December 11th, 2013, #54

till s s teer or n u l Vo eded f aign ne mp a C tle Ket www.ngtimes.ca

the north grenville

TIMES

Vol. 1, No. 54

The Voice of North Grenville

Dec 11, 2013

Salvation Army campaign progresses

Lions Club Christmas Tree Sale

Sue Barnes, Judy Littau, Erin (Sally Ann), Carole Perkins, Sheila Pratt Back Row - left to right Bill Wilson, Anita Maloney, Annie Blaine, Calvin (Sally Ann), Allen MacEachern The local detachment of the O.P.P put on their Sixth Annual Christmas Charity Barbeque on behalf of the Salvation Army last week and everyone concerned declared it a great success! A total of $1,215.50 in cash was raised, and two vehicles full of food and toys were donated. All the proceeds went to the Salvation Army Christmas Campaign.

The event would not have been such a success without the generous support of our community and local businesses. Special thanks to our sponsors Royal LePage – Gale Real Estate, Country Style Coffee, W.O. Stinson & Sons, B & H Your Community Grocer and Jonsson’s

Independent Grocer. Thanks also to Wayne Cavanagh from Jack FM for the entertainment and good cheer.

The next O.P.P. Charity Barbeque is July 3rd, 2014.

Jack FM were not the only radio team out to raise money for the cause. Star FM had a Radiothon last Friday, and raised over $1,300. It was a 12 hour radiothon and had a variety of individuals on air talking about their experiences with The Salvation Army.

Erin Wong, of the Salvation Army commented: “We so appreciate their efforts and the contribution towards the campaign that had an excellent result”.

Among those who went on the airwaves to talk about

their experiences of the Salvation Army work in North Grenville was Cheryl Young, a nurse at the Kemptville Hospital, Wayne Lynch, Chair of the Salvation Army Advisory Council, and Charly Stewart, the Fill-A-Bag Coordinator from the North Grenville Community Church, who partners with The Salvation Army to collect non-perishable food items for our food bank and Christmas Baskets.

Catherine Woolham works with the Angel Tree Toy Drive, and she highlighted the generosity of the community, and the lengths people have gone to, to make a child's wish come true. Calvin and Erin Wong spoke about their work in North Grenville for

the Salvation Army. This is their first Christmas in their new position, and encouraged listeners who are struggling to make ends meet this Christmas to contact the Army for Christmas Assistance like the Toy Drive or Food Baskets. They also invited more people to come out and volunteer at the Kettles over the next couple of weeks. Mayor David Gordon was another participant, who encouraged all residents to support the Salvation Army.

With this level of community support, we all hope this year will see no-one in North Grenville going without for the Christmas season.

Support the Salvation Army in any way you can.

Craig Pollard Certified in Personal Training, Certified Nutrition in Sport & Performance

Call for a Free Consultation Lose Fat Get Strong Live Healthier

613.715.2425 www.AFitter.Me

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Lasting Legacy - Looking for a last minute Christmas gift?

The Lasting Legacy

The Lasting Legacy

1912 - 2011

2011 -

The North Grenville Public Library

Why not drop by the North Grenville Public Library and pick up a copy of Lasting Legacy?

Lasting Legacy was a unique fundraising project, spearheaded by Bill and Jean Kilfoyle that grew out of the library's highly successful Room to Read Campaign. The idea behind Lasting Legacy was to reach out to former North Grenville residents, business people and school mates and ask them if they would consider a donation in memory of a friend or family member.

Along with a cheque, Bill and Jean asked donors for a few memories and a photo that would allow them to put a face to the name. These memories and photos have been collected in a book, Lasting Legacy.

Copies of Lasting Legacy can be purchased for $20 from any branch of the North Grenville Public Library. Payment can be made either by cash or cheque, payable to the North Grenville Public Library. To ensure that Lasting Legacy is more that just a title, all profits from the sale of this book will go to support teen programming at the North Grenville Library.

For more information please call the library at 613-258-4711

SPECIALIZING IN NEW RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PLUMBING

PLUMBING • SERVICE • NEW CONSTRUCTION • PROJECT MANAGEMENT

613-258-7787 www.copperwoodgc.ca info@copperwoodgc.ca Kemptville

photo by Marguerite Boyer Allan Hansen of Hansen’s Garden Ornaments won a half page ad with the NG Times during our Christmas Special.

I had the opportunity to visit him with the news and to take time to glance around the area. It’s a real treat going to visit his shop, even in the winter. There are armies of statues just waiting for someone like you to give them a home in your own garden. This time of year, he also provides gift certificates for Christmas, for that special person who loves gardening and everything that goes with it: fountains, planters, benches, etc. The selection and variety is amazing.

Make sure you drop in before Christmas! He is open every weekend until then.

The garden studio is located 1KM east of Highway 416 at 4027 Highway 43, Kemptville.

For Advertising rates please contact Peter at peter@ngtimes.ca or call 613 - 989- 2850

Dec. 11, 2013

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Bayfield Manor gets the Christmas season underway with Annual Craft and Bake Sale Bayfield Manor Retirement and Nursing Home held their annual Christmas Craft and Bake Sale on Saturday, December 7. Residents and the public were able to do much of their pre-Christmas shopping.

A great variety of crafts and baked goods were available; everything from pickles, jams and treats to quilts, candles and art. The residents of the Nursing Home were also able to display the art work they have been doing once a week with Maggie Boyer and her volunteers. Also on display was Carol Pilar’s artwork, daughter of a resident at the Manor.

Joanne would like to thank all the volunteers, family members, contributors and the public who helped make this event such a success and wonderful day for the residents.

Erick Le Pors

STRESS FREE ENTERTAINING

613-860-2539

Catering For All Occassions www.dialachef.ca

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Joanne Schonauer, activities co-coordinator, with volunteer helper Maureen Harrison

Lions Club Christmas Tree Sale The Lions Club is back and offering Christmas Trees for sale. Christmas Tree Sales definitely rank as one of our most treasured events, and we appreciate the support of the community as they buy our trees, freshly-cut every day, so you know they’ll last the Season. At only $30 each, with all proceeds going back into the North Grenville community, this is a wonderful way to support your neighbours and find the perfect Christmas tree for you and your family to enjoy.

We will be selling Trees at the Ferguson Forest Centre, just off of County Road 44 and just north of the Municipal Complex. We'll be open every day from December 3rd to the 23rd. Our hours will be posted at the gate but expect us there from about

Dec 11, 2013

noon to around 4 p.m. Don't forget, the dollars which you spend on a Christmas Tree from the Lions goes right back into supporting various groups and individuals. We contribute to local, regional and international initiatives. Some of these, to name a few, are Camp Quality, a camp for cancer kids, CHEO, and Camp Dorset, a camp for folks going through dialysis treatments.

Please help us to continue the important work we do. We would be happy to share a smile and a "Merry Christmas" greeting with you.

And don't forget, we would also love for you to consider joining the Lions Club of Kemptville. We have fun and do great work! Your inspiration and energy would be welcome.

Merry Christmas!

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The Voice of North Grenville

Into the last lap

by David Shanahan It may be difficult to grasp, but this time next year we will have elected a mayor and Council to “run” our municipality for the following four years. And make no mistake: this election is going to be really unusual.

As it stands, we still have four Councilors and one Mayor, the smallest number we are allowed under provincial law. This means, of course, that we have about a quarter of the elected representatives that used to be needed to run Oxford-on-Rideau, South Gower and Kemptville before 1998. The fastest growing municipality in Ontario (copyright NG Council and staff) is still getting along with the fewest politicians we can possibly manage.

This may be considered a good thing. After all, perhaps the only thing worse than five politicians would be six or seven of them. On the other hand, when you look at the

record of Council over the past three years, one wonders if the odds on good government might be better if we had more to choose from.

I should say “the past six years”, as this Council have been with us now for that long. Only David Gordon is in his first term, and that may be his saving grace. I have been desperately trying to think of a single important initiative taken by any one of the members of Council in six years, and I honestly cannot think of one. There were all kinds of assurances in the last election that we would see a more transparent, more open, more consultative Council, listening to the people and anxious and willing to respond to their concerns and suggestions.

What did we get?

The regulations that stop the public having any time to raise issues at full Council meetings remain unchanged.

In fact, if anything, things are worse than they were three years ago. Since then,

planning and zoning applications, which have to include a Public Meeting as part of the process, have been moved to Committee of the Whole meetings. This, it was argued, would be less intimidating for the public, unused to as they were to speaking at a table with a microphone in the Municipal Theatre. Instead, COW meetings were held in a smaller room, without amplification. Do you know what else those meetings do not have? Cameras, recordings, COGECO on hand to permanently capture what is said and done at these “Public” meetings. To add to the fun, the meetings of COW where there is a Public Meeting included, are now often moved to the Theatre where the public have to sit at a table and speak into a microphone. So, the point of moving Public Meetings on zoning applications was... what, exactly?

What else has been achieved in six years? Don’t rush me, I’m thinking... No,

let’s wait and spread out the good news over the coming year. We want it all to be nice and fresh in the memory next October. For now, let’s think about what we may face then. As it stands at the moment, it looks like Councillors Finnerty and Butler will be retiring after this term. Barb Tobin seems to be already running for Mayor, the signs are there for all to see and hear. Tim Sutton has been quietly sounding out opinion on a run for the same job, and that is something we have to wait and see about.

David Gordon is going to run again, so that could produce a very unusual scenario. We could have all four seats on Council being vacant next time, which will certainly add to the chances of candidates being elected.

Even if Tim runs for Council again, there would be three seats available. That would make for a very exciting race, assuming we can find some exciting candidates. A Councillor who

property in the late 80's. At that time, the gentleman was not so elderly and the problem was dogs and sheep tromping through our gardens. We thought maybe he wasn’t aware that his livestock was over here, so my husband, Doug, went to let him know.

He was met with hostility and accusations that this was his land, and we had stolen it. We are ‘live and let live’ people, so over the years, the gentleman and ourselves have lived minding our own business.

The gentleman has always been in pretty good shape and quite capable.

Over the years, the livestock has changed, and was usually only a problem for us a couple times a year, though often for days to weeks at a time. We have learned that over many years, this has been an ongoing problem for other neighbours long before we came on the scene.

Things really became a problem in 2010. The Highland cattle were coming onto our property and were here for close to three weeks. They

trampled all over, uprooting several mature trees, leaving cow pies all over and big holes from their hooves, even coming up to look in our patio door at supper time.

(This was the herd, not just a couple cows). Doug DID try putting up fencing on our side of the line. It ended up strewn all around the gardens and in the long grass, destroying our bush hog and rototiller when it became tangled in the machinery. An electric fence is useless against cattle that have a 3 foot long horn span and uproot mature trees. We had quite a time trying to get co-operation to restrain the cattle. They also often escape via the gentleman’s laneway and come up ours. Do we have to spend a fortune to turn our property into a fortress?

We are in our 60's as well as the letter writer. She may have money to fence to keep someone else’s livestock out, but we certainly do not.

We are not city people who move to the country and start complaining about farm smells, or noises. We’ve

lived in the country all our lives. We know animals get loose now and then and usually, owners rush to retrieve them, they don’t leave them wandering for days or weeks at a time. I’d love to have horses, maybe other animals, but we don’t have that kind of money.

As Deborah says in her letter, she doesn’t know the gentleman, but figures he contributed to his community in his younger days. She’s right. She doesn’t know him.

Maybe she can guess why his family isn’t involved.

Valerie Shirley PS I just had to get that off my mind. They were over here long after power was restored during the ice storm.

wants to run for Mayor cannot run for Council also, so it is all or nothing for David and Barb (and possibly Tim).

This is a good thing, in my opinion. The candidates will have a track record on which to appeal to the voters, although the voters may find it difficult to find the track, or the record.

This is an opportunity for residents of North Grenville to consider playing a part in local government. There have been quite a few people who have gotten involved for a while to solve a problem that concerned them or their neighbours. But once the issue is dealt with, they usually disappear again to the privacy of their homes. Is there anyone willing to stick it out for a few years and help out the community with new ideas, fresh energy and a vision of what we could be?

We have campaigns about pipelines, splash pads, noise bylaws, Fetherston Park, pits and quarries, senior homes and so many other impor-

tant issues. Have any of the people involved in these issues learned anything about the system, about what can be done with a little energy and time? You have until September to decide if you would want to run for Council, and I would strongly encourage you to give it earnest thought.

It is definitely a sacrifice of time and talent to run, and even more so to sit on Council for three years. You certainly won’t be doing it for the money. You shouldn’t do it out of ego, either. For three years you will be subject to some moronic editor spouting on about how incompetent you are (I’ve had lots of practice). Or, you could find yourself surprising us all by what you have to say, and how you go about making things happen. But there is possibly a unique opportunity coming up to elect a new slate of concerned citizens with the chance to make a real difference to all of us. Can you be one of them? This is the time to start thinking about it.

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor Enjoy reading your paper but was surprised the letter from Peter Johnston last week was published with such a glaring error in it. If Peter had done his homework, he would realize in 1968 Gordon Blair a Liberal was elected to serve at that time Grenville-Carleton.

He would also have found out that the Jordans--Jim and Joe, represented the Liberals from 1988-1997 serving LeedsGrenville.

Thanks for your attention.

Dave Carmichael Dear Editor I am writing in response to the letter from Deborah Cook in the North Grenville Times, Volume 1, issue 53.

It is nice that she is concerned for this elderly gentleman. However, before a person wades in to a situation, they should maybe find out what brought the situation to this present problem, not solved as easily as she thinks.

We purchased this vacant

The North Grenville Times is published weekly by North Grenville Times Inc. Marketing Gord J. Logan gord@ngtimes.ca 613-258-6402 Dec. 11, 2013

The North Grenville Times is Locally Owned and Operated

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TIMES

Marketing Peter Peers peter@ngtimes.ca 613 989- 2850

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ISSN 2291-0301

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Holiday Notice The North Grenville Times will not be publishing the week of Christmas and New Year as these holidays fall on our publication day and there is no printing or postal service. We will be back on Wednesday, January 8, 2014. Copy and ads should be submitted no later than Friday, January 3.

We wish to extend our best wishes to our readers and advertisers during this Christmas Season and look forward to continuing to serve the community with the “Voice of North Grenville” in the new year. the north grenville

TIMES For Advertising rates please contact Peter at peter@ngtimes.ca or call 613 - 989- 2850

Mailing Address P.O. Box 35, Oxford Mills, ON, K0G 1S0 Graphics Micheal Pacitto mike@ngtimes.ca 613-710-7104

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Municipality Matters Sign Book of Condolences for Nelson Mandela

Member of Parliament Gord Brown invites people to visit his office and sign a Book of Condolences for the late Nelson Mandela, former President of the Republic of South Africa.

“Nelson Mandela was a giant among men and a moral leader for everyone,” says Brown. “His life and work will forever be an example to follow.”

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement upon the death of Mandela: “With the death of Nelson Mandela, the world has lost one of its great moral leaders and statesmen. Mr. Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years by the former Government of South Africa, for his part in the struggle that would ultimately end the system of apartheid.

“Despite his long years of captivity, Mr. Mandela left prison with a heart closed to calls for a settling of scores.

Instead, he was filled by a longing for truth and reconciliation, and for an understanding between all peoples.

“He demonstrated that the only path forward for the

nation was to reject the appeal of bitterness. His forbearance was legendary: his magnanimity spared all South Africans incalculable suffering.

“Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy for his country, and the world, is the example he set through his own ‘long walk to freedom.’ With grace and humility, he modeled how peoples can transform their own times and in doing so, their own lives.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, Laureen and I extend our condolences to Mr. Mandela’s widow, Graça Machel, his entire family and all citizens of South Africa.

Canada, a nation that granted Mr. Mandela honorary citizenship in 2001, mourns with you and the entire world today.”

Mr. Brown notes the Book of Condolences will be available in his office from Friday, December 6 to Friday, December 13.

The North Grenville Times

How safe is the groundwater in the North-west Quadrant?

Municipal staff recently presented the 2012 Waste Disposal Site Monitoring Reports to Council. These Reports provide information regarding the long-term effects of contamination from the inactive landfill sites around North Grenville, and are the result of environmental monitoring of surface water, groundwater and landfill gas emissions at the sites in Kemptville, South Gower, Burritt’s Rapids and Oxford Mills.

It has been known for some years that there is what is called leachate coming from the sites and contaminating the land and water in the immediate vicinity of the sites. In Burritt’s Rapids, the site is considered to be large enough to contain any contamination. The South Gower site does present potential problems, as the Report notes that “several new quality exceedances were identified east of the waste mound. This groundwater may discharge to the surface water in the

wetlands to the east of the waste mound”. Exceedances means contamination in excess of acceptable limits. The possibility is that any surface or groundwater contamination may be aggravated by further pit development in that sector, leading to further issues with water quality in the aquifer.

The Oxford Mills site is also a potential issue, as “groundwater quality exceedances are still being identified west of the waste mound (along Crozier Road). The 2012 road salt impact study did not conclusively show that road salt is responsible for these exceedances”. An excess of iron in surface water “may not be caused by leachate from the site”, as high iron content is normal in the area.

However, the statement that contamination is “still being identified”, and that it cannot be proved that road salt did not cause it, gives the impression that language is being used to give as positive a spin on the situation as possible.

The North Grenville Council has passed a resolution declining to make a statement about the TransCanada pipeline issue. The resolution states that, given the upcoming public consultations on the matter by the Ontario Energy Board, Council “has taken the position that it is premature to provide any substantive comments regarding the project until TransCanada clearly demonstrate to the residents of this community that the Energy East Pipeline Project will meet the highest available technical standards when it comes to public safety and environmental protection and will implement, without reservation, cutting-edge contingency planning and emergency response programs”.

This is a relatively safe position to take (or not take), Dec 11, 2013

The situation with regard to Kemptville is far more worrying. The inactive landfill site is located in the North West quadrant, just south of the eQuinelle development. Council has recently given numerous approvals for extensions of that subdivision, as well as to further residential developments in the Quadrant. But the Monitoring Report indicates that contamination continues to be a problem, and there seems no way of knowing how far it has spread from the original site.

The Report notes that “leachate has been estimated to have impacted shallow groundwater approximately 200 meters north, 100 meters east, and 50 meters west” of the original landfill area.

Although no “exceedances” were found in the area closest to the eQuinelle subdivision, “this surface water monitoring location was rendered unusable in fall 2012 due to construction activities”. As there have been many reports of wetlands in the area being

artificially drained, and tree cover being clear cut in the area immediately adjacent to the landfill site, it seems imperative that further monitoring stations for both groundwater and surface water need to be installed to ensure no further contamination has taken place in the year since the one beside eQuinelle was “rendered unusable due to construction”.

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Municipality and Fetherston residents continue to work toward solution Progress continues in the development of a solution for the residents of Fetherston Mobile Home Park. The Municipality and Park residents have worked together to establish a comfort level which will act as the basis for a future agreement. Both parties are currently collaborating to draft a Memorandum of Understanding that reflects mutually agreeable principles.

“The Municipality continues to work to ensure that the new approach will be sustainable and in the best interest of all residents of North Grenville” stated Brian Carré, Chief Administrative Officer for the Municipality of North Grenville.

Maurice Dumoulin, recently elected President of the Board of the new Cooperative Association, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding is the first step to solidifying our intention to own and manage all aspects of the operation of our community at the Park.”

For more information: Brian J. Carré, Chief Administrative Officer, Municipality of North Grenville 613-258-9569 ext. 155 bcarre@northgrenville.on.ca

Council responds to the pipeline debate

by David Shanahan

The Voice of North Grenville

as one can assume that TransCanada will not be issuing any statement announcing their decision not to meet the highest technical standards or to protect the safety of the public and environment.

The Council also agreed to forward this Resolution to the Prime Minister, the Federal Minister of Natural Resources, the Premier of Ontario, the Minister for Energy, and to Sustainability North Grenville, all of whom will be greatly relieved to know that the Municipality of North Grenville has decided not to make a decision on this important subject. They should, however, note that the relevant organisation is called “Sustainable North Grenville”.

Council was clearly on a roll when it came to passing resolutions. The second one passed concerned the

effect of recent construction activity on the economic health of downtown Kemptville. Council have resolved that the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville should pay the sum of $10,000 “for the purpose of defraying the cost of developing a specific promotional campaign to remind the public that Old Town Kemptville is ‘open for business’ throughout this extended reconstruction period”. May we at the NG Times offer our own support to the affected profit-making companies: People of North Grenville: Old Town Kemptville is ‘open for business’ throughout this extended reconstruction period! Thank you. That will be $10,000 please.

It may be assumed that the Counties, should they accede to the wishes of Council, use our tax dollars for the

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purpose of reminding us to go and spend our money in downtown Kemptville. Let us assure them, we will cross that bridge when we come to it. Pardon me?...oh, right.

In a further burst of activity, Council passed a By-law amending another by-law.

This was not the by-law that dealt with dangerous animals running loose in Heckston - the one Council had announced, with no sense of irony, which has “no teeth”.

No, they had a more important amendment to pass: the one laying down how many people would make up the Heritage Advisory Committee. With a recent resignation from the Committee, the by-law had to change so that the remaining four members could constitute a quorum. Definitely more urgent than runaway West Highland cattle.

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The North Grenville Times

Let’s connect…

Winter has arrived and the snow boots and mitts have come into the light of day.

The first snow storm of the season caused school buses to be cancelled, much to the delight of the students! It was fun to see the young children in their snowsuits, with huge smiles on their faces, falling backwards in the snow arms spread out wide. What a wonderful place and time to be young!

This always makes me consider, how do we make communities have that feeling of a ‘wonderful place and time ’ for our seniors?

There is a lot of discussion currently on ‘Age-Friendly Communities’. There is a wealth of information on this subject. The ”Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat”, ”Public Health Agency of Canada” and the “World Health Or-

ganization” (WHO) are all great resources. Communities can also work toward an official designation as an Age-Friendly Community from the WHO. What is an ‘Age-Friendly Community’? It is a Community which recognizes that seniors have abilities and resilience garnered though life experiences, which engages seniors in the life of the community, eliciting their input into the planning of service. It promotes, encourages and offers opportunities for seniors to participate in various community activities, including volunteering. It is also a Community which understands that abilities and needs of people may change over the life course; and, which, through careful & thoughtful planning, is able to offer flexible services to all

The Voice of North Grenville

Mandela visits Stellenbosh

seniors from the active to the vulnerable, always respectful of their choices.

Age-Friendly Communities also have specific ‘physical’ features such as accessible public spaces, sidewalks that are well maintained to avoid slips and falls, well lit areas, and places to rest while out for a walk.

The Canadian Association on Gerontology recently published an article on ‘AgeFriendly Rural Communities’. Some of the challenges noted are the lack of close neighbours and resources in the rural areas. Transportation is also an issue, making it difficult for some to keep their medical appointments.

There are already many of the ‘components’ of an AgeFriendly Community here in North Grenville. Through our agency, KDHSI, we offer many opportunities for seniors to be involved. Volunteers are the mainstay of our organization which offers services from Social Activities to Meals on Wheels, Diners Club, Transportation, Foot Care, Friendly Visiting and Telephone Reassurance.

Please feel free to drop into our Centre for a visit and more information. Also, we would be happy to meet with you in your own home.

On behalf of the Board and Staff, we wish everyone the best this Christmas Season.

Susan Smith, Executive Director, Kemptville and District Home Support Inc. 613-258-3203 susan_smith@cogeco.net

by Patrick Babin In 1991, I was invited to participate in a series of seminars at the Faculty of Education, University of Stellenbosh, Western Cape Province, South Africa. My host was Deputy Dean, Dr. Arend Carl, an expert in curriculum.

My visit coincided with the recent release of Nelson Mandela from Pollsmoor Prison following 18 years of incarceration on the infamous Robben Island.

While I was at Stellenbosh, settled by the Dutch, Nelson Mandela spoke on campus. His words, reassuring to the Afrikaners, were a promise to let them keep their language, Afrikaans. At the time I was at Stellenbosh, apartheid was in full force.

Not one black student! Today, the campus is integrated; would you believe, the Rector and Vice Chancellor of the University, Dr. Russel Bosman, is Black!!

One of my most memorable experiences while in Stellenbosh was the day I spent at the Kayamandi Township on

the outskirts of Stellenbosh.

My guide was a caucasian professor who happened to be a member of the African National Congress, a virtual pariah among his academic confreres.

Incidentally, while a prisoner on Robben Island, Nelson Mandela became fluent with the Afrikaans language.

This served him well in later years.

Today, I keep in close touch with the Carl family in Durbanville, just outside Cape Town. I think of South Africa whenever I purchase the very tasty Stellenbosh wine at LCBO.

The NG Photography Club

Winning photo for the NGPC December print contest

If you see an elf who is looking for his shoes, tell him Bernice Sheppard needed them for a photo shoot. They were found in a Moroccan display at the Third World Bazaar in Manotick.

Friends of the North Grenville Public Library Present

Children’s Holiday Fun Fest Entertainment provided by

Juice Jam

Admission: Non Perishable Food item for the Salvation Army Refreshments provided by Giant Tiger Friday, December 27, 2013 10:00 A.M. NG Public Library Dec. 11, 2013

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

“I Chose Myself!” families. With each item priced at a Loonie, the cost factor is eliminated from the students’ decision making.

The youngest children have their choices bagged and tagged, ready for them to sit under the tree at home.

One of the best part about Christmas is the giving. Still, it is not a practice which comes naturally; thoughtfulness and generosity are, for the most part, learned attributes. The shopping spree gives the students at Holy Cross the opportunity to practice both. The cost to each student: a dollar per present; the cost of making independent decisions and giving joyfully: priceless.

Volunteer School Council members have been busy preparing the gym for the annual “I chose myself” shopping spree. Left to right: Loretta Gaynor, Diane Zlomislic, Suzanne Tighe and Marcia Hudson.

by Beth Nicol Each year the students at Holy Cross Separate School have the opportunity to select gifts for their near and dear, independently picking out just the right thing. The annual “I Chose Myself”

Shopping Spree is one of the feature undertakings of the Holy Cross School Council.

Organizer, Diane Zlomislic, and an army of volunteers spend days categorizing and making displays of gently used items donated by parents. Tables of books, toys for children, adult miscel-

lanea and Christmas themed treasures turn the gym into a riot of colours; a veritable goldmine of glitter and eye candy for the under 12 crowd.

Open for three days, December 9-11, students have the opportunity to browse and then select gifts for their

Kemptville Public School dances up a storm

Young Dylon was the first in line to “pie” Vice-principal Nelson at the end of the awards assembly held at Kemptville Public School on the afternoon of Friday, December 6. The cost of this privilege was to raise $100 or more for the Dance-a-thon held at the school the previous week. Twenty-seven others gleefully awaited their turn.

by Beth Nicol The word, “storm,” does not necessarily conjure up pleasant thoughts at this time of the year. Consider this the exception. Friday, December 6, Kemptville Public School students celebrated the successful completion of their Dance-a-thon fundraising event held the week before.

And dance they did. A three hour session of bopping and jiving was shared equally by the Kindergarten, Primary and Junior Divisions.

The support offered by friends and families of the young dancers was enormous. A total of $12 000 Dec 11, 2013

was raised; it will be applied to programs at the school for student literacy and technology. Part of the campaigning strategy was the exchange of money earned for tickets to use in a draw for prizes. An array of gifts donated to the school by local businesses and parents were awarded to the students whose tickets were selected. A Barbie doll house, gift certificates and games, a hockey stick, art supplies and stuffed animals; these were just a small sampling of the prizes awarded to lucky students.

The principal prize or perhaps that should read the “vice-principal prize” was, at the cost of raising

Congratulations to all Advanced Student Honor Roll achievers!

$100 or more, the opportunity to “pie” Mr. Nelson. It must have been motivational as 28 students earned that privilege. The students pieticipating and those offering them encouragement enjoyed themselves immensely; Mr. Nelson, maybe not quite as much.

Principal, Nancy Hanna would like to thank parents and all staff members for their efforts on the school and the students’ behalf. In particular, organizer Amy Baker and Office Administrator, Nichola Cook took on a load of responsibility with good humor and grace. It proved to be an exciting and a rewarding experience for all.

The Advanced Student Honour Roll recognizes students studying above their school grade level.

3 years above grade level Reading: Amanda Reed • Math: Jaydon Cathcart 2 years above grade level Reading: Saumya Patel • Math: Saumya Patel 6 months above grade level Reading: Brooklyn Daneliak-Snippe, Andrew Ovenden Math: Madison Daneliak, Zara Groening, Jordyn Quesnel

Kumon Math & Reading Centre of North Grenville 613-258-4924 nelsongroening@ikumon.com Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Instructor and staff of the Kumon Centre of North Grenville

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Regular Store Hours Mon. - Fri. 8 to 8 Sat. - 8 to 6 Sun. 9 to 6

301 Rideau Street, Kemptville

613.258.3014

Prices effective: Friday, December 13 to Wednesday, December 25, 2013 “We reserve the right to limit quantities to reasonable family requirements�

Dec. 11, 2013

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The North Grenville Times Fundamentals 6:

B&H

Why not anyone else?

by David Shanahan Looking at the fundamentals of what it is to be a Christian, we have to ask a fundamental question: why Jesus? Why can we not follow other great and good people, like Confucius, or Buddha, or Ghandi, or Martin Luther King, or even Nelson Mandela? How can we know that Jesus is the one God has used to restore our fellowship with him, to bring us forgiveness and reconciliation with God? In this age of relativism, in a world that is based on the idea that there is no ultimate truth, no final authority or source of meaning, why should we accept Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life, as he claimed himself to be?

If you are going to claim to be the only way, the most complete revelation of God to the human race, you need to base that claim on something very substantial indeed. We have seen too many self-proclaimed Messiahs and Gurus in our own day, leading their followers to bondage of mind and soul, slavery, poverty and suicide. It is clear that the world has been affected by the life of Jesus in amazing ways.

We in the western world date our history by his life. Over the next couple of weeks, we will be tired of hearing carols and stories and advertising, all marking the anniversary of his birth. Christians, as always, point to the Bible for answers: not just the New Testament, but also the older Jewish Scriptures which are full of the promise of a Redeemer, a Messiah, or Chosen One, who will come to restore us to God. There are so many prophesies in the Old Testament that point to Jesus, and only Jesus, as the promised Messiah: prophesies that could not have been “planted” by Christians later on. For example, the prophet Isaiah wrote a great deal concerning the Messiah almost 700 years before Jesus.

Dec 11, 2013

The Voice of North Grenville

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His words can be relied upon for one very good reason. In 1947, an almost complete scroll of the Book of Isaiah was found as part of what are called the Dead Sea Scrolls in caves in Jordan. This copy of the book was dated to between 200 and 100 B.C., and had been hidden in the caves around 70 A.D. They belonged to a Jewish community and may safely be said to be free from any tampering

by Christians. Isaiah is one of the great sources of prophesy about Jesus, and we quote his words often at this time of the year: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” [Isaiah 7.14] Immanuel means ‘God with us’. “Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress... in the future he will honour Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan - The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned...For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” [Isaiah 9.1-2, 6-7] Now look at how Luke the historian describes the events around the birth of Jesus: “...God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David.

The virgin’s name was Mary... the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have

found favour with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.’ ‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’ The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.’ “ [Luke 1.26-35] His name was carefully chosen also: “you are to call him Jesus”. Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua, which is a short form of the Hebrew "Yehoshua", meaning "Yahweh is salvation". And “Yahweh” is the name God gave himself: “I Am”. God himself is our salvation. As Isaiah said: “And he will be called...Mighty God, Everlasting Father”.

Christians apply these prophesies to Jesus because he did so himself. “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me.” [John 5:38-40].

After his Resurrection, he explained to his disciples: “ ‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” [Luke 24.25-27] Books have been written just on the Old Testament prophesies concerning Jesus, so there’s no room for more here. But there is one final proof of Jesus’ qualifications as our Saviour and Lord.

His Resurrection, a vital and fundamental plank in Christianity.

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Harold Hellam celebrates the release of “The Last Game”

Harold Hellam is no stranger to many music enthusiasts throughout North Grenville and beyond. His latest record, “The Last Game,” is available on line.

by Beth Nicol A lot of years were crammed into an hour or so of talk. Soon, I put my notes aside and just sat back and listened. At 81 years of age and in excellent health, Harold Hellam feels blessed to have lived a life so filled with music. He is eager to point out that it is far from being over yet. As so often happens, the seeds to Harold’s musical interests were sown in a church choir. From a boy soprano, his interests led him to country music. It was at a college open stage, after doing his best rendition of an Elvis song, that he was approached and encouraged to consider studying Opera.

It was under the tutelage of Metro Soprano Thelma Von Eisonhaur that Harold honed many of his vocal skills. He studied at the Conservatory of Music in Toronto.

A chance meeting led to his association with Evangelist Henry Feyerabend. He

was very musically minded as well as a gifted orator. He encouraged Harold to push himself beyond his comfort level. He began to play with lyrics and soon was writing songs for Mr. Feyerabend’s services.

A composer as well as a performer, his musical CV is impressive. Images of the Gulf War inspired songs which became the basis for his musical, “The Prince of Peace.” Written, and then produced by Harold after he formed the Freedom Opera Company, it was performed in 1996 at the Centrepointe Theatre in Ottawa. Another musical score, “Genesis,” followed in 1998. Based on the first book of the Bible, songs from “Genesis” have been used in a documentary featuring Jack Miner’s bird sanctuary in Kingsville, Ontario and as a musical backdrop for a float in the Rose Bowl Parade in California. Harold holds credits for songs used in thirteen films and television

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Annual Tree Lighting held at Maplewood

productions.

With over two hundred songs to his credit, Harold continues to write and sing.

“Harold’s Christmas,” a thematic CD released in 1997, is a musical narrative; last year it was used as the basis for a performance held in the United Church in Oxford Mills.

All songs, with one exception, were written by Harold. It is a testament to his faith and to memories of Christmas past.

Harold is recognized locally for his work as choir director for groups in Merrickville, Ottawa and the Rideau Valley.

Oxford Productions in Ottawa has been a constant throughout Harold’s recording career. It is a place where he and the staff work together to polish compositions preproduction, as well as to record. “The Last Game,” is Harold’s sixth and most recent release. It is different from the majority of the recordings made by Harold thus far; the focus is less gospel oriented. While the style of each song varies, the strength and quality of voice is a constant. Harold thinks that this release has potential. He is comfortable with technology and has digital copies available for purchase online. The listing is: http://www.cdbaby. com/cd/thelastgame You can sample bits of each song. Try one on for size. It may be something that you will enjoy adding to your collection.

by Beth Nicol For many, the official tree lighting in Oxford Mills, held on the first Friday in December, is the signal that Christmas is truly at hand. An event sponsored and organized by the Oxford Mills Community Association, the evening draws children of all ages and stages together to welcome in the season.

A group of close to 90 gathered at the old town hall on December 6 to join in half an hour of caroling before Brigadoon Restaurant owner, Cheryl Mackie, turned on the tree lights. The Oxford Mills Sisterhood of

Guiding, a group consisting of Sparks, Brownies, Guides and Pathfinders, led the songfest. With soft light issuing from handmade paper lanterns and voices rising clearly into the night air, it was a scene far removed from the usual hustle and bustle of pre-Christmas activity.

Santa soon arrived and led a parade of eager children to the warmth of Maplewood Hall. Cookies and squares of every size and shape imaginable were there for the testing, baked and donated by members of the O.M.C.A. Cups filled up with hot chocolate.

Adults chatted, catching up on the news; children

whispered, sharing their wishes with Santa and his elfin friends.

And this too is Christmas. Community coming together and sharing in the joy that anticipation brings.

If you would like to become involved with the Oxford Mills Community Association, read the North Grenville Times for the dates of future meetings and planned events.

Send in your letters to the editor to editor@ ngtimes.ca

Humidification Installation of Duct work HRV cleaning Air Filtration Dryer Vent Cleaning Sanitization (our own specially formulated eco-friendly product!)

Joe Plunkett 613-258-0663 Toll Free: 1-866-880-5397

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The Voice of North Grenville

There is more than one way to throw a curling stone stone from a standing position. As shown in the picture, the stick extends from the player’s hand to the handle of the stone. Rather than sliding on the ice like Brad Jacobs or Jennifer Jones, the player walks toward the hogline at the correct speed to make the shot called, and delivers the stone from a standing position.

Over the last decade, stick curling has become very popular. It has extended the careers of many curlers and has allowed new curlers to take up the sport and enjoy the camaraderie associated with being a member of a curling club.

If you would like to try stick curling or conventional curling, drop by the North Grenville Curling Club at 6 pm any Tuesday evening and I will be glad to show you the basics of throwing a curling stone. The NGCC is a great place to enjoy the game of curling and make new friends.

by Jim Dolan After watching a full week of curling on TV, I am sure a lot of people are thinking they would love to try curling. However, many people don’t think they could ever play the roaring game because of cranky knees, sore backs, aging or other problems that would not allow them to crouch down in the hack and slide the conventional way as demonstrated by the best curlers in the world.

However, as shown in the photo accompanying this article, today there is more than one way to throw a curling stone. The two people in the photo, Harry Ross and Diana Uloth, both members of the NGCC, are demonstrating stick curling.

Stick curling, at least the throwing part of the game, is best described as shuffle board on ice. The stick enables a curler to deliver the

North Grenville Curling Club’s Dave Burgess wins Cornwall Men’s Bonspiel

by Jim Dolan North Grenville curlers had a great weekend at the Cornwall Men’s Invitational Spiel held November 29 to December 1.

In the Open Men’s Competition, NGCC’s Dave Burgess skipped Keil Gallinger’s entry to victory over former NGCC member Spencer Cooper in the A Division final and claim the Championship Trophy.

New NGCC member, Al

Dec 11, 2013

The Sisterhood of Guiding led the caroling at the tree lighting ceremony in Oxford Mills

Norton skipped a Prescott team that included former NGCC member Dave Cassell to victory in the D Division.

In the Senior Competition, Dave Brown and his NGCC teammates Lester McInnis, Jim Dolan and John Gray won the B Event.

NGCC ladies also won the Morrisburg Ladies Invitational Bonspiel on December 3. The winning team members were Virginia Cunningham, Pam Owen, Jean Hartjes and Sue Deschamps.

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICES Yoga for everyone. Wednesday starting Oct. 23, 5:306:30 pm: Thursday, Oct. 24, 12 - 1 at Independent Grocer.

Call Maureen 258-9902

ICanSewIt.ca

First 15 words are FREE for North Grenville Residents. Extra Words: 50 cents a word One bedroom apt. in country; new appliances; 10 minutes to Kemptville. $750 all incl.

Al’s Cleanup Services Dump runs, Grass, Landscaping Al Scott R R #1 Oxford Station(613) 258-3847 House for rent in Merrickville, available Feb.1. 2+1 House Cleaning - Kemptville area. bedroom, 1.5 bath. $1100 + For quote call 613-294-0385 or utilities. Detached, heated Boat & car storage available dhlacombe@gmail.com (wood stove) garage. Call at Osgoode Storage. Dry con613 258 6379 crete floor and steel walls. Property Clean up, yards, gaBook your spot now. Call rages, basements, loads to 613-826-2511 dump,anything removed. 613FOR SALE 258-7955 Osgoode Mini Storage availCorner TV entertainment able. Short and long term Sienna Fine Arts Art Classes and unit. Expresso color. Excelunits available in various Supplies www.siennafinearts. lent condition, $200. Call sizes. Clean and secure, com- com 613-878-9706 258-5103 parative rates. Call 613-826Commercial/Residential clean- Barely used Yardman snow 2511 ing- Kemptville area. For quote blower, 277 cc, OHV S.E.T., House Cleaning-Every work- email Mrandmrsclean613@gmail. electric starter, 26”, lazy ing Mother and Father needs com or call 613-867-2184 owner, $550. Call 613-258a House Wife. Each home 7563 is custom priced to ensure FOR RENT my cleaning will meet your Moving Sale: Mechanical and power tools. Some home needs & budget. Sandi 613One bedroom apartment, furnishings, snowblowers, 219-7277 single person, private en- STIHL chain saws, lumber and Grade 9-11 MATH TUTORING: trace, non smoker, no pets. more. Call 258-3098 Local math teacher, 4 years $500/m. Call 613 258 4055 experience. Old Town KempFREE: Two white bird cages Brand new! Contemporary in reasonable shape (one tville, $30/hr 613-863-5639 two bedroom condo terrace round, one rectangular with Stonehouse Studio Sewing home with 1.5 bathrooms in a stand). Were used for love- new in Kemptville! Altera- a desirable neighborhood. birds. 613-258-0302. tions or new; formal or ca- 1138 sq. ft. of beautiful living space with many upgrades. 1954 Heintzman Upright sual. Sharon 224-3182 Great location close to hos- Grand Piano, very good conHANDYMAN, no job too big or pital, schools, hiking trails dition. Asking $1350 obo. too small. I can do it all.Free and shopping. $1300.00 per Contact Kathy 613-215-0657 estimates and references month - Condo fees, water available. Paul 613-791-8597 and one parking spot are Firewood, cut, split and delivincluded. Natural Gas and ered $90/cord. Call Peter at DRUM LESSONS - Professional Hydro extra. Call Mike at 613- 258-5504 drummer/teacher accepting 325-0754. students. All levels welcome!

Restored Antiques grandBryan Valeriani 613 298 5913 Farmhouse for rent in Os- mother and grandfather goode Area. Large 4 bed- Platform Rockers $250 each www.drumhead.ca room, 2 bath home for rent. 613 258 1712 Helen’s Sewing Room All kinds of $1300. + utilities. Double sewing 613 258 5584 attached garage, large mud- Storage trunk with brassroom, 3 season porch, fridge like fittings, 31Wx17Dx15H, Rock My House Music Centre and stove available if re- can be padlocked, leather offers lessons in Piano, Violin, quired. For more information handles, lightweight, $40 Guitar, Drums, Bass and Vocals. please call 613-258-6379 613-258-5558WANTED 613 258 5656 2 bedroom unit for rent, Snowblower, Yardman, 9.5 Piano and Music Theory Lessons: $950, Gas and Electricity ex- hp/27”, like new, $700, call Elisa Lane www.kemptvillemusic. tra Downtown Kemptville- 613 258-9320 com 613-215-0549 Contact Justin 613-296-5906 Good quality winter tires size Kemptville - Shop AVON at home Kemptville Two Bedroom, Two 205/55R16 M+S Price negoPersonal service and 100% guar- Bath Bungalow. Finished base- tiable, call 613-258-0935 antee. Anne Hunt 613-258-3806 ment, backyard and garage. baashunt@sympatico.ca Quiet Neighborhood $1200 + Oak rocking chair, kitchen utilities. No Smoking. No Pets. table 6 chairs, Lazyboy rockBowen Therapy Restore your References. 613-258-5510 er recliner, 6 piece wall unit. health. Pain, Respiratory, Diges613-258-5475 tive & more. 613-799-3315. www. Spacious, quiet 2 bedroom BowenKemptville.ca apt. Excellent for retirees. Faux fur coat, black, worn Stove & fridge incl. No smok- only twice, size 20-22 $125: One Tear Studio, Paintings/ ing, no pets. 512 Clother, call pillows-small, decorative, Soapstone Sculptures/Butterfly 258-3010 handmade, hand-stitched, Hearts. Visit by appointment 8@$15 ea or all $100; baby or chance www.HannaMac- Modern Kemptville 3 bed- layette, 7-pc, brand new in Naughtan.ca (613) 258-7297 room, 2.5 bath townhouse. matching drawstring bag $1500+utilities. 613-852- $175. Call 613-258-5558 I Can Sew It: Rhonda Cybul- 4246 skie-613-258-5248 Rhonda@ Dec. 11, 2013

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ROTARY CASH CALENDAR

10th Anniversary Edition NOW AVAILABLE OVER $20,000 IN CASH PRIZES TO BE WON! Bonus draws of $1000 A WINNER EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR Only 5,000 CALENDARS PRINTED. Support Rotary Projects Order today by phone Claire: 613-258-6470 Email askmeone@sympatico.ca Or pick up at Hudson Autobody Prescott St Kemptville PATTERSON HADDEN & BROWN INS B&H Mall Rideau St. M5 Digital Creekside Mall County RD 43 Kemptville Members selling at B&H Grocer & Jonsson’s Independent grocer Great gift for Family, Friends, Teachers, Staff $20.00 Each Rotary calendars can be picked up at Monday to Friday until 5 pm at B&H Grocer as well as Rhonda’s Hair Salon, Hudson Auto Body, Patterson Hadden Insurance, M5 Digital, Kemptville Animal Hospital Industrial Drive and Hexton General Store

ANNOUNCEMENTS To M.M. When I am near you, I am a better me When you are away, I am only half the man I want to be!

Love Dustin

Henry Newton will 75 yearsbeyoung on December 14, 2013

Wishing you many more to come, Hon, Always and forever, Ann

Wanted TRACTOR OPERATOR REQUIRED part time for snow removal Experienced a must ! Call Eric 613 850 3742

For Advertising rates please contact Peter at peter@ngtimes.ca or call 613 - 989- 2850

PRINTING & COPY CENTRE

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613-258-5083

KEMPTVILLE COMPUTERS REPAIRS, UPGRADES, VIRUS REMOVAL, NETWORKING & MORE! WE FIX IT, OR YOU DON’T PAY!

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1. Marsh 6. Impetuous 10. Distinctive flair 14. Prison-related 15. Sea eagle 16. Unwakable state 17. Previously 18. Blend 19. Burden 20. Found on cave ceilings 22. Where a bird lives 23. Sailors 24. A level in a building 26. The bulk 30. Small portable bed 31. Sweet potato 32. Wings 33. Throw 35. Light purple 39. Repossess

41. Transverse flute 43. Keepsake 44. Views 46. Not legs 47. Big wine holder 49. Completely 50. In order to prevent 51. Marriageable 54. Regretted 56. Makes a mistake 57. A type of semiconductor 63. 13 in Roman numerals 64. Torture device 65. Trim 66. Annul 67. Dull pain 68. Essential parts 69. Observed 70. Not the original color 71. Athletics

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DOWN 1. Resorts 2. The yarn woven across 3. Dwarf buffalo 4. A crumbling earthy deposit 5. Skirt fold 6. Lavatories 7. Creative persons 8. Hissy fit 9. Unorthodox tenets 10. Frugal 11. Hermit 12. Entertain 13. Spiteful 21. Desert plants 25. After-bath powder 26. Shopping place 27. Margarine 28. Big bag 29. Video entertainment 34. Explored a cave 36. Old stories 37. Charity 38. Outlay 40. A Freudian stage 42. Small islands 45. Otalgia 48. Foursome 51. Connection 52. Pee 53. _____ and groom 55. Platters 58. Risqué 59. Store 60. Tropical tuber 61. Not under 62. A musical pause

Dec 12 Youngsters of Yore, Kemptville Public Library, 1:30 pm. Guest speaker -Bill McElrea- trip to the British Isles Dec 14 3rd Annual Christmas Showcase, Sale & Cafe, 9.30-4.30 pm. Presented by The Artsy FM Sister Chicks at the North Grenville Community Church, next to Kemptville Hospital. Amazing Door Prize. Free Admission.

Dec 15 Candlelight Carol Service at St. Andrew's United Church, Bishop's Mills at 7 pm. Refreshments to follow in the Church Hall.

Dec 27 Friends of the North Grenville Public Library Children’s Holiday Fun Fest, 10 am, North Grenville Public Library. Admission: Non-perishable food item for the Salvation Army. Refreshments provided

Weekly and recurring events W ed

The North Grenville Photography Club - Meeting first W ednesday of every month at the Old Fire Hall, 25 Reuben Crescent. For more info see ngphotoclub.ca.

Bingo- First and third W ednesday of the month, Kemptville Legion. Games start at 1 pm. All welcome. Refreshments available.

Klub 67 Euchre every 2 nd & 4 th W ednesday of the month starting at 1:15 pm, St. John's United Church downstairs. Everyone welcome - $5. Vivian Howe 613258-2540.

The Branch Artisans Guild, North Grenville Community Church (downstairs), 2659 Concession Street every 3 rd Tues. 7 pm. New members welcomed!

Thurs Bridge -St. John’s United Church, 6:45 pm. Cost $5, partner preferred but not necessary. For more info, contact Sandra at 613-258-2691.

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

Sat Games night, 6:30 pm, St. John's United Church. Fully accessible. Please call Barbara at 613-258-4526 for further details.

Tues BNI Networking Group Breakfast- Alumni Building, University of Guelph, 78:30am. Call 613-258-0553 for more information.

Bridge- St. John’s United Church, 12:15 pm. Cost $3, partner preferred but not necessary. Info, contact Sandra at 613-258-2691.

M others of Preschoolers Support Group-St.John’s United Church, 6:30-8 pm.

W hether you’re a townie, rural, stay-at-home, working, teen, adoptive, specialneeds, single or married, MOPS is for you! For more information, call Angie Brown at 613-223-3979.

M ,W ,F Kemptville and Area W alking Group, Municipal Centre - Early birds: 8 am, others 8:30 am Contact: Eva 258-4487.

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

Community asked to share the miracle “running through their veins”

SUDOKU Easy

Medium

Hard

Solution to last week’s Crossword

Dec 11, 2013

Over the next few weeks, Canadian Blood Services is asking people across the country if they believe holiday miracles still exist. They are hoping reactions will be phenomenal, with holiday blood donor clinics filled to the brim.

Many people, including children like their national blood recipient, 10-year-old Grace Hart, wonder if in the rush for presents, people have forgotten about miracles.

Grace, who has diamondblackfan anemia, needs blood transfusions every 21 days to survive.

With your support this holiday season, Canadian Blood Services hopes to assure patients that holiday miracles do exist, encourage people to donate blood and to spark discussion around the idea of holiday miracles. To encourage this, the organization has written an open letter to Grace and all other patients in need of blood based on the famous letter “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” published in the New York Sun

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newspaper in 1897.

Blood donors capture the spirit of anonymous generosity that still very much exists in our community. In turn, the responses from people in clinics, on social media and from the local media are already indicating that holiday “miracles” do exist in many forms. Miracle events are happening at clinics all month across the country.

Locally, blood recipient Kyra Streight, a mother of four young boys and a blood recipient, will be attending the Merrickville miracle event blood donor clinic on December 23 with her youngest son Owen. Kyra was 25 weeks pregnant in 2007 when she woke up hemorrhaging. Diagnosed with placenta previa and placenta percreta, Kyra needed eight units of blood by the time her son, Owen’s was safely born on December 20. You can read Kyra’s full story at http://www.thankyourdonor. ca/#/200 “I want to tell people they shouldn’t wait to give blood.

The need can happen to you or your family in an instant.

I am forever grateful to the donors who gave blood that December,” said Kyra. Today, Kyra is a regular blood donor because she and her family know the difference blood makes. “Watching the blood coming down the intravenous lines into both arms was almost surreal. We survived only because of someone’s generosity.”Kyra and Owen are encouraging residents to make an appointment to donate at the December 23 clinic from 1:30 to 3:30 and 5–7 pm at the Merrickville Community Centre, 106 Read Street, since the need for blood never takes a holiday. Join them and become part of the nation of holiday miracle workers making a blood donation this month.During December, Canadian Blood Services is seeking examples of holiday miracles, and invites the residents to share their stories on facebook.com/NEOntarioBlood or on Twitter with the hashtag #besomeonemiracle www.ngtimes.ca

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The Voice of North Grenville

Gamers unite at Nerdvana 2013

submitted by Marc R. Bergeron, Teacher, NGDHS On Friday November 29, over 80 gamers whose ages ranged from 10-18 came from South Grenville DHS, Fulford Preparatory College, and North Grenville District High School to gather at NGDHS for Nerdvana 2013. The event ran from 2:30 till 10:00 pm. Students were fed a pizza meal and received a glow-in-the-dark t-shirt

designed and created by the Nerds and Graphics Club (NG Club) to commemorate their involvement in what proved to be a night full of friendship, imagination, competition, and fun.

Students and adults participated together in activities ranging from Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering tournaments, Minecraft ‘Capture the

Flag’ network games, Minecraft Creative Building Challenges, Warhammer, Mario Smash Bros., Dance Dance Revolution, Mortal Kombat, World of Tanks, and League of Legends, amongst several others.

Karaoke had broken out by 8 pm. Isaak Dunning, a grade 11 student at NGDHS described the pandemonium as “awesome.”

Many students brought in their own computers to share their passions and interests with like-minded young people, as well as to troubleshoot software glitches, solve hardware issues, and create networking systems. The event was supervised by seven Upper Canada DSB faculty members who frequently found themselves caught up

in the gaming experience.

Ian Morris, a math teacher at NGDHS, made it to the third round of the Magic: The Gathering tournament before being humbled by grade 11 student Connor Bidor whose control deck left him without answers.

“The level of forethought and the insightfulness of the combinations that the students manufacture for

these games is such a reminder of their capacity for brilliance”, said Morris.

Goblins were slain, creepers exploded, fireballs were cast, and turtles scored goals, but the NG club is pleased to report that only virtual and fantastical creatures were harmed during this event. NGDHS plans to host a similar gaming festival in the spring.

Canadians scored to take the hard fought win. The 73's out shot them 39-38 and Matt Tugnutt earned second star of the game.

During the first intermission, Santa made an appearance on the ice with the Royal LePage Gale Real Estate team. This was the kick-off of the “Mountain of Toys” toy drive for this year.

All fans who brought a toy were met at ice level by one of the 73's who placed their donation into the truck. Every member of the hockey club also contributed a toy to the truck. A spokesperson said it was the “biggest start to the drive since they started it”. If you wish to participate, the Salvation Army in Kemptville will be accepting monetary donations, toys and food at their office up to the week of December 16. Please give generously.

On Sunday, Kemptville traveled to Gloucester to face the Rangers. A little more than halfway through the first, Kemptville opened the scoring on the power play. Erik Brown broke down the left wing and carried the puck all the way around the Gloucester net. From there, he passed it out to the point to Hayden Hanson who sent a hard shot to the net where Dean Galasso banged home the rebound to

give Kemptville the 1-0 lead.

In the second, on the power play, Quinn Carroll sent a pass down the half wall to Galasso. He found Jesse Blais in the high slot who beat the Rangers goalie with a quick shot to make it 2-0. Again on the power play, the 73's scored. This time, from his position on the blue line, Carroll cheated down to the net where he and Blais both hammered shots on the net but Galasso picked up the rebound and scored the goal.

With a 3-0 lead going into the third, the Rangers got on the board with a power play goal.

Three minutes later, the 73's scored to make it 4-1. Cody Hendsbee sent a pass into the Ranger zone to Carroll. Carroll found Ben St Marseille in front of the net, who had no trouble burying it. Gloucester added one more on the power play with 1:08 left in the game

to make it a 4-2 win for the 73's. Dean Galasso and Matt Couvrette were named first and second stars respectively.

Upcoming games this week will see the Cornwall Colts here on Friday night for a 7:30 game and the Brockville Braves visit on Sunday with a 2 pm start. On Sunday, the Panthers Atom Rep team will be honoured for the recent win at the Regional Silverstick. The team will be doing fund raising to support their trip to the finals in Forest, Ontario in January.

Come on out and support our champions. Catch the Junior A fever! Hockey with edge!

73’s have a three point weekend

He Scores! Kemptville's Brandon Seatter (9) celebrates a Kemptville goal in front of three Carleton Place players. @rinkrat On Friday, the Carleton Place Canadians came to Kemptville to face the 73's.

The Canadians presently lead the CCHL standings and are 13 points ahead of the second place team. The 73's came out fast, using their speed to shake the Canadians out of their game plan. The much bigger Carleton Place team tried to use their size to intimidate Kemptville, but they hit them back harder and more often. With 1:05 left in the first, the Canadians took advantage of a penalty to go up 1-0 at the end of the first.

The second period was more of the same and the Canadians capitalized on a coverage Dec. 11, 2013

breakdown to go up 2-0 early in the second. Before the period was ten minutes old, Matt Tugnutt and Dylan Giberson were pursuing the puck deep in the Carleton Place end.

Tugnutt threw a hard check and the puck squirted loose.

Giberson pursued three different puck carriers before he successfully stole the puck and brought it out in front of the net where Tugnutt picked up the pass and buried it to make it a 2-1 game. The Canadians got that one back quickly, again on the power play, to restore their two goal lead. At the 18:29 mark of the second, Ben St Marseille and Tugnutt were battling hard on the boards in the Canadians end. They managed to send

the puck out to Giberson on the dot in the faceoff circle and he drilled a shot that went off the post and in, to narrow the Carleton Place lead to 3-2 after two. Three minutes into the third, Hayden Hanson started the play behind his own net when he sent the puck to Brandon Seatter. He took the puck from the right wing defensive zone blue line to the left wing offensive blue line. Erik Brown was flying down the centre of the ice when Seatter hit him with a beautiful pass while he was at full speed. Brown split the Canadians defence and beat the goalie cleanly to tie the game at 3. There was no more scoring in the third period.

Just 1:06 into overtime, the

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Year of Anniversaries

OPP takes on policing in North Grenville

by David Shanahan The amalgamation of Oxford-on-Rideau, South Gower and Kemptville in 1998 did not take place easily or quickly. From the time the Mike Harris Conservative Government took power in 1995, it was clear that amalgamation was coming to the area, and it was up to the three municipal Councils to figure out the details.

Before amalgamation, the province had 815 municipalities in 1996; by 2002, this had been reduced to just 447. The whole process was a nightmare for all concerned, and the promise that it would lead to cost-savings for municipalities has not materialised. The decline in democratic representation has also caused difficulties, as the old slogan of the 1830's, “Representation by Population”, resurfaced.

In the three municipalities that now make up North Grenville, one of the issues that had to be addressed was that of policing. Before 1998, the two rural areas were policed by the Ontario Provincial Police at no direct cost to the municipalities. However, it was known that a change was coming, with a projected levy of $126 per head of population planned for Oxford and South Gower. The Town

Dec. 11, 2013

of Kemptville had its own police force, costing about $800,000 a year, but the Kemptville Council recognised that serious upgrading would be required, and the looming issue of amalgamation put the future of policing into a new light. Should Kemptville allow their police force to be absorbed into the OPP under the new arrangements, and what would the cost be to taxpayers of a newly-expanded service to the entire community? Kemptville Police Chief McCurley believed it would involve no more than the four Kemptville officers “changing their shirts”.

Kemptville Council was sharply divided between those who wanted to have a costing done on OPP services for the town, and those who wished to keep the local force intact. On January 22, 1997, local MPP and Solicitor General Bob Runciman announced that there would be new charges for OPP services: not the per capita $126 expected, but based on the level of crime in each community.

If a municipality wanted a certain level of service from the OPP, it could pay for just what it wanted. But there was a problem for Kemptville in the announcement too. The OPP had provided specialised services when required, such as traffic collision technical support, underwater search and rescue, etc. In future, the OPP

would be charging for such extras, making the cost of local policing that much higher for small jurisdictions such as Kemptville.

The situation was not helped by ongoing disputes between the Kemptville Police Association and the Town over issues connected with temporary police officers, who were expected to pay for their own uniforms and training, and yet had no job security. In July, 1997, the OPP presented their proposal for services to Kemptville: $502,000 for five full-time officers and a Sergeant. The Kemptville Police Association decided to join the OPP, arguing that it would be cheaper than upgrading training and services as a separate force. Later that month, the Kemptville Council agreed to accept OPP services.

By September, 1997, a Transition Board, set up to implement the amalgamation of the three areas, were informed that OPP services for the new municipality would cost $1.5 million, and would consist of 15 constables and three Sergeants. The new system was not in place on January 1, 1998, when Oxford-onRideau and South Gower Townships ceased to exist as separate entities after two hundred years, and joined with the Town of Kemptville to form the new Township of North Grenville. This name would

later be changed to the current Municipality of North Grenville. On March 25, 1998, the first Mayor of the new municipality, Don Cameron, announced that the Kemptville Police Force would be absorbed into the OPP on May 3. The official ceremony took place at the Ferguson Forest Centre, where the five members of the Kemptville force were sworn in as OPP officers.

Former Chief Chris McCurley had been made Sergeant and posted to Smith’s Falls, but the other four men remained in Kemptville. Guest of Honour, OPP Deputy Commissioner Diane Nagel presented two of them, Doug Baker and Ron Laderoute with special medals marking their twenty year service in the Kemptville Police.

For much of its history, Kemptville had been served by individual constables, hired by the town and handling the everyday infractions of a small town.

The last decades of the Kemptville Police force are remembered fondly by many: the brown uniforms with the Mountie hats, the local men who knew everyone, part of the community.

Amalgamation ended many things in 1998, and it began a new order in North Grenville as the OPP moved in to take up the work carried on so well for so many years by the men of the community.

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