Issue 44 2023 November 9 NG Times

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

Vol. 11 No. 44

The Voice of North Grenville

November 9, 2023

Rotary Park’s famous poppies are back

STEVENS CREEK DECOR CENTRE HUNTER DOUGLAS GALLERY WITH OVER 40 WINDOW TREATMENT DISPLAYS! 2678 COUNTY RD 43 KEMPTVILLE

613-706-1250

by Brandon Mayer

KEEP YOUR HOME AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE IN THE EVENT OF A PROLONGED ELECTRICITY OUTAGE Backup Generators

(613) 519-5182

845 Prescott St., Kemptville www.rbheating.com

On Monday, the annual tradition of beautiful knitted and crocheted poppies decorating the clock in Rotary Park came alive once again.

Brenda Ward takes on the organization of the project every year, with poppies coming in from all over the world.

The idea for the knitted and crocheted poppies came about to help young people remember the true reason for Remembrance Day, and what the day means. The knitting pattern from which the poppies are created was borrowed from an Australian organization called 5000 Poppies. Wanting to keep the initiative local, Brenda enlisted the help of the local knitting group to make poppies and drop them off at

Grahame’s Bakery. Brenda was able to get permission from the Municipality for the poppies to be hung off the clock at Rotary Park.

Now in its fifth year, the initiative continues to grow.

Other area communities including Winchester and Chesterville now have their own poppy display, which Brenda thinks is great. She notes that there is a display at the Cenotaph on Prescott St as well.

There are many different variations of the poppies that are created, including those made in different shades of red and with different materials.

Brenda feels that there is a diminishing understanding of the true meaning of Remembrance Day, particularly since the population of aging veterans is shrinking.

Brenda believes it is important to rectify this lack of understanding. A laminated, hand-coloured poppy from a boy who wanted to contribute but was unable to knit or crochet is still put on display every year, as an annual reminder that small gestures are just as impactful as big ones.

Brenda insists that she will never sell the knitted and crocheted poppies, as she feels this would take away support from the Legion’s own fundraising poppy campaign. When people want to contribute to the campaign financially, Brenda suggests that they donate some yarn. One of her favourite things to do on Remembrance Day is to sit somewhere anonymously at Rotary Park and take in the reactions of passersby as

they observe the beauty of the poppy display.

One more special addition this year: poppies on rocks! Brenda is excited and proud that a local teacher from Kemptville Public School. - Mr. Lachance - had his students paint poppies on rocks (76 students painting 140 rocks, to be precise), for display at both the Cenotaph and in Rotary Park.

Brenda is reminding locals (and those abroad) that making poppies for the poppy display is not limited to a certain time of year. They can be dropped off at Grahame’s Bakery or mailed to her year round at Leeds Grenville Fibre Extravaganza, 779 County Road 44, Kemptville, Ontario, K0G 1J0. Anyone seeking more information can get in touch by email at lgfe2018@gmail.com.

Remembrance Day: A day to honour the many women and men who have served, and those who continue to serve with the Canadian Armed Forces.

From now until November 20th we are offering 20% off the following to members of our military.

6 pk of PT Sessions 12 pk of PT Sessions 12 pk of Group Classes Unlimited Month of Group Classes (Certain conditions apply)

For details please email admin@getcronkd.ca

The North Grenville Times

Historically speaking RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL

INTERIOR / EXTERIOR PAINTING-DRYWALL REPAIR-STIPPLE-STUCCOWALLPAPER-EPOXY-PLASTER-CAULKINGSTAINING-PRESSURE WASHING

TOP SECRET CLEARANCE CANADA (LEVEL lll)

613 298-7811

http://oliverpaintingottawa.ca/

Ghosts have warm hands

November 28, at 7 pm at the Merrickville Legion for Victor Suthren’s presentation, “Ghosts Have Warm Hands: Glimpses of wartime experiences of Canadian men and women, and the prospects now for a future of lasting peace”.

In Suthren’s words: “The experience of war,

submitted by Donna Ross, MDHS Lecture Series Coordinator The Merrickville and District Historical Society’s ever-popular Lecture Series continues in November with a Remembrance Day focus.

Please join us on Tuesday,

The Voice of North Grenville

whether in past worldwide events, or in current conflicts that plague the world, has been for Canadians a traumatic, sometimes horrifying, sometimes uplifting and, on rare occasions, a strangely spiritual existence. Caught up in war, Canadians have shown strength, courage, and resilience that have helped shape us as a nation, and the sacrifices we have made are a source of both pride and sorrow.”

Victor Suthren, former Director General of the Canadian War Museum, will present several vignettes and stories of Canadians in wartime mirroring the wide range of what they experienced and, from the lessons of what they felt and knew,

will explore the chances we have for a future without war.

Suthren was a former Town Councillor, Municipality of Merrickville-Wolford, and former Chair of the Police Services and library boards.

He and his wife Lindsay now live in Ottawa.

Please join us on November 28 for this timely lecture to hear Suthren’s thoughts of wartime, past and present. Come to learn and listen to an individual knowledgeable about Canada’s wartime history and enjoy a special sweet treat, compliments of Violets on Main Bakery!

Bomb threats shake Send in your up some Ontario schools

letters to the editor to

culverts

editor@ngtimes.ca

THERE'S NO RESTAURANT LIKE HOME

by Brandon Mayer Parents and educators across the Province got an unusual scare last week when some schools in northern and eastern Ontario were the subject of one of the most heinous crimes imaginable – a series of bomb threats.

“Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating multiple bomb threats across parts of Northern and Eastern Ontario,” reads an OPP statement.

“The threats targeted multiple schools under multiple school boards and other facilities, demanding payment. As a precaution, many targeted schools and facilities have been closed while the investigation continues.

Parents are encouraged to contact their schools or school boards for more information. In addition to local officers, the OPP Cybercrime Investigations Team is engaged.

The public is always encouraged to report any suspicious activity that

save

10

$ Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts 8-12 BREASTS 1.36 kg/3 lb

LOWEST PRICE OF THE YEAR

save

BUY 1 50 % GET 1

Regular price $28.99

2999

OFF

10

2 lb of

WINGS

$

Honey Garlic

907 g/2 lb

Spicy Maple Chipotle

CHOOSE FROM 9 VARIETIES. SELECTION MAY VARY BY STORE.

LIMIT OF 4 PER CUSTOMER

Slow Cooked Beef Pot Roast

Jumbo Crispy

Louisiana Style

1899

Fully Cooked Chicken Wings 907 g/2 lb

ALL PRICES IN EFFECT THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2 TO WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2023 UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED.

mmfoodmarket.com All discounted prices of products are exclusive to members of the M&M Food Market Rewards program. Simply present your membership card, or sign up for a free membership in store or online, to take advantage of these exclusive offers. M&M Food Market Express and other non-traditional stores offer a limited range of products; therefore special pricing and promotions are not valid there. We reserve the right to correct any errors.

November 9, 2023

2

could be a risk to public safety.”

Reports suggest that the brunt of the threats were levelled against schools in northern Ontario, though the impact of the threats was certainly felt in schools in the North Grenville area as well.

Local French Catholic schools all went into a “Hold and Secure” procedure upon hearing the news, though some reports suggest that in some schools, it may have been treated more as a “lockdown” situation, with students being pulled from hallways into random classrooms to shelter.

Some of these schools in the area were evacuated and closed for the day, including École secondaire catholique Embrun.

Students in that school reported being quietly asked to evacuate and proceed to an offsite shelter location without being told why.

The students in evacuated schools were kept at the shelter locations until end-of-day dismissal, when they returned to

school property to board buses or be picked up.

Parents wishing to pick up their children earlier needed to make arrangements. Several Toronto schools were fully evacuated as well.

While not specifically named or targeted, the English public schools run by the Upper Canada District School Board were also put on high alert by the threats. Secondary schools had their doors locked, which is uncommon (doors are normally left open since students are permitted to be outside freely during break periods). Elementary schools – which always have their doors locked – were directed not to let their students out for recess, and increased attention was paid to identifying visitors.

Making a bomb threat is a crime, even without intending to act on it or having the means to act on it. Making such a threat against schools certainly adds a level of severity.

Schools remain incredibly safe places, and the investigation into the source of the threats is ongoing, with no arrests yet made as of the time of writing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). www.ngtimes.ca

The Voice of North Grenville

The North Grenville Times

Five women, three generations; see how they fit! ing as well; three of the five seasoned community theatre actors who auditioned were completely new to Theatre Night in Merrickville. And they are perfect for their roles!

The full cast features Janet Rice as Emma, the matriarch, Andrea Lewandowski and Janet Hilliard as her daughters Sylvia and Pat, and Jessica Lavigne and Dayna Stone as Sylvia’s daughters, Alex and Monica.

Five women, three generations; see how they fit!

“Jigsaws” was written more than 40 years ago.

In Australia, it continues to be produced as a popular period piece, but its themes of sisterhood and sibling rivalry, mother-daughter relationships, gender roles, family dynamics, and the nature of marriage are as relevant today as they were in 1988. The play is rich in metaphor, with dialogue that is intelligent, biting and fresh. Classic female characters of a conventional middleclass family are carefully drawn - archetypes rather than stereotypes of strong but conventional women

it for TNIM. The play had already played in London, Antwerp, New Zealand and Stamford Connecticut.

Jennifer was delighted to have it produced in Canada as well. She went so far as to suggest that Heddy transpose the setting from Perth, Australia to Merrickville!

Since the story unJanet Rice, as Emma, comforts her granddaughter Alex folds over the Christmas played by Jessica Lavigne in Theatre Night in Merrickville's production of “Jigsaws”. Photo by Andrea Howard. holidays, all references to weather and outdoor acsubmitted by Andrea interesting, brave human tivities had to be changed Howard, Theatre Night in beings who bring immense from the dead of summer Merrickville strength and compassion down under to the winThis fall, Theatre into one another’s lives.” ter reality ‘round here.

The Merrickville pro- Heddy has succeeded in Night in Merrickville presents the Canadian duction is born out of ser- this seamless transformapremiere of “Jigsaws” by endipity. In 2018, author tion through workshopJennifer Rogers, directed Jennifer Rogers and her ping the script with her

by Heddy Sorour. The partner were visiting Can- actors. “As a director, I’m play explores the nuanced ada and happened to book thrilled with the stellar cast relations between moth- a stay in Heddy Sorour’s of experienced female acers, daughters and sisters, B&B. There was no trans- tors that I’ve lucked into three generations of the portation to bring her visi- for “Jigsaws”. Each and same family, as they come tors directly to their lodg- every cast member has to terms with changing ings, so Heddy drove to the brought her imagination circumstances and at- airport and picked them and wealth of stagecraft titudes. It is an actor’s up herself. Conversation to every rehearsal, and dream and an audience easily led to their shared it’s been thrilling to watch pleaser. When Jigsaws passion for the theatre them apply their talents in opened in Perth, Australia and an enduring friend- developing their characters in 1988, the playwright ship blossomed. When and in refining necessary explained: “I want to Heddy read “Jigsaws”, script modifications.”

Indeed, serendipity has show women as they re- she loved the play and ally are, as funny, bright, asked if she could direct played a role in the cast-

of the past and free young women of the future. To quote a feminist scholar in her exploration of the text, “The main gift that “Jigsaws” offers to women in the audience of all ages, from the twenties to the seventies, is a message of hope.” It should be noted that there is a brief scene of suicidal ideation.

“Jigsaws” plays Thursday to Saturday, November 23 to 25, at 7:30 pm and Sunday, November 26 at 2 pm in the Merrickville Community Centre, 106 Read Street, K0G1N0. No small part of the magic of a theatre night in Merrickville is the transformation of a big empty room into

a full theatre, with seating for 150, lighting, full set, and ambiance. You can imagine that this takes the creative effort of dozens of volunteers. As we like to say, it takes a village to raise a curtain!

THOMAS M. BYRNE Barrister and Solicitor

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

Christmas in Merrickville returns

submitted by Carlos Card Christmas in Merrickville is one of the largest holiday community events in the Ottawa Valley. The event has been held for 33 years and typically attracts an average of 5,000 visitors.

This event is traditionally held on the first Saturday of December and this year, that day falls on December 2, 2023. This is a daylong event that runs from 9 am to 6pm.

The day begins with Breakfast with Santa at our local legion, followed by an artisan’s market in our local community centre.

November 9, 2023

The Christmas Parade follows at 11 am. The Parade typically takes an hour to move through the Village, as it is quite large. Floats are usually entered in the Parade by RBC, Parkview Homes, Lockwood Brothers, and many other regional businesses.

Following the Parade, the road running through the main shopping district, St Lawrence Street, is closed to vehicular traffic for several blocks for the remainder of the day.

Fire barrels are placed at intervals down the middle of St Lawrence and hot dogs and marshmallows are provided to guests for roasting free of charge.

The local Lions Club

and Legion sponsor free horse drawn carriage rides through the Village throughout the day.

Additional activities included face painting, a petting zoo, carolers, several street vendors providing various confections as well as a variety of fund-raising initiatives for local charities.

This year, we are adding a Tiny Tykes Games Midway on St Lawrence Street which will be facilitated by staff volunteers for RBC who will be handing prizes to participants and conducting a food drive for our local food cupboard. In addition, RBC will be donating $1,500.00 to our local food cupboard on behalf of Christmas in Merrickville.

Our current list of sponsors includes Parkview Homes, Lockwood Brothers, RBC, Smiths Falls Home Hardware, First Stop Rentals in Kemptville, Mainstreet Family Restaurant, The Goose and Gridiron Restaurant, Canada Bread, and Merrickville Food Town.

3

www.ngtimes.ca

The Voice of North Grenville

The North Grenville Times

UBI revisited: someone explain the fairytale

by Brandon Mayer Two issues ago, I wrote an op-ed arguing that a Universal Basic Income (UBI) program would not work. My opinion was unpopular with all but one of the readers who responded.

A lot of harsh words were levelled in the responses, which were all printed, so I’ve granted myself one more crack at the subject to respond in kind. Let me begin by saying that I’m still not convinced.

When I went through each response, I couldn’t help but believe that the technical jargon and emotional commentary were doing nothing more than hiding the dollar signs in their authors’ eyes. Here is why I still don’t believe in a UBI program: because getting something for nothing is a fairytale.

Money is a standardized barter system that helps us keep track of contributions to society. If a farmer, a lumberjack, and a musician all live on a remote island, they would all

rely on each other. Assuming they already had shelter, the farmer would supply food, the lumberjack would supply wood for heating, and the musician would supply entertainment to pass the time. It wouldn’t be fair for the farmer to supply bushel after bushel of produce only to have the lumberjack cut him only one piece of wood.

It similarly wouldn’t be fair for the farmer or lumberjack to generously supply the musician with the necessities of life while she professes to be too tired to play them songs night after night.

Putting a monetary value on things helps decide what type of contribution is fair.

In the fictitious island example, a day’s worth of food should cost the same as a day’s worth of firewood or entertainment – say $5 for example. When both the lumberjack and the musician purchase a day’s worth of food, the farmer has $10 – enough to buy both a day’s worth of wood, and a day’s worth of music. And so on.

All must contribute for others in order to get what they need, which is the balance

and function of society.

I am fully aware that this example is over simplified.

Canadian society doesn’t consist of three people with basic needs inhabiting a single island. It consists of over 38 million people and thousands upon thousands of goods and services, some “needs” and some “wants”, some people who are able to work and others who can’t, children and elderly people who don’t work but must be educated or cared for, etc. The point however, remains the same: giving everyone an income boost for no additional contribution to society is akin to the farmer, lumberjack, and musician saying “I know a solution to our problems! Why don’t we just have more food, wood, and music?” It makes no sense – goods and services don’t appear out of thin air.

If they wanted more, they would need to produce it.

With a Canadian UBI program, which fairy would be called upon to magically ramp up the production of goods and the provision of services? Let’s say we suddenly had millions of people

with an extra $20,000 per year sitting around. Many would go from eating the bare minimum to eating like royalty – who is making that extra food? Many would buy things that qualify as “wants”, such a huge TVs, boats, and luxury cars – who would produce them?

Many still would suddenly find a desire to visit a spa on a regular basis, or to get a haircut once a week – who would provide these services? Businesses have a hard time hiring staff as it is.

More dollars chasing fewer goods drives prices through the roof. Putting billions of dollars annually toward a UBI program would mean pulling that money from one of two places: higher taxes, or the increased printing of money.

One method ends up producing a net zero program that disincentivizes employment, the other produces a net zero program in which everyone has more money but now must pay out of control prices for everything. The worst part is that since so much money has passed through government coffers,

Seniors know a lot, but there’s always more to learn.

Gov-of-Canada_Print_Newspaper_ON_10.25x7.8571_Creemore.indd 1

November 9, 2023

and the government must take its slice of the pie, no one comes out ahead in the end. Those who support a UBI program are likely the same people who believe that the precious metals found in the 16 Psyche asteroid would solve all the world’s problems by making everyone “rich”.

My conclusion, similar to last time, is this: lower taxes and less government involvement in personal finances would provide far

more assistance to Canadians than a UBI program.

Keep government credits and programs for those who are low income and struggling (particularly parents, seniors, and the disabled population), but otherwise, keep the government out of personal finances.

the north grenville

TIMES MELISSA OTTENHOF Marketing Consultant

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

Help ensure your later years are safe and secure by learning about programs, services, and information available for seniors.

Canada.ca/seniors 1 800 O-Canada

4

2023-10-13 4:27 PM

www.ngtimes.ca

The Voice of North Grenville

The North Grenville Times

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Tel: 613.258.3479 Scarce heard amid the guns below.

311 Ryan's Well Drive, Kemptville

Statement from Mayor Nancy Peckford on Remembrance Day

November 11, 1947 The Cenotaph was then located beside the old Post Office at the corner of Prescott and Reuben Streets in Kemptville.

North Grenville’s Fallen (Age in brackets)

1914 - 1918 Pte A. Scott No information Pte Charles Acey Hurlbert (20) 1917 Major Horace Hutchins 1917 Pte Isaac Cooper (35) 1916 Pte Martin Leo Carlin (20) 1917 Captain John McDiarmid (40) 1916 Pte John Allan Stewart 21) 1918 Pte John Moran (19) 1918 Lt. Charles Elwood Oakes (26) 1916 1939 - 1945 Pte Thomas James Beckett (22) 1918 Sgt James Arnold Dillane (20) 1918 Lance Bombardier Henry W. Cowie (21) 1944 Pte Alfred Caley (31) 1918 Sgt Robert Jay Bennett (26) 1918 Gunner Arthur Stewart Robinson (24) 1944 Pte Ernest Rupert Davie (18) 1917 Sgt. Robert Percy Barr, DCM (19) 1917 Pte Donald Lee Crawford 1944 Pte George Gordon Howey (33) 1918 Pte G. Grey No information Leading Aircraftman Byard B. Black (47) 1943 Pte John Edward McCrum (24) 1917 Pte Edmund Roy Mackey (24) 1918 Trooper George Joseph Wagner (23) 1944 Pte Harvey Milburn McCrum (31) 1917 Pte Harry Johnson Carson (23) 1917 Pte J. Shearer No information Pte E. Hastings No information Pte Harold Melvyn Maxwell (19) 1918 Pilot Officer William Lysle Buchanan 1942 Pte A. Irvine No information Pte Nelson Bazil Laplante 1918 Flight Sgt Harry Lyle Brown (20) 1943 Pte S. Hudson No information Pte Cyril Douglas O’Leary (23) 1918 Flight Sgt Guy James M. McElroy (21) 1942 Pte Walter Copping (23) 1916 Pte Ambrose Arcand (23) 1918 Flight Sgt D. D. Taylor (19) 1941 Pte John Arthur Jeffrey (18) 1918 Pte Thomas Augustus Arcand (29) 1918 Sgt Patrick Redmond Roach (19) 1941 Pte Jesse Humphrey (25) 1917 Pte H. Andrews (22) 1917 Corp. William Harold Edgar Leach (24) 1941 Pte Archibald McDiarmid (33) 1916 Pte John Edgar Arcand (24) 1918 Pte Albert Edward Worles (20) 1915 Pte William Algy Stewart Pte Blake Williamson (23) Afghanistan 2006

submitted by Jill Sturdy, Municipality of NG Mayor Nancy Peckford issued the following statement on behalf of Council for Remembrance Day: On behalf of the Municipality of North Grenville and Members of Council, we join with residents to mark the solemn occasion of Remembrance Day. We honour the brave Canadians in uniform who served and pay tribute for all that they have done to keep us safe.

We proudly wear red poppies over our hearts as the symbol of remembrance of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The red flower also is the symbol of the Legion's Poppy Campaign, raising funds to support Veterans and their families.

Let us take the time to remember those who have fought for us and our country. May we pay our respects and show gratitude for their help in making Canada the prosperous, free, and secure country we enjoy, acknowledging that such security is hard won and even harder to keep.

Last week, the Municipality lowered its flags for Indigenous Veterans Day, to honour the contributions and sacrifices made by First Nations, Inuit and Metis in service to Canada.

The Municipality of North Grenville has joined others within our community in placing a wreath at the Cenotaph in Downtown Kemptville as a symbol of respect and remembrance. Municipal flags will also fly at half-mast on Remembrance Day. Lest We Forget.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place: and in the sky The larks still bravely singing fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead: Short days ago, We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved: and now we lie In Flanders fields!

Take up our quarrel with the foe To you, from failing hands, we throw The torch: be yours to hold it high If ye break faith with us who die, We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields

613-258-3544 November 9, 2023

Lest we Forget 613-269-4004

Wilson Quarry Merrickville tackaberryconstruction.com

McGaheyInsurance.com

5

www.ngtimes.ca

The Voice of North Grenville

The North Grenville Times

Corporate/Business Tax Planning & Preparation

Remembrance In This panoramic photograph of the Canadian Expeditionary Force was taken at the new military camp at Val Cartier, Quebec in late 1914. It was taken by the Panoramic Camera Company of Toronto and printed by the Montreal Star. Canada was not prepared for war

when it came in 1914, and it became necessary to call up the various Militia Regiments for service abroad.

An Order-in-Council was passed by the Governor General in Council on August 6, 1914 under Section 69 of the Militia Act authorising the Militia to be put on Active Service. That

same day, General Order Number 142 listed the regiments to be called upon. The Third Division of the Canadian Expeditionary Force included the 56th Grenville Regiment (Lisgar Rifles).

Kemptville was at the centre of the call-up, the Armoury in Riverside Park, which had replaced the old

drill halls at Millar’s Corners and Burritt’s Rapids, had only been opened the previous month, and a Cadet Corps had been set up at the High School in May. Now, it was all for real and the people of Oxford-onRideau, South Gower and the Village of Kemptville were going to war.

3 Clothier St E, Kemptville, ON www.solutionone.ca info@solutionone.ca

613-258-9492

Major Horace Hutchins

Horace Hutchins was born on January 28, 1868 in Kemptville, Ontario. His grandfather had arrived in Oxford-on-Rideau Township from Ireland around 1820 and the family had farmed in the area since then. Horace attended the Kemptville Union Public and High School on Oxford Street, and then became a farmer and businessman, an agent for Frost and Wood farm implements company. He was Reeve of Kemptville in 1912. On August 3, 1915, he enlisted with the 109th Canadian Infantry Battalion, a unit of the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force (CEF). He had served eight years with the 56th Regiment in Kemptville and had been Captain in the local militia company, the 56th Lisgar Rifles.

To get to the front, Major Hutchins accepted a reduction in rank to Lieutenant. However, he was promoted to Captain and then back to the rank of Major in early 1916. While serving with the 190th Battalion, Horace was struck and killed on April 9, 1917, as he led his men across No Man's Land during an attack on Vimy Ridge.

His wife, Mary Jane, died in October, 1918 of the Spanish Flu, one of the earliest victims of the pandemic that swept the world in 1918-1919. They had no children of their own, but had adopted a boy, Dewey Wellman, who was 19 when Horace was killed. He seems to have left before that time, however, as it was Horace’s brother who was identified as nextof-kin after Mary’s death the following year.

This letter was sent to Horace’s wife after he died: A Co., 124th Am. Corps.

France, April 18, 1917.

My Dear Mrs. Hutchins: On behalf of the boys who were in the company in the 109th battalion, which was commanded by your late husband, I beg to offer our sincere sympathy to you on account of his loss.

He was honoured by all who knew him, both officers and men, and I’m sure all will hear of his being killed in action with deep feeling.

I have been able to get some details as to his death and will give them to you as best I can. He led his company across No Man’s land and while near the centre was hit with a bullet in the left arm. He immediately had a bandage put on and continued going forward. His death came quickly and without pain, front reaching the enemy’s frontline he was hit in both breasts with a machine gun and died instantly.

When found by a former 109th boy he was taken for having gone to sleep, but the worst was soon discovered.

As our own position has since been moved I think I may state that he has very likely been buried in one of the too numerous cemeteries near Mt. St. Eloy, which is not far from Arras.

As company sergeant-major of your late husband’s former company, I beg you to accept the sincere sympathy of myself and all the others who were in the Company at any time.

I remain, yours sincerely, Leslie G. Hathaway, Cpl.

Lest We Forget

A memorial service was held in St. Paul’s church last Sabbath morning in memory of the late Major Horace Hutchins, of this village, who was killed in action in the battle of Vimy Ridge, near Arras, France, on or about April 9th last.

Weekly Advance, May 31, 1917.

The sad and unexpected news that arrived here last Friday afternoon of the passing away of Mrs. Horace Hutchins while on a visit her her cousin, Mr. W. J. Corbett, Montréal, has caused nothing but profound sadness among her friends here. Mrs. Hutchins had been visiting Mr. and Mrs. Corbett for about a month and while preparing to return home was stricken with influenza which later developed into pneumonia and after about a week’s illness she passed away. Mrs. Hutchins maiden name was Minnie J. Martin. She was a daughter of the late Samuel Martin, photographer of Kemptville. She was born here and lived practically all her life in the village. She was married to the late major Hutchins, who so gallantly gave his life in the service of his country at the assault on Vimy Ridge in the spring of 1917.

Weekly Advance, October 31st, 1918.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow

Mark & Ginette Streit

613.258.3014

Class A Licensed Mechanics - Repairs to ALL Makes D.O.T. Safety Inspections - Fuel Injection, Electrical & A/C Specialists Complete Brake & Exhaust Service - Tires & Batteries Front End & Suspension

1303 Kingdom Rd., Kemptville

November 9, 2023

613-258-6607

South Gower Industrial Park #2 Industrial Rd., 613-258 -7464 kwandk@bellnet.ca

6

301 Rideau Street, Kemptville www.ngtimes.ca

Editorial

The Voice of North Grenville

The North Grenville Times

True patriot laziness, grumpiness, and freedom

by Brandon Mayer Remembrance Day is fast approaching in two short days. We don’t claim to “celebrate” Remembrance Day, but instead, we “commemorate” it, which really means that we commemorate all of the brave men and women who have served our country and continue to serve our country to ensure our freedoms. There is never a bad time to thank a veteran.

At this time last year, a veteran from Florida gave an interview to Fox News on his 100th birthday in which he broke down in tears, lamenting the loss of the America he once knew. “That’s not what they died for,” he said in the interview, referring to his fellow veterans who never made it home. I have always wished that the interview had gone on longer. I want to know what he means. I want to know what specific things this gentleman feels are wrong with his country.

I absolutely agree with

one of the veteran’s first statements in the interview, “People don’t know what they have”. This is true – many unhappy people would be much happier if they appreciated the life that Canada, the USA and other developed countries give them, particularly in comparison to other places around the world.

Then there is that tricky little complicated and heavily nuanced word – freedom. Why do we say, when talking about veterans’ devotion and sacrifices, that they fought for our “freedom”? Simply put, it’s because there have been many groups and even entire countries at different points in history that have sought to rob us of our freedom. Using WWII as an example, does anyone truly believe the Nazis would not have taken over the entire world if given the opportunity? Nobody was free in Nazi occupied areas during WWII, considering that survival depended on allegiance.

Another example that hits closer to modern times – groups like Al Qaeda and

ISIS would surely push a magic button labelled “Make Entire World Follow Sharia Law”, if such a button existed. These groups have openly talked about their desire to convert the entire world and kill so-called “infidels”.

We rely on our military to keep these groups at bay.

Members of the military have many tasks and duties, both abroad and at home. Their most important job has always been (and will always be) protecting our freedoms when groups and leaders seek to take them from us. The problem, if there is one, lies in the question: “What is freedom?”

There is virtually no argument I can make against a 100-year-old veteran (I suppose 101 years old now, if he’s still with us) that won’t make me come across as a total jerk. That said, I’m not arguing with him, per se, since he doesn’t go into detail about what faults he finds with his country. However, it’s important to note that being free to conform to veterans’ views of what the

country should look like is not freedom at all. Veterans didn’t serve their country to be able to impose their views. They didn’t serve so that they could have more power or influence by flouting the fact of their bravery and sacrifice.

Most served and continue to serve in the name of true, uninhibited freedom, expecting no greater say or influence in how their country is run than anyone else. That fact alone makes their sacrifice so incredibly noble, selfless, honourable, and commendable.

Those who served bravely and continue to serve have done their job – we remain free. Are we making a mockery of this freedom? As a society, I don’t believe that we are.

Politically, the story may be different. Perhaps the American veteran from the video was concerned that President Trump had done irreparable damage to the country, and that such damage was continuing under President Biden. Trump is heavily known for things such as openly mocking a disabled reporter, and

proudly confessing to engaging in aggressive sexual advances toward women.

Don’t even get me started on Biden or Trudeau…

I wish once again that we knew more about what our veteran friend was referring to. If it was politics, I agree, we need our politicians to stop wrecking our countries with unwanted policies, punitive taxes, and downright incompetence. If instead, the veteran was referring to social values, then I disagree. The world will always evolve, and social values are bound to change. People like to complain about “kids today” – well I work with those kids, and they’re great. Honest, respectful, empathic, hard working, and smart… values that would surely make any veteran proud.

The Times website recently had a comment added to an older article I wrote about self-checkout machines, and the commenter was quick to point out how today’s young generation is “ever so lazy” with an assortment of other harsh and small-minded

comments. I disagree (obviously) – I think that every generation has hard workers and lazy people, kind souls and mean spirits, honourable citizens and untrustworthy slimeballs.

They are all free, and that is all a veteran should ever be worried about. Some teenagers (and adults) may be lazy, some older folks (and teenagers) may be grumpy. Our national anthem reminds us of the importance of “true patriot love”, but it never hurts to also remember that our veterans fought for true patriot laziness, grumpiness, and ultimately… freedom.

Character flaws are human nature. The freedom to be flawed without suffering persecution is true freedom indeed.

Thank a veteran. Buy them a coffee, buy them lunch, help them carry their groceries, or simply hold out a hand and say “thank you”. November is a great time to do it, but there is never a bad time. Lest we forget.

of the NG Times was dedicated to an individual who had received an award for his decades of volunteering. A society is not simply a series of monetary transactions.

Support for UBI comes from a wide range of politicians, economists, and business leaders. It is not isolated to one particular ideological viewpoint. UBI may seem like a fanciful, unrealistic idea, but we do things every day that were only depicted in works of fiction a few decades ago.

Steve Gabell

could buy a house, have a family and retire in comfort. I have achieved all of these things.

However, recently my son, with his university degree, and his partner looked at buying a place to live (and forget about rentals). Both have decent above-minimum-wage jobs: they work 40+ hours per week, pay their income and social taxes (which go towards making Canada a safe and decent place to live), yet there is absolutely no way they can even contemplate buying a place without a massive injection of cash from his parents. Using the banks’ payment formulae (and including his parents' contribution), almost all of his net income would be spent on paying for his mortgage and taxes. His partner’s income would pay their living expenses. One small expense – like visiting a dentist, for instance – would mean that they would go into debt. They get no other income from any government programme: they work hard, pay their dues but struggle to advance.

There are very simple solutions to providing younger people with some hope: we all have to pay more for what we consume or property prices have to fall to reflect people’s incomes or incomes have to rise. Perhaps things have been too cheap for too long? (I can hear the groans!) And, none of us baby boomers want to see property prices fall, do we, as most of our equity is in our property? So what is wrong with letting people have a

decent income so that they can feel secure and enjoy life, not just exist through it…..enjoy life like so many of us have done. Is this not what UBI is about?

I read so often that Canada is a caring society – really, when one sees the vitriol bandied about so frequently? Those old expectations have gone and if we are not careful, we will have (already have?) a generation of livid people who

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor,

The idea of a Universal Basic Income may seem utopian (and one of the earliest mentions of UBI was over 500 years ago in Thomas More’s Utopia), but the idea that artificial intelligences will be able to do much of our work is also utopian.

With the rapid advances in AI and automation, we are approaching an inflection point for society. AI and automation threaten to do to many white-collar jobs in the coming decades what previous technological advances did to blue-collar jobs. Previous shifts have created new jobs and opportunities, but how many jobs will there be in the future when AI can perform complex cognitive tasks as well as humans can?

The benefits from previous technological advances have largely accrued to those who have the capital to own the technology. How society should respond to the opportunities and threats that AI and automation poses is one of the most pressing questions we The North Grenville Times is published weekly by North Grenville Times Inc.

Marketing/Sales

Melissa Ottenhof marketing@ngtimes.ca 613 329 0209

November 9, 2023

face today. Should the benefits from these technologies be shared widely by society, or should they be hoarded by an elite few who already have more money than they can spend in multiple lifetimes? A UBI is one way of answering this question, attempting to ensure that everyone can meet their basic needs. Mr. Mayer is viewing a 21st century challenge through a 20th century lens.

One argument Mr. Mayer raises for opposing UBI is the idea that those who are not in paid employment do not contribute to society. This narrow view of equating someone’s social value as being tied to their economic value is fundamentally wrong and can be used to justify some dangerous positions. The start of the pandemic showed everyone just how vital some of the lowest paid workers are to society, and many people generously volunteer their time to a wide range of causes generating immense social benefits. Just a few weeks ago, the front page

Dear Editor, Re: Universal Basic Income (UBI) Hurrah to Matt Smith for his article re UBI. It’s really sad to read how some people equate a basic standard of living with ‘communism’. I am a post-war baby boomer who has benefitted really quite well from this boom. I was brought up to expect to go to university, get a decent job, for which I would be paid decently so I

the north grenville

www.ngtimes.ca ISSN 2291-0301

TIMES

Ashley Sloan Reporter at large 613-215-0735

OFFICE 613-215-0735

Accounting Pat Jessop cfo@ngtimes.ca

Editor Brandon Mayer editor@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735

7

Letters cont'd on page 8

Services • • •

3D Design Interlock Natural Stone

613-316-7710

• • •

Lighting Planting Water Features

www.ardron.ca

Mailing Address P.O. Box 1854 Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Production production@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times Letters cont'd do not engage with others because why should they? They see little benefit from joining in when they spend all their income on existing (not living) and trying to get further ahead is met by roadblocks (put in place to protect those of us who are OK, thank you very much). Our valiant Premier is going to build 600,000 homes (they’re houses and become homes when people move in!) but who’s going to be able to afford to buy any of them?

All levels of government and our society as a whole need to make sure that those who are 16 – 35/40 years old feel they belong, because, sadly, more and more of them don’t feel they do and that is a recipe for civil unrest. We all have to live in our communities and we all have to ensure that all feel they belong, so please let’s work to find solutions not just whinge when an idea for the betterment of us all is mooted.

Andrew M. Thriscutt

Dear Editor, This is in response to theOp-ed dated November 2, 2023 “Why UBI does, in fact, work". The author, in a rebuttal to the article by Brandon Mayer, refers to the UBI (Universal Basic Income) in Alaska. However, it is actually a “resource royalty program” (Alaska Permanent Fund) that is paid as a dividend to every Alaskan resident. In 1983 it was $386.15 and in 2023 was $1,312. For 2017, the dividend was $1,100 per person or $5,500 for a family of 5 and varies by year depending on the Fund’s performance. And it is indeed “universal” since you receive the dividend, rich or poor, unlike any UBI. Mr. Smith is correct regarding the report entitled “Labor Market Impacts of the Universal and Permanent Cash Transfers”, but this was because the transfers were small and so no one could quit a job on that income. The income is subject to federal tax (top U.S. federal tax rate of 37%), not state income tax, as there is no Alaskan state income tax.

In the same article, Finland experimented with a “UBI” from 2017 to 2019. The unemployed received 560 Euros/month ($840 Cad in 2018 dollars), regardless of what they earned on top of that. In the end, it is unlikely that the program will be expanded to cover a larger population. Bear in mind that Finlanders pay 51.6% top personal tax rate (2018), the corporate tax rate is 20% and sales tax is 24%.

The Fraser Institute recently released a report using some basic assumptions 1) the cost of a national GAI (Guaranteed Annual Income) would be fully funded by tax increases (not deficit financing) 2) GAI would be in addition to other social net plans as demanded by Peter

November 9, 2023

Julian, NDP MP. There were two models of GAI proposed (see the report for details). If the “tax the rich” (those earning over $250,000) proposal is used to raise the monies for the low cost model GAI (131.9 billion cost), only 87% of the cost would be covered by collecting the entire disposable income of the “rich”. For the high cost model ($464.5 billion), the “rich” could cover 25% of the cost. In a 2021 letter to the editor, a UBI proponent mentions the $40 billion wealth of the Canadian Thompson family. If Canada took all the wealth of that family, the GAI would be covered for 3.6 months under the low cost model and just over a month under the high cost model. And after that, every wealthy family would leave Canada! Who would the ‘left’ tax then?

The other option is to cover the GAI with increased GST (Federal Consumption tax) which would be applied to all ‘consumers’. The low cost model would require a GST increase from 5% to 26.25% and the high cost model would raise the GST to 105.35%.

Willem Van Dam

Dear Editor, RE: Editorial “Night and dusk”, The North Grenville Times, November 2, 2023 In my opinion, Council - whether in MerrickvilleWolford, North Grenville, or North Dundas - ought not to be wasting time deliberating about flags. The question of which flags to fly or not to fly could be solved quickly and easily by the passing of a motion that only the national flag, provincial flag, and municipal flags shall be flown on or outside municipal buildings. Period.

Best regards, Alistair McCleery

The Voice of North Grenville

••

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

UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL MEETINGS

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.

•

Tuesday, November 21 at 6:30 p.m. (Open Session) – Municipal Center, Suite A

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.

• • • • • •

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 Circle – Wednesday, November 16 at 4:30 p.m.

Health, Wellness, and Fitness Advisory Committee – Monday, November 20 at 5:00 p.m.

Accessibility Advisory Committee – Wednesday, November 22 at 5:30 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 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 3, 2023.

Facilities Operator (Full-Time) 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.

Facilities Operator (12-month contract) The Municipality of North Grenville is seeking to fill a 12-month contract position of Facilities Operator. Interested applicants may submit a cover letter and resume outlining qualification in confidence to Human Resources by 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.

Does your business go further than North Grenville?

Advertise in our sister paper The North Dundas Times!

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

Contact Nanda!

Marketing Consultant Email: nanda@ndtimes.ca

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

8

www.ngtimes.ca

The Voice of North Grenville

The North Grenville Times

Looking to buy or sell your home?

As your Royal LePage REALTOR®, I’m committed to guiding you every step of the way.

JenniferHindorff.com

www.

® Realtor

Independently Owned and Operated, Brokerage

OFFICE: 613.258.1990

MOBILE: 613.218.7128

jenniferhindorff@Royallepage.ca

Nursing Sisters From Oxford Mills

by David Shanahan Looking at a plaque commemorating people from the Oxford Mills area who served during World War I, it takes a moment to realise that two of the names engraved there are women.

Amelia and Florence Greer served as Nursing Sisters with the Canadian Army Medical Corps during the First World War. The Greers were a prominent family in the Oxford Mills area, farming on lot 19, concession 5. Amelia was 42 when she enlisted in 1914, Florence was four years younger.

Just over 3,100 Canadian women served as Nursing Sisters between 1914 and 1918, more than 2,500 of them overseas. They nursed in France, Belgium, Gallipoli and Egypt, as well as in English hospitals. They earned the nickname “bluebirds” because of their blue uniforms and white veils, as well as “Sisters of Mercy”. Canada’s Nursing Sisters saved lives by assisting with medical operations and by caring for convalescing soldiers.

Fifty-three of these women were killed during the war, from enemy fire, illness, or when a German U Boat torpedoed and sank the Canadian hospital ship, the Llandovery Castle, in June of 1918. All 14 nurses on board were killed. Twice, also in 1918, Canadian hospitals were hit by aerial bombardment. In one of these attacks, on the 1st Canadian General Hospital in Étaples, three Nursing Sisters were killed. A special memorial to the CAMC nurses was unveiled in 1926, and it is located in the Centre Block on Parliament Hill.

Amelia served in France during the Great War, and was invalided back to Canada in 1919, suffering from Pneumonia. She was one of the fortunate ones who survived that great Spanish Flu pandemic that took millions of lives worldwide.

Both Amelia and Florence died the same year, Amelia in June of 1954, and Florence just shortly after, and they are commemorated in interesting ways. The family tombstone lists their parents and sister on one side, but the two Nursing Sisters have their names and dates engraved together on the reverse side of the stone. A second, small stone lies beside the family monument. On it is engraved the inscription: Amelia J. Seeley, served as Amelia J. Greer Nursing Sister C.A.M.C. C.E.F. 29 June 1954 Age 82 That, it seems, is how Amelia wanted to be remembered.

The Law Office of

Connie Lamble Lest We Forget 222 Prescott Street, Kemptville www.lamble.ca connie@lamble.ca 613.258.0038

. t e g r o f e w t s e L November 9, 2023

9

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lieIn Flanders fields.

The right people The right products The right services

Fertilizer - Seed - Crop Protection Oxford Station 613-258-3445 888-342-7839

Crysler 613-987-5241 877-376-3378

The Voice of North Grenville

Addison 613-924-2632 877-246-5013

www.harvex.com

The parade begins at the Legion Branch on Reuben at 10:45 and then proceeds to the Cenotaph on Prescott Street for the Remembrance Day Service at 11am and then parades back to the Branch.

Light refreshments will be available at the Legion afterwards.

Members the The Royal Canadian Regiment from Petawawa will be participating in the parade as in previous years to honour Blake Williamson, raised in Kemptville, lost at the age of 23 in Afghanistan.

Photo by Chris McLelland

We Will Remember Them

On behalf of North Grenville’s Council

LEST WE FORGET

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Saturday, November 11th, 2023 November 9, 2023

10

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

Lest We Forget

The Voice of North Grenville

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

28 Clothier St E, Kemptville

Real Estate - Wills & Estates - Corporate - Family Law

613-258-2630

BRAIN DROPPINGS

Oh Canada! 2023

by Peter Johnson Remembrance Day is, of course, a time for reflection and memories. It is also such a worrisome time. This year, as in so many years, it is especially so with the wars that are going on in Europe and the Middle East. One of my earliest memories is of the Queen's visit to Ottawa in 1956. Her motorcade came right up my street and turned off to the Veterans Hospital on Smyth Road.

It was the first time that I had seen so many veterans dressed in their uniforms and confined to wheelchairs because they had lost one or both of their legs. As a child only 8 years old, I couldn't

imagine the horrors that they had seen, nor the awful pain they must have already endured in their young lives.

Nor could we see the multitude, in their thousands, who were not there to attend... who were lost forever. But my parents could.

They were born in 1921.

They grew up in the awful 20's and the dirty 30's. Born just after The Great War ended in 1919, theirs was a hard life that culminated in 1939 - the year they turned 18 - the year that the Second World War began. For many of their generation, that was it. An entire graduating class that had the city's best basketball team all signed up together, and before the year

In high school, I had a friends did. He said, “If your new friend - he had just ar- country is being attacked, rived. He used to get grief of course you would. You from the teachers because would do it gladly. We were his name was 'Spike'. Think- not heroes, we were young ing it was a nickname, he men who felt that we had told his father about his pre- to do something” , the same dicament. Mr. Braham came words that my father had to the teacher's class with used when writing to my his son's birth certificate to mother. I have a hat - it's an prove that 'Spike' was indeed anti-MAGA hat. It's bright his son's legal name - named red, and in white letters, it after his aviator who died says, 'Canada Is Already when they were shot down Great'. It does NOT say that Canada is perfect. Of over Denmark.

Mr. Braham was the course it isn't. There's a lot most decorated pilot in the that needs to be fixed. But R.A.F. in the Second World even though it sounds trite, War. We were 18 years old, it is also true that we have the same age he was when so much to be thankful for.

All of the generations he enlisted. We wondered if we would be brave enough that have come before us to enlist, like he and his would want us to do what

was out, they were all dead - gunners on bombers in the skies over Great Britain and Europe. A tragedy that my generation could never fully appreciate the way that my parents’ generation could.

I have a letter, written on RCAF stationery, by my father to my mother. He had gone to Toronto, along with so many others, and signed up at the CNE to join the AirForce. He tried to explain why he had not spoken of it, but all that he could come up with was that he felt he had to do something - he had to do what he could to be a part of the effort to right the horrible wrong as the Nazis rolled into Poland at the beginning of September 1939.

we could, to make it better.

Together, not in opposition to each other. In a civil manner. Being constructive in our objections and criticisms. Leaving out the negativity and listening to those who oppose us. To do what we can in partnership and collaboration to make this country a better place. We have so much to be thankful for, but we also have a responsibility to do our part to protect and advance what the previous generations have tried to do. We stand on their shoulders. We have an obligation to carry on what they have started.

Feb. 1916 Kemptville photo: The Kemptville Company of the 156th Leeds & Grenville Battalion photographed outside the Armoury in Kemptville in February, 1916. Seated centre front is Captain T. Ashmore Kidd, who had just returned from Europe where he had been paymaster to the battalion. T. A. Kidd joined the Grenville militia and was commandant of the 56th Lisgar Rifles in Kemptville in June, 1914 when the new Armoury building opened in Riverside Park.

He had started the Cadet corps at the High School in Kemptville in May, 1914. With the outbreak of war in August, Thomas went abroad with the First Canadian Contingent and was badly wounded at the battle of Ypres the following year. He held staff jobs thereafter, and was Quarter Master General to Medical Detachment No. 3 at the end of the war. He took charge of reorganising the Grenville Regiment between 1920-25.

November 9, 2023

11

www.ngtimes.ca

The Voice of North Grenville

The North Grenville Times

George Roy Atkinson

www.FergusonForestCentre.ca

G. Roy Atkinson was born in Wolford Township, and, although the notice in the newspaper said his father was George Atkinson of Bishop’s Mills, in other records he is noted as living in North Augusta. Roy was a stenographer by profession, though there is no record yet found to show where he worked, and for which company. But when war broke out in 1914, he enlisted at Prescott on February 26, 1915. It seems he worked as a clerk in an army establishment in England, but he accepted demotion from Sergeant to Private in order to be transferred to a fighting unit with the 21st Battalion in France, where he served from September, 1916 until August the following year. During his service in France, he was promoted to Corporal.

On August 16, he was part of the attack on Lens when he was shot in the face, suffering permanent loss of sight in his right eye, and severe damage to his left. There is nothing in his military file that gives details, but he was awarded the Military Medal on December 14, 1917 “for Bravery in the Field”. After a long recuperation, which included a number of surgeries, he returned to Canada in 1918.

He moved to the Britannia area of Ottawa in 1920, and died in 1974.

Roy Atkinson is one of very many who served and suffered in France in the Great War, and survived serious injury to return to Canada and resume his life again, though whether he was able to take up his career as a stenographer, given the nature of his wounds, is unclear. Fortunate to survive, his name is not ona Cenotaph, and so remains largely unknown today. But he represents his generation from the Merrickville-Wolford and North Grenville areas whose lives were changed by his experiences.

Dr. C.L. Eamon

www.drcleamon.com

Optometrist

Lest We Forget

212 Van Buren St. 2

613.258.7438

Harry Carson Harry Johnston Carson was born in Mountain, but he and his father operated Carson’s Blacksmith shop on the south-east corner of Asa and Thomas Streets in

November 9, 2023

Kemptville. Harry enlisted in March, 1916. In June, 1917, he joined his unit at the front in France, and he was killed in action on August 23, eighteen days

after being deployed in the trenches for the first time.

He was aged just 25.

In his will, Harry left everything he owned to his wife, Jesse May, who was left to look after their three daughters, the youngest of whom was only eight months old. Harry never saw his youngest child, who was born two months after he left for France.

12

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Farm and rural prosperity will boost provincial economy

by Drew Spoelstra, Vice President, OFA Although economic news regularly dominates headlines these days, the economy will be of particular focus on this week’s public and media calendar.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Ontario Economic Summit in Toronto this week, and the provincial government will be releasing its annual Ontario Economic and Fiscal Review, or what we more commonly know as the Fall Economic Statement.

The Summit will bring together leaders and stakeholders from the public and private sectors to network, as well as discuss and learn about the current economic landscape and solutions that could help drive prosperity, encourage innovation and investment, and address pressing issues like housing, inflation, healthcare, education and economic prosperity.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) will have representatives at the Summit, and I’ll be one of them.

I’m a Vice President with the OFA, the largest general farm organization in the Province, representing close to 50,000 Ontario farmers and farm families. I also farm with my family near Binbrook in the city limits of Hamilton, giving me unique perspectives into both the farming community and the intersection of urban and rural issues.

Many Ontarians probably don’t know that agriculture is one of the largest sectors of the provincial economy, generating more than $47 billion in economic activity every year and supporting 750,000 jobs or about 10 percent of the Province’s workforce.

That makes farming and rural Ontario directly connected to most if not all major segments of the provincial economy, from transportation and manufacturing to infrastructure, education and healthcare.

And that’s why, for me, this is one of the most important and interesting events to attend every year. The needs of agriculture and rural communities can be quite unique, and I find it extremely valuable to learn more about where our sector

intersects with others, to explore where common goals might lie, and to engage with people and organizations representing different interests and perspectives.

This year, perhaps fittingly, the theme of the Summit is partnerships for prosperity which mirrors OFA’s overall mission of Farms and Food Forever and our drive to work collaboratively with sectors, organizations and individuals who share a similar vision.

The government’s Fall Economic Statement will provide a snapshot of where public finances are at, as well as serving as a kick-off to Ontario’s annual provincial budget consultations. This is where Ontarians will be able to submit their ideas to the government about what they believe should be priority spending areas for the coming provincial budget year.

OFA takes part in this consultation every year, making sure that the needs and priorities of farmers and rural communities are communicated to government. We present ideas for action on both short-term, immediate issues in need of solutions, as well as rec-

ommendations for larger, longer-term challenges that have impact beyond our own stakeholder community.

Sound investments in rural Ontario will enhance farming, agri-business and rural economic growth, which will spill over into the rest of the provincial economy.

Investing in critical infrastructure like energy, broadband internet, roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare for our communities helps distribute economic development across the Province. Access to natural gas, and reliable and affordable electricity and broadband internet is essential to keep rural Ontario competitive and productive – and appealing for families.

This means long-term investments in rural roads, bridges, high speed internet, and natural gas to attract new businesses and residents in rural communities. And it means social infrastructure investment in schools, healthcare and mental wellness to make rural Ontario an attractive option for families.

We appreciate the critical investments the government has made in broadband services,

Grenville Community Futures Microgrant program submitted by United Counties of Leeds and Grenville The Microgrant provides non-repayable funding to support community economic development projects up to 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum of $3,000. The grant supports projects that: • address strategic economic development priorities, • support the business community, • have a significant, measurable impact, • demonstrate collaboration with community economic development partners, • support community capacity for economic development.

The following organizations are eligible to apply for a microgrant: • not for profit organizations operating within Grenville County, • business improvement areas located in Grenville County, • municipalities located within or comprising Grenville County.

All potential applicants are encouraged to contact the Grenville Community Futures office to discuss their potential project prior to completing an application: Katie Nolan, Executive Director 613-925-4275 ext. 1 or knolan@ grenvillecfdc.com.

November 9, 2023

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 13

new and updated hospital projects, and other important infrastructure.

It’s essential that these projects happen quickly, and that the government

continues to invest in critical infrastructure that supports rural Ontario’s residents and businesses and drives the provincial economy forward.

UCDSB launches first ever Holocaust Education Week

Andy Rèti speaks to a group of students. submitted by UCDSB “Every Holocaust survivor’s story is a love story…the love of life, family and freedom,”— this is the powerful message that students from North Grenville District High School heard from Andy Rèti. Rèti is a child survivor of the Holocaust and was a guest speaker at the school in late October to help provide some context to students for the upcoming UCDSB Holocaust Education Week.

For the first year ever, the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) will be recognizing UCDSB Holocaust Education Week from November 27 to December 1. This initiative is in response to Grade 6 curriculum changes by the Ministry of Education, the UCDSB’s ongoing efforts to ensure that students see themselves in the curriculum, and aligns with the Ministry’s recent announcement that expanded Holocaust education will be mandatory for Grade 10 students starting in 2025.

The UCDSB has formed a strategic partnership with the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) for Holocaust education and has shared quality resources with educators to enhance their classroom teachings.

Additionally, the UCDSB will be welcoming the Tour for Humanity to 10 secondary schools this year. The Tour for Humanity is a 30-seat, wheelchair-accessible, technologically advanced, mobile human rights education classroom.

This is a resource organized and staffed by the FSWC that teaches students and educators about the Holocaust, genocide and Canada’s human rights history through a variety of workshops. This is the third year that the Tour for Humanity will be visiting UCDSB schools.

“Although we are having our first Holocaust Education Week this year, the UCDSB believes human rights education from all aspects needs to happen all year long, not just in designated weeks or months. This partnership with the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center has allowed us to do that and enhance Holocaust education across our system for all students,” says Dan McRae, Principal of Equity and Inclusion.

The dates for the Tour for Humanity are as follows: November 6 – Gananoque Secondary School November 7 – Brockville Collegiate Institute November 8 – Perth and District Collegiate Institute November 9 – Almonte District High School November 10 – North Grenville District High School November 13- North Dundas District High School November 14 – Seaway District High School November 15 – Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute November 16 – Rockland District High School November 17 – Cornwall Collegiate Vocational School Workshops are held from 8:05 – 11:15 a.m. and 12:10 – 2:05 p.m. www.ngtimes.ca

The Voice of North Grenville

The North Grenville Times

CROSSWORD

CLASSIFIEDS

classifieds@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735 FOR SALE New Flex Pipe 14'8", 1 1/4" ID. Call Bob 613258-1167 4x9 steel trailer, new tires, hubs. Call 613 489-2036

MISCELLANEOUS HISTORIC HALL AVAILABLE FOR RENTALS in Beautiful Burritts Rapids!

Start a book club in time for cooler weather in a hamlet near walking trails and parkettes. Our hall is well equipped for any gathering or celebration, and we offer very competitive rates. http://burrittsrapids.com

FOR RENT 2 story furnished 1BR, 1 Bath private suite with fireplace on large property. All utilities, wifi and satellite TV plus 1 garage space included in the monthly rent. $2400 call 613276-7438.

WANTED Cash paid for old fishing lures and tackle.

Contact Albert 613 5524076

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

November 9, 2023

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 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. Small fastener 5. Border 9. Storehouse 14. Scarce 15. Legal claim 16. Not dead 17. Increase 19. Moon of Saturn 20. Aromatic solvent 21. Self-destructive 23. Sedimentary rock 25. Extreme 28. Delay 29. S 32. Vomitive 33. Gooey stuff 34. Blackthorn 35. Expectorated

36. Come up 38. Barbershop emblem 39. L L L L 40. Type of umpire 41. Inclined 43. Mesh 44. Atlantic food fish 45. Frigidity 46. Counterfeit 48. An uncomfortable feeling 50. Aplomb 54. Eagle's home 55. Schoolroom 57. Not white 58. Bingo relative 59. Decorative case 60. Laneway 61. Stair 62. Blowgun missile

DOWN 1. French cheese 2. Tirade 3. Curve 4. Homeless people 5. Type of tree 6. Type of truck engine 7. Taxonomic category 8. Gives the right to 9. Seeing socially 10. Omit 11. Falafel bread 12. Egg-shaped 13. 5 plus 5 18. Genus of heath 22. Come together 24. Coconut confection 25. Above the horizon 26. A computer company 27. Administered 29. Run off to wed 30. Undersides 31. Sows 33. Image format 34. Supported 37. Hillbillies 42. Speech defects 44. Insolent 45. Crazy 46. What something costs 47. A small island 48. Peddle 49. By mouth 51. Infinitesimal amount 52. Tartness 53. Broadcast 54. Goat hair fabric 56. Soak (up)

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

Easy

Medium

Hard

Solution to last week’s Crossword

UPCOMING EVENTS 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.

Kemptville Horticultural Society, Wednesday Nov 15 at 7:00pm at the Kemptville Pentecostal Church, 1964 County Rd. #43, Kemptville. Annual General Meeting followed by Amber Tiede presentation on Christmas Wreath Making Everyone is welcome.

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

14

www.ngtimes.ca

The Voice of North Grenville

The North Grenville Times

November is Radon Action Month submitted by Susan Healey November is Radon Action Month and the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit (LGLDHU) is encouraging homeowners to test their homes for radon.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking. The risk of developing lung cancer from radon exposure depends mostly on three factors: the level of radon you are exposed to, the duration of exposure, and smoking habits. Smoking or radon exposure can increase the risk of lung cancer; exposure to both enhances that risk.

Radon is a colourless, odourless, tasteless radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the environment.

It comes from the natural

breakdown of uranium in soils and rocks. When radon is released from the ground into the outdoor air, it is diluted and is not a concern. When radon is released in enclosed areas such as homes, it can accumulate to high levels and with long term exposure, can cause a risk to health. Radon can enter homes through cracks in foundations, construction joints, gaps around pipes, sump pumps and drains, and exposed rock in basements, etc. Some radon will be found in everyone’s home.

The health risk increases as the level of radon and the duration of exposure increase.

Health Canada recommends that radon levels not exceed 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (200 Bq/m3).

Health Canada recommends that homeowners do

Join our Board

a long-term radon test, for a minimum of three months, during the fall or winter.

Radon levels in a home can fluctuate throughout the seasons; levels are usually higher in the fall and winter when our windows are closed. The radon test kit should be placed in the lowest level of the home where homeowners spend a minimum of 4 hours per day.

If radon levels in your home are above the Canadian guideline (200 Bq/ m3), Health Canada recommends hiring a professional certified under the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (www.c-nrpp.ca) to help reduce radon levels.

Lowering radon levels in a home requires specific technical knowledge and skills to ensure that the job is done properly. If you’ve

Do you enjoy walking in Ferguson Forest? There is a group of volunteers who work to take care of this jewel, in partnership with the Ferguson Forest Centre. We are the Friends of the Ferguson Forest Centre and we are looking for new Board members and volunteers, parBcularly people who might manage our social media accounts or our website.

Interested?, Contact Lynne Tyler at lynne_tyler@hotmail.com www.friendsoEhefergusonforest.com

Ontario’s 2023 Fall Economic Statement update submitted by MPP Steve Clark Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy released the 2023 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review: Building a Strong Ontario Together.

This update continues the government’s responsible, targeted approach, providing the flexibility needed to help address ongoing economic uncertainty and build critical infrastructure in growing communities while laying a strong fiscal foundation for future generations.

Ontario is seeing significant growth, with nearly 500,000 more people coming to the Province last year and more than 170,000 net new jobs created in the first nine months of 2023 alone.

“I’m proud that our government is making investments to upgrade and replace critical infrastructure more quickly,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes.

“At the same time, today’s Fall Economic Statement continues our work to make life more affordable, create new economic opportunities and improve health care for residents of Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes.”

With Building a Strong Ontario Together, the government is introducing new tools to help build critical infrastructure faster and November 9, 2023

smarter, continuing to attract investments and more jobs, and providing better services for people.

Highlights include: - Launching the Ontario Infrastructure Bank, a new arms-length, boardgoverned agency to enable public-sector pension plans and other trusted institutional investors to participate in large-scale infrastructure projects across the Province.

At the outset, projects will be focused on long-term care homes, affordable housing and infrastructure in the municipal, community, energy and transportation sectors.

- Helping to build more rental homes by taking steps to remove the full eight per cent provincial portion of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on qualifying new purpose-built rental housing. This will encourage builders to build more rental units, and is another step in the government’s plan to help people in Ontario find and afford a place to live.

- Providing an additional $100 million to the Invest Ontario Fund, for a total of $500 million, which will enable Invest Ontario, the government’s investment attraction agency, to help attract more leading companies to the Province, further support businesses already here and create good-paying jobs in communities across the Province.

- Proposing to enhance the Ontario Focused Flow-

Through Share Tax Credit eligibility to help stimulate critical mineral exploration and improve access to capital for small exploration companies. If approved, the change would start with the 2023 tax year and add $12 million per year in tax credit support to Ontario’s critical minerals mining industry.

- Extending the current gas and fuel tax rate cuts through to June 30, 2024 - a proposed change that, along with the rate cuts already in place, would save households $260 on average since the cuts were first implemented in July 2022.

- Expanding access to breast cancer screening for women aged 40 to 49 by allowing them to self-refer for a mammogram through the Ontario Breast Screening Program. Beginning in fall 2024, these measures will increase access for more than 305,000 additional individuals.

“The road ahead is not going to be easy, but we have seen what the people of Ontario can accomplish together”, said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario’s Minister of Finance. “Together, we can face the uncertainty of today and build a strong Ontario”.

QUICK FACTS - The government is now projecting a $5.6 billion deficit in 2023–24 based on updated economic and revenue information and higher contingencies to mitigate

tested for radon and received your result, you have options for reducing radon in your home. More information can be found here: The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit has a limited supply of radon test kits available for

purchase on a first comefirst served basis and sold at cost ($27). Test kits can be purchased by visiting the Brockville or Smiths Falls offices. You can also purchase a radon test kit by contacting a local hardware store or visiting https://take-

near-term risks.

- Over the medium term, the government is taking a responsible approach to eliminating Ontario’s defi-

cit by 2025–26. A deficit of $5.3 billion is forecast in 2024–25, followed by a surplus of $0.5 billion in 2025–26.

actiononradon.ca/ for other options.

For more information, visit the Health Environments page on the Health Unit website, email radon@ healthunit.org or call 1-800660-5853.

Holly Tea & Bazaar Saturday, November 25 9am-3pm St. John’s United Church 400 Prescott Street, Kemptville fully accessible

Huge variety of gift baskets

Bake table including preserves and candy

Handmade crafts

Housewares Knitwear

Decor Silent Auction

New –to –You Outdoor Christmas Planters

15

Table

www.ngtimes.ca

The Voice of North Grenville

The North Grenville Times

73’s split a two game schedule

Water bottle up and away...Emile Trottier confirms that Nicholas Bennett’s howitzer connected with its target, top shelf, down and in during Sunday matinee with the Smiths Falls Bears for a 2 to 1 redemption victory for your Kemptville 73's in front of 325 hockey fans.

by G.J. the sportsguy Kemptville rolled into Rockland to face the awaiting Nationals seeking redemption after their loss in the 73’s barn. Revenge was sweet as Kemptville found themselves in a hole in the initial frame only to continue to get deeper in the following stanzas, forcing them to chase the challenge the rest of the evening. Unfortunately the clock clicked down before the 73’s could chip away at the lead and would fall to a 5 to 3 victory for their opponents.

Rockland came out firing on all cylinders in the first as Kyle Leonard with

helpers from Tremblay and Turnbull put it behind Maxwell Ilecki at 6:06. At 14:12, the Nationals struck again with a combination from Charron to find Xavier Laurent for a two goal lead as Rockland retreated to their dressing room with a two zip start.

The second opened with Rockland showing a hot hand with an extra man when Anthony Hall PPG assisted from Tremblay and Laurent at 1:59. Kemptville with a man advantage punched one by Benoit Forget as Logue with Bennett found their line mate Tyler Melvin PPG in the slot at 4:59 to spoil Forget SO.

Give and go from Kozyra to Sydney Loreto to mount a 73’s clawback at 6:01.

Game winner for Rockland with Alex Kelloway from Hall with Bergeron at 8:46 and three goal runaway to close out the second twenty.

Rockland started the last twenty miler on a power play for the insurance from Tremblay to Samuel Dumont at 3:35. McDougall went on a tear with Matthew Montoni to move the dial within two at 18:58, but too little too late as the clock counted down to zero time left. Rockland walked away with a 5 to 3 win to avenge their previous meeting. Kemptville with 32 to 26 SOG advantage and 1⁄5 PP to 2⁄3 PP from Rockland with a stellar stopper.

Sunday matinee the Kemptville 73’s were seeking redemption after being skunked in a 4 zip battle with the Smiths Falls Bears in a previous home encounter and they managed to post a 2 to 1 win that was a fast & furious end to end exciting action. Smiths Falls with man advantage pushed one under Jacob Biron’s pillows when Matthew Martin-Gaudreault PPG swarmed the blue

paint with assists from Wasmer and Lumsden at 7:33 to strike first. Kozyra attacked with Loreto to find Grady Logue on the hash marks to drive it home past Dawson Labre at 17:18 to knot it at one.

Second remained tight with each team unsuccessful to capitalize on their opportunities to close out the frame without a score and remained tied. The last twenty was a see-saw battle with zone to zone penetration until Sweetapple quartered-backed an aggressive attack with Trottier to slide it back to Nicholas Bennett to squeeze the trigger top shelf for a 73’s tie breaker and game winner at 19:06.

Smiths Falls pulled their stopper for extra attacker at 19:42 that Kemptville squashed for a 2 to 1 winning effort.

Your 73’s coach was extremely pleased with his team's effort, patience and discipline in the systems with successful results for the win. Strong, smooth, quick transition through the neutral zone to set up a stretch play and hard, heavy follow through on the wall to shut down the Bears blue paint swarming. The Bears

outgunned the 73’s by 39 SOG to 32 SOG with 1⁄4 PP and 0/2 PP for their opponents.

Your Kemptville 73’s on the road into the Cornwall Colts corral for a rodeo

rematch on Thursday evening and then on home ice with the Renfrew Wolves for a Sunday matinee meeting.

Hockey with EDGE... see you around the boards.

#4

Eric Sweetapple Nickname: Sweets Birthplace : Centre Burlington, NS Position: Left Defence Previous Hockey Club: American Hockey Academy U18 Hockey Hero:Connor McDavid Most Inspiring Person: Sidney Crosby Favourite Movie: Fantastic Mr. Fox Favourite Musician: Morgan Wallen Favourite Food: Chicken Alfredo Favourite Hockey Moment: Hat trick at Nationals Favourite Sport other than Hockey: Golf Life as a Jr. A Player: Stressful One word that describes me: Optimistic

Protect Yourself Against Fraud SERVICE CANADA BORDER SERVICES

Susp ic Link ious

e lin e On anc m Ro

Strong words Pass

• Don’t give out personal information on the phone - especially to unsolicited calls • Be careful who you share images with • Protect your online accounts with strong passwords • Avoid opening unsolicited emails or clicking on suspicious links or attachments • Restrict the amount of information shared publicly - including on social media Report a fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at: www.antifraudcentre.ca If you are suspicious contact the Grenville OPP at: 1-888-310-1122 November 9, 2023

16

A message from the

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

Percy Smith

Jan 21 1942 - Oct 6 2023

Passed away in his 82 year after a short illness in Brandon Manitoba. Predeceased by his parents, Orville (1967) and Jean (Wright) Smith (2008) and his sister Marion (Smith) Bethune (2015).

Survived by his sister Margaret (Smith) Mohr and brother-in-laws Lionel Mohr and Gorden Bethune.

Also by four daughters, Shannon, Bridie, Callie and Brittany as well as five grandchildren.

Percy grew up in Kemptville and worked in the area for many years before moving to Manitoba where he enjoyed working on big farms there.

He spent his retirement years in Treherne Manitoba where he was well known in that community.

He managed a clothing store for farm labourers, so kept in touch with the farming community.

There will be a graveside service on November 18 @ 1:30 pm at South Gower cemetery followed by a gathering at Lionel & Margaret's home.

the north grenville

TIMES MELISSA OTTENHOF Marketing Consultant

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

Baldwin's Birds

Our first snowy day

The cold has returned as Fall draws its final breaths and lets the last few colourful leaves drop, spiraling down to decorate the ground.

Presumably, the chipmunks have headed down into their burrows to start their winter hibernation. Their food competitors, the squirrels, are still very much in evidence and are in the bird feeders, constantly trying to build up enough energy for what is about to come. The birds are also doing much the same and are busy flitting to and fro in their own efforts to keep warm.

The sudden change from the sunny weather to what is now a cold snap brought the first winter fall of snow

November 9, 2023

into our garden and an opportunity to get some contrasting pictures of our male Cardinal, who still sports his bright red suit, providing a lovely and beautiful contrast to the fresh white snow clinging to the pine trees still resplendently green. No wonder that they both have become the subject of many a Canadian Christmas card!

You can't beat it!

Whilst the Cardinal was displaying himself, there was an Upside-down bird, a White Breasted Nuthatch busily getting some peanuts out of one of my feeders, and the ever busy Chickadees, sporting a similar coloured plumage to it, were also flitting back and forth on some

Richard George Green Oct. 16th,1946-Oct. 31,2023

On Tuesday, October 31st, 2023, the rock of my world and love of my life for 56 years passed away, in the ER at the Kemptville District Hospital.

Valiant efforts were made by his co-worker Dave, the paramedics, doctors and

nurses to keep him alive.

He will be sadly missed by his wife Bonnie and son Earl (Marcy). No more will we laugh with him through the embellished stories and escapades of his telling, but we will carry the memories in our hearts and maybe chuckle anew.

Richard was born in Thessalon, Ontario to Earl and Joyce Green. He is survived by his sisters Earla Blair (Tom) and niece Ellen and Lea Miller (Tim) and her children, Leanne (Christopher) and Nicholas (Shauna).

Great-Nieces and nephews, Bella, Nicholas, Malcolm, Lincoln, Declan and Lexis. Brother-in-law to Ann Newton (Henry), Jim Dolan (Rosemary, deceased), and Jill Dolan (David Barkley).

He moved to Kemptville in 1958 and attended both the public school and high school and then Algonquin College. Richard was an avid sports enthusiast playing and coaching hockey, broomball and baseball. In retirement years, his passion became the desert in Quartszite, Arizona.

I would like to express my thanks to Moex Property Maintenance and staff for giving Richard great summers and to Kurt, Chelsey and Ron for supporting me in the ER as Richard passed on. A very special thank you to Dr. Rebecca Matthew (Tanya and Jennifer) at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

Cremation by his request, has taken place under the direction and care of Munro & Morris Funeral Home Ltd. in Alexandria, Ontario. A celebration of Richard’s life will take place at the North Grenville Curling Club, 200 Reuben Crescent, Kemptville, on November 25th from 12:00-4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kemptville District Hospital or the Ottawa Heart Institute would be appreciated by the family.

of the other feeders. They and the Goldfinches never seem to stop and are a lovely sight to see.

Now and again, a passing flight of Canada Geese makes its presence known as they chatter amongst themselves, and pass low overhead still seeking the unfrozen waters of the creek at the end of our road. As I drove past where they go this morning, a small flock of four or five of them were on their downward "approach and glide path" to land on the water. Unfortunately, I was not able to witness them making their "splashdown", being otherwise occupied watching the road! Pity! How much longer we'll be seeing the sight of this happening again this year is up to the weather gods, but I guess it won't be too many more times before all those making the southerly migration have passed through. Ah well, such is life as they leave some of us behind to languish in the joys of a Canadian winter along with our other avian friends. If you are one of us, please stay safe and well.

Cheers, John Baldwin

Send in your letters to the editor to

The Voice of North Grenville

Garrett, Major Kenneth Ernest (Ret’d) April 12th, 1936 - October 25th, 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth “Ken” Garrett on Wed., October 25th, 2023, at the Kemptville District Hospital at the age of 87. Born in Riverside Ontario, Ken was the son of the late Frederick Ernest Garrett and Daisy Ada Shaw, pre-deceased by his brothers, Carl Frederick, and Raymond Joseph. Beloved husband of Mary Garrett (nee Shore), deeply loved by her son Richard Blanchfield, her daughter Brenda Blanchfield (Marc Guevremont and family), and her granddaughter Maisie McAnally. He is pre-deceased by his former wife Lois Naggs, remembered by Lois’ children: Laurie (Heron), Allen (Debbie), Marc, Jay (Michelle), grandchildren Jenna (Michael), Mitchell and great grandchildren Adison, Kip, Brityn, Emrie and Spencer.

Ken is survived by his former wife, Nyla Garrett, and their children, Susan (deceased) (Rob Foster), Brenda (Ken Burns), and Neil (Donna Garrett). Loving grandpa of Cathy (Eric Fequet), Jennifer Jeffs (deceased) (Jon Hill), Patrick Burns (Carley), Katie Burns, Kyle Kilbride (Angie), Rebecca Borsa (Brandon). Loving great grandpa of Eria, Brydin, Haydon, Nolan, Remi and Lola. Fondly remembered by his longtime childhood friend, Ken Plumton of Windsor, Ontario, as well as family members here and in England. As an avid birder, he enjoyed travelling the world in search of new species. He particularly enjoyed Blue Jays baseball.

He also enjoyed golfing, gardening, and listening to classical music. He shared a special camaraderie with his friends playing euchre. As a member of the Canadian Armed Forces (1954 – 1982), he served in Canada as well as overseas. After retiring from the Air Force, he served as a public servant in the Canadian government until he retired in 1992. A special thank you to the medical, nursing, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy staff on the second floor of the KDH for their excellent care. Thank you also to the staff of the NACU at the Civic Hospital. As per Ken’s request, there will be no service. He asks that we all remember him as a good friend. Donations to the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada would be appreciated.

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

editor@ngtimes.ca

Appeal dropped, Reuben Crescent apartments will proceed

by Brandon Mayer A housing project that ra ised much controversy

earlier this year will now certainly proceed after the last potential hindrance standing in the way was cast aside. An appeal challenging the project was dropped mid last month, clearing the way for the project to happen after all.

“I am writing to advise that the appeal by Gary Courville was withdrawn by email dated October 12, 2023,” reads a letter sent to the Municipality from the Ontario Land Tribunal.

“There are no outstanding appeals in this matter, and our file is closed. As a result, the Tribunal has cancelled the hearing event that was scheduled to commence on December 11, 2023.”

17

Phil Mosher, Deputy Director of Planning and Development for the Municipality, shared the news with Council in an internal email, stating that he was “pleased to announce” the decision. Deputy Mayor John Barclay shared the news with the media in turn, stating that the announcement represented “good news for downtown [Kemptville].”

One of the first motions passed by North Grenville Council in 2023 related to the apartments in question, nicknamed the “KPS apartments” because they are slated to be built on the land of the former Kemptville Public School. Council approved the zoning amendments in January, thereby giving approval to set the project in motion.

Council was very heav-

ily criticized at the time for appearing to disregard public dissent regarding the project. Indeed, many downtown Kemptville residents were opposed to at least some aspects of the project – including the height of the proposed buildings – but the project has consistently had strong supporters as well.

Each Council member had unique reasons for supporting the project, as well as concerns and questions brought up during discussion, with the project ultimately being supported due to the need for higher density housing to support Kemptville’s downtown.

The developer is reportedly eager to move the project along in the wake of this most recent news, with plans to construct the first apartment building in the spring of 2024.

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Food Corner

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville Today’s recipe was originally one from the Deep South and called for fried chicken. However, we have modified it to help reduce the fat and calorie content. So, this recipe is simply named Chicken on a Waffle, replacing frying with either baking or broiling. This recipe works great for a brunch involving four good eaters with a salad, Caesar or otherwise.

Chicken on a Waffle

Ingredients The Chicken • 2 large chicken breasts split in half lengthwise or scalloped • 1 ½ cups of buttermilk for the marinade • 1 teaspoon black pepper, sweet paprika and salt • 2 teaspoons of garlic powder and warmed up honey The Waffles • 2 ½ cups of flour • 2 cups of additional buttermilk for the waffles • 1 tablespoon of baking powder • 2 tablespoons of brown sugar • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon • ½ cup of vegetable oil • 2 large eggs, separated • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract • Grated cheese, e.g., Parmesan or Monterey Jack (optional) Preparation Mix the buttermilk, pepper, paprika, salt, garlic powder and honey together Place the chicken scallops in a bowl and pour the marinade mixture over them Cover with plastic film and refrigerate for three hours or overnight Meanwhile, prepare your waffle batter, starting with placing the egg whites in a bowl Beat the egg whites until stiff and whisk in ¼ cup of the flour, the sugar and cinnamon In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg yolks and vanilla Whisk all of the ingredients together and fold in the egg whites To bake your chicken, place the breasts in a shallow pan with the marinade Cook in a 350F oven till done (but not overdone) To broil them, dry the breasts and broil them using a broiling pan (also don’t overcook) To cook your waffles, prepare them as you normally would To serve, place a waffle on a plate, top with a chicken breast and drizzle some of the hot marinade over each. Sprinkle some grated cheese for extra flavour if you wish and bring to the table right away. You can also trim with oregano flakes or chives. The salad is extra...

As always, don’t hesitate to be in touch at pcormier@ ranaprocess.com.

The pros and cons of Top five reasons to surgery for osteoarthritis embrace weight training for a fitter you!

by Craig Pollard, AFitter.Me Looking for an effective and rewarding way to boost your fitness journey? Look no further than weight training!

Whether you're a seasoned gym-goer or just stepping into the fitness world, incorporating weight training into your routine can offer an array of benefits that extend far beyond just bulking up. Here are the top five reasons why you should consider embracing weight training: Build Lean Muscle: Weight training isn't solely about achieving Herculean physiques. It helps you build lean muscle mass, which in turn increases your metabolic rate, aiding weight loss and long-term weight management.

Strengthen Bones: As you age, bone density can decrease, making you susceptible to fractures. Weightlifting helps to strengthen bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and related issues.

Enhance Everyday Functionality: From lifting groceries to climbing stairs, weight training improves your overall functional strength, making daily tasks easier and reducing the risk of injuries from mundane activities.

Boost Mental Health: Physical exercise has been linked to improved mental health, and weight training is no exception. It releases endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones, reducing stress and anxiety while promoting a positive mood.

Rev Up Metabolism: Weight training leads to an "afterburn" effect where your body continues to burn calories even after your workout. This can aid weight loss efforts and contribute to overall fitness.

As you embark on your weight training journey, remember to start with proper form and gradually increase weights to avoid injuries. Consulting a fitness professional can provide personalized guidance to ensure you're on the right track.

Weight training is a dynamic fitness option that brings a myriad of physical and mental benefits. By incorporating it into your routine, you'll be taking a significant step toward a healthier and happier life. In the coming weeks, we’ll dig a bit deeper into why weight training is such a great activity no matter your age.

Craig is a Certified Personal Trainer and is certified in Nutrition for Sport and Performance. He operates AFitter.

Me, a private weight training facility in Kemptville.

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

November 9, 2023

The Voice of North Grenville

18

When osteoarthritis in the knee is causing you pain, how do you know whether to hang in there and take it or to accept the risks of going under the knife in hopes of bouncing back stronger? It’s not an easy question. Many factors need to be part of the decision.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, often described as a “wear and tear” problem, and usually found in the knees, hips and hands. Symptoms are usually mild initially – stiff joints and reduced flexibility.

It gradually progresses to more noticeable swelling and aching caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage and the underlying bone.

According to the Centres of Disease Control and Prevention, over 32 million Americans have OA. The Arthritis Society Canada says about 1 in 5 Canadians have the condition.

Unfortunately, there’s no cure. But treatment options include physiotherapy, acupuncture, massage, and adaptations at home and work to decrease stress to affected joints. OA medications range from common acetaminophen to topical creams containing non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs to corticosteroid injections.

But what about surgery? The decision depends on the severity of OA progression, the amount of pain, and careful consideration of surgical risks. As surgical techniques and artificial joint replacement parts have improved, advanced age is becoming less of a concern. “There is no age cutoff for joint replacement,” says orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Nicolas Piuzzi of the Cleveland Clinic. “Studies have found that people in their 80s and 90s benefit from hip or knee replacement as much as younger people.”

That’s the good news. But if you think you are a candidate for joint replacement surgery to treat OA, you need to consider other aspects of your overall health.

It’s the postoperative period that can be the toughest part of surgery from the patient’s point of view. People with obesity, high blood pressure, and other risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease are more likely to have problems recovering from the surgery.

If there is little pain, think twice about surgery. But if you are getting ready, the first thing is to lose extra weight. A close second is to maintain physical activity to the extent possible. Third, make sure you have a plan, developed jointly with your doctor, for support in rehabilitation after surgery. Try to create a habit of setting aside time for this rehabilitation long before the operation. It will be easier to continue a routine than to start a new one.

Is there a way to slow the progression of AO so that surgery can be avoided? Caring for your cartilage – the tough coverings at the ends of bones – is the goal. Researchers are studying the potential for two nutritional supplements – glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates – to treat OA. According to the Arthritis Foundation, “An analysis of 41 animal and human studies, including 25 clinical trials, found that collagen benefited OA and aided cartilage repair, no matter what the dose, type or brand of collagen.”

Always remember, there is no such thing as minor surgery, but there are a lot of minor surgeons. Make sure you get referred to a surgeon who specializes in the procedure you need, preferably at a hospital having a department dedicated to orthopedic surgery. Check with acquaintances who have had the same surgery to learn who performed it and how it went – before, during, and afterwards.

For readers beginning to worry about these problems, get into prevention. OA can be a hereditary condition. If there is a family history of AO, maintain a healthy weight and be active with moderate exercise.

Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive our weekly enewsletter. For comments, contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow us on Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones.

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

What about “After the Bell”?

Bill Thake Memorial Award goal is to provide childfriendly, healthy food packs winner announced

Subway sponsors program to feed hungry kids What a wonderful world we live in. Despite rising costs of living, including food prices that seem to be creeping up more and more every day, it is a fact that no child ever has to go hungry in this great country. Programs and services exist to ensure that kids get the food they need, even when their parents struggle financially, and regardless of whether they’re at home or at school.

Locally, the House of Lazarus is a well-known charity that exemplifies the spirit of giving and helping others. House of Lazarus runs general food banks that provide families in need with zero-cost food.

For families who may only need a little “boost” to their existing food supply, other programs exist as well. One such initiative is the socalled “Operation Backpack” program. House of Lazarus runs this program in some area schools to help supplement government programs for feeding hungry kids.

The federal government

provides ample dollars to feed kids in public schools during the school day. Kids who run out of snacks during the day or come to school with no lunch are fed using these grant dollars.

One small problem looms, however: school is only in session five out of seven days per week. Operation Backpack sends home a bag of food (cereals, packaged snacks, fruit, etc) every Friday to kids who are identified by the school as being in need of a helping hand.

Operation Backpack aptly acknowledges that nutrition needs don’t end when kids are away from school.

Another well-named program – After the Bell – was also adopted by House of Lazarus recently. “The Food Banks Canada After the Bell program is dedicated to ending child hunger,” HOL Director Cathy Ashby relayed to the Times from the initiative’s website.

“With school nutrition programs ending for the summer months, After the Bell aims to fill that gap. [Their]

to food banks to distribute to kids experiencing hunger throughout Canada.”

House of Lazarus took part in the After the Bell program this past summer.

Subway is a major sponsor of the After the Bell Program. Children were given healthy food packs throughout the summer, with Food Banks Canada providing the packs of non-perishable food and giving House of Lazarus funding to add fresh fruits and vegetables as well as dairy products like yogurt and cheese. Dollars from donors such as Subway help make this possible.

"House of Lazarus was excited to be a recipient of the After the Bell program,” added Cathy. “The number of children accessing our food bank has grown to 37%. This program allowed HOL to offer more food to families with children. We extend our thanks to corporations like Subway who contribute to the program nationally.

“The After the Bell program is generously supported by our corporate partners who help us in our mission to put an end to child hunger. Once the healthy food packs arrive at their local food banks, fresh fruits and vegetables are added.

They are then delivered into the hands of children experiencing hunger. Healthy food packs contain varied nutritious food items such as shelf stable milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, hummus and oatmeal, to name few.”

To all those who work hard and make donations to ensure that no child in our area and beyond ever has to go hungry – thank you!

submitted by Deanna Clark More than 80 years ago, a teenager named Joe Hudson bought some laying hens for a high school project.

This action would eventually transform the dairy and crop-based Burnbrae Farms into one of the largest egg producers in the country.

Mr. Hudson is this year's recipient of the Bill Thake Memorial Award for Economic Development Leadership, also called the Warden’s Award. He will be honoured for his many achievements over the decades at the 15th Annual Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit on Friday, November 17th at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. The event will feature top speakers from the region. For a full list of speakers, see the Advanced Summit Agenda "We are very proud," said daughter Margaret Hudson, President of Burnbrae Farms. Now retired, Joe Hudson of Burnbrae Farms is known for his philanthropy and community leadership.

A letter of support for the nomination signed by Elizabethtown-Kitley Mayor Brant Burrow, states "Mr. Hudson has been a fundamental contributor to economic development in the area for over 50 years." Mr. Hudson has earned many

We have a winner!

November 9, 2023

awards during a career that dates back to the 1940s, including the Golden Pencil Award. This award recognizes individuals who have made a significant and worthwhile contribution to improving their community and the Canadian food industry overall. Other awards include the We Care Hall of Fame, the Canadian Grocery Business Hall of Fame and the Ontario Agriculture Hall of Fame, to name just a few.

Burnbrae Farms has become an established and integral part of Canadian agribusiness. You can find their eggs and egg products in grocery stores and restaurants across the country.

Burnbrae Farms is one of Canada's Best Managed Companies (Platinum Level) and employs approximately 1,700 workers across several provinces, including 400 employees at their facilities in Lyn and Brockville.

This is the 13th year the Award has been presented to an individual who has shown outstanding commitment and leadership resulting in the growth and vitality of the Leeds Grenville economy.

Outstanding nominees for 2023 include: Susan Alford, Township of Rideau Lakes; Judi Baril, Town-

ship of Augusta; Shelley Mitchell, Municipality of North Grenville and Terry Wills, Township of Rideau Lakes. For more information on these local leaders, see today’s edition of eNews at https://conta.cc/46NiLgi. Since being introduced in 2011, the award has been presented to 18 individuals from across Leeds Grenville.

More deserving women and men have been nominated.

Last year’s recipients were Dermid O’Farrell, of the Municipality of North Grenville, and Susan Warren, of the Township of Rideau Lakes. During his lifetime, Bill Thake was known for his leadership and mentoring skills. He served 52 consecutive years on Westport Council to set a Canada-wide record as the longest serving head of a municipality.

The Summit is hosted by the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office in partnership with Leeds Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MP Michael Barrett, MPP Steve Clark, 1000 Islands, Valley Heartland and Grenville Community Futures development corporations, and the Eastern Workforce Innovation Board.

the north grenville

TIMES MELISSA OTTENHOF Marketing Consultant

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

by Brandon Mayer Few North Grenville residents could reasonably claim not to have seen the distinctive blue Camaro which has made many appearances throughout the Municipality in the past few months. The car was a raffle item – a big, shiny, expensive one – with ticket sales supporting the ongoing fundraising efforts aimed at bringing a CT scanner to the Kemptville District Hospital.

After raising an astounding $200,000 in ticket sales, the contest has a lucky winner! Todd Durie had the winning ticket for the shiny blue Camaro, and he picked up his prize at Myers Kemptville on November 2. In a final twist, November 2 happens to be Todd’s birthday! It’s safe to say that the car was the most expensive birthday gift Todd has ever received.

In addition to the usual festivities that would be expected upon the awarding of such a grand prize, employees from Myers Kemptville joined KDH Foundation representatives to mark the event, and one final touch was used to adequately mark the occasion – a birthday cake for Todd, complete with the singing of “Happy Birthday” by those in attendance and candles for Todd to blow out.

The car is likely to become a “gift that keeps on giving,” if Todd chooses to pass it along to his sons one day. The key word is “if”!

Congratulations Todd, and kudos to all those who bought tickets to support the CT scanner fundraising efforts. The $200,000 made a significant dent in the campaign which is still ongoing.

19

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Four simple steps that could save you money

by Stuart Wilkinson Individuals and families are well aware of the high cost of living these days. Every time you buy groceries, fill your car with gas or get new shoes, you are left with less and less in your wallet as prices continue to go up.

In this highly volatile economy, it’s more important than ever to spend and invest smarter. That’s not always easy with all sorts of demands pulling on each of us every day.

The good news is that there are resources out there to help you. As the Chief Consumer Officer at the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA), I’m asking Ontarians to take some time to learn as much as possible about their personal finances and the choices available to them.

As we kick off Financial Literacy in November, I’m reminded of a recent FSRA study that found that Ontarians may not be considering all of their options when it comes to financial advice. Specifically, we found that “word of mouth” was the most common source of financial advice for Ontarians. The next most common source was the internet.

Do-it-yourself is a great approach for some of us, but in cases where your life savings could be at stake, it’s important to understand your options.

It’s not the first time we’ve heard this.

Our research has also found nearly 40 percent of Ontarians spend more time planning their vacation than understanding their mortgage, and 50 percent spend more time researching their last cell phone purchase than they did their financial services professional. Only 30 percent of Ontarians actively shop around for the best auto insurance rates.

For what it’s worth, I look forward to planning a vacation, I love getting a good deal on my phone, and it takes a lot of energy to convince myself to take the time to shop for auto insurance. That said, researching the financial options available to you is important and shouldn’t be overlooked.

You don’t need to make potentially life altering financial decisions on your own. FSRA is here to help you through the process. To begin with, here are four actions you can take that can possibly save you money or prevent a financial headache down the road.

1) Learn about your pension options: a pension pays you an income when you retire, for as long as you live.

Most Canadians are contributing to the Canadian Pension Plan with each paycheck, but it’s also important to ask your employer if they offer a workplace pension plan. Your future self will thank you.

2) Create an exit strategy for your private mortgage: high interest rates and a rigorous stress test mean that more consumers are opting for private mortgages as opposed to traditional mortgages. Consumers should be aware that private mortgages are a temporary option for one or two years and they have very different terms. It is integral that you ask the right questions and have an exit strategy in place.

3) Verify the credentials of your financial professional: it’s important to be informed when trusting someone with your hard-earned savings. People using the titles Financial Planner and Financial Advisor are required to be approved by a FSRA credentialing body. This means that the individual will have a minimum standard of education and be held accountable for their conduct. You can verify credentials on FSRA’s website: https://www.fsrao.ca/industry/financialplanners-and-financial-advisors/approved-credentialingbodies-and-credentials 4) Shop around for auto insurance: if you’re in the process of purchasing or renewing your auto insurance, be sure to understand how your driving habits impact your rate. Commit to shopping around and getting a minimum of three quotes from different insurers. Did you know that you have a right to ask insurance companies for the lowest rate possible for the coverage that is best for you?

This Financial Literacy Month; please take the time to research, prepare, and thoughtfully plan your financial decisions. An informed consumer is an empowered consumer.

Stuart Wilkinson is the Chief Consumer Officer at the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario.

the north grenville

TIMES MELISSA OTTENHOF Marketing Consultant

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

November 9, 2023

Professional Fully Insured Commercial & Residential Painting www.horizonspainting.ca

20

Kutebah Alyousef kutebah1984@gmail.com 613-276-4583

www.ngtimes.ca