Issue 43 2023 November 02 NG Times

The Voice of North Grenville

The North Grenville Times

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The Voice of North Grenville

Reaching by direct mail 8,500 homes and businesses in North Grenville www.ngtimes.ca

November 2, 2023

Vol. 11 No. 43

Cory M. Coons receives award in Nashville teaching.

“My greatest accomplishment would have to be my family life with my wife and daughter,” Cory told the Times. “I always say, ‘Music and family are centre stage!’ They go hand in hand in my life.”

Musical accomplishments come in as a close second for Cory, with the most recent award for “Long Hard Rain” being “up there”, Cory said.

“Since it was held at the Grand Ole Opry House, I received the honour and accepted it in “the circle” right on the Opry Stage!

What a thrill!” added Cory. He had previously won Producer's Choice Honors in Los Angeles at the former Los Angeles Music Awards.

Cory first became involved with music as a bass player when he was just 13. He performed in high school bands at Christmas assemblies and talent shows, and began creating his own songs and writing lyrics early on. “I have travelled and toured in Ontario, and across the southeastern US in the late 1990s in different bands,” said Cory. “Then I released my first CD in 1999 under the band name “Tycoons”, and my first solo album in 2004. I have continued to pursue music and release albums and EPs since then, and

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The tunes of South Mountain musician Cory M. Coons are known for delighting ears all over the world, but it was just last month at the famous Grand Ole Opry in Nashville that Cory was given a significant honour, and one that would make even the most famous of musicians glow.

At the annual Josie Awards ceremony, presented at the Grand Ole Opry, Cory’s song “Long

Hard Rain” was awarded Song of the Year in the Rock category.

Cory lives on a farm that once belonged to his grandparents on Pleasant Valley Road, just south of South Mountain. He has been local to South Mountain most of his life, and is now a third generation resident who is proud to still call the community home. He also teaches guitar lessons at Kevin Eamon’s music school called “Rock My House” on South Gower Drive in North Grenville, in addition to other private

have had the opportunity to work with many different professional studio musicians and record producers in various locations in both the US and Canada over the years.”

As with all artists, Cory’s success is not about luck, it’s about hard work and determination, combined with a healthy amount of musical instinct, of course. “I have been very fortunate, but I have also worked very hard in the independent music industry for over 30 plus years,” Cory added.

He recently released a compilation album of most of his singles and some other album tracks from the past 10 years on a new album called “Across The Great Divide” (Singles and Album Cuts 20122022).

Have there been challenges along the way? Of course! Money is always a challenge in the arts, and having the proper budget to do recording projects, etc. can always be a sticking point. Cory promotes the value of working with the right people who are in it for the right reasons, and the local area has delivered wonderfully in that department.

When asked how it feels to win such a prestigious award, Cory didn’t

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hesitate to share his excitement. “It feels wonderful to win a Josie Music Award!” said Cory. “It is a fantastic event with amazing independent artists from all over the world who come to attend! I have been nominated a few times in other categories over the years, but this year was extra special to win and to accept the award at the famous Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville with my family in attendance!” Cory was also thrilled to be in "Studio A" of the Opry for the preparty gala, where the show "Hee-Haw" used to be filmed. Cory watched the show as a child, and being there gave him memories

Fall Tune Up Time!!

venues or festivals and events as well, and I want to thank all my friends and fans for their amazing ongoing support over the many years of my career,” Cory added. “It means the world to me, and I am truly blessed and grateful for everything!”

To learn more about Cory, visit http://www. corymcoons.com/.

to last a lifetime.

Last month was not Cory’s first time in Nashville, and it almost certainly won’t be his last. He hopes to continue writing and recording new material in the near future for release. He also still performs live locally in the area and out of town. “I am always looking to expand my horizons in new

FRIENDLY FRIDAY DRAWING CIRCLE November 3, 10 & 17, St. John’s United Church 400 Prescott Street, Kemptville, 5:00 – 8:00 PM. This is an open studio for artists at all levels, ages 14 and up, interested in drawing from the live, clothed model and still life.

Donations for model fees are appreciated. For more information contact gowjb@gmail.com

Spirit of Giving returns to Canadian Tire

MELISSA OTTENHOF Marketing Consultant

Phone:613 329 0209 Email: melissa@ngtimes.ca

New CEO for the North Grenville Public Library wealth of experience and fresh perspectives including CEO experience at both the Brockville and Edwardsburgh Cardinal public libraries. She is a lifelong resident of the area who is dedicated to the community and has a passion for library services.

She will foster a culture of inclusivity, creativity, and lifelong learning within the Library.

“Emily is highly qualified, with the right mix of extensive library experience and strategic leadership skills required to lead NGPL forward within a growing and dynamic NG community,” says Stephen Elliott, Chair.

Celebrating 10 years in business

submitted by NGPL Board The North Grenville Library Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Emily Farrell as the Library’s new Chief Executive Officer effective October 23, 2023.

Ms. Farrell holds a Master's degree in Information Studies and brings a

November 2, 2023

The Voice of North Grenville

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Rick Johnson, Michelle Vallee and Canadian Tire staff pose with some of the toys available at Canadian Tire in anticipation of the 2nd Annual Spirit of Giving.

by Brandon Mayer Some traditions simply must go on even after a store changes ownership, and the Spirit of Giving fundraiser and family fun day event at Canadian Tire in Kemptville, which had its inaugural run last year, is one such occasion.

The Canadian Tire store was owned by Frank Hoffman for years, and under Frank’s watch, the retail location was known as a hotspot for both generosity and family fun.

In September, the store’s ownership changed hands to Rick Johnson, and lucky for the North Grenville community, Rick is just as fond of giving back to the community as Frank. “I want it bigger!” said Rick. “Year after year, I want to see it get larger and larger and get into some serious coin.” Rick would like to be able to give large donations to local non-profit organizations, and feels that the Spirit of Giving event is on the right track to do so in the years ahead. “We just have to keep it growing,” he added.

This year’s event, dubbed the “2nd Annual Spirit of Giving”, will happen on Saturday, November 18 from 9 am to 3 pm. All are welcome and encouraged to bring the whole family. There will be many free activities for all ages, including a bouncy castle, auctions, raffles, a 50/50 draw, opportunities to sit in a fire truck and police car, photos with Santa and photos with your pets, a canteen, and treats including popcorn, cotton candy, and hot chocolate and more.

The free event invites a goodwill offering, and those who are able are encouraged to make donations of food, toys or money, or to contribute anything they can in the “spirit of giving” to help the community.

How did such a wonderful and festive event get started?

Last year, 100 Women Who Care donated a cheque to JumpStart, Canadian Tire’s own charity that helps underprivileged youth participate in organized sports. One of the volunteer women pointed out that there was a great need in the community for things such as food donations, and the idea for a large fundraiser was born.

Michelle Vallee from Moose FM explained that the Spirit of Giving event is actually a collaboration between Canadian Tire and Moose FM, which doubles as a launch for the Salvation Army’s Kettle Campaign. The local radio station broadcasts from the event, which is supported by various local businesses who act as community sponsors.

Store employees Anastasia Wiggins and Sam Harris are helping with the organizing as well.

“Half of the fun of retail is to get excitement going,” said Rick. “My favourite time without a doubt is Christmas because the store is busy and people are happy.”

Come out and enjoy a great day to “receive” free family fun while “giving” the gift of food or a toy (if you’re able). See you on November 18! www.ngtimes.ca

The Voice of North Grenville

The North Grenville Times

Blue Moon Live returns! submitted by John Sobol The popular local Blue Moon Live concert series is at it again, with an upcoming concert on November 11 at 7:30 pm.

The concert features Bob Wiseman who is described as a “fascinating and funny singer/songwriter”. He cofounded Blue Rodeo, with whom he won 5 Junos, before he left to go solo. He has since released some ter-

rific albums and performed/ toured with many great artists like Feist and Wilco. He has also been a very important producer and promoter of other Canadian artists.

For example, Bob Wiseman volunteered to record and produce Ron Sexsmith's first record when no record label was interested in him, and then shopped it around because he knew that Ron was a special talent, which

Sobol, who will be opening for him (on sax, stories and songs).

Tickets for the event are just $25 and all are welcome. For more information, visit www.bluemoonlive.ca. To purchase tickets, you can visit https:// www.eventbrite.ca/e/bluemoon-live-presents-bobwiseman-in-burritts-rapidstickets-733528241717.

landed him a big deal and kickstarted his amazing career.

Bob is famous for his commitment to helping other artists, and he is also a fantastic singer/songwriter himself. He doesn't perform often anymore, so it is something of a “coup” that he will be performing in the intimacy of the Burritts Rapids Community Hall, says concert organizer John

Ottawa Story Tellers event a great success

HIGH TECH EYE CARE

submitted by Judy Fader Levere On Saturday, October 21, The Ottawa Story Tellers presented "To the Moon and Back" to a full house at North Grenville Public Library. Their magical performance was the highlight of Friends of North Grenville Public Library’s fantastic fall fundraiser. Over $2,000 was raised through ticket sales plus silent auction sales of items generously donated by local businesses. These funds will help purchase a much-needed new children's computer with literacy and learning activities. Thank you to our sponsors Jonsson’s Independent Grocer, Connie Lamble, Barrister, and Hygiene Now.

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NGCT returns to the stage

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November 2 2023

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submitted by Anna Van Adrichem-Rochon The North Grenville Community Theatre is set to captivate audiences with its production of "Death of Me" by Norm Foster at the Eastern Ontario Drama League One Act Festival, to be hosted at the Urbandale Theatre in the N.G Municipal Centre on November 3rd and 4th.

This highly-anticipated event not only offers a platform for local actors to showcase their extraordinary talents, but also promises a weekend filled with riveting performances by eight other exceptional theatre groups hailing from across Eastern Ontario.

Friday, November 3rd, will kick off with three back-to-back productions, setting the stage for an afternoon and evening brimming with theatrical excellence on Saturday. Each show will be punctuated by a brief 15-minute intermission, allowing attendees to mingle and share their thoughts on the performances.

For those eager to secure their seats in advance, tickets are available at the convenient B&H grocer or online at ticketsplease.ca. Don't miss this opportunity to be swept away by the magic of live theatre and support our local arts community. Join us for a weekend of unforgettable entertainment! For those interested, there is also an opportunity to attend the awards brunch on Sunday.

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The Voice of North Grenville

The North Grenville Times

Fraud charges laid

submitted by Grenville County OPP Members of the Grenville County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a person in relation to a fraud.

Officers received the report in March 2023 and investigated fraudulent cheques of approximately $1,100 sent in exchange for items the victim had been selling online.

On October 11, 2023, a 25-year-old from Niagara, was charged with the following offences: - fraud under $5,000, and - possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

The accused was released from custody and is to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on November 10, 2023.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation should contact the Grenville County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, submit your tip online at Ontario Crime Stoppers where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

UPDATE

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

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

Chesterville MacEwen’s robbed at gunpoint

by Brandon Mayer The MacEwen’s gas station and Quickie convenience store in the heart of Chesterville was the site of an armed rob-

bery last week, and the subject was still at large as of the time of writing.

The crime took place on October 25 at around 10 pm.

Photo credit: Jordan Holmes

Township of North Dundas Career Opportunities We’re Hiring!

CASUAL/CALL-IN SEASONAL PLOW TRUCK DRIVERS For full position descriptions and details, visit Career Opportunities on our website. Application deadline is until all positions are filled Township of North Dundas 636 St. Lawrence St., PO Box 489, Winchester, ON K0C 2K0 November 2, 2023

Sign-up to receive Mayor Peckford’s e-newsletter at: northgrenville.ca/connect.

UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL MEETINGS

Security camera screenshots taken from the night of the incident show two photos of the suspect, though they do not provide much for the public to go on. The suspect is male with a thin build, wearing a black top and black or dark blue pants. He also sports high top shoes or boots, gloves, and perhaps the most distinguishing article of attire is what appears to be a snowmobile helmet that obscures his face and head, hiding any clues related to hairstyle, hair and skin colour, or facial features.

In addition to his disguising attire, the man also brandishes what appears to be a pistol, though there is no telling whether it is real or fake.

No motor vehicle was observed in the area, suggesting the man is either local, or had a getaway vehicle hidden far enough away from the scene to avoid the vehicle being seen and later identified by witnesses.

It is reported that the suspect got away with about $300 worth of cash and cigarettes. In the hours following the robbery, about a half dozen OPP police vehicles could be seen in the parking lot of the gas station, no doubt starting the investigation.

Anyone who may be able to help the OPP identify the suspect, or who may have seen something in the area on the night in question that could aid in the investigation, is asked to contact the SD&G OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or Crime Stoppers to report anonymously at 1-800222-TIPS.

Please see the Council agenda for further details on how to participate in Council meetings. All Council meetings will be live streamed on YouTube at: youtube.com/user/NorthGrenville/featured and on the Municipality’s website at: www.northgrenville.ca/meetings.

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

Council agendas are available at: www.northgrenville.ca/meetings.

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Tuesday, November 7 at 6:30 p.m. (Open Session) – Municipal Center, Suite A Wednesday, November 8 at 6:30 p.m. (Open Session) – Kemptville Campus, Parish Hall

COMMITTEE MEETINGS Committees may be meeting in-person or virtually. Please see the Committee agenda for details on how to attend. Agendas can be found on the Municipal website at www.northgrenville.ca/meetings.

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Community and Economic Development Advisory Committee – Monday, November 6 at 3:30 p.m.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee – Thursday, November 9 at 5:30 p.m.

Heritage Advisory Committee – Tuesday, November 14 at 4:30 p.m.

Active Transportation Advisory Committee – Wednesday, November 15 at 5:00 p.m.

Indigenous Advisory Committee – Thursday, November 16 at 4:30 p.m.

VOLUNTEER AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Building Inspector The Municipality of North Grenville is seeking to fill the full-time position of Building Inspector. Interested applicants may submit a cover letter and resume outlining qualifications in confidence to Human Resources by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 3, 2023.

Facilities Operator The Municipality of North Grenville is seeking to fill a permanent position of Facilities Operator. Interested applicants may submit a cover letter and resume outlining qualification in confidence to Human Resources by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 24, 2023.

Advisory Committees Join the conversation regarding the community! The Municipality continues to accept applications for members to various advisory committees. Visit northgrenville.ca/committees for more information on how to apply. For questions, please contact the Clerk by email at clerk@northgrenville.on.ca or by telephone at 613-258-9569 ext 171.

NORTH GRENVILLE TRANSIT

North Grenville provides an on-demand accessible transit service for those with disabilities and those 65 years of age and older. Riders can be picked up and dropped off anywhere in North Grenville. For more information and to register visit www.northgrenville.ca/transit or call 613-258-9569 ext. 133

COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN

Financial incentives are available for businesses and property owners to continue the revitalization of Downtown Kemptville. As part of the Downtown Kemptville Community Improvement Plan, intake is now open for the following financial programs: Façade & Signage Grant, People Make the Place Grant, Building Fees Grant, and Tax-Increment Equivalent Residential Grant.

The Development Charges Exemption is still in place for downtown. Intake is on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. If you have questions or are looking to apply, please email vision@northgrenville.on.ca or call 613-258-9569 ext 177.

The Municipality of North Grenville 285 County Rd. 44, PO Box 130 , Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Tel: 613-258-9569 Fax: 613-258-9620 general@northgrenville.on.ca www.NorthGrenville.ca Building: 613-258-9569 x130 Fax: 613-258-1441 Fire Services Info: 613-258-9569 x201 Fax: 613-258-1031 By-Law Services: email: bylawinquiries@northgrenville.on.ca 613-258-9569 x211 Police Administration: 613-258-3441 Animal Control: 613-862-9002

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Editorial

The Voice of North Grenville

The North Grenville Times

Night and dusk

by Brandon Mayer Isn’t it fascinating how big of a difference in community quality and spirit a local government can make? This month officially marks one year since new local councils were sworn in across the Province. In North Grenville, the ceremony took place on November 7, 2022. In North Dundas, it happened a little later in the month, on November 15, 2022.

Time flies, doesn’t it?

The new Council members in North Dundas are no longer new. The wholly re-elected Council in North Grenville is now a quarter of the way through its second term together. What a great time to evaluate its performance thus far.

Shall we?

Firstly, both councils are great at promoting community spirit and inclusion.

Even those with conservative views surely feel, in 2023, that the world has a place for everyone. The simple gesture of flying a rainbow coloured flag

for one month every year hurts absolutely no one, and reminds historically marginalized and mistreated people that they belong here.

Bravo to the councils of both North Grenville and North Dundas for approving this simple gesture for the month of June.

We have recently seen an example of a council having no such grace. In Merrickville-Wolford, a similar motion was defeated by a 3-2 vote in September, as the three men casting “nay” votes smirked with apparent amusement. What an awful message they sent to gay and lesbian youth and adults who pay taxes and contribute to the Merrickville-Wolford community just like everyone else.

A vote in favour of a pride flag does not need to translate into support for the teaching of lewd topics in schools (spoiler alert: no such inappropriate teaching takes place, but that’s a separate article for another day). Support for the pride flag also doesn’t need to mean supporting a person’s right to identify as a potato

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, Brandon Mayer's certainty…

Well, Brandon Mayer certainly isn't subtle in his use of emotionally loaded vocabulary to rail against the idea of a Universal Basic Income. We are accustomed to, not just to waste, but "excessive waste in government". We are taking "a firm step in the direction of communism."

Now to more substantive issues: He says, "Working less hard and making less money has no real consequences when the government promises to make up the difference."

1. The government has no intention "to make up the difference" if that means giving the equivalent of the average taxpayer's salary.

2. Equating working less hard and earning less money is a false premise.

We all know that salaries

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November 2 2023

per hour range very widely.

How is there an apparently obvious connection between hard work and lots of money? Many work 2 or 3 different minimum pay jobs.

"I work 60 hours a week, and I don't do it so that someone who works 20 hours a week can take my money when it's confiscated as taxes...."

1. Again, the assumption that equal hours of work gain equal amounts of money. (And possibly the 'entitled' assumption that if we are paid more an hour it is automatically because we deserve it.)

2. "Take" my money?

"Confiscated" as taxes? No assumptions here!

3. It's quite possible that some make far more money in 20 hours than others do in 60.

He complains about "... rising unemployment as unambitious people choose to ride the system" assuming that all who need income

or a hat (as my 12 year old and his friends love to joke about).

Simply put, the pride flag does not need to be seen as a symbol of liberal extremism.

We live in a conservativeminded area, but we can still show the potentially hundreds of gay and lesbian local residents that they have a home here and are safe here, in a world where not every area can boast the same level of inclusion.

Such matters aside, the councils of North Dundas and North Grenville differ in many ways. North Grenville is growing rapidly, now bustling with department stores, eateries, and countless local businesses. Many NG residents feel that this growth is too fast, and that the small-town feel is now a thing of the past. The section of County Road 43 that passes through Kemptville is slated to be widened with extra lanes, and there are talks of a new downtown hotel and even an indoor aquatics centre coming to town. Council is pushing full steam ahead in NG. It does raise the classic “chicken or

egg” question: is there an influx of newcomers driving NG growth by necessity, or is NG Council being bold in its expansion of local amenities, thus attracting scores of new residents and turning Kemptville into a “suburb of Ottawa”, as so many locals claim?

In North Dundas, growth is more sustainable, and the status quo is as evident as ever. Residents of ND have much less to fear when it comes to threats against the “small town lifestyle”, although the addition of an A&W in early 2022 – the Township’s first and only drive thru burger chain – definitely struck terror in the hearts of many residents.

Never before was anyone so scared of a hamburgeron-the-fly, and probably never since. “They’ll take away customers from our mom and pop restaurants,” residents said. It was only a matter of time, though. I remember being stopped for directions to the local McDonalds location a few years ago while at work in Winchester, and was met with a look of horror and confusion

when I told the unsuspecting lady that Winchester did not have a McDonalds or in fact, any drive-thru fast food restaurant at all. Her face was not wrong – Winchester is growing.

The growth in ND is different from the growth in NG. In ND, growth is more natural and reasonably sustainable while Council seems to spend much of its time solving problems.

“How do we increase the number of water connections without compromising water quality and quantity in the years ahead?” And then there is, “How can we keep enjoying community events when insurance is getting so darn expensive?” (This one, at least, appeared to get resolved). Oh and my personal favourite, “How do we keep kids entertained without having to actually pay for any recreational amenities, while increasing taxes anyway?”

It wouldn’t be accurate to say that NG and ND are “night and day”. Both councils must necessarily deal with a lot of what I call “routine business” such as

supplements are "unambitious."

There may well be valuable points to discuss about UBI, and how much money is "basic." But I see this article as presented as mean spirited.

Darrell Nunn

example, if the basic income needed to meet the cost of living is thought to be $2,500 per month and family B brings in $1,800 (yes, there are hard-working families like this), they would receive a top-up of $700 while family C, making $2,200, would receive $300.

Further, the additional money received by each family would mostly be spent on goods and services previously impossible for them to afford, thus making its way back into communities and supporting the economy. Trials of such a system have shown that it costs relatively little and pays off in healthier families and a healthier economy.

It is time to retire the attitude that says that anyone who wants to work can find an adequately paying job. In today’s world, this is simply untrue, and further, it is demeaning to the considerable number of Ontarians who live with both visible

and invisible handicaps, especially as the help they receive leaves them living well below the poverty line. They face choices between paying for things such as rent, food or medication regularly.

After many years away, I am newly returned to Kemptville and enjoy the North Grenville Times very much.

Thank you for helping put it together.

Sincerely, Karen Dukes

Dear Editor, Re: Why a universal basic income won’t work, Oct. 26 issue I read with both interest and dismay your oped Why a universal basic income won’t work, Oct. 26, in which you wrote that there are two ways of creating such a system. Unfortunately, you neglected to mention the third way, the one that is most beneficial to both the recipient and the community.

A workable universal basic income is achieved by a process of “topping up” the incomes of those whose existing incomes fall below a predetermined level. For

the north grenville

613-215-0735

Send in your letters to the editor to editor@ngtimes.ca

Mailing Address P.O. Box 1854 ISSN 2291-0301 Kemptville, ON OFFICE 613-215-0735 K0G 1J0 Production Editor production@ngtimes.ca Brandon Mayer 613-215-0735 editor@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735

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TIMES

CLASSIFIEDS classifieds@ngtimes.ca

Dear Editor, After reading your most recent article concerning universal basic income I must salute you fine sir for saying the truth about the subject and having the courage to say what needs to be addressed concerning this subject. Many journalists normally toe the line but I was impressed you actually logically said what needs to be said. Keep it up sir.

Pierre Chevrier

zoning and planning matters, a similarity that begs the use of the phrase “night and dusk” instead. In North Dundas, a disproportionate amount of time seems to be spent dealing with internal housekeeping matters, such as Township staff wages and benefits, but that is another “story for another day”.

Being the Editor of the NG Times and the ND Times has its perks. One is that I get to see the same types of the complaints rolling in from both sides of Boundary Road. The most common one is: “I contacted the Township/Municipality weeks ago and never got a response”. It’s true that expert municipal staff on both sides of the border work tirelessly to recommend Council decisions which can’t then be reconsidered solely due to the concerns of one resident, but I must agree that a response to all inquiries should be given.

It’s only polite, after all.

So how did our local governments measure up so far this term? You be the judge!

Accounting Pat Jessop cfo@ngtimes.ca

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The North Grenville Times

The history of the poppy

by Fiona Plunkett South Mountain resident 2nd Vice President, Public Relations Officer, and Band Liaison Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 212, Kemptville As you may have noticed last week, volunteers were scattered across the region with poppy boxes.

Most of us wear them every year. Most of us have a collection of poppies from previous years in corners of

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our homes. Most of us have heard of In Flanders Fields (originally titled They Shall Not Sleep) and can recite at least some of the poem. But do you know the history behind the poppy, as a symbol of remembrance?

The poppy is the most enduring symbol of the First World War and Armistice (Remembrance) Day. Very few things grew in the churned up soil of the Western Front. In fact, they

Services

Design Stone Work Carpentry Horticulture

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Maintenace Lightning Restoration Water Features

www.ardron.ca

An update from CAPP

flourished in the chalk, soil, and lime, and their beauty stood out against the devastation of the land. They inspired Canadian Surgeon, Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, to write the famous poem in 1915 which is now read around the world.

Moved and inspired by McCrae’s poem, two women began advocating for the poppy to be adopted as the official symbol of Remembrance.

Madame Anna Guérin, born in France, moved to England in 1911, and then to the United States when the First World War broke out. By 1920, she was responsible for Poppy Days in a number of states. She travelled to England and with her experience in fundraising and women’s groups, she advocated for (and offered to fund) one million poppies made in France. The British Legion announced that November 11 would be known as Poppy Day, and commissioned an additional eight million to be manufactured in England.

American professor and humanitarian Moina Michael penned her response entitled We Shall Keep The Faith in 1918, and also began her mission to make the poppy the official symbol of remembrance in the United States.

In 1921, the Royal British Legion, the Great War Veterans’ Association (from which the Royal Canadian Legion was formed) and the American Legion Auxiliary began wearing the poppy on their left lapels, closest to their hearts, in order to remember the sacrifice of soldiers in times of war.

by Brandon Mayer The local group, Coalition Against the Proposed Prison (CAPP), is still going strong in its fight against the proposed Eastern Ontario Correctional Complex that is slated to be built on Kemptville Campus lands, if the Province has its way.

The CAPP members’ main focus right now is the ongoing Judicial Review which was requested jointly by CAPP and a similar-minded organization, the Jail Opposition Group (JOG).

The judicial review saw some preliminary success earlier this year when a judge refused the Province’s motion to dismiss it outright, indicating that the Judge believed there was at least a case for the arguments to be heard.

Vi c t o r L a c h a n c e from CAPP explained that although the judicial review process is going strong, it is not free, and there is nothing to stop the Province from destroying historical buildings and beginning the construction while the process is ongoing.

CAPP has asked the Municipality to match contributions from members of the public to support the judicial review, and the organization has also encouraged the Municipality to file for an injunction that would protect the historical Campus buildings while the judicial review is underway.

Mayor Nancy Peckford responded to these request via the Times.

NG Photography Club Iconic image recreation

Last issue I left out photographer Dorothea Larsen's name. My sincere pologies Dorothy

November 2, 2023

The Voice of North Grenville

6

“The Municipality has made significant efforts since the provincial government’s announcement of plans for the provincial correctional facility to save as many buildings as possible on the farmside lands,” she said. “Council has been very clear with the province that the Municipality would like the AM Barr Arena, horse stables and other buildings in good condition to be preserved and re-utilized if we can get jurisdiction over them.

In regard to the Judicial Review funds request, this option has not been pursued by Council.”

While very open about possible steps and actions that Council could take to fight the proposed prison, CAPP has recently softened its position on Council decisions related to the project. In a conversation with the Times, Lachance explained that Council is frequently tasked with making tough decisions, and there is evidence that the Province bullied the Municipality into making some statements to cast the prison in a better light.

Has there been progress made on the prison opposition front? Lachance explained that although the Province can work on the project during the judicial review, work seems to have slowed down significantly. This is likely because the Province doesn’t want to waste the money on work without knowing if the project will be cancelled in the future following a successful judicial review.

In response to the idea that Council cannot sup-

port the judicial review since not every local resident is against the proposed prison, Lachance points out that the judicial review is something that benefits everyone, no matter their opinions on the project. This is because it will help to clarify details of the project including such things as who will pay for what, and how it fits into local zoning and planning.

Lachance was excited to announce that a nonprofit organization called Small Change Fund has partnered with CAPP and JOG to support the judicial review. A next step for the judicial review will be to request that the Province be mandated to release information that it has not previously disclosed to the Court relating to matters such as how they chose Kemptville as the location for the prison. “The reason we know the information exists is because we’ve obtained some of it through the Freedom of Information process,” Lachance explained. “We claim that they didn’t abide by the Provincial Policy Statement and the Planning Act, and if we’re right, the Court will prohibit them from moving ahead with the project.”

Future updates from CAPP will be shared by Lachance in the Times to keep readers informed of the status of the judicial review and other exclusive details about the project and the Province’s actions. It is expected that such updates will be informative for people who are both for and against the project. www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Frangulous Buckthorn!

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Fall foliage of roadside Frangulous Buckthorn (Frangula alnus) along County Road 18, S of Bishops Mills.

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by Fred Schueler & Aleta Karstad, Fragile Inheritance Natural History In our 1995 survey of the ecology of the Kemptville Creek drainage northstarwindows.com basin, there was an entry for: “Rhamnus frangula (Glossy Buckthorn). Widespread and Invasive.

QUALITY WINDOWS & DOORS Seemed to become much more frequent near Bishops Mills about 1991.

GREAT SERVICE. EXCEPTIONAL VALUE. It may come to be a more important invader than R. cathartica because DEALER it invades wetland as well as upland habitats.”

INFORMATION This is a forecast which has come true, and many roadsides are South Mountain, ON now lined with the insipid yellow-orange of the autumnal foliage of 1-800-561-4206 this species. It is now usually called Frangula alnus because it differs ©2022 North Star Windows & Doors. All rights reserved. info@clearcutinstallations.com from the Rhamnus Buckthorns in flower structure, its thornlessness, and its fragile (frangulous) wood, and genetic analysis has confirmed the difference between the genera. Glossy, Smooth, Alder, ColumBRAND JOB DESCRIPTION DATE TIME DESIGNER INTENTION nar, Arrowwood, Fen, Persian Berries, Tallhedge, Breaking, EuroNorth Star Windows & Doors Co-op Print Advertising March 1st, 2022 8:55 SP CO-OP pean, Black, or Shining Buckthorn are recorded as English names.

– Patio Doors This is a shade-tolerant wide-leaved shrub, with thornless speckled twigs and pale-flecked grey bark, growing to a height of 7 m, SIZE COLOUR PRODUCTION NOTES and bearing 6-10 mm black berries in years when is – One - Quarter-V CMYK This ad scales at 88.67% to fit a 4 column DOCKETit # fruits. It Metroland (5.145” x 5.71”) broadsheet size native to Europe, northernmost Africa, and western Asia, and it (4 column x 71 agates = 284 lines = 4.5625” x 5.06”) 129-395 was probably introduced to North America before 1800, but did not become widespread until the early 1900s. In Ontario, it was NORTH STAR WINDOWS & DOORS 40684 Talbot Line, St Thomas, ON N5P 3T2 1-800-265-5701 NORTHSTARWINDOWS.COM introduced to London (1898), Ottawa (1899) and Guelph (1906), and was largely restricted to these urban habitats until after 1950.

Since showing up on our land in Bishops Mills around 1991, it has spread in oldfields and fencerows, and in the woods has widely displaced native understorey shrubs and herbs. Toxins that leach out of the leaves are known to inhibit the growth of other plants, and to poison tadpoles in adjacent ponds. It has so crowded out reproduction of forest trees that it is subject to herbicidal control in Limerick Forest.

The field east of County Road 18 where we grazed goats in the early 1980s is now a dense low woodland of the two invasive Buckthorn species, with only a few sugar maples and white elms. In 2013, we collected samples from 30 Frangulous plants from the roadside here, and sent them to Belgium for a study which, “using a set of annotated single-nucleotide polymorphisms”, concluded that “patterns of invasion through transatlantic trade from a limited number of European port regions led to the establishment of bridgehead populations with high allelic richness, allowing continuous secondary migration to natural areas.”

Like so many invasive plants, Frangulous Buckthorn has no insect pests, and none have been found in Europe that could be imported for biological control. In our 2005 summary of invasive plants in Limerick Forest, we recommended “recreational slashing” as the only control method (we use a Swedish Brush Axe from Lee Valley Tools), but while this is good exercise, and takes down the larger stems, the stumps sprout, and seeds fallen from the shrubs, or dispersed by birds, make dense thickets of seedlings. Conservation Authorities have staff who are licensed to apply herbicides to stumps. Seedlings up to about 50 cm to 1 m height can be uprooted by hand, larger ones can be uprooted by a weed wrench, and sprouting from stumps of larger stems can be prevented by bagging in black plastic or covering the stump with a scrap of old carpet.

With no prospects of biological control, Eternal Vigilance is the only way of dealing with the invasive Buckthorns, and the control process must be more nearly a sport than a project. If anyone wants to discuss control, or visit our control efforts on our land, or in the “Buckthorn to Maple Grove,” they can contact us at bckcdb@istar.ca.

November 2 2023

7

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The North Grenville Times

Farmers need help dealing with wildlife crop damage and losses

by Bill Groenheide, Director, OFA Farmers always worry about the weather impacting their crops, from drought and heat to flooding, hail, and high winds. However, there’s another aspect of nature that is also a source of damage and loss for agricultural crops – wildlife.

Farmers who grow outdoor crops can lose whole fields or portions of fields and are left to deal with significant crop damage and yield loss due to wildlife.

I farm just outside of Thunder Bay and for the northern Ontario farmers I represent on the Board of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), crop damage and losses caused by sandhill cranes in particular are an ongoing source of frustration. These are birds that used to migrate south in the winter but are now increasingly staying put and as their populations are growing, their impact on agriculture is also on

the rise.

In the spring, for example, they’ll feast on newly planted seeds or nibble on freshly sprouted wheat or corn crops and some farmers have reported losing up to 30% of their planted acres to damage. A farmer’s only choice, if they want to harvest a crop in the fall, is to replant, which is both costly and without a guarantee that wildlife won’t overtake those plants and seeds too.

In the fall, harvest-ready corn and soybeans are also an attraction. Birds aren’t the only challenge, though, and it’s not just farmers in the north who deal with this problem.

Damage to crops can also be caused by a variety of other species, such as deer, raccoons, geese, migratory birds, and wild turkeys to name just a few. Not all farmers suffer from wildlife predation equally, but for farmers who are impacted, the damage can result in significant financial burdens.

THOMAS M. BYRNE Barrister and Solicitor

It’s not just about financial impacts, though.

In addition to causing crop damage, white-tailed deer for example, also have the potential to transfer diseases like Chronic Wasting Disease (a prion disease that affects deer, elk, reindeer and moose) to farmed populations of deer or other cervids.

Farmers are also limited in the actions they can take to protect their crops from wildlife, as only certain activities are permitted under provincial legislation, and often only at certain times of the year.

It’s important to mention, however, that damage and loss from wildlife isn’t just limited to crops. Predators are also attracted to livestock and poultry, and Ontario farmers are fortunate to have the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program that provides the opportunity to apply for payment for livestock or poultry killed or injured by

wildlife.

Unfortunately, there is no comparable compensation program for wildlife damage to crops. That’s why the OFA has been, and continues to advocate for, support for farmers whose crops are damaged by or lost to wildlife.

This includes access to a compensation program similar to that available to livestock farmers, as well as support with respect to practical mitigation solutions and control options.

The OFA is also actively involved in the HumanWildlife Conflict Advisory Working Group, and the Agriculture-Wildlife Conflict Working Group. Wildlife damage is not easily controlled and can have a significant impact on the productivity and profitability of a farm business. Fair and sustainable solutions will require the input and support from a variety of stakeholders.

The fight to save the Andrewsville Bridge continues

submitted by David Duncan Since 2015, the Friends of the Andrewsville Bridge have been advocating for the Bridge as an important asset to our communities. The Bridge, located east of Merrickville, has spanned the Rideau River for generations.

The Andrewsville Bridge is a fine example of a riveted truss bridge and it contributes to the beauty of the river and the heritage of the setting, which includes a swing bridge at Upper Nicolson’s Locks a short distance away. The current bridge was built ca.

1900. by the Dominion Bridge Company, which was one of the largest bridge building compaNovember 2, 2023

nies in Canada.

On April 26, 2023, presentations were made to Lanark County Council stressing the importance of the bridge by the Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicles and the Friends of the Andrewsville Bridge(FAB).

The presentation by FAB includes a proposal for a replacement that preserves its historic appearance. Details at https:// andrewsville-bridge.ca/.

Lanark County then adopted MOTION #PW2023-24 to move forward with bridge replacement contingent on 50% funding from the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.

We need your support as we bring our case to the United Counties of Leeds

The Voice of North Grenville

and a strong showing to support the Bridge is needed to reinforce its importance to our communities.

Use the link below to visit our website. Sign the petition and let your politicians know it’s important! https://andrewsvillebridge.ca/.

Thank you for your support!

FAB Friends of Andrewsville Bridge

and Grenville Now is the time for all Friends of the Andrewsville Bridge to tell the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville as we did with Lanark County that we want our bridge to stay open! We need you to show up at United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, 25 Central Ave. West, Suite 100, Brockville Council Chambers during the discussion on the future of the Bridge on Nov 8th at 9 am. Citizen attendance is allowed,

Send in your letters to the editor to editor@ngtimes.ca

MELISSA OTTENHOF Marketing Consultant

Phone:613 329 0209 Email: melissa@ngtimes.ca

8

General Practice Corporate / Commercial Family Law Estates Real Estate Wills & Powers of Attorney tom@tmblaw.ca 613.258.1277 222 Prescott St., Kemptville

Farmers call for quick resolution to Seaway workers’ strike

submitted by OFA The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is joining Grain Farmers of Ontario, Fertilizer Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in urging the federal government to ensure that critical shipments of grains, oilseeds, fertilizer, and other products and resources like road salt continue to flow through the St. Lawrence Seaway in light of the ongoing strike by Seaway workers.

As winter approaches and fall harvest is in full swing, time is of the essence to keep grain shipments moving before the Seaway closes for the winter. Provincial grain storages are filling up quickly, with some having already reached capacity – a situation that will rapidly become worse if the strike isn’t resolved quickly.

“This is an absolutely crucial time for the grain harvest in Ontario and the closure of the St. Lawrence Seaway could not come at a worse time for farmers and the Canadian food supply chain,” says farmer and OFA director Steve Brackenridge, who is also owner-operator of a grain elevator near Peterborough already dealing with major grain shipment backlogs. “We can’t overstate the urgency of this situation as the locks in the Welland Canal and the St. Lawrence River will close in late December/ early January due to annual freeze and will remain closed until late March.”

Late last week, OFA, the Ontario Agri-Business Association and Grain Farmers of Ontario called on Canadian Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan and the government of Canada to take every approach available to ensure that any potential labour disruption does not further damage the Ontario agricultural industry and the wider Canadian economy.

“We seek the support of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Transport Canada, the Canada Industrial Relations Board, Unifor and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Company to explore all opportunities to bring a swift end to this strike,” adds OFA President Peggy Brekveld. “The Seaway is part of Canada’s critical supply chain infrastructure and an essential artery for the export of grain shipments the world depends on, as well as the arrival of vitally important fertilizer and road salt shipments for Canadians.”

The Seaway supports more than 66,000 Canadian jobs and is responsible for $34 million in economic activity a day, as well as the flow of more than six million tonnes of grain annually. In an average month, between 600,000 and 700,000 tonnes of grain travel through the Seaway to Canada, Europe, South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and more.

The Canadian fertilizer industry also relies on the St. Lawrence Seaway for the movement of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash products, three nutrients that play a fundamental role in plant growth, crop yields and food security. Approximately three quarters of the fertilizer used by Ontario farmers each spring are imported via the Seaway during the fall shipping season.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, representing 38,000 farm families across the Province and serving as the leading advocate and strongest voice of Ontario’s farmers. As a dynamic farmer-led organization based in Guelph, the OFA represents and champions the interests of Ontario farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more. www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

Merrickville’s Makers Market November 4th and 5th

The Voice of North Grenville

Kemptville Rotary Santa Claus Parade

submitted by Margaret Armour It’s pumpkin spice season or sweater weather or, dare we say, Christmas shopping time!

Whatever you call it, you can come and enjoy it at Merrickville’s Community Centre on November 4th and 5th. The Christmas edition of the popular Merrickville’s Makers Market takes place indoors at the Centre, located at 106 Read Street, over two days.

Each day will feature 30 unique artisans anxious to show and sell their work. Everything available is either entirely or partially made by hand in their creative spaces, whether it’s a kitchen, a sewing room, a studio or, even, a hybrid combination of workshop and living space. To learn more about each of our makers, please visit our website.

Collectively, the makers represent an eclectic assortment of artists and artisans: local and nearby community members dedicated to their crafts and dedicated to providing a topnotch event for market-goers. Merrickville is a popular market for them to help showcase the beautiful village, the welcoming public and incredible sponsors.

Sunday November 5th will see the addition of the Disco Bus to the streetscape of Merrickville. It’s a shop local initiative that provides fun times and transportation to area villages and towns. The shoppers will take in the sights, attend the market and, as all market attendees are encouraged to do, visit, shop and enjoy the Jewel of the Rideau, Merrickville.

We welcome everyone to visit us on November 4th and 5th. This will be our last market of 2023. Admission is free. There’s plenty of parking.

To learn more, visit https://www.merrickvillesmakersmarkets.ca or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Saturday November 18 at 4:30 pm

th

Register your parade entry now!

Also seeking barricade volunteers.

2023 Theme: Create Hope in the World

CLASSIFIEDS

classifieds@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735

Information and registration at: northgrenville.ca/HoHoHo Club of Kemptville

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November 2 2023

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The Voice of North Grenville

The North Grenville Times

73’s buy into the system to take two of three challenges

Baptism under fire....Maxwell Ilecki arrived in Kemptville and put to the test with Cornwall Colts on Friday evening matchup to give his new team a 6 to 3 victory to move them up in the standings

by G.J. the sportsguy

An unusual Wednesday evening meeting on home ice with the Rockland Nationals was a toe to toe affair with Kemptville holding on for a 4 to 3 victory.

Most of the damage occurred in the initial frame as Rockland struck first with a quick release to beat Jacob Biron glove side when vision was blocked by own from Mathieu Paquin, assisted from Ndeffo and Fillion at 1:55. Kemptville on PP with smooth transition from Haughian to Logue into the tape of Ryan Rutley PPG

in the slot to record a signed rubber for his first of the year to put it by Patrick Charette at 4:25 to knot it up. Down low attack with extra man as Holmes on half wall to Melvin who reversed to Matt Thomas PPG on the line for tie breaker at 6:45. Four on four when stretch pass from Fennell to Melvin, to find Emile Trottier on the doorstep, over the shoulder short side at 15:33. The 73’s turned a negative 4 on 3 into a positive as Montoni combined with Tyler Melvin SHG on his horse flying down main street, top shelf to dislodge the water

bottle skyward for a game winning shortie at 18:05. Failure of a clean clearing attempt from Kemptville gave Alex Kelloway with helpers from Carroll and Leonard a shot to capitalize at 19:40.

Second stanza began with 4 on 4 and a new stopper for Rockland as Patrick Charette was replaced with Benoit Forget. Scoreless for the second twenty as the 73’s retired to their new and improved dressing room with a two point lead.

Power play continued for the Nationals for the final twenty miles as Samuel Dumont PPG swarmed the net with assists from Laurent and Felix Tremblay to push it under the pillows of Jacob Biron at 1:21.

Kemptville called TO at a buck fifteen to calm the troops and issue instructions to maintain the lead to hold on to a 4 to 3 win. Kemptville outgunned Rockland 37 to 21 with 2/4 PP to 1⁄4 PP. Friday evening Kemptville seeking redemption as they faced the Colts of Cornwall to double up with 6 to 3 revenge in front of 378 fans, Kemptville with a new face between the pegs received baptism under fire after arriving Thursday eve-

ning. Cornwall drew first blood as Olivier-Perron with Bowen to Kobe Tallman to pick up a rebound to put it under the pillows of Maxwell Ilecki at :23.

A man down for Kemptville as Fennell stripped the rubber tape to tape to Melvin, unto the stick of Matthew Montoni SHG on the flank to ram it home past Donald Hickey for a shortie at 13:04. Five on four for the 73’s as Trottier combined with Whyte on reverse to Patrick Haughian PPG at the line to launch a six hole top shelf for his first of the year at 15:58. Kobe Tallman from Olivier-Perron with Bowen for his second ping and in at 17:37 to even it at two.

Nicholas Bennett was robbed as Hickey flashed leather during a penalty shot at 7:20.

Man advantage for Kemptville as Fennell transitioned with Thomas to Tyler Melvin PPG in the middle rocking chair to pull the trigger at 17:14 to break the knot and end the period.

Sloppy clear by Kemptville and Cornwall with an extra attacker, from McLellan with Garnier for Kobe Tallman ping and in PPG for his hattie to tie at a buck fifty-eight into the last twenty. The 73’s moved ahead

with the magic of Trottier with Whyte through the blue paint to Grady Logue knocking on the door at 4:33 for the game winner. Melvin dropped back to Fennell to find Nicholas Bennett on his bicycle down low, up and over for the 73’s insurance at 18:15 and a two goal lead. Hickey took a rest at 18:25 and Kemptville turned it upside down at 19:24 when the Whyte combination of Trottier to Grady Logue ENG off to the races flying through the zone jets wide open found the back of the net. Colts stopper returned at 19:25 after falling to a three goal deficit to give Kemptville 6 to 3 success.

Kemptville outshot Cornwall by 39 to 26 with 3⁄8 PP to 1⁄5 PP. The 73’s rolled into Navan for a Sunday matinee meeting with the Grads all jammed up with two wins under their belts, unfortunately got schooled with a 4 to 2 loss.

Kemptville dominated the first with McDougall gliding through the neutral zone to Redmond who caught Matthew Montoni in the lane to drive it home behind Jaeden Nelson at 13:48. Navan answered back when Devon Savignac with helpers from Tola and Crete

passed Jacob Biron at 19:15 for one all.

Kemptville lifted their foot off the gas in the second as Navan took advantage when Shaan Kingwell with assists from Roy and Crete for the tie breaker at 5:18 to give the Grads a lead. Game winner for the Grads when Holmes to Colin MacDougall at 18:18 to end the session.

Final twenty miles with Navan’s Sebbie Johnson lone effort to give them the insurance at 8:03. McDougall with Bennett to find Patrick Haugian to squeeze the trigger at 16:00 to pull Kemptville within two.

At 18:23 the 73’s pulled Jacob Biron to launch a comeback with extra attacker without success. Too little too late for the 73’s as Navan would double up 4 to 2. Navan dominated Kemptville 39 to 35 SOG with 0/2 PP and opponents 0/4. Kemptville will be on the road for Friday evening to visit Rockland for a rematch and then back home to tame the Smiths Falls Bears for a Sunday matinee.

Hockey with EDGE.

in fact both federal and provincial governments are failing to meet our basic human needs.

Unfortunately, many UBI projects are hobbled by reactionary ideologies that fundamentally oppose social change – and with good reason: if you benefit from the status quo, as the author proudly states they do – why would you ever want it to change? These ideologies are united by prioritizing one’s personal wellbeing over that of your neighbour’s. This is precisely where the predictably embarrassing rhetoric of “communism” comes into play, as anything that gestures towards collective responsibility is always quickly designated.

But this shouldn’t be a concept that falls along political lines. We are taught as children the importance of sharing, of working together.

Why is it that when economic policies are introduced that draw from these profoundly human traits, so many turn away from each other to the lonely comfort of individualism? Are we not social animals?

Our species is in crisis, basic human needs are not being met in our community and around the world.

People are dying, succumbing to addiction, being rapidly swallowed by homelessness.

Food bank usage in Ontario is at record levels. Provincial disability support payments are so low that they force the choice between rent or food, often barely covering either.

The combination of an insufficient minimum wage and egregiously high rental prices are producing the same results.

Are we to leave these people to suffer? Are we to do nothing?

This piece of writing was not only cynical and misinformed but presenting a complete lack of vision.

No alternative is presented, no solution broached – just

speculation and judgement.

But something must be done.

People are exhausted. People are hungry. People are dying.

We need an answer. We need programs with proven positive results. We need to hold on to our humanity, our desire to share. We need to practice the values we teach our children.

We need a Universal Basic Income.

.

OP-ED

Why UBI does, in fact, work

by Matt Smith

I am writing to respond to the op-ed titled “Why a Universal Basic Income Won’t Work,” written by the Editor and published in the October 26th edition of this paper. The author presents zero evidence to support their claims and demonstrates a lamentable misunderstanding of the historical and contemporary examples of just how effective Universal Basic Income is at addressing the dire inequalities baked into our current economic system.

Universal Basic Income (UBI) is not a new concept, it has been part of global political discussions for decades. UBI programs have been introduced numerous times around the world to overwhelmingly positive results. Its detractors normally have one line of reasoning to counter its implementation, namely that it will de-incentivize work and create a nation of leeches draining taxes from the other, hard-working folks. They claim that UBI will lead to the dreaded ‘C’ word: communism. These arguments are misinformed, boring and utterly juvenile.

Thankfully, they can be very easily debunked.

The state of Alaska has issued a basic income to every one of its citizens since 1982, something that lifted 25,000 Alaskans out of poverty in 2015 alone. A joint study published in 2020 by economists at the Universities of Chicago and Pennsylvania titled “the

November 2, 2023

Labor Market Impacts of Universal and Permanent Cash Transfers” demonstrated that “the dividend had no effect on full time employment, and increased work part-time by 1.8 percentage points (17%).”

The same is true in Germany where, in 2014, the Mein Grundeiknommen (My Basic Income) project was introduced, and studies found that the majority of recipients saw not only a dramatic improvement in mental health, but actually felt able to further their education and find more meaningful work. A current project in Denver, Colorado is demonstrating major success in helping low-income people find permanent housing.

These are just a handful of many examples of how a basic income can actually boost the economy, make housing more accessible, and connect people to meaningful employment, not to mention, dramatically lowering crime rates and rates of addiction. The studies are there – the impacts of these projects are no secret. These are clearly not, as the author writes, “magical remedies.”

The demonstrated success of UBI is precisely why politicians are continually interested in it– it creates waves of positive social change.

Giving people a baseline of economic safety doesn’t immediately turn them into scheming parasites who drain the system of its resources – why would anyone ever advocate for such a thing? To assume that people are fun-

damentally opposed to doing something valuable with their lives is deeply cynical and troubling. Universal Basic Income alleviates the psychological and physical pressures of income inequality, allowing people the time to find a job that is truly meaningful to them. Unfettered by the extrinsic forces of living paycheque to paycheque, people can feel intrinsically motivated (and financially able) to further their education and commit to valuable, personally satisfying work. By lifting some of the ever-growing financial burden of contemporary life, Universal Basic Income can help people realize their full potential without the dangers of being forced into precarious, demeaning, or unsafe work.

The fact is that people need help. A majority of Canadians are utterly priced out of housing. Minimum wage in Ontario is $16.55 while the living wage, the calculated amount required to attain the basic necessities in today’s economy, is between $19-20.

With the rising cost of living and lack of political response, people are struggling to make ends meet; food banks and other social services are at a breaking point trying to keep up. The author cites Ontario’s (laughably inadequate) Trillium benefit and a vague host of other “benefits and credits,” that they, graciously, “have no problem with,” as examples of, I presume, the Province’s unbreakable safety net when

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#11

Grady Logue Nickname: Logie or Slim Born: Ottawa, ON. Position: Centre Previous Hockey Club: Kemptville 73’s Hockey Hero: Bobby Ryan Most Inspiring Person: My Mother Favourite TV Show: Prison Break Favourite Movie: Wolf of Wall Street Favourite Food: Wings Favourite Hockey Moment: Scoring in overtime in the finals as a kid Life as a Jr. A Player: Always on the go, grind never stops!!

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

UCDSB expands special education support and reading resources

submitted by April ScottClarke The Upper Canada District School Board has made another significant investment in special education, allocating an additional $2.5 million in Ministry of Education funding to hire new special education teachers to support students across our district.

These new special education teachers will be allocated to schools based on need. The hiring process is in the beginning phases with the UCDSB looking to have these new staff in place by the end of November.

This new influx of support is in addition to the 19 special education teachers who were added to the sys-

tem at the end of the 2022-23 school year.

“The fact that we have been able to add 44 new special education teachers over the last eight months speaks volumes about our dedication to our students,” says Jennifer Perry, Superintendent of Student Wellness and Special Education.

“We know the need is there and we are working with schools, families and students to develop a circle of support for them, both at school and home, to help them to thrive.”

In addition to these teachers, the UCDSB has made a $500,000 investment in Corrective Reading materials. The Corrective Reading program provides intensive and accelerated reading intervention through carefully sequenced and planned lessons that gives

students the structure and practice necessary to become fluent readers.

All 78 schools will receive this intensive reading program alongside professional development to ensure that each school has at least one trained teacher.

“The investment in staff and the investment in capital resources is really an investment in our students,” says Director of Education Ron Ferguson. “Having specialized teachers and specialized programming in place will set our students up for success. We know that reading is the foundation required for students to succeed in writing and math as well.

Building these essential skills now will help students be more successful in school and beyond.”

Highway 43 Car Club’s tradition of giving continues

The Kemptville Salvation Army is presented with their $500 donation. last year, but that didn’t

by Brandon Mayer stop the Club from making two $250 donations The Highway 43 Car to the Salvation Army Club is at it again, sup- in Kemptville and the porting local charities Community Food Share and doubling its dona- in Winchester. tions from last year. The In the past year, fundClub has existed proudly raising and membership for 16 years, and one of have ramped up again, its founding principles – and the Club was proud besides acting as a social to be able to give $500 to club and a means to keep each of these two organithe automotive hobby zations this year. alive and well – is to give Over the years, the back to the community Club has also proudly with both time and funds. supported other organizaThe Club survived the tions and events such as COVID-19 pandemic, the Children’s Wish Founbut felt the impacts just dation, the Kemptville as many other organiza- Youth Centre, Winchester tions did. The Club runs DairyFest, and the Meron a model of fundrais- rickville Youth Group. “A ing, and then donating big part of the Highway the proceeds to local 43 Car Club's goals is to charities. Because their actively support charities fundraising efforts were and organizations within halted by necessity dur- our community,” reads a ing the worst periods of statement on the organithe pandemic, there were zation’s website. less dollars to give away “We had a better year November 2 2023

than last,” said Club Vice President Kevan Whittaker. “More sponsors stepped up to help us out.

We had a Mustang cooler that we raffled off. We also held a Swap Meet that brought in money.”

It’s not only fundraising that distinguishes the Highway 43 Car Club as a dedicated service organization. Members also volunteer their time to make a positive community impact. “This year, we visited six retirement homes which put smiles on the residents’ faces,” Kevan explained. “We also celebrated our 15th Anniversary of Cruise Nights. Our Club membership has grown over the last few months and we’re looking forward to next season, bigger and better!”

The Club is very visible in Kemptville, where Cruise Nights are held over the spring and summer months on Friday evenings in the Food Basics parking lot. Antique cars and muscle cars fill the parking lot on these nights, attracting the attention of people of all ages. To learn more about the Club or how to join, visit its website at https:// hwy43carclub.com/.

The Food Corner

Since pumpkins are everywhere this time of year, carved or otherwise, you may as well give in and make use of this great fruit. Nothing says fall more than the Traditional Pumpkin Pie. It is simple to make, relatively healthy and sure tasty.

Traditional Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients • 1 X 15 ounce can of pumpkin purée • ¾ cup of brown sugar • 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon and nutmeg • ½ teaspoon each of ground cloves and ginger • 2 extra large eggs • 1 X 12 ounce can of evaporated milk • 1 X 9-inch pie crust (home made or frozen) Preparation • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. • Beat the eggs and pumpkin together in a large mixing bowl • Mix the spices and sugar together and blend into the pumpkin mixture • Stir the evaporated milk in a bit at a time • Pour into the unbaked pie shell • First, pop the pie in the oven for 15 minutes to set the pie • Then, reduce your oven heat to 350 F and bake for 45 minutes • Check for doneness by inserting a fork to see if it comes out clean • Cool completely, then refrigerate In September 2022, I gave you the recipe for mincemeat. A welcome addition to the traditional pumpkin pie is a bottom layer of the sweet spicy stuff. Just line the bottom of your pie crust with a half inch of mincemeat before pouring on your pumpkin mixture.

Cooking is the same. If you’ve lost the recipe and would like to have it, just drop me a line.

By the way, if you are using mincemeat, you probably have enough filling for two pies.

You can freeze the extra one by wrapping it in foil and popping it into a large freezer bag.

Pumkin Pie has received another welcome addition in the past few years: pumpkin ice cream. So, a healthy slice of pumpkin pie (with or without the mincemeat), a scoop of pumpkin ice cream and maybe a dollop of whipped cream is an excellent way to welcome the fall and festive season.

Please be in touch at pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

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A new venture in sharing Brain droppings from the North Grenville The cobra effect breeders with thousands of much 'incentive' as possible. tive Party is offering a cash

by Peter Johnson Arts Guild 'Why would anyone heat worthless snakes---which One enterprising farmer payout to voters who can

submitted by NGAG Have you recently found a small work of art on your daily travels? Did you pick it up, study it and put it back where it was? Or did you spot it, fall in love with it and take it home?

The NGAG has brought the fastest growing International Art Movement to North Grenville – Abandoned Art! Artists all over the world are creating small art treasures to share with their communities. These works are left in unexpected locations for locals (or visitors) to happen upon.

In this way, they bring the pleasure of art into the everyday world for anyone to enjoy. They are yours to keep or leave for the next unsuspecting art lover to discover.

A small card is left with each piece to show where they have come from. If you choose to and are able, the artists would love to see the results of their actions. They ask that the finder take a picture of their discovery and post it to their Facebook page or share on Instagram.

The Guild hopes that you all enjoy keeping an eye peeled for these small, abandoned treasures. Be sure to visit the North Grenville Arts Guild at the Wonderfall! Art Show again this year. It takes place at the W.B. George Building on Campus in tandem with Our Local Markets Christmas Show, November 18th and 19th.

True art is never lost, it is just waiting to be discovered.

Tid bit musings

by Elva Patterson Rutters, RSSW Was it you? Did the comment, deed or action originate from you? Was your motive pure and objective or on contemplatively sabotaging someone? Do you understand the reasons behind your actions? How does the objective differ from the subjective? Is there a more sensitive response?

Perhaps a response with a more constructive outcome. Inadvertently, we can cause hurt, but we need to own it and make amends today. Having faith, in a Higher Power often aids in this healing process. The serenity prayer comes to mind.

Throughout life, we often make observations and then relay them as concrete scenarios. In fact, when we say someone appears sad, we base this on things we observe like tears, frowning, humped shoulders and so on. Yet some of those observations could be due to other reasons; laughter (laugh til you cry) produces tears, allergies produce frowns, and medical conditions produce humped shoulders. Unless someone says they are sad, we can only surmise the associated feeling. Hence we can conclude that someone appears to be sad rather than being sad. Our goal is to learn to express how we feel in an age appropriate language and respectful manner. To deny your feelings or any one else's may result in medical ailments like heart attack, sore muscles, mental illness, blood pressure issues and so on. Yes, other factors may also contribute to those conditions as well. Did you take time to ask how someone is today and really listen?

Did you relate a story with only part truths, mixing your feedback in with the observations? People believe what they hear to be the only truth forgetting the untold elements.

Sometimes that is a way people try to formulate a better image of themselves while degrading another. This reminds us of the "telephone game" where the original rendition gets misconstrued. Before you arrive at an opinion, do you consider contacting the subject to verify information?

Always consult the source whether it is internet, facebook, media or personal conversations before relaying the story.

Feelings and lives are hurt due to misconstrued rumours or stories. It becomes our responsibility to investigate before relating what may be a subjective, tainted, hurtful incident.

It is our responsibility to validate that story before taking concrete action in retaliation. Isolation, estrangement and ignoring are ways we retaliate. They hurt the recipient. We only evaluate within our own experiences which can be very limited or tainted. Do you intend on hurting someone emotionally or psychologically? That intent can be direct or passive aggressive. Question your motives or desired result.

Living through the youthful years is where we hopefully learn those skills rather than emulate negativity. Striving to be a better person is your life long learning goal.

Is it you who can take corrective action for behaviours, words and messages? Will it be you who changes the dysfunctional patterns learned from dysfunctional historical algorithms? Will you take today to say sorry and make amends? This moment is all you have, so make your choice a healthy constructive dynamic. When today becomes yesterday, it could be too late.

November 2, 2023

an empty hen house?' One of the most powerful laws of nature is the law of unintended consequences, the cobra effect.

“The Cobra effect occurs when incentives designed to solve a problem end up rewarding people for making it worse. The term originated in... an occurrence in India under British rule.“ (E. Hammerman, The 10-Group). Back when India was 'occupied' by the British (what country on Earth has escaped that happy event?), the imperial forces were concerned about the number of poisonous snakes in Delhi. The government offered a bounty for every dead cobra.

Initially, the plan worked as the number of dead snakes piled up. But, almost predictably, some imaginative entrepreneurs began breeding the venomous reptiles to profit from the bounty.

When the government realized what they were encouraging, they cancelled the program, leaving cobra

they released, thus increasing the wild cobra population to higher levels than before the implementation of the scheme.

Similar events have taken place with rats in Vietnam, pigs in Georgia, and more recently with environmental incentives in California, the United Kingdom, as well as in Europe. “Credits for the destruction of a damaging coolant,HFC-23, were finally suspended in the European Union in 2013 after companies started to produce the damaging gas to collect millions of dollars in carbon credits.”

The Law of Unintended Consequences once again shone bright, this time in Northern Ireland. The British government, in an effort to encourage the switch to renewable energy, offered an incentive to use wood pellets rather than petroleum products for heating. The incentive was so generous that boilers used for heating were left on 24/7 to collect as

heated an empty chicken shed, in anticipation of collecting over a million £ in 20 years. The program cost the British government over 500 million £ before it was eventually cancelled.

Again in the UK, a bright light in the UK's government came up with the plan to offer 500£ to anyone with a positive COVID test result. The 'Nudge Unit', a Behavioral Insights Team, suggested that giving people a lump of cash would likely inspire them to deliberately infect themselves. In addition, those who were infected could benefit from their potentially profitable infectiousness.

The government tried, not too successfully, to quietly quash the program. It might be a good idea to ask, 'What could possibly go wrong?', before launching these sorts of remedy-driven programs. Now, one has to ask: “Is there any truth to the possible rumour that the Canadian Conserva-

provide photo-evidence that they have voted, not for Mr. Trudeau, but rather, for their candidate?” Similarly, would 'The Party of the People' offer a counter incentive to their supporters to demonstrate that they had not voted for the party of the man who had stood in solidarity with the truckers when they 'occupied' the streets of downtown Ottawa? (yes, 'occupied'...as in, those from far away who come and park themselves in your environment and make themselves as obnoxious/ noxious/odious as possible during the process...this is not a social visit) And would the voters of Canada...that ever-shrinking group of responsible citizens, offer some kind of incentive for any and all governments that refuse to use the 'Notwithstanding Clause' frivolously? What could possibly go wrong?

Man killed plowing into horses on highway

by Nelson Zandbergen courtesy of Farmers Forum If you spot a damaged farm fence along a highway, call the authorities or the affected farmer as soon as possible. Lives could depend on it.

A 73-year-old Ottawa man died in a late-night collision with two horses on Highway 417 after the animals escaped through a fence that was wrecked two and a half days earlier by a hit-and-run driver operating a transport truck. The involved truck driver didn’t notify police after the rig careened off the highway, east of the city, and plowed through the fence sometime on the morning of Saturday, September 30. The trucker managed to drive away without telling anyone. But the act didn’t go entirely unseen.

At least a couple of people later acknowledged on social media that they had noticed the flattened fence — and even the truck in the field — long before the horses got out.

The animals were struck together and killed on the highway around 1 am on Monday, October by by the 73-year-old motorist who later succumbed to his injuries in hospital. One of the horses flew up and over the 12

man’s car, striking a second car whose driver sustained minor injuries, says Stephanie McWatt, owner of McWatt Family Farms, where she runs a riding program for disadvantaged youth under the name Ottawa Community Farm.

“The knowledge that something so beloved of mine caused the death of another, I struggle with that quite a bit. I don’t have words,” says McWatt, a tech worker and former sheep farmer who also serves as an Anglican priest and is a 1999 equine sciences graduate of Kemptville College.

She says the tragedy could have been avoided if only someone — starting with the absconding truck driver — had let her or the police know about the damaged fence which remained open for about 40 hours.

The downed 170-foot section was not noticeable from her farmhouse, located a kilometre away, but the damage was visible from Highway 417. “Many people showed up (later) on Facebook to say, oh, I saw the hole, I saw the truck, but no one picked up the phone to call the police or the MTO,” she says. “No one tried to find the farmstead and the house.”

She says all seven of the farm’s horses were accounted for when they were fed Sunday night and turned out into the field at 8 pm, five hours before the tragedy.

Two of them, black Bella — the “gentle giant” halfPercheron matriarch of the herd — and chestnut Indy found the gap in the fence and entered the highway.

The other horses fortunately remained in the field.

Replacing the duo will be difficult because of the combination of age and skill those horses brought to the program which has so far benefited 200 youth. “How do I replace what was so versatile and so calm and so trustworthy? We can’t put a dollar amount on that,” she says.

Police are investigating the original fence collision

and are asking anyone with information or dash cam footage to come forward.

Police say it was a full-out tractor trailer that breached the fence. The truck performed a u-turn in her pasture while returning to the highway and left half a bumper behind on her property, according to McWatt.

However, she acknowledges feeling some compassion for the truck driver, noting any number of reasons could have sent the vehicle through her fence — a medical emergency, a momentary distraction, or a deer on the highway. “I think jumping to anger and accusation is selfish. Yes, I’m upset that I lost my two horses, but I’m not the only person impacted by this.”

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COMMUNITY EVENTS 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 commencing September 28. 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, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, doors open at noon 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 EUCHRE on Tuesday, November 14, 28, and December 12 at Pierce's Corners, also known as the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 1:00 p.m. and play starts at 1:30 p.m. $5 per player. For information, contact debiar@ymail.com BID EUCHRE on Tuesday, November 7, 21, December 5, and 19 at Pierce's Corners, also known as the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 1:00 p.m. and play starts at 1:30 p.m. $5 per player. For information, contact debiar@ymail.com KLUB 67 EUCHRE Join us for fun, social euchre games taking place every 2nd and 4th Wednesday monthly at 1pm, September to May. Location: Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben Cres, Kemptville. Everyone welcome, $5. To play, cash prizes.

Friendship Lunch every Friday at St. Johns United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. starting Oct. 6 th . The meal begins at 11:30 and is free of charge. A good will offering is appreciated. Everyone is welcome.

Sugar Addiction Support Meetings. FREE. St. John’s United Church, 400 Prescott Street, Kemptville; Tuesdays 1-2 pm. Starts November 7, 2023 For more information contact Wendy: (613) 558-4933 People of Action - Rotary Club of Kemptville meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7AM at the Long Reach Restaurant. Meet for breakfast and informal discussion.

ACROSS 1. Lubricate 5. Caustic 9. Ancient Dead Sea kingdom 13. Nitpicky to a fault 14. Connecting points 16. Lyra's brightest star 17. Shopping center 18. Fine-tune 19. Misfortunes 20. Scrutinize 22. Response times 24. Type of sword 26. Piece of paper 27. Bouquet 30. Brook 33. Making menu requests 35. Interior layout and furnishings 37. Goat hair fabric 38. Oozing 41. US spy agency

42. Speech defects 45. Most rugged 48. However 51. Natural abilities 52. Infectious agent 54. Uncluttered 55. An advance token or warning 59. Blow up 62. Winglike 63. Navigational aid 65. Indian dress 66. Cried 67. Spooky 68. At the peak of 69. Prying 70. Observed 71. Evergreens DOWN 1. Holy man 2. Sloth 3. Nonsense 4. Oval

5. Picnic insect 6. Hood 7. Notions 8. Fatalities 9. One who was expelled 10. Sandwich shop 11. Look at flirtatiously 12. A body of matter 15. Shooting game 21. Rip 23. Geek 25. Sponsorship 27. Anthracite 28. Path around a star 29. East northeast 31. Emphasize 32. Damp 34. Obtain 36. Rodents 39. Cooking container 40. Chinese monetary unit 43. Destitution 44. A set of garments 46. Delight 47. Scuttlebutt 49. Simple elegance 50. Calms 53. Fixed gaze 55. Deer baby 56. Margarine 57. Blows 58. A Great Lake 60. Front part of a vessel 61. Pieces of information 64. Right after nine

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

UPCOMING EVENTS

Easy

Medium

Hard

Solution to last week’s Crossword

WIZARD CARD GAME TOURNAMENT on Sunday, November 12 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.

Theatre Night in Merrickville presents Jigsaws by Jennifer Rogers Nov 23-26 Thurs-Sat @7:30 pm Sun @ 2pm Merrickville Community Theatre, 106 Read Street Tickets available at door or merrickvilletheatre.org

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Marketing Consultant Phone:613 329 0209 Email: melissa@ngtimes.ca November 2 2023

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Backyard astronomy

The next 100 years

by Gary Boyle The Backyard Astronomer The night of October 5-6, 1923 forever changed the way astronomers saw and studied the cosmos. It was believed that the Milky Way we see on clear moonless nights was the ‘universe’. Little did they know that a simple 45-minute photograph would throw them a curve. It was long suspected that a small patch of light located in the constellation of Andromeda was a cloud and it was referred to as the Andromeda Nebula.

The American astronomer Edwin Hubble set his sights on imaging this object with the massive 100-inch Hooker telescope at the Mount Wilson Observatory in California, the largest telescope in the world at that time. Placing a 4 by 5-inch photographic glass plate at the back of the grand telescope, he exposed the camera on the ‘cloud’.

Because of the immense light-gathering power of the large telescope, the image revealed individual stars including a variable star called a Cepheid. These types of stars help astronomers determine distance. With this valuable measuring tool, the object was determined not to be part of our so-called ‘universe’ but a completely different one. It is officially called the Andromeda Galaxy residing some 2.5 million light-years away and containing an estimated one trillion stars. Since then, many more galaxies have been imaged and their distance measured.

By 1929, Hubble showed that the universe was expanding faster than the speed of light which is hard to imagine. But all galaxies seem to be moving away from each other except for the merging galaxies whose gravity attracts each other such as our local group.

This is how galaxies grow.

So if galaxies are racing away from each other, they must have all started from a single point long long ago.

In 1931, the Belgium priest November 2, 2023

Father George Lemaitre, considered the Father of The Big Bang, stated “The day of the Big Bang was a day without a yesterday”.

By the 1940s, radio waves had been first detected both from the sun and a supernova, the remains of a massive star that exploded in our galaxy that is named the Crab Nebula. The 200-inch Palomar Telescope in California was the largest in the world in 1949. The larger the telescope mirror, the farther astronomers can peer into space and the farther we see back in time.

The '60s and '70s saw Apollo astronauts landing on the moon six times, two Viking crafts parked on the planet Mars as well as the launching of identical Voyager 1 and 2 crafts measuring about the size of a subcompact car. They were designed to take closeup images as well as collect data from the outer planets and their moons. These were Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Launched 46 years ago, they are now 24 billion and 20 billion kilometres respectively from Earth.

Other than using groundbased telescopes with giant mirrors piercing the cosmos in optical light, technology now allows astronomers to study the cosmos in radio, microwave, infrared, ultraviolet, X-rays and gammarays. However, we are not restricted to earth-bound instruments. Spacecraft such as the Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra X-ray, Spitzer, Compton Gammaray and the newly launched James Webb Space Telescope as well as many more are hard at work viewing the cosmos in amazing detail.

The sole purpose of the orbiting Kepler Space Telescope was to search for exoplanets, planets orbiting other stars in our galaxy. To date, there are more than 5,500 confirmed planets and thousands of candidates yet to be confirmed. But the majority of these worlds would be as large as Jupiter but closer to their star as

Mercury is to the sun. The first ground-based discovery of an exoplanet was back in 1995. It is believed that there are possibly more planets than stars in the Milky Way. There are a very small number of planets thought to be located in the ‘Goldilocks Zone’ such as Earth where oceans stay liquid. Too close to the star water would boil away, and farther out would freeze. We have recently received samples from the asteroid Bennu delivering pristine material from the origins of the solar system after the birth of our sun, dating back about five billion years.

I am looking forward to seeing boots on the moon in 2025 as well as the first humans on the planet Mars in about 10 to 15 years.

Decades ago, a rendez-vous with the sun was an unthinkable goal for obvious reasons. The Parker Solar Probe is presently studying our daytime star close-up and personal. At times, it dives very close in the solar atmosphere before retreating in elliptical orbits. On September 17 of this year, it approached a mere 7.26 million kilometres above its surface at a speed of 635,266 kilometres per hour or a staggering 176 kilometres per second. For reference,

the Sun lies 150 million kilometres away. The heat shield is designed to keep the internal electronics a nice 30 degrees Celsius while the outer part is exposed to 1,400 degrees Celsius I believe we will eventually discover a new type of physics that could explain the workings of dark matter and dark energy that is thought to have played a role in the creation of the universe. We have the technology as well as the ambition to pursue and unlock the mysteries of our fascinating cosmos. The path to discovery is ever-evolving and I cannot wait for the next big discovery.

Known as “The Backyard Astronomer”, Gary Boyle is an astronomy educator, guest speaker, monthly columnist for the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada as well as a STEM educator. He has been interviewed on more than 55 Canadian radio stations as well as various television stations across Canada and the U.S. In recognition of his public outreach in astronomy, the International Astronomical Union has honoured him with the naming of Asteroid (22406) Garyboyle. Follow him on Facebook and his website: www.wondersofastronomy.com.

Poppy Campaign kick-off

Thelma Joyce McGaw (Graham) October 18, 1937 – October 18, 2023

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on her 86th birthday. Thelma (Tilly) is survived by her husband and best friend of 66 years, Charles (Charlie), as well as their children Pam (Gary) of Airdrie Alberta, Andy (Dara) of Iroquois Ontario, Shawn (Agnes) of Pierrefonds Quebec and Kellie (Nick) of Pierrefonds Quebec. She was predeceased by sons Robert (Bobby) and Michael (Mike). Thelma was a treasured Gran to 13 grandchildren and 8 greatgrandchildren. Thelma is also survived by brother Hector Graham of Buckingham Quebec. Predeceased by parents Arthur and Christina Graham, brothers Andy and Earl and sisters Dorothy, Audrey, Elma, Noreen, Grace, Jean, Shirley, and Linda.

Aunty Tilly was adored by many nieces and nephews and will be greatly missed by her many friends from coast to coast. Thelma’s selflessness knew no boundaries. Family and friends alike are forever grateful for all this remarkable woman brought to their lives.

Friends are invited to visit the at the Kemptville Chapel of Hulse Playfair McGarry, 805 Prescott Street, Kemptville Ontario on Saturday November 4th from 1 pm until the Memorial Service in Chapel at 2 pm. A reception will follow immediately after the service. A special thanks to Monique and Pierre as well as the staff and volunteers at the Chateau Pierrefond for the outstanding care Thelma and Charles received for the past 2 and a half years. Also, to the staff at the Cedars Cancer Palliative care unit at Royal Vitoria Hospital. In leu of flowers, donations the Canadian Cancer Society are greatly appreciated. Canadian Cancer Society.ca or by dialing 1 888 938-1491.

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

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Guy George Arthur

October 18, 1937 – October 18, 2023 Peacefully at the Southbridge Care Home of Kemptville on Monday October 23, 2023. George Guy aged 86 years of Oxford Mills.

George was the son of the late Arthur and Eleanor Guy. Predeceased by his sister Margaret (Arron Scott). Beloved husband of 65 years to Beverley Guy (nee Dangerfield). Loving father of Judi Paterson (John), Trudy Guy and Ron Guy (Sue). Loving Grandpa of David Paterson (Brandi), Steven Paterson (Cheryl), Angela (Shawn Proulx), Marie Paterson, Ken Guy, Kyle Guy (Cydney) and Ryan Guy. Loving Great-Grandpa of 11 Great Grandchildren. George loved being a farmer and enjoyed the time he spent hunting with Ron, Kyle and friends. He L.C. Egan Navy Cadet sells poppies outside B&H on October 28. was an avid horseperson from a young boy and later in life became involved in the Standardbred Race Industry. submitted by Jill Sturdy, Municipality of NG George, Bev and Ron travelled to Kingston, Montreal, The annual Poppy Campaign kicked off locally on Connaught Park and Rideau Carleton regularly. He October 26. As part of the “Poppy Drive, volunteers will enjoyed the competition as well as the camaraderie with other horsemen. A special thank you to the Long-term be out in community collecting donations for poppies, Oct care and medical staff of the Kemptville District Hospital 27-29 and Nov 3-4. and Southbridge Care Home for their care and compasIn addition, 85 retail stores around Kemptville will sion. A Memorial Service was held at the Kemptville display poppies, with 100% of funds raised from the poppy Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 805 Prescott Street, Kemptville on Tuesday October 31, 2023 at 2 pm. Donacampaign going back to Veterans. tions to the Kemptville District Hospital Foundation would Canadian Tire will have a weekend pop up tent with a be appreciated.

debit machine from the Legion, where they will be selling lawn signs honouring veterans for $20 each.

November is the month to remember the fallen, and show support for Veterans who have served and continue to serve.

Buying a poppy is a small gesture that makes a big difference.

Photo caption: Egan

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

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Baldwin's Birds

Resident garden birds in autumn colours

On a late evening ef- what they consider to be the fort to record some of our safest way possible. It gets resident garden bird hap- quite tiring just watching penings, as October draws them but it is fascinating to to a close and the beautiful watch even if there are other autumnal leaves flutter to birds using the feeders. They the ground to form a lovely never seem to argue or have mosaic of colours, I have disputes with their peers or taken to writing this article. other kinds of birds; even if The Chickadees flit back and forth in their own inimitable way between the safety of the trees and the relatively exposed food contained in the hanging feeders. They don't dwell for any length of time at all to eat food such as Nijer seed, even though it can't take much effort to eat it, being a very small size seed. It's a quick dash to the feeder, an equally quick peck at the seed and then, beak full, away again without seemingly having time to stop. Time and time again they will repeat this routine and must cover many miles in their lives just to get a bit of nourishment in

they are already feeding at a spot, they will yield to any who challenge them, even those of their own ilk.

Other regulars at the feeders who, in contrast to the Chickadees, will stop on a feeder for a very long time are the Goldfinches, who are now sporting their much duller winter plumage, which is exaggerated by the background pinkish and orange colours of the autumn trees if my camera lens happens to catch them in the right light! A White Breasted Nuthatch put in a very brief appearance just to let me know that he is still around and I hope to hear his lovely little "beep beep" chatter as he moves

up and down the trees in the upcoming days in his search for natural food.

Of course our regulars like the Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Mourning Doves, Juncos, Blue-jays, Cardinals, Sparrows and Rock Pigeons are still very evident and will continue to be so, as will be the two or three Crows who drop in as well. All are welcome even though they sometimes may be taken for granted during my daily scan out of the window to see if there are any different avian visitors in the garden. Sometimes there are some pleasant surprises, but my usual birds more than suffice when it comes down to it and I hope that you feel the same way too and simply enjoy whatever you get to see. Stay safe and well.

Cheers, John Baldwin

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November 2 2023

15

www.ngtimes.ca

The Voice of North Grenville

The North Grenville Times

Giving away a lifetime is bittersweet medicine

We find ourselves in the midst of change. During this 100th trip around the sun, it’s finally time for a move to a retirement residence. While the comforts and care of an elegant assisted-living community are welcome, the upheaval is overwhelming! It’s hard to say goodbye to the family home of nearly 50 years.

When children and grandchildren visit to savour the memories together, they just as eagerly eye the furniture and appliances!

The truth is, being able to give away a lifetime of treasured possessions is a luxury we are grateful to enjoy. Looking around the world, a lot of people would give an arm and a leg to have what we have.

For anyone though, there is something universal about the feelings that come with making a final move.

Years ago, a favourite Gifford-Jones book was called The Doctor Game.

It explained how you can find the best doctor in your area, how to tell a good (or bad) doctor, how to avoid unnecessary surgery, how to be a good patient and how to make the best – and avoid the worst – of the doctor you choose. The Doctor Game was full of practical advice on surgery, on talking about sex with your doctor, on getting the truth from your doctor, on fads and phobias, x-rays, cancer, and virtually every medical concern.

Now, it has occurred to November 2, 2023

us, we have enough material for a new opus. Choosing where and how to live life’s final chapter is a very different game. If you believe the people marketing retirement homes, you’d think you’ve died and gone to heaven.

They call it, “lifestyle options”, but that feels a bit pedantic when the choices are between easy-access showers and wheelchair ramps.

What are the most important considerations?

There is a litany of them.

Building up your arsenal of patience is a must. Whatever happened to the days when people used to answer the phone? Our experience is not unique to retirement residences. There’s either a shortage of workers or younger generations just don’t like the phone as much as older people do. Now, if you have a question, you may as well ask Google than hope to find a live person at the ready.

What did the resident nurse warn us about moving in? Weight gain is the

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common problem from the high-caloric food on the mouth-watering daily menu.

We’ll be mindful of that. But we also relish the idea of dinners with family and friends that other people prepare.

The bathroom is a dangerous place in any home.

Mixing up medications and slipping on wet floors are two common threats. Our concern was the accessible shower. We’d love to hear from you. Is it better to have the safety of a shower door with a handle for holding on to, or just a shower curtain and no door in case someone needs to lend a hand with bathing in later years?

What about the social scene? This we await with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. “Don’t make friends too rapidly,” was the experienced advice of a family member who previously made a similar move.

But how delightful it was when on a recent visit to our prospective new home, residents greeted us warmly.

We hope, among them, there will be ship captains, professors, and maybe an old doctor or two.

Nietzsche, the German philosopher and keen observer of humankind, said,

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“In heaven, all the interesting people are missing.”

Here’s hoping a few of them will be our new neighbours!

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