Issue 48 2021 December 08 NG Times by The North Grenville & North Dundas Times

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The Voice of North Grenville

Vol. 9 No. 48

December 8, 2021

Norma Fisher’s ﬁrst 100 years We live & work locally.

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North Grenville is a community with many outstanding, colourful, talented, and active individuals. So, to stand out in that congregation, you have to be rather special. And that is what Norma Fisher is to all who know her (and they are many). Think about it: how many people in North Grenville have had a statue erected in their honour? Norma and her late husband, George, have given of their time and energies to this community ever since they arrived here thirty years ago. There is deep signiﬁcance in the fact that the statue shows Norma and George dancing: an activity that everyone will associate with Norma - well, that and curling. And the inscription on the base of the statue expresses

so clearly the philosophy that has underpinned Norma’s activities in supporting this community in so many areas. It is a quote from Voltaire: "Let us read and let us dance, these two amusements will never do any harm to the world." The reading part is apt also, since Norma and George were co-Chairs of the Room to Read campaign in 2008, which led to the establishment of the North Grenville Library in a brand new headquarters on Prescott Street. There was also a vital involvement in other projects to benefit their friends and neighbours, such as the Kemptville District Hospital and the work undertaken by the Rotary Club. Then there’s her commitment to St. James Anglican Church, the Kemptville District Community Associa-

tion, and the North Grenville Curling Club. Local M.P.P., Steve Clark once said it well: "You've touched pretty well every citizen since you arrived here." But it isn’t only her contributions to North Grenville that makes her so loved and admired. In almost every comment made about Norma, the word “classy” is used. And she is a classy lady, whether dealing with serious illness or loss, or adapting her curling style to her age, or simply taking time to smile and talk to everyone, no matter who or where. It is astonishing to think of all Norma McClenaghan has seen and lived through in her century among us. I have heard her speak about her incredible shyness, inability to speak in public, for so many of those years. But,

with George beside her, she conquered that and has gone on to use her public appearances at so many events to greet strangers and friends alike with warmth and genuine interest. We don’t see her walking along the streets of Kemptville very much these days; but when seen, as in the past decades, the image that comes across is, yes, classy, graceful, and chic. She exempliﬁes what is meant by having a passionate, caring, and devoted concern for her friends and neighbours, and is an inspiration, in the best sense of the word, to us all. Happy 100th Birthday, Norma McClenaghan Fisher. We are happy and grateful to have you live among us.

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Happy 100th Birthday

North Grenville Community Theatre still going strong by Brandon Mayer

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

An active member of the Anglican church, valued curler at the @North Grenville Curling Club, long time contributor to the North Grenville Public Library who can dance up a storm at various community fundraisers, she is an icon! Happy Birthday Norma! The North Grenville Times

The community grant funding requests at the North Grenville Council meetings on November 23 and 24 showcased the variety of organizations in the local community. One funding request came from the North Grenville Community Theatre, or NGCT, formerly known as Kemptville Players, Inc. The funding request of $5,000 came with the goal in mind of making some needed repairs to the old Oxford Mills Town Hall, which is a designated heritage site. The building is being used primarily for the storage of costumes and equipment by three local performing arts groups, which NGCT President, Steve Wendt, argued to Council helps to provide arts and culture oﬀerings in the Municipality. The funding would be for work on the

NGAG shines a Christmas Light on Big Sky Ranch

by Tammy Keith It’s Christmas time, and a time for giving. Many artists don’t have much to give but their art. The North Grenville Arts Guild (NGAG) are giving some of their art to a project to raise some funds for the Big Sky Ranch over the Holiday season. Big Sky Ranch is a recovery Safe Haven for animals, originally established in 2002 by the late and very much missed, Andy Parent, as a sanctuary for abused and abandoned domestic and farm animals. The 26-acre, no-kill sanctuary has come to the aid of 3,500 animals to date, and continues to oﬀer second chances to a wide variety of animals. Big Sky is funded by donations and volunteers. They provide feed, care, veterinary services, adoption services, and safe forever homes for many animals who are unable to be placed elsewhere. All of these wonderful initiatives come at a great cost, not only of energy and goodwill, but actual operating money. December 8, 2021

This year, as part of the NGAG’s ongoing commitment to give back to the community, the Guild artists have contributed a variety of themed pages to create a oneof-a-kind colouring book for the whole family. The book is an homage to the wonderful work that Andy started, and to those who continue his work with unfortunate animals in our community. Just in time for Christmas giving, the North Grenville

The Voice of North Grenville

doors and locks, the ceiling, and the electrical system, amongst other things. Mayor Peckford commented that the funding request could possibly be accommodated within the municipality’s regular operating budget, rather than through a grant. Councillor John Barclay chimed in to reveal that there is a motion coming to Council shortly with a proposal to rehabilitate the old Town Hall. The improvements planned for the building, if the motion is passed, would be much more in-depth than what has been proposed by NGCT. NGCT went through of period of very little activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but activities are picking up again for the organization. After the cancellation of the regular Spring and Fall productions, NGCT is bouncing back with a planned production of “Ripcord,” described as “a fascinating, edgy contemporary comedy” in a release obtained by the Times. Performances are planned for the Spring of 2022 at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. Ripcord’s producer, Debbie MacGillivray, who is also the chair of NGCT’s publicity committee,

told the Times that rehearsals are already underway. Like most businesses and organizations, NGCT is having to adapt to pandemic life. One unique way it is accomplishing this is by offering small venue productions, for example, for service clubs or churches seeking entertainment for a fundraiser, or just for pleasure. Productions in this category include “Shirley Valentine,” about which Darrell Nunn of NGCT wrote in a release sent to the Times, “One production, ‘Shirley Valentine,’ obviously themed to be available around Valentine's Day, is a funny, moving, and powerful one-woman tour de force. Shirley is a 42-yearold mother and housewife who packs her bags and heads for the sun. The note on the kitchen table reads, ‘Gone to Greece, be back in two weeks.’ A mid-life crisis? Maybe. The excitements and risks of risking? Deﬁnitely!” Darrell also described two other planned productions. "’A Marriage Proposal’ is set in Russia in the eighteenth century, but don't let that put you oﬀ. It is a proposal of marriage that goes hilariously and surprisingly wrong. The frustrations of a father with

an emotional, hormone driven daughter, her hypochondriac fiancé to be -- these are resonant in any age. Paired with this is ‘How He Lied To Her Husband,’ in which a young aristocratic, romantic manboy has his first crush on a middle-aged married woman. He demonstrates his passion by writing her poems. Flowery, flattering, but socially... inconvenient. The husband finds the poems and confronts the young man. What happens then is nothing you can anticipate, and it ends, more or less, happily ever after.” Darrell pleads, not just for people to attend the shows, but also to make them a community reality. “We are also still looking for a young man to play a part in one of these plays,” Darrell writes. Those seeking local entertainment for a fundraiser, or for a service club or other local organization, should get in touch with Darrell Nunn at darrell@kapn.net.

old to n christmas Promenade Dec 11 11am-3pm

Arts Guild / Big Sky Ranch Family Colouring Book will be available to purchase, with all proceeds going to help support Big Sky Ranch. Books are available now at B&H Grocery, Pet Valu, and the North Grenville Public Library. They can also be ordered online through the NGAG website, ng-artsguild.ca, or by email, northgrenvilleartsguild@gmail. com. Cost of each colouring book is $10.00.

11am "Twas the Night Before Christmas" story - Mayor Nancy 11am Local artisan market opens and runs until 3pm. 11:15am Santa arrives at North Pole by horse-drawn wagon. 11:15am North Pole with Santa Claus opens & runs until 3pm. 11:15am Horse-drawn wagon rides begin and run until 3pm. 11:15am Live Christmas music begins featuring 3 local choirs. 11:15am All festive family activities begin & run until 3pm.

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The Voice of North Grenville

Sustainability Fair to Run Again in 2022! (We hope!)

Attendees at the 2019 Fair By Tom Graham The ever popular and ecofriendly Sustainability Fair is being planned to run April 24, 2022, according to organizers. Volunteers from the group Sustainable North Grenville (SNG) met recently to discuss the logistics of re-launching the Fair after a two-year break due to the pandemic. This will be the 13th Sustainability Fair since it began in 2008. The event is to be held again at the North Grenville Municipal Centre Commu-

nity Rooms and Arena. It is expected that many of the usual vendors and community groups who have exhibited at the Fair previously will want to participate. “All of this depends on the COVID-19 situation at that time,” explained organizer, Jeff Goodman. “The Municipality has given us permission to book the space, so we’re moving ahead optimistically. But we all know it’s contingent upon conditions next spring.”

“It’s amazing to look back Many newcomers to the area may be unaware of the at what we’ve accomplished,” role SNG has played in rais- said Clare Weissflog, one of ing awareness of environmen- the founding organizers of tal issues in the community. SNG and the Fair. “Given Besides hosting the Sustain- the increasing interest today ability Fair – including the in protecting the environlargest Electric Vehicle Show ment, adopting sustainable in eastern Ontario – members practices, and supporting local producers, it’s great to of the group have: - Successfully protested think SNG helped shape some the Energy East Pipeline of that.” It is hoped that the 2022 Project (now cancelled); - Attended climate march- Fair will be as successful as es in Ottawa and New York ever. Local food, local music, tables with local vendors, City; - Made submissions to and community groups are local Councils on compost- expected. The usual space ing, green energy, sustainable showcasing electric vehicles will be there, along with adliving and water protection; - Produced a ‘Sustainabil- ditional space this year for ity Report Card’ on how the energy-efficient home reno•vation Brakes • Vehicle repairs information – specifiCommunity is doing; • Suspension • - Hosted Class “A” Mechanic ‘Give North cally addressing the climate Tireissue. Sales • Sale–ofanQuality Pre- •change Grenville’ annual social • Air Conditioning Owned Vehicles “The Fair draws a real fundraiser with food and • • Flat Bed Tow Truck mixAlignments of people,” said Carla music; - Hosted information and Eamon, another SNG volun613-989-3839 movie nights, composting teer. “While some attendees C o u n written t y R d arti1 , M oare u n keen t a i n environmentalists, Ontario demonstrations, cles for the papers and shared many are simply families coming out for a free, familyother eco-friendly events.

Cubs complete in someone else’s shoes You’ve heard it before: to understand a person, you must walk a mile in their shoes. A local Cub Scouts troop did just that recently when they walked – and rolled – in the shoes of people with disabilities at Baxter Conservation Area. Gathered at the trailhead on November 7, each young hiker from the 1st Greely Cubs was assigned equipment to simulate a physical limitation: taped goggles for vision loss, noise-cancelling headphones for hearing impairment, thick gloves for dexterity limitations and wheelchairs and crutches for mobility challenges. The goal was to complete their regular hike and activities, while experiencing the

barriers people with physical disabilities face every day. “I planned each part purposely so they would feel frustrated and upset, and fully experience the many accessibility barriers built into the world around them,” said Scouter Tara Charron, whose sons are part of the group. She said it was the most tangible way to demonstrate the challenge of living in a world that is not accessible to you. And it was tangible, all right: a wheelchair user got stuck in the mud, those with limited vision fell oﬀ the side of the boardwalk, and those with limited hearing missed instructions for most of the activities along the hike. Charron was surprised by their reactions: rather than

extra-wide decks, accessible sight lines, and large, barrierfree learning platforms. The Baxter project will cost an estimated $1 million or more to complete. Called Nature For All, the project is spearheaded by former world ski champ, Mike Nemesvary, who frequents Baxter in his power wheelchair and has long dreamed of creating a more inclusive park for people with disabilities. He partnered with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation to make his vision a reality. To learn more about Nature For All or make a donation, visit www.RVCF.ca/ nature-for-all.

sticking with their buddies, or asking for help, many withdrew quickly and became unusually quiet. Some were visibly frustrated. But the 8to 10-year-olds put the pieces together quickly. “I was very impressed by how quickly they got it,” Charron said. “They were able to just understand that this should be designed for everybody. I was really proud of my Cubs.” The hike was in support of an ongoing capital project to transform Baxter into Eastern Ontario’s most inclusive nature destination. Work is already underway to bring the gold standard of accessibility features to Baxter’s boardwalks and marshland bridge, which are being rebuilt with

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friendly event to see what they can learn. There’s something for everyone!” COVID-19 restrictions are expected to be in place, such as proof of double vaccination, contact tracing, mask requirements, and other screening protocols. Watch for more information in the new year, and follow the group’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ sustainablenorthgrenville.

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Editorial

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Get Back by David Shanahan “The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.” These wise words were written by L.P. Hartley in his novel, The GoBetween, in 1953. That idea has been on my mind quite a bit recently, as I watched the Beatles documentary that Peter Jackson produced. There were so many great moments in the six hours or so, documenting the three weeks the Beatles spent writing and performing the songs from Let It be and a lot of Abbey Road, not to mention some of George Harrison’s songs that appeared later on his solo masterpiece, All Things Must Pass. Yes, I am a Beatles fan, and that added so much to the enjoyment of watching those four men, still in their 20's, coming into a studio with nothing, and writing entire albums of classics in a few weeks. And then, the ﬁnale, the rooftop concert on Saville Row, had me up and dancing all alone in the living room. I couldn’t help it: there was such exuberance and joy, and such brilliant delaying tactics

as Mal Evans prevented the two young police constables from putting a premature end to the gig. But it was the sense of watching a different time, a very different culture, seeing the people in the street as they responded in various ways to the sounds coming from above them. It was the sight of everyone in the studio smoking and drinking as they worked. Even the police, especially the Sergeant who arrived on the scene to support his constables, seemed like a different kind of man, not shouting or pushy, but actually polite and respectful. I grew up in the 60's, and I can vividly recall the impact of the Beatles: on music, on hair length for men, on the climate of the society in which we lived. North America saw them first in early 1964 on the Ed Sullivan Show, but we in Europe knew them before that. For the first time, really, young people with regional accents, not the posh educated tones we were used to seeing on TV and radio, were being praised and appreciated by almost all levels of society. And by “levels”, I mean classes.

ness day, blocking traffic and the like. And it looked like it was one of those types who was seen complaining to the two constables and getting them to put a stop to the fun. But they couldn’t really put a stop to it: it was out of their control, for the first time ever. Young people grew their hair, wore colourful clothes, played their transistors in public. I well remember being told to turn off the music one lovely sunny day in St. Stephens Green in Dublin, while all around me people were sunning themselves on the grass, right beside the “Keep Off the Grass” signs. It was a revolution all right, a breaking down of the system that told us we had to keep in our place. We did not keep off the grass, any kind of grass, as it happens. This may seem like an endorsement of anarchy or something; but it was the start of a change in the way people thought, dressed, acted, spoke. It opened things up to everyone in a way that wasn’t available before. People have often said that, before the Beatles, the world seemed grey, black and white at best.

Then, like Dorothy opening the door to Oz, everything suddenly turned technicolour. After more than fifty years (50 years!), we may forget about how they did things differently there in the past; but we need to be reminded every now and then. There is much to be depressed about these days, as there always has been, and always will be. But we are not the people we were back then. People don’t have to dress differently when they reach a certain age. They don’t have to cut their hair, or even colour it blue (unless they want to). Women, minorities, and so many others who could not raise their heads, much less their voices, before, now have a strong voice, a recognised place in the community. Perhaps that was always the case in Canada: I wasn’t here then. But I do know that, these days, no-one speaking French in a store is going to be rebuked and told, “Speak White!”. Or, if they are, their harasser is the one who will be judged. No, the world is not the same as it was when the Beatles were creating masters in Saville Row. But they helped

to change an entire world in ways no-one really understood at the time. Watching them end their concert on the roof, it is hard now to realise that this would be the last time they played together, live, with an audience, ever. John Lennon would be murdered a decade later. Mal Evans, the right-hand man who kept the police at bay in Saville Row, would be shot dead by other police oﬃcers in Los Angeles in 1976, aged 40. The same age as John Lennon when he was shot. So many great moments in the documentary, and so many strange moments too. As they turned away from the rooftop concert, John returned to the mic for the last time and made this fantastic and typically Lennon remark: "I'd like to say thank you on behalf of the group and ourselves and I hope we've passed the audition." To put it in the words of another Sixties revolutionary: “But I was so much older then; I’m younger than that now.”

for now anyways. I would like to appeal to all that don’t want this prison to put up a ‘NO PRISON’ sign, send a letter to the municipal or provincial government and attend the information meetings. This is not a done deal! A SILENT NO IS AS GOOD AS A YES. Dear Editor, Rosalind Brooks The town of Kemptville has been lied to by the people that we trusted to represent Dear Editor, For those people doubting us. They will lie to us in the future. With respect to the the eﬃcacy of vaccines for proposed prison, there have Covid-19, I’d like to share been many examples of mis- some data from the UK. The representation, avoidance, UK has had much higher case manipulation and ignorance numbers throughout than on the part of Mayor Peckford we’ve had here in Canada, and council and Steve Clark and the eﬀect of vaccines is and the provincial govern- easy to see. At the start of the third wave in January, ment. Now the idea has been 2021, the UK had 0.6% of the suggested that we need to help population fully vaccinated. the incarcerated individuals. New cases peaked at 68,000 There should be no concern of on January 8 (7-day average the proximity of the facility to 59,000 per day), and a few Kemptville Campus, (where weeks later, on January 27, her three kids attend school) there were 1725 covid-19

deaths (7-day average 1,228 deaths per day). Move forward to November 30 and there were 39,000 new cases (7-day average 42,000 per day), 159 deaths (7-day average 119 deaths per day), and 69% of the population has been fully vaccinated. Data from the Oﬃce for National Statistics in the UK shows that between January and September, 2021, the age-adjusted risk of deaths involving covid-19 was 32 times greater in unvaccinated people than in fully vaccinated people. Covid-19 vaccines are not perfect. They do not prevent you from catching Covid-19, and they do not eliminate the risk of dying from Covid-19, but they do signiﬁcantly reduce the risk of catching or dying from Covid-19, especially when combined with wearing a mask. Just like many other vaccines on the market, Covid-19 vaccines require multiple doses. Covid-19 vaccines are

now approved for children aged 5 and older, and there has been speculation that the Ontario government is going to announce that people aged 50 and older will be able to get booster shots starting in the middle of December. I’d encourage everyone to get themselves and their children fully vaccinated as soon as they can, to protect themselves and others around them. My 18-monthold daughter will be ﬁrst in line to get her vaccine as soon as approval is given for her age group. Stay safe and healthy, Steve Gabell, Pharmacist

Class was still a huge thing in those far-oﬀ days. Yes, they did things diﬀerently then. As a working class boy, there were places I knew I couldn’t go, things I would not be, let’s say, encouraged to be involved in. As soon as we opened our mouths, or gave our home address, we’d be labelled, tagged as not quite the right sort. And if it was like that in Ireland, imagine how much more in Britain. These were the days when boarding houses in London and elsewhere in England would have signs in the windows: “NO Blacks, No Dogs, No Irish”. We even came after the dogs! In the documentary, they interviewed people on the street listening to the concert on the roof. Almost everyone could recognise it was the Beatles playing, even though none of the songs had been heard before. People of all ages spoke well of “the boys”, expressing their liking for the music. But then, there were those upper class, bowlerhatted, umbrella-carrying toffs, who were dismissive of the whole thing. The noise was interfering with the busi-

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, Thank you Peter Friedrichs of Oxford Station, for talking on behalf of the possible ‘real majority’ of North Grenville residents, who are not angered by the building of a Provincial Prison on Provincial land. Thank you North Grenville Times for making democracy easier to be eﬀective and most importantly, represented. In my opinion, the ‘acronym group’ of 90 lawn sign people are given their say and the majority are able to hear and have the opportunity to understand their opposition. That is healthy for democracy. As with the climate change deniers, it is good to understand where and why the ‘few’ want to place their soapboxes. Voices are so important in a sustaining democracy. Having them heard is imperative. My voice is simple: the North Grenville Times is the

panacea for troubled citizen dialogue. Our new city council of Mayor Nancy Peckford, Deputy Mayor Jim McManaman and Councillors Doreen O’Sullivan and John Barclay have brought in progressive, transparent, eﬃcacious, and needed governance actions. The NG Times keeps us well informed. On the other hand, the minority deniers, the non-trusting citizens, the ‘wannabe back councillor’, and the lawn sign ‘acronym group’, all keep us on our toes in reminding us of alternative and negative choices, or what could be, if, we did not have the best little positive city, newspaper, and city council ever. I love North Grenville and especially its democracy always in action. The idyllic, bucolic, pastoral and sylvan townships of North Grenville is bested only by our neighbourhood and news. Please continue printing all of our opinions. Gosh, it is healthy, compared

to reading the ‘not trusting’ opinions of the few, as David Shanahan pointed out last week. With much gratitude: Graeme Waymark, a ‘not grumpy grandpa’ living almost a decade now in the Westerra Development.

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Kemptville Winter Trail ready for the season by Sarah Herring, Interim President, Kemptville Winter Trail Through a formal agreement with Ferguson Forest Centre, generous grants from the Municipality of North Grenville and the North Grenville Community Fund, and generous donations from local businesses (Ferguson Forest Centre, B & H, eQuinelle, Grenville Mutual, Kemptville Physio) and numerous community residents, Kemptville Winter Trail (KeWi) was able operate a short, but very successful, first season last winter. So, what is KeWi? It is a non-proﬁt volunteer-run orga-

nization operating a fledgling cross-country ski club and a free-access multi-use trail for classic and skate-style Nordic skiing and skijoring, snowshoeing, winter fatbiking, and walking. So far, all KeWi operations take place within North Grenville’s Ferguson Forest Centre. Membership and donations are encouraged to help fund a variety of equipment that is still needed to improve and expand the club’s offerings. KeWi will hold its first Annual General Meeting on January 5, 2022, at 7PM, via Zoom conference call, to offer information about KeWi’s first year of operation

••

and plans for the future, and vote in new board members. Attendance is open to all who register. It should be noted, however, that only paid 2021-2022 season adult club members are eligible to vote at the AGM, or run as a candidate for KeWi’s board of directors. Those interested in attending the AGM, or becoming a board member, are asked to register by sending an email, no later than December 31, 2021, to: kemptville.winter. trail@gmail.com. Registrants will receive an emailed Zoom meeting link a few days in advance of the AGM.

December 8, 2021

would be better to give a ﬂat rate amount to each, per child in day care. This could then be extended to EVERY child within the municipality for parents to use as they need? With Christmas coming up, I am sure every family would be grateful! They referenced the “significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on families in our community” in the letter from the Counties, but then seemed to forget all the other families in the community who could not get a licensed childcare place, and it begs the question, why? Are we not as important as other families? Are our children not seen as important? Maybe, Counties, you should consider the impact on every family in their community! If this money is available from the province and the federal government, surely every child within the municipality should beneﬁt from it, and not just those that are being singled out at licensed day care? I am a hurt and angry parent. The Counties are insinuating my child is not as deserving as others, and that is quite simply unfair! Having sent a similar letter to The Counties and Mayor Peckford, I was frustrated further by their lack of answers to my questions, but not surprised. I was, however, surprised that our Mayor was “not aware that there were significant waitlists in our area.” Surely, she should know this if the Counties are handing out money? Is she not on the council for the Counties? And whilst I appreciate that “the Counties doesn’t have the author-

UPDATE

For updates related to COVID-19 and the North Grenville Municipal Centre visit: www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus Municipal Centre Oﬃce hours are between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm (Monday-Friday). Sign-up to Mayor Peckford’s e-newsletter at: northgrenville.ca/connect.

UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL MEETINGS

Council will meet in Council Chambers. While members of the public are invited to attend the meeting, seating has been arranged to facilitate physical distancing and accordingly is limited. Pre-registration at clerk@northgrenville.on.ca is required. Persons arriving without preregistering will be accommodated where there is suﬃcient seating capacity to permit attendance while complying with safety protocols. All attendees will be required to self-screen and masks must be worn when physical distancing cannot be maintained. If you require accommodation, please advise the Clerk when pre-registering so that we may best assist you. 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. This meeting will be live streamed on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/user/NorthGrenville/ featured and on the Municipality’s website at: northgrenville.ca/govern/governance/agendasand-minutes. Council agendas are available at: northgrenville.ca/govern/governance/agendas-and-minutes. • December 14, 2021 at 6:30 pm (Open Session) – Civic Awards (Closed Session to follow Open Session)

Letters to the Editor cont'd Dear Editor, December Licensed Child Care Fee One-Time Payment Whilst I fully appreciate the gesture made by The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville (The Counties) last week, to pay full day care costs for all children in Licensed Day care for December, 2021, I find it very insulting. My husband and I had no choice but to put our daughter in unlicensed day care because, despite being on all the waiting lists possible for licensed care, there is a shortage of that in our area and we could not get her in. As a local constituent and taxpayer, it feels remarkably unfair that you will be paying those parents who were luckier than us to get a licensed place, and yet we will get nothing. Am I now paying for their childcare as well as my own, because that’s what it feels like! Surely, if they have all this funding available, it would make more sense to use it to fund more licensed childcare places and allow more parents to take advantage of those places? I would also be interested to know how the Counties are going to be justifying the difference in the fees they are paying too. For example, if someone has an infant in the Montessori day care in Kemptville, their fees are $1,136.87 per month, whilst someone at MTJB their fees are $1060, and someone in a home day care will pay approximately $860. There are large differences in those numbers, and it doesn’t seem fair that children at different day cares will have very different amounts paid for them by the Counties! Surely it

The Voice of North Grenville

ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

ity to provide non-licensed caregivers with subsidies, as the provincial funds are strictly for licensed facilities”, maybe their letter to parents shouldn’t have made it sound like this payment was to compensate for Covid hardships! Maybe the Counties should be honest, and say it’s allocated childcare money we haven’t already spent? And, whilst the Counties’ response was not much better, I was informed, “We are continuously looking for every opportunity to support all families in our community.” Really? So, paying for a whole chunk of care for one part of the community is the way to do this, eh? I was then directed to other financial supports available for childcare, which still doesn’t help, as these, again, are only available for licensed day care, which is the biggest bone of contention! It also simply assumes I need financial assistance, without trying to engage me to find out what my actual needs are! My husband and I are extremely happy with our day care provider, and our daughter loves being in her care. She comes home happy and that, at the end of the day, is the most important thing! But really, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, if you are genuinely interested in opportunities to support all families in your community, do better! Talk to all of us and ask us what we need rather than just offering a pat on the back to those in licensed childcare! Yours, Mrs Louise Gabell

Committee meetings will be conducted virtually via Zoom. For any members of the public wanting to attend the meeting virtually, pre-registration is required by e-mailing the Clerk’s Oﬃce at clerk@northgrenville.on.ca. • • •

Arts and Culture Advisory Committee – Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 5:00 pm Heritage Advisory Committee – Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 7:00 pm Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee – Wednesday, December 22 at 4:00 pm

NORTH GRENVILLE POLICE SERVICES BOARD

Police Services Board meetings will be conducted virtually via Zoom. For any members of the public wanting to attend the meeting virtually, pre-registration is required by e-mailing the Clerk’s Oﬃce at clerk@northgrenville.on.ca • Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 1:30 pm

VOLUNTEER AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Please visit northgrenville.ca/careers for updates on volunteer and employment opportunities.

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 Dear Editor, Great editorial by David about how our MPP Steve Clark has abandoned his principles in order to help implement Ford’s “development at any cost” agenda. But let’s look further afield to see what Clark, our “Minister of Ministerial Zoning Orders”, has been doing in other parts of the province. Since he and Ford gave themselves the power to override any oﬃcial plan or municipal zoning plan, they have been doing just that to allow over 30 inappropriate developments (on farmland, floodplains, wetlands, the Niagara Escarpment, the Oak 5

Ridges Moraine) around the province, with no chance of comment or appeal by municipalities, citizens, or environmental groups. (See the MZO map online.) Clark even approved a warehouse in a wetland near Toronto. That ended when the proponent responded to public pressure and abandoned the project. We all know that the Ford government had no vision for education, health, social services, or the environment. They were busily cutting budgets and reducing activities in those sectors until public pressure and the pandemic made them change direction. Given that Ford has no moral

compass, the only way to convince him to do the right thing is with intense sustained public pressure. So keep up the good work, Kemptville prison opponents. But probably the best way to stop the prison is to change the government in the next election. That’s what stopped several illogical Harper/Baird proposals. Maybe we can be rid of Clark in the process. S. Hamill Merrickville

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NAVY LEAGUE NEWS

by Peter Milsom, President, Kemptville Branch, Navy League of Canada On the cusp of a new COVID variant, questions abound in the minds of parents and our supportive friends in Kemptville, Spencerville, Winchester, and other local communities, about the Kemptville Navy League of Canada Cadet Programs: are they still safe for their children, will they continue, what will happen to them? This article is to answer these questions. It is true we have lost some cadets through the need to conduct the program online and from the loss of their valued in-person, uniformed relationships. We have lost key Board members as well,

and, of even greater concern, we have been denied the active fundraising on which the Program depends. This is entirely attributable to COVID. On a more positive note, we in Kemptville, thankfully a community hugely supportive of its only cadet organization, are living in one of the highest inoculation centres in Canada. Inoculations for ﬁve-to-12-year-old children have begun. Many new cadets and families are joining our Program. Our Corps Oﬃcers have been working to restore back to in-person training for fully inoculated cadets and personnel under comprehensive and carefully monitored community, National Defence, and Navy League of Canada guidelines and

Navy League invites applicants for the Board The Kemptville Branch of the Navy League of Canada is a volunteer-based, educational youth charity devoted to the personal growth and development of young boys and girls of North Grenville and surrounding area. More than twenty articles have appeared in the North Grenville Times describing the scope, the quality, and the importance of the Cadet experience for young people in this exceptional Cadet Program, so many here and in the surrounding communities are aware of the Program. The extraordinary contribution of the Branch Team, comprised of the Commanding Officers and officers of Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corp Defiant and Navy League Cadet Corp Assiniboine, and the Executive and Members of the Branch Board of Directors, has produced an amazing environment for personal development for local young people. The Commanding Officers and their teams, comprised of parents and volunteers, inspire and deliver the program elements to the young people. Through their unceasing care and commitment to their cadets, they are the heart and soul of this program. The Board of Directors, also comprised of committed parents and volunteers, exists to provide support to the two Corps. The Board support acts as the bedrock upon which the Program stands in the community. January, 2022, December 8, 2021

sees the end of terms of key Board Executive and Director positions. Without a strong functioning Board, the Program will fail and the region will lose its only Navy Cadet Program. The Board clearly needs caring, experienced people just like you. Expressions of interest are being sought for candidates to accede to the positions of President, Secretary, and Vice President on the Executive ,and Director Public Relations/Communications; Director Membership and Volunteer Liaison; Director Community Service; and Director Awards and Special Events. The Branch also has a superb ﬁve-person Fundraising Team which also has a vacancy open. Terms of Reference for all positions are available for interested parties through Peter Milsom (petersmilsom@gmail.com, (613) 215-0705). Readers are referred to the companion article headed “Navy League News” in this paper for a better appreciation of the program. It is a busy time of year for all of us, but, thinking about a quieter January and a fun, meaningful role for yourself in the community in 2022, please give this opportunity some careful thought and act now to become engaged at the Annual General Meeting elections. A date will be announced publicly in the near future.

gation, drill, administration, logistics, fundraising, or, more generally, an interest in helping young people learn the important life attributes of good citizenship, leadership, and the value of team eﬀort. And it is all really about caring! Our Annual General Meeting and elections are coming up in January and, while we have a new experienced and knowledgeable Treasurer just appointed to the Executive, the Board Secretary, Vice President, and President, and some Director positions are at end of term. We are looking for new Directors interested in any of the portfolios mentioned above. And, by the way, participating is not arduous, its FUN!

directives. The oﬃcers and volunteers of the two corps are absolutely outstanding – we could not have better! It remains to hope the Health Region continues to show reducing COVID levels, so that our programs can continue to steadily recover. The Naval Cadet Program in Canada ﬂourishes primarily because the executive and members of the local Board believe in the importance of gifting the energy and enthusiasm to translate this care for the cadets into tangible results! For a Navy League Branch, these gifts of talents, knowledge, capabilities, and experience could well be in membership liaison, event planning, public relations, accounting, seamanship, navi-

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The Voice of North Grenville

The Voice of Merrickville-Wolford

Puppies and Fireﬂies and Scary Things Too by Chuck MacInnis Out just in time for Christmas, The Rogue Poets of Merrickville have published an illustrated poetry book intended to be read to children and read by children. Called ‘Puppies and Fireﬂies and Scary Things Too’, it is a book to be enjoyed by the young and the young at heart. A year in the making, the book is an anthology of poems by five Merrickville poets with illustrations contributed by artists from Bridgewater, Nova Scotia to Toronto, Ontario. Printed at COBA Studios in Merrickville, this is the third book of poems published by the Rogues. The Rogue poets - Chuck MacInnis, Charles Merredew, Keith Stanton, John Mundy, and Elena Venables - meet regularly throughout the year to read, write, and critique each other’s work. In addition to producing their own books, they have had poems

published in magazines and other anthologies, and have won or received honourable mention in several poetry contests. They try to work towards a book project by publishing a small anthology at the end of each year. This year they decided to write poetry speciﬁcally for children. In doing so, they engaged with children and the parents of children to capture the style, then invited the artist community to collaborate on this project by providing illustrations. They have also added three blank pages near the back of the book with an invitation for readers to write their own poems. The result is a beautifully illustrated, child focused book of poetry. At a cost of $15.00, the book can be purchased from any member of The Rogue Poets, by email at roguepoetsofmerrickville@gmail. com, or at the book store in Merrickville.

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Legions and Service Clubs can now host games and Jackpot Lotteries The Ontario government is establishing new charitable gaming options that will make it easier for people to honour heroes and support their communities at Royal Canadian Legion branches and other local service clubs across the province. The province is offering a new, free social gaming licence that will allow legions and other local community groups to host small stakes games like bridge, euchre and bingo. Legions and charities will also benefit from new opportunities to fundraise through progressive jackpot (loonie and toonie) raffle lotteries. The progressive jackpot raffle lottery is a paper-based multiple-draw game where the prize, if not won, is carried over from one draw to the next. Tickets can cost up to $2 to play. For this raffle, there is a maximum prize of $2,500, at which time the pot must be awarded and the raffle starts again. The types of games permitted under the new social gaming licence will include games such as euchre, cribbage, bridge, and bingo. Casino-type games will be excluded. All prizes must be paid out to players, minus a nominal fee for the organizer to cover expenses. This

licence may not be used as a source of revenue or fundraising. Legions and other community groups can apply for the social gaming licence through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario¡|s online portal as of December 1. Progressive jackpot raﬄes will be licensed by local municipalities or First Nations with an Order in Council, and will become available in the coming weeks. All licensees and participants must comply with proof of vaccination requirements, physical distancing measures and any other public health measures issued by the Ontario and/or or local government.

Committee of Adjustment and Recreation, Health and Wellness Advisory Committee The Village of Merrickville-Wolford is requesting applications from interested community members to ﬁll one vacancy on the Village’s Committee of Adjustment and two vacancies on the Recreation, Health and Wellness Advisory Committee. Application forms and Committees’ Terms of Reference are available on the Village’s website at www. merrickville-wolford.ca, by email at deputyclerk@ merrickville-wolford.ca or by phone at 613-269-4791, ext. 228. Deadline for applications: December 31, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. Due to COVID-19, Committee of Adjustment Meetings (as required) will be held at the Merrickville Community Centre with appropriate social distancing and safety measures in place for all members and guests. The Recreation, Health and Wellness Advisory Committee meetings are currently held electronically.

It’s all here. Merrickville-Wolford ALLAN’S TOOL SHED

FIONA MACINTYRE SILVERSMITH

VILLAGE OF MERRICKVILLE-WOLFORD Receptionist The Village of Merrickville-Wolford requires a receptionist for a 12-month contract. The successful candidate will have exceptional communication skills, attention to detail, general accounting knowledge, and a positive attitude. Previous experience in customer service and knowledge regarding municipal government would be considered an asset. For a full job description, please visit our website at www.merrickville-wolford.ca Applications should be clearly marked “Receptionist Position” and addressed in confidence to: Kirsten Rahm, Treasurer Village of Merrickville-Wolford P.O. Box 340, 317 Brock St. W. Merrickville, ON K0G 1N0 Email: finance@merrickville-wolford.ca Deadline for applications: Friday, January 7, 2022, 4:30 p.m.

THE JOY OF OLIVES

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We thank all those who apply but only those invited for an interview will be contacted. Information is collected in confidence under the Freedom of Information Act. The Village of Merrickville-Wolford is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity in the workplace. We are therefore happy to accommodate any individual needs in all employment activities, in keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Please let us know if you require any accommodations to ensure you can participate fully and equally during the recruitment and selection process.

December 8, 2021

Request for Volunteers

VIOLETS ON MAIN

CHAIYA DECOR

MARY LOOS ARTIST

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The Voice of North Grenville

Ontario to host a ProvincialMunicipal Housing Summit Premier Doug Ford and Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Aﬀairs and Housing, will host a provincial-municipal housing summit on December 16 for Ontario’s Big City mayors and regional chairs. The summit will aim to identify further opportunities for collaboration as the province and municipalities continue to address the housing aﬀordability crisis. Minister Clark announced the summit in a speech recently. “Young families, seniors, and all hardworking Ontarians are desperate for housing that meets their needs and budget,” said Premier Doug Ford. “That’s why we’re inviting municipalities to the table to discuss how we can

work together to build more homes faster and make home ownership more aﬀordable. My goal for the summit is for the province and municipal partners to come up with concrete solutions that address the ongoing housing aﬀordability crisis and allow more families to realize the dream of home ownership.” “It’s no secret that Ontario has a housing crisis, as demand has drastically outpaced supply over the past decade. While our government’s policies are working to address affordability, including the tools we’ve provided to municipalities, we know that housing prices are still out of reach for so many Ontarians,” said Minister Clark. “As we

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move toward a period of economic growth, this housing summit gives us a chance to assess how the province and our municipal partners can build on our progress through continued partnership and identify new opportunities to collaborate on making housing more aﬀordable for hardworking Ontarians and their families.” Leading up to the ROMA Conference, Minister Clark will also host a special session with Ontario’s rural municipalities in January with ROMA members, to discuss the issue of housing aﬀordability and the unique challenges and opportunities they are facing.

These days, too many things are all wrong. But, now and again, everything that’s right in the world comes together. We found such a place in a local neighbourhood restaurant recently, where good food, good music, and good company combined to make everybody happy. But was it healthy? Almost, but not quite. What would be the perfect conditions for a neighbourhood restaurant to score top marks in oﬀering good times, good food, and good health? Start by thinking about the eating and socializing places within walking distance of your home. Not everyone is so lucky to have such options. But most do. And if you do, how often do you walk there? When it comes to dining out, it’s well said: “health is a journey, not a destination.” That’s because most restaurants do not serve healthy food. Regular consumption of unhealthy pub grub at the neighbourhood grill is not doing anyone a favour. What will it take to make a change? Remember, “the customer is king”. If enough people demand healthy alternatives on the menu, the owners and chefs will hear the call. So, be proactive. Ask for meals that focus on “whole foods”, meaning the ingredients have not been processed or reﬁned. There’s an organization called Menus of Change (menusofchange.org) that provides

Send in your letters, stories, events to editor@ ngtimes.ca

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guidance for the food service industry, drawing on expertise in nutritional and environmental science. Print out this article and share the link with your local restaurant owners. Portions should be reasonable. If a restaurant serves you too much, set aside half and take it home. If you consume food slowly, you will discover you will be satisfied with less. Venues with live music are a beautiful thing. There should be more of them. Enjoying music with friends is so good, you don’t even need to talk. But restaurants that play background music so loud that table conversations become difficult are missing the point. Is there anything that could be done to assist seniors who struggle to get out, or who are reluctant to go out alone? A neighbourhood service to walk such people safely to and from the local watering hole would be a great innovation – a neighbourhood-based Uber-like service to accompany people door-to-door. Restaurants should make sure there are no hazards, like steps that are unmarked, or absent railings. Wait staff should be trained in how to assist elderly patrons – by listening carefully to special needs, assisting with coats, canes, and the gizmos of today’s cashless society. “Friendship tables” could

invite singles to sit together, or welcome first-time single patrons to join a group of regulars. What could governments do to support local eateries? How about reducing taxes on food and alcohol for anyone having a home address within walking distance? Policy wonks should figure this stuff out. Here’s a thought: what about a place for your dog to wait for you while you socialize with friends? Don’t have a dog? Then another idea: could companion animals, which bring such joy to people who have them, be a featured service? You could order a meal that comes with a well-trained service dog to sit at your feet. That might be a stretch. But other places have done weirder things. There is a shop in Tokyo where you can enjoy sitting with a hedgehog while enjoying your food and drink. Who’s game for happy hour with a hedgehog? There’s a time for more creativity in how we achieve healthier neighbourhood places for getting together, and this is one of those times. Sign-up at www.docgiff. com to receive our weekly e-newsletter. For comments, contact-us@docgiff. com. Follow us Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones

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Get into local history with Dr. David Shanahan’s books, “Places in the Past”, and his collection of “Stories from the South Branch”. Available from the NG Times oﬃce at 215 Sanders Street in Kemptville. E-mail production@ngtimes.ca, or call 613-215-0735.

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Senior Times

Diann & Myrtle met through the Friendly Visiting Program

Ron Flay, Transportation driver since 2015

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Living with loneliness and social isolation: how can we help? by Jill Woodley As the holidays approach, and many of us look forward to gathering with family and friends, let’s take a moment to talk about the elephant in the room – loneliness. What is the impact of loneliness and social isolation on seniors? Social isolation can be experienced at any point in our lives, but as we age, we are faced with circumstances that contribute to the issue. We may face the loss of a spouse, ill health, lower income, or difﬁculty accessing transportation. Our social networks may become smaller, and with the pandemic, families and friends had to stay away to protect their loved ones. With the world opening with caution, the fear still lingers with almost two years of “stay at home” messaging geared to those who are most vulnerable. Unfortunately, the protection of physical health has caused mental health to

suffer and addressing this with solutions is paramount to recovery. It is important to recognize that not all seniors faced loneliness, as everyone adapts to trial in their own way, but as the pandemic stretched from weeks to months to almost two years, shifts in our state of mental health are inevitable. Over the last several months, Seniors’ Community Services started “Porch Chats” to connect with clients, volunteers, and community supporters to understand the impact of our services, and how we help decrease loneliness and isolation. Transportation volunteer, Ron Flay has been driving seniors since 2015 offering clients rides, reassurance, and independence. Not only do our transportation volunteers offer their time and use of their vehicles, but they also provide a link to accessing medical appointments, treatments, community services, shopping, or social and recreational activities. During the isolation of the pandemic, SCS volunteers are on the front-line offering a wellness check, in addition to their service. When asked to share an experience about being a transportation volunteer,

Ron answered with a warm smile, noting many of his clients enjoy his satellite radio with so many choices for music. Whether it is enjoying hits from the 60's, or a calming conversation on the way to an appointment, Ron oﬀers a safe space and an important service for SCS clients. Sharing time with friends and family or stopping for a chit-chat with a neighbour is something we may have taken for granted pre-pandemic. Socializing reduces feelings of loneliness, but it also helps sharpen memory and cognitive skills, increases your sense of happiness and well-being, and may even help you live longer. When the pandemic hit, SCS volunteers could no longer do in-person visits, but knowing the risk seniors faced with isolation and loneliness, volunteers took to the phones. Over the last six months 312 phone calls by volunteers outreached to 193 clients. Dianne and Myrtle are two community members brought together through the Friendly Visitor program at SCS. They have been chatting once a week for over a year and have recently met in person for outdoor social time. Seniors’ Centre With-

out Walls started in 2020 when meeting in person was not an option. It was to be a temporary solution to ensure there was no disconnect for seniors and the programs they enjoyed. The telephone became a meeting place to hear familiar voices, play games and hear stories. For many it was the opportunity to break out of the loneliness and be part of a community again. At Seniors’ Community, we are mindful that the holiday season can sometimes be a lonely and isolating time. Our services continue through the holidays, and we are hopeful that seeing our volunteers when they drop oﬀ meals, oﬀer a friendly visit or a drive will provide a special moment of contact. Please contact us at SCS if we can help you, a neighbour, or a loved one. We are available at 613-258-3203, or at hello@seniorscs.ca. Visit our site at www.seniorscs.ca, or follow us on Facebook! From all of us at Seniors’ Community Service we send our warmest wishes and extend our deepest thanks for supporting the remarkable people who share this community with us.

Expanded eligibility for 50+ for Third Booster Doses by the District Health Unit The Ministry of Health announced that starting December 13, 2021, they will be opening up eligibility for 3rd doses to those over 50 years old (Born in 1971 and before) at 168 days after their second dose. The third will provide added protection against symptoms of COVID-19 and hospitalizations. This is particularly important for people with chronic disease, e.g. diabetes, COPD, hypertension,

stroke, kidney, heart disease, and neuromuscular diseases. In addition, eﬀective immediately individuals receiving dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) are eligible to receive a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if it has been 56 days since their second dose. The province is recommending re-vaccination with a new COVID-19 vaccine primary series post-transplantation for individuals who receive

hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT), hematopoietic cell transplants (HCT) (autologous or allogeneic), and recipients of CAR-T-cell therapy, due to the loss of immunity following therapy or transplant. Contact your health care provider about getting the vaccine if you ﬁt into one of these groups. Individuals in the 50s and 60 age group are encouraged to ﬁrst go to pharmacies or their health care provider for

their third dose. This ensures that the community clinics have space for the 5 to 11 year old age group, and the 70 and older age groups who are at a higher risk of serious illness and hospitalization from COVID-19. Booking Information on or after Dec. 13, 2021: Check a participating pharmacy or with your healthcare provider to see if they are providing COVID-19 vaccinations

If you are unable to receive your 3rd dose at a pharmacy or from your healthcare provider, you can book at our local clinics: Appointments cannot be booked until AFTER 8am on Dec 13th Book an appointment at the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark online booking portal or call the local Call Centre at 1-844-369-1234. All LGL clinic appointments are in our local booking

system NOT in the provincial booking system. You may book an appointment for a clinic outside of LGL region through the provincial system. A list of upcoming clinics is available on our website: healthunit.org/health-information/covid-19/protection/ vaccine-clinics.

Throughout these challenging times, we are continuing to provide essential services: · Meals on Wheels (frozen), delivered to your door · Regular telephone calls from our volunteers · Essential Transportation Footcare clinic - Income Tax Clinic - Seniors’ Centre Without Walls - NEW Virtual Programming - Exercise etc.

Paul A. Jansen, BA, LLB.

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

215 Van Buren Street, Kemptville 613.258.7462 jansenlaw.com

Real Estate - Wills & Estates - Family Law - Corporate December 8, 2021

Conp e e K s ’ Let nected ~ onger re Str a e w r e Togeth Revenue Canada Charitable Number 118979111RR0001 215 Sanders St., Suite 101, Kemptville 10

613 -258-3203

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The Voice of North Grenville

South Gower Business Park

We ’r e H e r e To S e r v e Yo u

PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT THANK YOU to all our clients, past and present, who have made the 10 years here at South Gower Business Park fly by!!! Covering Kemptville and eastern Ontario, it has been our pleasure to assist with your business and financial goals at 4 Industrial Road. Whether it be corporate or personal tax, not for profit or charities, great effort is made to meet our clients' needs in a timely, cost effective manner while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. With varied experience, continued growth in education and additional staff, our team continues to provide clients with assistance in many areas including: CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT

Robert Walker, CPA, CA, LPA Bradley Mehlman CPA Dinah Boal Clare Deans Crystal Lang T: 613.258.3282 F: 613.258.4391 2 - 4 Industrial Rd, Kemptville, South Gower Business Park

Ron's

Small Engine Repair 613.258.9720

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

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 work to develop a strong and enduring working relationship with you in order to better serve all your business, farm and personal ﬁnancial and income tax requirements.

Robert Walker, CPA, CA, LPA Bradley Mehlman CPA Dinah Boal Clare Deans Crystal Lang T: 613.258.3282 F: 613.258.4391 2 - 4 Industrial Rd, Kemptville, South Gower Business Park

Rideau Action Group continues ﬁght against North Gower warehouse

surprising developments that Local Journalism Initiative Reporter came out of the hearing. “After the hearing, we don’t The Rideau Action Group know what exactly they plan (RAG) has ﬁnally made their on building,” Leigh-Andrea appeal to the Ontario Land said. The lawyer for the opTribunal (OLT) in opposition of a planned “Mega posing side argued that the Warehouse” in North Gower. “proposal” for the new build Although the appeal, which was, in fact, a “conceptual has been planned for months, plan,” with no clear answer has ﬁnally been heard, closing as to what will be built. For remarks and rebuttals have RAG and many concerned not yet happened, meaning citizens, this is troubling, a verdict will likely not be because it means that zoning reached until at least January changes would occur before it is known what is actually of 2022. Leigh-Andrea Brunet, going to be built. “Originally, the developChairperson of RAG, spoke with the Times about some ers came to the City of Ottawa by Brandon Mayer

December 8, 2021

to ask for an official plan amendment and zoning bylaw amendment that would allow them to build 700,000 square feet.” Leigh-Andrea said. “That’s kind of where it started.” However, RAG has since learned that the original intended “end user” of the warehouse space has backed out of the deal, raising serious questions about who will even use the developed space. “The lawyer for the applicant said it’s probably going to be a warehouse, it’s probably going to be a distribution centre, but would absolutely not conﬁrm anything,” Leigh-

Andrea said. The land in question is currently divided into three zones: a light industrial zone, a highway commercial zone, and a recreational zone. RAG is ﬁghting to keep this zoning in place, as the land is within the North Gower village limits. North Gower is growing, and RAG does not want to lose land that will help keep the village growing in the future. “We’re building houses like crazy here,” Leigh-Andrea said. “That property is going to be very valuable to us as we grow as a community.” One of the main goals of RAG is to make sure

that North Gower keeps its small-town feel. When asked if RAG is hopeful about the results of the appeal, Leigh-Andrea answered that they are “extremely hopeful.” She added, “Everything that’s guided around development for our village says this is absolutely ridiculous, and in no way does a development of this size ﬁt into the proper land use.” While RAG has many supporters, some other North Gower locals took to social media after the announcement of the appeal to voice their disapproval, saying that the village is an ideal place

for a mega warehouse, given its proximity to the highway. Others commented on the beneﬁt of local job creation, though Leigh-Andrea argues that there is no shortage of jobs available, and that the costs outweigh the beneﬁts. RAG has set up a GoFundMe page to support their cause. By December 3, it had raised $27,900 of a $60,000 goal. The page can be found at gofund.me/00a2f92d.

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Classiﬁeds FOR SALE

Cooper Snow Tires (4) 235/70R16/ Driven 26,000 kms. Phone 613 258 7072 Firewood for sale. Cut, split, seasoned, mixed hardwood. $105/face cord. Call Ken 613 323 5503 WINE BOTTLES, Empty, about 60 of them, suitable for brewing your own wine; $0.50 each. 613-258-5558 or gilliantrojan@gmail. com.

$350. Contact Reg Smith 613 853-1442. For sale, 4 Toyo snow tires, 225/55R17, driven 1 winter, like new. Call 613-915-4228 Invacare Mobility Scooter just like new. Only used 1 summer, stored inside. Asking $3000, will consider reasonable offer. Call Kim 613-852-7031 Used steel farm gates: 4 ft $80, 8 ft $150, 10 ft $175, 12 ft $200. 50 gallon water tub $30. Contact Reg Smith 613 853-1442

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CROSSWORD MISCELLANEOUS Looking to rent farmland for cash crops. Call or text Mitch @ 613-262-1204. Musician looking for a local performing music group/combo/ band to join — I'm a ‘somewhat older’ singer/rhythm guitar player (keyboard occasionally). Call/text 613-404-3182 HELP WANTED

Looking for someone to do a CAD drawing for a small project. Please call- 613- ACROSS 1. Temporary worker 215-0660 4 x 225/65/17 snow tires on 5. At one time (archaic) rims V.g.c. $425 o,n,o,; 613 Someone with a clean truck 9. Mentors 258 6631/613 297 3329 Firewood for sale - mixed and helper to move a 7ft 14. Double-reed woodwind hardwood, 3 cord mini- couch from Kemptville to 15. Satisfy Steel 2 inch hitch mount mum for delivery, $110 per Mountain when no rain. Call 16. Small slender gulls 17. Child cargo carrier, 48 inch X 30 cord, call Jon 613-227-3650 613-519-5281 C587-37719. Pointed arch 0170 inch, $130. Contact Reg 20. Contemptuous look Smith 613 853-1442. Save on firewood, you pick 21. Audacity up. Mixed hardwood $45/ 23. Car exhausts Triple Crown steel hay face-cord. Call Wayne, 613 25. Public toilet feeder, 46 W X 74 L X 70 H 808 8923 28. Your (archaic) 29. Baboon 32. Large lizard email classiﬁeds@ngtimes.ca for pricing 33. G 34. Always 35. Diplomacy RETIRED CARPENTER INCOME TAX RETURNS HANDYMAN 36. Earthquake completed for you. Renovations, kitchens, SERVICES 38. 365 days Individual = $50+; Sole bathrooms, additions, Call Bill 39. Go backpacking Proprietor = $100+. Call decks, home repair. 613 774 2922 40. Chart or email: Gillian Trojan, Call George at gilliantrojan@gmail.com; 613 462 7637 613-258-5558.

SERVICES

41. Come forth 43. Ensign (abbrev.) 44. Pelt 45. Traversed 46. One who makes a declaration 48. Venthole 50. Believe in 54. Hackneyed 55. A priestess of Bacchus 57. Hoarfrosts 58. Reﬂected sound 59. Notion 60. It makes dough rise 61. Distort 62. French for "Names"

DOWN 1. Playthings 2. Black, in poetry 3. Pout 4. Pass into or through 5. S 6. A baby's toy 7. Precipitous 8. Wood-eating insects 9. A level in a building 10. Patronage 11. Fortitude 12. Covetousness 13. South southeast 18. Cereal grass 22. Something transitory 24. Considering that 25. Flexible 26. Encore 27. Inserts 29. Declares 30. Wampum 31. Made a mistake 33. Defraud 34. Asthenopia 37. External parts of ears 42. Usually 30 or 31 days 44. Least 45. Foundling hospital 46. Showers with love 47. Exclamation expressive of regret 48. French cheese 49. City in Peru 51. Annul 52. Flower stalk 53. Popular hot beverages 54. Attempt 56. Bovine

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

The Food Corner by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville Last festive season, I asked my family to make my 25th of December a “Cookware Christmas”. As someone who loves to putter around the kitchen (and a typical male who needs the exact tool to do anything), I always want to make sure that I have exactly the right pans for doing what I like to do. Some folks think that you have to give fancy or non-functional stuff for Christmas. Since pans don’t last forever, even good ones, replacing them periodically is a great treat for me. Here are some ideas for your “Cookware Christmas”, if you’ve a mind to try it on for size (no appliances, please!). A Cookware Christmas At our farm’s kitchen (the biggest room in the house by the way), and in the pan drawer just below our good old Kenmore ceramic cook surface, we have the following, all in the non-stick variety: 2 X 12” round by 4” deep pans with glass lids (great for stir fries, unless you prefer a wok); December 8, 2021

2 X 9” round by 1 ¾” deep all- purpose pans (great for chicken liver with caramelized onions and portobello mushrooms); 2 X 8” round by 1 ¾ “ deep pans (suitable for your sautés); 2 X 7” round by 1 ¾” deep pans perfect for pain perdu (French Toast) or omelets; 1 X 5” round by 1/2” deep egg pan. All of the non-stick pans either get wiped of grease and then washed immediately after use, or go directly into the sink of warm soapy water. Anything under 9” can also go in the dishwasher, keeping in mind that this practice will reduce the useful life of the pan. We also have a complete battery of cast iron pans, most with covers and kept in the warming chamber of our

Elmira Oval kitchen wood stove. For example, in winter, Beth sears our steaks in burnt butter in an 11” McClary #9 cast iron pan with a “spider” lid. For family breakfasts, we will often substitute a ﬂat non-stick cooking appliance for putting a half dozen eggs or pancakes on at a time. Our grandson, Ayden, is the Stir Fry King, particularly when there is a large package of Bok Choi kicking around and some nice fresh mushrooms. The next drawer down is the pot drawer, but that’s another story. If you are looking for ideas on what you want to have as your personal or family kitchen set-up, just drop me a line at pcormier@ ranaprocess.com. I’m happy to share ideas and pix and I hope you will too.

Easy

Medium

Hard

Solution to last week’s Crossword

SEND IN YOUR CLASSIFIED to classiﬁeds@ngtimes.ca

BUY AND SELL LOCALLY FIRST TEN WORDS FREE

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CEPEO statement regarding a cybersecurity incident

The Eastern Ontario Public School Board (CEPEO) would like to inform you of a recent cyberattack on our network that has resulted in the personal information of our employees and others being compromised. On the morning of October 18, we learned that unknown actors had gained unauthorized access to our computer network. The network was re-secured later and we launched an investigation with the help of cybersecurity experts. We later conﬁrmed that the threat actors took a set of ﬁles stored on a server at the main council office. Protecting members of our community was our priority. So we made a payment to the actors and received statements that the data was deleted. However, we provide this notice. If you were employed

by CEPEO at any time after 2000, your personal information may have been stored on the server. We will use the contact details available to write to you personally within a week if your Social Insurance Number, bank account number, unexpired credit card number, or date of birth has been compromised. Where applicable, we will also provide you with a free credit monitoring service for a period of 24 months. A smaller number of current and former students and parents have been aﬀected. We carefully analyze the data and will inform those aﬀected as soon as possible. We ask all members of our community to be vigilant. As always, you should watch out for phishing emails and other suspicious communications and monitor your financial accounts for any signs of

Op-ed section:

fraudulent use. For more tips on how to protect yourself against scams and fraud, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center website at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca . If you have any speciﬁc questions or concerns about this incident, please contact us at cyberincident@cepeo. on.ca. We extend our sincere apologies to you. We have already taken steps to improve the security of our network as a result of this incident and will implement further improvements as we investigate the incident. We have reported this matter to law enforcement authorities and to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. Finally, we remind you that we will communicate directly with those most aﬀected.

Déclaration du CEPEO concernant un incident de cybersécurité Le Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario (CEPEO) a aujourd'hui émis la déclaration suivante concernant un incident de cybersécurité survenu récemment : « Le Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario (CEPEO) souhaite vous informer d'une récente cyberattaque sur notre réseau qui a conduit à la compromission des renseignements personnels de nos employés et d'autres personnes. Le matin du 18 octobre, nous avons appris que des acteurs inconnus avaient obtenu un accès non autorisé à notre réseau informatique. Le réseau a été resécurisé plus tard dans la journée, et nous avons lancé une enquête avec l'aide d'experts en cybersécurité. Nous avons confirmé par la suite que les acteurs de la menace avaient pris un ensemble de fichiers stockés sur un serveur au bureau principal du conseil. La protection des membres de notre communauté était notre priorité. Nous avons donc effectué un paiement aux acteurs, et nous avons reçu des déclarations indiquant que les données ont été supprimées. Nous fournissons néanmoins cet avis. Si vous avez été employé du CEPEO à un moment quelconque après l'an 2000, vos informations personnelles ont pu être stockées sur le serveur. Nous utiliserons les coordonnées disponibles pour vous December 8, 2021

écrire personnellement dans la semaine qui suit si votre numéro d'assurance sociale, votre numéro de compte bancaire, votre numéro de carte de crédit non expiré ou votre date de naissance ont été compromis. Nous vous fournirons également gratuitement un service de surveillance du crédit pour une période de 24 mois. Un plus petit nombre d'élèves et de parents, actuels et anciens, ont été touchés. Nous analysons soigneusement les données et nous informerons les personnes concernées. Nous demandons à tous les membres de notre communauté d'être vigilants. Comme toujours, vous devez faire attention aux courriels d'hameçonnage et aux autres communications suspectes et surveiller vos comptes ﬁnanciers pour déceler tout signe d'utilisation frauduleuse. Pour obtenir d'autres conseils sur la façon de se protéger contre les escroqueries et la fraude, veuillez consulter le site web du Centre antifraude du Canada à l'adresse www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca. Si vous avez des questions ou des préoccupations particulières au sujet de cet incident, veuillez consulter le site web que nous avons créé pour vous fournir de plus amples renseignements cepeo.on.ca/cyberincident ou communiquez avec nous à

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cyberincident@cepeo.on.ca. Nous vous présentons nos plus sincères excuses. Nous avons déjà pris des mesures pour améliorer la sécurité de notre réseau en raison de cet incident, et nous mettrons en œuvre d'autres améliorations au fur et à mesure de notre examen de l'incident. Nous avons signalé cette aﬀaire aux autorités policières ainsi qu'au commissaire à l'information et à la protection de la vie privée de l'Ontario. Et, comme indiqué ci-dessus, nous communiquerons directement avec les personnes les plus touchées. »

Future policing costs for correctional complex still concerning by Don Sherrit As the past Chair of the North Grenville Police Services Board, I am writing in follow-up to my original piece (NG Times, November 10, 2021) regarding the policing needs of the proposed Eastern Ontario Correctional Complex (EOCC) and my concerns regarding the resultant property tax increases should this facility be built. I had hoped the November 17, 2021, engagement session held by the Ministry of the Solicitor General (SOLGEN) would address those concerns fully and transparently. From my perspective, that expectation was not met. In David Shanahan’s recent article, “Both Sides Now” (November 25, 2021), written in follow-up to the event, he asks “How much can we believe what was said last week by these government people? How binding are their assurances?” For me, the answers to those questions lie in part with how SOLGEN staff dealt with the issue that evening, as well as other documented facts on the matter. Aware that the issue is a concern for many North Grenville residents, SOLGEN staff did address it during the introductory presentation, and used the Quinte Detention Centre (QDC) in Greater Napanee as the example. Policing costs associated with provincial correctional services are based on Calls for Service. SOLGEN staff reported that QDC averages “50 to 100 Calls for Service” per year. From my vantage point, SOLGEN staff attempted to minimize the true impact by

failing to address the dollar amounts involved and acknowledge that not all “Calls for Service” are billed at the same rate. Some additional facts paint a clearer picture. QDC has a capacity of 228 prisoners, very close in size to the 235-bed facility proposed for North Grenville. Its average annual Calls for Service sits at approximately 13% of the municipality’s overall Calls for Service. In 2020, the Calls for Service directly related to policing the QDC cost the municipality $297,000, equating to approximately a 2.5% tax increase year after year. On May 6, 2021, Greater Napanee received a letter from the Deputy Solicitor General in which she stated, “I am pleased to share with you that the Ontario Provincial Police will reclassify billable Calls for Service at provincial correctional facilities that did not require police attendance or investigation to non-billable Police Information calls”, adding that the OPP would recalculate the aﬀected annual billing statements for 2019, 2020, and 2021, and provide a credit to its account for OPP policing services. In later correspondence, the Municipal Policing Bureau conﬁrmed the credit adjustment for 2020 was $65,243, leaving the Town of Greater Napanee with a bill of $231,757 for policing the facility. It is worth repeating that, even after the credit was applied, the Town of Greater Napanee still faced a bill of $231,757 for policing the QDC.

Festive ride results in impaired driving and drug arrest On November 27, 2021, at approximately 11:00 p.m., officers with the Grenville County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were participating in a Festive RIDE program on River Road, in the Municipality of North Grenville. A vehicle approached the checkpoint and oﬃcers immediately made observations that led to an impaired driving investigation. The male driver was demanded to provide a roadside breath sample, and was subsequently arrested. Police then searched the

vehicle incident to arrest and located suspected cocaine. A female passenger was then arrested as well. As a result of the investigation, a male, 30 years of age, of Ottawa, Ontario, was charged with: - Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs Contrary to Section 320.14(1) (a) of the Criminal Code (CC) - Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration 80 plus - Contrary to Section 320.14(1)(b) of the CC - Possession of a Schedule 13

I substance - Contrary to Section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) A female, 35 years of age, of North Grenville, Ontario, was also charged with Possession of a Schedule I substance - Contrary to Section 4(1) of the CDSA. The accused were later released and are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on December 17, 2021.

Mayor Peckford has acknowledged that, if action is not taken, the EOCC could negatively impact the taxpayers of North Grenville. To her credit, she released a statement on November 18, 2021, in which she stated, “The information about a potential rise in policing costs is a cause for concern, and that is why I have already written to the Solicitor General to signal that we have no intention of covering these costs.” If the Town of Penetanguishene and its Central North Correctional Centre (CNCC) is an example, Mayor Peckford is facing an uphill battle, to say the least. In a letter dated November 5, 2021, the Solicitor General, Sylvia Jones, advised Penetanguishene’s mayor that program funding for policing in correctional institutions was discontinued in 2019. After a very public and sustained lobbying eﬀort by the municipality, the province has agreed to pay the invoices related to the CNCC policing costs for 2020 and 2021. The Minister stated, “Going forward, the Town of Penetanguishene will be responsible for its policing costs”, later adding, “When criminal activity is suspected or alleged, or there are situations that require police involvement, it is ministry policy that the local police service be contacted, and those police services are responsible for dispatching police oﬃcers and services accordingly.” This example also shows us that historical agreements can be discontinued on the whim of the government of the day; Penetanguishene had been reimbursed by the province for these costs for the past 15 years. During their presentation, SOLGEN staff speculated that the proposed Kemptville facility could see less Calls for Service than the Quinte Detention Centre, arguing, in part, that single cell occupancy may result in less tension. That may or may not be the case, but, as with all things to do with the EOCC once it is operational, the facility’s policing needs, and ultimately the cost to taxpayers, will be dictated by forces beyond our control.

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73’s settle for one “W” for home fans

UCDSB Educator wins National Indigenous Education Award

Bill Montgomery, who recently received the Indspire Guiding the Journey: Indigenous Education Award in Leadership. [Submitted Photo] With long-standing involvement connecting students and staff with Indigenous culture, traditions and teachings, Upper Canada District School Board Indigenous Education System Support Teacher, Bill Montgomery, has received national recognition. Bill was recently honoured with the Indspire Guiding the Journey: Indigenous Education Award in Leadership. The national award recognizes educators who have made valuable contributions to community-based education and honour the principles of Indigenous knowledge. A member of the First Nation of Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Bill Montgomery has worked in this role with the school board for the past

decade. His leadership qualities are felt by over 300 First Nations, Métis and Inuit students involved in the UCDSB iLead (Indigenous Leadership Program), which encourages a reclamation of their Indigenous cultures. Educators also beneﬁt from Bill’s leadership as he supports the integration of Indigenous themes into the curriculum. “It was very humbling to hear that I had been selected for this award,” he said. “It certainly would not have been a consideration without the incredible people I have the fortune to work with daily. As we often stress, it’s all about relationships and community.” Bill was presented with the award on November 25 at a virtual ceremony where UCDSB colleague, Nancy Clow, spoke of his impact within our schools. “He has a special gift in making Indigenous education learning come alive, relevant and meaningful. Bill’s ability to present diﬃcult concepts using simple-language and impactful images or activities is extremely impressive. He is passionate and patient in the way he teaches and shares his personal experiences and gift of story,” Nancy said. “His quiet wisdom and guidance assist all who are on the path of reconciliation.” When it comes to sharing

his knowledge with students, Bill Montgomery turns to his own experiences and says he knows what it’s like to grow up confused with how to feel about his heritage. “My family is such an incredibly strong people and admired throughout the world for our Art,” he explains, adding he’s enjoyed continually learning about himself and so many Indigenous peoples in his current role. “It is a privilege to participate in our Indigenous students’ journey of self-discovery. We are more than art; our beliefs and traditions have value. It is so heartwarming to see this sentiment growing so rapidly within our board.” He is grateful for the open and positive stance the Upper Canada District School Board has always taken in Indigenous Education and hopes that, one day, his job will become redundant. “This growth is bringing us closer to a personal goal that I would love to see realized: that people in my role be considered redundant or outdated,” he said. “We are developing such an incredible group of accomplices within our area, and it would be wonderful to see it become self-sustaining, and become as commonplace as any other subject matter we deliver to our students.”

Finding the ﬁve hole for insurance... Chase Lammi knocks down the rubber to deek the "D" and slams it to give Kemptville a 3 to 1 advantage and post a 6 - 2 victory for the home boys.

Oxford Mills Tree Lighting

Santa Claus in Oxford Mills [photo by Trish Habberjam] by David Habberjam The annual tree lighting in Oxford Mills occurred on Friday, December 3, presented by the Oxford Mills Community association (OMCA). The event started with the OMCA President thanking the Indigenous peoples for the use of their unceded lands, then the Girl Guides singing December 8, 2021

Christmas songs as people gathered for the festivities. The entrance to the area was complete with complimentary hot chocolate and cookies for whomever wanted it (it was noted at one point that the servers were bribing the OPP attendee with goodies – but would not comment on the reason). Goodies provided

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and served by the OMCA and Jim and Norah DeVette. The tree lighting was done by The Davidson Family in thanks for their ongoing support and contributions to the OMCA/Hamlet. The lights on the bridge and by the falls are lit courtesy of this family. Then guess who showed up? Santa Clause, of course. The line-up of families with children to present wishes to Santa stretched almost to Kemptville (maybe that’s a bit of a stretch too?). That line up also included many adults, just wanting to talk to Santa (not least the members of our NG Council, who muscled their way to the front, no doubt to get their wishes in early). A rough count revealed over 100 attendees (at which point the observer lost count). All-in-all it was a wonderful event – only lacking snow. Merry Christmas to all. 14

by the sportsguy Brockville Braves come to town for a Sunday matinee, to give notice and force Kemptville 73’s to chase the game for the three twenties. The 73’s outgunned the Braves by 33 to 18 SOG and couldn’t buy a goal, even if it was a BOGO sale. Brockville drew first blood when Caleb Keane, assisted by Thomas and Donovan, put it behind Tyler Laureault at 12:29 to open the first. Lapier chipped it along the wall to Campeau, and Adam Cavallin buried the garbage top shelf by Sami Molu to even it at 7:19 of the second. The last twenty, Kemptville chased the period, as Owen Belisle, with assists from Elliott and Boucher, pumped in the tie breaker at 2:59. Brockville with man advantage moved ahead with Ryan Bonfield PPG and helpers from Boucher and Haynes at 8:59. Kemptville pulled their stopper at 18:45 and 19:39 without success and had to suffer a 3-1 loss. A devastating shot that ricocheted off the wall into the face of Devon Savignac caused great concern for the 73’s during the end of the third. 73’s PK was on target, but really needed to ignite their PP’s and avoid undisciplined time in the sin bin.

Cornwall Colts struck first to open Friday’s evening battle, when Kemptville defensive over play allowed Shaw with Miron to spring Emerick Nadeau, to beat Tyler Laureault at :59. Campeau cycled low back to Houle on point to riﬂe it at the net, and Adam Cavallin tipped it past Dax Easter for a tie at 5:20. At 14:45, Larkin combined with Haughian off the line, and Hunter Brazier would bury it top shelf to break the tie. Chase Lammi exhibited his grit when he captured a clean-

ing attempt, to turn Colt’s “D” inside out and breach the five hole at 18:43 for the go ahead. Cornwall replaced their stopper with Alex Houston to start the second, with Kemptville still red hot as they notched three more. Merrett penetrated the zone with Brazier, over to Devon Savignac in the slot to find open space at :41. O'Doherty pass and go to Logue with Brendan Lynch perched in the lane to drive it home at 2:16. Lauriault heads up action up the wing so Houle could send a breakaway stretch pass for Hunter Brazier for his second of the night at 19:24. Final stanza, with Kemptville having to stave off 4 PP attempts by Cornwall until Keanu Krenn, with a helper from Fournier, to stop the bleeding. See you around the boards on Wednesday evening with a 7 pm start to face the Rockland Nationals.

Blinds, PAINT, Shutters, Drapery... + style. 2678 County Road 43 Kemptville, Ontario

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#11

Ben Lapier the north grenville

TIMES Gord Logan

Marketing Consultant Phone 613 258 6402 Email: gord@ngtimes.ca

Nickname: “LAPS” Born:Winchester, ON. January 23, 2003 Position: Left Wing Previous Hockey Club: KV 73’s U18 Midget Hockey Hero: Connor McDavid Most Inspiring Person: My father David Lapier Favourite TV Show: The Ofﬁce Favourite Band: Nickelback Favourite Food: Chicken Parmesan Favourite Hockey Moment: Silver Stick in Michigan Favourite Sport other than Hockey: Baseball One word that describes me: Dedicated

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Shop Local

BOOK YOUR

this Christmas

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Menu # 91 Wed Dec 15 - Fri Dec 17

Order & Pay online www.cateredaffairs.ca 613-324-3136 Keep Entertaining Easy This Holiday Season with Catered Affairs. Pick up at 820 Heritage Drive, Kemptville Campus 1:30-4:30pm. Limited Curbside Menu this week and next week (Dec 15-17) because of the overwhelming demand for Holiday Parties this Holiday Season… so nice to start feeling normal again. The Staff at Catered Affairs Wish You All The Best For The Season!

Holiday Home or Christmas Party

Grazing Platter (Feeds 4-6) $70- A selection of cured meats, Pate, Local Cheeses, Veg n Dip, Pickles & Olives, Dried & Fresh Fruit & Crackers & Bread Hot Appetizer Platter (feeds 4-6) $70 Asparagus & Cheddar Quiche | Zucchini Fritters with Sundried Tomato Aioli | Veg Samosas with Cilantro Dip | Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce| Crisp Chicken Wontons with Sesame Soy Dip Casseroles… Great for Home or Oﬃce Holiday Potlucks or Easy Go To Meals to Stock Your Freezer $40 each Cabbage Rolls | Beef & Cheese Lasagna | Mac ‘n’ Cheese | Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese or Shepherd's Pie

Catering for all occasions www.dialachef.ca

STRESS FREE ENTERTAINING CALL: 613.860.2539 Erick Le Pors

Locally Sourced Products since 1992

Baldwin's Birds

Biemond Egg Nog Empire Cheese Grammies Jammies No Go Coffee Rochef Chocolate & much more.......

Great Gift Basket Ideas STORE HOURS

Monday to Friday 8:00am to 7:00pm Saturday 8:00am to 6:00pm Sunday 9:00am to 6:00pm

301 Rideau Street, Kemptville

613.258.3014

by John Baldwin Having mentioned a few times in my previous articles the honking of the Canada Geese passing overhead en route to the South Branch at the end of our road, I thought that it was about time to follow up on them a little more. This I did, and spent a very enjoyable two or three hours or so in the cold, on a sunny afternoon, by the side of the road near the river, until it started to fade and I felt that I was cold enough, and had enough pictures, so left them to it! But, that wasn't the end of my Canada Goose day, because I knew from listening to them, whilst at home, that they tend to take off around four-ish and fly north westerly towards the Rideau River. Where exactly, December 8, 2021

I was about to find out, as I tried to follow their ﬂight path, and headed towards the river, and a small boat launch area. There weren't any geese evident here, but, as I took a quick look across the river, whilst looking into the setting sun west of me, I could hear the faint chatter of - you guessed it - the geese! Ah ha! Once more back into the car and then westwards towards Burritt’s Rapids, spotting a few geese on the water through the shore-side trees. But, with no safe place to stop, I targeted the car-park at Lock 17,where I caught up with them! Super! I pulled up and parked and stepped out to quite a noisy reception, as the birds sat out on the water chattering, and some later arrivals landed. By this time,

the sun was very low and the reddish pink light of the sunset was rapidly waning. I actually took some video shots with sound track, as a record of them all, and, as my camera battery showed signs of giving up for the day, I too did the same, and left the geese to their night on the water, where they are probably a lot safer from their predators than they would have been on the South Branch. Next morning on my way to breakfast with friends, I stopped by to see if they had ﬂown south during the night. Well, they hadn't, and another day later they have followed their routine and ﬂown across to the river again. As I write

this, at around four in the afternoon, a now familiar sound has just reached my ears and a large ﬂock of geese has just passed overhead heading north west to, presumably, Burritt’s Rapids to spend yet another night. Of course, I am assuming that they are the same birds as yesterday, but maybe I'm wrong and the others have already left us. I can but guess at the answer, another of Nature's mysteries! Look after yourselves and stay well, Cheers, John Baldwin

Christmas Turkey Take Home Meals 2021,,,Last chance to order. Order Online by Mon December 20th Pick up Thurs. Dec 23 1:30-4:30, Friday Dec 24th 11am1pm. Contact us for Gluten Free, Dairy Free & Vegetarian Options. Add on Dessert - Gingerbread Cake with Caramel Sauce $2.50/piece $55 + HST Serves 2-3 portions $110 + HST Serves 4 portions $215 + HST Serves 8 portions Moist & Tender Brined Berube Turkey both white and dark meat (gluten free) | Made-in-house Herb & Sweet Onion Confit dressing | Whipped Mashed Potatoes (Skin on) | Vegetables | House| Pan Gravy | Fresh Cranberry - Apple Sauce New Years Eve 2021 Take Home 4 Course Meal $75 meal for 2 $140 meal for 4. Pick up 11am - 1pm Fri Dec 30 Course #1 Shaved Brussel Sprouts, Pomegranate Jewels & Spiced Walnuts with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette Salad Course #2 Pot Likker Soup - A Southern lucky traditional; Soup to welcome the new year. Smoked ham, black eyed peas, vegetables, and nutrient rich greens in a hearty broth Course #3 - Beef Tenderloin in Red Wine Demi Glace with Truffle Butter Mashed Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding & Haricot Vert Course #4 Red Velvet Cake, Rideau Roasters Coffee Syrup & Cream Cheese Icing Looking for the perfect Christmas gift?... Give them a night off from the kitchen with a Catered Affairs meal… Gift Certificates are available for meals for 2 or 4 ($37.50 - $70.00) OR Tickets to any of our upcoming Events. Please email or call for customized Gift Certificates Upcoming Events (RSVP ONLY) Visit www.cateredaffairs. ca for details: *New Years Eve 2021 Curbside 4 Courses $75 for 2 Pick up Fri Dec 31 11-1pm *Whales Bone Oyster & Action Station Tappas Night & Live Music by Herb Coulter - $69 per person Sat Jan 22 2022 6pm *Robbie Burns Dinner & Whiskey Pairing $65 + Hst Tuesday Jan 25th 2022 6pm * Valentines Day Take Home 4 Course Dinner for 2 Mon Feb 14 2022 *100 Women That Care North Grenville - visit their Facebook page Thu Feb 24 2022 6pm

Book your event with Catered Affairs at your choice of venue or on the picturesque Kemptville Campus Corporate Events | Special Occasions | Weddings | Christmas Parties

www.cateredaffairs.ca 15

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Protect Yourself from Fraud –

A Message from the North Grenville Police Services Board Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Rackets Branch and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) are reminding residents of a number of scams and ploys to extort money and personal information from fearful, trusting victims. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been in increase in fraud. Fraudsters exploit citizens' fear during uncertain times to facilitate fraud and scams through cybercrime and any other means to obtain your information. “We would like to remind residents to be cautious when giving out personal information, and to contact the local OPP if you have any

concerns,” said Councillor John Barclay and Chair of the North Grenville Police Services Board. The OPP Grenville Detachment reported an increase in fraud reports this past fall. The CAFC has received 62,333 fraud reports in 2021. Moreover, there have been over 43,200 Canadian victims of fraud this year who reported losing approximately $198 million to fraudsters. Unfortunately, this figure only represents the losses related to approximately five percent of fraud victims who report the crime to police or the CAFC. Fraudsters have embraced technologies to engage, target and exploit victims, often with devastating financial and

emotional eﬀects. All Canadians can take basic steps to better protect themselves online from becoming a victim of fraud such as: Creating strong passwords; Avoid opening unsolicited emails or clicking on suspicious links or attachments; Restricting the amount of personal information shared publicly - including social media; Update technical security software. If you or someone you know suspect they've been a victim of a COVID-19 related scam or any other scam, contact the Grenville OPP Detachment (for non-emergent

calls) at: 1-888-310-1122 and ﬁle a complaint through the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website (www.antifraudcentre.ca) or by phone at 1-888495-8501. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre some of the scams include: New (as of October 2021) - Fraudsters claiming to be Canada Border Services Agency and try to make you believe that a package addressed to you was intercepted by Canada Post containing illegal substances. They will ask for personal information including your: SIN, DOB, name, address, and account balances. A scammer claims to be an employee of either the

Canada Revenue Agency or Service Canada and state you owe taxes or have committed a ﬁnancial crime and threaten that if you do not speak to them immediately, you'll be arrested, fined or even deported. “Romance Scams” whereby a scammer convinces you to enter a virtual, online rela-

tionship to gain your trust and aﬀection, and eventually ask you for money. Government departments sending out phishing emails tricking you into opening malicious attachments and/ or tricking you to reveal sensitive personal and ﬁnancial details.

Protect Yourself Against Fraud SERVICE CANADA BORDER SERVICES

Susp ic Link ious

e lin e On anc m Ro

g Stron words Pass

• Don’t give out personal information on the phone - especially to unsolicited calls • Be careful who you share images with • Protect your online accounts with strong passwords • Avoid opening unsolicited emails or clicking on suspicious links or attachments • Restrict the amount of information shared publicly - including on social media Report a fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at: www.antifraudcentre.ca If you are suspicious contact the Grenville OPP at: 1-888-310-1122 December 8, 2021

A message from the