Issue 45 2024 November 14 NG Times by The North Grenville & North Dundas Times

Pay for Parking a surprise novelty in Kemptville

by David Shanahan

Parking has always been an issue in downtown Kemptville. It has caused serious debate within the community, and is regularly pointed to as a major obstacle in bringing shoppers and visitors to the downtown area. People have shown a great reluctance to make the

walk from Riverside Park, where there is available parking, to Prescott Street. The renovation of the old Town Hall on Water Street resulted in the loss of parking spaces beside the Library. The fact is that parking spaces are at a premium, and the generosity of Rob Thompson making his empty lot on Clothier Street freely available for parking certainly eased the strain.

But that lot has been sold, and the new owner, not, it seems, a resident of North Grenville, has installed scanning machines by which drivers can now pay for the privilege of parking on his empty lot. This is not something that residents are used to: paid parking, when there is such a lack of spaces already, will only make matters worse. From a brief review of the site over the

past weeks, it doesn’t appear that North Grenville drivers have exactly embraced the new regime, though there may be little choice in the coming weeks and months.

Paid parking was tried in Kemptville previously, when the then Council of the Town of Kemptville installed parking meters in the downtown area. They received a similarly negative reception from drivers as the new scanning machines have, and were eventually removed completely. The lot on Clothier Street (between Hyde’s and the O’Heaphy’s site) is private property, not under the control of the municipality, so there is nothing to stop the owner demanding payment for parking there.

It is understandable that a business person would expect to make money out of what is otherwise unproductive space, but, as it is known that there are plans to develop the site over the coming year or so, surely it would not be too much to ask that the free parking would be continued in the interim?

It would be a good public relations move on the part of the owners, and they could put up a sign, like the one Rob Thompson had, letting the community know who to thank for the generous provision of parking in downtown Kemptville. As the Christmas season approaches, it would be a nice and timely gift to the people of North Grenville.

The new scanning machines, and the old parking meters.

Third annual NGAG Wonderfall Art Show & Sale

Once again, the North Grenville Arts Guild invites you to come to the Campus for a weekend of Art, Fun, Wagon Rides and the Outdoor Christmas Craft Market. If you love the idea of getting a jump on your holiday shopping, this experience has it all.

Join us again at the WB George Centre at the Kemptville Campus Nov 16 and 17 from 11am – 4pm. The parking and admission is free.

Come feast your eyes on the work of your favourite local artists in a large, roomy location, then catch a Wagon Ride with the Clydesdale team of Merlin and Manny, courtesy of the Guild and provided by “Horse and Wagon Rides by Gord Graves” available 11 am to 1 pm both Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy a trip with the team through the Campus ending at the annual Outdoor Christmas Craft Market for more delightful experiences.

The North Grenville Arts Guild looks forward to greeting old and new friends again this year to share our community’s love of art and artful experiences for the whole family. See you there!

Beta Sigma Phi Bursary presented

Beta Sigma Phi sorority members met on October 22 for their annual Fall Dinner at Catered Aﬀairs, Kemptville Campus, a tradition held for 55 years by the Kemptville chapter of this international women’s organization. The chapter’s Bursary presentation is customarily made at this event.

M.C. Susan Tatarciuc introduced the guests: Susan’s granddaughter, Tatum Tatarciuc of Kars, ON, (this year’s Bursary recipient); and Richard Gilmer and his wife Marilyn of Morrisburg, ON (Bursary donors).

in Kemptville for 37 years. After her passing in 2009, Gilmer wanted a way to honour his mother through the sorority that she loved so much. Gilmer oﬀered to match the previous bursary funds provided by the chapter for a ten-year period, and the bursary was renamed accordingly in 2014. The members thanked Gilmer for his generous contributions over the years and for attending to present this ﬁnal Bursary in memory of his mother.

ted from the Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle Program at Humber College. Tatum is well known locally for her involvement with the Kemptville Youth Musical Theatre Company and their summer camps. When she graduates with an Honours Bachelor Degree from Carleton in 2025, Tatum plans to apply for Teachers’ College to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher.

Richard Gilmer, a Kemptville native, was there to present the Beta Sigma Phi Bursary Kemptville in Memory of Marina Gilmer, his mother, who was an outstanding sorority member

Member Jane Cater announced the worthy recipient of the 2024 Bursary to be Tatum Tatarciuc. In addition to currently being enrolled at Carleton University in the Childhood and Youth Studies Program, Tatum previously gradua-

Gilmer presented the Bursary award to Tatum and congratulated her on her accomplishments. Everyone gave their best wishes to Tatum for continued success in reaching her goals, which is bound to happen with her determination and drive!

A Night Out in Kemptville: Shopping, Sips, and Socializing at Ladies Night

by Talia Hreljac

On Friday night, the women of Kemptville gathered to support local businesses in the downtown core and surrounding area. It was an evening full of magic, fun shopping, and a chance to connect with the community. As I strolled from store to store, I could hear the laughter and excitement of women picking out beautiful holiday gifts for family (and, if you’re like me, perhaps sneaking a little something for yourself, too). There were surprised exclamations

as women discovered treasures they had previously had to drive all the way to Ottawa to ﬁnd. I overheard conversations with shop owners, as customers inquired about getting certain items in stock, and the owners made notes, eager to better serve their community. I could also feel the connections being made, with women coming together to support each other—a truly incredible thing to witness.

I also had the pleasure of receiving guided tours of a few local businesses I’d never visited before, and I’m already looking forward to

Friends of Ferguson Forest Centre: Annual General Meeting

by Lynne Tyler, FFFC Chair

Members of the public are invited to the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Friends of Ferguson Forest Centre, which will take place in the Community Room, Grenville Mutual Insurance Co., 380 Colonnade Drive, on Monday, 25 November, starting at 7pm.

We are looking for new members, and new Board members – if you are interested in helping us protect this beautiful forest, please contact our Secretary, Trish Adams ( tadams500@gmail.com ) Please let Trish know if you will be attending the meeting, and she will e-mail the relevant documents to you.

Feel free to share this information with neighbours and friends who might be interested in coming to the AGM –and perhaps joining the Friends of Ferguson Forest Centre as a member.

Looking forward to meeting you.

returning. At every stop, I was oﬀered treats and tasty beverages—something the store owners went out of their way to provide for all the ladies in attendance. Another fun activity I witnessed was the “local passport” promotion. If you visited all the participating stores, you were entered into a draw for multiple gift baskets and gift certiﬁcates.

To sum it up: I didn’t just go shopping—I had a fun night out and enjoyed a truly delightful experience. A big thank you to Sugold Jewellers for organizing and participating in this event, as well as Mammas Cheeky Co Boutique, Brewing Oasis, Aphroditi Escape Salon, To Be Continued, Healthy Pets Boutique, and The Flower Shop for making the night unforgettable.

Had I not had to rush home to the kiddos (who, I’m sure, convinced their Nonna to let them devour at least 32 Halloween treats in my absence), I could have stayed to enjoy a delicious meal at one of the three vi-

brant downtown restaurants that were open.

Reflecting on the evening, I’m reminded of how lucky we are to live in this community. For those who have lived here for a long time and feel Kemptville is losing some of its smalltown charm as we grow, I want to remind you that when you step into the heart of the old town core and participate in these sorts of events, you can still feel that special connection. And for those who have recently moved here, my hope is that you’ll embrace the many unique community events and festivals that local businesses and organizations host throughout the year. I often hear people say there’s nothing to do in Kemptville (which I completely disagree with). But I believe that if you open your eyes and your heart, you’ll discover a wealth of wonders to explore and enjoy.

If you have an event you need covered please contact Talia Hreljac at talia@ ngtimed.ca

Salvation Army gets ready for Christmas season

by David Shanahan

As usual, the Christmas season reminds us of the needs felt by friends and neighbours in our community. This is the time of year when the community is asked to step, once again, to ptovie some support, comfort and cheer to those who might go without over the holidays.

The Food Banks in North Grenville and North Dundas, always in need of restocking and ﬁnancial help, will have that extra demand on their services over the coming weeks.

The Army is mobilizing its fundraising campaign to ﬁll the foodbank and its treasury to provide the support needed by so many of the North Grenville residents. According to Erin Wong, Director of the Kemptville Salvation Army, the need today is as great as it was at the height of the Covid Pandemic. But the government supports they could access then are not available now, so the ﬁnancial need is great.

Over the coming weeks, a number of dates will be vital in meeting the needs of their clients through the season. The annual Kettle Kickoﬀ and Volunteer Appreciation Dinner takes place on November 15 at 6pm at the new church. Equally traditional are the bell-ringers who staﬀ the public face of fund-raising.

On Sunday, November 24 at 2pm, the Fill-a-Bag distribution day will take place from Christmas HQ, which this year is at Bell Hall, Kemptville Campus. 7,000 bags will be distributed around the community, and on Sunday, December 1 at 1pm the full Bags will be collected.

Saturday, December 7 at 10am is the "Santa Shuﬄe and Elf Walk" at the Ferguson Forest.

Further details on these and other activities by the various Food Banks and service groups in the area will be reported in the Times over the coming weeks.

What do you do?

by David Shanahan

When the supporters of Scottish independence lost a referendum in 2014, Scottish duo, the Proclaimers, strong nationalists, wrote a song called “What do you do?”. Faced with losing a vote, the rejection of what they believed in, they asked: What do you do when democracy fails you? What do you do when minority means you? After the Presidential election in the States (or “America”, as they like to call it, ignoring the rest of a continent), many people around the world are asking the same questions as the Proclaimers.

Others are confused, wondering how any rational people could choose Trump, with all his obvious flaws and lack of any moral character, by such a wide margin over someone preaching a return to what Abraham Lincoln called “the better angels of our nature”. People were, and are shocked by the choice the voters made, but perhaps it wasn’t such a surprise at all. The size of

Trump’s vote shows that this was not just an extreme MAGA phenomenon: people of many differing viewpoints gave him their support for a reason. He gave expression to genuine fears and grievances, as well as aggravating those same fears.

The Democrats expected a rational response to the issues facing the electorate, and depended on voters standing ﬁrm on one version of the American Dream, the idea that the States as a whole is the “city on a hill”, spreading the light of democracy and freedom to the world. But the sad fact is that this version of the United States is not the only, or the most realistic one. History shows little support for that view of the States and their history. The kind of political philosophy demonstrated by Trump and his MAGA movement is also at the very heart of the American story.

This is a nation, don’t forget, whose Founding Fathers wrote that “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

There was an interesting editorial last week in the NGT by David Shanahan entitled "Who let the dogs out", basically summarizing the last 4 years of the ﬁght by local groups CAPP and JOG against the proposed jail here in Kemptville. Even though I am just a peripheral member of CAPP, I have been nonetheless involved enough to have a slightly diﬀerent perspective regarding some of the opinions in the article.

The suggestion in the article seems to be "don't poke the bear". (The Bear being Ford). I don't necessarily disagree with that, but the article missed some perspective that I think would have balanced it more. The problem started when the group asked for a copy of the jail proposal, only to ﬁnd out that more than 90% of it was redacted. That left the group with little or nothing to comment on, and a mere 30 days to try and get some information out of an intransigent government. MPP

equal”, yet many of those founders owned slaves and saw no conflict, no hypocrisy. That nation explicitly tried to wipe the Indigenous population out of the country, resorting to violence again and again in imposing their “Manifest Destiny” on all those who stood in their way.

While claiming to stand for freedom against aggression and tyranny, the United States invaded the Phillipines, Hawaii, Mexico, even Canada. They went to war in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, Panama, Santo Domingo, and elsewhere. They used their economic clout to impose themselves on other nations, and then condemned other countries when they did the same. In the recent election, traditional supporters of the Democrats couldn’t vote for a party that condemned Russia for invading Ukraine, yet supplied weapons and logistical, as well as political, support for Israel’s invasion of Gaza and Lebanon, even though it involved the criminal and savage bombing of tens of

Steve Clark, while offering the groups some discussion on this, reneged on every opportunity to talk to them. The municipal government wasn't any help either. In fact, the mayor parroted the supposed economic benefits that the Province had made, and Council made no attempt to share with their constituents any information that they might have had. (Assuming that they had any, of course, though I think that they could have told us if they didn't). An interesting sideline was when the municipality tendered a transportation study, the consultant selected wasn't told about the proposed prison, which would have had a huge effect on their calculations. I know, because I attended the first meeting of the community with them, and I was the one that told them about the proposed prison. That they weren't told about the prison seemed a bit odd at the time. So, how do you challenge a proposal with little to no information, as the proponent won't release it? The

thousands of civilians. The hypocrisy was obvious to everyone except the Biden administration, including Kamala Harris.

The United States produced the Ku Klux Klan, the American Nazi Party, Southern segregationists, white supremacists, and murdered those who fought against those evils. Yes, it wasn’t all bad: but the negatives have always been there and surfaced on a regular basis throughout its history. The words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty about welcoming “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” ring hollow in the era of MAGA and nativism. But nativism, the fear and rejection of the foreigner, has always been a part of the American psyche. Historically, the Know Nothing Party stoked fears of immigrants who would threaten the purity of American ways.

courts might have reprimanded the groups for not ﬁling their application sooner, but they never reprimanded the Ford government for being obstructive, a move that forced CAPP and JOG into having to find their own money to fund these court challenges to get information that should have been a community right.

The groups eventually found a professor who specialised in incarceration, and who was willing to help. He was the one who gave the group the results of his studies indicating that there was a much simpler and cheaper way to solve the problem, which was to ﬁx the bail system, an item that I was pleased to see the editor use in his article. That information probably wouldn't have come to light without the challenge made by these 2 groups.

The editor seems to be party to information that is not available to the rest of us, so I must ask why our own Municipal council, which has ignored us on this

the north grenville

This was in the 1840's and 1850's, but remarkably similar to what we’ve seen triumph in the last elections. There has always been a strain of conspiracy theories in American politics: think of the McCarthy anti-Communist witch hunts in the 1950's, for example.

This is not to say that the same elements can’t be found in most countriesagain, recent events around the world have shown this - but the United States has always portrayed itself as the “New World”, a freedom-loving nation above the tawdry bigotries and corrupt politics of the “Old World”. Alas, we ﬁnd we’re all the same, really, all open to the same fears and reactions when we feel we are threatened. But the trauma comes when we ﬁnd ourselves in the minority, when what we assumed to be basic and true in our national character proves to be less than what we hoped.

What do you do when democracy fails you? What do you do when minority means you? You face the truth, hold on to your hopes

subject for the last 4 years, couldn't have given us a "heads-up". Why were we not updated? We might well have eschewed the articles in the Ottawa newspapers had we known the lay of the land.

He was right in that it’s not just Kemptville that doesn't need a prison. The Ford government likes to spend untold amounts of taxpayer money on projects that we don't need, Highway 413 being another case in point, just so that their developer friends can make money. We all remember the Greenbelt scandal, and I am still waiting to hear the results of the RCMP investigation into corruption by the Ford government regarding this debacle.

Colin

Creasey, Kemptville

Dear Editor,

This letter is in response to the correspondence between Liz Waterfall and David Shanahan, published in the Times over the past few weeks. It made me think of a truly great man

and proud member of the Peguis Nation, the Honourable Mizanay Mizhana Gheezhik – “The One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky” – known to Canadians as Murray Sinclair. Mr. Sinclair, who passed away on November 4, was a lawyer and a politician, and a distinguished member of the Senate. He served as Chancellor at Queens University, as Canada’s ﬁrst Indigenous judge, and as Chair of the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission. May his memory be a blessing and may we never forget Mr. Sinclair.

Now... we’ve all seen those breathtaking documentaries of primate scientists silently gliding along secret waterways, in search of gorillas. Suddenly a massive silverback comes crashing through the thick underbrush, beating his muscular chest loudly as a warning to those scientists to stay away. He’s king – and they back oﬀ respectfully. No questions asked.

That image flashed

and ideals, and get back in the fight to convince the majority that there is a better way and that history has a habit of bringing things around again. As Martin Luther King said, in hope and faith, “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” We may see things in the coming years to make us doubt that, but as another great saying puts it: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”. One last thought (and quote) to hold on to, this one from Nick Lowe:

“And as I walk on through troubled times, My spirit gets so downhearted sometimes. So where are the strong, and who are the trusted? And where is the harmony, sweet harmony? 'Cause each time I feel it slippin' away, just makes me wanna cry: What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding?”

0209

through my mind when I read David Shanahan’s response to Liz Waterfall’s thoughtful letter to the editor, published in the October 17 edition of the ND Times. It is a response that literally wrenched my heart with pain, because it so unabashedly exemplified the very problem First Nations Indigenous Peoples have experienced with people who have, for centuries, waved the ugly flag of the Doctrine of Discovery that, simply put, was used as their pass-go card to trivialize and violate First Nations Peoples and their lands with absolute impunity and self-assumed authority. In his response, Mr. Shanahan quickly flashed his impressive educational credentials and expertise going back decades. Who was Ms. Waterfall to question his authority on the subject of residential schools and the unfathomable harm these institutions have inflicted on First Nations Peoples! My simple and under-educated letters cont'd page 5

TIMES

What does FFC need to stay aﬂoat?

by Brandon Mayer

The Ferguson Forest Centre Corporation (FFC), a non-proﬁt entity which manages Kemptville’s pride and joy green space on the northern edge of town, is in financial trouble. Several months ago, it was reported that FFC is seeking a bailout from the Municipality, which owns the land on which it operates. The speciﬁc ask is for the Municipality to sell 13 acres of the FFC plot adjacent to County Road 43, and then donate that money back to the FFC Corporation. The big ask has turned many heads in the community, including those around the Council table.

Following the release of a report on the issue, Council discussed options to help FFC survive at the regularly scheduled November 5 meeting.

Deputy Mayor John Barclay stated his belief that the best option would be

letters cont'd from page 4

answer? While Ms. Waterfall and Mr. Shanahan were both in their rights to express their opinions, the bottom line is that no one except First Nations Peoples can know what they and their children and Ancestors suffered. To suggest such enduring peoples would “tell all” to outsiders, and that a few comments on “the positive aspects of residential schools” would give a more “balanced” understanding of this manifest evil, absolutely proves how little people know of First Nations Peoples and cultures. And that is a good thing, because it has helped preserve the precious traditions, beliefs and teachings that are today being nurtured robustly and without shame or fear by Indigenous Peoples right across Canada.

All the equivocation in the world, such as drawing parallels between the experiences of North American Indigenous Peoples and the Irish Peoples, or the Jewish Peoples and the Holocaust, cannot qualify a non-Indigenous person as an authority in understanding the longterm eﬀects of the horrors that took place in residential schools in Canada, the last one of which closed in 1997.

to lend the FFC $100,000 through the Community Futures fund, which would be well below the ask of $400,000 that the FFC is seeking. Councillor Kristin Strackerjan noted that since the FFC is $400,000 in debt, $100,000 of help would still leave them far short.

A discussion ensued in which Council considered the ﬁnancial needs of the FFC and engaged in dialogue FFC oﬃcials. Council learned that one of the biggest expenses facing the FFC is grass cutting for the recreational areas of the property which are used by the public.

Mayor Nancy Peckford noted her understanding that FFC is requesting $400,000 of support in the form of a loan, and she asked the FFC representatives how long they anticipate it would take to pay the money back. FFC President Carl Doucette explained that a loan has already been tentatively negotiated with Communi-

ty Futures, with no repayment on principal required for 2 years. Carl struggled with identifying a concrete repayment schedule for the loan, noting that the FFC is currently “at a point of crisis”. Deputy Mayor Barclay asked that the FFC board of directors consider whether they could budget for a loan repayment expense of $50,000 per year should a $400,000 loan be granted. Discussions on the matter were deferred pending a staﬀ report.

Heather Popazzi, who has been one of the most outspoken critics of a potential land sale which would undoubtedly see FFC forest property turned into commercial developments along County Road 43, spoke to Council at the November 15 meeting. Heather provided a speech to Council which stressed the value of trust and respect, as well as the protection of the heritage of the FFC lands, over short-term ﬁnancial stability. She pointed out that

she was representing the voices of over 1,000 people with similar wishes for the future of the FFC lands. Council members voted to receive the delegation, but without any discussion.

The November 5 Council meeting stretched out over almost 3 hours and 45 minutes. As always, the full meeting can be viewed on YouTube.

Phone:613 329 0209

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OPP investigating shooting incident in Kemptville

The Grenville County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a shooting incident that occurred in the early morning hours of November 2, 2024, in the Town of Kemptville, Municipality of North Grenville.

On November 2, at around 1:30 a.m., oﬃcers were called to attend a medical clinic on Somerville Road, after an alarm had been activated at the building. On arrival, police found damage to the building and evidence of a shooting incident. There were no injuries, and there was nobody at the property at the time.

The OPP does not believe there is any threat to public safety. The investigation is being led by the Grenville County OPP Crime Unit.

I wonder what Mr. Sinclair might have said about Ms. Waterfall’s and Mr. Shanahan’s comments? And, I might add, about the strategically placed October 17 article, “Criminalizing residential school ‘denialism’ would silence indigenous voices, too” penned by Mark Milke, head of an Alberta based think tank known as the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy. But that’s a whole other topic for another day.

Ann Brady Winchester

Dear Editor,

David, it is nice to see you once again speaking out of both sides of your mouth. It is tough for the casual reader of your publication to get a clear sense of what you are feeling about this proposed Ford government jail for Kemptville. You ﬂipﬂopped so often in your 800-word stream of consciousness piece.

There are a few things that are worth pointing out for the readers of the NGT and folks who have been following the issue of the conversion of the former Kemptville Agricultural College campus into something that is supposed to be

of value for all residents of Kemptville.

Yes, the opposition group has been small-scale, grassroots, and paid for by concerned citizens. I am not certain what your issue is with this fact? This is in fact an authentic demonstration of concern for the future development by present residents of Kemptville.

The grassroots nature is hardly a point of shame, rather it is a badge of courage. This group of individuals have had the desire to stay true to their original concerns; the loss of farmland, the land development issues related to assigning this large parcel of land to this one purpose, the questionable value of another provincial jail without the necessary social services (and physical infrastructure) in place. We are proud of our perseverance.

Yes, the judicial review was set aside on a technicality – we waited too long. The time it took to ﬁle the judicial review is directly related to the grassroots nature of the group and the small amount of money available to eventually retain legal council. There is nothing nefarious in this. This is the nature of law and litigation

and the reason that most people avoid litigation. It is lengthy and expensive. Most people try many other means of settling conﬂict or issues before they take on the unwieldy beast of the court system. We are truly sorry that we waited too long and sadly would be wiser the second time around, but God forbid we should ever need to use our hard lesson learned.

Yes, as you point out, there is an issue of the missing infrastructure to support the jail development – as well as the rapid growth in population in Kemptville more generally. This reveals how little due diligence was put into the lead-up to the announcement of this project. Sober second thought has revealed numerous problematic issues such as proximity to daycares and schools, a lack of support services for released inmates, a lack of public transit for family to come and visit their family member in Kemptville, and a very big concern about what to do when inmates need to be taken to the hospital. Kemptville has a tiny district hospital which may need to close part or all of the hospital when inmates need planned or emergency care.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation, or surveillance footage of the area at the reported time, is asked to contact the Grenville County OPP at 1-888-3101122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, submit your tip online at Ontario Crime Stoppers.

Yes, there was so little forethought given to this project that all these afterthoughts keep spilling out as this project sits and brews. Just imagine, what if the prison was already in place and then we began to scratch our collective heads and ﬁght madly to try to ﬁnd the solutions to critical issues.

For example, where would we put patients displaced from the KD hospital when the jail needs to use parts of it like the ER? Or what is the plan for school lockdowns if there are missing prisoners from the jail? Thankfully we have hit the pause on this ill-considered project.

So David, no it is not smart to stick one’s head in the sand and avoid poking the bear. It is the unfortunate truth that our present premier is more the reactive variety, but that is not a reason to warn the public to not pop their head up and to mention it when something feels wrong. We are grateful to the Ottawa Citizen for keeping this cautionary tale on the minds of all citizens whether they care about this particular issue or not. This is a great example of politics

playing out right in front of our eyes and we are all wise to not turn away.

Suzanne Gahagan

Dear Editor,

So the Ontario Government is helping(?!) us by ignoring the global warming implication of cars: Licence plate fees: scrapped. Gas and fuel taxes cut. The 'Drive Clean' program scrapped. Oh, and 416 speed limits moved from 100 to 110. Apparently there is no relationship between making driving cheaper and faster, and burning more fossil fuels. And cars get bigger and heavier each model year. Sigh.

Darrell Nunn

MELISSA OTTENHOF Marketing Consultant

Senior Times

Honouring and supporting veterans at Seniors’ Community Services

During the month of November leading to the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we are reminded of the importance of honouring the veterans whose commitment, service and courage shaped the freedoms we enjoy in Canada. At SCS, we strive to support veterans with programs and services that complement a healthy and independent life in our community.

SCS plays an important role in supporting veterans to age well at home. Tailored supports specific to need and human connections with staff and volunteers at the centre. SCS supports veterans with direct billing to Veteran’s Affairs for those who qualify, ensuring there is always someone at the other end of the phone to answer questions, and offering supports that will have a positive impact on their health.

Veterans often face a range of physical and mental challenges due to the demands and experiences of military service. They can be chronic medical conditions, hearing and visual impairments in addition to social conditions like PTSD and loneliness. Nutritional and Health supports at SCS include access to nutritious foods through Meals on Wheels – delivered hot or frozen. This reduces the “tea and toast” scenario for someone who is frail or isolated and reduces the barriers that come from buying groceries and cooking for one. By focusing on nutrition, veterans can experience signiﬁcant improvements in their physical and mental health, enhancing their overall quality of life.

Access to the supports that encourage a balanced, healthy lifestyle are key to aging well at home. Nutritious food paired with body movement paired with access to social activities is a recipe for success. Improving your physical ﬁtness can help reduce pain, enhance mobility, or eliminate restrictions on daily activities. Individuals feel more capable, independent, and empowered. The SCS exercise program is a great way to reduce fall risks, but it is social too. Meeting up with your friends every week who have the same goals to stay healthy is a key to success!

We encourage veterans to attend our weekly Diners’ Club or join in on a game of euchre. There is strength that comes with breaking bread and sharing stories with friends. Social inclusion is the eﬀort to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, identity, abilities, or circumstances, has equal opportunities to participate in all aspects of life – social, economic, cultural, and political. At SCS, we strive to remove barriers and create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and has a sense of belonging.

To learn more about SCS, or to become a client, please visit our website at www.seniorscs.ca or reach out at 613-258-3203.

- 1:00pm

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville

Our whole family loves Sweet Potatoes, and our Sweet Potato Fries are a huge hit at Salamanders. However, you can stuﬀ Sweet Potatoes just as you would a standard spud. So, why don’t you try Stuﬀed Sweet Potatoes for a nice fall dish, on their own for lunch or to accompany something else where you want a starch to complete your meal. This is another great recipe for your junior chefs. This recipe serves 4.

Stuﬀed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

4 medium sized sweet potatoes

1 large peeled, cored and chopped apple

¼ cup chopped pecans, toasted (see below for how to toast them)

½ cup of old cheddar cheese, grated

½ cup of brown sugar

½ cup of butter or margarine

1 teaspoon each of grated orange peel and nutmeg

Preparation

Pre-heat your oven to 375F and prick your potatoes with a fork

Bake for 45 minutes or until tender (keep an eye on them)

Let cool enough to handle, then slice the top side of each potato

Spoon out the contents of each to make a “canoe”

Mix the sweet potato pulp and butter together with the grated orange and nutmeg

Once the mixture is smooth, mix in the apple and chopped roasted pecans

Place your empty potato shells on a cookie sheet sprayed with oil (canola)

Fill the shells with your mixture and top with grated cheese

Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until hot

Once done, top with a blob of sour cream or unsweetened yoghurt

Tzatziki also works well as a topping. You can also make more sour cream, yoghurt or Tzatziki available for those who want extra.

To roast your pecans, place them in a bowl, mix them with enough maple syrup to coat them and pop them in the oven on an oiled cookie sheet for 15 minutes. You can use the same cookie sheet and the same oven temperature to bake your sweet ‘taters. This dish is a real crowd pleaser, with great ﬂavours. Best from pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

Rachel S. Jansen, B.Comm., J.D.

Paul A. Jansen, BA, LLB.

Capture a magical moment at this year’s Christmas on Campus!

The festive season is here, and Christmas on Campus, the annual Outdoor Christmas Market, is back for its 5th year on November 16th and 17th from 11 AM to 4 PM at Kemptville Campus. What began in 2020 as a response to pandemic-related closures has blossomed into a tradition. "Every year, we

wonder if this will be the last, but the community always shows up, and the joy on everyone’s faces makes it all worthwhile," says Darlene Collin, Market Organizer. This year’s event promises even more festive cheer, with over 60 local vendors offering seasonal gifts, handmade crafts, and treats at both the Outdoor

Market and the Wonderfall Art Show. Visitors can hop on a wagon ride between the two areas from 11 AM to 2 PM each day. New for 2024, families can step inside a giant snow globe for photos. Live music, festive decoration, face painting, and character visits add to the holiday spirit. Santa will also make appearances – check

Ford’s $3 billion splurge

by Steve Gabell, Green Party of Ontario

Politics is about choices: how should a ﬁnite amount of resources be allocated?

Governments have many pressing demands to consider, and they fund services that are absolutely vital to our daily lives, including healthcare, education, elder care, childcare, housing, the justice system, and social assistance programs.

Premier Ford has recent-

ly announced that everyone in Ontario is going to receive a cheque for $200. He’s calling it a “tax rebate” and claiming it is to help people struggling with the cost of living, yet in reality, it is a blatant attempt to buy votes.

The cost of this giveaway is estimated at $3 billion, yet the deﬁcit for 2024-25 is forecast to be $6.6 billion. Ford is borrowing $3 billion from future tax revenues, to be repaid with interest, in a

partisan attempt to buy votes, just like he did with license plate refunds.

So many of our vital public services are under immense pressure. Almost 2.5 million Ontarians do not have a family doctor. Homelessness has exploded. There is a huge backlog in our courts. The shortage of PSWs puts immense strain on caregivers. Many students are in portable classrooms. Recipients of ODSP or OW

Uncertainty over Housing Fund

by David Shanahan

M unicipalities around the country warmly welcomed the federal government’s initiative to provide funding through the housing accelerator fund and housing infrastructure fund to encourage house building in the municipality. The Housing Accelerator Fund is intended to incentivise additional housing in municipalities by providing money to help cover some of the “behind the scenes” costs that are associated with new housing developments. Speciﬁcally, the funding can be used to provide investment in aﬀordable housing, in housing-related infrastructure, and in community-related infrastructure that supports housing.

In March of this year, the Municipality of North Grenville received $5.25 million through the Fund, which Mayor Peckford noted would allow the municipality to deliver up to 671 new homes over three years. The funds will be used, among other initiatives, to reduce barriers to building homes in our community, including: The provision of three pre-approved architectural plans for the establishment of additional dwelling units (i.e. tiny homes) for which a modest grant will be made available; investments in the necessary underground infrastructure to enable more multi-residential units to be built; improvement and moderni-

zation of the Municipality’s zoning By-laws and building software; and allowing for potential partnerships with Not-for-proﬁt builders.

However, Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre has now promised, if elected at the next General Election, to abolish the Housing Accelerator Fund, which he calls bureaucratic and to redirect the funds to partially fund eliminating the GST from sales of newly-built homes costing less than $1 million. The question raised by this alternative policy is to what extent it will help developers, rather than renters and purchasers. The decision by their leader has led to 17 Conservative Members of Parliament to contact the federal government’s Housing Minister, Sean Fraser, to ensure that the municipalities in their ridings, which have already applied for funding under the scheme, would received it, in spite of Poilievre’s announcement.

Among the Conservative M.P.s seeking assurance regarding funding is local Member, Michael Barret. At the time North Grenville received the grant in March, Mayor Peckford had been clear in giving credit to Michael Barret when she “recognized that local MP Michael Barrett has also been a strong champion for rural housing solutions to build homes in eastern Ontario”. Now, the decision of Poilievre to cut the housing accelerator fund and housing infrastructure fund, should

online for his schedule!

While entry and entertainment are free, donations are encouraged in support of Beth Donovan Hospice. Don’t miss out on local shopping, delicious eats, and festive fun at this year’s Christmas on Campus!

receive a pittance. Yet Ford thinks it is appropriate to send $200 to every Ontarian whether their income is $20k a year or $20 million a year? Governments do need to borrow money to invest in the services we all rely on. But this should be done in a responsible manner. Ontario Greens would borrow to invest in healthcare, in housing, in education. Ontario Greens would also borrow to invest in building the zero

carbon economy of the future, investing in good green jobs, renewable energy, and mass transit. We would increase social assistance payments so that people are not living in legislated poverty.

Conservative politicians claim to be ﬁscally responsible. This is a lie. There is no way a $3 billion giveaway – which is not even being targeted at those most in need – can be described as ﬁscally responsible. Premier Ford

and his PC party are being wasteful and spendthrift with public funds instead of being prudent.

Recent years have seen signiﬁcant increases in the cost of living that many have struggled with. A $200 cheque does little to address this, and Ontarians would be better served by more investment in the vital public services we all rely on.

he win the next general election, may put in jeopardy the legal and ﬁnancial position of North Grenville and other small municipalities which have entered into agreements with regard to using the funds. Minister Fraser had stated that, following Poilievre’s announcement, the federal government has written to warn more than 100 municipalities that already have made deals to secure funding.

National Defence Minister, Bill Blair, warned that if Poilievre cuts the program, municipalities with ongoing ﬁnancial agreements could be left in the lurch. "He has promised to cancel the agreements that we have made with municipalities. That could put them in signiﬁ cant legal jeopardy in the future".

Whatever the legal implications, the threatened cancellation of the housing funds has created an uncertain situation for those trying to plan ahead. John Barclay, Executive Director of Community Involvement Legacy Homes, which is involved in affordable housing projects has commented that: “The shifting and fluid funding landscape makes it very difficult for communities and non-profit builders to plan ahead”.

Responding to Minister Blair’s warning that municipalities with existing ﬁnancial agreements “could be left in the lurch”, with “signiﬁcant legal jeopardy in the future", Mayor Peck-

ford told the Times that “It is not clear to me if a new Government would be able to cancel an existing Contribution Agreement. I'm

not convinced they could.” Municipal staff have been asked top confirm her position, and any clarification will be reported in these pages in

coming weeks. It may be, however, that clariﬁcation will only be provided by Mr. Poilievre after the results of any election are known.

Succession planning for business owners

Some waterside birds

Flock

A couple of times recently I happened to venture out to see what the riverside views would give me in the way of water birds, just to take a break from watching our garden varieties, and with plenty of rivers and creeks readily available to choose from, I did just that. A couple of weeks ago I watched some of the plentiful ﬂocks of Canada Geese as they rested in the nearby creek and kept me in suspense for a number of hours, as described in a previous article. The latest adventure was to a riverside holiday park, for some leaf gathering and a bonﬁre with friends. As I write this today,

being Guy Fawkes Day in England, commonly called “Bonﬁre night”, would have been a more appropriate time to do this, so that the leaves could have been used to stuff the effigy of Guy Fawkes with, before being “burnt at the stake”! However this didn’t come about, so just a plain old ”bonﬁre” had to do. Being a rather windy day it was just as well, so that it could be kept under strict control.

The smoke and ﬂames from it didn’t deter a ﬂock of Mallards from passing close by, so I was able to get some photos of them, as they huddled the shore away from the speed boat that was

dominating the scene and was creating a bit more of a noisy and a watery wake than the birds would have preferred! As it was, they were having to contend with quite a ripply river surface created by the strong wind, which they had probably been battling before they had “put-down” on the water to rest. Any Canada Geese that passed by did just that and never landed, or is it “watered”?!

Have a great day and enjoy all the birds you can, be they water or garden birds, or just those ﬂying by overhead. Stay safe and well.

Cheers, John Baldwin

Why Shopping Local Matters

by Talia Hreljac

Honestly, before I moved to a smaller community, I didn’t give a second thought to shopping locally. I mean, I saw all the slogans and thought they were nice ideas, but I couldn’t be bothered. I was so accustomed to the convenience of ordering online and having things show up the next day—or buying my clothes in the same place I got my tires—that I never considered how my choices impacted those around me. Fast forward to my move to North Grenville, where I met so many local business owners, and my perspective began to shift. I started to see how these small businesses shape our community and how these local entrepreneurs are often the ﬁrst to donate to the silent auctions organized by so many local groups. I could feel the diﬀerence living in a place where business owners smiled and asked about what was happening in my life. In short, I began to feel cared for, and in return, I wanted to do the same for them.

I started purchasing gift cards to To Be Continued every time my kids got invited to a birthday party (which feels like every other weekend—great for my kiddos, but I swear I need a second job just to fund

their social lives!). I began buying cookies from Brewed Awakenings whenever I had to network, because, let’s be real: people are way more open to chatting when you show up with Toblerone shortbread cookies. And yes, I bought donuts from Grahame's Bakery for client meetings (I promise, it was for the client—totally not because I wanted to devour apple fritters myself!). I also shared pictures of the delicious meals I enjoyed at local eateries in hopes that someone else would see them and also want to try eating there. Plus - you can’t forget the local Farmer’s Market that we have here all Summer that has tons of local businesses all gathered in one place! They even have a Jack Frost Fair coming up on November 24, so make sure to keep them in mind for local treasures.

Even if I couldn’t support a local business ﬁnancially, I did my best to share

and like their posts, hoping to boost their social media presence. That little action didn’t cost me anything, but I felt like I was still doing my part to support local, and I hoped it made a diﬀerence. Now, don’t get me wrong: you’ll have to pry my Amazon Prime membership from my cold, dead hands. I still love the convenience of having things delivered without anyone seeing me look like a troll some days! But when I can shop local, I do my best to make that choice.

So here’s my challenge to you as we head into the holiday season: try buying just one gift locally (it still counts if that gift is for yourself). Your heart will feel lighter, and your community will be better for it! If you have an event you want covered please contact Talia at talia@ngtimes.ca.

Ron's Small Engine Repair

613.258.9720 (across from old Bingo Hall) ronssmallengines@outlook.com 1 Jayland Drive, Kemptville

Mallard

Mallard Male

Mallard Female

Why is a Mudpuppy not an Axolotl?

by Fred Schueler & Aleta Karstad, Fragile Inheritance Natural History

At the Twilux event in Oxford Mills, and in other recent gatherings where we’ve exhibited Mudpuppies, many, especially young students, ask if they are Axolotls.

The Axolotl is a Mexican neotenic Salamander (Ambystoma mexicanum) closely related to the Tiger Salamanders found North America in the prairie provinces and south of Ontario. “Neotenic” means that they grow up to adults without losing the form they had as hatchlings. In the case of Salamanders, this means retaining the external gills, delicate skin, and aquatic habitat of larvae.

There are fossil Mudpuppies from the late Cretaceous, about 70 million years ago, around the northern hemisphere, with the earliest found in Montana. This is much more ancient than the Salamanders called Axolotls, which evolved a neotenic form in the lakes where Mexico City is now, less than a million years ago.

The draining of these lakes, expansion of the city, and introduced ﬁsh have led to the near extinction of Axolotls in the wild. Huge captive populations are world-wide as pets and laboratory animals. They are studied for their ability to regenerate many appendages

and organs, and have been bred to have many pale, unpatterned colour forms.

Not transforming into adults is widespread among Salamanders: all the species of Cryptobranchidae (Hellbenders), Sirenidae (Sirens), and Amphiumidae (Congo-eels), as well as the Proteidae (Mudpuppies & the blind cave-dwelling Balkan Olm), and some species of each of the other widespread families have retained the larval form into adulthood. In Canada, neoteny is widespread among prairie Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma mavortium), and the Northwestern Salamander (A. gracile), in habitats unfavourable to terrestrial life.

Mudpuppies are widespread in Canada, from

Steve Vichos

Passed away peacefully at the Kemptville District Hospital on November 10, 2024. Steven Vichos, in his 94th year, beloved husband of Katherine Vichos for 58 years. Loving father of Peter and Soﬁa.

Special Papou to Zoe and Steven. Steve was born on the island of Milos on Aug 1, 1930. He immigrated to Canada in 1953 and then eventually settled in the town of Kemptville, Ontario where he followed his grandmother's and father's footsteps in becoming a third generation beekeeper. He ran a successful business in his hometown of Kemptville.

Visitation will take place at the Hulse, Playfair & McGarry funeral home at 805 Prescott St, Kemptville between 1030-1200 hrs Friday November 15, 2024. A funeral service will follow at 1200 hrs. A special thanks to the Kemptville District hospital caregiving staﬀ for thewonderful care given to Steve during his stay. Donations to Kemptville District hospital gratefully accepted on behalf of Steve.

Oxford Mills, and are also known from the South Nation, Ottawa, Rideau, and St Lawrence rivers.

However, Mudpuppy Night in Oxford Mills is the only place in Canada where you can wade among giant salamanders any Friday evening from the first Friday after Thanksgiving until spring high water. The ﬂat bedrock and clear shallow water below the Oxford Mills dam provide safe footing for researchers and spectators as the Mudpuppies pursue their winter activities.

the Assiniboine River almost upstream to Saskatchewan, to the headwaters of the Ottawa drainage north of New Liskeard, and east to Ile d’Orléans in the St Lawrence. They are relatively easy to observe in shallow rocky habitats such as Kemptville Creek, but hard to ﬁnd in deep lakes and muddy rivers – it is expected that surveying for traces of Mudpuppy DNA in the water will soon clarify their distribution in these deeper habitats.

Besides neoteny, the other big adaptation of Mudpuppies is their special ability to be active and feeding in winter. In many places their occurrence is known from their having taken the bait of ice ﬁshers. Locally they are abundant in Kemptville Creek below the dam in

With the low flows resulting from a dry October following a wet summer, Mudpuppy Nights are well underway, with unusually large numbers for this early in the season, coming right up to the dam. We’re also seeing large numbers of ﬁsh and invasive hybrid Crayﬁsh, and Matt Keevil is putting electronic PIT tags in the captured Mudpuppies, in anticipation of being able to track their movements through the year.

Visitors can meet us in the parking lot beside the dam at 8:00 pm on Friday evenings. In order to avoid crowding, please reserve your visit by e-mailing Aleta at <karstad@pinicola> or click the “book now” on the Mudpuppy Night in Oxford Mills” Facebook page.

Healing HeartsA collaborative book on grief and healing

The Beth Donovan Hospice is excited to announce their newest project, "Healing Hearts," a co-creative, collaborative book with art, writings and photographs from clients, volunteers and staﬀ from the Hospice. The intention of the book is to uplift, validate and bring healing and support to people who are grieving. It is a heartfelt and colourful 40 page book with content from 19 contributors from our community, all who have bravely shared a part of their grief journey in order to help others. Our hope is that anyone who is grieving can ﬁnd comfort from the art and expressions of grief and healing in the book.

No matter where you are in your journey with grief, may your heart be uplifted, may you know how valid your pain is, and may you know how much support there is at the Hospice and in our community for grieving and healing. We hope this book feels like a warm hug from us to you.

The book is for sale for $20 with 100% of the proceeds going to support programming at the Beth Donovan Hospice. For more information or to purchase a book, please contact Megan at 613-258-9611 x4 or counselling@bethdonovanhospice.ca

LOVE AND FAITH A week of Remembrance

This past week, we spent much time “to remember” and to say, “thank you”. The poppies we wore are a reminder of the past and a hope for the present and future, of men and women who willingly lay down their lives to protect the freedom to live ours. That spirit of sacrifice rises inside of them and their family members, at great cost, to draw a line in the sand determining that evil must not win.

The cross, too, is a symbol of hope and a reminder of a once-forall sacriﬁce sent by God The Father through Jesus Christ. A perfect world was invaded by evil the moment Adam and Eve said, “we’ll do things our own way God”. Evil has been trying to destroy people ever since. Jesus came to let us see God and His great love, willingly laying down His sinless life to oﬀer forgiveness to each one… but He leaves that choice with us.

Families are separated by training, tours of duty, injuries, things seen and experienced that no one should have to endure, and by physical death itself. Our small thanks are not adequate, in any way, and yet we offer them again with heartfelt gratitude – and prayers for you and your families for God’s strength, protection, provision, hope and joy. We know that the love you have for each other spurs you on to do what you do, despite the distance.

We are assured in God’s Word (Romans 8:38-39) death nor life,

angels nor demons, the present nor the future, no power, nor anything else in all creation – will be able to separate us from the love God has for us and poured out through His Son Jesus Christ.

Physical death will come to each one of us; yet we are promised that whoever accepts the salvation Jesus made possible, is called a child of God. He gives us new life, one ﬁlled with hope now and forever. Those graves marked by crosses hold the bodies of precious loved ones already in that eternal LIFE, and Jesus would have met them all, individually, calling them by name to Himself.

The battle between good and evil is not just over there, ﬁghting a visible enemy. The skirmishes we are involved in every day are won through our choices, our choosing to love – not hate, to give – not grab, to encourage – not bully or disparage – to believe that ‘He Who did not spare His own Son but willingly gave Him up for us all’, will give us the power to live LIFE His way, and bring His Kingdom about on this earth as it is in Heaven.

May you know how much you are loved!

Melody Trolly

A special thanks to the many who have worked on the poppy projects. You have blessed us all!

It's an Exciting Time of Year for the BIA!

The Downtown Kemptville BIA has gotten oﬀ to a great start in the last “quarter” of the year, as they say in the ﬁnancial world, and we’ve hit the ground running! I hope you're following us on social media and have had a chance to see what we've been up to and what we’ve got planned before the year wraps up.

Here’s a quick update:

Kreepy Kemptville:

Our beloved Halloween event has come and gone, and wow, did we see a lot of ghosts and ghouls downtown! The OTK BIA would like to send out a heartfelt thank you to all the participants, businesses, and volunteers who helped make this event such a success. Also, a big thanks to everyone who took the time to complete our participant survey. We received over 100 entries, and the winner of the $100 gift certiﬁcate to their favourite downtown business was Kirsten Erickson. Congrats, Kirsten! Old Town Kemptville BIA AGM:

Join us Thursday, November 28th, at 6:00 pm at the Municipal Centre for our Annual General Meeting. Come meet the board and learn about BIA's in general, and more speciﬁcally, what your Kemptville BIA has been up to this year. Did you know BIA's support local businesses and communities in four key ways? We’ll dive into all of that and more at this informative evening. Check out the invitation in this week’s paper for more details.

Old Town Christmas:

Santa’s coming to Kemptville, and we think he’ll love it more than the North Pole! Join the BIA, local businesses, and some special elves as we celebrate the magic of the holiday season. Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the Legion, then head to Prescott Street and the surrounding areas to visit enchanting stations and get swept up in the Christmas excitement. Enjoy festive music, tasty treats, holiday crafts, meet some of Santa’s special helpers, make food for the reindeer to distribute on Christmas Eve, and of course, snap a photo with the big guy himself. And did we mention there will be horse-drawn carriage rides? This event is sure to put even the Grinch in a jolly mood!

Volunteers:

The Downtown BIA is always looking for volunteers, but there’s no better time than at Christmas. Volunteering brings purpose and joy, but at Christmas, it’s about creating magic. It’s about community and building connections through giving. When you oﬀer your time, you get so much back. Help us create a family-friendly downtown this Christmas. If you're interested in volunteering, email us at bia@downtownkemptville.ca.

As we enter this exciting time of year and the final quarter, please remember that you have the potential to make a real difference in our community. As the holiday season kicks off, consider supporting local businesses. We have an amazing and eclectic group of small businesses in North Grenville, many of which have made their home in downtown Kemptville. Shop small, shop local – it will make a real difference in our community!

73's can only secure one point on the road

Not enough...Roarke Gilmour with two goals with an assist and Bennett back in the lineup for a three pointer eﬀort wasn't suﬃcient to take two points on the road Friday evening in Brockville against the Braves.

by G.J the sportsguy

Back on the road to confront the Braves of Brockville on Friday evening for the third rematch was a brutal battle that required a three on three to give Brockville a 4 to 3 win and Kemptville one more point.

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See saw stanza in the initial frame as a combination from 73’s Gilmour with Bennett to Aidan Stubbings from the slot to riﬂe it past Trey Caracciola at 16:19. Brockville countered with assist from Albright and Arango for Kellen Dostaler to put it behind Trenten Bennett at 16:40 to close out the ﬁrst.

found the mark at 3:40 for the game winner. Brockville out shot Kemptville 39 to 32 with 2/6 PP and 0/5 PP.

Coach thought overall a good eﬀort to salvage a point, scoring with only a few seconds remaining. We played with a younger lineup and a lot of guys played extra minutes, which should give them the necessary experience moving forward.

Pity the overworked family doctor

Everyone knows, or should know, about the many problems facing your overworked family doctor. In North America, it’s common knowledge that large numbers of individuals and families do not have one. They are a scarce healthcare commodity. Now, on top of the heavy workload these doctors carry, the pharmaceutical industry has placed another burdensome task. So, what is this problem?

the doctor as an authority adds a sense of endorsement of these products for another.

Now, we should ask, what does your doctor really know about these products? In view of the large number of new drugs promoted on TV, your doctor may know absolutely zero. Moreover, with busy practices, and so many patients waiting, family doctors don’t have a lot of time to ﬁnd out.

5

Roarke Gilmour

Position: Left Defense

Nickname: Gilly, Riverboat Born: Brockville, ON, 2006/07/12

Previous Team: St. Andrews College

Hockey Hero: Sydney Crosby

Most Inspiring Person : My Grandpa

Favourite Movie : Step Brothers

Favourite Musician: Alan Jackson

Favourite Actor: Adam Sandler

Favourite Sport (beside hockey): Golf

Man advantage opened the second with helpers from Treppo and Paluszak for Ben Albright PPG to ﬁnd his target at 1:22 for Brockville tie breaker. The Braves with another extra man attack from Paluszuk and Albright for Kellen Dostaler PPG to score second of the game. Shaw transitioned to Bennett on his horse reversed to Roarke Gilmour on the line at 10:00 to move the 73’s within striking distance of one to wrap up the middle frame.

Life as Jr. A player: Awesome, getting to see the boys everyday One Word that Describes Me: Cheerful

Back and forth effort with a lot of sin bin time in last twenty and Kemptville pulling their stopper at 19:05 for a final push for tie. Bennett with Stubbings cycling with Roarke Gilmour for his second of the evening to force OT at 19:44. Trenten Bennett returned for the 73’s final offensive at 19:45 without results.

Over time with Brockville dominating Kemptville, Ryan McNally

Back on the road into Pembroke to meet the Lumber Kings for a Sunday evening affair was unsuccessful as Kemptville suffered 2 to 1 loss with a squeaker in the final seconds of the third. First twenty Kemptville came out strong to place it behind Michael Modelski within the first few minutes as Stubbings with MacCoubrey found Nicholas Bennett in the slot at 2:48. Pembroke with extra attacker countered at 15:25 assisted from Alegria with Penna to Eric Barnard PPG through Trenten Bennett. Second stanza was non-productive for either side to keep the score tied at one all. Final seconds of the final frame gave the game winner for the Lumber Kings at 19:37 from Carvalho with De Leon to Liam Cardiff for a 2 to 1 victory. Kemptville 29 SOG to Pembroke 28 and 0/3 PP to 1⁄4 PP. Two more road excursions, Nepean Raiders on Wednesday and Smiths Falls Bears Friday evening battles.

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

It happens night after night. You hear the messy and worrying news from around the world. You begin to wonder why humans continue to destroy cities and cause so much needless human suﬀering. Then come the equally despairing commercials reminding you about all the things that can go wrong with your health – and all the pills that can ﬁx these problems. This is big business, as every year without the sanction of the medical profession, the pharmaceutical industry makes billions and billons.

The commercials show ads about many common problems, such as skin rashes and upset stomachs. Some of these troubles require a doctor’s prescription and some an over-thecounter remedy. Many ads target diabetics with pills that control blood sugar, adding, “This drug isn’t indicated for weight loss; however, we have found that some patients lose weight.”

The ads show happy people playing with their dogs, leaping joyfully into a lake, which has nothing to do with the health issue. But you must give credit to the pharmaceutical industry. These ads are eﬀective and make shareholders in their companies the happy and richer ones.

But here’s the rub for family doctors. To cover any legal or medical liability, these ads always include a standard message. Having delivered the good news that their medication will solve your problems, they state that you should consult with your doctor. It works well for these ﬁrms: they shift the medical liability for one, and the reference to

How much time do family doctors spend answering patients’ questions about all these drugs? The “ask your doctor” mantra from pharmaceutical companies must pose a major distraction from what these doctors would be doing otherwise in discussions with their patients.

Being a family doctor is not an easy task. This is not to suggest that it’s a walk in the park being a specialist. But, after several more years of medical training in one area of medicine or surgery, there are fewer and fewer surprises. Family doctors see every kind of issue one can imagine. And it’s simply not fair, nor a good idea, to expect them to have mastery across a huge range of medications for every kind of health problem.

If pharmaceutical companies want to speak directly to consumers about their products, let’s make it a worthwhile discussion. They should make their product information available in large print and enable patients to ask questions and get answers. They should be held to account when they overembellish the benefits or hide side-eff ects of their products. And they should thank doctors for the time they must spend in building expertise. But until that happens, you, the consumer, must beware. Remember, their goal is to sell a product, not to care one iota about your health. That’s the job of your family doctor. Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive our weekly e-newsletter. For comments, contact-us@ docgiff.com. Follow us on Instagram @docgiff and @ diana_gifford_jones.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

613-215-0735

RECURRING EVENTS

Monthly Suppers prepared by Knights of Columbus at Holy Cross Church Hall at 503 Clothier St W. Suppers will be held on the last Thursday of the month. Cost $10 per adult, $5 for children under 12 and $25 for families.

PROBUS: Fellowship, Fun and inFormed presenters are part of the PROBUS gathering on the third Wednesday of each month at St Paul's Presbyterian Church Hall at 9:30AM. For more information contact at n.g.probus97@gmail.com

Kemptville Legion: Fridays 3-9. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome BINGO, Kemptville Legion, Bingos run from the beginning of September until the end of June on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays.

NG Duplicate Bridge Club, Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptville, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613795-7155

Friendship Lunches are oﬀered to everyone every Friday. Please join us in our lower hall by 11:30 for a free meal, companionship and fellowship at St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. and begin at 11:30. There is no charge. A free will oﬀering is appreciated. Everyone is welcome.

Friendship Café is open to the community Tuesday's from 10 to noon. All are welcome to stop by, enjoy a hot beverage, a sweet treat and some friendly conversation all at no cost. At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St.

BID

EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, November 19, December 3 and 17. Registration starts at 6:00 p.m., play starts at 6:30 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com

EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, November 26, and December 10. Registration starts at 6:00 p.m., play starts at 6:30 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com

St. John’s Drawing Circle is every Friday at 4 pm. This is a 3 hour drawing studio with life drawing models (clothed) for artists of all ages and abilities. Cost is $120 for 12 weeks or $15.00 for drop ins. RSVP please Jennifer @ gowjb@msn.com. At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. Tuesday Community Hub hosted by the House of Lazarus All are welcome to drop in. Advocacy, “make a meal, take a meal” cooking opportunities, community services assistance are just a few of the weekly programs. Stop by and visit or contact House of Lazarus directly at 613-989-3830 for more details. “Building Community, Sharing Hope”. Upstairs at St. John's United Church at 400 Prescott St. Modern Square Dancing in Kemptville with the Grenville Gremlins Square Dance Club. Monday Evenings 7:30 - 9:30pm. North Grenville Municipal Center County Road 44 For more info call Debbie at 613-795-3032 or Google "Kemptville Square Dancing" Saturday Art Social every Saturday morning at the NG Public Library! 10 am - 11:30 am at the NG Public Library. Free with basic materials provided NG Pride will be hosting an 2SLGBTQI+ and allies Seniors Meeting up on the ﬁrst and third Sunday of each month between 2 - 4pm. Join us for games, cards, snacks and conversation at the NG Public Library.

A

and his dream:

by Brandon Mayer

A former Catholic Church built in 1851 is slated for demolition, but its current owner is willing to go to great lengths to save not only the historic icon, but his home.

Scott Bain co-owns the former St. James the Minor Catholic Church, north of

Mallorytown, along with his ex-girlfriend, Rachel Hill. Scott currently resides on the property, bringing in water, using a portable shower, and cooking on a barbecue. The diocese closed the former church in 1972, and Scott and Rachel have owned it since 2011.

Scott’s mother, Anne-Marie Langenegger, and his sister, Sara Murray, have been working hard to help him keep his

UPCOMING EVENTS

November 16

Annual Christmas Sale. 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Addison United Church Women - Baking, Knitting & crafts, Christmas table, Books and puzzles , New to You, & Canteen

Fully accessible 9007 County Rd 29

A Christmas on Campus. 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. Join My Local Markets and the North Grenville Arts Guild as we celebrate the festive season at the Kemptville Campus. November 16 & 17 Free Parking | Free Admission Donations to Beth Donovan Hospice are welcomed. Kemptville Campus, 75 Campus Drive, Kemptville, ON Repair Café. 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm. Come out with your broken items, and we will endeavor to ﬁx them for free. We can also give advice about how to repair some items. Contact: Tricia 613 258 3683 pmjh@snowie.ca

North Grenville Public Library, 1 Water St in Kemptville

CHILI on Parade Night. 4:00 pm. Oxford Mills Girl Guides fundraiser for their Switzerland Trip

Outdoor kiosk at St John's United Church, 400 Prescott Street

Santa Claus Parade. 4:30 pm. Kemptville Rotary Santa Claus Parade Santa Claus is coming to town! Saturday. The parade theme is "The Magic of Christmas", which is based on the 2024-25 Rotary International theme, "The Magic of Rotary".

Parade Route: Beginning at Van Buren & Bridge Street (405 Van Buren, Rusch Truck Centre Service Location), then west on Van Buren Street, turning north/right on Prescott Street, then turning east/right on Clothier Street then turning north/left on Sanders Street.

Parade ﬁnishes beside B&H Grocer.

November 17

SOUTH MOUNTAIN Christmas CRAFTS AND VENDOR SHOW 2024. 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. For more information, please contact Carolyn Barkley at 613-913-5348 or email: mady@ ripnet.com. 2967 Lough Road, South mountain

November19

BID EUCHRE. Registration starts at 6:00 p.m., play starts at 6:30 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com

Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road

November 20

Kemptville Horticultural Society. 7:00 pm. Kemptville Horticultural Society November Meeting Annual General Meeting plus a talk on Wintery Greenery.

Kemptville Pentecostal Chruch, 1964 County Rd. #43., Kemptville

November 21,22,23 and 24

North Grenville Community Theatre presents “Our Town”. Showtimes are 7:30pm on 21,22,23 and 2pm on 24 at the Urbandale theatre, north Grenville municipal centre. Tickets and more info at NGCT.ca

November 23

St Michael CHS Christmas Craft Show. 9:30 am - 3:30 pm 2755 County Road 43 Kemptville

Winter Village Market. 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. This market features local vendors and artisans from within eQuinelle and the community, including Artisan Designers, Small Businesses, and Direct Sales Consultants.

eQuinelle Clubhouse, 140 Equinelle Dr, Kemptville

The $30 Market. 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Everything's a buy at $30! A variety of craft and home-made items--embroidered towels, aprons, wall art, bird houses, Christmas wreaths, preserves, bath baskets, tree ornaments, even $50 gift certiﬁcates! You're sure to ﬁnd something for yourself or a gift. Sponsored by St Ann RC Church.

Royal Canadian Legion, 223 Main Street, Merrickville.

Christmas Bazaar and Luncheon. Bake Sale and new and gently used Christmas craft/gift table. Hot luncheon from 11:30am - 1:00pm. St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, 319 Prescott St., Kemptville. Accessible entrance from the parking lot.

home and his dream.

“They lived in Brockville, working and caring for their growing family,” said Sara. “They came out to the church as often as possible, cutting the grass, enjoying picnics with their daughters, and dreaming of the day the church could be turned into a home for their family.”

On September 28, 2019, everything changed when a local 15-year-old boy set the back part of the church on fire. The fire quickly spread, and all that remained were the stone walls and bell and bell tower. The boy was charged and convicted of the arson, but his identity remains protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. With no electricity or gas supply on the property, it was never insured, with no conceivable reason at the time why a fire would start. Scott was told he could sue the 15-year-old boy’s parents for the damages, but he didn’t want to punish the parents.

The property became somewhat disrespected, being used by ATV riders or for those seeking a place to dump their trash. The bylaw oﬃce in Front of Yonge Township requested a fence, the lawn to be cut, the garbage to be picked up, and the church and holding vault

November 26

Historically Speaking. 7:00 am. The Merrickville and District Historical Society invites you to the last of the fall series of lectures on. Please join us for a Remembrance Day presentation: “Ripples of War: The Veteran’s Experience from the Second World War to the Present Day,” with Michael Petrou. Merrickville Legion

November 28

CPKC Holiday Train . 4:45 am . It’s free entertainment, adored by kids and adults alike, and to top it oﬀ, it supports local food banks!

103 East Broadway & County Rd 2 Merrickville

doors strengthened. In early May of 2023, Scott moved onto the property to ﬁnd peace. He worked hard and met all the requirements and strengthened the structure.

In August of this year, Scott and Rachel received a letter stating that the church had to be demolished. Expecting a court summons where they could plead their case, they missed the part of the letter explaining that they only had 20 days to act.

It was less than 2 weeks ago that Scott ﬁrst found out that a demolition was scheduled when he was visited by the OPP. Last week, on November 5, Scott climbed into the bell tower as demolition vehicles were arriving. “The Township representatives refused to even look at the signed petitions, and the bylaw rules,” Sara added. “The community came together, parking their vehi-

cles in front of the church, and protesting the demolition. OPP officers arrived, and Scott remained pleasant and enjoyed educating all that were present of the church’s lengthy history. He informed the OPP he would not come down until he was assured the township agreed to hold off and give him the opportunity to fight for what is his.”

While the family was informed that they would be given time to visit Front of Yonge Clerk and Zoning Administrator, Jennifer Ault, they felt the response less than welcoming when they arrived, claiming that they were denied a meeting altogether.

Scott has since hired Tacoma Engineers to do a peer report of the Township’s engineering report on the former church. “The comments Scott received was that the church’s stonework was in good con-

dition and could be restored,” said Sara. The family is raising money for the report costs, as well as lawyer fees.

Anne-Marie explained that a lawyer in Ottawa familiar with the case believes there may be an “agenda” at play, since by-law oﬃcers usually try to avoid these types of scenarios. She also reports that the family has heard from countless people who have personal memories and stories of the church, who would hate to see it demolished.

“I’m 71 years old… I’m going to do this stuﬀ because I’m his mother,” said Anne-Marie. “I’m going to stand up for my son”. Family members have been keeping watch over the church daily.

man

Group ﬁghts to save former Mallorytown church

FOR SALE

Four steel rims 17” fit Hyundai only $90.00 for set only 18000km . 613 258 1058

4 Kelly winter tires with rims for sale 22560-R16, $300.00. 1 winter. 613-258-1167

Lawn Boy 21 inch Silver Pro 6.5 HP mower no longer need ed.$100.00 nadfudt@gmail.com

Electric Power It pressure washer 1600 PSI 1.35 GPM still in box like new used once.$75.00 or best offer nadfudt@ gmail.com

Chevrolet contoured all weather floor liners set 2015 -2022 Chevy Colorado extra cab $60. contact Dan nadfuct@gmail. com.

BRAND NEW Vehicle Parts – ALL still in the original delivery boxes. Pick up in Kemptville. Call Bill: 613-8684477. Must be paid in cash on pick-up Steel Cowel Induction Hood to fit 2003 to 2007 Chevrolet pickup. Original cost $768 plus tax. Now $500 Tonneau Cover to fit

6.5 foot pickup box. Original cost $500 plus tax, now $275 In-tank Fuel Pump for GM products, complete with locking steel washer. Original $175 plus tax. Now $75

Coil Binding Machine with electric coil inserter (Coil Mac EC1), $500 (OBO). Assorted coils included. email classifieds@ngtimes. ca

Winter tires 215/55 R 18, set of 4, 2 winter used, $200.00. Erick 613 860 2539

King size bed, excellent condition, including mattress protector, base and bedding. Offers. 613258-7778

Gozone home fitness mini stepper, hardly used. $25. nadfudt@gmail.com

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

MISCELANEOUS

Looking to rent farmland in North Grenville & surrounding areas. Call or text Mitch @ 613-262-1204.

ACROSS

1. Old Jewish scholars

6. Police oﬃcers

10. "Oh dear!"

14. Young 15. River in Spain

16. Backside 17. Mistake

18. French for "Black"

19. Be aware of 20. Full of twists and turns

22. Principal

23. Most bad

24. Sorceress 25. Blabs

29. Experienced

31. What the volcano did 33. Court awards

37. Hereditary 38. Discern

39. Kneecap

41. Absolute quiet

42. Traditional 44. Appear to be

45. Thick-growing

48. Prison-related

50. By mouth

51. Chief plotter

56. Location 57. Rear end

58. Love intensely

59. Anagram of "Nose"

60. Stratum

61. A Finnish steam bath

62. Clutter

63. Stops

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

64. Made a mistake DOWN 1. Aﬃrmatives

2. Drill 3. Prickle

4. At the peak of

5. Chronic nag

6. Focused on (Br. sp.)

7. Double-reed player

8. Not in cursive

9. Achy

10. Abhors

11. Associated with the moon

12. Loft 13. Rock

21. Short novel

24. Humped animal

25. Cry of pain

26. Diva's solo

27. Kick

28. Too shocked for words

30. Extreme

32. Add up

34. Heredity unit

35. Behold, in old Rome

36. Flower stalk

40. Painkiller

41. Chorale members

43. Detected

45. Cherished

46. Pee

47. Satisﬁes

49. Rent

51. Assess

52. Jewish month

53. Gloomy

54. Sea eagle

55. Anagram of "Dear"

Solution to last week’s Crossword

Adventure travel in Bonny Scotland

Scotland, with its rugged landscapes, ancient forests, and dramatic coastlines, is a haven for adventure travelers. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-fueled activities or a quiet communion with nature, the country oﬀers a range of thrilling outdoor experiences. With several Travel and Tour Adventure Companies oﬀering special itineraries within Scotland whether by ship, coach or private tour, there is something for everyone.

1. Hiking and Trekking

Scotland is famous for its majestic mountains, including the famous Munros – peaks over 3,000 feet – such as Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK. Adventure seekers can attempt the challenge of “Munro bagging,” which involves hiking as many of these mountains as possible. For a more extended adventure, the West Highland Way is a 96-mile long-distance trail that takes hikers from the outskirts of Glasgow all the way to Fort William, through breathtaking glens and lochs. There’s also the Skye Trail, which oﬀers stunning views across the Isle of Skye.

2. Cycling Cycling through Scotland’s scenic landscapes provides a perfect mix of adventure and tranquility. There are numerous well-marked routes, such as the Hebridean Way, a 185-mile route that winds through the islands of the Outer Hebrides. Mountain biking is also popular, with purpose-built trails in areas like the Scottish Borders and Glentress Forest. Enthusiasts will love the rugged terrain of the Cairngorms National Park or the wild tracks on the Isle of Arran.

3. Wildlife Safaris

For those who prefer their adventures with a wildlife twist, Scotland is teeming with incredible opportunities to see native animals in their natural habitats. On land, you can explore the Highlands in search of red deer, golden eagles, and wildcats. Coastal adventures offer the chance to spot dolphins, seals, and puffins. Some tours even provide the rare chance to see orcas off the northern coast.

4. Kayaking and Canoeing

Scotland’s lochs, rivers, and coastal waters oﬀer endless opportunities for water-based adventures. Sea kayaking around the Scottish coast allows you to explore hidden coves, sea cliﬀs, and uninhabited islands. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park provide serene environments for paddleboarding or canoeing, while the River Spey and River Tay are famous for thrilling white-water kayaking experiences.

5. Rock Climbing and Mountaineering

Scotland’s cliffs and crags offer some of the best climbing experiences in the UK. Glencoe and the Cairngorms National Park are popular destinations for rock climbing, with routes suitable for all levels of experience. In winter, mountaineering enthusiasts flock to the country for ice climbing, particularly on Ben Nevis and in the Northern Corries of the Cairngorms.

Scotland is a diverse playground for adventure travelers, oﬀering experiences that range from rugged mountain hikes to tranquil wildlife encounters. Whether you're climbing a Munro, kayaking along the coast, or exploring ancient forests, the beauty and thrill of Scotland’s wilderness will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Visit www.gravitate.travel and click on the “Let’s Talk” icon to schedule a time to talk or drop by our oﬃces to chat about exploring Bonny Scotland.

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

Kemptville and the 1917 Conscription Crisis

Weekly Advance, December 13, 1917: racist rants threaten Canadian unity by

David Shanahan

After the Canadian Corps victory at Vimy in April, 1917, Prime Minister Robert Borden visited the front and met with military and political leaders in London and France. He noted at the time that there were fewer Canadian soldiers engaged in the war than those from other parts of the British Empire, such as Australia. He was also concerned by the fact that recruitment in Canada was not keeping up with the number of casualties in France. In April, for example, only 5,500 men had volunteered to enlist, but at Vimy almost twice that number had been killed and wounded in the three days the battle lasted.

On his return to Canada, Borden announced that he would introduce conscription, meaning that every eligible male would be liable to be called up and sent to war. He formed a Union Government, including members of the Opposition Liberal Party, though most of the Quebec members, as well as their Party leader, Wilfrid Laurier, refused to be part of the administration.

The ensuing campaign to pass legislation in the Canadian Parliament, and the election rhetoric leading up to the vote in December, became so polarising that there was a genuine fear that the country would be

irretrievably divided along ethnic and ideological lines.

In the end, conscription never met the goals set by Borden and all of the trauma and division was for nothing. Call-ups began in January of 1918, but out of the more than 400,000 that were eligible to be drafted, more than 380,000 appealed their call-up. A total of 124,588 were actually enlisted, and by the end of the war, only 24,000 extra soldiers made it to France.

The fact that Canada was nearly torn apart through the Conscription Crisis in 1917 can, at least, partly, be traced back to Kemptville! Although Conscription was opposed in the West, by Labour leaders, as well as by those who were against the war itself, most of the focus of opposition lay in Quebec. And while it was stated repeatedly at the time, and ever since, that this was an anti-war attitude on the part of French Canadians, the situation was not nearly as clear-cut as that.

Many French Canadians saw the war as a European Imperialist conflict, with which Canada should have nothing to do. But there was one issue in particular which had soured Francophones on joining in any British venture, particularly one that was heavily supported by Orange Ontario’s Regulation 17. The regulation prohibited primary schools from using French as a language of instruction or communication beyond grade 2 and capped

the amount of time primary school students could receive instruction in French as a subject to one hour per day. Schools that ignored the regulations would lose their funding, and teachers would lose their certiﬁcation.

Regulation 17 owed a great deal of its force and controversy to G. Howard Ferguson, native of Kemptville and prime mover in the Conservative Government of measures to curtail French language services in education in Ontario. Ferguson served on the Kemptville village council and was Reeve from 1900 to 1902. He constantly linked the dangers of bilingual education in Canada to threats to its British character.

“This is a British country and we must maintain it as such if we are to maintain the high destiny that Providence intended for Canada... If Ontario can demonstrate that the bilingual system is unnecessary, she has won a great victory for British citizenship”.

The leader of Quebec Nationalists, Henri Bourassa, had explicitly linked Regulation 17 to the war in Europe when he declared: “Why go and get killed by Prussians in Europe when we are being persecuted right here by the Prussians in Ontario?” When the leader of the Liberal Party, Wilfrid Laurier, was invited by the Prime Minister, Robert Borden, to join a Union Government to introduce conscription and prosecute

the war in 1917, Laurier refused, knowing how strongly conscription would be resisted in Quebec. Borden had promised, at the start of the war, that conscription would never be used. Breaking this promise, it was felt, insulted the incredible sacriﬁces and achievements of the Royal 22e Régiment, known as the Van Doos, which suﬀered around 4,000 casualties during the war, earning two Victoria Crosses on the way.

In addition, a special fund raising effort for the Patriotic Fund in February, 1917, had been very successful. People in Quebec donated one day’s pay to the Fund, and both Francophone newspapers provided free space for the initiative. Almost two-thirds of the donors were French Canadians. Conscription seemed like a betrayal, and emotions were to reach fever pitch in early 1918, when machine guns were used against protestors in Quebec City, killing four men. As can be seen in the pages of the Weekly Advance, racist attitudes dominated in many Ontario communities, labelling Quebeckers as pro-German and a direct threat to Canada. Confederation was faced with a serious danger in its 50th year. Howard Ferguson’s rhetoric and legislation was reaping an unfortunate harvest.

Photo credit: Dennis Minty

Take Your Kid to Work Day

By Lily Ottenhof

Take Your Kid to Work Day occurs on the ﬁrst Wednesday of November for all grade 9 students across Canada. It was originally launched in 1994 by the Learning Partnership, making this year the 30th anniversary! This day is an opportunity for students to spend the day at a workplace of a parent or relative and experience what it's like.

Take Your Kid to Work Day prepares children for their future and helps them find out what may interest them as a career. Bella Doyle, a grade 9 student at St Michael CHS, went with her Dad to Abbott Point of Care. While there, Bella was able to see how the medical devices were made and was able to go into the labs and see it done in real time. For Bella to be able to go into the labs, she had to wear a clean room suit, which she said was extremely hard to breathe in. She said she “feels bad that they have to wear them all day except for breaks”. Bella learnt a lot about the company and hopes to one day follow in her dad’s footsteps and work. She was most excited to go into her dads oﬃce, since usually people that don’t work there are not allowed into the building so she had never been inside.

Many workplaces provide tasks and events for the students visiting for the day so they can really get the sense of what it is like to work there. Julia Haas from St Michael CHS was faced with the task of trying to crack open an RCMP secure cabinet as part of the tour at her mom’s work at Health Canada. June Sharpe, another student at St. Michael, went to work with her mom at Legris Conservation. She had the opportunity to perform a surface cleaning on a test painting. June removed built up grime and yellowed varnish on the artwork.

Legris Conservation has special artworks they use as study pieces to train and mentor emerging restorers. June said, "I found the work satisfying. It was impressive to see how much dirt came oﬀ the painting."

Take Your Kid to Work Day gives kids the opportunity to learn new skills by taking them out of their normal day to day activities. It allows them to experience and try new things. Logan Barrett from St Michael helped his mom, Mellissa Morozuk. They did various types of carpentry for Everbuilt Custom Homes in Kemptville. Logan did some sanding on a deck, drywalling in a basement, and staining of barn doors. Logan said, "I had a great day today and learned many new things. It was cool to see all the diﬀerent jobs my mom does in a day”. Cole Richardson, also a student at St Michael, went to work with his Dad at Johnson Controls. Cole was shown how to wire an access control panel and got to try it out himself. Cole said, “I had the best day with my dad, I learned so much” I spent the day with my mom, Melissa Ottenhof, who works for The North Grenville Times. My jobs were to write this article about Take Your Kid to Work Day, and design this page. My mom showed me how to use the design program they use for putting the paper together, it’s like putting a huge puzzle together. It was interesting to see what she was doing. I always thought she was just tapping away on a computer all day.

Take Your Kid to Work Day is a fun and educational experience for kids and parents alike. My mom said, “It was nice to give Lily a glimpse into my workday. I think spending the day together has given her a better appreciation for what I do.”

Bella Doyle at Abbott Point of Care where she attended Take a Kid to Work day with her dad

Cole Richardson helping his dad wire an access control panel on a Federal Government site in Ottawa

Logan Barrett and his mom Mellissa Morozuk sanding a deck. Logan went to work with his mom at Everbuilt Custom Homes

Julia Haas trying to crack open an RCMP secure cabinet at her mom's work at Health Canada

June Sharpe is shown performing a surface cleaning on a test painting at the comapny her mom owns, Legris Conservation.

Lily Ottenhof working on the November 14 issue of The North Grenville Times.

Tegan Horseﬁeld with her Aunt Sarah. Tegan helped out in a kindergarten class at Swiftwater Elementary School in Brockville. Tegan had fun helping in the classroom. She said, "One little boy really liked to hold my hand. I also got to spend one on one time with another little girl so she could complete her work."

Jane Rutter, Fine art photographer

Many thanks to Brenda Ward and her team of volunteers, for once again honouring our vets. Photo by Nancy Peckford, Rotary Park, downtown Kemptville