ND Times Issue 6 2023 March 23

A March Break to remember

North Dundas kids were certainly in for a fun-filled week off school last week, particularly those who chose to have fun right in our own backyard. There was an impressive roster of activities planned in what was deemed “March Break Madness” by the Township. The activities included multiple opportunities for public skating at both the Winchester and Chesterville arenas (a yearly tradition), a kids magic show, and library activities such as movies, board games, Lego day, and puzzlemania.

One series of events

that was popular amongst kids and parents this March Break was a fire department open house in each of four North Dundas towns. These were held on Tuesday, March 14 in Morewood and South Mountain, Wednesday, March 15 in Chesterville, and Friday, March 17 in Winchester. The events boasted an opportunity to meet local firefighters, take a tour of the stations and their vehicles, and see (and participate in) equipment demonstrations.

During Friday’s event in Winchester, dozens of local kids came and went, with several groups on tour in different areas of the fi re station all at the same time. Firefighters took turns demonstrating

various pieces of equipment and answering kids’ questions, of which there were many. The kids who attended learned about hoses, different types of fire extinguishers, firefighter protective gear, and first aid supplies. They took turns doing things such as feeling just how heavy fire nozzles really are, and trying on a neat little device that clips on to the end of one’s finger to measure heart rate and oxygen saturation.

Perhaps the most popular activity for the children in attendance was being able to use a fire extinguisher training simulator. The realistic mock fire extinguisher shoots a laser instead of a fire suppressant,

and is aimed at a light-up screen that simulates the behaviour of flames. Those who participated learned to aim for the base of the flames, and to not give up too quickly after the fire appeared to be out, since it could start up again. Most kids wanted to try out the simulator several times.

At the end of a funfilled tour, the Winchester fire station open house recipients got a bag filled with all the traditional fire station loot items, and were also free to choose a plastic firefighter hat to take home. A mix of education and fun that is sure to be remembered for years to come. Many thanks to our local firefighters – heroes both on and off duty.

Winchester Firefighter Rick Young poses in front of the pumper truck with a group of kids who toured the station on March 17.

Respect, decency, dignity

by Brandon Mayer

It is rare for one, simple sight to inspire an entire article, but alas, today is the day. I draw your attention to the seemingly boring photo that I took in South Mountain, and specifically, the path of the snowmobile track. Snowmobile tracks don’t lie – whoever was riding that sled rode it not only through St. Daniel Cemetery, but specifically overtop of more than a dozen graves. You may have to squint to see it

in the photo, but the evidence is there.

I have never thought of myself as “old school”, but perhaps that’s because there are certain basic tenets of human decency that I don’t think should be tied only to certain schools of thought. Respect for the dead is one such value. Those who run funeral homes are the very best of people. I will never forget when my maternal grandmother passed when I was 11. It happened on December 22, and the funeral was on Christmas Eve. I was

devastated, of course, but the emotional release and closure of the funeral brought instant comfort. I was still sad afterward, as anyone would be, but there was a certain indescribable comfort in knowing she had been laid to rest.

It was the same feeling with my paternal grandfa-

ther at age 13, and other more distant relatives in the years that followed. The dignity of a funeral helps bring closure, and I respect anyone whose job it is to provide that closure to strangers day after day, year after year. Some people may genuinely not care if their loved one’s grave is being

driven on by a snowmobile. Some may think that I am being a “snowflake”, as the saying goes. I even considered the possibility that there is some kind of arrangement allowing snowmobiles to use that area as a connection to the adjacent field, since (as you can see in the photo), there is an opening in the fence. But surely that’s not the case? I could understand allowing snowmobiles to ride along the edge of a cemetery, but not right overtop of more than a dozen graves! Besides, there is a another track not seen in the photo the runs diagonally right through the cemetery which shows that these snowmobilers are almost certainly not supposed to be there. If there is an arrangement, I find that upsetting.

North Dundas people are good people. All people make mistakes. Anyone with children knows the feeling of wanting the world to see the good in your child, and their potential, even after they make a mistake. I don’t hate whoever is driving over graves in South Mountain – all I want to

do is provide a gentle reminder about respect, decency, and dignity. The people buried in that cemetery once lived lives just as we are living right now. Their families laid them to rest so all could be at peace, not so that they could become part of a recreation trail.

I am forward thinking but I still respectfully listen to old school views when elders are sharing their wisdom and life experience. I am not religious, but I still turn my car music off and pass respectfully when church-goers are gathering outside on a Sunday. And those may not be my relatives in St. Daniel Cemetery, but I still don’t think it’s my right to drive overtop of them. There was no damage done, and the spring will melt the snow tracks and the evidence along with them, but that’s not the point. The point is that we would all benefit from remembering the basic values of respect, decency, and dignity.

Charlee’s Hero WOD to raise awareness and support families

submitted by Jane Adams

The amazing team behind Charlee’s Run is at it again – and they are inviting everyone to join them.

This year, a new event is being planned and all proceeds will support the Winchester District Memorial Hospital’s Family Birthing Unit.

Charlee’s Hero WOD (Workout of the Day) takes place on Saturday, May 13 from 9 am to 3 pm at CrossFit Kemptville. Workouts will run every hour on the hour and are scalable for all fitness levels. The cost to participate is just $20 per person. Kids under 12 can participate for free. Local vendors will be on site.

Charlee’s Hero WOD aims to bring the community together to raise awareness for pregnancy and infant loss, to offer support for those in need, and to provide an outlet for families to remember the little ones that have been lost too soon.

“We hosted Charlee’s Run last year and the community has asked for another event to support our goal to raise awareness around pregnancy and infant loss. After losing our daughter Charlee, we never wanted another family to feel alone. If our story could reach even one family in, then it was worth it,” explains Charlee’s Run organizer Mallory Holmes. “Thank you to my CrossFit Kemptville colleague Aly Johnson for kindly offering the idea and the space for this fundraiser.”

“Thank you to Mallory and Aly for organizing another special event in honour of Charlee,” says Justine Plummer, the WDMH Foundation’s Manager of Direct Mail & Events. “We are looking forward to working out!”

To register, email charleesrun@gmail.com with the name(s) of people who would like to join and which time slot you prefer between 9 and 3. Spaces are limited to 10 per hour, so don’t wait to secure your spot! For more details, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/12182662457872 63/?ref=newsfeed.

Dundas gala resumes

submitted by Erin Chambers

Yes, it’s true! The Dundas Agricultural Gala is alive again. It will be held at Matilda Hall in Dixons Corners on 1 April, 2023 beginning at 6 pm. This special evening will basically be a four-part event.

In a general context, the evening will celebrate agriculture and what it means to us here in Dundas and in the broader community. All of us eat, and most of us do it three times per day, but we give little thought to other aspects of our food. From the farm community, we clearly support “Buy Local” whenever possible. Here in Dundas County and across Ontario, agriculture is a major contributor to our GDP. In February, we observed “Food Freedom Day” and “Canada Food Day”, but with little fanfare. Now the public is invited to join us at the Gala to help us celebrate as we thank the community for its ongoing support. While the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out our event two years ago, let’s get out and celebrate our 2023 Gala. Buy your

tickets for this Gala dinner and evening of festivities and celebration.

Secondly . . . a component of the last two Galas (2017 & 2019) was a fundraising activity to support others in our community. This is done primarily through silent and live auctions during the celebration evening, supplemented by direct donations. As a result of the previous two Galas, the Dundas Agricultural Community Groups donated in excess of $20,000 to various organizations including 4-H, Dundas County Hospice, the Winchester District Memorial Hospital, House of Lazarus and Community Food Share. For this year, the Gala will be raising money for Community Food Share and Winchester District Memorial Hospital. It’s guaranteed to be an entertaining and historical evening, and we’re inviting all members of the community to join us. Let’s fill the Matilda Hall on April 1 and expand on this component of giving back to the community.

Thirdly . . . while Galas did occur prior to 2017, that

Highlights from the March 7 Council meeting

by Brandon Mayer

Township of North Dundas Council met for a regularly scheduled meeting on March 7. A meeting has since taken place on March 21, for which readers will find an update in the April 6 issue of the Times. Here, you will find a summary of some key happenings from the March 7 meeting.

A new part time wage schedule was passed. Specifically, wages were increased for student positions which the Township seeks to fill in the summer. Last year, there were a few closures of the Winchester and Chesterville public pools due to the unavailability of sufficient lifeguard staff. The Township hopes that higher wages will attract more candidates to fill lifeguarding and other positions.

The Township can now pull driver abstracts for employees who drive Township vehicles. This new policy is based on a request from the Township’s insurance company. In addition, only

Township employees will be allowed to drive or be inside of Township vehicles. However, there are two exceptions: Township employees attending conferences will be allowed to take their spouse with them, and Council members will be allowed inside Township vehicles despite not being considered “employees” of the Township for insurance purposes.

A motion defining “Municipally Significant Events” has been deferred. Up for discussion were issues such as the amount of insurance required for event organizers, and whether for-profit events could be considered “Municipally Significant”.

Mayor Fraser suggested that clearer definitions are required, and his suggestion to defer was passed.

Winchester Meadows has gifted a portion of land to the Township. The land gifted had previously been owned by Winchester Meadows with an easement in place because of the requirement for access to the Henderson Drain.

A franchise agreement was passed covering an agreement with Enbridge Gas. The agreement will ensure continued service for the next 20 years.

A motion to revise the open air burning bylaw was deferred. The proposed revisions to the bylaw are mostly administrative in nature. However, these proposed changes have caused criticism from some North Dundas residents, some of which is based on misinformation circulating on social media. Some of the criticism is surrounding the ambiguity of fire chiefs having discretion to allow certain permits, which is why Councillor Lennox suggested a deferral so that Council can have more time to consider the motion. The deferral, which was agreed upon, will also allow a chance for members of the public to have their say about the proposed changes.

Recommended dates were approved for the 2023 Meet Me on Main Street events. The events will take place June 28 in Morewood,

year is significant because it saw the creation of the Dundas Agricultural Hall of Fame. The combined results of 2017 and 2019 are eight of our leaders in the field being inducted into the Hall of Fame. We look forward to honouring new inductees on April 1 as we pay tribute to our leaders and colleagues for their exemplary work that impacted us within the County and beyond our borders. Organizations and individuals have been invited to submit nominations by March 15 explaining a nominee’s contributions to the agricultural community within and outside Dundas County, as well as their work for the community in general plus their personal development and home business development. For application forms and additional information on all the existing Hall of Fame inductees, check the Dundas Federation of Agriculture (DFA) website at www.dundasagriculture.com.

Finally, the year 2023 is special for DFA as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of Dundas Federation of Agriculture. Yes, DFA was born

in 1943 and today it is the largest general farm organization in Dundas County with over 400 members. In this capacity, our members are also connected directly with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture [OFA -- some 38,000 members] and with the Canadian Federation of Agriculture [CFA -- about 200,000 members]. At our Gala on April 1, we will be honoured by the participation of members from the OFA Board and Executive. Of course, everyone present will have an opportunity to interact with them.

In summary, we remind the public to “Save The Date”. The Gala evening includes dinner catered by Leatherworks Catering, followed by presentations of the 2023 inductees, as well as live and silent auctions to raise money for recipient charities. The April 1 event kicks off at 6 pm. Tickets are $45 per person, with tables of 10 available. Find more information at www. dundasagriculture.com.

Or contact Leslie Johnson, 613-448-1960 (h), 613229-1751, cljohnson@bell. net

July 5 in Marionville, July 12 in South Mountain, July 19 in Hallville, July 26 in Chesterville, and August 2 in Winchester. It was confirmed that these events are expected to have a net zero expense, with no impact to taxpayers.

The final phase of the new Lafleur Road well may soon go ahead. Council heard a report that stage 5 of the project – which includes design and construction of the well project – can move forward after a 30-day period designated for members of the public to provide comments.

Council heard a municipal insurance update. This was in addition to other insurance discussions that took place as a result of other motions that were brought forward. Recommendations were made for Council’s consideration.

As always, the full Council meeting can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/@townshipofnorthdundas3550.

submitted by South Nation Conservation Authority

Environmental Conditions: Precipitation and snowmelt will increase water levels and flows in rivers, potentially causing nuisance flooding in low-lying areas. Unstable ice conditions may also be present in systems.

Risks: As snow continues to melt, rivers and streams across the jurisdiction will result in higher water levels, fast flowing water and slippery or unstable banks.

Additionally, these conditions elevate the risk for ice breakup and ice jams at bridges, culverts and other areas producing localized flooding concerns in low lying areas.

ACTION: Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution when near rivers and waterbodies due to increasing river flows and slippery conditions. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.

Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property. Please ensure:

• Sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it.

• Easy access to portable backup generator and pump.

• Downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from the dwelling.

• Securing items that might float away as flows increase.

Duration: This water safety statement is in effect until March 31, 2023 at 5 PM or until an update has been issued.

SNC monitors the water levels and weather forecasts as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates are provided as conditions change.

Please visit www.nation.on.ca for more information. To provide feedback with respect to changes in water related conditions please email waterwatch@nation.on.ca, post on our Facebook (/SouthNationConservation) or Twitter (@SouthNationCA).

Editorial

Robbing Peter to pay Peter

by Brandon Mayer

One of the best ways to get a sense of what is going on in the world is to get a haircut. No, seriously. I have never been one to talk during haircuts, but a lot of others like to share their deepest thoughts about the state of the world when they’re getting a much-needed head grooming. Last Monday morning, I stopped by the new Sport Clips location in Kemptville. I arrived right as they opened, hoping to get a quick haircut before any kind of lineup started. An older gentleman had the same idea, and we had our haircuts side-by-side.

Like I said, I am not much of a talker during haircuts, but it’s not because I am a “private person”. Ask me pretty much anything about myself and I will be open about it, but I don’t like to waste a conversation talking about me. When it’s

me doing the talking, I learn nothing, but when others talk, it’s a treasure trove of interesting information. An elderly person – in this case, an elderly gentleman – is probably the most valuable person you can talk to if you want straightforward talk on just about any subject.

What did my “short lived haircut friend” have to say? He told me about his life and his roots and his wife and his dad. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take long for the conversation to turn to politics on a larger scale. Prime Minister Trudeau… many people dislike him, and in my experience, older people like him even less. My haircut friend urged us to pay attention to the next federal budget, saying that without a doubt we will find out just how much more we’re going to pay in taxes and other cash grabs. Let’s face it – he’s not wrong. However, he left out one key point – Mr. Trudeau loves to turn around and give

us back some of the money in the form of “credits”, to make himself look like the hero.

I love a good expression (have you noticed?), and a classic is “robbing Peter to pay Paul”. It is used to describe situations where money is transferred from one party to another, under the guise of providing free money to the receiving party. “Robbing Peter to pay Paul” would be a great way to describe taxing the rich and then giving the resulting money to the poor. Trudeau’s taxes, however, apply to all. Take the carbon tax for example – to suggest that this only affects the rich is to suggest that poor people don’t need to heat their homes or put gas in their cars to get to work.

I am fully aware that a carbon tax is meant to be “neutral”, in the sense that a corresponding quarterly credit reimburses Canadians for a “reasonable” amount of

carbon spending, with only those who exceed this carbon footprint paying more than what they get back. The problem is that it still hurts poor people the most. Even if a poor person can manage to only heat their home and drive their car to a level that the government deems “environmentally appropriate”, they are still essentially “lending” the federal government money every time they use a gasoline pump or turn on their furnace. Poor people can’t afford outrageous prices now only to be reimbursed with a credit in three months. It all sounds like a scheme to me. Not only are Trudeau’s taxation policies heavily indicative of “robbing Peter to pay Peter”, but it also seems likely that Peter is not receiving quite as much back as what is being stolen from him. There are administrative costs to all of this back and forth, after all.

Government manage-

World Water Day: Seriously off track

water should be considered a human right, but providing it for everyone is a huge task.

ment of personal finances is seldom good for personal finances, if you ask me. It seems like we now pay huge amounts in taxes, fees, and cash grabs, while at the same time the credits just keep rolling in. The carbon tax reimbursement, CERB money when it was available, increases in child tax benefit payments, and even a new “one time payment” for low income renters who are paying over a certain amount in rent. These are just a few examples. There seems to be a lot of these “one time payments” at both the federal and provincial levels. Reimbursement cheques for license plate sticker renewal fees are one example at the provincial level, and the student “catch up payments” for parents are another. Sounds a lot like Peter’s own money is being used to buy Peter’s vote.

Will you read a notice in this issue of the Times, written by me, alerting you that

time is running out to apply for the one-time low income renter’s payment? Of course you will. When people are taxed out both ears, they need to know what credits are available to them so that we don’t end up in a “robbing Peter to pay Trudeau” situation. But I have to wonder how well we could all manage our own money if we stopped getting taxed like crazy, only to have the same money thrown back at us. Something tells me that the current system is not as “net zero” as the feds would have us believe.

If you ever end up reading this, haircut buddy, know that I enjoyed your thoughts. I never mentioned who I was because it’s more fun to just listen. Hopefully one day, Trudeau will realize that Peter doesn’t want to get paid anymore – he just wants to stop getting robbed.

by Brandon Mayer

An important occasion has turned 30 this year. World Water Day is an annual event that has been held on March 22 every year since 1993. The day is meant to bring awareness to the fact that about 2 billion people around the world still

don’t have access to clean water and sanitation.

World Water Day is a United Nations initiative. The organization has stated this year that we are “seriously off track” to meet our goal of ensuring that the entire world has access to clean water and critical sanitation (such as toilets) by the year 2030. Few would disagree that

In what the UN is calling a “once in a generation” event, the UN 2023 Water Conference is currently underway (or has just passed, for those who read the paper late), being scheduled for March 22-24. The UN Water Conference is the first event of its kind for almost 50 years. Talking about water is one thing, but taking action on the water crisis is entirely another. For individuals, it seems so daunting that it is easy to forget or give up on. Few of us have the money or time to start drilling wells in areas that don’t have access to clean water, for example.

The question is not what we can’t do, but rather what we can do. The United Nations lists the three most common and helpful actions that people living in North America can take to do their part in combating the water crisis. These

actions are:

1) Save water: Take shorter showers and don’t let the tap run when brushing your teeth, doing dishes and preparing food.

2) Stop polluting: Don’t put food waste, oils, medicines and chemicals down the toilet or drains.

3) Eat local: Buy local, seasonal food and look for products made with less water.

Besides donating to charities that build wells and provide adequate sanitation in developing countries, such as the Kemptville-based Ryan’s Well Foundation, people can undertake the simple actions above to do their part in meeting the world’s water goals.

When it comes to water shortages, we often think of situations in developing countries. However, it is also important to remember that many first nation reserves in Canada are also struggling with access to clean water. Providing clean

water to everyone in Canada should be seen as just as important as providing clean water in developing countries. When it comes to clean water on reserves, only the federal government can take action, which means that

we need to express to our representatives how important we think it is. Water is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. It’s time that we talk less, and do more to make sure that everyone on Earth has access to it.

The right people

- Seed - Crop Protection

Farmers urged to keep safety top of mind as planting season approaches

by Jackie Kelly-Pemberton, Director Ontario Federation of Agriculture Spring is just around the corner and that means farmers will soon be hitting the fields to get this year’s crops into the ground. It’s a busy time of year, which makes it more important than ever to keep safety top of mind.

This week is Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, an annual event that those of us in the farm community use to increase awareness of farm safety, share resources and promote the importance of developing best practices and farm safety plans.

This year’s theme, Safety is Our Promise, is part of the three-year safety campaign called “Your Farm, Your Family, Your Success.” In 2023, organizers from the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association are focusing on practical safety advice and inspiring conversations about farm safety while highlighting the reasons safety is essential for the sustainability of farm businesses.

Safety is important in any business but it’s even more critical in agriculture because for us, the farm isn’t just a workplace, it’s also where we live and raise our families.

My husband and I farm in Dundas County in Eastern Ontario, where I’m an active member of our local farm safety organization. We do a lot of work at local events and farm shows – like the Ottawa Valley Farm Show taking place this week – and through advertisements in local media to remind farmers of how important it is to be safe. This is particularly key during a busy time of year like planting where days are long as we rush to get our crops planted as quickly as possible.

These late winter weeks before we can get rolling with planting are a great time to inspect and do maintenance on farm equipment, and make sure everything is working correctly and safely. Once the season gets underway, stay alert, avoid working when you’re over-tired, wear protective gear, and make sure your employees know how to keep themselves safe too. And just in case the worst does happen, have a first aid kit and emergency contact numbers handy.

Road safety is also an important aspect of farm safety. Too many accidents involving vehicles and farm equipment happen every year, and both farmers and motorists have a role to play in keeping our roads safe. Our local federation of agriculture was one of many across the province who participated in a slow moving vehicle signage campaign last year to help raise awareness of this important issue.

It’s not just physical safety that matters, though. Emotional and mental health is important too. Research over the last few years has helped draw attention to the high levels of stress that farmers face, and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture was proud to launch the Farmer Wellness Initiative last year in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association – Ontario Division and with government funding support.

It includes a confidential telehealth line that makes mental wellness support available free of charge to all Ontario farmers and farm families 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in English and French. Trained counsellors who understand the realities of agriculture can help with any issue, not just those related to farming.

If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, you can access support at 1-866-2676255, with additional resources available on the Farmer Wellness Initiative website.

I know we are busy planning for spring, but it’s important that we make farm safety part of that plan. You’ll find information and resources that can help you do that on the OFA website.

2023 Dundas Seed and Forage Show draws large crowd

by Brandon Mayer

A change of location didn’t hinder the excitement at this year’s Dundas Seed and Forage Show on March 10. The annual show is hosted by the Dundas Soil and Crop Improvement Association. It normally takes place at Matilda Hall in Dixon’s Corners, but this year it took place at the Legion branch in Chesterville due to renovations at the Dixon’s Corners hall.

Adrian Lee explained how the Show works. “The top two winners of every class [of seed] that was entered go on to the Ottawa show,” he told the Times. It is typical for rural communities to hold a seed and forage show annually, but the Dundas show is special because it is run as an event with other exciting happenings as well.

There were 33 exhibitors at this year’s show, including businesses such as fertilizer companies, chemical companies, and barn painting businesses. After a Thursday set up, the show took place on Friday, March 10 from 10 am-4 pm, complete with the showcasing of the various seeds brought in, as well as

a “farm show” with various farm equipment on display.

The Agri program at North Dundas District High School sent a busload of students to the show. Adrian explained that it was a great opportunity for grade 11 and 12 students to explore the options for employment in the agriculture industry, which is especially important because of the current labour shortage that is affecting many industries.

One highlight of the show was an award presented posthumously to the late Stan Vanden Bosch, who was a dedicated Chesterville farmer. The brand new “Award of Excellence” was presented to Stan’s family, and was also presented separately at the opening ceremonies for the corresponding Ottawa show – a great way to honour the

memory of a great local farmer.

Overall, 118 seed samples were judged, not to mention four apple pies which were entered and judged for the pie baking contest. There is also a baking competition that happens during the show, and various awards that are presented. The Show has decades of history behind it, and Adrian explained that while some farming communities only have a basic seed judging component, Dundas is lucky to have the “farm show” aspect as well.

Adrian estimates that this year’s show had “easily about 150 people through the door”, meaning it was a great success. “It was a good turn out, and everybody was very pleased with how the day went.”

spring car care

6 clever car hacks for surviving spring weather

(NC) Late winter and early spring mean slippery driving conditions, more pedestrians on the roads and dark, rainy skies. Rather than turning a blind eye to the changes ahead, these car hacks will prepare you for anything the warmer, wetter season brings.

1. Check your wipers. Over the winter, your wipers can become damaged by frost, ice and heavy snow. Keep your windshield clean and clear by installing a new pair of wipers after the snow melts away.

2. Show off your pearly lights. Visibility in the spring months can be bleak. To make your lights shine bright, simply brush them with toothpaste so your vehicle can stand out in a rain storm.

3. Keep your tires roadready. Melting snow often unveils new potholes and cracks in the road. Save your car from major roadway damage by ensuring your tires are filled to the manufacturerrecommended air pressure at the turn of the season.

4. Understand hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between the road and your vehicle's tires. It can impact the driver's control and ability to brake. Prevent the risk of hydroplaning by reducing your speed in rainy weather

Baldwin’s Birds

turn in the "pecking order". Hopefully, the budding Crocuses, forcing their way upwards through the Niger Seed husks at the front of the house, along with other budding plants and trees, will soon provide them with more of their natural foods. Until the appearance of such a food supply is more established, we'll have to continue our support for them all until we ourselves are certain that they can survive independently without our support.

One birds

topsy- turvy spring

Once again the weather does a flip-flop and everything has to rethink as to what it is doing and how it is going to cope with it! We haven't got to the first day of Spring yet and some of the hibernating animals, such as the Chipmunks, have already popped out to

have a look around. This, of course, doesn't over impress the resident non-hibernating members of our garden crew, the squirrels, who don't really want any more competitors to their food supplies!

On the other hand, the birds just carry on as normal, warily, competing within their kindred flock members and a few others, for their

One of our resident birds in our topsy-turvy weather, is the beautiful little "Upside-down Bird" a Whitebreasted Nuthatch, but even it has its moments of uncertainty, as can be seen in the picture of it being the "right way up!" What a lovely treat, as it shows off its other side! Maybe you too have had the good fortune of seeing one in your "neck of the woods". Stay safe and well.

Cheers, John Baldwin

and safely avoiding large puddles.

5. Share the road. Warmer weather means there will be more pedestrians, construction workers and cyclists on the roads. Remember that speeding fines are often increased in construction zones, and you need to be vigilant at pedestrian crossings.

6. Rest assured with insurance. Is your vehicle covered should an emergency strike?

Jump online and head to Esurance for your auto needs. It'll make your life easier by providing you with an online quote, claims information and policy management — available any time, anywhere.

Super Success at Skate Mania for the WSC

by Erin Arbuckle

It was another skating-filled weekend for the Winchester Skating Club.

Almost a dozen athletes competed at Skate Mania 2023, in Clarence Rockland, the weekend of March 18. The Club had skaters competing solos, an artistic, and in pairs dance. This was primarily a Star 1 to 4 competition, but was also a Special Olympics event that included skaters from as far away as Thunder Bay.

This was the last competition of the skating season and the skaters were proud to show the coaches and the audience how hard they had worked and improved since the last competition.

The Club’s ice show, Wonder Oz, where Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz and Alice from Wonderland finally meet, will be performed on March 25.

From left: Olivia, Coach Chantal, Wyatt, Amelia, Maddie, Harvick, Coach Mandy

MyChart connects patients to their health story

first and he signed up following a recent visit to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. He was able to compare the test results from before and after a medication change. “It’s all there and it’s pretty cool,” he notes. “It keeps track of your medications, your blood tests and the dates of your procedures. We also get notifications from the app when a test or lab report is in. It’s hard to remember everything but it’s all there and we can share information with one another too.”

Don’t let food safety in the kitchen lapse

It’s an age-old problem, but not one that should come with age. Yet, compared to younger culinary novices, elderly people may be more prone to making mistakes in food preparation that can lead to food poisoning.

Kitchens can be a dangerous place. So no harm in having a refresher to make sure food safety in the kitchen doesn’t lapse. You know why. Recall that occasion when it seemed like a good meal – until later, when cramps, nausea and diarrhea had you vowing never to eat again. Unless you’ve been visiting uncared for places or you are victim to an outbreak of foodborne illness, there’s no excuse for food poisoning other than an unfortunate mistake.

submitted by Jane Adams

Terry MacLellan and his family have lived in Barrhaven for 13 years, but they still think of Winchester District Memorial Hospital as their hospital of choice. In fact, they wouldn’t think twice about driving down Highway 31 for care. Now, Terry says the option to use MyChart to track the care his family receives is an added bonus.

MyChart is a secure online portal that en-

ables patients to see and manage their personal health information any time, anywhere. Three local hospitals are now offering this new option to their patients.

As part of the Epic digital health network joined by Deep River & District Hospital, Kemptville District Hospital, and Winchester District Memorial Hospital late last year, patients can now have greater access to their own information through

MyChart. Patients anywhere across the network of hospitals in the Ottawa region can see their own health records, including after-visit summaries, upcoming appointments, test results, progress notes, discharge notes, medical imaging reports and more. Patients can also record their medications, allergies, and health measurements, such as blood pressure and weight.

Terry says his daughter starting using MyChart

To sign up for MyChart, patients need a valid email account and an activation code. There are several options to sign up:

- Ask hospital registration staff to sign you up when you are registering.

- Use the MyChart activation code on your After-Visit Summary.

- Complete a paper form and present government issued photo ID to Health Records to request an activation code. Your activation code will then be emailed to you.

“Signing up for MyChart is easy and I can even use it on my phone,” adds Terry. “I would highly encourage anyone who has the opportunity to get on MyChart because it really gives you the control for your own health care. We’re going to sign my wife up next!”

The Atlas Alliance network of local hospitals using Epic and MyChart includes Deep River & District Hospital, Hawkesbury and District General Hospital, Kemptville District Hospital, The Ottawa Hospital, Renfrew Victoria Hospital, St. Francis Memorial Hospital, University of Ottawa Heart Institute and Winchester District Memorial Hospital. For patients who visit a non-Epic site and would like access to their records, requests can be made through the hospital’s Health Records department. For more information about how to register for MyChart, please visit your local hospital’s website.

Unfortunately, mistakes happen, and with some frequency in the kitchens of seniors. For example, a study published in the Journal of Food Protection found that older adults were less likely to use food thermometers when cooking meat, increasing the risk of undercooked meat.

Another study found that elderly people were more likely to store food at unsafe temperatures, such as leaving perishable foods out at room temperature for too long or storing them in the refrigerator at temperatures above 40°F (4°C). This could increase the risk of bacterial growth.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that older adults are more likely to develop severe complications from foodborne illnesses, such as kidney failure or sepsis, due to age-related changes in the immune system and underlying health conditions.

The World Health Organization (WHO) claims that contaminated food is one of the most serious health problems in the world. It's usually due to an organism called E. coli. And for infants, pregnant women and the elderly the consequences of consuming it can be fatal.

The good news is that food safety in the kitchen is straightforward and largely unchanging.

One - Wash your hands repeatedly. Your fingers are excellent at transmitting infection.

Two - Keep kitchen surfaces meticulously clean. Bacteria always win if you become careless.

Three - Protect food from insects and rodents in cupboards and drawers. Animals often carry pathogenic organisms that cause foodborne disease. Store food in closed containers.

Four - Many foods such as fruits and vegetables are better in their natural state. But others are not safe unless they're processed. For instance, lettuce needs thorough washing and pasteurized milk is safer than raw milk.

Five - Cook food thoroughly. Many raw foods such as poultry, meats and eggs may be contaminated with disease causing organisms. Thorough cooking will kill the pathogens. So if cooked chicken is raw near the bone put it back in the oven until it's done.

Six - Eat cooked foods immediately. When cooked foods cool to room temperature, bacteria begin to multiply. The longer the wait the greater the risk.

Seven - Store cooked foods carefully. A common error is putting too large a quantity of warm food in the refrigerator. In an overburdened refrigerator, food remains warm too long allowing bacteria to proliferate.

Eight - Reheat cooked foods thoroughly. This is your best protection against bacteria that may have developed during storage.

Nine - Avoid contact between raw foods and cooked foods. For instance, safely cooked foods can become contaminated by even the slightest contact with raw food. So don't prepare a raw chicken and then use the same unwashed cutting board and knife to carve a cooked bird.

Ten - Add a pinch of common sense. If something seems “off”, then don’t eat it. If food is past it’s expiry date, throw it out.

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

L-R: Terry, Andrea, Scott, Courtney MacLellan

Greener Homes Grant: Rebates for furnace upgrades and more

by Brandon Mayer

With home heating costs skyrocketing across the country, and predictions that it will only get worse from here, it is no wonder why homeowners are seeking ways to lower their bills. It turns out that there is government help available to do so.

The federal government has partnered with Enbridge Gas to bring rebates for a wide variety of home upgrades. Canada’s Greener Homes Grant provides rebates – some worth thousands of dollars – for upgrades including home energy assessments, home insulation, air sealing, new windows and doors, space and water heating, smart thermostats, solar panels, and weather proofing. The goal is to make Canadian homes “greener” by increasing heating and cooling efficiency, and switching to energy sources that are renewable and cleaner.

The Government of Canada has contracted Enbridge Gas as its delivery partner for the program. To participate, homeowners must schedule a home energy assessment, complete at least one of the recommended upgrades, and then schedule a follow up assessment before receiving the grant for the specific upgrade(s) they completed. Up to $600 can be reimbursed for the assessments themselves. Rebates vary in amount, with some as low as $125 for a smart thermostat or $325 for each qualifying window and door, and the highest possible grant being $10,000 for upgrades to home insulation.

Local expert Rick Buffham has been eager to share his knowledge on one particular side of these home energy upgrades – the HVAC side. He explained that the federal and provincial governments are strongly pushing toward upgrades to heat pumps, which is what the HVAC rebates are currently focusing on.

Rick explained that home heating costs are unmanageable for a lot of people right now. “Being a rural contractor for as long as I’ve been, I can say

that this has been a horrible year,” he said. “The fuel cost, especially when natural gas isn’t available, is absolutely the highest it has ever been.” For many customers in our area, particularly those outside of the denser settlement areas, reliance on ever more expensive energy sources – such as propane – is a reality.

The province is currently working to an eventual goal of all-electric heating, but that concept can be scary for many people who have been told over the course of decades that electricity is the most expensive way to heat. However, heat pump systems work differently. While they do operate using electricity, they use the environment as their source of heat. There are different models of heat pumps, including air source, ground source, and water source heat pumps.

“This isn’t just straight electricity,” added Rick.

“Air source heat pumps –yes they’re running with electricity, but they’re creating their own heat.”

Rick confirmed that Ontario does have expensive electricity, but because of the rising costs of other energy sources driven largely by federal carbon taxes, the gap is closing.

He explained that even as recently as five years ago, a switch from all-electric heating (such as an electric furnace or baseboard heaters) to a propane furnace would save a homeowner about 25% in energy costs. Today, the same switch would probably not save the homeowner a penny.

“The electrical stigma is definitely there, but this is heat pumps – the average efficiency of a geothermal heat pump is over 500%,” said Rick.

While heat pumps can be put in anywhere, HVAC

professionals also know how to weigh different options for saving customers money. For example, Rick explained that some homes may need prohibitively expensive electrical panel upgrades in order to support a heat pump, in which case HVAC professionals can recommend other options for saving money. In addition, while heating with natural gas is still far less expensive than heating with propane or oil, these systems can have a heat pump added to make a “hybrid” system, which also has an advantage because heat pumps work for both heating and cooling.

The logical first step for saving money on home heating costs is to make upgrades to insulation, and to outdated doors and windows as needed. Rick explained that no matter what your fuel source is for your home heating, it makes sense to “tighten up” your house to keep the generated heat inside. When the insulation and windows are sufficient, it’s time to look at furnace upgrades, including heat pump options or the addition of a heat pump to a natural gas furnace. Although there is a cap on how much rebate money can be claimed for each household, the Greener Homes Grant provides guaranteed money for people who complete specified upgrades. This differs from some past rebate programs that were more complex and ambiguous.

For more information or for an HVAC consultation, visit https://www.rbheating. com/. More information about the Greener Homes Grant can be found at https://www.enbridgegas. com/residential/rebatesenergy-conservation/homeefficiency-rebate-plus.

Author with local ties launches new book

and enchanting retelling that will have you hooked from start to finish. Juliet Lockwood is a master storyteller with an incredible talent for creating complex and captivating characters."

Another reviewer says, "If you're a fan of fairytale retellings, you won't want to miss 'Legacy of Villains.' It's a stunning debut novel that puts a fresh and exciting spin on two classic stories, with beautiful writing, thrilling action, and an epic romance at its heart."

by Brandon Mayer

Debut author Juliet Lockwood has announced the launch of her novel, "Legacy of Villains”, described as “a spellbinding enemies-to-lovers retelling that blends the worlds of Peter Pan and Beauty and the Beast.” Juliet lives in Ottawa, but has strong ties to the Winchester community. It turns out that the quiet, wooded settlement of Maple Ridge may have even been an inspiration for the book.

Juliet’s family first got involved in the Winchester community many years ago, when Juliet’s mother, Kelly Goulet became involved in the Ride for Dad prostate cancer fundraiser alongside local resident Tom Clapp, and now-Mayor Tony Fraser. Because of her mother’s volunteering and community involvement, Juliet was in Winchester frequently as a “tourist”, helping out with the volunteer activities.

It didn’t take long for the family to fall in love with Winchester enough to buy property here. Juliet’s mother purchased a “gorgeous” farmhouse in the Maple Ridge settlement, which became Juliet’s home as well during the COVID-19 pandemic. She had been living in a small apartment in Ottawa, and needed more space to breath during the era of lockdowns.

The relocation to Winchester was the right move not only for Juliet’s happiness during the pandemic, but also for inspiring her creative side. Having been a professional writer for over a decade, Juliet was never very serious about creative writing. “When everything

is closed and you’re on this beautiful property, what else are you going to do?” she said. Juliet ended up writing three books, but this third book – “Legacy of Villains” – is the first that she has decided to publish.

"Legacy of Villains" follows Jolie Hook, the daughter of the infamous Captain Hook, as she battles against the shadowy and charismatic Peter Pan in a dangerous game of love, power, and survival. When Pan kidnaps her father, Jolie must navigate the treacherous Neverwoods and face the secrets of the Hook legacy in order to secure his release. Along the way, she discovers the dark magic of Peter Pan and uncovers the truth behind his obsession with trapping her in his realm forever.

The book has already received great reviews. One reviewer writes, "This book is an absolute gem – a dark

Juliet married her husband in Winchester last year, with many people in attendance. “So there was one weekend in Winchester when I think the population doubled just from our guests,” she joked. The couple has now moved back to Barrhaven, but hopes to buy their own slice of Winchester farmland in the next year or two, since all of their family lives here.

"Legacy of Villains" is available now in print and e-book format on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major online retailers. Juliet will also be reaching out to local businesses to see if they will be willing to carry copies of the book.

A copy will also be placed in the Winchester Library. For more information about Juliet Lockwood and her work, visit her website at julietlockwoodauthor.com

The Food Corner

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville

The origin of the Hamburger has been in dispute for quite some time. However, the name itself is probably an indication of its true origin. In the 19th century, minced beef and onion patties were served on a plate rather than bread, took their name from beef raised in the countryside around Hamburg and became Hamburger Steaks. Since they were often served with bread or as a sandwich, one can infer that placing the patty inside a bun was a natural evolution, particularly in the US. Meanwhile, of course, the Hamburger has become a staple dish all over the world. Now, you can surely get a ¼ inch by 4 inch piece of something that is called a Hamburger but tastes a lot like cardboard at certain fast food joints; or, you can have a real, honest to goodness HAMBURGER. This recipe is how our family treats the Classic Hamburger.

Classic Hamburg

Ingredients

2 pounds of medium ground beef (up to 25% fat) at room temperature

2 pounds of ground pork (it comes in at about 15% fat) at room temperature

½ cup of sweet onions, finely chopped

½ cup of steel ground oatmeal

2 eggs

¼ cup of your favourite sauce, e.g. Catsup, BBQ sauce, Korean BBQ marinade

3 tablespoons of crushed garlic

A couple of dashes each of Worcestershire and Tabasco Sauce

Preparation

·Spray a cookie sheet with Canola oil

·Thoroughly hand mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl

·Hand fashion thick patties of ¼ pound of the mixture and place on the cookie sheet

·Place your cookie sheet in the freezer, let freeze, remove the patties and store in a freezer bag

·When ready to cook, take out however many patties you need and defrost

·You can then either: broil or bake them in the oven, fry them or BBQ them

Serving

Now comes the fun part. "Dressing a Hamburg" is a work of art. First you need a good bun, such as Grahame's. Some people like to toast the bun; my preference is to leave it alone or warm it slightly in the microwave. You place your cooked patty on the bun. Then, you can dress with a slice of onion or tomato, slather with Bacon Jam (recipe of 13 September 2021), homemade or green relish, mustard (I prefer a grainy one from Mrs. McGarrigle's) or anything else that suits your taste buds. Some folks have to have Catsup on their Burg, others not. The Classic Hamburger allows for a lot of tastes. At Salamanders, we even serve a Hamburger Soup from time to time!

The Hamburger isn't just a summer treat, it's great family fare all year round. We can only manage to eat one per person at our table; big appetites will require two. So enjoy and please provide me with your take on the Classic Hamburg at pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

Tid Bit Musings

by Elva Patterson Rutters RSSW

What does equality mean to you? Is it a blanket term or are there related conditions? Defining and supporting equality requires clarification and understanding of the connotations. Crying "equality" with no reference to ability is threatening our growth as a society.

As a society, we like to claim equality in terms of employment, color, sexuality, spirituality, and opportunities. In reality we need to address whether an individual has the qualifications and experience to attain equality. To simply accept one based on color, sex, or whatever the defining characteristic is, could jeopardize someone's well-being. For example, a person being accepted as a firefighter without the physical strength and insight is of danger to the colleagues and the fire's occupants. When we speak of equality, we must not discriminate based on particular characteristics just because of those characteristics.

As we educate ourselves and others, it is crucial to bring into awareness the responsibilities and training of the individual. It is true,"you can be whatever you want to be" IF you put in the training and education, along with experience. Experience is gained through doing, and that can/will include making mistakes. We hopefully learn from our mistakes. Equality will be achieved through your attitude and aptitude!

39. A used automobile tire

The Weather with Connor

was good from previous times scouting the area on Google Maps.

EYE ON ACTIVISM

featuring Connor Mockett

Hello, everyone! Welcome back to another week of The Weather with Connor. Last column, I talked about my top 3 favourite storm chases I’ve ever been on. This week, I thought I’d talk about the story of my worst storm chase.

Disclaimer: I know this storm was a huge deal for many, many people and turned their lives upside down. I am not diminishing that, just talking about my chase day when it happened.

The date is Saturday, May 21, 2022. It was a warm late spring day, and thunderstorms were forecast across a wide area from the Eastern Ontario region, all the way to the Quebec City region. The thunderstorms in the Eastern Ontario region were supposed to fire up in the early afternoon, and generally be non-severe in nature. Parameters were not all that impressive around here. Southeastern Quebec, however, was supposed to have a big day. A tornado outbreak was actually possible that day, and a tornado watch was issued in the early afternoon as storms started to fire in the middle of the afternoon.

The Quebec event was pretty hyped up in the weather community. For multiple days in advance, weather models were consistently showing an environment capable of producing tornadoes in isolated supercells. On Saturday morning, I took one final look at the models, and headed out to my target area: Trois-Rivières, Quebec. This was the furthest east I’d ever chased, but I knew the terrain

I packed my car with my chasing essentials. Cameras, dashcam, snacks, and an overnight bag for a hotel in case I chased into the night. I left at about 8:30 am that morning and began my 4 hour drive to my target. So far, so good, nothing has gone wrong with my day.

About 2.5 hours into my drive, I stop one final time to look at the models and current radar. At this point I’m well past Montreal, so there’s no turning back. During this stop, I begin seeing tweets and reports about a terrible storm tearing through Southern Ontario. Models hadn’t picked up on this storm until the morning it was happening, so it was unexpected by me and others in the chasing community. Anyway, I continue my drive towards Trois-Rivieres, thinking there’s no way that strong of a storm will make it all the way to the Ottawa area.

At about 12:30 pm, I get to Trois-Rivières, and begin the toughest game there is: sitting and waiting. Storms are expected to fire in the next 2-3 hours, so I head down to the St. Lawrence River right in town to get a good viewing area for each direction.

Around 1pm, I start looking at the Ontario storm again. It strengthened even more and was just going through Peterborough at the time. At this point, I sounded the alarm that something bad was coming. I remember word for word what I typed on Facebook that afternoon, “A destructive Derecho is heading straight for the Ottawa Region. Winds of 120km/ h+ are likely”.

I was 4 hours away from home waiting for storms, while the storm of the decade was heading straight for my stomping grounds of Eastern Ontario. It was a terrible

feeling knowing something terrible was going to happen, and I wasn’t there to see it, chase it, or report on it. Before I even saw a storm in Quebec, my day was already kind of a bummer.

Anyway, let’s get back to Quebec. Storms indeed fired around 2:30 pm in the hot and muggy 32 degree weather. I crossed over the St. Lawrence River to get on the northern side of it, and headed towards my target storm about 20 minutes west of TroisRivières. That storm, along with pretty much every single other one around there, wasn’t able to get its act together. Storms were high based (meaning the clouds weren’t low to the ground), and honestly not all that pretty.

At the time when I started to leave the TroisRivières region, I started to really figure out what happened at home in Ottawa and around the area. That Derecho really tore places apart, from completely destroying forests and powerlines, to in some cases, homes. I was disgusted with my decision to chase 4 hours away from home at this point, and it made for a really long drive home.

On my way home, I actually intercepted the Derecho in Quebec, as it had made its way further east out of Ontario. I was just west of Sorel-Tracy at 5:30 pm when I got into it, and I ended up recording a 74km/h wind gust on my Kestrel Meter with my hand hanging out the window on the side of the road to do so. The winds took down many trees along HWY 40 in Quebec, and took out power.

After that interception of the Derecho while it was weakening, I decided to end the chase, get gas, and go home. I was disappointed the entire drive that I wasn’t home to chase that storm, and Quebec’s storms being a bust didn’t make that feeling any better. I had just missed a once in a decade, maybe once in a lifetime, storm that was only 30 minutes north of my house in Winchester. Without a doubt my worst chase ever.

I don’t think we’ll see a storm like that again for a long, long time.

Sex, gender identity and pronouns

by Zara Zrudlo

Sex, gender identity and pronouns have recently been a very commonly discussed topic, but why are we talking about them so much, and why do they matter? And what can we do to be more supportive?

In this ,I’ve put together a compilation of some basic information. Some definitions to start off:

- Sex is what people are assigned at birth based on their external genitalia: male, female or intersex—people whose sex organs don’t fit into either of the binary genders.

- Gender Identity is how people really feel on the inside, regardless of their sex.

- Pronouns—he/him, she/her, they/them, ey/ eir—are what people use when referring to themselves or others, depending on their gender identity.

People often think of gender as one or the other, male or female. In reality, it is a spectrum! In that spectrum, there is a huge space between male and female, with many gender identities in that gap. Some examples include non-binary, where a person does not identify with being a man or a woman, and gender fluid, where a person’s gender identity fluctuates through the spectrum of male, female and the wide space between.

The variety in gender identities are supported by a research study done by Cambridge University. They studied the brains of 10,000 people and found that 25% of brains were more typically female, 25% were male and 50% showed characteristics from different parts of the spectrum, some completely in the middle, some to either side. This may contribute to the multitude of gender identities, but not everyone who’s brain isn’t extremely male or extremely female identifies as non-binary.

Sometimes people’s gender inside is different from the gender they were

assigned at birth—people like that are called trans or transgender. There is actual science showing that this isn’t just a mental construct, it is actually in our DNA and brains. For example, the brain of a person who was assigned male at birth but identifies as a female will exhibit more female characteristics than someone who was assigned male at birth and identifies as male inside as well—cis-gender.

For hundreds of years, people’s pronouns—he/ him, she/her, they/them, ey/eir— and sex have been determined by their genitalia. However, as I’ve described above, it’s a lot more complicated than that, and has been for as long as humans have existed.

A common question is ‘Why would we even use pronouns other than she and he in the first place?’ Calling people by their pronouns is a matter of respect. It’s similar to remembering someone’s name, and calling them that, not just a name you think would fit them. It fosters inclusion and equity, and can make people feel welcome, instead of misunderstood and excluded.

The most common pronouns are she/her and he/him; however, there have been attempts to use gender neutral pronouns for people who don’t fit either of the binary genders since the 14th century, although that hasn’t really been accepted until now. Even now, however, 2SLGBTQ2IA+ people can face violence, murder, and discrimination.

With such a spectrum of different identities that are scientifically proven but still receive so much hate and doubt, suicide rates for 2SL-

GBTQ2IA+ youth are five times higher than straight and cis-gender youth. In Canada, 2SLGBTQ2IA+ youth make up 25 to 40% percent of homeless youth, partly because a lot of families kick their children out if they find out that they are 2SLGBTQ2IA+.

Assuming someone’s pronouns based on how they dress or look can be really hurtful, so just something as simple as introducing yourself with your pronouns and asking other people what theirs are can lower suicide rates and make people feel safe and welcome. An example sentence could be: “Hi! My name’s Zara. My pronouns are they/them, do you feel comfortable sharing yours?”

If you don’t have a chance to ask people what their pronouns are, don’t assume. Use they/them, which are gender neutral pronouns, until you know! It may take a little time to get used to it, considering it hasn’t been considered grammatically correct until recently. However, grammar is less important than someone’s life, so if people tell you what their pronouns are, respect is of the utmost importance.

Zara Zrudlo is a homeschooled, fourteen year old resident of Kemtpville. They love writing, art, acting, reading and anything to do with music. Ever since they were little, they’ve cared a lot about activism and social justice, and hoped to make a difference in the world. Zara has written two and a half novels, and ran a newspaper for their friends and family for three years. They love hanging out with their dogs and chickens and spending time imagining having dinner with various book characters.

Dundas Agricultural Hall of Fame and Gala

submitted

by Leslie Johnson

The Dundas Agricultural Hall of Fame and Gala will be held on April 1, 2023 at the Matilda Hall in Dixon's Corners. This year’s inductees are Estella Rose of Mountain, and Stan Vanden Bosch (posthumously) of Chesterville.

This year's gala will also be a celebration of the Dundas Federation of Agriculture's 80th Anniversary.

The event includes a cocktail hour starting at 6 pm followed by a catered dinner at 7 pm, as well as the awards ceremony and a silent and live auction. The proceeds of the evening will be going to the Community Food Share as well as the Winchester District Memorial Hospital.

Tickets are $45 each and are available by contacting Leslie Johnson at 613-229-1751 or by email at cljohnson@bell.net

Dundas Manor salutes long-time volunteer Earl Windsor

Simply Baked partners with CNIB

submitted by Jane Adams

On March 3, the entire Dundas Manor family joined together to celebrate volunteer Earl Windsor. Earl was recently awarded the 2022 Ontario Senior Achievement Award for his dedication to volunteering.

Earl is a dedicated and loving volunteer six days a week in our home, assisting residents in our dining room.

Earl is one of 16 outstanding seniors who received the award this year. Most were presented with their award in Toronto, but Earl chose to celebrate in Winchester with his Dundas Manor family. In their nomination, the

Dundas Manor team noted he has volunteered six days a week for the last five years. “No matter the temperature or the weather outdoors, Earl always shows up with a smile, helping to clear tables in the dining room, making sure residents get a warm coffee, an extra piece of toast, and an update on the local weather, sports, and news. He knows and loves all the staff team and every resident with whom he interacts. He also participates in staff appreciation activities and community gatherings.”

“We were thrilled to have Earl’s own family members, local media and politicians join us on this special day,” noted Jennifer Hill, Activity

Programs & Services Director. “It was a black-tie event for all those participating, and ladies received a colourful corsage. Everyone also went home with a ‘seeds of kindness’ gift to celebrate the special day.”

“Thank you Earl, for all you do for our residents and our home. You are part of our family and the definition of a kind, caring, and humble gentleman volunteering in the service of others,” added Administrator Susan Poirier. Earl says he just tries to brighten the day up for Dundas Manor residents – and he definitely does!

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by Deidre Arel

submitted by Simply Baked Catering

The CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) is an organization that has been around for over a century, founded after World War I in response to rising blindness rates due to veterans returning home from the war. It has since been responsible for creating programs, providing services, and advocating to change the lives of Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. In the time the CNIB has been active, they have achieved a long list of accomplishments. More recently, CNIB started up the Guide Dog program in 2017, and the Buddy Dog program in 2019. The Guide and Buddy Dog programs are two similar programs that work to match up people who are blind or partially sighted with specially trained dogs, sourced mostly at this time

from a trusted breeder in Australia. These dogs –labs and golden retrievers, and crosses of these two breeds – are chosen because of their intelligence and adaptability, as well as their natural eagerness to please. It takes a lot of time and effort to train a guide dog, and while not all succeed, some still fill an important role as buddy dogs for children and youth between the ages of 7 and 16. CNIB covers food and approved veterinarian costs for program graduates, which helps the people and families who need it most.

While the Guide Dog program focuses on training “seeing eye dogs” who look out for traffic and other hazards, the Buddy Dog program meanwhile focuses on training dogs to act as companions to blind kids all across Canada, boosting the kids’ confidence and combatting loneliness. Across both programs, the CNIB

has 53 dogs in training, 56 active guide dogs, 23 active buddy dogs, and 6 ambassador dogs. Of these dogs, we were lucky enough to meet the lovely Katie and Scout, who stopped by our shop along with their handlers, Johanna Lintaman and Miriam Mas, respectively.

To help the CNIB in its efforts, Simply Baked is running an ongoing fundraiser, where for $20, you get four whole wheat apple carrot “pupcakes” with a peanut butter honey icing, a tasty treat that’s safe to share with your pooch! 25% of proceeds from all “pupcakes” will be donated to the CNIB’s Guide and Buddy Dog programs. This fundraiser was previously being run for a limited time only, but due to continued enthusiasm, it will now be run year-round! Be sure to order ahead!

Emily Blanchard* Kim Monkhouse* Nathan Lang* Melissa Cooper*

“May your walls know joy; May every room hold laughter and every window open to great possibility”

Mayor Tony Fraser was on hand to present Earl with special recognition and a certificate from North Dundas

The achievement award was presented to Earl Windsor (at left) by (l-r): Ella Trolly, Jennifer Hill, Susan Poirier and Hennie Joldersma

L-R: Cheryl Beasley (owner Simply Baked Catering), Miriam Mas (Buddy Dog and Ambassador dog trainer), Scout (Buddy dog trainee), Jolene Moore (Baker extraordinaire at Simply Baked Catering), Johanna Lintaman (CNIB Ambassador and her Ambassador dog Katie).

Renowned Artist March feature in ‘Art in the Branches’

ley went viral on the Bob Marley website. In 2020, well-known website editor and publisher David Stark purchased the right to use Ingrid’s psychedelic painting of the Beatles, ‘Magical Mystery Tour’, for the cover of his new book, ‘It’s All Too Much’.

TRAVEL TALK

holiday travel!

Protecting yourself against scams

by Cyndy Batchelor, FMA, BCom Financial Advisor, O’Farrell Wealth & Estate Planning|Assante Capital Management Ltd.

How many times have you received a phone call to have your ducts cleaned, a text from the Revenue Agency or an email claiming you have an inheritance in the past week?

submitted by the North Dundas Arts Council (NDAC)

Ingrid Black is one of those quiet, unassuming treasures local residents need to know about. She is renowned, incredibly gifted, and she cares deeply about her newly-adopted community, as readers will soon learn.

Ingrid has been developing her art for over 40 years. In the eighties, she dabbled in cityscapes and was a member of the Lakeshore Association of Artists in Pointe Claire, Quebec for 13 years. She is an active, elected member of The Society of Canadian Artists, the West Carleton Arts Society, and the Manotick Artists Association. Eight of Ingrid’s portraits are currently on display at the Life of Pie café in Ottawa, and she is a commissioned artist.

After retiring from her real estate career in 2008, the self-taught Winchester artist devoted herself to her passion. Participating in numerous solo and group exhibitions, Ingrid soon earned attention and rave reviews. Venturing into abstracts, her love of experimenting with texture, color, contrast and light showed: in 2021, she won First Place Overall for Abstracts in an exhibition of LightSpaceTime, an online art gallery!

Ever the consummate artist, Ingrid next set her hand to portraiture. She created a stunning series of portraits of performing artists, capturing their energy on stage in surrealistic style. Her portrait of Bob Mar-

Ingrid also enjoys painting birds and other animals. Her playful depictions, in settings normally associated with human beings, tell stories with often humorous undertones. A selection of her cat portraits, along with other eclectic Ingrid Black pieces, will be on display at the Winchester Library’s ‘Art in the Branches’ exhibit this March.

Ingrid also wants people to know about a local child named Ben, who holds a special place in her heart. Readers are likely familiar with Ben Brown’s story, which has gained much attention in recent months. Born prematurely at 25 weeks, the little warrior survived two brain bleeds on each side of his brain that left him with hydrocephalus and cerebral palsy. In the first year of his life, Ben endured 11 brain surgeries and fought meningitis after the second surgery. Doctors said he likely would never walk or speak; but physiotherapists at Toronto’s Smile Therapy for Kids say he can. He just needs that extra help to get there.

Ben’s family and friends have set a goal to raise $13,000 for his upcoming intensive physiotherapy trip to Toronto in April, and Ingrid Black will be donating 40 percent of all sales of her works at the Winchester Library’s ‘Art in the Branches’ exhibit during the month of March to young Ben’s fundraiser. To learn more about Ingrid’s art, visit www.ingridblack.com . Let’s all show our support for this truly wonderful and generous hearted artist living right here in our community!

by Scott Waldron and Diane Wilson, Gravitate

Travel

April is right around the corner. It may seem like it's a bit early to be thinking about December's holiday season, but did you know that when it comes to travel, the early bird truly does get the worm (or in this case, the best rooms, the best views and often the best deals).

Booking your trip early gives you many benefits, and we encourage you to take advantage of that. We’ve listed some of them here to help you make your decision.

1. We know that traveling at holiday times can be expensive with elevated pricing due to high season, especially for larger families or large group travel; this is why we recommend putting a small deposit down now to secure the resort and room/ cabin of your choice and paying the balance closer to the departure date, or work with your travel professional to pay off your vacation on your terms.

2. Booking now means you can secure that ocean view, swimup suite, or that ever popular guaranteed connecting room for families, or a preferred cabin category on your cruise.

3. Many travel partners will offer bonus incentives for booking early, ask your travel professional.

4. Worried about the price dropping after you book…some of the tour operators may offer a price drop guarantee. Ask about this when you are speaking to your travel profes-

sional.

5. And don’t forget, once you’ve made your deposit, secure your travel protection and/or travel insurance at the same time to protect your vacation investment. What’s the difference between the two? Ask your travel professional.

6. Booking now means you have more time to prepare and make a plan for everything you want to see and do before you arrive, saving you more time for fun with your loved ones.

7. Now that you’re booked, it really frees up your time to enjoy spending quality time with your family and friends throughout the holiday season, or shopping, or baking, or anything else that makes you smile!

The bottom line is, booking early gives you the chance to choose exactly what you want and need for your trip, and that is what makes a great vacation!

Schedule an appointment either in person or on the phone to talk to one of our travel professionals using our easy online scheduling tool. When you’re ready, we can assist you in making all the right travel choices. Go to www.gravitate.travel and click on the Let’s Talk icon on the top right hand side.

TICO # 50026003 709 RIDEAU STREET, UNIT 2, KEMPTVILLE, ON K0G 1J0

Recently my mom was targeted by what is referred to as the “Grandparent Scam”. She received a phone call and the caller said “Hi Grandma it is me”, to which she of course replied with one of my kids’ names. Now having some personal information, the caller was able to hold a conversation with her. He told her he was in trouble and needed her to send funds immediately to be bailed out of jail for being caught with his friend who had pot in the car. Luckily, my mom is tight with her money and had the presence to tell “my kid” to call his dad to meet him at the police station. My grandfather immediately phoned my son to ensure all was indeed ok (it was!) and relay the story. My kid delightfully informed my parents that since pot is now legal, he would never have been arrested for having it in a car (even I did not think of that!), and if they were carrying enough pot to be arrested, then $1000 was not going to get them out of jail. In the meantime, we have now extended our safe word to my parents – I let them know if they ever thought my kids (or us!) were calling, to ask for the safe word. If we cannot deliver the safe word, then it is not us on the other end of the phone.

This is only one type of scam that is currently being used. You may get asked to provide advance payment for services, have your credit cards or other personal information used without your consent or knowledge, or end up the victim of a romance scam. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it likely is. If someone you meet online asks for money or personal information, it is time to abandon ship.

What can you do to protect yourself?

- Credit Monitoring - there are several free credit monitoring sites, sign up and check frequently

- Malware and antivirus protection on your devices

- Don’t store your credit card information on any sites (this includes vendors)

- Use complex passwords & clear your browser history

- Don’t click on any links in texts or emails and review senders

- Create a safe word

- Don’t use unsecured public Wi-Fi

You should also ensure you have a Trusted Contact Person on file with your financial institutions. A trusted contact person (TCP) is someone your advisor can reach out to if they are concerned you are being financially exploited or are making poor decisions because of diminished mental capacity. For example, they may notice transactions or financial decisions that are unusual based on your past behaviour. If you need to add or update a Trusted Contact Person, please reach out to your Financial Advisor.

Cyndy Batchelor is a Financial Advisor with Assante Capital Management Ltd. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Assante Capital Management Ltd. Please contact her at 613.258.1997 or visit ofarrellwealth.com to discuss your circumstances prior to acting on the information above. Assante Capital Management Ltd. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.

It’s never too early to be thinking about your