Mile Beach, consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world.

San Juan, Puerto Rico: Rich in history and culture, San Juan offers a mix of old-world charm and modern amenities. Explore the colourful streets of Old San Juan, visit the imposing forts of El Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal.

Barbados: Known for its laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, and British influence, Barbados is an island that caters to all tastes. From snorkeling with sea turtles at Carlisle Bay to exploring the island’s botanical gardens and historic plantations, there’s no shortage of activities.

A Caribbean cruise offers a fantastic blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences. By packing wisely, planning for excursions, and taking advantage of both onboard and onshore opportunities, you can ensure a memorable and stress-free tropical getaway.

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 Caribbean cruise.

TICO # 50026003 215 SANDERS STREET, UNIT 201A / KEMPTVILLE, ON K0G 1J0