ND Times Issue 5 2022 March 9

A century of progress

Every week, the Times is produced by a sta where women outnumber men by 2 to 1. Women have taken a leading role in every sphere of life, private and public. Much has been changed, and much remains to be achieved, as the articles in this special issue attest. On International Women’s Week, 2022, we can look back a century and see how much of the progress had to be fought for on every level, especially under the law.

Although Agnes McPhail was the first woman elected to the

House of Commons in 1921, women were still denied the right to become a Senator, as the British North America Act of 1867 required that they be “persons”, which successive Canadian Governments had decided was a term that did not apply to women.

In August 1927, Emily Murphy invited four prominent women activists Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney and Henrietta Muir Edwards, to join her in sending a petition to the Canadian government regarding the interpre-

tation of the word “persons”. These women are known today as The Famous Five.

On 27 August 1927, the Famous Five signed the letter, which was sent to the governor general.

In 1928, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that women were not “persons” according to the British North America Act (now called the Constitution Act, 1867). Therefore, they were ineligible for appointment to the Senate. However, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council reversed the

Court’s decision on 18 October, 1929. The Persons Case enabled women to work for change in both the House of Commons and the Senate. It also meant that women could no longer be denied rights based on a narrow interpretation of the law. They were now, legally and forever, “persons”.

It is in attitudes and behaviour that much remains to be done to bring true equality of opportunity. This is now a role where women and men can play a part to #BreaktheBias.

International Woman's Day 2022

Being a woman in 2022

by Chelsea Baker, Sales Manager, Lockwood Brothers Construction

I was asked to put together a few words on what it is like to be a woman in 2022: specifically, a full-time working woman in 2022. I am certain I can speak for most when I say it is hard work. As a single Mom of two, who works full time, there are many days that I myself don’t even know how it all gets done. Between birthday parties and staff meetings, hockey practices and conference calls, permission letters and spreadsheets, it can be overwhelming. Throw in a few months of home schooling on top, and it’s easy to see why so many working parents are barely hanging on these days.

With all that being said, I wouldn’t want it any other way (except for home schooling - that I can live without!) I love my job. I mean, I get to build people their dream homes - what could be more fun than that!? I get to use my talents and my abilities daily – both of which give a huge sense of accomplishment. I get to show my children that hard works pays off, and finding a job you find rewarding every day IS possible. And - I get to meet amazing people along the way!

The three most important things I have learned in my journey of being a working Mom in today’s landscape are:

Find your tribe! These are the best friends you can call when things get overwhelming. Who you can laugh (and cry!) with over a glass of wine, talking about all the crazy things that happened this week. This is the family you can call when the bus gets cancelled (for the 3rd time this week) to come pick up the kids and bring them to school. The ones who will bring you dinner when you had to work late, but still need to get to

hockey practice. This is your partner, the one that helps you laugh through your craziness, while reminding you that this journey is fun, even on the days it isn’t. This tribe is, by far, your most important asset.

Scrap the Work/Life Balance Idea. This is a tough one. Realize that nothing will ever feel balanced. When you are killing it at work, you will feel like you are lacking at home. When you feel like you are killing it home, you will feel like you are failing at work. This is okay! It is impossible to be your best everywhere, all the time. Try, instead, to enjoy and recognize the times you ARE being a superstar at the office, and know that, next week, you will be back to being Supermom at home – and when you are shining at home, know it’s only a matter of time before you are back being your best self at work.

NOTE: Repeat as long and as often as you are a working woman!

Time for Yourself. A clichéd piece of advice, but oh, so important! We know burn out is affecting us at rates higher than ever before.

Naomi’s Family Resource Centre

particularly intimate partner violence and sexual violence. It is rooted in and perpetuates gender inequalities.

Globally, 1 in 3 women experience physical and/ or sexual violence in their lifetime, mostly by an intimate partner. This is a stark reminder of the scale of gender inequality and discrimination against women.

at them, another screaming session, another blow to the body in front of the kids … and we continue to maintain that place of refuge to this day.

Over the years, Naomi’s has provided a safety net to thousands of people, (we serve, on average, 100 women and 50 children annually).

With the troubling news headlines daily, rising costs, and the new way of life brought on by the pandemic - the regular day to day as we knew it has changed, and it can be exhausting! Most days, there isn’t enough time to get through even the basics, so start small. Plan a 15-minute walk listening to your favourite podcast, go for a spa treatment, or just shut the door and take extra-long in the bath. I have come to love my alone time. So much so, I have even taken several entire vacations solo! This alone time, in whatever version I can get it, gives me time to recharge and reflect. And when I do – I always come out of it feeling like I can take on the world (or at least another night of homework).

A quote I love, “No matter where you are in life, inspire and empower the women around you. Success is never reached alone. And wisdom and wealth are sweeter shared.” Unknown. Women are incredible! Happy International Women’s Day!

Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated in the month of March since 1909, became an annual event in 2010, and seeks to remind us of how we can better our society by learning more, become advocates for those who are vulnerable, address societal change, and be a catalyst with local, provincial, and federal policy makers.

by Deborah Thomson, CEO

Naomi’s Family Resource Centre is a stage one woman’s shelter located in Winchester, and serves women and children fleeing violence and abuse in SD&G counties, as well as those from the Leeds and Grenville area, and the greater Ottawa area. Naomi’s House, as some would call it, has been supporting women and families who are actively seeking a change in their circumstances since 1987.

Violence and abuse are defined many ways, and I know that, when we hear those words, we conjure up pictures in our minds about what it looks like.

The World Health Organization defines Violence against women as a major public and clinical health problem, and a violation of women's human rights,

Women who decide to make the change from a life of violence or abuse, no matter where it stems from, are courageous. Often, women may plan an escape with their children at a time when opportunity arises, and they go! They go fast and don’t look back. They are fearful and unsure of what the next few days or weeks will bring. So many questions, fearful to fail. Perhaps they attempted to leave before but, for whatever reason, couldn’t do it. Fearful of how they will provide for themselves and the kids. Fearful of what life will look like.

Years ago, our communities got together and built a refuge, a safe place for women and children to go to, to breathe, to collect themselves and not have to constantly worry about another vulgar word hurled

I sometimes reflect on why we still continue to see such pain in our society when, in many ways, we are more educated, we talk about women’s issues more broadly and early in our school years. We talk about the ‘right’ way to speak or to act, we define what is “inappropriate” all the time. There are social service agencies, groups, congregations, internet, literature, courses, lived experience – all there to aid us in learning early to avoid repeating the cycle, or for that matter, getting into the cycle in the first place. So why does violence against women still happen? Why do 33% of all women in the world experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime?

There is no one definitive answer. It is highly complex and different for each person. International

The IWD theme for 2022 is #Break the Bias. We are asked to consider the following:

• Imagine a gender equal world.

• A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

• A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

• A world where difference is valued and celebrated.

• Together we can forge women's equality.

Naomi’s Family Resource Centre (www.naomiscentre.ca) is active in our community, believes in partnerships, realizes that we cannot do this work alone, and invites you, the reader, to spend a few moments learning about how we can collectively #BreakTheBias.

Christine’s story

that each chicken had a name that suited its personality. Christine’s yard was a story board of her love for nature and animals.

treated like a little lady. She delighted in talking about her chickens as a Mother delights in talking about her children.

by Nanda Wubs-Huizenga

Christine: To most, she was eccentric, reclusive, and different – to me she was my friend.

In the summer of 2000, our family moved to our new home near Chesterville. Shortly after we moved there, I often noticed a small, older lady shuffling up and down the road past our farm. She wore dirty, baggy clothing, had on rubber boots, and a baseball cap plunked on top of her head. She kept her gaze to the ground as if searching, and would occasionally stop to pick up something of interest. I knew her home was a few doors down, because it stood out from the rest of the neighbours’ tidy, well manicured properties. The house was old, run-down, and the grass was mowed haphazardly, with logs piled here and there, and small seedling trees sprouting through thick green mounds of uncut lawn. Chickens paraded around in clusters, picking their way through the grassy maze. Little did I know that each seedling had a purpose, each log was piled there for a reason, and

My heart went out to her, and I gradually began to feel the Lord’s gentle nudge to meet. After some time had passed, I finally had a chance when, driving past her house, I noticed she was out for a summer stroll. As I pulled over, she cautiously approached the car. I immediately noticed her un-kept hair, dirty teeth, and a smell that invaded my space. In spite of this, I introduced myself as her new neighbour and said, “why don’t you stop by for a coffee sometime?” She was so excited by the invitation, it really surprised me. Her elation reminded me of a small child’s glee at getting a long awaited treat.

The next day she came for a visit, clutching a miniature jar of freshly picked flowers. She explained what each flower was, and it turned out that most of them were wild – what you and I would call weeds. Yet, she valued them and seemed to know the good qualities of each and how they were useful. She shared with me her love for her chickens, and would laugh hysterically when talking about ‘their sillies’. “Old Man Roosty was gonna have his head taken off one of these days because he was so bossy”, and Wee Cinnamon loved to be carried and

That summer was the start of a special friendship and a bond that grew between us. We found out that we both shared a faith in God and this was the glue that kept us together. As she slowly opened up to me, she soon became eager to share stories that had been tucked away. Each time she visited she would bring small gifts of “flowers”, trinkets, newspaper clippings, and occasionally a sampling of her baking. I learned things about her during those visits – She couldn’t stand to see things wasted and would scour neighbors’ recycling bins for discarded jars and containers that she would find useful. Paper was cut up for notepaper, newspapers and sticks were used to start a fire in the woodstove, and scraps of food were fed to the chickens. Nothing went to waste, both out of necessity and conviction.

Eventually Christine invited me to her home. I was hesitant to go inside as the rickety steps were splattered with chicken ‘residue’ and a terrible smell came from inside. Upon reaching the open door, I realized that the chickens were already waiting for us in the kitchen. Pots and pans littered the counter and some spilled over with half eaten food rotting in them. A

Loretta Corbeil leads new strategic plan

writing, board governance, staff and volunteer management and evaluation. She has completed training with both Tamarack Institution of Public Innovation in Collective Impact and Harwood Institute of Public innovation in Community Change.

lone table without chairs sat in the middle of the floor, covered in dirty newspapers and clippings of various plants that were put there to dry. Jackets, each one dirtier than the next, hung in row by the door. In the far room I noticed stacks of books covered every nook and cranny of the walls and floor. Christine failed to notice the look of shock on my face as we visited that day in the kitchen. I hid it well, because I could see that she really needed a friend to accept her as she was.

During the next couple of months, I began to put together the pieces of information she entrusted me with and found out that Christine was living on only $528/ month. She explained that after her father died, she lost her mother five years later. Shortly afterwards, her only sibling had severed his ties with her and she was left to look after herself. Loneliness set in, leading to depression and irrational fears that made it difficult for her to work, let alone trust anyone or ask for help. Money soon ran out and she was forced to accept welfare, which was very degrading in her mind. She lost her dignity and self respect in the process and slipped further into a world of despair.

Realizing that Christine needed help, I eventually breached the subject with her. By that point, she trusted that I cared about her and really

wanted her to see the doctor. He referred her to a psychiatrist, who diagnosed her and prescribed medication that really helped her. Within a few months she blossomed, and soon began to take more time to groom herself and keep her home tidy. In spite of this, her home was in dire need of repair. The roof leaked, the windows upstairs didn’t open, the wooden exterior doors were cracked, and the furnace was not insurable according to the insurance company.

Poverty had forced her to neglect her beloved home, and now it required the attention that it had been deprived of. Together, we went to Social Services to discuss Christine’s situation and apply for Ontario Disability Support. I will never forget the day she ran to my house with papers in hand – her application had been approved and, suddenly, her income would be doubled. Even though $1,100/month is not a lot to you and I, to

Christine she thought she won the lottery! ODSP could not provide money for her home, but after some research, I was able to find three homeimprovement grants that provided roof repairs, new doors, windows, and a furnace! Once the upgrades were done, she felt like a queen in her castle. Naturally, she began to take more pride in her home and so, the chickens came in… less often.

Christine and I were friends for about twelve years, until her death in 2009. Although her life was never perfect, our friendship was one of the most beautiful things I have ever experienced. In her own unique, eccentric way, she gave me all that she had to give: herself. Look around you, poverty is our neighbor, and today I encourage you to give yourself to those who may need you.

To the world, you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.

Loretta Corbeil has been hired to lead the refresh of the Leeds and Grenville Immigration Strategy.

Loretta has over twentyfive years working in the nonprofit sector with experience in community development, program implementation, and management. Her ties and experience in Leeds and Grenville give her a grounded view and necessary background to help lead the strategy refresh.

Her ongoing continuing education has included all aspects of nonprofit management including strategic planning, fundraising, proposal

She is a member of the Canada Evaluation Society and has recently completed training in Diversity Equity and Inclusion Evaluation. All together, Loretta's training, education, experience, and local knowledge make her the ideal person to lead the Leeds and Grenville Immigration Strategy refresh.

The St. Lawrence – Rideau Immigration Partnership has been working on a refresh of the Leeds and Grenville Immigration Strategy to be finalized in April, 2022. The Strategy will provide direction on how local agencies, individuals, and communities can participate in creating a welcoming region for immigrants. Labour market challenges, the recent arrival

of many newcomer refugees, and additional federal immigration streams are a few factors being considered as the Strategy is refreshed. Surveys and consultations have been ongoing through January and February, 2022.

As a thank you to our participants, several gift cards to local immigrant-owned businesses were offered as door prizes for those who shared their thoughts. These gift cards were to El Rebost de les Mil Iles in Prescott, Panache Bakery in Gananoque, and Sunset Grill in Brockville.

The community consultations have seen participation from people in every municipality within in Leeds and Grenville and has included municipal representatives, interested citizens, social service agencies, immigrants, and educational institutions.

The most recent Newspapers 24/7 research confirms that Canadians are still turning to news media in printed and digital formats. Research from November/December 2021 finds that 86% of Canadians are newspaper readers.

The majority of these readers (95%) now access their news digitally, on smartphones, computers, and tablets. But almost half of readers (46%) are still opting to read their news in printed newspapers. Readership is truly multi-platform, with a quarter of readers satisfying their appetite for news on ALL FOUR platforms.

Don’t let huts or hockey nets go down with the ice

It’s officially March, and that means it's time to haul in your fishing huts, hockey nets and other on-ice gear before the ice is out. Building materials, benches and shovels, garbage and other waste can pollute our rivers and lakes, harm fish and wildlife and create hazards for boaters and swimmers in the spring.

Under Ontario law, Eastern Ontario fishing huts must be removed by March 15. However, as the sun gets stronger and the weather begins to warm, it’s wise to remove them sooner rather than later. If you wait too long, you may find the ice too thin to access your belongings!

It is an offence under the Public Lands Act to leave your ice hut out after ice break up, even if that occurs before the removal deadline.

So take some time this week to collect your belongings, dispose of your garbage and dismantle any structures you’ve built on the ice. Protect and respect the river that has kept you going all through the long winter months!

For complete fishing hut regulations visit www.ontario.ca/page/ice-fishing. To learn about water quality in your area and how to improve it, visit watersheds.rvca.ca.

New research finds nine out of ten Canadians are reading newspapers

Standing on the shoulders of others

able to thrive there for the next three years. My life has been a rocky one, not always easy, but somehow, with the support of my mother and sisters, I made it through and now here I am, a woman of 65, running my own business (with of course the help of Pat Jessop, another very strong woman and the person who keeps this paper together weekly), and enjoying the community I live in.

Retirement Residence and the consequences for them. It’s been incredibly hard on our seniors.

by Marguerite Boyer

I grew up on a farm where my mother raised six children on her own, including four girls who grew up to become very strong women. My mother had the knowledge to recognize each one of our talents and encouraged us to pursue fields that matched our strengths and interests. My own strength was my art. In my teens, when I was failing in the academic world, she found an art school for me in Ottawa which meant hours of travelling from our farm to the city. I was

As a woman, I too struggled with being a single mother. I was lucky that I had help during difficult times, but others were not so lucky. I have come to admire the women in my community, young and old, for the generosity I have seen them display for these past two COVID years. One woman, a centenarian who had been through the second World War and the bombing of England, said “we got through the war, we can get through this”. She was referring to the isolation that many seniors went through at the Bayfield

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

To Steve Clark: I am not at all happy with the decision to cancel the mandate that restaurants ensure that patrons are vaccinated before welcoming them into the establishment. This decision, along with permitting restaurants to seat full capacity, means that the odds that the person at the next table is a carrier of Covid19 or a variant have completely turned around. I will now avoid eating in restaurants until a much higher percent of the population has been fully vaccinated, I.e., 2 shots plus at least one booster. I have read that some 80% of Ontarians only have had one shot. Your actions imply that the pandemic is over. It is not. I think your government has caved in to a bunch of thoughtless, selfish people who seem to believe every conspiracy they read on social media.

Now tonight I saw on the news that you are cancelling the requirement to wear a mask in stores and other pub-

The women business operators in North Grenville and North Dundas suffered the stresses of not knowing when they could open, re-open, the extent to which they could operate, and whether their businesses would ultimately survive. These past two years have taught me so much on the resilience of the many women I have been in contact with.

I witnessed the efforts of our female Mayor, another solo mother with children, and her dedication to the community, spending the last two years out on the streets meeting with people, discussing their challenges with them and helping them to identify and implement solutions. So many women I talked to felt the stress, from almost every age group I came in contact with.

Shelters for women will tell you that for many women who try to leave an

abusive partner, it can take multiple attempts before they are successful. This is extremely frustrating for family members and friends who want to help them. But in the end, it is often very patient women who help these women to develop the confidence to eventually cut the ties. It took some hard personal lessons of my own to try and understand these women. When I left my first relationship, there was no looking back. My eldest sister allowed me two weeks of grief and then pushed me to move on. As I said, the women in my family are very strong. So for me, it has been hard to understand why it takes so many tries for some women. But I did have incredible support and they need and deserve it as well.

I have been so inspired by all of the amazing women I have encountered over the last two years, that I was compelled to write and illustrate a children’s book featuring the different women of the area from a

young girl’s perspective: you can be anything that you want to be, you just have to be able to discover your potential. Women such as my mother and the women of this area have helped me to achieve this. I have started on my second children’s book now, due to the encouragement of so many women who surround me.

All the proceeds for these books will be donated to Naomi’s Family Resource Centre in Winchester, in order to support financially what I can’t do physically. My thanks to all you women out there, including my mother, for the encouragement and inspiration in my own life.

lic places. It is known that this is an airborne virus, so why are you doing this?

The number of cases are going to rise because of the lifting of the proof of vaccine requirement. Removing the mask requirement before at least an 85% to 90% vaccination rate is foolhardy. Your 10% anti-vaxxers are unlikely to vote compared to the majority who have willingly complied with the mandates designed to protect us. At least maintain the mask requirement until the numbers are lower and remain lower for a reasonable length if time.

Shirley Price

Dear Editor,

I have just read Brandon Mayer’s article in last week’s NGT about Doug Ford eliminating license plate sticker renewal fees. My first reaction was that there must be an election coming. This is such a cheap trick, trying to bribe us with our own money, but it is so typical of this government. My second reaction was to wonder how many of our social services are going to get cut to pay for this. That then started me thinking about the important stuff that the Ford government has either failed to do, or is doing things contrary to what many of us believe in, so here is a reminder.

The biggest threat to our planet is climate change, which we have been told about as long ago as 30 years, and this government has done nothing about it, because it actually doesn’t believe that it is happening, even though the proof is all around them. It started by cancelling green power contracts, costing the

taxpayer $231 million in penalties, has allowed our emissions to actually increase since, and now wants to make them even worse by building gas-fired power plants.

The pandemic over the last two years has shown, in stark relief, the problems with our healthcare system. Ford has actively worked against our health system, recently introducing Bill 124, freezing the wages of our hospital workers, which is unconscionable. These people deserve a raise, not to mention that we also need a massive investment in our hospitals and long-term care systems.

Then there is the 400 series highways that the Ford government wants to build, but which we don’t need, in the process paving over 2,000 acres of prime farmland, (at a time when we need to be more self-sufficient in the ability to feed ourselves), and destroying natural areas, including important wetlands.

They are also building prisons that we, again, also

don’t need, (which, in Kemptville’s case, is also paving over yet more farmland), when all they need to do to solve the problem is to improve the bail system by returning it to what it was three decades ago. At the same time, there is still a need to improve social services to help those who find themselves on the wrong side of the law due to things like poverty and mental health.

Yet another is the $15 minimum wage that Ford initially cut back, then eventually restored, but it is still not a living wage. There is a also a need for a guaranteed basic income (GBI) to lift people out of poverty, which had a pilot program in force when his government took over. Ford immediately scrapped it, even though it was working well, allowing those who were participating to start turning their lives around, and pulling them out of poverty.

Conservatives always say that we cannot afford GBI, in the process ignoring the cost of health problems, both physical and mental, when struggling and marginalised people cannot afford to feed or house themselves properly.

I could fill a couple of pages on this stuff, but maybe just one more important item, which is our public school

system. Ford is trying to destroy that by making the situation in our classrooms so toxic that it is driving people to send their children into the private system. Which, of course, is just what he wants. He is doing virtually nothing about the fact that our schools need $15 billion in repairs and upgrades, and that class sizes need to be reduced to ensure that our children are properly educated.

If you care about any of these things, there is a chance to correct what is happening on June 2. Please don’t allow the “Did Not Vote” Party to carry the day, as it has done in so many of our elections. Take the time to read what each Party stands for, and vote your conscience. You may not like the system that we have, but nothing will get fixed by ignoring what we are stuck with. I totally agree that the system needs changing, but if we want to do that, then we have to elect a government that is willing to help us do that, and not one that ignores and hinders us.

Colin Creasey Kemptville

Building on strong supports

Dr Crystal Doyle, Chief of Emergency Medicine, WDMH

“As a little girl growing up on a farm on Prince Edward Island, I always thought I would farm with my parents. I used to spend my days playing with the animals and having typical childhood daydreams about saving the day when a catastrophe struck the farm.

“I recall, as a child, my mother saying to me that my persistence would eventually get me somewhere and that I could do anything I wanted to if I put my mind to it. The hardest part of that was to try to not listen to the naysayers. And I had lots of people who thought the blond haired blue eyed child couldn’t. From a Drivers Education teacher to a high school teacher to a university professor, I was told frequently that I didn’t have the skills needed to succeed.

“My grandmother told me once that it takes ten positive comments to erase one negative comment. Luckily for me, I had some wonderful mentors along the way

who saw my true potential and advocated heavily for my success.”

For the longest time Dr Doyle thought having children would inhibit her success as a physician, until she discussed it with her residency program director, Dr. Karen Graham, who was extremely supportive and advocated for parental leave.

“My approach to becoming a parent changed at that moment. I now have four wonderful children, three daughters and a son. Balancing parenting along with my own personal and professional interests is a challenge relatable to all mothers, but the rewards are heartwarming and so very worthwhile.”

As Chief of Emergency Medicine at Winchester District Memorial Hospital, Crystal leads and represents a team of twenty-five physicians practicing emergency medicine 24/7/365.

"I am fortunate to work with a well rounded, charismatic group of physicians and to represent rural emergency medicine with other Department Chiefs and

Hospital Administration to deliver the best care close to home."

Now, Crystal's days are as varied as much as her interests. When she is not working, or driving a minivan of children around to different activities, you can find Crystal going for a Starbucks coffee with friends, or training for her next half marathon. When asked what does International Women's Day mean to her, she replied: "I see International Women’s Day as a way for all women to support each other and become each other’s mentor.”

And while we think about the many accomplishments women have achieved in society, whether it is motherhood or otherwise, International Women's Day reminds us each year that these contributions are the foundation of progress for women, most importantly, as individuals first, for women in rural Ontario, and internationally. "I'm fortunate to work and raise my children because those are my aspirations."

When asked what Crystal hopes International Women's Day will mean when her young daughter is her mother's age, Crystal said “ I am hopeful that by that time we won’t need to recognize the struggles of our success and that all genders will have equal opportunities.”

Dr. Doyle getting away from it all.

International Woman's Day 2022

Don’t underestimate the value of rural grandparents

“Because hens lay eggs, and roosters don’t.” And his immediate response was:

“I’m sure glad I’m a people.”

The predicament of women: children vs careers

by Theresa Bergeron

The young are born in the digital fast world. That’s all they know…until they spend time at grandma’s house. Here, they experience a whole different world: the garden, the orchard, the livestock, and responsibilities.

One grandson had the task of gathering the eggs. The first day, he was so excited because he saw a hen lay an egg. Next morning, he was taking way too long in the hen house, so I went to check. There he was, patiently and quietly standing still by the wall with his cell phone, waiting to video the laying process and send it to his friends in Alberta. Then came the day to have chicken for supper. I went with my other grandson to the barn to catch a young rooster. He said: “Grandma, I don’t eat rooster. I eat chicken.”

I explained that, when he ate chicken, he often ate roosters. “Why don’t we eat hens?” he asked.

The children dug up potatoes and we turned them into french fries. They picked a butternut squash that they helped turn into a pumpkin pie. They are keen observers, and one of the three noted that pumpkin pie was very healthy, with all that squash, eggs and milk. It would make a good breakfast. They went through two 10-inch quiche size pies in one week. We picked apples for fresh eating, and some became apple crisp and apple pie. They snacked on small cukes and cherry tomatoes they picked in the garden and began to recognize the food bearing plants. They learned how to pick corn when it was the sweetest, cook it in the microwave with husk on. They have seen a broody hen teach her chicks how to survive, and witnessed the birth of kids.

Last year, I rented bicycles from Mr Cox in Winchester for their 2-week stay. It was good to see them play outside, climb the trees, jump on the trampoline, and bicycle in the area. In the evenings we played monopoly and rumoli. Yes, Grandma’s place is a different world.

I started a permaculture orchard where trees and shrubs are planted in layers. At the first tree, a black locust, I started explaining that it was

there because it fixed nitrogen from the air and fertilized the ground around it. So did the lupins, and both bore scented flowers that fed the bees. My 12 year-old grandson looked at me and said: “Hang on grandma, I’m going to get my notebook to write notes”. He learned that blueberries and currants like to be in the acid soil near evergreens. He noticed that most of the blossoms on the chum tree had fallen without setting fruit. “That’s because the bees are dying. A lot of our food depends on bees.”

Last August, as we were on the deck pulling the elderberries off the stems to make syrup, he said: “Grandma, I’m really lucky.” “Why?”, I asked. The response I will never forget. “Because I get to spend time with you and know where food comes from.”

The grandchildren return home understanding that plants take CO2 from the air, water from the rain, energy from the sun, and turn it into food for us to eat. That it is all a very delicate balance, the miracle of life.

As rural grandparents, we have accumulated the wisdom of life’s cycles, and sharing it with the next generations who are detached from the land is very important. They, indeed, need to know where food comes from. Don’t underestimate your value.

by Katherine Bell

All mothers want to provide the best for their children. Finding the perfect balance between providing care and providing financial resources can be very difficult. I’m sure every mother struggles with the same decision – whether to go to work, or be a stay-at-home parent. For my first child, I chose to stay home, which came with its own sets of difficulties. Having only one income did not allow us to have two vehicles, and living in a rural area meant having no way to leave home during the day, and no extra spending money to do the things we wanted on the weekend. Even things such as clothing, toys, and sports were a struggle.

I could not financially

justify having another child until 12 years later, when I was back into the workforce. I chose a job that didn’t require much notice or hassle if I needed to call in for time off, so that I would be there for my children when they needed me. There were times when I seriously contemplated being a stay-at-home mom, but I did not want to rely on someone else to take care of me again, even though, at the time, I was envious of women who could stay home and focus solely on their children and see all of their developmental milestones, such as their first steps.

There were other times when I wondered if it even made sense at all to continue going to work, when so much of my pay went to daycare fees. The nature of the work I did meant I had to take lower paying jobs without the security of a pension. As my children got older and the need for my physical presence in their lives diminished, I was now faced with being older and not having higher

education, or any experience with higher paying fields. Late at night, I lie in bed wondering how different my life would have been had I decided to go to university, instead of working those low paying jobs.

As women, we need to know that we are making the right choices, and that, ultimately, whatever choice me make, we need to make the best of it. The only wrong choice is making no choice at all. Too often, women make ourselves feel like failures, no matter what decision we make. Yet, ultimately, in the end, none of us are failures, because whether we choose to show our children the value of staying home and caring for them, or the value of working to financially support them, they are our children and they will know that we made the best choices possible for them. How do I know this? Both of my children are healthy and happy upstanding young men who love me, and that is all that matters!

Line dancing is starting up again if interested. Starting March 9 at 7:00

It won’t be at the arena, but at the Business Centre at 457 Main in Winchester.

Enter side door and go upstairs. We’re all starting from scratch!

Hope to see you!

Christine 613-360-9917

Emily Blanchard*, Kim Monkhouse*, Melissa Cooper*

The women of The Oldford Team

proud supporter of the women in our community

"Every woman's success should be an inspiration to another. We're strongest when we cheer each other on. " ~Serena Williams

The right people

The right products

The right services

Fertilizer - Seed - Crop Protection

OFA reminds farmers to ensure accuracy of assets when renewing farm insurance

by Jackie Kelly-Pemberton, Director, OFA

Farming is regularly influenced and impacted by adverse conditions and unique situations. A level of risk is also assumed within the agriculture industry, whether it’s the risk of extreme weather, supply chain interruptions or market volatility. Another form of risk that needs to be considered is potential damages to your farm business caused by fire, flooding, or other unexpected causes. Every farmer manages risk on their farm, and ensuring you have the proper insurance coverage is a form of risk management that can protect your most valuable assets.

Servicing the grain industry since 1909

parrishandheimbecker.com

669 St Lawrence Street Winchester, ON 1-866-867-4292

613-774-2720

Fax: 613-774-2921

We appreciate the efforts of our grassroots members, the Leeds Federation of Agriculture and Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) representatives for taking action on

addressing insurance concerns and bringing this important topic to the forefront. OFA joined together with The Cooperators to host a webinar on this subject matter in response to a resolution brought forward by Leeds Federation to OFA’s 2021 Annual General Meeting. The resolution highlighted a growing number of member concerns related to farm property insurance coverage and a lack of clarity on the issue. The webinar, which was delivered by expert representatives from The Co-operators, provided an opportunity for members to learn helpful tips on what they should know when renewing their insurance policy. The session provided beneficial information to 315 participants.

A key takeaway from the presentation was to ensure members have open communication with their insurance

broker to make sure you have a policy in place that is specific to your farm business. Working with an agent that has experience in dealing with farm policies is beneficial in limiting the potential for oversight on properties or assets. It is extremely important to make sure the insurance plan is right for you. That means it should be current and covers the needs of your business to prevent an unexpected loss, leaving you to deal with financial hardships. Attentional to detail when renewing your farm insurance is vital to ensuring your valuable assets are protected.

Another helpful tip is to coordinate an annual check-in meeting with your broker to cover any new farm assets that have been purchased. It can be hard to keep track of new purchases but if all items aren’t listed, you risk missing out

Ag Safety Week: Safety is Our Standard

Organised by The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association, March 13-19, 2022, is the first Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW), under the banner: “Your Farm, Your Family, Your Success”. Organizers are calling all farmers, ranchers, farm families, farm workers and farming communities to implement farm safety plans, talk about farm safety, and value #FarmSafetyEveryday.

safety is essential for all farming operations.

on coverage. Keep a detailed inventory of your farm assets, and remember to regularly add new equipment, machinery or buildings to your policy.

Discussing farm management plans, maintenance plans and the things you do to make sure your farm is protected are also important to share with your insurance professional. Have you completed electrical upgrades? Do you have a regularly scheduled maintenance plan? Understanding your policy and providing accurate and detailed information will help you make the best decision for your coverage and could also lead to saving on insurance premiums.

With rapid advancements in farm technology, a barn built 40 years ago is nothing like a barn built today. Working with your insurance broker, you should also make sure the description of each farm

asset is clear and reflects the actual worth. It is also strategic to make sure your property insurance limits reflect current market conditions to make sure an insurance payout will be enough to replace your damaged property.

This webinar provided an excellent opportunity for members to actively engage in questions, comments or concerns with those working in the insurance industry with The Co-operators. Participants submitted an overwhelming number of questions, including inquiries about how insurance rates will be impacted because of increased costs due to supply chain issues, how trespassing and vandalism affect insurance and, more specifics about liability insurance.

Locally owned and serving our customers with pride since 1999!

12270 St Lawrence St, Winchester, ON 613.774.2044

Canadian Agricultural Safety Week is an annual public campaign committed to raising awareness about the importance of farm safety. In 2022, organizers are focusing on not just practical safety advice and awareness but also the reasons why

Call Elevator: 613-774-4246

Home: 613-774-3305

“Farm safety is not just about knowing what hazards exist,” says Andrea Lear, CASA’s Chief Executive Officer. “Farm Safety is also about changing unsafe behaviours and habits, understanding the positive business case for incorporating safety on farming operations and addressing what it truly means to value safety and health. This year, CASA is excited to host conversations about making meaningful and long-lasting change for the health and safety of everyone that lives, works, and visits farms and ranches.”

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is the presenting sponsor of CASW and a valuable

• Cell: 613-229-2142

12650 Ormond Road, Winchester, Ontario

farm safety champion. FCC supports many farm safety programs, including Back to Ag, a program that assists with the cost of adaptive technology for farmers who have experienced a traumatic injury and CASA’s BeGrainSafe program.

“Farms present a variety of workplace hazards, so incorporating solid safety practices each and every day is paramount for reducing risk to farm family members and employees,” said Michael Hoffort, FCC president and CEO. “CASW is an important reminder each year for everyone to take care and be safe on the farm.”

For more than a decade, CASA has been raising awareness about the importance

of safety on Canadian farms through CASW, which takes place every year during the third week of March. In 2022, CASW sponsors include longtime corporate sponsor Farm Credit Canada, as well as CN, Syngenta, Bayer Crop Science and Fertilizer Canada.

Additional information about CASW, including the media kit and resources is available at agsafetyweek.ca. The media kit contains feature stories, safety advice articles, public service announcements, graphics, and more.

The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and safety of farmers, their families and agricultural workers. CASA is

funded in part by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal, provincial and territorial initiative. For more information, visit www.casaacsa.ca, find us on Facebook or LinkedIn, or follow us on Twitter @planfarmsafety

International Woman's Day 2022

A Study in Active Senior Living: SCS Welcomes Master’s Student Megan Clumpus

independently in our community. This can mean providing access to specialized exercise programs, transportation and nutritional meals, and programs designed for important social interaction and connection. SCWW is a group telephone-based program that connects people to weekly social activities and welcoming voices.

Overcoming the stereotype

ness, it was never a question. The hardest part of my career was proving that I knew what I was talking about when it came to fixing vehicles. Once our customers realized this, I quickly became respected by them.

Seniors’ Community Services is pleased to welcome Megan Clumpus, a University of Victoria’s Masters of Public Health Candidate. Megan joined us in February to fulfill her practicum, with a focus on analysing and improving our exercise programs. In 2021 we provided 288 exercise classes, and introduced cardio drumming and seniors’ yoga. A dedicated exercise program for older adults, along with the option for additional supports, is a vital part of living confidently and independently – and keeping fit feels great!

Megan has been working within policy and regulation with Health Canada for close to 6 years, and has previous experience working with the senior population in a professional capacity. Her work includes studying under both a recreational therapist and physical therapist, and extensive volunteer experience running fitness classes, games, and one-on-one visits.

“I am incredibly passionate about public health, especially how it relates to health equity and health promotion within the community and the aging population”

Megan’s practicum in-

cludes two pieces of work: A literature review of physical activity interventions for older adults, aged 65 years and older, that are intended to bring attention to fall prevention, and identifying the evidence gaps that require further research. This second piece will highlight the current state of practice, and provide insight into the requirements to receive Senior Active Living Centre (SALC) designation and respective funding from the Government of Ontario.

This study will not only assist SCS to grow our exercise programs to meet the needs of older adults in our community, but it will increase opportunities for vital funding. SCS is very fortunate in having this collaboration with Megan that will assist us in developing and facilitating programs that will support health and wellness for senior in our community. It is never too late to bring movement and strength into your daily life!

The Story of Seniors’ Centre Without Walls:

The SCS monthly calendar is full of opportunities that benefit the unique needs of older adults who are living

As we know, social isolation and feeling left behind can lead to a myriad of health issues with a direct impact on seniors, especially during the challenge of the last two years. With support from the Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario (OACAO), Seniors’ Centre Without Walls became a social hub for seniors in our community. Twice a week, familiar voices meet on a group call for trivia, stories, music, special guests, or some coffee talk. There is always an abundance of laughter and warmth, and the opportunity to create a space for human connection.

If you, or someone you know, would like to join our fun group, please reach out and we can provide all the information. All you need is a phone and a comfy chair, just leave the rest to us!

For information on our weekly virtual and in-person exercise programs, or SCWW, please visit give us a call at 613-258-3203, or email hello@seniorscs.ca. We look forward to hearing from you!

by Vicki Ogilvie, Ogilvie’s Auto & Fleet Service

I am Vicki Ogilvie, the co-owner of Ogilvie’s Auto & Fleet Service in Jasper, On. As a business owner in the Automotive Industry for more than 30 years, I’ve witnessed a common stereotype that ‘women don’t know anything about cars’. Even though the Automotive Industry is considered to be male dominated, this stereotype could not be further from the truth and is, fortunately, beginning to subside.

Growing up, I was raised on a farm watching my dad always fix tractors and heavy

machinery. He never let my gender impact how I grew up, and always allowed me to help with chores and driving the tractors and trucks.

When I met my husband, he was an automotive apprentice and loved hot rods. It didn’t take long for me to begin learning about engines, drivetrains, brakes, and anything mechanical. In our early days, we spent many years showing hot rods and building cars, which eventually led to our family now spending every summer drag racing with our two daughters.

When the opportunity came for me to join the busi-

In today’s Automotive Industry, it is very common to see women working. Whether it’s as an automotive technician, welder, shop or dealership owner, CEO of an auto parts or tire company, saleswomen, or race car driver; there is no shortage of available positions. The popularity of social media has also helped our industry immensely, providing young women with an outlet to meet and mentor successful women.

As a woman in the automotive industry, I am constantly learning, and love making women feel comfortable coming to our garage. I have two daughters, in whom I have instilled the confidence to ‘be’ and ‘do’ whatever they want, regardless of their gender. I hope that, by sharing my story, other women will feel empowered to follow their passions and/or dreams, even if it goes against the norm.

Megan Clumpus (and Beau)

“Congratulations to Dr. W. Gifford-Jones on reaching the tremendous milestone of his 98th birthday. He sends his very best wishes to readers for good health.”

Decarbonizing Healthcare

Last week, we wrote about the environmental disaster of plastics choking the world’s oceans and the consequences for human health through the food chain. This week, let’s look through a different lens at another environmental disaster of our own making – the carbon footprint of healthcare itself. Here’s something you may not know. If the global healthcare sector were a country, it would be the fifth-largest greenhouse gas emitter!

A report from Health Care Without Harm calculated that the environmental impact of healthcare amounts to 4.4% of global net emissions – the equivalent of 514 coal-fired power plants. So far, North Americans are among the main culprits. By way of example, the report notes, “The United States health sector, the world’s number one emitter in both absolute and per capita terms, produces 57 times more emissions per person than does India.”

What exactly is causing all these emissions? Primarily, it is the energy consumption of healthcare facilities, healthcare transportation, and health product manufacturing, use, and disposal. It’s not easy for individuals to have clout with the healthcare industry and its complex global supply chains. But there are things everyone can do to share a sense of responsibility.

First and foremost, stay

CO2 Down to Earth 10 Our Wetlands and Biodiversity

by Philip Fry

healthy. If you need yet another reason to do it, this is it. Staying healthy means not using healthcare products. This will reduce your own contribution to health sector emissions. As it happens, the things that keep people healthy are the same things that protect the environment – e.g., reducing red meat consumption and walking in place of driving.

Second, make use of telehealth. There are times when seeing a doctor in person is an imperative. But telehealth is proving to be a valuable component of the system. It can offer convenience, speed, ease of access, low cost, quality care, safety, and a low-carbon footprint. This is one of the great lessons of the pandemic.

Third, advocate for healthcare providers to decarbonize and be environmentally responsibility. The more people make this an issue, the more the pressure and incentives build for environmental accountability in healthcare.

Here’s an example. People suffering from respiratory conditions may use metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) that work based on a pressurized propellant in an aerosol chamber. Unfortunately, these propellant gases are up to 3,350 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping the sun’s heat! A single inhaler can release as much emissions as a small car driven for 180 miles. A typical patient may use 12 inhalers a

year. Dry powder inhalers are a good alternative that can be used by the vast majority of patients.

But here are the big conundrums that need innovative solutions. It’s not just older people who inevitably need more healthcare – and therein add to the emissions of the sector. It’s those who fall ill too early in life from avoidable problems. Plus, there are many people around the world who desperately need better healthcare and for whom healthcare spending must increase. To offset the impact of these deserving consumers, there’s an urgent need for a global transition to clean, renewable energy.

In addition, instead of learning from the errors of developed countries where people are eating too much meat and not getting enough exercise, developing countries that achieve higher income levels are making the same mistakes. The epidemic of diabetes in North America is now a worldwide pandemic.

Finally, doctors must think differently. The Hippocratic Oath implores “First, do no harm.” It’s time to include the planet, not just the patient, in the thinking.

Sign-up at www.docgiff. com to receive our weekly e-newsletter. For comments, contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow us Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones

In the midst of the horrible news from Ukraine, the latest report from the International Panel on Climate Change, “Climate Change 2022, Impact, Adaptation and Vulnerability”, has slipped by almost unnoticed in the press. And that is most unfortunate, because it sums up the worldwide devastation already being caused by climate change. According to the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations, António Guterres, the report is "an atlas of human suffering and a damning indictment of failed climate leadership... all people on the planet are getting clobbered by climate change."

An important “take home” message is that effective solutions aiming at mitigation and adaptation will have to be invented and implemented on the regional level. Why? The impacts of climate change vary according to local geography –the given position of a locality on the globe, its landscape features, and its habitat mix.

What does this mean for us? Our landscape patchwork sits in a saucer-like depression between highlands along the Saint Lawrence and Ottawa rivers. The drainage systems of the region flow slowly, and various types of wetlands, both naturally occurring and humanly engineered, dominate much of the territory. Slowly moving waters are of importance to bio-diverse life-forms, but they are also very susceptible to weather irregularities and the accumulation of polluting agents: herbicides, pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and novel entities in human waste.

There are provincial conservation institutions based

on the three major drainage systems in Eastern Ontario –the Rideau, the Nation, and the Raisin rivers – mandated to ensure the health of our waterways and wetlands. They have been doing important work monitoring the purity of the region's water systems and have developed innovative programs to support and enhance shoreline biodiversity. They have also issued scientifically based “report cards” on water purity, the grade being given rarely better than a C+. One of the big culprits seems to be run-off of excess chemical fertilizer applied in farms. A retired member of a Conservation Authority has told me that the amount recommended to farmers by fertilizer companies almost always exceeded the Authority's estimates. Duh.

The problem isn't that we do not have the institutions necessary to address climate change and the loss of biodiversity. It is that at the present, instead of being given more ability to do their work, they are being hampered in doing what needs to be done by an inherent weakness in their governing structure and regulations that inhibit them from dealing effectively with “politically sensitive” matters.

It appears that the governing boards of the Authorities are composed of people with little competence in conservation and a bias towards “development.” Moreover, their conservation mandate has been gutted by recent legislation. A spokesperson for an Authority explains: “in general, no conservation authority in Ontario may, directly or indirectly, engage in political activities regarding development proj-

District Health Units Chief Medical Officers update

At the last meeting of the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario, Director of Education, Laurie Corrigan, welcomed Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health with the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit [LGLDHU], to present an update to the Board regarding the current status of COVID-19 in Eastern Ontario and to discuss masking for students in the school setting. Both Dr. Paula Stewart and Dr. Paul Roumeliotis (EOHU) have been instrumental in guiding the Board through the creation of the re-entry plan, as well as in providing regular consultation on the return to school.

Dr. Stewart began by providing an overview of the local COVID-19 case data for the

LGLDHU, and on behalf of Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, for the EOHU. The number of new COVID-19 infections presented in the data, represent those who are eligible for PCR testing, which includes a very small group of people who work in high-risk congregate settings, or those who are at high risk of severe disease. However, Dr. Stewart noted that this would still give a picture of the overall trend.

“You will notice that we still had a significant number of cases at the beginning of February, and that things have steadily continued to decline throughout the month,” explained Dr. Stewart.

Another indicator that is currently being tracked is absenteeism. The province has setup a website reporting page which

includes daily data on school absenteeism. Data is submitted by schools to local public health units when absence rates are 30% above baseline.

“In our region, we have been doing very well, and when the school does reach that point, in most cases, it is unrelated to COVID-19 – for example a field trip or bus cancellations. When we consider the three indicators, the number of positive cases, the case positivity rate, and school absences, it demonstrates that we are heading in the right direction.”

When there is not an emergency, it means that everyone must implement measures to make a difference for those at risk. Live Well Alongside COVID-19 is being promoted by

local public health to help communities implement a more sustainable approach to COVID-19. The community focus helps to prevent severe cases, protect the vulnerable, and ensure health care system capacity. It helps community members to consider risk factors, decide what’s important, and the precautions to be put in place when necessary.

“The vaccine is a critical piece that is helping us to live well alongside COVID-19. When the province lifts precautions, then it’s up to us as a community, to decide what we should do collectively to protect those who can become very sick with COVID-19,” noted Dr. Stewart.

Live Well strategies include healthy eating, physical activity,

ects.” Since sharing negative views about such projects with the public is “political,” the Conservation Authorities are effectively gagged.

What to do with this situation? For the time being (pending the election), the weight of conservation will fall by default upon volunteers. The work to be done is massive: invasive species need to be extirpated and native species reintroduced. There is hope, because this community has always rallied to crises if well informed. For example, there has been some success in combating the aggressive spread of non-native Phragmites reeds by establishing limiting borders with attractive and tough native species such as the Cup plant (Sylphium perfoliatum). The dense growth of Phragmites excludes native plant species in which a wide range of birds and amphibians find food and shelter. The Cup plant, on the contrary, grows in clumps but with well-spaced stems, catches and conserves water in its cupped leaves, and is a delight for birds, butterflies, and other insects in dry weather. As its bright yellow blossoms fade, seed is formed, insects nestle in its fibrous stems, and it continues its work of assisting birds well into winter.

We have all we need to get going on this: good people and a wealth of natural, institutional, and scientific resources. Much needs to be done. Please continue with your in-put. I am at wildflowerguy@gmail.com.

good sleep habits, social connections, and support, practicing social distancing, hand washing and masking, and staying at home when sick.

Mask mandates in schools have been associated with lower incidence of COVID-19 infection. Overall, Dr. Stewart noted that it is challenging to measure the independent impact of maskwearing, as schools implement layered measures for prevention. Adherence to masking policies is typically higher in school settings, versus community settings, with increased compliance with age. Additionally, Dr. Stewart noted that no objective evidence has been found for reduced respiratory function in children that wore masks, and there has been no

evidence of negative cognitive impacts. Studies on the psychological, communicative, and dermatologic impacts of child mask-wearing have concluded mixed results.

“Under new provincial guidelines, students in kindergarten are strongly encouraged, but not required to wear masks. Students in grades 1 through 12 are required to wear a mask indoors, in school, and on school vehicles.”

The masking policy for kindergarten students was initially implemented on November 8, 2021, under the direction of public health. The Board of Trustees voted to implement the new, updated provincial masking policy for kindergarten students moving forward.

The Food Corner

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville

So, last week we had a peek at a traditional Irish dish, Colcannon. This is to celebrate St. Patrick’s day, coming up on March 17. Ireland has had a troubled history when it comes to the humble potato; however, there can be no doubt that potato-based dishes are still front and centre on Irish menus. This recipe, the Irish Boxty, is no exception: it is a potato cake that is fried in a pan, as you would any pancake and, while often served at breakfast, can be a treat any time of the day. Vegetarians, take note.

Irish Boxty

Ingredients:

- 1 cup of mashed potatoes

- 1 cup of raw potatoes, peeled, washed and grated

- 1 ½ cup of all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon of baking soda

- 1 tablespoon of sugar

- 1 cup of buttermilk

- Butter for frying

Preparation:

1. Remove the excess moisture from the raw grated potato by using a paper towel

2. In a mixing bowl, stir together all the ingredients except the buttermilk

3. Then, stir in the buttermilk to make a pancake batter

4. Melt some butter in a frying pan set on medium heat

5. Drop some batter in (the amount of batter depends on size of Boxty you want)

6. Fry and flip several times until golden brown and the raw potato is cooked

7. Serve directly from the pan, or keep warm in the oven if you are cooking ahead For added flavour, you can stir in some sharp yellow grated cheese or chopped shallots into your batter. You can eat the Boxty plain with a dollop of butter, or top it with sour cream, crème fraiche, or a fried egg (anything you want really). Talk to me at pcormier@ ranaprocess.com.

Failure of the Ontario Human Rights Commission

by Therese Osakanu| Communications Officer, AFOCSC

The Association of Public School Boards of Ontario (ACÉPO) and the Association Franco-Ontarienne des Conseils Scolaires Catholiques (AFOCSC) would like to express their disappointment following the recent publication of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) Right to Read report.

The COPD launched the Right to Read Public Inquiry in October 2019 with the goal of comprehensively reviewing how Ontario's public education was meeting the needs of students with reading disabilities. The Right to Read report offers 157 recommendations.

The OHRC exists to promote and protect human rights. However, as soon as its survey was launched in 2019, the OHRC made the deliberate choice to exclude Frenchlanguage school boards and faculties of education from its sampling. Indeed, only eight English-language boards and 13 English-language faculties of education were included. We dare to believe that a public study on public education in Ontario should take into account its 4 education systems, namely Catholic and public English language and Catholic and public French language. The OHRC acted in a manner fundamentally contrary to its mission to protect the rights of

all Ontario students, regardless of the language in which they receive their education. Of the 157 recommendations in the study, French-language school boards are mentioned twice.

The OHRC is calling on all partners in Ontario's education system to uphold their responsibilities and legal obligations under Ontario's Human Rights Code to remove barriers that limit opportunities for student learning and success. However, the fact of having excluded French-language school boards from this study is a major issue: there are fundamental differences between the teaching of reading in a majority context, in a minority context and for immersion programs. How does the Ministry of Education plan to work with Frenchlanguage school boards to implement recommendations from a study that excluded them?

Benoit Fortin, vice-president of ACÉPO, reacted as follows, "We are disappointed by the exclusion of the perspective of Frenchlanguage education from this survey and dare to hope for the completion of a new study on the needs specific to students attending Frenchlanguage schools.

For her part, Johanne Lacombe, President of the AFOCSC, stated, "We are confident that the Ministry

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of Education will understand the importance of obtaining evidence on the particular challenges of Francophone students related to learning reading in a minority setting, before asking the Frenchlanguage school boards to implement solutions.”

North Dundas High report

Baldwin's Birds

tative from the Indigenous Leadership Program (iLead) and Akwesasne. Each of the four candidates had an opportunity to address the Student Senate, outlining their goals and vision for their time in office. Speeches were followed by a question and answer period with student senators.

Olivia and fellow Trustee Janevra Pier from Gananoque Secondary School were elected for a term of office which will run from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023. They will be replacing current Student Trustees Eshal Ali and Bradford Ward. An honorarium of $2,500 is provided to each student at the end of their term of office.

North Dundas High student elected as Student Trustee for 2022-23

The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) Student Senate held the annual Student Trustee Election virtually on Friday, February 25 to elect the two new Student Trustees for the 20222023 school year. After hearing from all candidates, one of the Student Trustees elected by secret ballot was Olivia Pereira from North Dundas District High School.

“I'm so grateful to have been given this opportunity by this year's student senators and to be able to work with a group of such talented people,” said Olivia. “I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together next year!”

Student Senate is comprised of student representatives from each UCDSB secondary school, including TR Leger School of Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education, and a represen-

“We are fortunate to be able to work with such dedicated and insightful Student Trustees. We truly look forward to the new ideas and perspective that these young women will bring to the Trustee table,” said UCDSB Vice-Chair, Donald Cram, and Trustee, Corina Parisien.

The two Student Trustees attend regular UCDSB Board of Trustees Meetings and provide brief reports to the Board, serve as Chair (Janevra Pier) and Vice-Chair (Olivia) of the Student Senate, and have the opportunity to attend Ontario Student Trustee Association’s (OSTA-AECO) conferences.

Plans for the year from A Bunch of People

A Bunch of People Arts and Events (ABOP) made it through 2021 and we produced four events! This allowed us to donate $1,600 to House of Lazarus (HOL), which then found three people needing some help; and we paid off their car mechanic, dentist and electricity bills. This is what happens with the money you spend when taking part in or viewing our events. This year we have quite a few events planned, including bringing back our Sing it! event. To reserve please email: abunchofpeopleartsandevents@gmail.com, or call: 613 346-5064.

Edward DeCooman: June 22 1950 - February 13 2022

Owner of D and D Performance in Chesterville

At the Montfort Hospital in Ottawa on Sunday, February 13, 2022, Ed DeCooman of Chesterville, age 71. Loving husband of Debbie DeCooman (nee McMillan). Loving father of Melissa Jones (Barry) of Russell. Dear brother of Marcella Matthews (Jim) of Kemptville and Roger DeCooman of Rockland. Bumpa will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren Liz, Benjamin, Grace, Nathanael and Olivia. He was predeceased by his parents Pierre and Maria DeCooman (nee Panny), his son Peter DeCooman and his sister Edith LeClair. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Funeral Arrangements

A celebration of Ed’s life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Chesterville on Saturday, March 5, 2022 from 1-4 p.m. Please dress casual. Donations to Dundas County Hospice or Winchester Hospital would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. If you are making your donation online or by cheque directly to the charity, please include the following note with your gift “please notify the family”. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

Spring Interment of Cremated Remains Maple Ridge Cemetery, Chesterville

Early but still cold March

I became very aware of something the other evening that I thought was unusual. When still in the vicinity of one of the small local shopping malls, having just left a restaurant accompanied by a friend at about eleven o'clock: it was the raucous cawing of some crows! I was somewhat taken by surprise and happened to mention it to him, as we walked to our separate cars. He was as surprised as I was at hearing them too, so I have done some research on the matter, and have found out that it isn't that much of an uncommon occurrence.

Amazingly, I've never really heard them doing this, at least not at this time of the year, and certainly not in a built up area. They seemed to be sitting in some nearby pine trees located near some traffic lights.

Maybe it was these that disturbed them, or just the ambient light from the street lights confusing them into thinking it was still daytime. Being quite "social" birds, they may have been warning each other of some imminent danger, such as a cat, dog, or even that an Owl was in the vicinity. If this had been the case, unless it was a very

large owl, the aggression would have been the other way round, and they would have been after it! The cawing that we were hearing didn't seem to be that urgent, so whatever aroused them had probably disappeared and allowed them to settle back down again.

The continuing cold has brought our feeders into constant use, with all our regular birds visiting us on a daily basis, along with the squirrels. With the snowfalls occurring almost daily, the clearing of the paths to the feeders has become a regular chore. Fortunately, from that perspective, the snow has been very light and easily managed, up to now, and the lovely sunshine makes it almost a pleasure. (Wow! I must be getting "Cabin Fever!"). Today I got the picture of the Hairy Woodpecker, as she, too, enjoyed feeding in the sun, along with the Rock Pigeons, Juncos, Bluejays, Goldfinches, Mourning Doves, and -- how could I forget them,-- six Crows!? There are others too who pop in and out, so life around here still stays pretty interesting, as I hope your own feeders and gardens are for you. Enjoy and stay safe and well, Cheers,

John Baldwin

Pet of the Month for March

This is Jitterbug, obviously, a cat. Jitterbug likes to play with toys and a favorite food is definitely cat treats.

Would you like to see your pet featured in the North Dundas Times as Pet of the Month? Send us a photo and brief description of your companion which includes: Their name, what animal/breed they are, something that they like to do and their favourite food.

One lucky pet will be featured in the paper at the beginning of the May. Deadline for entries is April 28 and can be sent to Erin at erinjtinker82@gmail.com.

New UCDSB Student Trustee Olivia Pereira

Why Libraries Matter International Woman's Day 2022

based world, and public libraries are the way that our society demonstrates its commitment to making this freely available to everyone. And how great is it that we live in a place that values this access enough to make it a law (the Public Libraries Act)?

enjoy books right to the end. She said how much it meant to her that she had been able to do this for him.

by Mary Kate Laphen, CEO, Merrickville Public Library

When I was asked to write about the role of libraries in the community, I was at a bit of a loss. I’ve been a librarian for over 25 years, so I feel the importance of libraries right down to my socks – but it can be hard to put into words. However, let’s try…

The heart of the Library’s role in the community is its mission to connect people with information and opportunities to learn – through books and other media, the internet, programs, and more – and encouraging the literacy skills and supports needed for

that. Libraries are about all sorts of literacy and media, but even in our Netflix/YouTube/TikTok world, reading is still a fundamental way that information is conveyed.

Reading (however you do it) gives endless opportunities to learn and increase our understanding. It also has personal and social benefits beyond increasing knowledge: exercising the brain, improving focus and memory, reducing stress, increasing empathy, and it’s the single best thing you can do with your child to promote school success. All of this is so important in our information-

So, libraries are about connecting to information, but today’s libraries offer so many other things (check your library’s website and you’ll see what I mean). Beyond that, libraries are valuable to, and valued by, their communities because they are here to help. We help people every day. Sometimes, it’s something minor, like printing an email, or a giving a book recommendation; but sometimes it’s quite important and meaningful for them.

Not long ago, a woman came in looking for audiobooks for her elderly father who loved to read but was no longer able to. I told her about our DAISY reader for the visually impaired, let her borrow our demo machine, and picked out some titles to suit his rather particular interests. She ended up asking to keep it for longer than the usual loan period. When she brought it back, she told me that her father had died, but that he really appreciated the reader and it had let him

Libraries may not be the go-to in an emergency (although they can be pretty useful in a pandemic lockdown), but the Library is here to help you. To help you find information, continue to learn, develop, or maintain literacy skills, to enjoy yourself (also important) – and to provide a welcoming space for you to do those things. The Library is a service for everyone, but is also entirely personalized. Even a small library offers a wide range of services that every user adapts into their own custom experience.

On a personal note, the thing I value most about libraries is that they add a little more happiness to life. Browsing at the library and finding a good book (or video, or…), getting a call that the book you were waiting for is ready for you, letting your child loose in the kids’ department to bring home whatever they like, creating something, or just having fun at a library activity – I never get tired of helping make those moments happen. The Library is all about making life a little bit better –and what’s not valuable about that?

Meet Your Neighbour: Doug MacGregor

feed alley while Doug gets on with the chores. He says growing up on a farm was ‘work.’ Every morning before school, he’d head out to the barn and do his chores, then go inside for breakfast before leaving for school.

wood used to have bingos every second Saturday. Dad used to help out with that, and I’d go up with him and help out at the canteen, just to spend time with him. It’s a great group here in Morewood.”

We are hiring a Customer Service Representative to join our Inkerman New-Life Mills Team!

This position will provide a seamless customer service experience to our customers, while working with production and logistics to capitalize on internal e ciencies. If you are bilingual (English/French) with 2+ years of o ce based customer service experience and thrive in a fast-paced environment- this is the role for you! If interested, please submit your resume to jmcrae@pandh.ca with subject line: CSR

HELP WANTED

Berube Poultry

train. Serious inquiries only please @ 613-989-2020

by Jennifer Westendorp

Doug MacGregor calls it like he sees it. The sixthgeneration dairy farmer grew up on his family farm in Morewood. “The first MacGregors were here in 1882,” explains Doug, “and we’ve been here ever since.”

Doug now runs the farm alongside his parents, Janet and Tom, with help from his wife, Margaret. “My dad still

works seven days a week,” he notes. “With the automated milkers and feed system, he says farming has become fun now.”

Doug and Margaret have two kids, a seven-year-old son and three-year-old daughter. “My daughter is a tomboy, but everything has to be pink.” The kids like coming to the barn, where they can ride their bikes and scooters down the

There was a brief time when Doug considered becoming a mechanic instead of a farmer. “In high school, I worked at a garage in Chesterville. I did my co-op there in grade 11 and 12 and I really enjoyed it. Then, one day, I was doing an oil change on a car and I had salt running down my arm dripping into my mouth…and there was this moment where I thought, I’d rather be in the barn.”

Doug’s life is pretty much farming. He’s also been a volunteer firefighter in Morewood for going on 19 years, having signed up right out of high school.

“My dad was a firefighter for many years, and More-

What he likes about farming is the variety. “The thing I love most about farming is that one day to the next is never the same. Today, it could be some field work, tomorrow working in the shop, and the next day doing something with the cows.”

Doug and Tom spent eight years designing their state-ofthe-art dairy barn. He says milk production has steadily climbed since upgrading the equipment, even though the number of cows being milked has stayed the same. “Robots have changed everything,” Doug notes. “We don’t need to be here at 5am and 5pm every day – it makes farming more flexible.”

He’s been using some of his free time to learn how to skate and swim. He even built a 36ft by 60ft rink inside his machine shed. “I never really skated or swam much as a kid, so the last couple of years I’ve been teaching myself how so I can keep up with my kids.”

Doug says his son is a better skater than him because he’s not afraid to fall. “I don’t skate without a hockey stick in my hand,” he laughs.

Doug would like to see a seventh-generation at Glen Haven, but whether his kids become farmers is entirely up to them. Right now, his son wants to be a ‘police officer/firefighter,’ but that could change 10 years down the road. “We’ll see how it goes…hopefully one of them takes over – I’m not picky.”

Doug says farming is a job that if you don’t love it, don’t do it. No matter what you do to earn a living, Doug says North Dundas is a great

place to hang your hat.

“The community and the people make it what it is,” he notes. “I don’t know any different, but Morewood has always been a great town. I remember the carnivals we had in the winter time and then in the summer, we used to have a Sun Fun Day. At the RA, they would have a water slide set up in the back and we used to take a cow the odd time for Bossy Bingo (cow plops instead of plastic markers, painted grass instead of a number card).

“Stuff you’d never see growing up in a city.”

Doug MacGregor in his dairy barn.