NDT Issue 4 2020 November 25

Parade of Lights goes drive-by for 2020

by Joselyn Morley

The traditional Christmas Parade of Lights is another event to have been impacted by the covid-19 pandemic. But organisers have shown great imagination by simply reversing the normal order of things this year. Instead of the Parade passing by happy onlookers, it’s the onlookers who will be passing by. The Parade of Lights planning committee explained the new approach.

“This year, due to the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic, the parade will shift to a stationary event at Rideau Auctions, just outside of Winchester, with spectators driving by the floats in their vehicles.”

The planning committee has been working closely with the Eastern Ontario Health Unit to ensure the safety of all the participants. There will be no closely-packed crowds of people lining the parade

route. Instead, they and the float participants will remain safely at a distance from each other, while still being able to enjoy the fantastic display.

All floats must be registered, as each one must be assigned a spot at Rideau Auctions, where the Display of Lights will happen. Deadline for registration is Friday November 27. There's still lots of room left. Set up is by appointment, between 9 and 5 on December 3 and 4. Registration is free.

Fries For Charity will be onsite, with proceeds going towards Jessica Goodenough and Cassandra Young, who were badly burned in a bonfire accident on October 24.

Christmas Fund volunteers will be collecting donations. Eastern Ontario Health Unit's guidelines stipulate all candy and treats must be handed out in loot bags, given to the kids when they enter the venue. No more flying

candy canes.

The Great Music Guys, and opera singers, live on site, will provide music to play in your car, through a radio station. Kim Hovegeen will emcee between songs.

Traffic will turn right entering and exiting the site. Northbound traffic trying to enter will be guided right onto Dawley Drive, then left onto Main Street, then left at the lights onto County Road 31. The OPP will be onsite to direct traffic.

Registered floats will be entered into the Annual Float Contest. Prize baskets of local products will be awarded after the event. Categories include: best float overall, best business float, best nonprofit float, best agricultural float, best animal float, float with the most lights, peoples choice (don't forget to vote on the website), most original, and new for 2020 only, best float thanking our frontline

workers.

Toques for the event ave available for $10 cash at the Township office and at the Planted Arrow in Winchester, as well as at Mike Deans and McEwens in Chesterville.

The Vendor Show is being held at the Joel Steele Community Centre at the arena on Saturday from 9 to 4. Shoppers will be limited. This show is one way to support local artisans, crafters, and vendors, in a year that is extremely tough for them.

The North Dundas Parade of Lights has teamed up with The Planted Arrow for their virtual Gnome Workshop. Sign up to create a Christmas gnome, and top him off with a Parade of Lights toque. $10 from every workshop fee goes to the Parade of Lights to help make this event a success.

Visit www.northdundasparadeoflights.ca for more information and to vote for your favorite float.

Mountain Township Agricultural Society Annual General Meeting

by Joselyn Morley

T he Mountain Township Agricultural Society [MTAS] held their Annual General Meeting at the Ag Hall in South Mountain on the evening of November 16. Attendees were masked, seated well over two metres apart on chairs spread through the hall, and hands were sanitised at the door. The MTAS has successfully kept the hall open for the community during Covid-19, in part thanks to careful attention to the recommendations of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit. The Society is rightfully proud of this accomplishment, as it has allowed groups such as the Mountain Township Lions Club and the Nor-Dun Seniors' Support Services to continue to operate in modified capacity, with events such as the Lion's take-out bbq chicken dinner, and the Nor-Dun Carefor Drivethrough Diner events.

organised the Jersey and Holstein cattle shows, and was President of the MTAS in 1980-81. He took a break from the Fair after 1998, but returned in 2011 to take up a variety of roles, including serving on the Property Subcommittee, helping to plan the 125th anniversary of the Fair, standing as contact for insurance and inventory purposes, and arranging the wagons for the Fair weekend. Mr. Gilmer is stepping down as a Director, but has agreed to continue as a member of the Property and Grounds Subcommittee, where he will continue to contribute with his experience and expertise. In thanking the Society for the Award, Richard told those assembled that he feels "that the board is in really good shape." He acknowledged that "there were some really lean years," but believes that there's a "good blend of old and new people" to continue.

changed the way things were done, the MTAS was busy in 2020. They held six Drive-In Movie nights, and held the Truck and Tractor Pull on September 19-20, and hosted the Dundas County 4-H Dairy Achievement Day. $14 000 was raised through their Virtual Auction, and they continue to successfully apply for grants, despite Covid-19. A second washroom unit was installed, and the renovations have begun on the information booth at the Fair grounds. Funds have been raised to pave the parking lot, and a committee was initiated to renovate buildings over the next several years, beginning with the Lila Fawcett Exhibit Building on the grounds.

Life has many problems

by Lion Bob Porteous

Many people in Winchester and area are wondering why the Lions Thrift Store at 541 St. Lawrence Street has not opened. There are many stumbling blocks that have been encountered and must be completed before it can be opened.

The location was formerly a church; the desire is to now turn it into a Retail Store. The fact that the location is on a street where most properties are zoned “Commercial”, including the church, has nothing to do with the fact the building is changing from a church to a store.

Provincial regulations require a “Change of Use” approval.

To get that approval, the building must be examined by certified officials, such as an architect,

an engineer, or similar authority. They are required to inspect the building and outline any deficiencies the building may have for the proposed purpose. The conditions, such as building code, fire, and personal safety features, must be met in accordance with provincial regulations. Once the approval authority is satisfied that all requirements are met, they will provide this information to our local (Township) building officials. At this point, the Township can then approve the “Change of Use”. Local government cannot approve a “Change of Use” until the appropriate documentation has been received, or they would be defying Provincial regulations.

The Lions Club was about ready to open the store when the above facts

were brought to their attention. Unfortunately, Covid hit about the same time. Little happened for approximately three months. Difficulty was encountered in finding proper Certifying Officials; however, this has been achieved. The certification must now go through the various steps and, because Covid has caused long line-ups for service, each step seems to encounter unavoidable delays.

The Lions Club is prepared to act as soon as they become aware of any, and all, requirements that must be completed prior to opening. The patience and understanding of the peoples of Winchester and surrounding area is appreciated. We hope to be open before Christmas, and we hope to have the public’s continued support.

The Mountain Township Agricultural Society awarded the DL Berry Award for outstanding contributions to the South Mountain Fair and Mountain Township Agricultural Society to Richard Gilmer. Upon presenting the award, the president of the MTAS, Dermid O'Farrell, noted that Richard first joined the MTAS in 1975 as Race Committee Secretary. His father, Dwight Gilmer, was president of the MTAS in 1972-73. Richard served as a Director from 1975 until 1998.

In addition to Race Committee Secretary, he

The 2019 South Mountain Fair was cancelled due to Covid-19. Despite this, the MTAS continued to operate without incurring debt. The cancellation of the Fair was a huge loss of revenue, yet there was a feeling of optimism when Dermid O'Farrell, President of the MTAS, said, "We consider its revenue all that [the hall] gives back to the community." Proceeds from the sale of the lot in Mountain where the old hall stood was donated to the MTAS, and the Society was able to hold some social distanced events through the summer.

Although Covid-19

The MTAS has remained active on social media, including Facebook and Instagram, highlighting sponsors. They have sold one of the extra residential lots on the fairgrounds for housing. The Society raised the funds to put new fencing around the horse ring, dedicated to Allison Fawcett, a long-time contributor and promoter of horses and cattle. Finally, as part of a longer 100 Tree Initiative, the Society planted 27 maple trees. As the old adage goes: Wise is the person who plants a tree, knowing they will never sit in its shade.

Some new directors were elected at the meeting, some for one year terms, and some for two. The 2021 South Mountain Fair is scheduled for August 19 to the 22. The 2022 South Mountain Fair is scheduled for August 18 to 21.

Dermid O'Farrell (President MTAS) presenting Richard Gilmer with DL Berry Award for outstanding contributions to the South Mountain Fair and Mountain Township Agricultural Society

Richard Gilmer (outgoing Director) and his daughter Meghan MacPherson (incoming Director)

OFA supports efforts to enhance Business Risk Management for agriculture

by Mark Reusser, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

The agri-food sector is a powerhouse for the economy and has been one of the vital industries helping to keep our province and food chain afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adequate Business Risk Management (BRM) programs for farm businesses need to remain a priority in order for farmers to continue producing food, fibre, and fuel for the province and for Canada.

Currently, we exist in a world where our competitors have access to support programs that we lack. If we want to prosper as an industry and supply food for both Canadians and the world, we need a simple, fully funded and predictable risk management program.

For the last four years, the Canadian Federation of

Agriculture (CFA), along with support from provincial organizations and commodity groups, has been advocating for improvements to the AgriStability program. AgriStability is a whole farm protection program designed to protect producers from large declines in their farming income caused by production loss, increased costs, and/or market conditions.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) fully supports these efforts, and is actively endorsing CFA’s message in improving the AgriStability program. Representatives from the OFA board of directors have been involved in these discussions at the federal level, and understand the value of these programs to the sustainability of Ontario farm businesses.

The program is funded on a 60/40 basis between the federal and provincial governments. Due to the cuts to the program under the Growing Forward 2 policy framework, only farmers who have experienced a very significant decline in income are likely to receive a payment through AgriStability.

Currently, AgriStability is the only tool available to

farmers to help manage both production and market risks. The pandemic has increased potential risks for farm businesses across the province. Many external, unpredictable challenges such as weather, disease, transportation issues, trade, and geopolitical considerations can all impact farm business.

We need the assurance that this program will protect us during unforeseeable circumstances. We need to be confident that our businesses will be protected in the event that borders are closed to export, prices fall or weather reduces yields.

The request from CFA is for the federal government to follow through on its campaign commitment to enhance the AgriStability program. They are asking to restore the payment trigger to 85% (currently, if producer margins fall below 70%, AgriStability will pay 70% of the difference), as well as removing the Reference Margin Limit (RML).

These changes would increase the size of producer payments and the probability of receiving a payment at all. This would go a long way in restoring producer confidence

North Dundas Christmas Fund Please give generously!

Monetary donations are required to supply snowsuits to children 13 and under and for food baskets for those in need in North Dundas. Your donations will be greatly appreciated.

E-transfers: northdundaschristmasfund@gmail.com

For a tax receipt go to communityfoodshare.ca and follow the prompts:

Donate / Canada Helps.

Please indicate ‘North Dundas Christmas Fund’

By mail: make cheques out to ‘North Dundas Christmas Fund’ and mail to P.O. Box 27, South Mountain, ON, K0E 1W0. To register for snowsuits or baskets, call 613-774-0188 or 613-989-3830, Monday to Friday, 9 am-noon. Snowsuit and food basket requests must be placed by November 27, 2020.

Winchester BMR Proudly Supports the North Dundas Christmas Fund.

Donations accepted here

in the program. A suite of fully funded BRM programs is necessary to instill greater confidence for on-farm investment, assist farmers in managing the risks presented by the pandemic, and provide a safety net for farm businesses during these unprecedented times, and onward.

CFA has been working hard, advocating to get the federal and provincial governments to commit to improving the AgriStability program at the upcoming Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Agriculture Ministers meeting. CFA representatives have hosted multiple meetings with federal policymakers leading up to the FPT meetings, engaging them on the critical importance of

making amendments to the AgriStability program. On October 27, a letter was sent to Honourable Minister JeanYves Duclos on behalf of the AgGrowth Coalition, which is made up of national commodity organizations supporting BRM enhancements. The letter was endorsed by OFA, as well as many other agriculture organizations across Canada.

We have seen great collaboration and movement on this issue over the last month, with many farm and producer organizations actively supporting the CFA in their efforts to enhance BRM programs. We will continue to support their message to government to make these changes for the betterment of

the agriculture industry and our food value chain.

Agriculture is a high-risk business that continues to fuel the economic growth of our country every day. BRM programs can help farmers ensure confidence and stability, and provide farmers with more financial security as they continue to work to feed our country.

As we approach the FPT meetings, we look forward to following the conversations and supporting our national counterparts in advocating for BRM programs that meet the needs of Ontario and Canadian farmers. Together, we are many voices, with one message.

Helplessly Hoping

by David Shanahan

As we face the oncoming Winter and grope our way towards the promise of Spring, by February, the cold and snow will seem to have been here always. But we know that the seasons change and soon we will forget the negatives of winter and be relishing the heat and the freedom of Summer. Or at least some of us will. There are those who love Winter and can’t wait to strap on skates or skis. But this year we can’t be sure exactly what Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter will bring, because the fact is that the climate is changing and the old patterns are not as reliable as they once were. There has been heated debate as to how much, if at all, human activity has added to the extent of climate change over recent decades, but that fact is that we know from history that such change is a cyclical phenomenon. Once, a few thousand years

ago, the Sahara desert was a lush savannah. Europe went through what is termed a mini-ice age between about 1550 and 1850, which saw major rivers freeze in winter. More and more often over the past decade, it seems that many parts of the world have been hit by an almost continuous series of major storms which has resulted in unprecedented flooding throughout the country, accompanied by widespread power outages as trees were felled by heavy winds. In France and Ireland, parts of the coastal areas may be permanently lost to the sea because of rising sea levels. It sounds quite apocalyptic, doesn’t it? Situated as we are in the middle of a continent, we may not be threatened by rising sea levels, but we are certainly affected by changing temperatures and weather patterns. Should we be worried?

Because it’s not just floods, is it? Hurricanes, wildfires, drought, not to mention the impact Covid

has had on everyone’s lives, all have changed how we look at the world, Nature, the future itself. There is a television show called “Revolution” which is set in a world where all electricity has been disabled. The result is a collapse of government, the rise of militias and anarchy, and a complete breakdown of society. It is a little extreme in its negative view of how people would respond to such a situation. The human race has adapted to changing climate and technology for thousands of years. But there is no doubt that we have become completely dependant on electricity since the early years of the last century, and recent power outages, especially the Ice Storm of 1998 in this area, have brought home quite vividly how much our lives would change without electrical power.

One of the things we should be concerned about as a society is the degree to which we are planning for

Letter to the Editor

the future with the assumption that everything will remain pretty much the same. We assumed we would be able to continue driving our cars to centralised shopping areas where we would find big stores filled with goods trucked in from distant locations, food supplies grown all around the world and transported here by ship, train and truck. New residential areas would be located further and further away from shopping and business areas, requiring commuting to work, school, stores and facilities. These new residential developments have no local stores, very little green space, and, in some cases, not even sidewalks. Now we think about how to deal with more people working from home. Shopping malls are in danger of becoming obsolete, many of their stores unable to survive the current lockdowns. Is this just scare mongering, or is there a real possibility that we face genuine challenges in the future?

Will people still be willing to move to areas outside the main cities, if the cost of commuting to Ottawa every day for work increases dramatically? House prices have risen tremendously in rural areas recently, and housing stocks are not keeping up with demand. Which way will things go next?

There has never been a greater need for people of vision and imagination to make decisions on our future together. Should we just remain helplessly hoping that things turn out all right, or are there steps we can take to prepare for whatever comes?

For example, we could focus more on promoting local food producing, processing and distribution. We could ensure that whatever local stores we have left are given the support they need to survive against the big boxes. So many small villages and hamlets have lost their General Stores over the past decade. Shop locally needs to be more than a nice slogan: it is already part of

the answer to our dilemma.

We have an aging population that lack sufficient resources. We need more affordable rental accommodations. We need local jobs, well-paying and not just minimum wage. We need greater access to social services locally. We need to prepare our children for a harsher world than they have known. But all of those issues are for another day. Let’s start the conversation at least.

The saying that: “You are the change you’re looking for” may seem a little simplistic, but it really does start with each of us. Social media and the pandemic have shown us how nasty and brutal people can be. There has to be more to us than that, surely. Less cynicism, more optimism? Less anger and negativism, and more activism and hope? Helplessly hoping? Maybe. But I think we have to try.

My name is Joselyn Morley, and I’m a reporter for the North Dundas Times.

I've been living and raising kids in North Dundas for ten years. I am very grateful to be facing these challenging times from my rambling old character-infused house here on a couple of acres in South Mountain. I'm a historian and teacher by training. I would rather be outside than in, and you can find me camping and canoeing on many a summer weekend. I'm an over-enthusiastic gardener, committed to food sustainability. I'm a crafter of many things, and believe fervently in supporting local artisans and their products. I have a couple of sassy dogs, too many cats, and a few chickens. I am so excited about the launch of the ND Times! I can't wait to meet you when I’m out and about. Feel free to get in touch with anything you would like to see in your paper: joselyn@ndtimes.ca.

Dear Editor, Did you know: Bank drafts are not a safe and secure way to send money? I think the general public should be aware of this. They say that we learn something new every day, and I suppose that is true. Today I learned that bank drafts are not a safe and secure way to send money.

I have been using bank drafts for many years and have never had a problem, but buyer beware!

The bank draft I purchased for my son did not arrive. I sent it by Express Post, but many of the mail boxes in his apartment were found open. No card or bank draft was found.

When I phoned my bank (TD Canada Trust), they informed me that I would just have to go into my branch and the problem would be resolved. Not so easy! My bank branch told me that bank drafts are not secure. If

someone found that draft and the signature looked similar to that of my son, it would/could be cashed.

In order to have my draft reimbursed to me, I had to sign an indemnity agreement, which states that I will be responsible for that draft for the rest of my life, as well as that of my heirs! When I suggested that a cheque might have been better, I was told, yes, because they are only good for 6 months.

My question was, then why do we even use bank drafts? I was told that, as customers, we are informed of the insecurity of bank drafts when they are purchased. I have never been told that if the bank draft is lost or stolen, that I would be responsible for it for the rest of my life and that of my heirs! Worse yet, if that bank draft shows up and I return it to the bank, the indemnity clause is still in effect!

I then went to the Post

Office. They were very helpful in tracking down the Express Post information. Again, however, if you send cash, gift cards, bank drafts, etc. in the mail, they are not insured. I was told to contact Canada Post Customer Help Line (1800 267-1177), which I did. According to their records, the card and draft were delivered. Someone must have broken into the mailboxes and taken it.

An investigation ensued and I was informed that the card and draft were not found. I was reimbursed my $14.42 which I paid for the Express Post.

I guess the bottom line is: Buyer Beware. Be very careful about buying and mailing bank drafts!

Carol Douglas

North Dundas Council report

by Joselyn Morley

The Municipal Council met for their regular bi-monthly meeting on the evening of November 17 for what turned out to be a very short meeting. The Dundas Federation of Agriculture was slated to present, but was absent. A closed, in-camera session was moved until the end of the meeting, and the business of the township was completed in less than an hour.

A cost sharing agreement has been arranged between the North Dundas and Sevita International to make improvements to Sandy Row, as required by the South Nation Conservation Authority. Sevita has agreed to pay 50%, up to a total of $100k, for improvements, such as culverts, to help mitigate the potential effects in the event of a 1 in 100 year flood. The township will be responsible for anything over $200K, although the Councillors are confident that the work will be completed for less than $200K.

Deputy Mayor Al Armstrong pointed out that conduits for fibre and other infrastructure should be put in while this work is being done, and this will benefit others in the area going forward. Council pointed out that taxes from the expanded Sevita enterprise will benefit the township. If the premises are zoned commercial, taxes of $13,400 will come to North Dundas. If zoned industrial, the North Dundas portion would be $16,900.

The Councilors noted that the taxes to North Dundas are only a fraction of the total taxes paid. By way of illustration, they stressed that, if the premises are taxed as commercial, the total taxes annually would be $57K, with $44K going to the United Countie of Stormont, Dundas, and South Glengarry. Council agreed that they will continue to look for grant money going forward.

The two subdivisions of Forestwood Heights and Foxfire Ridge are in the process of being completed. When subdivisions are being developed, the township retains two lots as security to ensure that

the project will be completed. When all work such as paving, drainage, and landscaping or parkland is completed, the township releases the two lots back to the developer. In these two instances, the lots are being released by the township in exchange for the market value of one lot, so that the township has the money to allow any final work to be completed.

Council congratulated the North Dundas Fire Service for having received an award from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada. The award of $20,340 will be used to acquire a generator for the South Mountain Fire Hall. It is hoped that this generator will allow the Fire Service to provide power to the South Mountain Agriculture Hall, for the safety of the residents of North Dundas, in the event of a weather event such as the Ice Storm of ‘98, or a similar catastrophic event, natural or otherwise.

Council congratulated the Deputy Clerk & Executive Assistant, Jess Manley, and the administration team of North

OPP add new charges following a serious assault with a weapon in Chesterville

(NORTH DUNDAS, ON) - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Stormont Dundas and Glengarry (SD&G) Crime Unit is continuing to investigate a serious assault with a weapon at a residence on Queen Street in Chesterville.

On October 24, 2020 at approximately 2:13 a.m., SD&G OPP responded to a report that an adult male had been attacked with an edged weapon by an individual who then fled the scene. The victim, age 31, suffered multiple stab wounds and was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. SD&G OPP officers charged a 17-year old male on October 24, 2020.

Further investigation revealed that following the initial incident, a vehicle fled the scene and

struck a parked vehicle and a pedestrian at the location. The pedestrian suffered non-life threatening injuries. There was also a second, related confrontation on King Street involving a 45 year old female.

Further charges have been laid in relation to this incident;

The driver, a male aged 33 of North Dundas, was arrested on November 4, 2020 and charged with;

Dangerous operation Criminal Code sec. 320.13(2);

Fail to stop at accident resulting in bodily harm CC sec. 320.16(2);

The accused was release and is scheduled to appear at Ontario Court of Justice in Morrisburg on December 1, 2020.

The 45 year old female of North Dundas, was arrested on November 9, 2020 and charged under section 266 of the Criminal

Dundas Township, for identifying and applying for grants and awards such as the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada grant. Finally, plans for the North Dundas Display of Lights, formerly known as the North Dundas Parade of Lights, is continuing. The event will be held at the Rideau Auctions Lot on Highway 31. The OPP, the United Counties, and North Dundas have been working

together to ensure that all details, such as insurance, are in order.

The next meeting of the North Dundas Township Council will be held on December 8 at 7 pm in the Council Chambers of the Township Office. Residents are allowed to attend, but due to Covid-19 and safety protocols from the Eastern Ontario Health

Unit, you are asked to call ahead to inform the Clerk you are coming. To make a presentation to council at a regular council meeting, call the Clerk’s office at 613-774-2105 a week in advance to be put on the agenda, and an approximate time will be given.

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Code with assault. The accused was release and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Morrisburg on December 1, 2020.

In addition, the 31 year old male stabbing victim has been charged under section 145(5)(a) of the Criminal Code with failure to comply with a release order-Breach of curfew. The accused was release and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Morrisburg on December 1, 2020.

Anyone having information on the above incident or any other crime is asked to call SD&G OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477) or you can submit a TIP online at www.seawayvalleycrimestoppers.ca

Our optional triple-paned glass, Argon gas or Krypton gas-filled windows provide the highest-performance and maximum energy and cost savings.

And you can take comfort in knowing that you’re helping to save the environment, too.

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Shop Local, Support Local, Love Local Support makers and small artisan businesses

Ditch the mall and discover one of-a-kind finds. Cover your list off by supporting local causes, artists and artisans, you will be glad you did!

Being part of a community like ours means supporting each other through good times and bad. Social isolation is putting local business in a tough spot. Many artisans will not have the opportunity to see you at the Craft fairs this year. Here are some ways you can still support them by shopping with them online.

Gillian at Trojan Acres Studio will help you frame your memories in the most appealing and artistic manner while paying attention to details that preserve the work for generations, e.g. UV or museum glass, acid-free or museum matboards, etc.

As a Certified Picture Framer and Member of the PPFA, Gillian practices conservation and preservation techniques.

My local markets offers access to over 150 local area Farmers, Makers, Bakers and Small businesses

SHOP at the Warehouse Friday, Nov 27 10am-7pm, Saturday, Nov 28 10am-7pm Monday, Nov 30 10am-5pm or online 24 hours

Homestead Living has unique handmade home decor items and refinished furniture. They are also your one stop for Fusion Mineral Paint and Milk Paint by Fusion and have it all in stock, as well as most of the Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint line. Don't hesitate to reach out for more information or help with your projects!

New elementary math curriculum for Catholic School Board

The new elementary math curriculum teaches students fundamental math skills and connects them to real life, to prepare students for learning success, according to the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario. In June 2020, the Ministry of Education released the new digital platform for the elementary mathematics curriculum for grades 1-8. The new mathematics curriculum is part of a four-year math strategy which includes new curriculum content with a digital format, and embedded tools for educators.

Anne Raina grew up in Kemptville and attended Kemptville Public School and North Grenville District High School. Her touching, funny and uplifting non-fiction book, Clara’s Rib, has sold 4,500 copies and tells the story of her sister, Clara, who entered a tuberculosis hospital at age twelve and was discharged at age twenty-six. Seven of Anne’s nine older siblings, and her father, spent many years in the tuberculosis hospital.

Anne has also published four highly-successful children’s books: The Kangaroo With The Wooden Shoe; Things That Go SPLAT!; The Kangaroo With The Wooden Shoe – Book Two, and Things That Go Where They Shouldn’t.

Clara’s Rib is available from all major ebook vendors and in print at Barnes and Noble and Chapters. Her children’s books are available through AnneRaina.ca and from select local booksellers. You can also contact Anne at anneraina@rogers.com or at 613-733-5891.

ANNE RAINA BOOKS

Hard cover children’s books $20.00

Soft cover children’s books $15.00

Nancy McIntyre, Principal of Curriculum and Crystal Lake, Numeracy Consultant for CDSBEO, provided an overview to Trustees at their recent meeting about the implementation of the new math curriculum. Released in June for implementation in the Fall, the new curriculum, said Ms. McIntyre, provides rich context with clear expectations and teacher supports. It has been 15 years since the Ontario math curriculum had been updated.

“The new curriculum provides rich content and clear expectations, teacher supports as well as real-world

examples to help develop cross-curricular connections along with a new focus on re-modelling, coding, financial literacy, infographics and STEM,” noted Principal McIntyre. “Our team continues to develop resources and professional learning to support our educators with these changes.”

Educators from Kindergarten through Grade 8 have participated in a half-day of professional development to help them discover the changes, resources, and expectations around the new curriculum. Teachers also had an opportunity to review and compare the 2005 expectations with the new 2020 expectations, to see what new content was added to the grade they teach.

“Feedback has been very positive, and primary teachers commented on the value of the Financial Literacy curriculum as well as the continuum format, which allows teachers to see learning expectations not only for the grade they are teaching, but also for the grade before, and the grade following,” explained Crystal Lake.

EQAO data collection has demonstrated that stu-

dents in Grades 4 through 6 experience the most learning challenges in math. In response, the Board has developed a gap-closing resource for SERTS and junior math teachers which provides diagnostics that teachers can use to identify gaps in student understanding. Once identified, the binder provides lesson plans and activities to help build foundational understanding where needed.

The Curriculum Department has also developed a weekly resource for educators which includes engaging activities for student learning around the new Social Emotional Learning strand.

“There is strong evidence that developing social-emotional learning skills at school contributes to all students’ overall health and well-being and to successful academic performance. It also supports positive mental health, as well as students’ ability to learn, build resilience, and thrive,” noted Nancy McIntyre.

Board curriculum consultants will continue to support educators with the development and delivery of the new curriculum content.

UCDSB promotes Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week

To help enhance school safety and encourage positive learning environments, schools across the Upper Canada District School Board held a Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week from November 1521. School staff, students and their parents were encouraged to learn more about bullying and its effect on student learning and well-being.

Bullying is defined as a form of repeated, persistent and aggressive behaviour directed at an individual intended to cause fear and distress or harm to another person's body, feelings, selfesteem or reputation. Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance.

“In a time when we need to come together now more than ever before, it’s important to remain kind and show empathy to one another,”

says Chair John McAllister. “Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week is an opportunity to reflect on how we can continue to create a caring environment for our students.”

Each school within the UCDSB has a safe schools team working to promote a safer and more welcoming learning environment. Safe schools teams are encouraged to plan activities or launch initiatives that heighten awareness of bullying and its impact on the school community.

Through our safe schools teams, as well as providing staff training opportunities and promoting positive school climates, the UCDSB is committed to operating schools that ensure every student feels safe and supported.

We encourage everyone to learn more about the different forms bullying can take, including:

Physical – hitting, shoving, stealing or damaging property

Verbal – name calling,

mocking, or making sexist, racist or homophobic comments

Social – excluding others from a group or spreading gossip or rumours about them Electronic (commonly known as cyberbullying) –spreading rumours and hurtful comments through the use of cellphones, e-mail, text messaging and through social media.

Some activities occurring at UCDSB schools during the week included Winchester Public School hosted daily activities that honour kindness and differences including Shine Bright with Kindness Day where students and staff will wear bright colours.

Parents/guardians can also access the parent resource to learn more about cyberbullying.

about plant-based meats

We live at a time of growing choices regarding food substitutes. But how good are these new products when compared with the old staples? Think of margarine versus butter. Or, more recently, plant-based meats versus the real McCoy? Was William Shakespeare right when he wrote, “A substitute shines brightly as a King, until a King be by”?

A report from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University provides plenty to chew on. Deciding what to do isn’t just a personal decision. It also involved implications for our planet. According to researchers at Tufts, sales of meat alternatives increased 30% in 2018. This increase is expected to continue, since plant-based, meatless “meat” has become available at several fast-food outlets. But how good are these products?

Nicole Negowetti, a clinical instructor at the Harvard Animal Law and Policy Clinic, says, “These new plant-based meat products

are designed to replicate the taste, texture, and chemical composition of meat.”

The point is, producers of these new foods are trying to fool us. They want consumers to have the impression they are eating meat, when in fact they are not. As Nicole Negowetti says, whether it’s meat from a cow, pig, or any other animal, meat is muscle, which is essentially protein and some fat. Meatless manufacturers are extracting these proteins and fats from plants and combining them to mimic the characteristics of animal meat.

It sounds simple, but there is more to the story. Nicole Blackstone, assistant professor in the Friedman School’s Division of Agriculture, Food and Environment warns that some of these meatless products are so highly processed that they bear no resemblance to their sourced plant foods. Particularly those products manufactured on a large scale are often highly processed and include in novel components.

For instance, to achieve the colour and meatiness that blood gives to red meat, producers have found a way to grow heme iron in soy plants. This is the type of iron found in meat and an essential element of blood production. So, what about the health risks of this scientific replication? For the moment, Blackstone says we don’t know the answer.

We do know that beefmimicking hamburgers are similar in calories and protein and lower in saturated fats. However, many meat alternatives are higher in sodium than regular meat. Higher sodium intake can lead to higher blood pressure, causing hypertension.

There is one major benefit to eating substitute meat. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in six North Americans develops food poisoning every year from a variety of food products. Unlike regular meat, substitute meats are far less frequently the cause of E. coli or Salmonella infection. In addition, manufacturers do

Cats and kittens looking for help

TNR is to fund and promote sterilization of stray and barn cats, as a means to humanely reduce the overpopulation of cats. An unsterilised cat can have three litters a year, four or five kittens a litter, and can start reproducing by five months of age. Cats can live for 15 years, but stray cats don't. Stray cats suffer. They get sick, die from cold or human cruelty, are preyed upon by wildlife, and fight for food, shelter, and mates. They also become a nuisance.

not have to add antibiotics to these products that can trigger superbug antibiotic resistance. Nor do these products contain hormones.

Nicole Negowetti says, “The key question is, can substitute meat products be the tool to help people decrease their intake of real meat? Global red meat consumption is increasing, and factory farming of animals is known to be devastating to animal welfare and environmental sustainability. I am calling for a broader interpretation of ‘healthy’ to include planetary health.”

Different studies and producers report that a typical meatless hamburger uses 75-99% less water and has about a 90% smaller carbon footprint compared to a regular burger. According to a Nielsen survey, 62% of North Americans say they would replace meat-based protein with plant-based protein.

Ms. Negowetti claims the bottom line is that people will buy alternative meat products if they are delicious and cheap. This would also benefit our planet. What would Shakespeare say today? Possibly, “A substitute shines brightly as a King, even when a King pass by.”

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Local mask maker cracks $2000 for local food banks

by Joselyn Morley

Do you love cats and want to help? Do you hate cats and want to help curb the overpopulation of feral, homeless, and abandoned cats? Are you relatively neutral in your opinion about cats, but want to help relieve the suffering of any animal?

You need to get to know Spencerville TNR!

But this is a North Dundas paper you say? Well, Spencerville TNR has rescued feral, homeless, abandoned, and sick cats from far and wide, including many in North Dundas. Cindy Cere, the founder, initially started with the stray cats in Spencerville, but the need is so great, that the rescue was soon taking in cats from all over.

TNR stands for Trap, Neuter, and Return/Rehome. The mandate of Spencerville

Volunteers live-trap stray and abandoned cats. They are spayed or neutered, vetted, vaccinated, and nursed back to health. The cats are then adopted to loving homes, if possible, placed in approved barns, or released back into the community, but only with support such as feeding and insulated houses. In their three years in operation, Spencerville TNR has sterilised nearly a thousand cats per year, with about a third of those being adopted as pets into loving homes. Spencer-

ville TNR is a non-profit rescue that relies on volunteers, foster homes, and donations. If you have some time to help live-trap cats and kittens, or drive cats to vets, or a spare room to foster some cats or kittens, they could really use your help!

Are you looking for a Christmas or holiday gift, and want to make a difference in the life of a cat? Give a catlover a Spencerville TNR Dayplanner. Contact Valerie Andruszkiewicz at vala2z2@ hotmail.com.

Spencerville TNR holds fundraisers throughout the year, from bottle drives to bake sales. They always welcome fresh ideas and passion, new volunteers, and financial donations. You can purchase food for their cats and kittens through Pet Value in Kemptville. Pet Value also hosts Spencerville TNR cats up for adoption.

When you and your family choose which charities to support this holiday season, please include Spencerville

by Hilary Thomson

Local mask-maker, Debbie Amirault, made her second donation of $500 to the House of Lazarus (HOL) food bank last Monday. Debbie has been making masks for the community since the summer, and has now donated $2,000 in total to HOL and the Salvation Army food bank.

Community support for what she calls the Mouth2Mouth Project has remained high, and Debbie is well on her way to making her fifth donation of $500. The cost of each mask was $2, but, in light of recent government guidelines regarding face coverings, Debbie is now using medical-grade filter material to accommodate the three layers of fabric that is now required.

This means that the cost of the masks has gone up to $4. However, 100% of the proceeds are still going to feed local people in need. Despite the rise in cost, orders are still flowing in and Debbie is thrilled with the continued community support. To order masks, or find out more, you can contact her at mouth2mouthproject@gmail.com. As her husband, Mike, wrote in an email: “With Christmas coming, a mask would make a great stocking stuffer!”

TNR. Give a donation in the name of a friend or family member. Make Spencerville TNR the recipient of your Birthday Fundraiser. Do you or a neighbour have a barn or business that needs a cat? There are healthy, sterilised, vaccinated cats that need jobs!

Donations can be made to spencervilletnr@gmail.com via e-transfer or PayPal.

Daytimers can be obtained from Valerie Andruszkiewicz at vala2z2@hotmail.com, or check out Spencerville TNR at www.spencervilletnr.ca, as well as on Facebook and Instagram.

In 2017, the number of cats taken in by the SPCA of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry represented one third of all cats that ended up in all Ontario SPCAs. Cornwall's stray cat crisis is featured in a documentary entitled “Running Wild, The Cats of Cornwall”. Written and directed by Aaron Hancox, and produced by Markham Street Films, the documentary will air on TVO

on November 29 at 10:30 pm. You can also stream it at TVO.org. In 2019, Cornwall passed a bylaw requiring all cats be spayed or neutered, and registered. The city also began a subsidized sterilisation program. Covid-19 has made implementation a challenge, but rescue groups point out that it is a step towards acknowledging that the stray cat problem is a community problem in need of attention, and draws attention to the high cost of sterilising cats.

What steak lovers should know

Debbie Amirault hands HOL Assistant Executive Director Janet Carkner and Marianne Villeneuve a cheque for $500 to support the House of Lazarus food bank.

Photo provided by Mike Amirault

Cricket-Cat (formerly a feral mama cat) & Spencerville TNR Dayplanner

North Dundas Fire Service receive a Lifesaving Equipment Grant

the mission of providing funding, lifesaving equipment, and educational opportunities to first responders and public safety organizations. Ten years later, with the opening of the first Canadian Firehouse Subs restaurant in 2015, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada was born. Through this registered charity (BN/ Registration #83145 2990), Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada has granted more than $1.2M to hometown heroes in Canada.

The North Dundas Fire Service received a Lifesaving Equipment Grant of $20,340 from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada. The grant will be used to purchase a Briggs & Stratton Natural Gas Standby Generator, which will be used to power the South Mountain fire station in the event of a major power outage, assisting in ensuring firefighters are able to provide immediate response in a crisis with reliable equipment.

The grant was one of 10 Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada awarded to public safety organizations during the most recent grant application period. The 10 grants total more than $221,000.

Al Armstrong, Deputy Mayor and North Dundas Fire Commissioner, stated, “We are so very grateful to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada for awarding our fire department such an incredible grant! This generator will enable us to provide many of the necessities of life to our citizens

should we suffer another event such as the ice storm, or anything that leads to prolonged loss of power or other services. As Deputy Mayor and Fire Commissioner, I extend our deepest thank you to the Foundation! I would also like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Honey, of Morewood, and Jess Manley (Township of North Dundas) for their amazing efforts in making our application a successful reality! Thank you all!”

In 2005, the Firehouse Subs Founders established Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation in the U.S. with

“We are committed to helping organizations such as North Dundas Fire continue their lifesaving work within local communities. We are honored to be able to award this grant and do our part to ensure that North Dundas is safer for everyone, including first responders,” said Robin Peters, executive director, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada.

The North Dundas Fire Service is constituted of four fire stations, solely made up of volunteer firefighters within the North Dundas community. The team responds to not only fires, but medical

Pandemic or not, Victim Services is still here to help

by ONVSP

Since the onset of COVID-19, members of the Ontario Network of Victim Service Providers (ONVSP) have seen an increase in domestic violence and sexual assault calls. And with a second wave becoming increasingly turbulent, so do the lives of vulnerable persons. As such, ONVSP wants to let victims know that during the health emergency support is available, they do not need to remain in a dangerous situation.

Across Ontario, there are 44 ONVSP member agencies, where staff continue to work 24/7 to ensure victims receive the vital and immediate supports they need; some modifications have been put in place to protect everyone’s health and safety. As we mark National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, which has been rescheduled from late May to November 22-28 due to COVID-19, ONVSP would like to raise awareness of the services its members offer to help victims and their families.

Located primarily within municipal or provincial police detachments, ONVSP

members are unique in that: they are the only agencies that provide 24/7 mobile crisis support; and, they provide support to victims experiencing a wide range of complex situations and trauma related issues, including but not limited to: gender-based violence, human trafficking, elder abuse, homicides, fraud, natural disasters, fatalities, etc.

ONVSP members ensure victims are informed, considered, protected, and supported throughout their journey, from time of crime through any experiences with the criminal justice system, and over the long-term. Members do not operate only as a referral service to community supports but provide immediate emotional and practical supports. Each agency offers various services and programs throughout its catchment area, including, but not limited to:

- individualized in-depth safety planning;

- hiding them while a treatment plan is arranged;

- provide for basic living needs

– shelter, clothing, toiletries, food;

- accessing immediate

financial support;

- quickly build a therapeutic rapport that facilitates open communication;

- help with anticipatory guidance should they report to police and charges laid;

- assist them to meet treatment requirements – replacement of government documents to be able to access treatment services and be issued any necessary medication, etc.;

- non-judgmental acceptance should they run for a period of time;

- transportation to safe accommodations and for medical appointments, treatments/ services.

“It can be distressing not knowing what services are available and how they are operating during these unprecedented times,” said Sheri MacDonald, President of the ONVSP. “But no one needs to feel alone. Please reach out for help. Victim services staff are available by phone and e-mail, and are still working with their police partners, who can dispatch team members during an emergency any time of day.”

The ONVSP encourages anyone who feels unsafe to

reach out to their local victim services. If your life is in danger, to contact police or phone 911.

• For further information: vshn@victimserviceshn.com or leanna@pathwaygroup. com.

• Related links: https:// www.victimservicesontario. ca/locations-1

• Follow us: Facebook and Twitter @ONVSP.

Since 1987, the Ontario Network of Victim Service Providers (ONVSP) has been promoting awareness and raising the profile of its membership of not-for-profit community-based victim service agencies across the province. As a coalition of member agencies that support and collaborate with each other, ONVSP leverages its members' professional skills and collective knowledge in order to preserve, promote and create more meaningful and supportive experiences for victims in Ontario.

You are not alone, support is available, give us a call.

emergencies, vehicular collisions, gas leaks, and more. All firefighters are on-call 24/7, attend regular training sessions, and make an effort to be a positive community presence. In addition to their duties as firefighters, our volunteers provide outreach through local programs and events, public service announcements online and in print, and offering fire prevention training programs at the local elementary and secondary schools.

by Joselyn Morley

1. Vale

2. Weightlifters pump this

3. Cut into cubes

4. Mileage meters

5. Conceit

6. Obtained

7. Unreactive

8. Drug-induced relaxation

9. Current amount

10. Breakfast and supper

11. Pearly-shelled mussel

12. Vocalized musically

13. Eastern Standard Time

18. Craze

22. Forbidden

24. One less than fifteen

25. Overweight

26. Backsides

27. Operatic solos

29.

North Dundas Makers Market

Solution to last week’s Crossword

by Joselyn Morley

The Makers Market is an e-commerce website designed to promote and sell local products in and around North Dundas. When Covid-19 shut down so much, many artisans and crafters of North Dundas found themselves unable to get their products to customers, and customers unable to find local products. This Makers' Market is designed to connect shoppers and vendors.

Sandy Burns and San Baynham created the Makers Market to give local vendors a way to sell their products. As local craft and artisan markets were being canceled one after another, Sandy and Sam decided to help makers in the area who depend on Christmas craft shows to sell their products. Sandy says, "As a web designer, I'm well-versed in how to create an e-commerce site, but I knew that for most local vendors, having a professional website made is out of the budget."

Sam is a graphic designer. Sam and Sandy have collaborated on many mutual client projects over the last few years. Sam is a vendor herself, and as such, knows quite a few vendors in the area. When she reached out to other vendors to see if there was interest in such a project, she found strong support for the idea to create a site similar to Etsy, but on a local level. Sandy created the logo and handles the social media marketing and promotional materials. Sam built the site, and

hosts and maintains it, while also providing tech support to the vendors.

The Makers Market launched on November 14. Currently, there are 18 vendors, and over 150 products.

In order to be a vendor selling with The Makers Market, your products must be handmade by you, and you must be able to bring any products sold through the website to Loucks Pastures near Chesterville every Thursday, so that orders can be sorted and distributed to the pickup locations for Saturday pickup.

Becoming a vendor is easy. Go to the Vendor Login page and complete the Vendor Registration Form. Make sure you click on the box beside "Apply to Become a Vendor." Each vendor is manually approved. Once approved, your first step will be to connect to a Stripe account to allow you to collect your payments from the orders. The system is userfriendly, and walks you through each step. Vendors can then upload a banner image and profile image for their stores, and start uploading their products. Your store can be up and running in minutes!

Sales and refund policies are up to the individual vendor. If a customer wishes to arrange direct pickup, delivery, or shipping, they can choose that option during checkout and contact the vendor directly.

Orders received by midnight every Wednesday can be picked up Saturday between 9 am and noon

at one of the three pickup locations. Vendors drop off the orders at Loucks Pastures near Chesterville on Thursday afternoon. Items are then sorted and orders packaged. On Friday afternoon, the vendors who run the pickup locations collect the orders for their location.

Sam and Sandy created this site for artisans, crafters, and makers in North Dundas and surrounding areas. These are incredibly talented vendors, offering high quality, hand crafted products. They don't currently have the option of a brick and mortar building to showcase their wares. Sam and Sandy wanted to build an online community where makers can connect with their customers. Makers can use their store address on the Makers Market website to market themselves to potential customers.

Commission is low, so that talented vendors receive fair compensation for their work. Vendors who provide their location as a pickup location pay zero commission to compensate for the extra driving required to pick up the orders in Chesterville on Fridays.

Sam and Sandy are excited to be able to bring the Makers Market to life, and are in awe at the variety and quality of products. Supporting local is always important, but this year more than ever. You can view all the wonderful products available on their website at themakersmarket.shop

Marketing Consultant

Shannon Lever

House of Lazarus Christmas and Holiday Programs

ning on December 1, each day put one food item into your Reverse Advent Calendar Box. Some good ideas include: cereal, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, tuna, canned meats, boxed deserts, crackers, soups, pasta and sauce, or items such as toothpaste, diapers, or formula. You can drop your food donations at any locations of House of Lazarus: 10619 Main Street in South Mountain; 2245 Simms Street in Mountain; or the new location in Ingleside, at 15 Maple Street. Make sure to drop your donations off before noon on Christmas Eve, December 24. For more information you can email vcane@houseoflazarus.com.

Smiling behind the masks

The House of Lazarus Community Outreach Mission is busy getting ready for one of its busiest times of the year. Their Adopt a Family, Couple, or Senior Christmas Program is in need of support. They have many families with older children, both teenage and adult, as well as singles and couples without children, who still need to be adopted.

House of Lazarus will provide each family, se-

nior, and couple with a holiday meal. They rely on the community to add gifts and treats. Donations can be dropped off at House of Lazarus Food Bank, 10619 Main Street, South Mountain. This is a new location for the House of Lazarus Food Bank, which was given the space to use when Scotiabank closed their South Mountain branch. Items for treats and gifts for the Adopt a Family, Couple, or Senior Program can be dropped off at the new South Mountain Location

between December 7 to 12. For more information about either giving or receiving, call 613-9893830, or email kmerkley@ houseoflazarus.com.

House of Lazarus Reverse Advent Calendar: This program supports the House of Lazarus Food Bank, particularly while the Food Bank is closed between December 24 and January 4. These food boxes will be given out during this time while the food bank is closed.

To fill your Reverse Advent Calendar, begin-

Your Land, Your Legacy: consider donating land to South Nation Conservation

by South Nation Conservation

Do you own idle land, and are passionate about the local environment or forest cover?

Have you ever thought about what kind of legacy you want to leave for your family, community, or future generations?

South Nation Conservation (SNC) is calling on residents from across its watershed jurisdiction in Eastern Ontario to consider donating land through its Land Securement Program as a way of solidifying their natural heritage legacies.

As a member of the Ontario Land Trust Alliance, SNC is also approved to accept donations of land through Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program, which can provide significant financial benefits to donors.

SNC receives over 50 acres of land through donation each year, adding to the nearly 13,000 acres of Community Land owned and managed by the Conservation Authority. It uses donated lands to protect natural features and forest cover, ensure healthy and safe waterways, and provide public recreational areas.

Several of SNC’s popular public Conservation Areas have been donated to the Authority, some of which host local youth for environmental education and day-camps, and welcome thousands of visitors every year.

This year, the Augusta Township donated a piece of surplus land to SNC along the South Nation River on McCrea Road, and thanks to federal funding support, it is currently being transformed

into a day-use public Conservation Area with river access.

Donors however can choose the legacy that they wish to leave: SNC manages these conservation lands in perpetuity, and donors decide how their lands are to be managed. Donating land to SNC also means it cannot be sold or severed for profit by the Authority.

“We pride ourselves on acquiring land donations to help conserve our local natural resources, and managing them effectively to help ensure sustainable and healthy forests for communities and future generations,” explains Pat Piitz, SNC’s Properties Lead.

In addition to environmental and social benefits, ecological land donations can also provide economic

House of Lazarus Angel Tree Program: Make a difference in a child's life this Christmas. Buy a gift for a child between 0 and 18 years old. Bring it to any of the three House of Lazarus locations: 10619 Main Street in South Mountain, 2245 Simms Street in Mountain, or 15 Maple Street in Ingleside. Hurry though! You need to drop your gift off between December 7 and 12.

by Jane Adams

The smiles may have been hidden this year, but we know they were there. Tim’s customers and WDMH supporters lined up for the annual Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign and together, they raised $9,578!

The money will be directed to the WDMH Foundation’s Digital Mammography Fund.

And even more smiles – this amount has been matched thanks to two generous donors.

is still working well, it will need to be replaced within the next two years. Having regular mammograms can now only reassure patients if there is nothing wrong, but they can also provide early detection of breast cancer. Early detection may mean less treatment and a quicker recovery time.

benefits to the donor through tax incentives; in the case of easements, title is maintained by the owners. “The gift of ecologically significant land is the gift that keeps on giving,” added Pat Piitz. “You can count on us to make a difference and carry your legacy.”

Residents interested in donating land to SNC can visit www.nation.on.ca for more information, or contact Pat Piitz at ppiitz@nation. on.ca, 1-877-984-2948.

Tim Hortons owner Robert St. Denis says he was thrilled to hear that the donations will be doubled: “We are happy to support our local hospital to ensure it has the equipment needed to care for our local communities.”

“Thank you to Robert and Denise St. Denis – owners of the four Tim Hortons in Winchester, Long Sault and Morrisburg – and to the many community members who bought cookies,” adds Cindy Ault Peters, Manager of Direct Mail and Events. “We are honoured that WDMH was once again chosen as the beneficiary of this fall tradition.”

Approximately 5200 mammograms are done at WDMH each year. The current equipment is now over 10 years old. While it

Many people are surprised to learn that the provincial government does not fund the purchase of medical equipment for Ontario hospitals. To help ensure that WDMH has the right tools to provide excellent health care for our patients, the Foundation works with donors who care about WDMH and who want to make an impact. Thank you!

Help Support Your Local Businesses SHOP LOCAL

Smiling behind their masks are (l-r): Robert St. Denis (Owner), Angie Danis, and Justin Boyer.

by Joselyn Morley

The men who wanted it all

by David Shanahan

Very few people today will recognise the names of Richard Duncan, Thomas and William Fraser, John Munro, and Peter Drummond; but in 1793 they were on the verge of owning a large chunk of Eastern Ontario. In fact, the Lieutenant Governor of the day, John Graves Simcoe, actually granted them almost 500,000 acres of land on which they were free to settle immigrants and Loyalist refugees. All the money earned from the sale of the land would go to these five men. It would have been the basis for a very powerful landed gentry in the new Province of Upper Canada.

All five men were Loyal-

ist refugees themselves, having lost all they had when they chose to oppose the American Revolution and fled to Canada. Richard Duncan had served in the British forces during the Seven Years War, and when the American War of Independence broke out, he rejoined the militia and was commissioned as a captain in the first battalion of Sir John Johnson’s King’s Royal Regiment of New York. In 1789 he was appointed to the Land Board, which assigned land to prospective settlers. There he was later joined by Peter Drummond, John Munro, and Thomas Fraser.

Duncan was responsible for arranging the survey of Oxford-on-Rideau Township in 1791, and was appointed County Lieutenant for Dun-

das County, as well as being one of the nine-member Legislative Council, appointed to assist in governing the Province. Peter Drummond only arrived in America in time to become involved on the British side in the Revolution, where he fought, was captured, spent some time in prison, before escaping to Canada where he and the Fraser brothers, along with John Munro, were commissioned into the King’s Loyal Rangers. After the war, all of these men were in a position to assign land through the Land Board of Luneburgh District.

In 1792, Simcoe issued a Proclamation authorising the granting of entire townships to individuals or groups, with the intention of establishing a landed gentry in Upper Canada, a natural aristocracy to counter the “mob mentality” of democracy as exemplified in the new United States.

in itself was a huge gift, but, earlier, the same men, along with other ex-militia officers, had actually petitioned for 30 townships. Although they were serving members of the Land Board, there seems to have been no impediment to obtaining such large tracts of land to sell and settle as they chose. The potential financial benefit to the five was enormous.

On September 14, 1793, the five thanked Simcoe for the grants and justified them by claiming that they could help secure settlers for the land, and this would save the Land Board a great deal of work. This was an odd rationale, considering that they were the Land Board, to all intents and purposes.

Sharyn Hillier, CHS Life Insurance Broker sharyn.hillier@gmail.com 613-252-2403

Our five individuals, with so many connections to each other through their army service, were granted seven townships: Osgoode, Wolford, Montague, Russell, Kitley, Loughborough, and Huntingdon - very nearly half a million acres of land. This

Long term care insurance

by Sharyn Hillier, B.A., CHS., Hill Life Financial Long

Term Care. It’s been in the media lately. It’s had some really bad press because of the inadequacies of our public system in Ontario. Rightly so. Only just recently, it was reported that the provincial government has passed Bill 218 which basically will bar any COVID exposure-related claim against a long-term care home, if the provider made an “honest” or “good faith” eff ort to act in accordance with public health guidelines.

I don’t see that as a good thing for families with elders in Long Term Care facilities.

People deserve to be well taken care of in their elder years. Do we not deserve “choice”? Choice of where we want to spend our later years, when we are unable to care for ourselves? Choice of who looks after us? Choice of how we are treated? Choice of a private or semi-private room? Hopefully, we are treated with dignity, compassion, respect. So choice is a big factor when it comes to looking at Long Term Care.

But what gives you that power? Being prepared is one major factor. Many in-

dividuals simply don’t want to think about getting older. Yet we will, and many of us will require care. So why not think of preparing for our Long Term Care before that actually happens?

What am I talking about here? How can we prepare? What gives us that power?

I am talking about Long Term Care Insurance. This type of insurance pays you a weekly or monthly benefit to be used for your Long Term Care needs when you are not be able to look after yourself because of physical or cognitive limitations. There are various types of Long Term Care Insurance. Some require you to show receipts and receive reimbursement. Some require you to stay in your home to receive payment. The most flexible plans simply hand you money each month and you can use it how you please.

Cost is one of the major objections to Long Term Care Insurance. Yet, can we afford NOT to prepare for our elder years? Something is only expensive if you see no value in what you are purchasing. Some see no value in Long Term Care Insurance. They are willing to run the risk of

The creation of a landed aristocracy in what is not Eastern Ontario seemed set to succeed; but it was not to be. The five had bitten off more than they chew, and attracting paying tenants to their seven townships proved extremely difficult, especially when the same settlers could acquire land of their own at no cost. Loyalist refugees were entitled to at least 200 acres free of charge, so why would they choose to become tenants

instead? In 1794, the Township Grants were abolished, and on May 25, 1796, all the township grants were cancelled and the land resumed by the Crown. It was found that, of 32 townships granted under Simcoe’s scheme, only six were reported to have received settlers. And of these six, four were found to be actually empty of settlers: the reports had been faked. It was a complete fiasco. The Order cancelling the grants stated:

“That the townships of Osgoode, Wolford, Montague, Russell, Kitley, Loughborough, Huntingdon, Rawdon, Murray, Clarke, Whitby, and Windham, are, and they are hereby declared to be vacant and free for the admission of

such persons as shall be desirous of occupying and settling the same agreeably to the terms and conditions of the proclamation as aforesaid.”

But don’t feel sorry for our five speculators. They received 1,500 acres each in compensation, adding to the thousands of acres they already held as Loyalists and from purchases. Peter Drummond owned the land that would become Kemptville, and each of the others enjoyed positions of status and prestige in the society of their day. But, for a brief period, they almost became owners of it all.

4-H Ontario Launches New Website

dealing with the issue when the need arises. Perhaps they plan on selling a house, or using their retirement income to pay for it.

I believe Long Term Care Insurance is an investment, just like RRSP’s; an investment in yourself and those who care for you. Did you know, on average, it only takes about 3 years of claims to recoup the premiums on a Long Term Care plan? And that most Long Term Care plans will have a claim period of over 7 years? That’s not a bad rate of return.

I am not talking about a Long Term Care plan that pays you $10,000 per month. Instead, I look at Long Term Care Insurance as a supplement to your retirement savings. It’s a way to invest in your future, just like having a number of different investment vehicles. You may not invest solely in RRSP’s. You may have a TFSA, or you may have non registered investments. This is simply a “long term care” investment.

The result of having Long Term Care Insurance is back to having choice. You may not have to be placed on a waiting list. You may be able to live at home, or if you

4-H Ontario is excited to announce the launch of our brand-new website. We worked with Guelph, Ontario software company Sandbox Software Solutions Inc. to create a multifaceted website for all of our volunteers, participants, visitors and staff to enjoy.

“It has been a real pleasure working with the

require a nursing home, you can reside in one that is close to your family and friends. You do not have to worry about whether or not the provincial government will make the changes to public-run long term care facilities. You can have the power to make your own decisions.

team at 4-H Ontario to shape and deliver their vision for a new web presence”, said Drew Edwards, a digital project manager with Sandbox Software Solutions. “It’s an important organization doing great work and their new site will help them reach even greater heights”.

4-H Ontario acknowledges and appreciates everyone that helped us in the process of building the website. We are so thankful to have such an amazing group of Webmasters that have volunteered their time to make this possible. 4-H Ontario commends our Steering Committee: Todd Radigan, Taylor Black, Megan Pollock, and Marianne Fallis

“This website build has been a successful collaboration of staff, youth, volunteers, stakeholders and the team at Sandbox Software”, says Communications Manager, Sheena Switzer. “We are so proud to launch this new site that is reflective of 4-H Ontario as a dynamic, engaging organization which is dedicated to enriching the lives

of youth across Ontario”.

4-H Ontario is a nonprofit positive youth development organization that builds youth as leaders within their communities and as assets to the world. With roots in rural Ontario, today it is open to youth of all backgrounds across the province. 4-H youth ages 6–21 and screened, engaged volunteer leaders come together to learn about selected topics through fun hands-on activities and mentorship. There are also provincial camps, conferences, competitions and national and international travel opportunities available to further develop skills in leadership, business, self-confidence and more.

4-H provides youth with a place they can be involved, accepted, valued and heard while developing valuable skills for leadership and life.