Issue 51 2017 December 20 NG Times

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Holiday Hours

613-258-6821 www.kemptvillefamilyrestaurant.com

A great community Christmas event

by David Shanahan

The Third Annual Community Christmas Dinner will take place between noon and around 2 on Christmas Day: a completely free celebration which includes a full traditional Christmas dinner and desserts, beverages, music and lots and lots of good cheer. This community initiative means that people who might be on their own on Christmas Day, or those who just want to be part of the celebration of the holiday, can come together and enjoy this traditional gathering at St. John’s United Church, Prescott Street, in Kemptville.

Last year, approximately 250 meals were served, including sit-down, delivery, and special meals. And it was all the work of volunteers who donated the food, the

decorations, the drinks, who cooked, prepared and served the food, set and cleared the tables, washed the dishes and played live music. It included volunteers collecting people from their homes, and bringing them back home afterwards, even to places outside North Grenville. It included volunteers delivering meals to people who could not come to Leslie Hall, the venue last year, but wanted to share in the day.

When it was learned that there were almost a dozen people working on Christmas Day at Kemptville District Hospital, meals were delivered to them too. And it was all done without fuss, anonymously and with great grace.

As one organiser put it: “This is a community event, with all individuals involved believing it is better to give than

receive during this special time, and who want to share their day with their friends and neighbours”.

Extra tables had to be set up to cope with the crowd, and it seemed that, as soon as a place became vacant, it was immediately filled with a newcomer, cutlery supplied and bowls of coleslaw and condiments ready to hand. The servers were cheerful, and the portions were generous. One woman stood by with her young girls serving bread rolls. Others were in the kitchen keeping the servers supplied with turkey, ham, potatoes, stuffing, gravy, vegetables, and everything needed for a happy Christmas meal. It was wonderful.

Remember: it is all done free of charge, no credit asked, no thanks required. That is the Christmas spirit

in our communities. We have a community that can provide a fantastic Christmas dinner, service groups and churches, individuals and organisations that stand on the front line to be a link between those who need help, and those who can provide it. Let’s make sure that the spirit shown on Christmas Day continues to be shown throughout 2018. Whatever is going on in the rest of the world, we can be so thankful that we live in such a country, such a province, such a municipality.

Many thanks for the congregation at St. John’s United Church for opening their doors to the community this way, after our venue for the past two years, Leslie Hall, became so sadly unavailable.

Kemptville Quilters Guild Thank you Tea

by Hilary Thomson

The Kemptville office of Family and Children’s Services of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville held a thank-you tea for the Kemptville Quilters Guild on Friday December 8 to thank them for donating quilts to give out to families in the community.

The Guild has four volunteers who put together kits using donated fabric, which the members take to create quilts for donation. They also have a budget allocated for outreach that helps supply extra materials like batting to help complete the project. “We have 66 members in our group and many of them donate quilts and their time,” says Guild President Carmen Pincott. “Some ladies just donate totally, using their own materials without taking kits.”

The Guild has donated hundreds of quilts to Family and Children’s Services since they first became involved with the organization in 2005.

NGCSC Special Needs Christmas Program

The North Grenville Community Service Council wishes to thank all who stepped up to help so many in our community this Christmas. Community merchants and private residents like Canadian Tire owner, Frank Hoffman and his staff, the staff at KBC Rona, MNR employees, the O’Farrell Financial Group, and the Kelaher Family, all adopt year after year.

Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, Smolkin Mens Wear, Randy Cavill at Walmar Ventilation Products, along with his Family and staff, Hudson Autobody, all helped in providing movie and Shoppers Gift Cards needed for teens and seniors.

Thanks go to Royal Lep-

Catch the Ace round 2 begins

age Gale Real Estate for the Mountain of Toys, and to the Kemptville Animal Hospital’s Trim for Tins. A big role was played by all those residents in the community who shopped for the Angel Tree.

And, of course, thanks to all our Volunteers: Monique Larabie, Adonica Brown, Judy & Becky Littau, Mary Boucher, Su Ouelette, and students Isobela and Ceiledh Brown.

The NGCSC is made up of representatives from the Lions Club, Kemptville Kinsmen, the Kemptville Rotary Club, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 212, and the Knights of Columbus.

Round 2 of the Kemptville Lions Club's "Catch the Ace" lottery has begun. The first draw was held at the Kemptville Legion Hall on December 12. Yvette Lavoie (pictured here flanked by Lions Alan Forbes and Connie Beardshaw) won the weekly prize of $182.00 when her ticket was drawn and envelope 27 yielded the 9 of Hearts.

Tickets for each draw are available at Albert's Meats, B&H Grocery, Jonsson's Independent Grocer, the Kemptville Curling Club, Moose Mart, Legion Branch 212, Shelley's Kitchen, Heckston, and from members of the Kemptville Lions Club.

John Gray

Representatives from the Kemptville Quilters Guild with some of the staff of Family and Children's Services of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville at the thank-you tea at their office on December 8.

An early Christmas gift for KDH

by Hilary Thomson

Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) is getting an early Christmas gift from students at Saint Michael Catholic High school.

As part of their crafts art class, grade nine and ten students learned how to crochet and worked together to make two large multicoloured blankets to donate to Interim Long-term Care at the hospital.

“They’re lovely because they are homemade,” says KDH Communications Officer Jenny Read. “We try and make that part of the hospital like a home away from home. This makes a big difference to our residents.”

Each of the 33 students in the class made at least two granny squares to contribute to the blanket. Many really took to project like grade ten student Sophie Salter who crocheted three squares in one week. “It’s really relaxing,” she said while working on putting the finishing touches to the border on one of the blankets. “It’s definitely something I would do again.”

This is the second donation the school has made to the hospital with their first blanket already brightening the room of one of the residents. Originally the plan was to make slippers this year, but the last blanket turned out so well teacher Lindsay Melnick and the students decided to stick with it. Lindsay says

they hope to continue making blankets for the Interim Long-term Care wing so that each of the twelve beds (six interim long-term care and six convalescent care) can have one. “We’re going to try and make more next year,” she says.

The crafts class at Saint Mike’s is an innovative program designed by Lindsay that has the students create more crafty types of art. In addition to crochet, the students have done beading, pottery, stained glass, weaving and chain mail jewelry. The students also learn how to price the projects and will be having a craft sale to sell some of their creations in the spring.

Giant Tiger Kemptville donates $2,000 to the Salvation Army Kemptville

of the partnership we have with our local food bank.”

According to Food Banks Canada, 13 per cent of Canadians live in a state of food uncertainty, which means they do not have dependable access to adequate amounts of safe, nutritious food. Each month, over 850,000 people turn to food banks for help; more than one-third are children and youth.

Lights Out!

Where were you in January, 1998, during what is commonly called the Ice Storm of the Century? Mark your calendars for January 14 for an afternoon of reminiscing followed by a pot luck supper. St. John’s United Church, 444 Prescott Street, Kemptville is the place, with details to follow as we get closer to the date. St. John's is a fully accessible facility. A warm welcome is extended to all. For details www: Kemptvilleunitedchurch.org or contact 613-258-4526 for this event.

Helping local families one donation at a time

Giant Tiger Kemptville announced its commitment to fighting hunger with a $2,000 gift card donation to Salvation Army Kemptville Client Choice Food Pantry.

“The holiday season is

a particularly busy time of year for the food bank. At Giant Tiger we are committed to making a difference in our communities ensuring that families in need get the support and necessities they require,” says store owner Rick Kingsley. “We are proud

This donation is part of a $35,000 commitment made by Giant Tiger Stores to food banks in various communities across Canada.

L-R; Erin Wong, Director of Community Services, Salvation Army and Rick Kingsley, Giant Tiger Kemptville Store Owner

The Ottawa Valley Male Choir Needs You Now!

by John Baldwin

We are about twenty, not so young men, who just love to sing, And combine all our voices, Tenors, Baritone and Bass, to do our musical thing! Many of us have done this quite well for many a year, And our deep rich harmony has brought joy, to many a listening ear.

We go out and we sing for charity, to Seniors’ homes, churches, Upper Canada Village and all sorts of events,

And have even sung in greenhouses, or under marquee type tents!

We are not professional singers, most can’t pick out, to sing, individual notes, from a scale, But the sound when we listen and then sing, just becomes perfection when we set out, our listeners, to regale.

We sing for the love of it and want this pleasure to continue, Which is why we are making this open appeal, to you. Our very able accompanist, on the piano, is about to retire, And our present director has now finished her planned stint with our choir! So, now we are seeking, for to keep all our voices on the same vector, An able and talented, patient (we are older Guys you know!) and knowledgeable, new musical director!

We also, of course, require a pianist to give us timing and pitch, So that we can continue on together, as a choir, without experiencing a transitory hitch!

We are not just a church choir, who solely religious programs sing, We have a wide repertoire and sing all different genres of musical thing. Folk, pop and opera and some from the shows we do, just show us the score, And we’ll practice and sing it until our sound is just right and once heard you’ll want to call out for more.

If you already are, or are training to be, a musical teacher, or a competent musical reader, Then why not enhance your experience by becoming our director and leader!?

If you are one who loves to play those lovely ivory piano keys, You too would be welcomed, in answer to our pleas. Don’t be shy just give us a call, we don’t, as yet, have our own web-site, We practice in North Gower’s United Church, from 7-9pm each Tuesday night, From Ottawa we are due south on the of Prince of Wales Drive, or the 416, your choice by car, There are members, who travel, from Ottawa, Smiths Falls, and Russell, who don’t think it too far.

If you would like a preview of the things that we do, Then come to one of our practices, or one of our upcoming performances, we’d like to meet you. Thank you from the members of the Ottawa Valley Male Choir. How to reach the OVMC: John Baldwin 613-258-0835. ovmc2018@gmail.com.

Christmas wonder brings winter warmth

by William J. Langenberg

Need a radiant and heartwarming centre-piece during the cold winter days? The magical Poinsettia brings it all to you during the Christmas Holidays. It is not surprising that the poinsettia is the most popular plant during this festive season. Its brightly coloured bracts offer hope, strength, love and peace. They also reduce the Christmas Holiday Stress. The leaves that colour are actually the floral bracts.

The Red Poinsettia is best known around the world as the Christmas Star: why else would it transform its leaves into striking colours such as white, cream, lemon, salmon, pink, purple and red? It’s a Star!

Why the Poinsettia steals the hearts of people at Christmas is explained in the Mexican legend about a poor Mexican girl, Pepita, who could not afford a gift for

baby Jesus at the Christmas Eve service. As Pepita walked slowly to the chapel with her cousin Pedro, her heart was filled with sadness rather than joy. “I am sure, Pepita, that even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes”, said Pedro consolingly.

Not knowing what else to do, Pepita knelt by the roadside and gathered a handful of common weeds, fashioning them into a small bouquet. Looking at the scraggly bunch of weeds, she felt more saddened and embarrassed than ever by the humbleness of her offering. She fought back a tear as she entered the small Mexican village chapel.

As she approached the altar, she remembered Pedro's kind words: "Even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes”. She felt her spirit lift, as she knelt to lay the bouquet at the foot of the

Kemptville & District Home Support

December is almost done and the year is coming to a close, but the Centre is open! For more information on how to get involved in any of our activities, or to volunteer, please call KDHSI at 613-258-3203 or stop by and warm up at 215 Sanders St., Suite 101 in Old Town Kemptville. Make KDHSI the place for active aging! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Thursday, December 21: Foot Care Clinic: By appointment Exercise Class: 9:00-10:00

Friday, December 22: Exercise Class: 11:00 – 12

noon

Monday, December 25: Centre is CLOSED ~ Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, December 26: Centre is CLOSED

Wednesday, December 27: No activities scheduled

Thursday, December 28: Exercise Class: 9:00-10:00

Friday, December 29: Exercise Class: 11:00 – 12

noon

Monday, January 1 2018: Centre is Closed ~ Happy New Year!

Engaging the community - win with the Times

nativity scene. Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into blooms of brilliant red, and all who saw them were certain that they had witnessed a Christmas miracle right before their eyes.

This magical effect of the Poinsettia is best expressed in a well-lit spot in the home, but no direct sunlight. The plant loves regular watering, as long as it is lukewarm. It does not tolerate wet feet, so don’t over water. It does not like cold temperatures, so when transporting outside, keep it well covered and insulated. Do not place a poinsettia near a doorway, heat register, or stove. Mist the plant regularly. The plant does not like sudden temperature changes, it makes the leaves drop. Always remove the foil wrapper to allow the plant to breath. Enjoy the warmth of Christmas with this wonder of Christmas - the Poinsettia.

Mr. Mozzarella offers the best-tasting pizza, pasta, wings & more. It’s the “Home of the Specialty Pizzas”

Prizes will be given away, and to be eligible they must be a subscriber to our web site. We send weekly updates on the most important news and events happening in North Grenville, as well as giveaways and contests like this one! We never spam, share, or sell our list, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Prizes will be announced in the paper, Facebook and on our site on Wednesdays, and will run for a week.

Subscribe today by going to our website at www. ngtimes.ca. Prizes will be given away, and to be eligible they must be a subscriber to our web site. We send weekly updates on the most important news and events happening in North Grenville, as well as giveaways and contests like this one! We never spam, share, or sell our list, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Locally Engaged winners

Marcia Mclelland - Salamanders

Sylvia D. - To Be Continued

Janet McHaffie - Mr Mozzarella

United Way receives $100,000 from Proctor & Gamble

The team at Procter & Gamble presented a cheque for $100,000 to Board Chair Tammy Sokolowski, Cabinet Member Darren Gallacher, and Executive Director Trish Buote last week. This is the final 2017 fundraising contribution to the United Way Leeds & Grenville, for a total of $200,000!

Mutazz Akour, P&G Plant Manager, was very thankful for having such a caring team: “It’s about

the heart of this team”. The campaign at P&G is technician-run, and the dedicated team is all volunteer including many retirees. They contribute through payroll deduction, events, activities, and product sales.

Trish Buote remarked: “What an amazing contribution by an amazing team. There has been so much for this team to digest in 2017, and we are incredibly thankful for

their continued dedication to our community. The money they have raised is critical to support people in need right here in Leeds & Grenville. I am humbled and thankful for them.”

For the month of December, each week we are giving away a $25 dollar gift card from Mr. Mozzarella.

Photo Credit: United Way Leeds & Grenville

Ottawa photographer donates print to HOL

Sandy Sharkey, Ottawa photographer, donated a beautiful print of one of her photos to the House of Lazarus (HOL) in Mountain for fundraising purposes. Sandy posted a picture of the print on Facebook and asked her followers to nominate a charitable recipient of the print, which is valued at nearly $500. The print is of a wild horse on Sable Island in Nova Scotia. Mandy Ayotte nominated the HOL, and the winner was announced on December 12. Sandy dropped the print off at the HOL on December 15. Pictured, from left, Sandy Sharkey, HOL executive director Cathy Ashby, and Catherine Landry. Thanks go out to Sandy for this wonderful donation and to Mandy Ayotte for the nomination!

Submitted photo

KPS holds food drive for Food Bank

The students and staff at Kemptville Public School (KPS) in Kemptville recently held a food drive for the House of Lazarus (HOL) in Mountain. Hundreds of food items were picked up by HOL staff on December 11. Pictured, some of the Grade 3 students at KPS who were instrumental in organizing the food drive. The House of Lazarus were really grateful to all the students and staff at KPS for their wonderful contribution.

Submitted photo

Holy Cross Catholic School

Local girls to skate in Ottawa Senators competition

Two Kemptville girls are getting the chance to play with the Ottawa Senators this holiday season.

Eleven-year-old Brooklyn McNeely and eight-yearold Lily McNeely are two of fourteen other kids who have been selected to take part in the Ottawa Senators skills competition at the Canadian Tire Centre on New Years Eve.

The Senators Junior Skill Challenge is open to Novice, Atom, and Peewee minor hockey teams who are registered with Hockey Eastern Ontario, Ottawa District Womens Hockey Association, or Hockey Outaouais. Both girls play for Kemptville Storm, with Brooklyn

playing at the Peewee level, and Lily playing on the Novice team.

To qualify, Brooklyn and Lily had to compete against other girls and boys of their age in a skills competition at the Canadian Tire Centre earlier this season. “In order to sign up, all you had to do was buy four tickets for one of the games,” says their father, Pat McNeely. “I thought it would be really cool for them to have the opportunity to play on a big rink.”

At the tryouts, the girls were put to the test with challenges that measured their agility, speed, and accuracy on the ice. Brooklyn says her favourite activity was the agility weave, where she had to handle a puck while skating in

between pylons, while Lily preferred the obstacle course. The McNeelys did not expect the girls to make it through the try outs, and when they got the emails that they had both been chosen to skate with the Sens, the whole family was over the moon. “[The girl’s] feet haven’t touched the ground since they got the news,” says their Grandfather, Gary Blake.

The girls will be competing alongside the Ottawa Senators on December 31, either on Team Karlsson or Team Phaneuf. They will have the opportunity to meet the Sens and sit on the same bench as them, as they wait for their turn to skate. Brooklyn says she hopes to get the chance to meet Jean-Gabriel Pageau,

who plays centre, like her. Lily is also hoping to meet her favourite player, Sens Captain, Erik Karlsson.

The whole family is looking forward to what is sure to be a special New Years Eve for all of them. Mother, Terri-Lynn McNeely, says it’s incredible to see her children skating on such a big rink. Brooklyn and Lily also appreciate the fact that they are going to be able to share the experience as sisters, and remember it for years to come. “As Brooklyn has said, it’s a once in a lifetime experience,” Pat says.

by Hilary Thomson

"We repair small engines"

North Grenville receives a grant for Cycling Program

The Municipality of North Grenville is one of 120 municipalities across the Province of Ontario which will receive funding from the province for new bike lanes and other cycling infrastructure.

A statement from the Municipality says that: “The Municipality of North Grenville are recipients of a $75,996 Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling Program grant! We will be doing a Municipality-wide cycling commuter plan as part of the transportation master plan.”

OMCC is supported by proceeds from Ontario’s cap and trade program. The purpose of this program is to provide direct, dedicated, annual funding to Ontario municipalities to support the implementation of commuter cycling infrastructure to encourage people to get out of their cars and onto bikes for their daily commute or other frequent trips.

It is a multi-year program with $93 million available in the first year. Funding for future years will be determined based on availability of cap and trade proceeds. All Ontario municipalities are eligible for annual OMCC funding to support up to 80% of costs associated with their implementation of eligible commuter cycling projects.

The United Counties of Leeds & Grenville received $303,059 under the OMCC Program.

Is social enterprise the key to the future of local food?

by Deron Johnston

Recently, at the Eastern Ontario Local Food Conference in November, there was one breakout session that was of particular interest to this writer. It was a session on “The Role of Social Enterprise in Developing Sustainable Local Food Systems”. It was described as “this panel will profile the importance of social enterprises in building a sustainable local food system by showcasing innovative business models and the impact they create”.

Three specific examples were introduced by a founder, a marketing executive, and an executive director. The first enterprise to be showcased was called Klink Coffee. It was created by the John Howard Society of Toronto, a not-for-profit organization. What’s unique about Klink, explained Mark Kerwin, is that it provides jobs and skills training for people returning from the criminal justice system. These people would normally find it very difficult to find employment with a criminal record. They currently sell their different blends of coffee online, but hope to expand to a café and storefront in 2018.

The second organization featured was the YWCA of Hamilton. Executive Director, Denise Christopherson, told the over-capacity crowd

Expansion of Naloxone to Police and Fire Services

The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care announced last week that the lifesaving drug Naloxone will be made available to police and fire services through the Ontario Naloxone Program. New Ontario data is showing a continued increase in opioid related deaths, of which there were 336 in Ontario from May to July 2017, compared with 201 during the same time period in 2016, representing a 68% increase.

From January to November 2017, in the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark area, there have been 436 emergency room visits related to opioids, compared to 390 in 2016. Naloxone (Narcan) is the drug used to temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. After Naloxone is given, further medical attention is needed in the hospital. First responders, such as firefighters and police, are often first on the scene for medical emergencies, and therefore it will be valuable for first responders to carry Naloxone. The Gananoque Police Service, Brockville Police Service, and Smiths Falls Police Service, as well as the Gananoque Fire Service, had purchased their own Naloxone earlier this year in response to the opioid crisis, and have already been trained by the Health Unit to administer it. The Health Unit will continue to provide training and start to distribute Naloxone to eligible fire and police services as requested. The eligible police and fire services are:

-Any fulltime, composite, or volunteer fire services

-Northern and first nations fire departments

-Municipal Police officers

-First nations constables

-Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)

For more information call the Health Action Line 1-800660-5853 or visit www.healthunit.org/harmreduction. You can also connect with LGL Health Unit on Facebook.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

COUNCIL

Monday, January 8 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Monday, January 15 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre.

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE CHANGES

• Municipal Administration Offices - Closed December 25 thru January 1

• Public Library – Closed December 25, 26 & 30 and January 1

• Waste Transfer Station – Closed December 26, 27 & 28

• Garbage/Recycling Collection – Delayed by a day for the weeks beginning December 25 and January 1

• Facility and Ice Rentals MUST be booked by Friday, December 22. The arena staff will not be taking any new bookings during the office shutdown.

WINTER PARKING RESTRICTIONS

Winter parking restrictions came into effect on November 15 and last through April 15. While restrictions are in effect, parking on Municipal roads is not allowed between 11:00 pm and 8:00 am. A vehicle which is parked in a manner interfering with snow clearing or removal operations may be issued a ticket and/or removed at the owner’s expense.

The Municipality of North Grenville 285 County Rd. 44, PO Box 130, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Tel: 613-258-9569 Fax: 613-258-9620

general@northgrenville.on.ca

Building: 613-258-9569 x130 Fax: 613-258-1441

Fire Services Info: 613-258-9569 x201 Fax: 613-258-1031

By-Law Services: 613-258-9569 x206

Police Administration: 613-258-3441 Animal Control: 613-862-9002 www.NorthGrenville.ca

about turning around a café that was losing money for the YWCA. She outlined how her organization closed the café and opened a catering business called “At The Table”. It quickly became successful, so using the catering proceeds, they renovated and then re-opened the café. They almost exclusively employ women who are staying at the YWCA. The women gain work experience, employment skills, and small business experience, so that they can eventually go out to pursue their own careers, or open their own businesses.

The final presentation was from Brandon Hebor of Ripple Farms Inc., who had a unique process of aquaponics to tell everyone about. They use a metal shipping container filled with water and Tilapia (yes the fish) to somehow provide the energy needed to grow leafy vegetables in a greenhouse on top of the shipping container. It’s a truly remarkable process, and his organization has been asked to make presentations around the world about it. Brandon believes that, by using this process, there would, potentially, no longer be a need to ship produce thousands of kilometres, but instead it can be grown right here on Canadian soil using this system.

Most people are unaware of it, but the Two Rivers Food Hub in Smith’s Falls is a

social enterprise that is managed by Kemptville resident Bruce Enloe. A fine example of the social enterprise model for local food, Two Rivers’ mandate is to support small and medium-sized farmers in and around Lanark, and Leeds and Grenville counties. Two Rivers offers a wide range of facilities and services for

farmers and producers, such as a commercial kitchen for food processing, storage for root vegetables, and wholesale services (where they sell to restaurants and institutions what they buy from local farmers and producers) to name just a few.

With such a successful example as the Two Rivers

Food Hub just down the road, and various other examples of successful and innovative social enterprises, it’s not difficult to imagine the significant impact that they could have in creating, solidifying, or enhancing a thriving local food system. What’s your idea?

Season’s Greetings from George Tackaberry and Family and the Staff of G.Tackaberry & Sons Construction Co. Ltd.

anks for 60 wonderful years.

Looking forward to serving you in 2018

And so this is Christmas...

by David Shanahan

Everyone has a favourite Christmas carol or two. Some are older, religious ones, like “Away in a Manger”, or “Joy to the World”. Others are secular and more recent, like “Silver Bells”, or “White Christmas”. For me, every year, when I think of songs for the season, John Lennon’s “Happy Christmas (War is Over)” is what comes to my mind. I think it’s the question he asks that really speaks to me: “And so this is Christmas, and what have you done?”

I don’t take this as a threat, or a guilt thing: it just makes me think about the year that has passed and wonder what I have done with it. The years are passing more and more quickly now, and there are not as many left to me as there were, so the question becomes ever more relevant. Each of us have to answer it for ourselves, but there is something about this issue of the Times that is so encouraging for me, and, I hope, for you too.

Look at all the reports of people helping people. All of the support being given to the food banks, the service clubs, those working to make sure that as many people (and their pets) as possible have a happy Christmas. In the world in which we live, good news is sometimes hard to find. Cynicism and pessimism often seem the predominant attitudes, and there are too many times when such negativity seems justified.

Whether you are a Christian or not, Christmas is one time of the year when the negativity can be put aside for a few days or weeks. If you can ignore the commercialism and greed, not always easy to do, there is so much positivity around. People smile more, take pleasure in finding the right gifts for loved ones, and look forward to relaxing away from the day-to-day stresses of life. And that can’t be a bad thing, can it?

People like to talk and write about “the true spirit of Christmas”, but I find that not many seem to know what

that is. For Christians, it is easier to define, I suppose. It means that God showed his love for us by being born into human nature and sharing our humanity in order to tell us about himself. More than that, he provided a way for each of us to know him and to discover why we are here, and what the meaning of life really is. That is quite a gift. It always amuses me to think that the birthday of Jesus is celebrated every year by other people receiving gifts. But that is God for you: wise men still seek him.

This is our last issue of the Times before the end of the year. No paper next week, I’m afraid, we’re taking a week off. The next copy will be on January 3, and will be our review of the year issue. That will be quite a job: picking out the main events of 2017, because it has been quite a year. To continue the John Lennon quote: “Another year over, and a new one just begun”. What will 2018 bring? Who could possibly guess, given what we’ve already

been through? There will be a Provincial election in June and a municipal one on October 22. Campaigning for the municipal competition starts on May 1, and promises to be a fascinating contest.

I suppose we can’t escape politics, even in this Christmas season, as the articles and letters relating to the Kemptville College story in this issue can attest. After the municipality’s rather intemperate press release in response to an article in this paper about the business group interested in the project, we had to attend Council last Monday to ask for a formal apology and retraction. But the story of that fun-filled evening can wait until the new year, I think. Why spoil the holiday mood with that nonsense!

“And what have we done?” A good question. We have been through tumultuous times. Fake news. Auditor General reports. Hydro rates. Minimum wage increases promised/threatened. New schools in North Grenville. New stores in Colonnade.

Businesses opening and closing. Buildings built and demolished. All the normal life of a small community going about its daily life. We have fought over issues, grieved over losses, rejoiced over successes, and celebrated festivals and accomplishments. It has ever been thus, and will, no doubt, continue to be so in the year ahead.

I hope and pray that we can continue to do so as a community, caring and compassionate usually, but angry and divided on other things. Because that is what life is, the little, day-by-day triumphs and failures. We sometimes take ourselves too seriously, and take others not seriously enough. Or vice versa, even! But, as year after year, Christmas after Christmas, goes by, maybe we can get some perspective on all of that. One day, we will have forgotten much of what we now find so important. One day, we, too, may be forgotten. So let’s not get too worked up over things and try and relax, at least for a

few days over Christmas. You may not believe it, but God loves you, and time passes. So, on behalf of all of us at the Times, may I wish you all the best and leave you for 2017 with John and Yoko’s words: “And so this is Christmas, I hope you have fun. The near and the dear one, the old and the young. A very Merry Christmas and a happy new year. Let's hope it's a good one, without any fear”. [lyrics © Peermusic Publishing]

Dear Editor:

With interest I am following the conversation about the taking over of the former Kemptville College property and the intentions to turn it into a public business operation.

The enthusiasm on the part of the municipal government, to turn this economic loss to the community into a profitable benefit, is attractive. The steps, some of which have been made public over the last three years, show promising features. Although the initiative by council and staff are commendable, their set-up is deceptive. The mayor's response to Ralph Raina's

proposal demonstrates that.

When a citizen enters into business, he/she takes a huge risk. It takes a marketable idea, concept, product, or service. Add initiative, training, and capital. Add facility, administration, hiring etc. If, for any reason, any of these parts don't add up and the business fails, the owner is the only one to be responsible for the loss.

The mayor, council and the staff are going to run the "college" business at arm's length from municipal responsibility they have been elected and hired to run fulltime. In spite of BDO, the world renowned specialists'

Happy

advice, in case of failure they have already been paid and cannot be found to share the loss.

The arm's length business failure will come back solely to the municipality. Meanwhile, the mayor and council have been replaced, the CAO has moved on; however, the taxpayer is still here. If there is justification for the municipality to run the 'college' business, the least it needs to do is get a community vote of support and confidence. That requires that all the cards come on the table, just as Raina proposes, before we are 'on the hook'.

This is a big project, and

a previous municipal government worked out a public/ private partnership on another local project which is still functioning. It would reduce risk to the public and raise the possibility of success with experienced business people.

In general, governments are not meant to be in business. They are designed to manage public administration in an open society, with the input of those who elected them to the office of governing. Governments support business in the community with seed capital, providing opportunities for training, networking, preparing commercial and industrial land, providing infrastructure, and more.

In summary, the local initiative is to be commended, the set-up as proposed is unworkable, and irresponsible to the taxpayer.

Harmen Boersma

Dear Editor, I was delighted to read your article on Walter Turnbull. What an exceptional person he was, and I was proud to have known him a little! As a young woman working at the Ottawa Public Library, I met Walter, a frequent library patron. He loved engaging people and made me feel, even as a young person, that I had something interesting to say. He loved to brag that he was 83 but still fit. He would run up the stairs to the 2nd floor of the library, turn around, and just beam with pride. When I moved to the Alta Vista Library branch, which was his local library, I got to know him better, and learned how he was a witness to such important historical events. Years later, when I was hired to research a history of the Department of Finance, Walter was one of my most interesting interviews. Finally, these 30 years later, I find out he is just a few minutes from my home. He was a treat to know.

Michèle LeBlanc Oxford Mills

The College: we need to learn from the past

by Bill Gooch

Councillor Bertram's article in this weeks Times takes me back to 2003 when the hot topic of the day was building the Municipal Centre. First let me say the Centre is a great asset to our community and, while I supported the need for this building, I was totally against the financing plan. Deloitte and Touche did an audit of the building plan and were very critical about the financing; our Municipal Treasurer wrote a memo to the CAO of the time, recommending against the plan. However, those who favoured the plan spoke about the building paying for itself, fund raising would be incredible etc etc. In reality, I doubt that fund raising came up with 10% of its objective (as I don't have the records in front of me, I may be a bit off here). The building has never paid for itself, nor will it! While I was mayor, the yearly budget reflected revenues being half the operational costs of the centre, I doubt that this reality has changed.

Mr. Bertram is telling us how wonderful the acquisition of the College will be for us as an economic driver for the community. While it was nice to have the College in the community, I dispute that it was an economic driver. Being an educational

institution, the College paid no property taxes, the majority of the students lived and ate on the campus, so contributed very little to the economy. Retaining the campus as a Municipal property means we won't get any tax revenue from it again - that's thousands of dollars that could be spent on roads etc. As the College is no longer an educational institution, are we getting property taxes from the University of Guelph? If not, why not? This property ownership must be in the private sector.

Mr. Bertram tells us that he would love to tell us the details of the plan, but can't. How has council been brought up to date as the negotiations continued? Were there "in camera" meetings to discuss and make decisions? Were the notice of these meetings made know at council meetings as required by law? Who were the negotiators, all of council, or who? If this deal is completed without an opportunity for the public to consider the financial and operational details, then I hope someone will challenge the process through the OMB. I don't believe that bringing the details forward would damage the plan. If potential partners don't want to make the details public, then that in

itself should be enough to walk away from this investment of OUR money. Are the residents of this community so stupid that they can't analyze a business plan?

Mr. Bertram says that "the rumour mill can invent reasons" to negate the project. That is the same type of insult people used in 2003 to anyone who brought up anything negative about the Municipal Centre. This statement of Mr. Bertram is what took me back to thinking about 2003. As I and others continued to raise negative points about financing and fundraising and utilization of the proposed Municipal Centre, we were called rumour mongers etc. Well, our concerns regarding this wonderful asset have proven justified. By the way, if I remember correctly the financing plan calls for a $1,000,000 balloon payment at the 20 or 25 year mortgage anniversary. Has money been set aside, or will revenue from the College provide it?

An election is coming up next year, Mr. Bertram, and if you want to "stake your reputation as a Councillor" on this project, then delay the final agreement until after the election. The University won't care, and if your private partners do, then they can take a walk.

Dear Editor, Regarding Mayor Gordon's comments in the front page of the Kemptville Advance of December 14, I am compelled to make my final remarks re the campus purchase. Mayor Gordon goes to great lengths to extol the great virtues of BDO Consulting, at great expense to we the tax payers. Firstly, Mayor Gordon and CEO Carré are not business people, or developers, and should not even consider getting involved with the campus. BDO should never have been involved. I quote from the Mayor’s press release: "The Business Feasibility Assessment completed by BDO in 2016 projects that the education and community hub will report a loss for the first three years of operation". Another quotation states: "In conclusion, Gordon reassured that the municipality is working in the best interests of the residents of North Grenville. Again we would respectfully ask for everyone's patience and assure you that we will be transparent and provide disclosure that taxpayers deserve once the agreement of purchase and sale is finalized". If I understand the Municipal Act, both Mayor Gordon and the CEO would be accountable if they chose not to be transparent to us, the tax payers. Why does Mayor Gordon think that it would heroics to let us know what is going on? In conclu-

sion, I would like to take this opportunity to wish a Merry Christmas and prosperity in the New Year to everyone, and hope our council does not burden us with insurmountable taxes for the next many years to come.

Ralph Raina

Holy Cross Catholic School

Local citizens honoured in the Senate

lege, almost without interrupting his athletic career.

by

Two of North Grenville’s most illustrious residents were honoured by the presentation of the Senate of Canada’s 150th Anniversary Medal recently. Gerald Tallman and Dr. Bernie Brennan have been vital members of the North Grenville community all of their lives, and this honour is well-merited. The recipients were nominated by Bob Runciman, retired

Senator, and were presented with their awards by Senator Nancy Green.

According to the official statement by the Senate: “The Senate 150th Anniversary Medal celebrates the achievements of Canadians who have made a significant contribution to their community and commemorates the first sitting of the Canadian Senate on November 9, 1867".

This sums up the careers of both of these gentlemen. Dr. Bernie Brennan has had

an amazing career. Raised and educated in Kemptville, he had an incredibly successful athletic record, and is an inductee in not less than three Sports Halls of Fame. As a hockey player, he won cups and was player of the year in High School and University. He was on the Grey Cup-winning Ottawa Rough Rider team in 1951, and played for the team while working as a vet in Kemptville. He managed to graduate from the Ontario Veterinary Col-

Since retiring from active professional sports in 1951, Bernie has accomplished more than most do in their lifetimes. He went to Saskatchewan in 1952 with the Canadian Department of Agriculture, fighting the hoof and mouth out break. In Illinois in 1952 and 1953 he was a state veterinarian. He opened a large animal clinic in South Mountain in 1953. He worked at Cornell University between 1953 to 1955. Back to Ottawa in 1956, Dr. Brennan opened a small animal vet clinic in Ottawa South. This developed into the Alta Vista Animal Hospital, the largest veterinary practice in Canada.

He has also been Commissioner for the Ontario Provincial Racing Commission, 2002 - 2009; Track Veterinarian from 1955 - 1962; shareholder, Director, and Board member of the Rideau Carleton Raceway. He has volunteered his time coaching high school football and hockey teams in Ottawa, raised funds for clean drinking water in African countries, and advo-

cated for the anti-whipping rule in horse-racing events, now the rule throughout Ontario.

Gerald Tallman is a selfmade entrepreneur who started from humble beginnings but quickly rose to become sole owner of the Kemptville Truck Centre. Today his award-winning company, Tallman Group, is the largest private sector employer and job creator in North Grenville. The company has locations throughout the province and employs more than 500 people, making them the largest international truck dealer in Canada. Gerald is known for sharing his success with his neighbours through job creation and his support of numerous community events and services.

Gerald Tallman has been a gift to our community for many, many years. His generosity and commitment to his community has brought tremendous benefits to the economic, and, most importantly perhaps, the social development of North Grenville. From his early days at a gas station at Rideau and Sanders, Gerald has been part of the Kempt-

ville scene, becoming probably the most successful entrepreneur this area has ever known. The Tallman Group was awarded the 2015 International Trucks North American dealership of the year, and Gerald received the International Trucks Lifetime Achievement award in 2006.

The prestigious award is presented to those dealers whose "consistent record of achievement and humanity throughout the course of their career has clearly provided a role model of excellence while enriching the value of the International brand among their customers and communities". Gerry Tallman has kept his Group based in Kemptville, because, as he once said: “This town has been good to me”. Given the fact that Gerald Tallman is almost always the first person good causes look to for support, we can safely say that he has been good to North Grenville. Congratulations to two great men: your community is proud of you, grateful to you, and celebrates this honour you have received.

David Shanahan

Holy Cross Catholic School

South Branch Public

École élémentaire publique Rivière-Rideau

Wishing everyone a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Howell Electric. We have appreciated your support throughout the year

Penalty free battle between Junior Senators gives 73's win

with penalty-free 60-minute exciting hockey. Thousand flew up the half boards back to MacDonald on the line to Garrett Meyer driving to the net for initial marker.

73's survived the attack to close out with 5 - 4 victory.

Kemptville 73's out-shot Ottawa Junior Senators by only one: 38 to 37, without any infraction.

by the sportsguy Smiths Falls Bears came into the 73's barn on Sunday afternoon prepared for an easy contest to pad their climb up the standings. But our boys, on a roll with a win from their Friday night in Hawkesbury, were ready for a battle and they displayed their true grit with another win of 4-3.

First frame, the Bears were on the attack without opposition from defense when Seale to Brian Bygrave to flip one over Nick Bond’s shoulder. Kemptville countered when the combination of MacDonald and Holthrop found Luke Jefferies to beat Kyle Renaud to end the twenty tied.

Second opened with Kemptville on man advantage. Shankar directed loose puck to Bond ahead to Joel Frazee to rifle it

through the pipes for the tie breaker. Frazee screamed through the neutral zone as Garrett Meyer dumped in the rebound. Alex Dicarlo received a clearing pass to direct it through the pads to put Smiths Falls within one.

Last twenty, with man advantage DiCarlo to Michael Larose for a PPG for a 3-all tie. Conley drove hard up the wing across to Bondy, over to Matthew Titus breaching the goal to give the 73's 4 to 3 win.

Wednesday night’s away game in Nepean against the Raiders proved too much for the 73's who suffered a 6-3 loss. Raiders opened the first when Belisle found Olivier Gauther to beat Nick Bond.

Kemptville countered with Conley and Thousand back to Ben MacDonald on point to rifle it past Liam Souliere for a tie. Former 73's Noah Rowe lifted it between the

posts. Ryan Horvath, with helpers from Buckley and Stagg, to break the tie. Fry up the wing, dropped to Hunter to slam it toward the stopper and Joel Frazee dumped the garbage to close out with a 1-goal deficit.

Gauthier set up Antoine Belisle for Nepean to move ahead by two. Kemptville bounced back when Meyer controlled the half boards over to Matthew Titus to make it a 4 to 3 contest.

The wheels fell off the 73's wagon for the final twenty, as the Raiders capitalized on two unanswered markers. Olivier Gauthier for his second goal of the battle. Horvath teamed up with Stagg to give James Buckley to cap a 6 to 3 win for Raiders.

Fast and furious affair when Kemptville 73's hosted Ottawa Junior Senators for a Friday night challenge

Grant Bondy stole across the middle over the stopper’s shoulder to make it a two zip lead for 73's. Junior Sens answered with Blacksmith finding Nick Lalonde to snipe one through the pipes to spoil Lukenda’s SO. Daskas tape to tape on Jacob Thousand’s stick to slam under the pads of Ottawa stopper for 3 to 1 lead. Guy knocked down a clearing attempt over to Lalonde to Adrien Bisson into the back of the net. Joel Frazee through the middle to launch it for Kemptville go-ahead and chase Jean-Pascal Sabourin to the showers. Last period, Owen Guy assisted by Lalonde with Daniels putting Ottawa within one. Thousand combined with Hunter to launch a missile as Grant Bondy picked up the rebound to drive it home past Nick Campbell. Nick Lalonde capitalized when he picked up a give-away to punch it in. Junior Senators re-directed a shot with a high stick that was called back. Ottawa pulled their stopper at 19:04, but the

This could be the turn-

around our boys finally needed to launch their attack on the standings. Next home game is Wednesday, January, 10, when we battle the Pembroke Lumber Kings ...Hockey with EDGE.

Picture worth a thousand words.....73's Cooper Lukenda stones Senators Pierre Luc Veillette on a break-away during Friday nights' contest

South Branch Elementary School

Ste. Marguerite Bourgeoys, Kemptville

École élémentaire publique Rivière-Rideau

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the STAFF at 43 AutoWorks

SERVICES

TOES IN NEED

Professional, Sterile Advanced Mobile Foot Care Nurse 613 858 4383 toesinneed@bell.net www.toesinneed.ca

SNOW REMOVAL : walkways, stairs, deck, small driveways 613.295.0300 or 613 258.3847

DogWatch Hidden Fences. BigLeash remote trainers. Xmas gifts 613-290-5559

Retired carpenter. I miss working and keeping busy, so looking for work. I am an honest trustworthy and very good at what I do. Renovations, kitchens, bathrooms, home repair. Call George at 613-462-7637

DRUM LESSONS - All ages/ levels. Free trial lesson! Visit: WWW.DRUMHEAD.CA

SEWING: Weddings to alterations, stonehousesewing. com. Call Sharon at 613-2243182, Kemptville.

House cleaner available. Call or text for quote. 613-2822397

SEW BE IT clothing repairs alterations zippers hems 258-0108

Looking for Avon products , please call Joan at 613-2587644

Small backhoe, bush hog and yard work. Call Dan 229-4520.

CFSC & CRFSC Courses & Exams Steve Hoy 1894steve@ gmail.com 613-258-6162

Natural way to deal with Pain Call1-800-361-1351

Improve bloating, reflux and gut discomfort. Nutrition and gut healthwww.Wholesumapproach.com Carol Pillar RHN 613 258 7133

Housecleaning Every mother/ father needs a housewife phone Sandy 613.219.7277

Firearms Safety courses. Non restricted and restricted. Kemptville area, cathyirving@outlook.com

Snowbirds I'll do home security checks while you're away 613-294-0385.

First 10 words are FREE for North Grenville and Merrickville/Wolford Residents. Extra Words: 50 cents a word.

Property clean-up, trees, brush, scrap metal anything removed. Wayne Scott 613286-9072.

SEAMSTRESS - 30+ years of experience, in Merrickville. kimberlymcewanclothingdesign.ca 613-299-8830

Local Author Barbara Avon. Editing Services also available. barb8855@gmail.com

Driveway Sealing Sprayed with quality asphalt oil plus Masonry Services call Keith - 613-258-2135

PROFESSIONAL PAINTER

Commercial & Residential 613.276.4583 Kemptville area

Complete Home Property Clean up: house cleaning, dump runs, etc. Call Al’s Clean up services 613.258.3847 613.295.0300

The Plumb”Mur ” Plus Bathroom PLUS more. Murray 613.519.5274 nmmuir@gmail.com

Rural Home Care servicesAffordable, professional & experienced care for your loved one. 613.868.0356

HANDY MAN specializing in renovations & house staging. We do it all CALL 613.294.2416

Goodnight Bed Company Supporting your well-being with genuine sleep solutions. 613 258 2902.

You Name It, I Can Sew It. Call Rhonda at 258-5248

Rock My House music lessons in fiddle, piano, drums and more. 613 258 5656.

FOR RENT

Feb 1, 2 bedroom, 4 appliance, apartment, downtown, waterfront. $1150 + utilities. 613-258-0237.

Furnished room in a shared house for rent, $700/mth in Oxford Mills. Call 613 294 7420

KEMPTVILLE LARGE TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT, $1125.00 PLUS UTILITIES 613-220-5014

COMMERCIAL 2 BAYS GARAGES + OFFICE SPACE. AVAILABLE DEC. 1. 613-794-3551

FOR SALE

Firewood Hardwood $95/cord Joseph 343.262.1979

96 Wine bottle storage rack $75, floor corker $30, 60 bottle drying tree $20. 613769-4995

Highland ground beef for sale. Locally raised 613 2692439 Stpierrey@rogers.com

2 rain barrels $100 215-0665 Andy kemptville

Inglis full size clothes dryer. $200. OBO. 613-258-4522

4 winter tires, used one winter, 225/65R16 100T. $425.00 613-713-9374

BRAND NEW - Never used. Four 245/65R17 Tires Motor Master Total terain on Ford Explorer OEM Rims with sensors Balanced/ready to install $700 firm 613-2150385

FORD EXPLORER REAR LIFTGATE window Fits 2002 - 2006 Models Complete with parts & harness No rust/like new $110 (firm) 613-2150385

For Sale: Great Unique Christmas Gift. Italian - Made White Pearl Accordion.Abco Master. In good condition. Needs strap replaced. 16 "Keyboard. Down from $500 to $300. Call: 613 558-3399

SNOWBLOWER Yardworks 10.5 hp 29” $700.00 Call 613-258-2119

Kenmore Fridge, clean,good condition, $150 firm, call 613-258-7707

Dry and wrapped round bales of hay suitable for cattle. Jon 613-227-3650

Nexen WinGuard SUV225/65R17 4 Winters $95/tire. Joseph 343.262.1979

Antique Massey Harris 13 row, grass and grain seeder for sale. Seeder is in working order. Call 613-269-4415.

1 yr old Good Year tires 185/60 R15 needing a good home for the winter. $150.00 for set. Please contact RJ at 613-282-4868

1 new Nordic & rim 225/75/15 . $75.00. 613 258 6254

25 yr old Napoleon fireplace and 27 ft of insulated chimney. Fireplace needs welding. $500 obo 6132587425

Stack of newspapers 18261976, 1901 Eatons catalogue $90.00 613-269-3384 evenings mink stole $85.00 613269 -3384 evenings

Indoor RV, boat storage. Reasonable rates. Call Jon 613227-3650.

New Beautiful-tone drywall primer sealer 18.9 liters $50.00. 613 269-3386

For sale: Craftsman12hp snowblower $250.00. Phone 613-258-4005

Household furniture by appointment, dealers welcome, call 613 269 4759

2014 Yamaha ATV excellent condition $9,000 613.258.4867

Firewood: hardwood. $90 a face cord, delivered. 613-258-4416 or 613-913-8480(cell).

Filter, UV, 58mm, new 5.00 ve3mhm@sympatico.ca

Infant Car seat Used once $50 or best offer 613.258.8820

Mixed hardwood firewood. $100 per cord delivered. Charlie 9892768.

Firewood: dry softwood(pine) 59/cord hardwood(ash) $95/cord pickup 613 269 3836

Mixed hardwood firewood, $100 a cord delivered. Jon 227-3650

FIrewood Hardwood $100/cord delivered. Softwood $75 Call Peter 613-913-0810.

Dry seasoned firewood. Split and delivered. Call: Wayne Scott 613-286-9072

WANTED

Co-pilot with pilots licence. phone 613-258-2958

Looking to harvest cedar trees from 3 ft high and + off acreage. (613)799-0958

SINGLE WOMAN looking to share my residence & expenses in Kemptville with mature Lady or Ladies. Please call my rep. 613.258.2142

Looking for a roommate to share a house in Merrickville. $550 inclusive per month. References required. Contact Meredith at (613)323-0162 or meredithgowling@gmail. com

Wanted 2 or 3 bedroom apartment on one floor, Kemptville 613.258.0964

WANTED TO BUY Ducks-Muscovy also Massey Harris Tractor 613301-1747

Senior needs old car batteries for making weights. Call 613 258 6254.

NOW HIRING: Engineers

Technologists Machinists Mechanics Please submit resumes via email to: info@compendiumgroup.com

Looking to rent farmland for 2018 crop year. Call or text 613-262-1204

MISSING

Necklace with heart and pendant cubic zirconia, sentimental value. Reward. 613-258-1968

CLASSIFIEDS:

First 10 words free if submitted by email. Extra word 50 cents, photo $10, border $2, shading $5. Submit to production@ngtimes.ca. Email must include name, address and phone #. Must be related to North Grenville/ Merrickville

CROSSWORD

DOWN

1. Killed 2. Grotto

3. Dogfish

4. A jaunty rhythm

5. Cocoyam

6. Office worker

7. Test

8. Opera star

9. Latter part of the day

10. Rock gunnel 11. Mistake 12. Slumber

13. Sounds of disapproval 21. L 25. Tiny 26. Hack 27. Indian music 28. Not odd 29. Gar 30. A drama set to music 31. Back talk 33. Appear

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Dec 14 Youngsters of Yore, 1:30 pm, Library Program Room. Christmas Party.

Dec 25 CHRISTMAS DAY COMMUNITY DINNER, St. John's United Church, Noon until 2 pm Turkey or Ham with all the trimmings

Dec 28 Children’s Fun Fest, NG Library Tallman Room, 10 am. Admission is free, nonperishable food items for the Salvation Army welcomed.

Weekly and recurring events

Mon Kemptville Quilters Guild, 2nd Mon./mth at the Kemptville Pentecostal Church, 1964 County Road 43, 7 pm. New members welcome.

Kemptville Cancer Support Group, 3rd Mon/mth, St. John’s United Church, Prescott St., 2 pm. All welcome. For info call Ellen Vibert-Miller at 613-258-7778. Modern square dance club, Grenville Gremlins,7:30-10 pm, NG Municipal Centre Newcomer Bridge-St John's United Church 12:15pm. Cost $5.00 All levels welcome. No partner needed. Info 613-915-1464 or 613-806-4495

Tues BNI Networking Group Breakfast , Grenville Mutual Insurance Building, 380 Colonnade Dr, 7- 8:30 am. Info: 613 -918-0430.

Euchre at Kemptville Snowmobile Clubhouse, 1505 O'Neill Road. 7:30 pm start. $5.00 each. 3rd Tues/mth.

Bridge St. John’s United Church, 12:15 pm. Cost $ 5. All levels of bridge players welcome. Info, call 613-915-1464 or 613-806-4495

The Branch Artisans Guild, North Grenville Community Church, 2659 Concession Street every 3rd Tue/mth, 7 pm. New members welcomed!

Wed NG Photography Club - 1st Wed./mth, 7-9 pm, at the Grenville Mutual Insurance, 380 Colonnade Drive. See ngphotoclub.ca for info

Klub 67 Euchre every 2nd & 4th Wed/mth, 1:15 pm, St. John's United Church. Everyone welcome $5.00.

Bingo- 1st & 3rd Wed/mth., Kemptville Legion, 1 pm. All welcome. Refreshments available.

New Horizon Club: Meetings held at the Burritt`s Rapids Community Hall.. All adults 55 plus welcome to join. For info re programs and membership call Janet 613-269-2737.

Probus Club of North Grenville, 3rd Wed./mth. Everyone is welcome to join us at 9:30 am at St Paul's Presbyterian Church Hall for fellowship.

Holy Cross Church monthly suppers, 1st Wed/mth. Adults $8, Children $5. All are welcomed.

Thurs Bridge - St. John’s United Church, 6:15 pm. Cost $5. All levels of bridge players welcome. For more info, call 613-915-1464 or 613-896-4495

North Grenville Toastmasters - Meeting 1st & 3rd Thurs/mth., 7 pm at O’Farrell’s Financial Services, Cty Rd 44. Info, call 258 -7665.

NGPL Science and Technology Group meetings are held the 1st/Thurs/mth, 7 -9 pm in the program room at the Library.

Fri Friendship Lunch held at St. John's United Church. Lunch is served at 11:30, donations accepted but not expected. Everyone welcome

Twice The Fun Games (200 Sanders St. Unit 103) Game Night, 2nd and 4th Fri/mth, 6-10 pm. Bring your favourite game or borrow one from their library.

Sat Kemptville Legion breakfast, 8 - 10 am 3rd Sat/mth, 100 Reuben Crescent. Adults $5. Children under 12 $3. All welcome.

Euchre Tournament, 3rd Sat/mth. Registration 12-12:30pm. Cost $10.00 Games start 12:30 pm at the Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben Crescent, Refreshments available. Everyone Welcome.

Sun Twice The Fun Games (200 Sanders St. Unit 103) “Organized Play” and "Learn to Play" events, 1-4 pm . No experience needed.

M,W,F Kemptville and Area Walking Group meet at Municipal Centre at 8 am. All welcome.

Solution to last week’s Crossword

The Voice of Merrickville/Wolford

Christmas in Merrickville 2017

every year. Unfortunately, we did run out, due to higher than anticipated crowds. All of these foods are donated by companies and, without them, our fire barrels would not be as successful as they are. Our Chili Tent was, once again, very successful: thank you to all of the participants who took the time to make chili. The 2017 winner was Nana B’s.

many occasions during the day, “Where do the donations go?” I was happy to advise them that the financial donations collected from the Silent Auction and donation bins would be directed to local charities. CiM has chosen the following local charities for their 2017 donations: Beth Donovan Hospice, Interval House, A Chance Animal Rescue, and the Merrickville Food Bank.

by Mark Scullino, 2017 Coordinator

Christmas in Merrickville

2017 was held on Saturday, December 2 and was an unprecedented success. On behalf of the Christmas in Merrickville Coordinating Committee and all of its volunteers, I wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to all the local business/merchants, Village, Fire Fighters, Service Groups who helped make it one of Merrickville’s most popular events!

The day started out with Breakfast with Santa, hosted by the Legion, where over 350 guests were served a hearty breakfast. Ron, Larry, and their teams of horses from Precious Moments Carriages, toured visitors throughout the Village for the entire event.

The weather, once again, cooperated this year and the crowds came out in record numbers for the annual Merrickville Fire Department’s

Christmas Parade and Boot Drive. After the parade, children of all ages were entertained by Diego the Magician, our sax player Rob Barclay, strolling carollers, and the friendly animals of the Vanderlaan Barnyard Zoo. Polly Beach entertained quite a crowd with a Juice Jam at the Library, and many faces were painted up by our friendly clown at the Community Centre.

The Merrickville Day Nursery School coordinated another successful Cookie Walk & Weigh, where a variety of cookies and treats could be purchased. Thanks to Margo for creating a beautiful woodland scene for Santa to receive visitors and chat with children after the parade. Firefighters treated the kids to free hot chocolate and hot dogs as well.

The afternoon began with Santa and Mrs. Claus, who took time from their busy

schedule to spend the day in Merrickville and pose for photos. From 9 am to 9 pm, visitors could participate in bidding on a variety of Silent Auction items. These events are made possible through generous donations from our local merchants and businesses. A special thank you to the Merrickville Lions Club for their support and for organizing the Christmas Hamper/Build a Mountain of Food Drives and providing hot apple cider.

The fire barrels burned from 1 pm to 7:30 pm and provided visitors with warmth from the cold, a cup of hot chocolate, and hotdogs and marshmallows to roast over the open fires. CiM gave out more than 1,100 hot dogs, 30 bags of marshmallow, and more than 40 pounds of hot chocolate. A special thank you to Weston Foods, who donated all of the hot dog buns for CiM, as they do

Girls Inc. get artistic support

A big thank you to our community supporters, artist Bob Shackles and Hang Ups, for their generous donation from the Red Muskoka Chair project enabling us to empower girls to be Strong, Smart, & Bold!

Pictured here with a $1,354.75 cheque are Jess Barabash, Jess McMahon, Anne Barabash, Bob Shackles, Lesley Hubbard & Kim Fenn.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony began at 5 pm in Blockhouse Park, where the lights were lit and get more beautiful each year. Thanks to Marc Bergeron and his team for adding to the magic of the evening by projected lights and images in the downtown core. The Mountain of Food will once again be taking place on the same day as Christmas in Merrickville in 2018.

I was asked by visitors on

On a personal note, I am stepping down after two years of co-ordinating this event. It has been a wonderful experience. I would like to thank all of the committee members, who put many hours, prior to, and on the day of the event. Also, to our volunteers and sponsors, thank you so much in helping us make this event a successful one.

Christmas in Merrickville has been a long-standing and

much anticipated event for the Village for over 25 years. The number and variety of activities has grown over the years, as has the attendance. It is important for the merchants, service groups, and village population to continue to be involved year after year for this event to grow and thrive. Christmas in Merrickville is a volunteer driven event. If you would like to participate, or would like to make suggestions for next year, please do not hesitate to send a message to the Christmas in Merrickville Facebook page, or to our website.

On behalf of the Christmas in Merrickville Coordinating Team, thank you Merrickville-Wolford for your support! Remember to follow us on our website and Facebook page.

Victor Suthren: Heritage in the Community

by David Shanahan

The Times sat down for a coffee with Councillor

Victor Suthren last week, and we talked about how his background as an historian and author are brought to bear on his work on the Merrickville-Wolford Council. Victor had a long career before arriving in the Village. He was Director General of the Canadian War Museum from 1986 until 1997, when he left and he was appointed an Honorary Captain in the Royal Canadian Navy from 1997 until 2014, with responsibility for promoting a wider appreciation for Canadian naval history in the public sphere. On top of all that, Victor has had thirteen books published, many of historical fiction, of which the latest is set to be released next year. So, how had a man with this background found himself in Merrickville, serving his second term on the municipal Council?

“I always wanted to be a writer full time, and we’d

been aware of Merrickville for a long time. It had a lot to offer: water you could reach the sea on, lots of historicity, a thriving artistic and cultural community. Oddly enough, the first time I came to Merrickville was in 1967 when I was in the Fort Henry Guard in Kingston, and we came and did a parade here when they reopened the Blockhouse after it had been restored. We shot muskets out of the slits and choked on the smoke and all that; and I remember thinking what a tremendous number of old homes there were here. All the streets were gravel then, except for St. Lawrence. I remembered the place and it seemed like a natural progression. My wife, Lindsay, is an artist, and this is such a vibrant community that it really attracted both of us.”

Victor’s time at the Museum and in the Navy had involved organising many public events, designed to promote Canadian history and bring it to the Canadian public. He believes he could do a similar job here in Merrickville-Wolford. “I realised that there is such a rich heritage here, and so many already protecting it, that I thought, if I could get on Council, I thought I might be able to add my experience from Federal Heritage activity to keeping what we have and still prudently advancing. I’d love to see the historical side of this town enhanced and to celebrate it a lot more.”

The idea that heritage and history are an elitist occupation is one that Victor has spent his entire career refuting. He believes that both the business community and the municipal council are very alive to the economic development aspect of heritage.

“I think there’s a fairly strong awareness, both on the part of the Chamber of Commerce, the business people in the town, and also the Council [that heritage is an economic development issue]. The Deputy Mayor, Anne Barr, is very strong on heritage, and there’s a lot of very well-informed people on Council who recognise its value. But they’d also like it to be a vibrant, working community. But we all see it as a marketable resource, not an elitist thing that gets in the way. Not at all.”

The key, he feels, is to learn from other towns, such as Perth and Niagara-on-theLake, to integrate heritage with the day-to-day economic and social life of the community. He is strongly of the opinion that this approach would make Merrickville a destination spot, especially given the heritage character of so much of the Village’s buildings and streetscape.

“With a bit of imagination, and without interfering too much with traffic flow and all that, you could stage events every now and then that would really transform the village into a Dickensian dream. As long as we don’t get the shrink-wrapped Dis-

neyland, I still hope we can do more of that. I think it would be important for the future of the place. I keep wondering: what if some weekend we only had horse-drawn vehicles, and we scattered sand on the roads, and encouraged people to wear period dress. You could have period music playing in the park: you could almost have an Anne of Green Gables feel, just for an afternoon. That could spin off into economic pursuits, shopping in the stores, staying at the B&B’s, and so on.

I think there’s a lot of realisation in the town that heritage is dollars and cents: heritage is prosperity. If we can only hold to that heritage side of things, it can only be for the good.”

He was encouraged by something that happened at a Council meeting once, showing the depth of history that exists in the area. “There were some people in the Gallery, and, in a light-hearted moment, I mentioned that Merrickville used to have its own Militia: No. 4 Company, Leeds and Grenville Militia was formed here. Other places, like Kemptville, Almonte, had Infantry companies, who wore red coats; but Merrickville had a Rifle Company, who wore green coats, and they were so proud of this. And I had a photograph of one of these Riflemen taken around 1865, when the regiment was formed, and I passed it around. And you could hear the stirring in the

Merrickville Fire Fighters Association donation to

Lions Club

gallery. People don’t realise that in the old Town Hall there was Drill Hall, and the Merrickville Rifles used to drill there and were called out to the Fenian Raids.”

One of the keys is to find the grants that could make this happen: “Enhance the heritage and make it pay. His-

tory is part of us, this is where we came from. I did a lot of event organisation with the Museum, and later with the Navy, and it’s doable if you can just get the cash.”

Council cancels meeting

by Hilary Thomson

Council voted to cancel most of the last council meeting, because too many of them were sick. Deputy Mayor Anne Barr and Councillor Victor Suthren each sent their regrets and were not in attendance at the meeting. Mayor David Nash was present at the beginning of the meeting, but announced that he would be leaving once anything pressing had been discussed. Even though they had quorum, many did not feel comfortable going ahead with the meeting, specifically since an item on the Agenda was budget discussions, with so much of council being absent.

It was the Mayor’s recommendation that they discuss the budget briefly, and hear a report regarding the Police Services Board, and one about future remuneration for Mayor and Council, about all of which the Mayor had comments to make. The Police Services Board report recommends that the Board meet quarterly, rather than monthly, as per the requirements of the Police Services Act. They wished to save time for staff, and money for the municipality. The report regarding council remuneration suggests that the method by which Mayor and Council is paid be changed, with a base rate given, plus another $50 for every council meeting they

attend. Should they attend all meetings, their honorarium would remain the same. It was also suggested that the rate of pay be raised by 2%, to take into consideration the rise in the cost of living. This would leave the Mayor’s honorarium at $12,635.84, with Councillors being paid $9,627.24 each in 2018.

In the end, it was decided that council would only address the in-camera business, and leave the rest, including the discussion about the 2018 operating budget, to another meeting. CAO John Regan says that cancelling most of the meeting means that there will likely be a delay in finalizing the budget. He says staff will continue to work on streamlining the budget, looking for efficiencies and savings, while waiting for further direction from council. Council did meet on Monday, December 18, at a meeting called specifically to continue budget discussions. This meeting was already on the calendar before the previous week’s meeting was cancelled.

It is possible that council will call an extra meeting sometime between now and the next regular council meeting on January 8, to make up for lost time. John says that if a special meeting is not called, the meeting on January 8 will be very heavy, as the budget will be on the agenda, as well as what was not discussed at last week’s meeting.

On Tuesday, December 12, the Merrickville Fire Fighters Association presented the Merrickville Lions Club with a cheque for $1,213, money collected through the Boot Drive at Christmas in Merrickville. The Fire Fighters Association would like to than everyone who donated cash or a toy.

Chris Hansen, Don Driscoll and Steve Templeton of the Merrickville Fire Fighters Association hand the cheque over to Lions Club members Ted Purvis, Chairman of Christmas Food Hampers, Past President Rod Fournier, President Gerry Seguin, Raymond Silvester, Grant Birtch and Don Ramsay.

Ste. Marguerite Bourgeoys, Merrickville

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Pets get gifts too this Christmas

Steve Clarke, owner of Pet Valu in Kemptville, has joined with Lorna Mitchell of Purrs and Paws Pet Sitting to make sure that some pets will not go without this Christmas season. Yes, while everyone else thinks of children, Steve and Lorna remember the animals they do so much to take care of throughout the year.

A few weeks ago, the duo approached the social service groups in North Grenville to see if there were any families or individuals who could use some support in taking care of their pets. As a result, Pet Valu and Purrs and Paws Pet Sitting are donating seven gift hampers, loaded with food, treats and toys for cats and dogs. The hampers will be going to four seniors and three families in the North Grenville area. Pictured are Steven Clarke, Owner Pet Value, and Rhonda Sears with the seven baskets that were put together for family pets. Happy Christmas to them!

A big thanks from Big Brothers Big Sisters

Leanne Trimble, Director of Strategic Initiatives for Big Brothers Big Sisters, has been brought to tears once again by the endless support that our community continually shows to our organization, as well as to the children in our community . Throughout North Grenville, Big Brothers Big Sisters has placed Giving Christmas trees in different locations to help support children in our local community. Through your generous donations, so many children will have an extra special Christmas this year. We would like to say thank you the TD Bank Kemptville, Scotia Bank Kemptville, CIBC Kemptville, Royal Bank Kemptville, North Grenville Municipal Centre, and École élémentaire publique Rivière Rideau for supporting us this year. The BBBS elves will be busy distributing these gifts to all the urban and rural schools in our municipality. Thank you again everyone, and Merry Christmas.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville is always looking for volunteers to help in the following ways: in school mentors, skill mentor, teaching children a skill, traditional big brother or big sister. If you have the availability of an hour or two a week, or month, we would love to hear from you. Contact Leanne.trimble@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

World Hope receives grant to help pregnant women in Sierra Leone

by David Shanahan

A relief and development organisation based in North Grenville has received a $100,000 grant to help pregnant women in Sierra Leone test for urinary tract infections, which can spread to the kidney and bloodstream and can cause premature labour, slow intra-uterine growth, low birth weight or spontaneous abortion.

The grant comes from Grand Challenges Canada, an investment organisation funded by the Government of Canada and other partners. According to their website, it is one of the largest impactfirst investors in Canada, and has supported a pipeline of over 800 innovations in more than 80 countries. Grand Challenges Canada estimates that these innovations have the potential to save up to 1 million lives and improve up to 28 million lives by 2030.

On December 18, Grand Challenges Canada awarded $2.7 million in funding to 18

projects empowering some of the world’s most vulnerable women and girls. Among them is the World Hope International initiative.

In collaboration with Lehigh University, World Hope International will develop and study different distribution methods for the Ukweli Test Strip, a low-cost test for urinary tract infections (UTIs), in rural areas of Sierra Leone, where women currently lack an affordable tool for screening UTIs. The research will focus on finding the best entry point for test strips into the existing healthcare system to treat women quickly and decrease the risk of early labour.

Pregnant women are vulnerable to UTIs, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where 30-50 percent of pregnant women will contract a UTI. UTIs often go undiagnosed because of barriers to testing, including cost, accessibility and social stigma. The project will partner with local hospitals, clinics, and Community Health Workers in several communities to

conduct screening and referral for treatment.

Dr. Peter A. Singer, Chief Executive Officer of Grand Challenges Canada, pointed out the importance of these grants in bringing essential services to many thousands of women and girls around the developing world: “The conditions facing women and girls in low- and middle-income countries almost defy belief but constitute daily reality for millions.

Grand Challenges Canada is proud to work with the Government of Canada to enable innovators with bold new ideas to test concepts that may hold the key to a better life for women and girls worldwide, and to scale-up the innovative approaches to empowering women and girls that are already showing promising results.”

The grant to World Hope International is a testament to the work they have been doing in many countries, a magnificent achievement for this Kemptville-based organisation.

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Junior and senior kindergarten students from Ecole Publique Riviere Rideau enjoyed dressing up for Medieval Day at school. The students also fabricated a castle and horses from recycled materials.