Issue 48 2023 December 07 NG Times

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

Vol. 11 No. 48

The Voice of North Grenville

December 7, 2023

Lions Club Christmas Tree Sale is underway

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by Brandon Mayer Everyone’s favourite Christmas tree store is open for the season! On November 28, Lion Kathy worked the first shift at the Ferguson Forest tree lot, selling real Christmas trees with proceeds going to various worthy causes. The so-called Kemptville Lions Club Christmas Tree Sale is very popular amongst North Grenville residents.

Lion Robert Sentner explained the history of the Tree Sale: “We started our Christmas Tree Sale project well over 10 years ago and only sold trees over the weekend the first few years,” he said. “Around 2013, we added tree sales through the week and continue to do so.

Initially, we sourced trees directly from Ferguson Forest, however, after using up all they could offer, we are now bringing in trees from a nursery in Peterborough.”

Lion Robert explained

that the Tree Sale has over 200 trees on offer – most are in the 6 foot range with a number in excess of 8 feet.

“Each of the last four years, we have sold out, having all 200+ trees purchased,” he added.

This year’s trees were delivered on November 23, allowing them to go on sale last week. For the second year in a row, the price charged by the Nursery for the trees has increased. Last year, the Lions Club did not increase the prices in the local Tree Sale, but they cannot sustain such a courtesy again this year, and the price has necessarily increased.

This year’s price is $75 per tree.

“Lions Club tree ornaments are also on offer this year,” said Lion Robert.

“The Christmas Tree Sales seem to add some new offerings each year. We also have Ferguson Forest tree boughs and logs to help make wreaths or Christmas

decorations. Since the outset of this project, the Lions Club of Kemptville has worked hard to bring reasonably priced Christmas trees to the folks here in Kemptville. The fact that we now have some folks coming out from the City of Ottawa to secure trees says a lot.”

What perhaps makes the Christmas Tree Sale most special is the fact that it is a fundraiser for some of the most important local, regional, and international causes. Examples include local food banks, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, the Community Services Council, Senior’s Community Services, Kemptville Home Support, Community Living, Kemptville District Hospital and local High School student bursaries.

On a broader scope, fundraising also supports the Kemptville Lions Club International Vision Care Project that travels to com-

munities in developing nations to perform free eye exams and dispense glasses free of charge. “For that project, we are currently fundraising to replace vital pieces of test equipment used during the project,” said Lion Robert. “COVID kept us from engaging in this project for 2021 and 2022, but we returned to South America in early 2023 where a week-long project saw over 1,000 patients receiving free eye exams and over 650 patients receiving new glasses, also free of charge.”

Running such a busy and popular fundraiser is not without its perks. “Seeing familiar faces year after year returning to get their Christmas trees as well as helping the kids find just the right tree makes it fun,” explained Lion Robert. “We are getting to know so many of the folks who drop by the lot. The Christmas spirit is overflowing here. While some of the time it is quiet at the lot, as the big day gets closer, more and more people can be found roaming through the lot looking for that special tree that will fit just right. We sure do love bringing this to the community!”

The Kemptville Lions Club Christmas Tree Sale is located at the Ferguson Forest Centre Main Entrance, inside the chain link lot where all the greenhouses are located - 275 Highway 44 in Kemptville. The hours of operation are from 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 5 pm on weekends.

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The Voice of North Grenville

Community Christmas Dinner Volunteers needed

HISTORY NOTE Mr. J.W. Morrison, the postmaster at Acton’s Corners has lately disposed of his chestnut mare “Topsy”. During the time, JW has driven her 19,593 miles, nearly far enough to encompass the globe. Mr. Spotswood is now the owner of the animal.

by Brandon Mayer It’s back! The Community Christmas Dinner is no doubt well-known in North Grenville, even amongst those who have never had the pleasure of attending.

It’s about more than just the food – it has always been about the spirit of giving, and the offer of joyous Christmas socializing which one could argue is even more warming for the soul than hot turkey with all the trimmings.

The Times will have more information on the Community Christmas Din-

ner in our last issue of the year, December 21. In the meantime, it’s important to spread awareness about the need for volunteers, without whom the Dinner would not be possible.

This year’s dinner will once again be held at the Kemptville Christian Reformed Church on County Road 18. It will be a buffet style dinner offered on Christmas Day, December 25 from 1 pm to 3 pm.

Do you have some time on your hands on Christmas Day? Consider volunteering! You’ll be a part of some-

thing special, something that represents the caring, giving spirit of North Grenville. If you’re not available, which is understandable on what is perhaps the busiest holiday of the year, then consider spreading the word to others about the possibility of volunteering.

Gord Logan is this year’s event coordinator. Anyone who would like more information on volunteering is encouraged to contact Gord at gordlogan48@gmail.com or 613-258-6402.

To everything there is a season

culverts

NG_TImes_Royal_Car_ad_Final_crops.pdf

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2023-11-21

12:07 PM

It has been said: “If you are brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with another hello.”

Sometimes in life we need to turn the page and start a new chapter in our life. This is where we find ourselves at the close of 2023.

As we perform our regular greenhouse cleanup and sorting of pots and garden tools at the end of a growing season, we catch ourselves reminiscing and thinking back over our journey of 25 years of gardening and growing flowers and herbs. Our thoughts go back to the garden tours and talks, as well as farmers markets that we attended in the early years. We reflect on the sheer delight we shared each new season when the seed and plant catalogues arrived in the mail.

Combing through these and making plans for each upcoming growing season has been one of December 7, 2023

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our favourite past times, especially while sitting by the fire on a snowy, frigid day.

Our memories turn to the challenges we have met running a garden nursery, which has put the strut and strength in our steps, and taught us much about ourselves and the gardening world. We thank the cheerful souls who helped start us on our way, as well as our two energetic full time helpers, Earlene and Wendy, who graciously worked tirelessly through each season. We believe that we could not have carried on if not for their tenacity of spirit and enthusiasm.

Along with their hard work of planting up pots of soil, sometimes on a very hot day in the spring, we all managed to share a joke or a laugh or two.

With the ongoing joy of watching a seed bloom into a beautiful flower, we have tentative plans to carry on growing a reduced and manageable

number of plants to sell at local farmers’ markets.

Also, with more free time to attend to our gardens, we invite and welcome any enthusiastic gardening soul who passes by to stroll the garden path with us and share some friendly conversation!

We will miss our faithful customers whom we have come to know over the years and the encouragement and warmth of friendship that they offered.

Fare-thee-well, Gardening Friends.

Chris ‘n Claudia Forget-me-Not Herbs ‘n Flowers

LTD

Since 1982

. Plumbing . Heating . Cooling . Electrical Service & Installation

613.258.5943 9 Elvira St. W., Kemptville

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Editorial

Castle in the air

by Brandon Mayer Help is a wonderful thing, but words and actions masquerading as help are the exact opposite. False hope hurts, and false hope is exactly what a lot of business owners got when the government rolled out the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans to help small businesses during COVID-19. With the repayment deadline approaching, there is little doubt that CEBA repayment requirements will sink a number of businesses.

January 18 is the deadline for businesses to repay their CEPA loans without penalty, and the penalty is “huge”, for lack of a better word. Business owners are not looking for handouts, and a loan is a loan, but when small businesses that employe average people end up needing to declare bankruptcy, there are no winners. Those loans are not being paid back either way, and employees and entrepreneurs lose their way of life.

It’s true that a lot of small businesses in Cana-

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da are truly tiny, with half employing less than four people despite the fact that small businesses employ over 88% of Canada’s total workforce. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has posited that up to 250,000 businesses are at risk of closing if an extension is not put in place for the CEBA loan repayment, which could mean that more than 1,000,000 Canadians will lose their jobs.

Let’s be clear on the terms here: for CEBA loans not paid back by January 18, the remaining loan balance will no longer be interest free and will instead take on a 5% interest rate. The partial forgiveness offer for the loans will also become null in most cases where 75% of the loan is not repaid.

Think of it this way: a small business that has managed to pay back $28,000 of a $40,000 loan would receive a $10,000 forgiveness if they could simply manage to pay back an additional $2,000 before the deadline. Those business owners who simply can’t get their hands on that kind of money right now will end up owing $10,000 more.

Charged more money for not

having money – government logic at its finest.

To ensure a properly f u n c t i o n i n g e c o n o m y, businesses must be selfsustaining. They must not rely on handouts, charity, or underpaid employees.

This is an argument that we hear frequently any time minimum wage increases are considered. When small business owners complain that they can’t afford an increase to minimum wage, we argue that a business that can’t afford to pay its employees a living wage is not a viable business. I don’t disagree – making your money by underpaying and undervaluing the people who make your operations tick is neither fair nor sustainable. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, was different. The CEBA loan program was not meant to provide “handouts”, it was meant to help. We unfortunately underestimated how much help businesses would need in the wake of such an economically disastrous pandemic.

We all know businesses that suffered permanent COVID closures. Those businesses didn’t fail of their

own accord. A buffet owner being told that customers cannot dine in has just been given his business’ death certificate. The owner of a retail store being told they are not allowed to open for business because their goods are “not essential” still has bills to pay with no money coming in to pay them. I won’t pretend that I agreed with all of the mandates. I was running private child care during the pandemic for kids of essential workers, which made me an essential worker myself, in hindsight.

There were periods when I was unable to buy the supplies I needed – toys and games, outdoor equipment, school supplies – to be able to do my job effectively.

I’m sure that the owners of small mom and pop stores that sell these items would have loved to sell them to me as much as I would have loved to buy them. Instead, we practically made it a legal requirement to shop on Amazon instead (except for those with the patience for curbside pickup).

This is not a COVID debate, but rather a rhetorical question about whether the tens of thousands of busi-

nesses potentially closing their doors next month could have done anything to need the CEBA money less. In short – they couldn’t. While over 25% of Canadians were receiving CERB income during the pandemic, small businesses that employ 88% of the workforce were instead given a loan. The borrowed money purchased pandemic PPE, and paid to keep the lights on in vacant buildings. No sensible entrepreneur would borrow money for such nonsense, but what choice did these business owners have in the face of the mandates?

Demanding the repayment of the CEBA money in a timely fashion is like demanding the proverbial “castle in the air”. It’s all well and good to wish for it, but it’s unlikely to come to fruition purely through a wish and a prayer. Money doesn’t grow on trees, nor does it materialize upon urgent demand, or under the pressure of deadlines and threats.

The economic damage from COVID-19 was huge.

I’m a fiscally conservative person, and don’t agree with throwing government

money at most problems, but this case is different.

We can’t help some but not others. It’s not okay that we gave money away to those who were laid off, but forced business owners to borrow money to stay above water while it was the pandemic (and government policies) that kept the tap on.

If forgiving the CEBA loans is not possible (and I suspect that for reasons of fairness toward those who already paid them, it may not be possible), then we at least need some humanity.

There is no reason to extend relief only to those who need it less. Forgive a portion of all loans, regardless of when they are paid, and negotiate repayment terms that work for each individual business.

That, or give businesses a clean slate and watch them put those dollars right back into their employees and the economy. This time of year more than any, compassion should be above all.

and I can’t figure out world hunger, so this is the least I can do with the skills and knowledge that I have.”

Even as this year’s project is still underway, Jordan is already looking toward future years, and hinted that

some bigger ideas may be cooking up as well. Until then, we extend our collective “kudos” to Jordan, the volunteers and the sponsors for another great Christmas season putting smiles on children’s faces!

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Toy donation initiative continues to grow

by Brandon Mayer A generous initiative aimed at ensuring that no child goes without a Christmas toy has continued for another year, and has expanded for the second year in a row. Last year, Jordan Loshinsky made 50 wooden toy cars to donate as Christmas gifts to children in need, making use of his workshop that he has for his business, JL Woodworking. This year, the toy donation will consist of 50 wooden cars, and 50 wooden airplanes.

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December 7, 2023

Donating such a large amount of toys is a feat that requires many months of work. Jordan explained that the planning process for making this year’s toys began in June, and the cutting of the wooden pieces began in late November.

On December 2, the assembly process got underway, with a handful of volunteers all putting in a hard day’s work in the name of making Christmas special for every kid, even those whose parents are struggling. One of

a little bit of glue, and you get all the wheels on pretty fast,” he added.

Having the JL Woodworking shop makes the donation initiative possible.

Jordan explained that while his business does not make as many children’s toys and equipment as it used to – focusing more on kitchen work and furniture – the tools and equipment are still all in place, providing an ideal place to make the toys for the large toy donation.

When asked why he runs this toy donation initiative, Jordan explained that he wishes to take some stress out of the Christmas season for parents, especially this year, with everything being so expensive. “I just want to create a bit of happiness for a handful of kids, and make the world a hint of a better place,” said Jordan. “I’m not going to cure cancer

the returning volunteers is Jordan’s good friend Dale, a retired nurse who puts in countless hours sanding and gluing wood for the cars (and this year – the newly added airplanes).

As in previous years, the toy donation was made possible this year through the generosity of corporate sponsors. Penny Beavis, a real estate salesperson with Coldwell Banker, Coburn Realty, donated a large sum of money that paid for all of the wheels, axels, and other small parts. Perkins Lumber in North Gower has returned as a sponsor, donating all of the required wood this year.

Each year, Jordan aims to have everything ready and cut before assembly day, when a team of 5-7 volunteers completes the cars (and this year – airplanes). “Give everyone a couple of mallets and a couple of hammers and

the north grenville

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OFFICE 613-215-0735

Accounting Pat Jessop cfo@ngtimes.ca

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

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

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Enbridge Gas teams up Investigations into missing people continue with NG Fire Service to reduce deaths submitted by OPP Investigators appeal for tips, not rumours The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Smiths Falls Police Service (SFPS) are urging those with information regarding two missing people to contact investigators.

The investigations into the disappearances of Lawrence BERTRIM and Robbie THOMSON remain active and ongoing. Teams of investigators from the OPP and SFPS, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, continue to follow up on any potential leads that are provided. We cannot speculate on any potential connection between these cases.

Investigators from both services are very concerned about the rumours, misinformation and disinformation being spread. Rumours can cause delays in the investigation.

"We continue to hear stories about disturbing details, but no one has come forward to investigators with any firsthand information. Rumours are not evidence and cannot be used in court." -OPP Detective Inspectors Jennifer Patton and Daniel Levert.

"Public safety is our priority. These are individual investigations, however investigators from each case speak regularly with each other to make sure nothing is missed.

Smiths Falls PS investigators continue to work diligently for the families and the community to find answers to these cases. Rumours don't help. If you know something, please call the tip lines or Crime Stoppers." - Smiths Falls PS Deputy Chief Jodi Empey.

Dedicated tip lines will ensure that your information gets directly to detectives assigned to these missing person cases. If you have any first-hand information, even if it seems insignificant, investigators want to hear from you.

- For Robbie THOMSON: 1-855-677-4636 - For Lawrence BERTRIM: 1-844-677-9404 If you have first-hand information, but would like to remain anonymous, contact Lanark County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or file an anonymous report on the Crime Stoppers website.

Missing person located deceased adjacent to Highway 15 submitted by OPP Death believed to be result of hit and run collision The death of an individual near Smiths Falls is believed to be the result of a hit and run collision.

The body of Steven Tate, age 34 of Montague Township, was found on November 8, 2023 adjacent to Highway-15.

He had been reported missing on November 4, 2023 and was last seen alive earlier that day.

Investigators believe the collision involved a dark coloured hatchback or sedan which will have damage to the front passenger side.

Members of the Lanark County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Crime Unit, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, continue to investigate with the assistance of the OPP Collision Reconstructionist and Technical Collision Investigation team, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

Anyone with information on this incident should contact the Lanark OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or call Lanark County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 if you wish to remain anonymous.

••

UPDATE

MUNICIPAL OFFICE HOURS

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

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

submitted by Jill Sturdy, Municipality of NG On November 30, Enbridge Gas Inc. (Enbridge Gas) and North Grenville Fire Service announced that they are working together to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero.

North Grenville Fire Service received 198 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero – a public education campaign with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council that will provide more than 10,000 alarms to residents in 50 municipalities across Ontario.

This year, Enbridge Gas invested $315,000 in Safe Community Project Zero, and over the past 15 years, the program has provided more than 86,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments.

When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide the early warning to safely escape from a house fire or carbon monoxide exposure. Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odourless gas that is a by-product of incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels.

“Properly maintaining fuel burning equipment is the best way to reduce potential exposure to carbon monoxide, and an alarm is a critical second line of defense for protection.

When we implement these strategies together, we protect our loved ones from carbon monoxide poisoning, also known as the silent killer,” says Ian Presley, Eastern Region Supervisor Operations, Enbridge Gas. “Across Ontario there is a renewed focus on the importance of having working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home. The objective of Safe Community Project Zero is to deliver these alarms to areas where they are needed most,” says Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chair of the FMPFSC. “It’s a program that fire departments can adopt to help educate their communities about the requirement for all Ontario homes to have a carbon monoxide alarm if they have a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage.”

“Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are crucial life safety devices that no residential dwelling unit should ever be without. The law provides for placement and maintenance of alarms in residential occupancies and compels owners to comply,” says Fire Chief John Okum.

“Thanks to Enbridge Gas for their generous donation of combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms which will enhance the North Grenville smoke and carbon monoxide alarm program. The Enbridge Gas partnership with the Fire Marshal’s Public Safety Council has a direct positive impact on emergency services.”

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

UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL MEETINGS

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

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

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

• Wednesday, December 13 at 6:30 p.m. (Open Session) – Fire Hall • Tuesday, December 19 at 6:30 p.m. (Open Session) – Municipal Center, Suite A

COMMITTEE MEETINGS Committees may be meeting in-person or virtually.

Please see the Committee agenda for details on how to attend. Agendas can be found on the Municipal website at www.northgrenville.ca/meetings.

• • • • • •

Health, Wellness, and Fitness Advisory Committee – Monday, December 11 at 5:00 p.m.

Heritage Advisory Committee – Tuesday, December 12 at 4:30 p.m.

Environmental Action Advisory Committee – Monday, December 18 at 6:00 p.m.

Arts and Culture Advisory Committee – Tuesday, December 19 at 3:15 p.m.

Active Transportation Advisory Committee – Wednesday, December 20 at 5:00 p.m.

Indigenous Advisory Circle – Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.

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

Fire Services Info: 613-258-9569 x201 Fax: 613-258-1031 By-Law Services: email: bylawinquiries@northgrenville.on.ca 613-258-9569 x211 Police Administration: 613-258-3441 Animal Control: 613-862-9002

Friendship Cafe

St. John's United Church 400 Prescott St., Kemptville Tuesday 10am to Noon

CLASSIFIEDS

All are welcome to join us for a cup of coffee/tea & conversations with friendly faces

classifieds@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735 December 7, 2023

HISTORY NOTE Lim Kee First class Chinese laundry.

Washing and Ironing done on shortest notice. Collars and cuffs ironed smooth as glass. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Prescott St, near bridge.

Donations appreciated but not required

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BACKYARD ASTRONOMY

The Geminid meteor shower

Baldwin's Birds

On an early cold winter's morn

The annual Geminid meteor shower will peak on the night of December 13 into the morning of the 14th. This shower will produce up to 120 meteors per hour with some bright fireballs. Annual meteor showers are produced when Earth crosses debris fields from comets as we orbit the sun; this is why various showers occur at the same time each year. In the case of the Geminids, Earth will encounter tiny sand-sized particles from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon with some gravel size pieces producing bright dramatic fireballs that will light up the sky as well as the ground.

The meteors will harmlessly vaporize some 80 kilometres above the ground at a slow 35 km/sec compared to the Perseids in August at twice that speed. A few meteors can be seen starting at about 7 pm locally when the constellation is low in the northeast. Greater numbers will be seen as the constellation rises higher throughout the night. The moon will not interfere this year. This is a must-see event.

Clear skies!

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

able to set up my car as a potential "hide" by opening the passenger side-window, as well as keeping the door open so that I could still sit down and get some shots of them either flying overhead, landing, or taking off. I was not disappointed and small flights of birds kept arriving overhead and then, once they had circled to get in line with their "approach path", they came down and alighted upon the, by now, crowded waters. Everything went well and the birds settled down either to rest or prepare for their next flight.

After about an hour or so of watching them, the cold was starting to take effect and with no further signs of any "take-off", coming from the resting flock, I decided to take my leave. I then took the short drive back to home

This morning, on stepping outside to go and feed my garden birds, a cacophony of sound filled my ears from the direction of the nearby river creek-- not from the impatient, hungry flock of Pigeons waiting on the wires! On looking in the direction of the noise, I could see a mass of Canada Geese either taking off, or landing on the water and they were, unsurprisingly, the source of the noise!

Well, how could I resist the thought of telling you and the opportunity of getting some pictures of them? I couldn't, so was soon back inside the house to get my camera, then jumped in my car and scooted off down to the side of the road nearest to them. Once there and safely off the road, I was

to see what birds might still be feeding in the garden, but all was fairly quiet, with the pigeons watchfully eyeing every one of my movements to see if any more food was going to be doled out. They were out of luck for today, so will have to wait until tomorrow when I go into action again! My Nyjer seed feeder needed only a small replenishment earlier, but my resident Goldfinches

were not in evidence and so not much has been taken at this time. Hopefully they haven't taken their leave and we will see them again before too long. You may be experiencing a similar lack of activity around your own feeders, but what activity you do see I hope will bring you some enjoyment. Stay safe and well.

Cheers, John Baldwin

OPEN STUDIO December 9, 2023 from 10 - 4pm

Up The Creek Glass Studio 13675 Grantley Road, Chesterville Fused glass gifts and decor.

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POINTSETTIA'S NOW IN STOCK

STORE HOURS

Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm / Sat. 8am to 6pm Sunday 9am to 6 pm

613 258 3014

301 Rideau Street, Kemptville

Celebrating 60 Years in Business December 7, 2023

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South Gower Business Park

Alternative medicine makes a good gift

We ’r e H e r e To S e r v e Yo u

WALKER & ASSOCIATES PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS We would like to take this time to thank our clients, fellow business associates and community. You have contributed greatly to our success at 4 Industrial Road, South Gower Business Park.

Great effort is made to meet your requirements in a timely, cost-effective manner, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

With varied experience, continued growth in education and support staff, our team continues to provide assistance in many areas including: Corporate Services • Financial statement and tax return preparation • Strategic tax planning • G/HST, Payroll, WSIB • Representation to tax authorities • Individual Services • Tax planning and personal tax return preparation • Estate planning and tax return preparation • Representation to tax authorities • Financial Services • Assist with budget and projection forecasting • Business management consultation, assisting with new and changing business • restructuring • Buy and sell business consultation • Provide in-house bookkeeping or assist with finding your own bookkeeper We know and love the local area we serve and strive to support local businesses and individuals in all their business and financial goals.

CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS

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YOUR LOCAL AGGREGATE SUPPLIER - SERVING DUNDAS & GRENVILLE COUNTIES

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December 7, 2023

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LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

Robert S. Walker CPA CA Brad Mehlman CPA Clare Deans

What’s the gift we’d like to have in stock for our readers this holiday season? It would be a healthy dose of common sense, and a reminder that not every health problem needs a medical solution. Unfortunately, few people open their minds when confronted with a swollen joint, an injury to the skin, back pain, broken bones, or even brain injuries. Yet, instead of costly, dangerous drugs that come with side effects, or surgical treatments that involve other risks, these are examples of problems that respond well to alternative forms of therapy.

We have written in the past about low-intensity laser therapy (LILT). It’s now known as photobiomodulation (PBM), which involves the application of light to instigate a natural healing process. There are no drugs and no side effects. It’s a non-invasive, non-toxic treatment for a wide range of health issues ranging from wound healing to age-related degenerative conditions.

And although there have been far-reaching claims that deserve some skepticism, the basic scientific premise is clear, people get results, and researchers are intrigued.

Here’s the way it works. Energy, you may recall from high school, travels as electromagnetic waves.

Radio waves and microwaves are the long ones. XRays and gamma rays are the short ones. Visible light is the segment of the scale of energy waves that the human eye can see. Just longer than visible light are the red and infrared light waves. When applied to the surface of the body, these rays can penetrate through the skin and deep into the tissue below.

These red and infrared light rays act like car mechanics, fixing problems of wear and tear on an engine, but doing it at the cellular level in the human body.

WWW.WKCLTD.CA When cells are stressed by injuries, struggling with nutritional imbalances, or some other threat, they fail in the performance of their normal functions.

What’s the fix? Every cell in the body has hundreds or thousands of mitochondria, which are membrane structures that generate the chemical energy needed to power the cell. When the long waves of red light are applied to these cells, it’s like the mechanic adding oil to the engine. Things start to work smoothly again.

A review of the research on PBM shows that there is interest in the scientific community in exploring how widely it can be applied. Studies support the claims of red light as a safe and effective method of treatment for many skin problems, arthritis, and pain control in the most common musculoskeletal conditions. Clinicians offering PBM therapy have achieved success in healing difficult wounds and burns, and in some cases PBM can facilitate tissue regeneration.

A clinical trial by the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital found light therapy to be safe and have measurable effects in patients who recently suffered a moderate brain injury. They have also studied its use in stroke patients.

A different team of researchers is looking at PBM as a potential treatment for pain associated with nerve injuries.

Visiting a therapist trained PBM is the right first step to take to learn whether treatment will have the desired effect. Clinicians will calibrate equipment so that the light reaches the target cells, optimizing the wavelength, dosing, timing of delivery, and length of exposure.

Home-use therapy equipment is also available. If you or a loved one could benefit, then this is an alternative worth considering. Faced with a debilitating problem and given the choice of painkiller dependency or the risks of surgery, light therapy might be the perfect gift.

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The Voice of North Grenville

The North Grenville Times

New OFA president outlines organizational priorities

by Drew Spoelstra, President, OFA This past week, Ontario’s farmers gathered for the annual meeting of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). It’s a business meeting for the organization and the opportunity for members from across Ontario to debate resolutions and help shape the direction of OFA policy and activity for the year ahead.

It’s a process I’ve been part of myself for many years, first as an OFA member, and for the last 10 years as a provincial director representing fellow farmers from Halton, HamiltonWentworth and Niagara.

This year, I was also elected as OFA’s 33rd president. It’s an honour to lead this organization and it’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.

My family and I farm in the southeast corner of the city of Hamilton, near the community of Binbrook where we milk cows, grow corn, soybeans, wheat and

hay, and raise beef cattle and Clydesdale horses. I also operate a dealership selling corn and soybean seed to local farmers.

Volunteering in my community has always been important to me, whether it’s with the Binbrook Agricultural Society, the HamiltonWentworth Soil and Crop Improvement Association or chairing Hamilton’s agriculture and rural affairs sub-committee.

I first became involved with OFA because I had a desire to represent the farmers in my area and work on their behalf to ensure a strong future for agriculture.

OFA is an advocacy organization, and we develop and comment on policy that affects farmers and rural communities with the goal of making those policies more relevant and workable for farm businesses.

Looking ahead to the coming year, I see the OFA continuing to work on many issues that have dominated the calendar in 2023. Land

use and urban sprawl are hot topics, for example.

We are losing productive farmland in Ontario at rates that are unsustainable – an average of 319 acres a day, according to the latest Census of agriculture numbers.

That’s land that produces food, fuel, fibre and flowers, supports jobs, preserves wildlife habitats and makes positive environmental contributions.

It’s been encouraging to see some of the changes we’ve seen lately by the provincial government to help preserve farmland from development, and we hope to keep that momentum going.

We’re also going to see a continued focus on the environmental sustainability issues around agriculture.

That includes emission reductions to support climate change mitigation, policies and programs to support even more widespread adoption of soil health practices and addressing water quality and management.

At the same time, we must ensure that farms can also stay economically sustainable, so we’ll continue to raise awareness of concerns around profitability, and the impact that rising input and production costs, carbon tax and high interest rates are having on our ability to farm competitively and produce food here in Ontario.

We must communicate as efficiently and effectively as possible with govern-

ment, our industry partners and our own members across Ontario. That means listening to the other sides, as well as sharing information. At the end of the day, our goal is to do what’s right and make the best decisions for Ontario farmers.

Our board has also elected a new Executive Committee, and we welcomed four new board members to the table last week. I’m excited to work with this team and to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

One thing I’ve learned in my last 10 years as a board director with OFA is that none of us can do this alone. Collaboration and partnership are key to successful outcomes, and I’ve been lucky to have some great mentors.

We all have to pull in the same direction to make this organization and this industry work to its best potential, and while we may not always be in agreement, we all want the same outcome: a strong, healthy and sustainable farmer and farming sector in the Province of Ontario.

THOMAS M. BYRNE Barrister and Solicitor

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

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Farmers pleased to see proposed Underused Housing Tax changes

submitted by Rachelle Kerr Changes proposed by the federal government to its Underused Housing Tax (UHT) Act are welcome news for Ontario’s farmers. Announced in the recent Fall Economic Statement, the proposed changes would remove onerous filing requirements for farm corporations and farm partnerships who own more than one residence as well as reduce excessively high non-filing penalties.

“We appreciate the federal government listening to the concerns of the farming sector and announcing their intent to make these changes that will ease the UHT burden on farm businesses,” says Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) President Drew Spoelstra.

“Although most farmers would have been exempt from paying any actual tax, the filing of a UHT return is administratively burdensome. That’s why OFA, together with many other farm organization partners, has worked hard over the past year to raise awareness of the issue and advocate for change,” he adds.

The proposed changes still need to be introduced and passed through legislation in order to come into effect.

Farmers operating their businesses as a sole proprietor were already exempt from filing UHT returns, but if the legislation is passed, farm corporations and partnerships that are deemed to be Canadian owned (90% owned by Canadians) will also be exempt from filing a UHT return starting with the 2023 tax year. The penalties for failure to file a UHT return would also be reduced to $1,000 for an individual and $2,000 for a corporation from their current levels of $5,000 and $10,000 respectively.

UHT returns must still be filed for the 2022 tax year by the April 30, 2024 deadline in order to avoid non-filing fees.

The Underused Housing Tax Act received Royal Assent in June 2022. Intended to help alleviate the high cost of housing, it levies a 1% tax on the value of vacant and underused residential properties directly or indirectly owned by those who are not permanent residents or Canadian citizens.

December 7, 2023

This holiday season, Shop, Eat, and Enjoy Local!

Show your love for our community by supporting our local businesses.

From charming boutiques to mouthwatering eateries, North Grenville has it all!

Visit LoveNG.ca for a list of our incredible local businesses.

7

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The Voice of North Grenville

The North Grenville Times

UCDSB students explore career opportunities at Trades Boot Camp

submitted by UCDSB Late last month, high school students from schools across the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) gathered at the TR Leger School of Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education – Kemptville Campus to participate in the Tools in the Trades Boot Camp, a hands-on event aimed at introducing students to various trades and essential employment skills.

A total of 13 schools, including Carleton Place High School, Char-Lan District High School, Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational School, Gananoque Sec-

ondary School, Glengarry District High School, North Dundas District High School, Perth District Collegiate Institute, Rideau District High School, Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute, St. Lawrence Secondary School, Tagwi Secondary School and Thousand Islands Secondary School, were represented at the event. The UCDSB was one of only 20 school boards in the Province selected to participate in this unique opportunity hosted by Tools in the Trades.

The day was divided into two sections. The first focused on essential employ-

ment skills, where students took part in discussions about resume building, interview preparation and networking. The second section featured hands-on stations with activities such as levelling, drilling and tapping, and bearings and pump inspections, all set up in the TR Leger Kemptville Campus machine shop.

In addition to this event being a hands-on field trip for students, those enrolled in a Specialist High Skills Major related to the Boot Camp activities were able to obtain needed certifications.

“The trades are in high demand right now, and it's where the money is at. When you get students involved in events like this, it encourages us to follow these pathways," explained Hayden Wright, a Grade 12 student from Seaway DHS. Wright has plans to be a millwright, having completed one co-op last year, and is looking for another trades co-op placement next term.

Jordyn Truman, a Grade 11 student from Rideau DHS, said she found the

employment talk session incredibly helpful in preparing her for interviews and helping to give her a better understanding of her career path. Truman wants to go into either structural engineering or equipment operator engineering and said, "I'm so glad I got the hands-on learning today and got to explore different types of work."

“We are committed to providing students with valuable experiences that foster skills and knowledge

that are essential for future careers, especially in the dynamic field of trades,” says co-organizer and UCDSB Learning Partner Ashley Grant. “Events like this contribute to preparing students for success in their chosen pathways.”

At the end of the day, each participating student got to take home their own toolbox, supplied by Tools in the Trades.

Does your business go further than North Grenville?

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Now available

The Food Corner Recipe Book in USB Flash Drive format at Salamanders of Kemptville and at the Beth Donovan Hospice. You can also download a copy at the The Hospice Shop

Please Support our Community Sponsors: B&H Your Community Grocer, Grahame’s Bakery and Kemptville Home Hardware

Who is driving?

Plan ahead for a safe and sober ride home this holiday season.

ROAD SAFETY in NORTH

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The North Grenville Times

The Food Corner When having friends over to celebrating Christmas, the Festive Season, Hannukah or the Winter Solstice, some sweet tastes to complement your perfect hosting style are in order. A favourite of many folks is good old fashioned fudge. Today’s recipe is the Peanut Butter variety. Easy to make and sinfully good...

Peanut Butter Fudge

Ingredients • 1 cup white granulated sugar • 2 cups brown sugar • ¾ cup of evaporated milk • ½ cup of peanut butter (can be smooth or crunchy) Preparation • Combine the white and brown sugar with the evaporated milk in a saucepan • Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat when the fudge reaches soft ball stage • Add the peanut butter (if you are using the smooth version, then you can add a few chopped nuts) • Beat until creamy and spread in a greased pan • Refrigerate till hard Too easy, right? You can place these on a special plate with some other goodies such as squares, rumballs or peanut butter clusters. I mentioned last year that Beth has a pyramid plate and also large platters for doing so. One came from Ikea...

Tid bit musings

by Elva Patterson Rutters, RSSW Christmas can be a time of change. It can be instigated by work schedules, economics, family dynamics or geographical relocations. Change for most is usually difficult to navigate. It need not be harmful or detrimental but nevertheless involves evolution.

Safety is often dependent on routines. The key focus is exercising and honouring your core beliefs and intentions.

Every gift for a child need not be from Santa. The more expensive things can come from you, the parent. It’s elementary, but how does one justify one child getting an iPad from Santa while the neighbouring child gets a teddy bear? Relay the story of the first St Nick to your child as they begin to question the validity of Santa. Do hope, love, good works and kindness really exist? Santa may not be consistent in the red suit but the attributes are real. The motto behind some toy mountain drives is that every deserving child gets a toy. Would it not be psychologically better to deem that every child deserves a toy? Placement of words can alter the meaning drastically. Same philosophy about a "good" or "bad" child. Every child (adult too) is good but chooses intentionally, or unintentionally sometimes, to do bad things. Year after year, society promotes the essence of being good rather than separate the person from the behaviour.

With the excitement of Christmas, it may be difficult to have the little ones consume breakfast, so why not have Santa deliver breakfast in their stocking? The small variety boxes of cereals combined with a juice box and fruit is more easily consumed knowing the source was the elves! Perhaps slightly change the routine, stockings are opened first then the gifts from parents and others under the tree after breakfast is eaten.

Tradition is often steeped in familiar foods which can be topped up, not replaced by a new dish for contemplation. Bearing in mind that the fellowship out-rates the food, keep within your budget. Replace the pies with a birthday cake to honour the celebration of Jesus' birth long ago. It may not historically be the actual birthdate, but the occasion is worth marking. It keeps the Christ in Christmas.

If you don't believe in Christmas, offer to work a shift for someone who does or wants to be at home with their family.

Geographical relocation often means travel that can't be completed in a short time frame, so offer kindness by doing the extra work hours. Kindness will go a long way in developing humanity.

Sometimes kindness bites but as we stand before the King, our deeds will be recognized.

Many times, we are left to flounder trying to figure things out but keep kindness as the base for your Christmas time. Give of yourself to someone who needs a helping hand. You have only one life to live, so make this Christmas your memory of a lifetime by being genuine.

Wherever you are, however you are, whenever you celebrate, may the peace, hope and love wrap you in a parcel of optimism and wellbeing. You deserve that just because you are you!

December 7, 2023

Bell Ringers OR Not

Salvation Army's Need

by David E Butler, The Observer Poet Food Bank users go every two weeks For the food their body seeks Twenty-six times per year To help them overcome their fear Of having to do without Before at our LORD they want to shout!!

For thirty-one days The Salvation Army prays That many of those users will ring bells To fill up kettle-wells In two hour shifts So that everyone's spirits lifts!

Single working parents may not have the time, But if you are just single, it's like a crime If no time you give To help others to live When the SAL-ARMY needs you to serve To help reduce the weighted curve!

Now is not the time to say "Not me" When many can easily grieve Because one chose to let others work a lot Trying to fill up each needed spot The way our LORD - each of us taught "Do unto others" - you must have forgot!

If bell ringing gets on the nerves The LCBO helps those who it serves Peacefully, without the ringing sound To disturb everyone who is around Trying to get whatever is the need To buy while doing their deed!

So, BELL RINGERS or NOT, Be sure to fill in any spot That helps the SAL-ARMY now Allowing each individual to take their bow Gaining "Thank You's" from all who care And are helping Each of them to share!!!

Delay in opening of new Health Unit location in Kemptville submitted by Susan Healey, LGLD Health Unit The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit’s new delivery site at the Kemptville Campus experienced a delay in the renovations and was not able to open to the public on November 29th as originally promoted. The new opening date will be announced once known.

The Health Unit will continue to avoid disruption of services as much as possible.

Where to temporarily access Public Health Services in Kemptville and area: - Sexual Health Clinics: call for an appointment at 1-800-660-5853. For other locations, visit: Sexual Health Clinic - Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.

- Immunization Clinics: go to our online booking or call 1-800-660-5853.

- Infant Feeding Clinics: clients can call 1-800-6605853 x2467 to arrange Infant Feeding appointments. https://healthunit.org/clinics-classes/infant-feeding-clinic/.

- Preschool Speech and Language Services: by appointment. Contact your Speech Language Pathologist or your Communications Disorders Assistant, or call 1-888503-8885. Some clients may be seen virtually or at other locations. In-person visits in Kemptville will resume when the opening date is announced.

For a listing of all public health services, please visit www.healthunit.org or call 613-258-5941 or 1-800-6605853. Important public health updates are also available by connecting with @LGLHealthunit on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and @lglhealthunit.z on Instagram.

9

The Voice of North Grenville

Thank You

Bonnie and Earl Green wish to express a sincere thankyou to the family and friends who attended Richard’s Celebration of Life this past November 25th. We were truly touched by the condolences and the memories people shared about Richard. I would especially like to recognize those who worked with us to give Richard a very special send-off. Jim Dolan, my brother, spent days preparing and delivering a beautiful humor peppered eulogy in honor of our enigma man. Our son Earl, who stood by me and thanked everyone for coming and then shared thoughts about his dad. My friend, Chelsey Dunlop, spent hours and days helping me to get the paperwork and business in order. Jessie Workman for accompanying me to the lawyer appointments and for making sure that I asked all the necessary questions. Scott Dunlop, Kurt Gebhardt and Robin Workman for spending time helping me to organize the yard and house. I would also like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Kurt (the owner of Moex), for his friendship, moral support and for hiring Richard to mow lawns (a job which Richard took great pride in doing and which he spoke about all winter long down in Arizona). Marisa Gebhardt, thank you for helping me around the house and for the beautiful video presentation of Richard’s life through the years. A big thank you goes out to Dave Armstrong, an employee of Moex and the man who performed CPR until the ambulance arrived. At the Kemptville District Hospital, valiant efforts were made to keep Richard alive. I especially want to thank Ron Dillabough for his dedicated friendship over the years. Those two men were like “two peas in a pod”.

Ron will understand what I mean. At this point, I need to express my gratitude for Chelsey, Ron and Kurt, who were at the hospital with me when Richard passed. So blessed I am. We cannot miss thanking “Munro & Morris Funeral Homes Ltd. from Alexandria. Alistair MacDonald and David MacDonald were most attentive and helpful in assisting in our journey for Richard’s leaving us. Lester McInnis who tended bar at the celebration and to Shirley Dashney for the scrumptious trays of sandwiches and desserts.

So many people, tributes and memories, made Richard’s Celebration of Life a wonderful afternoon.

Thank you all.

Township of North Dundas Career Opportunities We’re Hiring!

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

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The North Grenville Times

CROSSWORD

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classifieds@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735 FOR SALE 75 Litre aquarium 24in x 16in x 12in wide includes light and stones. $75.0 0 O BO. J ac k i e 613-821-6161 6 WOODEN BOX SPEAKERS: 1 GE 11IN X35IN, 2 IMAGE 10INX19IN, 2AKAI 12INX14, 1 PANASONIC 11X18 $100.00 OR OBO. JACKIE 613-821-6161 For sale Ostomy supplies Hollister/Sensor Mio ect. Wrong size for us. Contact 613 25 8 0445 3/4 hp shallow well jet pump. $100. Call Ed at 613-282-1836 Tasco 675x power telescope. $100. Call Ed at 613-282-1836 Firewood $120 per face cord delivered. Call or text Jon 613-227-3650 Hay round bales stored inside $50 each. Call or text Jon 613-227-3650 C O LEM A N C O O LER large plastic used once bought this summer $20.00 contact 613 720-6730

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COMMUNITY EVENTS RECURRING EVENTS

Monthly Suppers prepared by Knights of Columbus at Holy Cross Church Hall at 503 Clothier St W. Suppers will be held on the last Thursday of the month commencing September 28. Cost $10 per adult, $5 for children under 12 and $25 for families.

PROBUS: Fellowship, Fun and inFormed presenters are part of the PROBUS gathering on the third Wednesday of each month at St Paul's Presbyterian Church Hall at 9:30AM. For more information contact at n.g.probus97@gmail.com Kemptville Legion: Fridays 3-9. Free Pool and Darts.

Everyone Welcome BINGO, Kemptville Legion, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, doors open at noon NG Duplicate Bridge Club, Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptville, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155 EUCHRE on Tuesday, December 12 at Pierce's Corners, also known as the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 1:00 p.m. and play starts at 1:30 p.m. $5 per player. For information, contact debiar@ymail.com BID EUCHRE on Tuesday, December 19 at Pierce's Corners, also known as the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 1:00 p.m. and play starts at 1:30 p.m. $5 per player. For information, contact debiar@ymail.com KLUB 67 EUCHRE Join us for fun, social euchre games taking place every 2nd and 4th Wednesday monthly at 1pm, September to May. Location: Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben Cres, Kemptville. Everyone welcome, $5. To play, cash prizes.

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

People of Action - Rotary Club of Kemptville meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7AM at the Long Reach Restaurant. Meet for breakfast and informal discussion.

ACROSS 1. Reef material 6. Cain's brother 10. Mimicked 14. Love intensely 15. Bay 16. Blacken 17. Large American thrush 18. Murres 19. Amble 20. Stick-shaped roll 22. 1 1 1 1 23. Exhausted 24. Chasm 25. Tiger Woods' sport 29. Arithmetic 31. Nimbleness 33. People who owe money 37. Modify

38. Evening event 39. Certain insects 41. Per 100 42. Fruitful 44. Fizzy drink 45. Storehouse 48. Legislate 50. Designed for flight 51. Wipe out 56. Court order 57. "Go away!"

58. Grieve 59. Pleasant 60. Toy with a tail 61. Signed 62. Sow 63. Sleigh 64. Writing tables

DOWN 1. Carbohydrate 2. Smell 3. After-bath wear 4. Diva's solo 5. Loans 6. With keen perception 7. Tedious 8. Kicked out 9. Fluid escape 10. Tumbling 11. Fake 12. Roof overhangs 13. Clothe 21. Splash droplets on 24. Shady retreat 25. Clothes 26. Curved molding 27. Vermin 28. Unprepared 30. Beg 32. A small island 34. Black-and-white cookie 35. Rip apart 36. Bristle 40. Lettering device 41. Braided 43. Present from birth 45. Sunrises 46. Spooky 47. What something costs 49. Shy 51. Requests 52. Individual 53. Arctic birds 54. Journey 55. Terminates

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

Easy

Medium

UPCOMING EVENTS WIZARD CARD TOURNAMENT on Sunday, December 10 at Pierce's Corners, also known as the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road.

Registration starts at 12:30 and play starts at 1:00 p.m. $5 per player. For information contact debiar@ ymail.com.

Hard

December 7, 2023

10

Solution to last week’s Crossword

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The North Grenville Times

Joy to the world

by David Shanahan I suppose Christmas is most people’s favourite holiday of the year.

It has the reputation of being a time of goodwill and generosity, food and drink and presents and children and all the rest.

Certainly, for Christians, it is so important, one of the most pivotal moments in history, and one of a series of events that resulted in Easter, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. In this secular, post-Christian world in which we live today, Christmas has lost most of that spiritual importance, and the "Spirit of Christmas" for most people has nothing whatsoever to do with Jesus and the Word becoming flesh and living among us, as John put it.

There’s been a lot of naysaying about the fact that Jesus was probably not born on December 25, or that the date was "lifted" from pagan sources and was originally the festival marking the "dies solis invicti nati", or the day of the birth of the unconquered sun, marking the winter solstice. For Christians, that is irrelevant, though the "unconquered sun" seems appropriate! Those who say that Jesus never existed are simply ignorant of the overwhelming amount of evidence for his life, death

and resurrection and should read the detailed historical context provided by Luke in his two-volume history.

All of that aside, Christmas is the point at which the world changed from Old Testament to New, when God took on humanity in order to bring us back to himself. Why? As Gabriel said to Mary when he told her what her child would be called: "because he will save his people from their sins", Jesus being the Greek form of Joshua, meaning God is salvation. For most people these days, I think, that phrase "will save his people from their sins" probably means nothing, something that doesn’t compute in their lives. Sins are often seen as bad things people do, part of being human, and no big deal, unless it means something serious, like murder.

What does it mean to be "saved" from them?

The Christian knows that the "bad things we do" are symptoms, not the disease; that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God", as Paul says in writing to the Christians in Rome. The symptoms may differ from person to person, but the disease is universal because this is a fallen, broken, and often very evil world, as a single news broadcast will show.

And the cause of that fall is a rebellion, a resistance to

God and his rule. In fact, the New Testament says that this resistance, this rebellion is an expression of humanity’s hatred of God. That’s pretty strong language.

The phrase, "he will save his people from their sins" means that, somehow, Jesus came to restore peace, to provide a way back from rebellion to relationship. That is why Christmas is a time of joy for Believers, but also one which points forward to Easter, the Crucifixion by which Jesus broke the power of sin forever. And that was not the end: the Resurrection is the great event that proved his victory over sin and death, the guarantee that his people would share in that victory.

And there’s another point that has to be made.

There is a common belief that everyone will be forgiven ‘in the end’, that everyone will be restored and go to Heaven, because, after all, God is a God of Love and wouldn’t send anyone to hell. That, sadly, does not agree with what Jesus himself taught, or what the Scriptures teach. That statement by Gabriel says "he will save his people". Who are his people? Jesus told Nicodemus, a leader of the Jewish people in his day: "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again".

There’s that phrase that has been so misused for so long!

The Gospel goes on to state: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

"Whoever believes in him", means whoever trusts in him, believes what he said and is. Not everyone does. In fact, so many react really badly to this, becoming angry and insulted that anyone would call them a sinner in need of saving.

They hate that. For others, this is indeed Good News, and they share in the joy and amazement expressed by that host of angels heard by the shepherds on the first Christmas: "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests."

Do you believe it? Joy to the world!

Op-ed

Nightlife? You’ve come to the wrong place!

by Brandon Mayer Last week, a social media user posted that Kemptville has “no nightlife”.

Whether the post was a joke, I’m unsure. Whether it was meant to stir up entertaining debate, we may never know.

Whether there is any truth to the statement is… well… less ambiguous.

Kemptville doesn’t have a city nightlife, and nor could it or should it. Kemptville is a hospitable place, but it is time for newcomers to stop believing that Kemptville is the home of “ask and you shall receive”.

Kemptville is an inclusive, rapidly growing community, but inclusivity should not mean that everyone gets to demand every individual convenience and amenity that meets their desires while simultaneously getting upset every time the town grows by a few dozen residential units.

December 7, 2023

I often say that Kemptville is charming for its balance. It has essential amenities while retaining a small town feel. Kemptville is many things, but it is not the Hogwarts Room of Requirement, magically granting all that is needed to meet each visitor’s needs. There is no town of 4,000 people anywhere in the world, I’d wager, that can offer a proper “nightlife” with clubs and theatres and abundant public transit to take you from place to place. Luckily, North Grenville does boast one advantage that many small communities do not – it borders the nation’s capital city!

Why do people move to Kemptville? Undoubtedly for its quaint charm.

Moving to Kemptville for its small town appeal and then complaining openly on a public forum that there is “no nightlife” is akin to walking into Canadian Tire and complaining that they don’t have any hams in

stock. As social media users have been quick to point out, Kemptville does offer evening entertainment – bars and restaurants (often with live music), hockey games, scenic walks, and more.

Absolutely everyone who wants to call Kemptville home is allowed to do so.

Discrimination is not tolerated here. But those looking for things that Kemptville doesn’t offer should feel no pressure to stay. Ottawa has a wonderful downtown – my wife and I spend a couple of nights there every year without the kids, just to feel young again. That said, we wouldn’t want it as our home. We are more than happy to go to the nightlife, rather than believing the nightlife should come to us.

When I want to take my kids to the movies, part of me may wish that we had a theatre right in Kemptville, but it’s not a serious wish. I choose to live where I live,

and I am more than willing to drive to Ottawa to take in a movie. This same logic goes for any facility or amenity that Kemptville doesn’t have. Entitlement is not a good look on anyone. Live where you’re happy, instead of demanding that the happy be brought to you. There are plenty of people for whom “the happy” refers to North Grenville just the way it is.

We sacrifice certain “city amenities” when we choose small town living. Those who simply can’t live without these amenities should move to a large city. Those of us who are happy with where we live know that the “sacrifice” is not a sacrifice at all, but rather all part of the amazing experience of living where tractors sometimes outnumber cars, and everybody knows everybody.

The Voice of North Grenville

Municipality of North Grenville launches the 2023 Civic Awards submitted by Jill Sturdy, Municipality of NG Nominations for the 2023 North Grenville Civic Awards are now open. Residents are invited to nominate outstanding individuals and groups to be considered for a North Grenville Civic Award for their efforts in 2023.

“The Civic Awards program celebrates what I love most about North Grenville – the generous and often selfless contributions and accomplishments that residents, businesses, and organizations make on behalf of each other and our community as a whole,” emphasized Mayor Nancy Peckford.

The Civic Awards are presented annually to one volunteer in each of the designated age groups (youth, adult and senior), and to one group in the each of the following categories: - Arts & Culture - Exemplary Work in the Community - Environment - Health & Wellness - Heritage - Recreation, Sport & Leisure - Seniors - Youth Nomination packages are available online at www.northgrenville.ca/civicawards. Hard copies are available at the Municipal Centre and at the North Grenville Public Library Main Branch, 1 Water St., Kemptville. The deadline to submit nominations is 5:00 pm on Monday, January 22, 2024.

“The Civic Awards provide Council with the opportunity to recognize community groups and individuals who embody the spirit of generosity and volunteerism. We encourage individuals and organizations to nominate anyone they believe merits our consideration for a 2023 Civic Award,” added Deputy Mayor John Barclay.

The Mayor and Council of the Municipality of North Grenville established the Civic Awards Program to recognize and honour the selfless efforts and dedication of outstanding individuals and groups who volunteer in service to our citizens and community. More than 60 individuals and 16 community groups have been recognized since the program began in 2009.

For more information and to nominate an individual or organization, visit: www.northgrenville.ca/civicawards.

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TIMES MELISSA OTTENHOF Marketing Consultant

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

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The Voice of North Grenville

The North Grenville Times

73’s break losing streak with shutout #15

Ben Kozyra Nickname: Kosy Born: Edmunton, AB June 5, 2007 Position: RW/C Previous team: Kemptville 73’s U18 AAA Hockey hero Patrice Bergeron Most inspiring person : My Mom Favourite movie : Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Favourite TV show: Suits Favourite food : Chicken & Rice Favourite sport (beside hockey): Tennis Life as Jr. A player : School all day, hockey all evening, eat, sleep, repeat.

One word that describes me : Passionate

Wow, rubber plus bodies... not only did Jacob Biron have to stay off the shots, but had to avoid flying bodies in his blue paint to record his first SO against Pembroke Lumber Kings on Friday evening donnybrook for 6 to zip stinker.

by G.J. the sportsguy Back to back battle with the Navan Grads for a Wednesday night seesaw session in the 73’s barn where the Grads outclassed their opponents by 4 to 3. Navan came out hot when Shaan Kingwell with helpers from Tola and Roy beat Maxwell Ilecki within a minute of the first at :36. Man advantage for Kemptville as Melvin held the line to Haughian to find Grady Logue PPG on a high cycle off the wall top shelf by Jaeden Nelson at 5:53 to level it off. Redmond penetrated the line with Logue and Matthew Montoni rifled a rebound to back of the net at 5:53 for tie breaker.

Carpenter combined with Gabriel Crete on a soft one for the Grads to even it up at 1:09 for the only goal of the second.

Final twenty opened with power play when assisted from Carpenter and Jen-

ken to Matthew Roy PPG with another softy six hole through a crowd at 2:48 to break the tie for Navan.

Smooth transition with extra attacker from Fennell up the wing to Holmes, then reversed to Matt Thomas PPG perched on the line at 9:28 for the 73’s to knot it at three. Navan’s game winner for Sam Glover assisted by Marion with Markham at 11:23. Kemptvile pulled their stopper unsuccessfully at 19:02 for a push with extra man to give them an opportunity to tie.

Kemptville with 33 SOG to Navan 31 and 2/6 PP to 1⁄2 PP to fall short with a one goal loss.

Another home contest on Friday evening with the Pembroke Lumber Kings was a donnybrook as the 73’s dished out more than they received to smother the frustrated Lumber Kings with 6 to zip runaway.

Kemptville came out with jump fully focussed with

quick smooth transition, heavy back checks and huge punishing body assaults for two unanswered markers. Parker Holmes not to be denied with a lone effort on a mission up the half wall through Kevin Jones for the game winner at 12:29 to draw first blood for Kemptville. Insurance came at 15:30 with a combination pass and go on a high cycle from Montoni to Tyler Moroz in the slot.

Picture perfect from Fennell to Ryan Rutley on the doorstep sniped it top shelf to open the second at 5:11 for a Kemptville three goal advantage. In the war zone, the 73’s with a man down put the petal to the metal as Fennell hail mary stretch pass to Logue through the neutral zone unto the tape of Tyler Mevin SHG on his horse to chip it high at 16:28. Logue captured a clearing attempt and sliced the rubber ahead to Gavin McDougall away

to the races to drive it home for his first of the season at 19:02. Pembroke decided he didn’t want anymore rubber blasted at him and Conor Waldron was called in to finish the twenty. Frustrated Lumber Kings kept digging themselves holes with undisciplined infractions that forced them to chase the game.

Kemptville started the last twenty with the PK as Pembroke continued their chippiness to initiate another major to hand their opponents another huge power play, Logue on his bicycle to Trottier to Nicholas Bennett PPG in

a Wednesday night 7 pm contest and then the Ottawa Junior Senators make a stand on Friday evening with a 7:30 pm start.

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

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Pembroke were blasted 33 to 23 with 0/4 PP to 1⁄3 PP to be skunked 6 to 0.

Kemptville hosts the Carleton Place Canadians for

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ALL PRICES IN EFFECT THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7 TO WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED.

Wednesday, February 13, 1901: The hockey team went to Smiths Falls last Wednesday and were defeated 16-0. The boys were in bad shape and as a result were completely shut out by the home team. Mr. Chas. Wilkes acted as referee.

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