Issue 4 2023 February 02 NG Times

NGHS and St. James Anglican

Church to host opera concert

part of the story. The hope is that the concert will bring exposure to both the Historical Society and the Church, while simultaneously providing an opportunity for those in the community to experience live, elegant music. “We want people to enjoy the evening, and to bring some class and some culture to Kemptville,” said David.

The music for the concert has been organized by Kirsten Waymann and Jennifer Thivierge. David was eager to offer thanks to them, noting that they met at Salamanders for lunch last fall, which is where the idea for the concert was born.

by Brandon Mayer

The North Grenville Historical Society and St. James Anglican Church will host a much-anticipated opera concert on February 10. The concert – featuring five esteemed performers – will take place at St. James Anglican Church on Clothier St. W., in Kemptville.

David Finnie is the Chair of the concert. The Co-Chairs are Donna Gould, who represents the NGHS fundraising team, and Mandy Nich-

olls of St. James Anglican Church fundraising team. David explained that the Historical Society is currently doing well, and that this joint fundraising effort is an extension of other efforts underway.

The Historical Society will use the funds raised to help support their archives, and the Church will put its portion toward building restoration being completed in the spring.

Although the concert is being held as a fundraiser for the two local organizations, raising money is only a small

The music for the concert will be provided by Kirsten Waymann (on violin) and Peter Boczar (on keyboard). Together, they make up the duo called Strings and Ivory. Both Kirsten and Peter live in Petawawa, and they are a strong musical pair who perform regularly at weddings, receptions and other special events.

Three singers will provide the operatic touch to the evening. FinnishCanadian soprano Emili Losier holds six higher education degrees in music, performance and arts management, and works

as a performing soprano, researcher, educator and arts manager. She has won various awards for her work, including a Social Sciences and Research Council grant from the Government of Canada. On the opera stage, she has been described as “a nature’s child…touching the heart from beginning to end.”

Saskatchewan-born tenor Philip Klaassen began making his mark on the operatic stage with the Saskatoon Opera in Schools Tour in productions of The Magic Flute, The Brothers Grimm, and The Barber of Seville. He has since performed roles &in productions of Die Zauberflote, Carmen, Don Giovanni, Le Villi, Gianni Schicchi, Cendrillon and Turn Of The Screw. Most recently, he appeared as a featured soloist on the Windsor Symphony Orchestra's new holiday album "Christmas, eh?", released in December 2022.

Finally, Jennifer Thivierge has been involved with music education for over 35 years. She has been a performer, vocal coach, music teacher and more recently a cofounder and Director of

Kirsten Waymann & Peter Boczar

Philip Klaassen Jennifer Thivierge

Emili Losier

the Ottawa South Youth Choir that fulfills a need for music in the rural Ottawa community. Singing various genres of music continues to be a passion and she is excited to be back on stage sharing a night of music.

The opera concert would not have been possible without the generous support of several lo-

cal business owners who stepped up to become silver sponsors. These include Karen McCallion of the Kemptville Hearing Clinic, Robert Walker of Walker and Associates, Rick Buffham of R&B Heating, and Dawn Patterson of Cranberry Hill Animal Hospital.

Only 150 tickets to the opera concert will be

sold, and they are going quickly. After the concert, a gathering will take place free of charge for ticket holders, featuring sweets, truffl es, coff ee, and tea. Tickets to the concert are $20.00 each, available for purchase at the North Grenville Historical Society office, 148 Prescott St., in Kemptville.

Knitting and sewing with a purpose

things. I made big bucket hats for the summer but they didn’t really take off. I was trying to find a niche. Wool socks seem to be it!” Debbie has other creative ideas in the works as well. “The wheels are constantly turning,” Debbie added.

Knitting and sewing are well known to be relaxing hobbies, but one local women has taken these activities to a new level by using them for a noble purpose – feeding the hungry. Donating the profits from the sale of her creations to local food banks is nothing new for Debbie Amirault. The North Grenville women has been featured in the Times on many occasions in the last several years in relation to her generous Mouth2Mouth project.

Now, after nearly three years of going strong, Debbie has raised $7,100 through the Mouth2Mouth project and donated it to local food banks, including House of Lazarus and the Salvation Army. All of the profits from the project go right back into the community via donations. Her most recent donation was in the sum of $500 given to the Salvation Army food bank in Kemptville in December.

In a conversation with the Times, Debbie explained that the idea for the project originally came about when the COVID-19 mask

mandates were first put into place in mid 2020. At that time, a friend of hers who was an avid sewer donated materials to get her started. After that initial donation ran out, Debbie reached out to the community and was overwhelmed with more donations of materials from others in the community.

The masks were originally $2 each, but the price was eventually raised to $5 each when Health Canada’s mask standards were tightened. The masks have mostly been sold through various online groups. Now, with mask mandates no longer in place, the demand has gone down considerably. This has not stopped Debbie, though. She has moved on to crocheting and knitting projects, particularly creating items that can be purchased and given as gifts, such as wool socks. Just like with the masks, the profits from all of Debbie’s sales are turned into donations to local food banks.

“It took me a whole year to get that $500 donation!” said Debbie, referring to her most recent donation to the Salvation Army food bank. “I was trying different

Asked why she feels it’s important to support local food banks, Debbie pointed out that her inspiration came from the hardship and food insecurity that many people experienced when the COVID-19 pandemic set in. Even though the need has gone down since the beginning of the pandemic, it is still higher than it was preCOVID. Debbie predicts that with the current economy, an increasing number of people will be accessing food banks, even if it is just to supplement the food that they buy to get them through to the next pay day.

To learn more about the Mouth2Mouth project, visit a dedicated Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/profile. php?id=100070400351914.

Debbie donates $500 to the Salvation Army food bank in December 2022 by Brandon Mayer

What is a ‘Hey Day’?

Some of the Hey Day volunteers who have served for at least 10 years of the largest indoor garage sales in eastern Ontario, and the Auxiliary’s biggest fundraiser.

submitted by Jean Gallant, KDHA Volunteer

Have you ever heard people talking about ‘Hey Day’ and wondered what all the fuss was about.

Way back in 1960, a group of volunteers with the Kemptville Hospital Auxiliary got together and decided to hold a garage sale to raise funds towards the campaign to build a new hospital for Kemptville. It started out fairly small, and even featured a fortune teller in the early days, but was well supported. The sale grew over the years and eventually took over the curling rink, generating ever-increasing excitement as the yearly event was eagerly anticipated by folks from Kemptville and the surrounding community. By 2019, it had grown to be one

Over the 59 years of Hey Day, more than $1.5 million has been raised, all of which goes directly to purchasing hospital equipment such as pain pumps, surgical supplies, heart monitor, defibrillator, a blanket warmer, etc.

Then along came covid. Things ground to a halt, including Hey Day. Even so, thanks to the generosity of the Kemptville community, last year the Auxiliary was able to carry on with some fundraising activities that allowed us to donate $60,000 towards the fundraising efforts for a new CT Scanner for the hospital.

And now we’re excited to announce that Hey Day is back! The tradition goes

on! Mark your calendars for Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10, when doors will open to the 60th Hey Day garage sale! You’ll find amazing deals, a big 50/50 draw, and lots of treasures.

Please remember the sale when you’re doing spring cleaning or downsizing. We’ll be sharing donation drop-off times and location as we get closer to the date. Without your donations there would not be a Hey Day, and most importantly the donation of “time”! We rely 100% on volunteers for this event. If you would like to be a part of the excitement, please contact the Kemptville Hospital Auxiliary at kdh_volunteer@ kdh.on.ca, or call us at 613447-4492.

North Grenville businesses nominated for Faces Magazine awards

submitted by the Municipality of North Grenville

Faces Magazine is hosting an awards event to celebrate the people, places and businesses that make the #Ottawa area wonderful - and some of our North Grenville locals have been nominated. Voting is open now – you can vote daily until February 15 , with winners being announced at an Awards event February 18. Start voting for your favourites now – www.facesmag.ca

Fat Les's Chip Stand & Wham Burger

Hyde Smokehouse & Bar (New Restaurant & Barbeque categories)

Stef's Quality Painting (Cabinet & Painting Company categories)

Kemptville Painting (Painting Company)

Rock My House Music Centre (Music School & Music Store categories)

Blackbird Tattoo (Tattoo Parlour)

Pirate Cove Marina (Leisure Sales & Marina/Yacht Club categories)

Spa Jada (Spa)

Yazdani Family Dentistry Kemptville (Dental Clinic)

Dancing Willow Wellness (Natural Wellness Company)

Spiritleaf Kemptville (Dispensary)

T&T Dogs Unleashed Professional Dog Training Service (Pet Training & Dog Daycare categories)

Country Treasures (Gift Shop)

Alicia Hewitt Interiors (Interior Designer)

Linen + Lining (by Alicia Hewitt; Customer Service & Small Business of the Year categories)

Dr. Marnie Laplante, ND (Naturopathic Doctor)

Trigon Insurance Brokers Ltd. (Insurance Company/Brokerage & Home Insurance Company/Brokerage & Best Place to Work Over 25 people categories)

MUNICIPAL OFFICE HOURS

The Municipal office is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visit our events calendar to find out what’s happening in the community: northgrenville.ca/community-and-culture/resources/community-events.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

COUNCIL MEETINGS

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

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

Council agendas are available at: northgrenville.ca/council-government/council/ meetings-agendas-and-minutes.

• Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. (Open Session)

• Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Virtual - (Open Session) Community Grant Presentations

• Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. (Open Session) Draft Budget Presentation

• Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. (Open Session)

VOLUNTEER AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Municipality of North Grenville is seeking to fill volunteer positions on various Advisory Committees of Council.

• Active Transportation Advisory Committee

• Agriculture & Rural Affairs Advisory Committee

• Arts & Culture Advisory Committee

• Community, Economic Development Advisory Committee

• Environmental Action Advisory Committee

• Health, Wellness & Fitness Advisory Committee

• Heritage Advisory Committee

• Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee

Visit www.northgrenville.ca/careers for more information on how to apply. For questions, please contact the Clerk by email at clerk@northgrenville.on.ca or by telephone at 613-258-9569 ext 171.

Deadline Extended - Applications due by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 3, 2023.

Digital Service Squad Member

The Municipality of North Grenville is seeking to fill one temporary position for a Digital Service Squad–Team Member (12 month contract). Interested applicants may submit a cover letter and resume outlining qualification in confidence to Human Resources by 4:00 p.m. Friday, February 10, 2023. Visit www.northgrenville.ca/careers for details and more information on how to apply.

Summer Student Opportunities – Parks, Recreation and Culture

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture is currently accepting applications for various full and part-time spring/summer student positions. For a full list of available positions and information on how to apply, please visit www.northgrenville.ca/careers.

Deputy Clerk

The Municipality of North Grenville is seeking to fill the position of Deputy Clerk. Interested applicants may submit a cover letter and resume outlining qualification in confidence to Human Resources by 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2023. Visit www.northgrenville.ca/ careers for details and more information on how to apply.

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

Like a broken smartphone app

by Brandon Mayer

Money woes. Food woes. Housing woes. Healthcare woes. We all seem to complain a lot, don’t we? I often worry that the discourse in the community is disproportionately negative. It seems like so many are struggling in the current economy, individuals, families, and businesses alike, that we always have plenty of complaining to do. Often, our complaints are repetitive, unchanging, and deal with some of the most basic necessities of life that we used to take for granted, like food and shelter.

Before adding too much to that complaining, I will point out that there is much to celebrate in our community. There is support for those who need it (food banks, “buy nothing” social media groups, etc.), and we have seen in these past years that a bad economy can never get in the way of the amazing opportunities for recreation that North Grenville has to offer. Economic hardship also doesn’t stop us from

supporting one another in times like traffic accidents, medical emergencies, and lost pets, just to name a few examples. There is ample good in the world and in North Grenville, but sometimes, the loudest critics of what is wrong in the world are the ones who effect the most change.

Is there merit to complaining? Has North Grenville become too negative? When it comes to perpetual complaining, there is no doubt that it can be annoying. There is even an old adage, “sounding like a broken record”, used to convey the annoyance of repeating oneself over and over. Last week, I was growing frustrated with my group of kids at the school I work at, and told them I was “starting to sound like a broken record” with how many times I must instruct them to line up properly.

Met with almost universally blank stares, I switched my example to “like a broken… CD player?” Evident that it was still not clicking, I tried “like a broken iPod” before finally landing on “like a smartphone with a broken

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

I have been reading a few different opinions regarding the Ford government outsourcing our health care, including opinions from the Rightwing National Post, who paint Ford as an innovator, rather than the ideologue that he actually is.

My sense is that our health care problem stems from the fact that Ontario spends the least per capita, in Canada, on its health care system. Just to reach the average of what other Canadian provinces spend on health care, funding would have to increase by $591 per person, which would generate around $7 billion for our health care system.

So you have to ask why we aren’t doing this, and we get right back to ideology. Ford and his government believe that the private sector does things better, though examples abound where this is not the case. You just have

YouTube Music or Apple Music app that just keeps repeating over and over”. Aha! Success! Repeating oneself in 2023 sounds like a broken smartphone app.

In this issue of the Times, you’ll read, along with your usual assortment of local news and content, a Letter to the Editor written by Colin Creasey. In his letter, Colin points out that Ontario spends less per capita on our healthcare system than any other province. My own research suggests that we are actually second last, ahead of New Brunswick by a hair, but still, wow! Now THAT is something to complain about. No one should have to wait as long to see a doctor as we have to wait in Ontario. It is shameful, and even more so knowing that it’s because the provincial government is simply too cheap to properly fund the healthcare system. It is well known that there is a nursing shortage in this province. In 2021, the provincial government capped wage increases for nurses at 1% per year. This is well below the rate of inflation, effectively meaning that nurses took a pay cut

when considering the buying power of their salaries in an increasingly difficult economy. It’s no wonder there is a nursing shortage. We saved a dime and created 10 hour hospital waiting times.

I am not oblivious to government debt, and the need to start saving more dollars at the government level to pay down that debt. The problem is that there is always somewhere dollars can come from to achieve savings. The recent move, in early 2022, to eliminate vehicle registration renewal fees in this province makes no sense to me. The province manages thousands of kilometres of roads. Someone needs to pay for those roads to be paved, cleared, and patrolled. As a frequent driver, I had no problem paying an annual registration fee to contribute to the management of roads in my province. Eliminating that fee was nothing but a political move right before an election, attached to a hip slogan of “putting more of your money back in your pocket”. I’m sure the average local guy who cycles to work really appreciates the fact

that his healthcare taxes are now paving Highway 400 in Toronto. Sarcasm intended. Priorities are muddled both provincially and federally in this country. There is too much focus on buying votes, and not enough focus on buying value for constituents.

I would wager that a significant portion of readers don’t realize that Ontarians who earn more than $20,000 per year pay for our health cards. That’s right – the “Ontario Health Premium” is a part of our yearly income tax and benefit returns, charging us up to $900 per person out of pocket to funnel money into the health care system. The Health Premium has been in place since 2004, nearly 20 years, and yet a lot of people I mention it to still don’t realize it exists. How appalling is it to realize that not only are we directly charged for healthcare every year, but that those funds can’t even pay for the same per capita spending as almost every other Canadian province manages to dish out?

Sometimes we just have no choice but to complain. I

for one am sick of tax dollars being used to buy votes. A recently elected Council member in North Dundas ran on a campaign of taking $0 in salary for his role. He won his seat. I wonder if paying members of provincial and federal parliament far lower salaries, on par with what average Canadians make, would weed out those who only want the job for the financial benefits. Maybe poor politicians would make better politicians. Or maybe a system that allows constituents to set politicians’ salaries and give (or take away) bonuses would keep them honest and working for the people. It’s nothing more than a dream, but I’d be willing to bet it would create that real change we are always after. For now, we will have to sit and hope for fair decision making and good management of tax dollars. After all, we are not the government, we are the governed

to remember the debacle in our for-profit nursing homes during Covid 19, where shareholder profits became more important than patient care.

British Columbia is also wrestling with the problems in its own health care system, but what is happening there is a cautionary tale.

They already outsource a number of healthcare procedures as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic, and while this strategy was successful in reducing wait lists in the short term, funnelling public dollars to for-profit corporations contributed to workforce shortages in the public system, as health care workers migrated to the private sector where they were paid better.

A study was done recently on how much it was costing the BC government to outsource these procedures. The startling result of this inquiry was that procedures

in private clinics cost nearly 4 times as much as in the public system. The reasons for this were identified as profit margins, capital costs (private sector capital assets that the public pays for, but will never own), duplicating administrative structures, higher labour costs, and extra billing, the latter of which is contrary to the Health Act. We are paying for setting up a parallel system while our own public system is being underutilised due to staffing shortages, which will only get worse as private clinics poach staff from our public system.

So why is it, in what is arguably the richest province in Canada, we can only afford a 1% pay increase for our health workers, (Bill 124), and yet we presumably have enough money to cover the increased costs to our health care system that privatization is going to bring? It doesn’t add up.

Ford was right when he said “the status quo is not working”. But he is wrong to suggest that redirecting public health care dollars to the profits of private companies is the answer. There is an alternative. We could adequately fund the public system.

Colin Creasey, Kemptville

Dear Editor,

This letter is in response to John Baldwin's mystery bird. This bird is a female Brown-headed Cowbird. I had one at my feeder just after Christmas and about two weeks ago the male appeared at the feeder. They both hung around for about a week. When I put them into Ebird, along with the other birds I had counted at my feeder, I was sure to get the Red lettered message that "this bird is rare in this area for this time of year", but no I didn't. When I researched the Brown-headed Cowbird,

they will often winter over in our area. What a surprise! There is always something to learn, what a fascinating hobby bird watching is. Keep up the great column, John.

Thank you,

Lynn Paibomesai

Jack Lalonde, RSE, President, Operator

Accident involving school bus leaves parents shaken

could hear the little ones crying a bit,” the parent said. “I went to the scene right away.

I was shocked at the extent of the scene considering there were no injuries to any of the kids. I was relieved to be able to hug him and see he was in one piece.”

Chief Fire Officers Association food drive underway

by Brandon Mayer

by Brandon Mayer

Some local parents were in for a scare last week when a bus carrying seven young school students was involved in multi-vehicle accident. On January 25, a straight truck slammed first into a small car, and then into the rear left side of the school bus. The accident took place on County Road 43, near Burritts Rapids, a few seconds after the bus had stopped for a pick up and was about to depart again. Several emergency vehicles responded to the scene, including multiple ambulances.

No serious injuries were reported despite extensive observable damage. The side of the bus was severely dented, while the truck ended up on its side, and the

car was left upside down as a mangled wreck. A parent whose son was on the school bus sitting in the rear near where it was struck was eager to express relief that her son made it out with only a small bump on his head.

“[The bus] had just picked up the kids and they had just sat down and he was about to go,” said the parent, who wished to remain anonymous. “So if they were walking or not in yet, it would have been much worse for sure. The mom that was standing in the driveway had to run back towards the house to not get hit by the truck that landed on her driveway.”

The parent’s son asked a witness to the accident if he could borrow her cellphone. He called his mother and told her that a truck hit the bus. “I said to stay calm and help the others stay calm as I

Accidents involving school buses are relatively rare, but they can be incredibly scary for parents when they occur. Campaigns have been in place for many years to combat the problem of motorists ignoring the flashing lights and stop arms which command them to stop when a school bus is completing a drop off or a pick up. Locals frequently express their frustration with this continuing problem, which can put children in serious danger.

A media officer for the Ontario Provincial Police confirmed that as a result of the incident, a 36 year old male from Amherstview was issued a citation under the Highway Traffic Act, 175(12.2) - Fail to stop at least 20 metres behind school bus. It is fortunate that this bad situation did not end much worse.

Local Youth Film Festival offers over $2000 in prizes

submitted by Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit

MyView Youth Film Festival is ready to launch for 2023! Kemptville’s own McGahey Insurance and Grenville Mutual Insurance have again teamed up to provide the $1000 Grand Prize, and there is a new $750 prize sponsored by Exit Realty for the best “I love my community” film. This creative film-making contest is open to all youth ages 10-24 that live, work or play in Eastern Ontario (see www.myviewfilmfest.ca for list of eligible counties).

Young people are encouraged to pick up their phones or cameras and make a short video that celebrates something in their

life or community; shows a solution to a problem or showcases their opinion! Thanks to McGahey Insurance, Grenville Mutual Insurance, Exit Realty and YourTV for donating great prizes to the winners in the following categories:

1. Best Overall Video –$1000

2. I Love My Community

– $750

3. Age Category Prizes (10-13; 14-17; 18-24)

The deadline for video submission is May 1, and youth can submit multiple films individually or as a group. Encourage young people you know to get out into their communities to look for inspiration. There is no shortage of interesting topics to explore. Past win-

The Chief Fire Officers Association of Leeds and Grenville is undertaking a new initiative this year, inspired by past work by individual fire departments. The association is hosting a food drive, which began on February 1 and will run until February 11. The aim of the food drive is to combat hunger this winter in Leeds and Grenville.

John R. Okum is the North Grenville Fire Chief and president of the Chief Fire Officers Association of Leeds and Grenville. He explained why the Association has taken on this important initiative. “Emergency responders often bear witness to some of the endured struggles in our community,” he said. “The need to support food banks has become increasingly apparent, as a commonly reported condition.” Chief Okum explained that the current initiative is being run as a partnership in conjunction with local food banks, calling it a “united approach”. Chief Okum credited local food banks for the work they do in coordinating food drives, and added that this partnership between the Chief Fire Officers Association and the food banks is just the Association’s way of offering

a helping hand. “The credit goes to the community,” said Chief Okum. “They are the ones who are gracious in their donations to help out fellow citizens.”

Many communities have residents who are currently experiencing food insecurity, and Chief Okum noted that the Leeds and Grenville area is not immune to this problem. Winter months can be more financially difficult for many families, and it has recently been reported that food banks are seeing upwards of a 40% increase in usage. Many of those accessing food banks, including locally, are first time users who are new to the plight of not having enough to eat.

While individual fire departments have aided in

local food bank programs in the past, Chief Okum explained that the Chief Fire Officers Association of Leeds and Grenville is a rebranded group of senior fire officials with a goal to work together on key projects in the local communities, including the greater protection of life, property, and the environment. The current food drive is a first for the Association. “We are taking united steps together to fight hunger in Leeds and Grenville,” added Chief Okum. Anyone can join the effort to help combat hunger in Leeds and Grenville by stopping by your local fire department to drop off nonperishable food items or a monetary donation. Let’s fight hunger together!

ners have addressed a variety of topics, from mental well-being and body image to the cost of post-secondary education and everything in between. “This generation of young people have all kinds of new issues to tackle; like climate change, pandemics and social media. Youth are extremely well informed and I look forward to seeing what they have to say!” says Rebecca Shams, Health Promoter and MyView committee member.

Judging criteria heavily favours the content of the videos over the production elements, in hopes of encouraging all eligible youth, regardless of their level of experience in film making and production, to participate and share their sto-

ries. John Barclay, MyView founder and Producer with Triune Productions, shared his excitement for this year’s festival: “I’m looking forward again to seeing the creativity and imagination of young film-makers as they communicate what’s important to them,” he said. “This year I’m especially eager to see entrants from more Eastern Ontario communities.”

For more information on contest rules or judging criteria, or to see past year’s submissions and winners, visit us on Facebook @myviewfilmfest, check out www.myviewfilmfest. ca or email info@myviewfilmfest.ca

A school bus sits on the side of the road after being involved in an accident on January 25. None of the children on board were seriously injured

Safety around snow plows

A Road Safety message from the North Grenville Police Services Board submitted by the Municipality of North Grenville

Snow plow operators make our roads safer for everyone. The Municipality of North Grenville is responsible for plowing over 630 km of municipal roadways, 3.7 km of multiuse pathways and 20 km of residential sidewalks. The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville is responsible for plowing the County Roads within the municipality (such as CR44 and CR43).

“Snow plow drivers need more room to do their job and make the roads safer. Please exercise extra caution when approaching a snow plow. We want everyone to get home safely,” said Mayor Nancy Peckford.

“Plowing roads and sidewalks takes time. When you see the blue flashing lights of a snow plow, remember to slow down, stay back and be patient,” emphasized Deputy Mayor John Barclay

and Chair of the North Grenville Police Services Board.

Stay safe this winter and follow these safety tips when approaching a snow plow: Stay Back - Be sure to leave enough space between you and the snow plow.

Slow Down – Snow plows travel at a slower speed; the most common crashes are motorists hitting the rear end of the plow. Slow down and stay back.

Be Patient - Crowding, tailgating or passing a snow plow can be very dangerous. A plow truck cannot maneuver easily or stop quickly and has many blind spots.

Be Seen – Pedestrians should not assume the snow plow driver can see them and may need to move to allow move space between them and the plow.

Children should be reminded not to play or build forts in the ditch or roadside snowbanks. Snow plows may not be able to see them, making it

extremely dangerous.

Please check road conditions before venturing out and avoid non-essential travel when bad weather is expected.

Led by the North Grenville Police Services Board, the Road Safety public awareness campaign aims

to promote safe driving behaviours and make roads in North Grenville safer for all users.

For more information on Road Safety in North Grenville visit: www. northgrenville.ca/roadsafety.

THOMAS M. BYRNE

Barrister and Solicitor

General Practice

Corporate / Commercial Family Law

Estates

Real Estate

Wills & Powers of Attorney

tom@tmblaw.ca

613.258.1277

222 Prescott St., Kemptville

Tid Bit Musings

by Elva Patterson Rutters RSSW

Who is judging who? now? and why? Being the one who judges and being the judged seems to vacillate as the hours/days go by. Judging for competitions is worthy of a grand prize, and simply means at that moment in time you performed the best of those competing. The key component is to have fun, and the trophy is a bonus. We progress in life by constantly being judged in a productive manner and all to often in a negative context. Scripturally the Bible says to let God be the judge. Judging also creates change. The final day of judgement will be shocking for some self-righteous people who truly believe they do no wrong.

Judging is often a defense mechanism that allows oneself to feel more superior or more in tune with what is happening. Change is hard, and when we, the older generation, see ripped jeans, green/blue/purple hair, we tend to recoil and think what is the world coming too. The ethics that held society together seems to have disintegrated to the degree no-one accepts accountability or responsibility. Take those young teens in Toronto beating the homeless man to death at 2:15 am!!- where were the parents? To say you can't keep youth inside may take some ingenuity- lock all shoes in a closet for the night, change the security code so you hear them go out- consequences for going out like no cell phone for a week. You worry about not getting in touch with them, but they simply don't answer the phone if they see you calling.

In all circumstances, try to understand what is transpiring and ask yourself, is it morally or life threatening? If not, then it can go with the flow. Try real hard to connect with the person. Validate their feelings and thinking if it is different from yours. When discussing, we are not judging, just seeking a clearer understanding. Ask questions to comprehend their line of thinking. Anyone who becomes hostile and rude to questions has ulterior motives. Run away from such troubled, devious, scamming souls. Your life is too valuable to be manipulated!!! God put our tongue behind a set of teeth, a set of lips, and ears on the outside of our head- use accordingly.

Magic mushrooms are moving mainstream

it was previously."

You may have preconceived ideas that magic mushrooms are the party drugs of days past. However, in Canada and other countries, regulations are starting to ease on these prohibited psychedelics. The impetus stems from clinical trials showing remarkable results in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and treatment-resistant depression. The question begs, when should you plan for a mind-altering trip?

"Magic mushrooms" grow naturally in many parts of the world. They contain psilocybin, which produces hallucinogenic effects when eaten.

A good many readers may have personal experience. According to data from the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health in the US, an estimated 21 million Americans reported having tried psilocybin at least once.

Despite remaining illegal for the most part in Canada, psilocybin is easy to find. Selling pre-package micro doses of magic mushroom powder (50 to 300 milligrams, far below the amount that would produce psychedelic effects) is becoming big business for online retailers in British Columbia. Some athletes in high stress sports are advocating for the use of micro dosing in the promotion of mental health. And Indigenous Peoples have long respected mushrooms for

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their medicinal properties.

But the recent move by Alberta to allow psychedelic-assisted therapy means licensed providers can now treat patients with higher doses of psychedelic mushrooms for mental health disorders. A psychiatrist must oversee any treatment.

The great hope is that, even with a single dose of a psychedelic mushrooms, the brain can be redirected away from troubling memory and mood ruts. For terminally ill patients, experimental treatments are showing profound results in easing the prospect of death.

Dr. Sean O'Sullivan, a clinical psychiatrist and Adjunct Professor of Family Medicine at McMaster University, explains, "Psychedelics disassemble the default mode network and they allow a person to have new experiences in a carefully controlled clinical setting. When the default mode network is put back together, it's not put back together in the same way as

He reports, for example, treatment of an advanced stage lung cancer patient with “one psilocybin mushroom session occasioning a mystical-type experience that she rated 4 months later as being the single-most personally meaningful experience of her life.”

In 1943, Winston Churchill gave the commencement address at Harvard University, noting with customary eloquence, “The empires of the future are the empires of the mind.” That was wartime talk about knowledge as power. But now at Harvard, it’s the modest but potent mushroom taking center stage.

Michael Pollan is a member of Harvard’s English Department and well known for challenging notions about psychoactive plants. “Fungi constitute the most poorly understood and underappreciated kingdom of life on Earth,” he says.

Thanks to documentaries like Dosed 2: The Trip of a Lifetime, which follows a terminally ill cancer patient’s legal use of magic mushrooms to treat anxiety, understanding among com-

Erika Dyck is a Professor and Canada Research Chair in the History of Health and Social Justice at the University of Saskatchewan. In a thoughtful commentary published by theconversation.com, she cautions against the race “to push psychedelics into the medical marketplace.”

Dyck says we should “take a sober approach to the psychedelic hype.”

The question remains. If a safe, natural, and low-cost mushroom can, in one wellguided experience, dramatically improve the well-being of someone suffering from conditions like PTSD and depression, why wouldn’t a caring society want to enable its use?

We say, let’s put in place the right safeguards. And on this one, perhaps we would be well advised to turn to traditional healers for advice, not the medical establishment.

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Is good, good enough?

submitted by Victor Jarjour

For some reason, I cannot get out of my mind Brandon Mayer’s editorial of November 3 entitled “Much to be Proud Of”. I generally agree with his conclusion. Or do I and is that why it sticks in my head? Things are pretty good in North Grenville, but is pretty good good enough? Should we be satisfied with mediocrity?

There is no doubt that the municipal election of 2018 was a turning point when the entire Council was booted out of office. I remember referring to that administration as a tax and spend Council after its decision to increase our taxes by 6%. The Chief Administrative

Officer (CAO) of the day defended that decision by arguing that the only alternative to increasing taxes was to borrow more money. I was stunned by that statement and that Council would turn to the CAO to defend its own decision. Clearly the tail was wagging the dog. They totally lost me after that debacle, and it seems the majority of the electorate felt that way as well. I sensed that the new administration that we elected in 2018 was well intentioned and sensitive to being judicious with our tax dollars. Certainly, they accomplished a good deal in their first term, and most of Council warranted being

Baldwin's Birds

re-elected. I could not vote for Mr. Barclay, however. I had dealt with him on an issue affecting our neighbourhood and though he seemed sympathetic, he fell for one of the oldest tricks in the bureaucratic handbook. That is, take a small problem and make it look so big that it’s best to do nothing. Also, I thought Mr. Barclay was too quick to espouse the efficiency of the Public Works department, to which he was named the Council liaison. He wrote in this paper not long into his mandate that they “run a tight ship”. That may well be the case, although the experience with the issue mentioned above argued otherwise. But when

I asked how he assessed that, nothing. He did not point to any performance measures to back up that statement. He simply ignored the question. So, to me he became a Councillor prepared to defend the interest of the bureaucracy over the interest of the taxpayer i.e., the tail wagging the dog yet again. But democracy has spoken and I need to grin and bare it. We are faced with important challenges. The location of the Ottawa prison on prime agricultural land, across from schools and a daycare and near more schools and daycares, is unjustifiable. The expansion

of 43 is long overdue. Can our infrastructure, which in my mind includes schools and health care, handle the huge growth in our population that will result from the developments? Don’t these housing developments contribute to more commuters and is that consistent with our self-described green image? It seems rather duplicitous to me. We are seeing huge swaths of trees being cut down in the municipality. How does that fit with the green image? My daughter refers to some developers as climate change buffoons! Is she wrong? The development that I am well

aware of included a tree protection plan, yet the red pines were essentially clearcut. It is abundantly evident, now that most lots have been developed, that many trees should have been left standing. Complaints to the municipality at the time of the carnage were ignored. Are we really doing justice to the green image that we are trying to portray in NG? While we may have much to be proud of, this is no time to be complacent. We need to expect more accountability from our representatives at all levels of government. Mediocrity is not enough.

Two for the price of one

Having just come into the house, after snow blowing paths for us to use and also to clear a way to the bird feeders, I am now able to concentrate on this article. Looking out towards my feeders, I see that I have got three Mourning Doves sitting outside my window and one was actually peering in, as they are wont to do, like my picture in one of my previous NGT efforts!

Lovely to see close-up, with their beautiful coloring, and seemingly such gentle birds who don't seem to want to hassle any other bird and just "get on" with life!

In last week's chat with you all about an unknown bird that we had visit us recently, I had stated that I and some others didn't really know what it was and posed the question to yourselves. Since then, I have communicated with another person

who is inclined to agree that it was an Indigo Bunting, of which the male is a brilliant blue, but the female and immature male aren't. The very dark coloring in the picture is probably due to a pigmentation difference from a "normal" colored bird, but beak and some of the other features seem to point to the Indigo Bunting, so rightly, or wrongly, I'm sticking with that for my answer!!

Today's picture is one of harmony between two different species using the same feeder, without too much "fuss and muss", which is good to see! The pair of them are somewhat skittish (not Scottish!) in their normal behaviour, so I was fortunate in being able to get a picture of them together. Both the Bluejay and the Cardinal have got outstandingly bright colors that they compliment each other with, quite nicely. Let's hope that all your birds are adding a little color and joy into your lives too. Stay safe and well.

Cheers, John Baldwin

Gwyn Strike (Margaret Gwynedd)

Born June 29th 1930 at age 92 she passed away peacefully on January 23rd 2023 with her beloved husband of 65 years by her side.

Mom lived a life full of travel and adventures with Dad, moving to new and exciting destinations, with vastly different cultures and climates. Born in Pwllheli, Wales, Gwyn spent her early years enjoying the ocean, headlands, wilderness and wildlife surrounding her childhood home. She left for University to obtain her teaching degree. Education was extremely important to her and she was very proud to be an English Teacher. After meeting Ken during her time at the university, they married in 1957 . They started a new adventure when they moved to Guyana and started raising their young family of three.

A job opportunity for Ken had them moving in 1968 from the heat of Guyana to the winters of Ottawa. They eventually settled in Kemptville in 1972.

Mom could always be found in her huge vegetable garden, or in the kitchen cooking and preserving. In 1989 they packed up once again for a cross Canada trip to their home on Salt Spring Island. They kept busy in their retirement with their hobby farm and gardening, as well as with many Church and social activities.

Moms’ knowledge and enjoyment of calligraphy and writing, sewing and quilting, being a Girl Guide leader, camping, hiking, church activities, gardening, baking have all been activities shared and appreciated with her children and grand-children.

Mom spent her last few years, under the exceptional care of the staff at Greenwoods Elder Care on Salt Spring Island, BC. We would like to express our deep gratitude for the thoughtfulness and care of Mom during this time.

Predeceased by her parents and brother Fred. Survived by her husband Ken, sons Richard (Pam), Trevor, daughter Karen (Greg), granddaughters Christine (Tyler), Kayla (Jesse), Angela, Chelsea (Mark), Katie and great-granddaughter Ella. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Greenwoods Eldercare

133 Blain Road Ganges, Salt Spring Island BC V8K 1Z9 greenwoodseldercare.org

The Food Corner

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville

I hope you are making a point of involving your kids and grandkids in cooking. More and more, we are encouraging the young ‘uns to put on an apron and have fun in the kitchen (under supervision of course). Don’t forget to get them a big fluffy chef’s hat as well and teach them the basics of good kitchen practices. Today’s recipe is a great one for the engagement of children in the culinary arts. It’s BBQ Chicken Rolls; they are simple to make and give the junior cooks a sense of accomplishment. So, here we go…

BBQ Chicken Rolls

Ingredients

3 or 4 chicken breasts, sliced thinly

1 medium onion, also sliced thinly

1 green pepper, sliced thinly

½ cup of the barbecue sauce of your choice

½ cup of grated Havarti cheese (the one with peppers in in, if you can)

A dash of Tabasco sauce or your favourite hot sauce

(optional)

3 tablespoons of vegetable oil

1 egg, beaten + 1 tablespoons of milk to make an egg wash

Preparation

- Pre-heat your oven to 375F and grease a cookie sheet (or use parchment paper)

- In a largish saucepan, sweat your onions and green peppers

- Add the sliced chicken and cook till done through and through

- Add the BBQ sauce (and the Tabasco if desired)

- Mix the chicken and vegetables thoroughly in the sauce

- Lay out your pizza dough and make 4 rectangles

- Distribute your chicken and veggie mixture among the 4 rectangles

- Distribute your grated cheese over the top of the mixture

- Bring the longer side of the pizza dough up and seal the seam

- Brush each “roll” with the egg wash; you can leave the ends open

You then pop these in the oven for a half hour or so, till they turn golden brown. Let them cool just a bit before chomping down. Try a wee bit of sour cream as a dressing or maybe some Tzatziki…

As always, stay healthy. Kind regards from Paul at pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

South Dundas group aims to save historical building

by Brandon Mayer

The Historical Society of South Dundas has quite a task on its hands. A wellknown landmark in the town of Iroquois – the 207 year old stone building known as Forward House – is in need of repairs. The building is rich in history, being one of the oldest buildings remaining in town.

While the structure of the building is still strong, some rehabilitation is needed, including roof repairs and the removal of the building’s original furnace which is contaminated with asbestos. The former Council in South Dundas wanted the building gone, but the Historical Society successfully fought for the chance to return it to its former glory, and won. Now, they need money to make the necessary repairs happen.

Are North Grenville roads really that bad?

by Brandon Mayer

Will we ever go through a complete calendar year without the familiar buzz of North Grenville residents complaining about local roads being in a state of disrepair? Not likely. The same can almost certainly be said for every municipality in our area. Roads are probably one of the first things municipal taxpayers think of when it comes to where their tax dollars are going, so it makes sense that anything other than perfectly smooth roads feels like a bumpy ride of municipal money mismanagement. One thing a lot of people don’t realize, however, is that roads are expensive – very expensive.

Overhauling an existing gravel road by filling in potholes with a dumping of fresh gravel costs about $60,000 per kilometre, according to my own recent research. That number becomes $600,000 per kilometre when talking about completely paving a bad road. These numbers may have to be adjusted to account for inflation, or specific local considerations, but they give a solid idea of what road maintenance costs. At these figures, North Grenville could have spent its entire tax revenue for 2022

paving just 27 kilometres of road. Yikes!

Tax dollars can only go so far, and roads have always been, and will always be, paved or repaired a few at a time. Some roads will develop potholes in the time it takes others to be repaired. Complaining about this is akin to hearing a patient be called in to see the doctor from the hospital waiting room only to complain that the hospital is not doing its job because a new patient simultaneously walked in the front door to be triaged.

Some potholes are admittedly inexcusable in their wrath. Potholes that damage vehicles or present a safety concern should certainly be repaired immediately. There were recently several complaints about a particular pothole on County Road 43, near the plaza known as “Community Square”. This pothole is an example of one of the particularly unforgiving ones. When it comes to County Road 43 specifically, Mayor Nancy Peckford was able to provide some insight.

The Historical Society has entered into a contest run by the National Trust of Canada called “The Great Save”.

The premise of the contest is simple – 50 communities across Canada compete for funding to help restore or save a local landmark.

Forward House has made it into the finalist round, which means the building is one of 10 across the country eligible for the chance to win the grand prize - $50,000. The contest winner is determined by online voting. As of the time of writing, an old train station in Duncan, BC has a strong lead with over 18,000 votes, while Forward House sits at just over 3,600 votes. There is still time for Iroquois’ beloved landmark to take the lead, however –the voting period does not end until February 22.

If the Historical Society wins the prize money, the plan is for Forward House

to be turned into a historical centre and a local meeting place. The area along the St. Lawrence River is rich in history owing to the flooding of the St. Lawrence Seaway in the 1950s. Ten communities were submerged by the flooding, which was done to create a shipping passage between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic ocean. Many of the displaced people from these ten communities were understandably angry at the time, particularly because many felt that the money offered for their land was insufficient. The towns of Long Sault and Ingleside originated as planned communities intended as a new home for those displaced by the flooding of the Seaway. Morrisburg was partially flooded, and the original town of Iroquois was submerged, but Iroquois was relocated 1.5 kilometres north rather than being abandoned.

However, Forward House did not have to be moved.

“Forward House was not relocated, it sits on its original foundation on high ground,” explained Shawn Walker, Vice President of the Historical Society of South Dundas. “The house is one of only a handful that did not need to be relocated that still are standing.”

Forward House and the property on which it sits are both owned by the Municipality of South Dundas. The Municipality cannot commit to investing in the needed repairs on its own, but South Dundas Mayor Jason Broad confirmed in an interview with CTV News that Council will consider a fundraising dollar match type of support in its 2023 budget.

While an ideal outcome would be for Forward House to win the $50,000 prize money from The Great Save, the contest is not the last

option for the Historical Society. “If the Society fails to win the prize, we will persevere and continue to make efforts to raise the funds required to make the building structurally sound and revitalize the space for public use and for creating a home for the Historical Society of South Dundas,” added Shawn.

Anyone can help Forward House by registering an online vote once per day until February 22. Only a name and email address is required, and don’t forget to confirm your vote by clicking the email link. With enough joint community support, we can show the rest of Canada that Eastern Ontario sticks together. To cast a vote, visit https://nationaltrustcanada.ca/whatyou-can-do/nextgreatsave/ competition2022.

“Unfortunately, the continued degradation of 43 may be getting people’s attention, but we are very close to proceeding with the CR 43 expansion and rehabilitation,” said Mayor Peckford, who is also the Warden for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. "Public works actively patrols to inspect and repair all road issues on a scheduled basis.”

Complaints about roads seem to work on a schedule, with times during the year that have few complaints, and other times when complaints abound. North Grenville Director of Public Works Karen Dunlop offered an explanation for this. “The freeze thaw cycle of going from freezing to above zero temperatures definitely creates the conditions for potholes,” said Director Dunlop. “We have not seen an increase in potholes compared to previous years. Crews go out and repair regularly when we are not plowing, and use cold patch to fill.”

With spring less than two months away, pothole season is coming fast. Particularly unforgiving potholes can be reported by emailing publicworks@northgrenville.on.ca.

Classifieds

FOR SALE

Firewood for sale. Cut, split, seasoned, mixed hardwood. $105/face cord. Call Ken 613 323 5503 20230201

Dry firewood for sale $110 a cord plus delivery fee. Call or text Jon 613-2273650

For Sale: Never used 1/3 horsepower Emerson motor. $100 firm. Call Reg - 613 258 7606

MISCELLANIOUS

Hunter Education Course on Saturday March 4th in Burritts Rapids. Please contact Kerry Coleman at 613-791-7515 or kerrycoleman@xplornet.com.

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

WANTED

Kemptville senior wishes to buy sports cards for collecting #613-215-0835

Lead Guitar player wanted - Cover band (five members of ‘somewhat older’ vintage) doing rock and country hits from 60s to 2000s – looking for lead guitar player. Call/text 613404-3182

Looking to rent farmland for cash crops. Call or text Mitch @ 613-262-1204. (8 weeks)

FOR RENT

SHORT TERM RENTAL Delightful 3 bedroom house, Weekends/weekly/monthly, Fully furnished. All in Private road off 1000 Island Parkway. No pets. No smoking. Nightly(min 3)@$245.00. Phone 613-258-3807

Rental for winter months. Looking for any truck driver or two who might be looking for accommodations starting the beginning of December. We are located in Kemptville with large drive way.Please call at 613-258-7778 to visit or for more details.

CROSSWORD

SERVICES

RETIRED CARPENTER

Renovations, kitchens, bathrooms, additions, decks, home repair. Call George at

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Call Bill 613 774 2922

PROFESSIONAL CLEANING available on a monthly basis or occasionally

ACROSS

COMMUNITY EVENTS

KLUB 67 Euchre – Fun, social card playing every 2nd and 4th Wednesday monthly at 1PM, September to May. Location: Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben Cres, Kemptville. Everyone welcome $5., cash prizes.

BREAKFAST, Kemptville Legion! Every 3rd Saturday from 8-10am - $8 for adults, $6 for children 10 and under. Euchre will be held following breakfast, registration starts at 11:30 am.

BINGO, Kemptville Legion, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, doors open at noon North Grenville Duplicate Bridge Club Bridge, Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptville, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

Easy Medium Hard

Solution to last week’s Crossword

73’s back to back home wins with one road battle postponed

when Tyson Tomasini PPG with helpers from Waivada and Scullion placed it behind Jacob Biron. Fennell stole the puck from a breakout attempt by the Wolves unto Logue twig through the middle for Emile Trottier from edge to a swift back hand over the leather at 13:24 for his second of the game and even it at one.

by the sportsguy

Pembroke Lumber Kings rolled into Kemptville looking for redemption after falling two games to one in previous meetings. Kemptville tried to beat themselves, as they kept handing their opponents opportunities to take the win and had to initiate a shootout to declare the winner with a 4 - 3 squeaker for the 73’s. Kemptville, with an extra attacker struck first in the first frame as Trottier paired up with Whyte to find Grady Logue PPG on the doorstep

to slip through the five-hole past Isaac Wilson at 3:39. A two hundred foot seesaw contest for both contenders with a stoppers showcase to keep each club honest. Pembroke answered back when an assignment failure gave Vital Dinis a helper from Legault to put it behind Jacob Biron at 17:48 to spoil his SO.

Second stanza belonged to the 73’s as Merrett from the side of the net directed the rubber to Fennell and Emile Trottier pumped it home to break the tie at 7:39.

Let's Play Ball!

Last twenty with Kemptville on PP saw Emile Trottier PPG after Yakubowski on his bike cycling low onto the tape of Henry to set up the two goal lead at 2:07. A transition breakdown with PP for the 73’s as Duck sprung Pratt Stetson SHG to flip it top shelf at 8:52 to make it a one goal deficit. The Lumber Kings pulled their stopper at 19:08 and at 19:48 Ryan McNally assisted by Dinis with Cameron to force OT. OT remained scoreless to set up the dreaded SO to determine the final outcome of the evening roustabound. Pembroke opened the challenge with Jacob Biron standing his ground and then again with the next two snipers. The third shooter for Kemptville would glide right, toe drag left over the shoulder of Issac Wilson for a 4 to 3 victory.

The PK for both teams were phenomenal with their goal tenders putting on a clinic, as well as the stoppers best friend.

Kemptville pumped 52 SOG to Pembroke 31 and the 73’s 2⁄5 PP, with Lumber Kings 0/6.

An aggressive forecheck to begin the second stanza from Tottier to feather it unto the tape of Bennett’s stick, back to Nathan Merret buzzing the line to fire a howitzer top shelf to make it a two goal lead for Kemptville at :44.

Renfrew started the final twenty by an aggressive attack onto the number of one of the 73’s main ingredients to even the playing field from one of the Wolves heavy weights at :46 that was accessed as a minor, that should have been a major with a suspension, and then again unsuccessful attempt from another heavy weight. Kemptville with PP when Trottier stood up his assignment going downtown to strip the rubber to Yakubowski on the point to Grady Logue PPG to pull the trigger with a quick six hole marker over the leather to close the contest at 4 to 1 at 18:19.

Kemptville outgunned Renfrew 37 to 22 with 2/7 PP and their opponent 1⁄3. Kemptville road game with Carleton Place holding a two game win advantage for a Sunday matinee excursion was postponed due to weather.

submitted by Mary-Anne Leang

Yes, there is lots of snow on the ground right now, but Kemptville Wildcats have already started planning for the upcoming season of softball! Players 3 years old to 19 years old will be able to sign up. The softball division is part of the Rural Ottawa Softball Association and games are hosted in Kemptville as well as surrounding rural Ottawa diamonds. The younger level ball is played at local Kemptville diamonds. Organizers are looking for volunteers to help make it a successful season. Want more information on how to volunteer, please email wildcatskemptville@ gmail.com. More information about registration is on their website kemptvillewildcats.ca. Take advantage of their early bird discount by registering by February 28.

Friday evening the Kemptville 73’s wanted to post a win against the Renfrew Wolves after being blanked in three previous meetings as they came out with grit and determination to mount a 4 -1 win. It actually turned into a showcase for Emile Trottier in front of a home crowd, including his parents.

First frame opened with an introduction of how the 90 minutes would go down as the Wolves found themselves down a man at just :28, as Yakubowski held the line, across to Bennett to find Emile Trottier in the lane to pump it past Sebastian Resar at 1:55. Renfrew tied with man advantage at 10:23

Next contest will be on home ice to face the Smiths Falls Bears on Thursday February 2 at 8 pm. See you around the wall...hockey with EDGE.

Edging with magic hands...Emile Trottier’s parents showed up for Friday evening battle with the Renfrew Wolves and were not disappointed when their son displayed his talent to snipe two, with counting two helpers for your 73’s 4 -1 victory.

Impactful strategies to build wealth over time:

Dollar Cost Averaging

by Cole Seabrook Financial Advisor, O’Farrell Wealth & Estate Planning | Assante Capital Management Ltd.

Often individuals are asking, “when is the best time to invest”. The answer is simple when the prices are low. However, timing the markets is extremely difficult.

One solution to help individuals grow their wealth overtime, while maximizing the timing into the market is Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA).

What is dollar cost averaging?

Dollar cost averaging is when you invest a fixed sum of money on a regular basis, regardless of the market conditions. This strategy helps individuals develop a disciplined savings and investing habit over time.

How does dollar cost averaging work?

In most cases when individuals are dollar cost averaging into the market, it is done automatically through a direct deposit from their bank account to their investment account, making the transactions seamless. By dollar cost averaging, you are buying more when prices are lower and less when prices are higher, depending on the market price of the shares/units. Over the course of time this strategy could lower your overall cost per share/unit compared to what it may have been if you purchase the investment in one larger lumpsum.

What are the benefits of dollar cost averaging?

While you may be reducing your cost per share/unit, there are many other benefits to consider when implementing the DCA strategy. One of the major benefits is establishing savings and investing habits. Because in most cases the contributions are set up automatically, over a period of time individuals are accustom to the money being transferred to an investment account on specific days of the month. When implementing the dollar cost averaging strategy, individuals are less likely to miss the money they are investing while establishing discipline to stick to their financial plan. In addition to developing good habits, it keeps individuals open for investment opportunities when in down markets or experiencing high volatility.

In summary, dollar cost averaging is a great low-cost strategy for individuals who do not have excess funds or are looking to compound their savings while keeping a steady cash flow for their day-to-day expenses. It is a great way of saving and investing on a regular basis to help individuals achieve their short & long-term financial goals.

If you are looking to start saving/investing for your future financial goals or, have questions around best strategies for your individual financial situation, the team at O’Farrell Wealth & Estate Planning would be more than happy to sit down and have a conversation to help you stay on track.

Campus poly greenhouse building collapses

Last week’s snowstorm on January 26 took a local building as its causality. The poly greenhouse next to the AJ Logsdail Greenhouses on Kemptville Campus collapsed under the weight of the heavy snow accumulation on its roof. No one was inside the structure at the time, so thankfully no one was hurt during the incident.

The utilities to the structure were disconnected, and Campus staff blocked off the area with barricades and caution tape.

“It was a fairly old structure that had been used for growing plants, then used for landscape construction when we had the Horticulture program running,” said Claude Smith. “We were doing repairs and had bought a new furnace (which hadn’t been installed yet) with the goal of using it for space rental this spring to anyone wishing to

start their seeds early.”

The Campus is currently in the process of determining whether it will be possible to salvage the structure for future agri-food programming. The public is being asked to respect the barricades and avoid the collapsed structure.

The collapsed poly greenhouse on Kemptville Campus.

Photo by Ashley Sloan