Janaury 28, 2015 vol 3 issue 4 by The North Grenville & North Dundas Times

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The Voice of North Grenville

Vol. 3, No. 4

January 28, 2015

Council pass the 2015 budget

The North Grenville Times is Locally Owned and Operated

by David Shanahan The 2015 municipal budget was passed by council on Monday night, and it contains a 6.18% increase in municipal taxes. The rate increase covers inflation, a 2% increase over assessment “to achieve financial stability over the next ten years,” as well as an increase to balance the loss of funding from the Province. Brian Carré, Chief Administrative Officer of the Municipality of North Grenville, gave a presentation before the vote which emphasised the need to make an adjustment to the way in which the municipality’s finances were handled, and noted the vital statistic that provincial funding to the municipality from the provincial Ontario Municipalities Partnership Fund had been

cut by a cumulative $1.5 million over the last four years. Mayor David Gordon spoke about the loss of provincial revenues, and the need to realise that the next four years may be the toughest faced by Ontario municipalities for many years, owing to the near-bankruptcy of provincial coffers. Other sources of revenue have also been under pressure, as aging infrastructure, such as pipes and equipment, needed to be replaced and upgraded. Development Charges, it was pointed out, only cover new infrastructure costs, and cannot be applied to repairing and renovating existing assets. Municipal Treasurer, Sheila Kehoe, provided a report on various applications for funding which had been received through the budget

consultation process, resulting in only one of these being funded through the Community Grants Program. Details on these and other budget items can be found inside this issue of the NG Times. Local South Gower resident, Chris Billings, used the time for questions to raise the matter of IMAC property assessments and how they would add significantly to the total tax bill faced by NG residents this year. In his presentation to council, Brian Carré had used the example of a property valued by IMAC at around $300,000 and stated that this segment of the tax bill could increase by as much as 5%. But in answering Chris, Brian pointed out that this part of the tax assessment, like the education and United Counties assessment, were outside of

the municipality’s control. He and David Gordon spoke of North Grenville being forced to work within a system over which there was little control, and the municipality’s share of the average resident’s tax bill was only 47%. There was a genuine feeling of common cause displayed at the council meeting: that we were all in a transition period between how things were done in the past, and how they would be handled in future. The adjustment that was being made in the 2015 budget would make future management of our municipal finances more stable, predictable and rational. Mayor Gordon’s four-year test of endurance, he believed, would see us come through in the end with a stronger and more prosperous North Grenville.

The Royal Canadian Legion Kemptville Branch 212 100 Reuben Crescent, Kemptville 613-258-5734

Valentine’s Day Dinner & Dance

Saturday, February 14, 2015 Roast Pork Dinner at 6:00 p.m. Dance 7:30 – 12:00 p.m. FEATURING:

THIS OLD HEART AND THE COUNTRY COMRADES Tickets $20.00 per person Reserve your tickets from the Kemptville Legion Bar Staff Lorena Miller 613- 258-9065 Marilyn Aldus 613-986-1378

Store custom order blinds CLOSED OFF January 29 to February 28, 2015 January 30

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Inventory

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

North Grenville Museum proposed The North Grenville Historical Society has set up a special sub-committee to examine the feasability of developing a North Grenville Museum in the coming years. The need for such a museum has become more apparent over the past four years, as more and more historical artifacts have been donated to the Society and the Archives it operates at the old Town Hall in Kemptville. Amanda Gould, Director of Archives for the Society, pointed out the need to find a suitable location to store heritage artifacts in a safe and controlled environment. “What is clear to me is that like all potential pre-existing structures that may be considered to house the collection, it poses some

challenges. The most pressing of these are: one, the lack of control over heating of the space; and, two, the potential to quickly run out of square footage for storage if we continue to acquire artifacts at the pace that we did in 2014.” Pam Gordon, Chair of the Museum Committee, is a life-long resident of Kemptville, and served on the town Council, and it has always been her belief that a museum is a necessary and desirable facility for the community and to attract visitors to our area. The Museum Committee is comprised of individuals with the professional qualifications, work experience and expertise to undertake the project in a competent and knowledgeable manner, and intend to call on

other experts as needed. The Committee recognise that there are many questions to be answered before any practical steps can be taken to establish a museum in North Grenville. Most importantly, it is essential to have the support of the community, to know that this is a facility that is both wanted and needed by residents. To this end, the views of the people of North Grenville will be canvassed as early as possible in the process. Dr. Bill Adams, President of the NGHS and a member of the Museum Committee, is encouraged by the wealth of ideas and expertise that were forthcoming at the first meeting of the committee. “These ideas have been very exciting: opening up the possibility of

what a museum can be,” he said. “We discussed several areas of interest, including archeology/First Nations, forestry, the history of the cheese industry, and others. Members of the Board of the NGHS met with municipal staff recently and were encouraged by them to pursue the project, albeit without direct municipal involvement. Another member of the Museum Committee, and historian to the NGHS, Dr. David Shanahan, believes that the example of what has been achieved in Spencerville and the Blockhouse in Merrickville, to name just two facilities, will be very important in planning a museum in North Grenville. “We can learn a lot from what has been done elsewhere, and that should help

17th Annual North Grenville Community

make the work of the committee more efficient and fruitful.” Comments and suggestions regarding the proposed museum may be sent to the committee at: nghsociety@ gmail.com, or by posting on our Facebook page.

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Annual General Meeting of the North Grenville Historical Society The Annual General Meeting of the North Grenville Historical Society will be held on Wednesday February 11, 2015 at 15 Water Street (the Courthouse) in Kemptville. Doors will open at 7 pm and the meeting will begin at 7:30. Following the business portion of the meeting, which will include the election of members to the Board of Directors, a "special guest" and his wife will provide the entertainment for the evening. Details are provided in the attached poster. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome - old friends and new.

Sweetheart Brunch Sunday February 8, 2015 North Grenville Municipal Centre 285 County Road # 44, Kemptville

All-You-Can-Eat-Brunch Served Continuously From 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Draw for Cash Prizes!!

Come “Celebrate Our Community Working Together”

All Proceeds Will go to Sponsoring Our Local Charities and Community Initiatives Adults $10.00, Children 6 - 11 $5.00, 6 & Under Free Continuous Entertainment Tickets are available at the door or Scotiabank, 300 Colonnade Drive, (613) 258-5961 (Scotiabank will match all onsite ticket sales with a donation)

Royal LePage Gale Real Estate, 304 Colonnade Drive, (613) 258-1990 Solution One Tax Services, 3 Clothier Street East, (613) 258-9492 O’Farrell Financial Services, County Road 44, (613) 258-1997 Brewed Awakenings, 2868 Hwy 43, (613) 258-6251

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Holy Cross Council 5333 Knights of Columbus January 28, 2015

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The North Grenville Times

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Program to prevent youth from entering the Criminal Justice System An early intervention program is coming to Lanark, Leeds and Grenville to prevent youth from getting involved with the criminal justice system. The program, called “Intersections,” is aimed at children and youth who may have mental health, developmental disabilities, and/or substance use issues and who have had an initial contact with police services. Community partners have been working together over the past nine months to customize and put the program in place in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville. Intersections is an early intervention program that focuses on navigation and coordination of services for children and youth with suspected mental health, developmental disabilities and/or substance use issues, who are at risk of becoming justice involved. The aim is

to improve well-being and reduce involvement with police services. To introduce the Intersections program to the community, a one-day training event was held on January 14 at the North Grenville Municipal Centre in Kemptville. This event was aimed at professionals working with youth who have mental health, developmental and substance use problems. Teachers, social service professionals, police officers, family support workers, and allied professionals were in attendance. The training session included an overview of the new Intersections program and how it will be applied in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville; a look at health equity and supporting tools, including the Health Equity Impact Assessment; and presentations from local community support

As sponsor of the initiative, CAMH is providing support to communities to implement new programs. The CYJC brings together 74 agencies and organizations from Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Ottawa, Prescott-Russell, Renfrew County and Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry. These agencies work in the sectors of health, mental health, addictions, education, and justice. The CYJSC identified “navigating youth through various pathways to appropriate individualized supportive services” as a system gap. To address this system gap, the service collaborative adapted the Intersections program from the Youth Justice Liaison and Diversion Model, which was developed by the National Child and Maternal Health Intelligence Network, Public Health England.

services, including addictions, mental health, developmental disabilities, and community policing. This event was presented by the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Intersections Steering Committee, a regional implementation team within the Champlain Youth Justice Service Collaborative (CYSJC). CYSJC is one of 18 service collaboratives across Ontario. Systems Improvement through Service Collaboratives is one initiative in Ontario’s Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy, which is sponsored by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). The service collaboratives focus on improving transitions for children and youth. Four of them are dedicated to improving transitions between the mental health and justice systems.

UPDATE UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL Monday, February 9th,, at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Monday, February 2nd, at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre. For agenda information, please contact the Clerk’s Office or the Municipal website. WINTER PARKING RESTRICTIONS Parking on Municipal roads is prohibited between 11:00 pm and 8:00 am from November 15th to April 15th. A vehicle which is parked in a manner interfering with snow clearing/removal may be issued a ticket and/or removed at the owner’s expense. For info call 613-2582438 ext. 6. 2015 BURN PERMITS In accordance with By-Law 33-12, a Burn Permit is required to conduct open burning on property located outside of the urban area. Burn Permits for 2015 are available at the Municipal Office or at the Fire Hall at 259 County Rd. 44 for a fee of $15.00. Please contact the Fire Hall at 613-258-2438 ext. 5 for conditions prior to burning.

The Municipality of North Grenville 285 County Road #44 PO Box 130 Kemptville, K0G 1J0 Tel: 613-258-9569 Fax: 613-258-9620 general@northgrenville.on.ca Building: 613-258-4424 Fax: 613-258-1441 Fire Services Info: 613-258-2438 Fax: 613-258-1031

Council approve a 6.18% tax increase by David Shanahan The North Grenville Municipal Council officially approved the 2015 Budget on Monday night, introducing a 6.18% tax rate increase. The total operating budget for the coming year is $25,049,368, but operating revenues have gone down by almost 7% due, in part, to a 20% drop in the amount received from the Province of Ontario under the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund. Revenues from this fund have been decreasing for the past few years, and the cut for 2015 was expected, though the size of it was not. Municipal taxes account for less than half of the total municipal budget, the rest coming from Development Charges and what are called “conditional grants”. The municipality have committed to spending on capital projects in 2015 worth $5,422,240, of which $1,711,022 will come from taxes, $2,400,928 from Development Charges, and $737,000 from water and sewer user fees. These projects include road construction and

repaving plans, further development of the trails system, pedestrian walkways between the Municipal Centre and County Road 43, tree planting and other improvements at Riverside Park, as well as signage and audio-visual system upgrades at the Municipal Centre. There is quite a long list of capital projects that will be undertaken in 2015 in addition to those listed here, including work under the building audit repair program, which will see maintenance work performed at the Old Town Hall in Oxford Mills, which is lying unused other than for storage purposes, and attic insulation at the Court House in Kemptville. It is also hoped to raise an extra $28,500 from increased fees and service charges for municipal services. As reported in last week’s NG Times, council received a number of grant applications from various community organisations. However, it was decided that funding would remain at 2014 levels for the Dandelion Festival, Canada Day, North Grenville Acces-

sible Transportation and the Community Grants Program. Kemptville Little League will not receive any funding for 2015, as it was felt that the grants provided in 2015 were sufficient for some time. The Splash Pad Committee were hoping for some support from council, having received some commitments from the last council for a splash pad in Riverside Park. However, council have announced that the municipality’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Department will be assuming operation of the splash pad at eQuinelle. The one grant application council did approve, to be taken from the Community Grants budget, was for $3,000 to the Southgate Community Church to go towards the cost of an outdoor, lighted, public ice rink on the church’s property. With this award coming a day after the Kemptville Rotary Club conducted a special Food Drive among the churches in Kemptville to help restock the Food Bank at the House of Lazarus, it seemed a strange use of $3,000 by both council and the Southgate church.

The municipal budget contains some large and inescapable line items that add a great deal to the overall costs of operating the corporation. Policing, in spite of lower contract costs, still amounts to almost $3 million per year ($2,774,520, of which just $20,600 is recouped in revenues). The Municipal Centre costs almost $3 million to operate, and takes in less than half of that in revenues, leaving $1.5 million to be covered by taxes. The sum of $35,470 was budgeted for “Heritage”, but it was unclear what precisely that designation covered. One of the more interesting budget items is that which deals with the North Grenville Public Library. According to the final Budget Summary, the NGPL costs $440,942 per year to operate, and takes in about $42,540 in revenues. The remainder, almost $400,000, comes out of taxation in 2015. By far the largest expense in operating the NGPL is in Salaries and benefits, which are expected to amount to $326,580 this year.

addressing the other side of the ledger - cut spending? It is truly informative that budgetary matters were barely mentioned by candidates in last fall’s municipal election. Surely, at least the incumbents were well aware of the budgetary scenario that is emerging. Why not have a substantive discussion with the electorate on a

matter of critical importance at election time? It is a regrettable reflection of our politicians that platitudes replace substance. It is not too much of a surprise that the budgetary scenario is tenuous at best. Why is one level of government, the municipality, subsidizing another level of government, the province, by giving

money to the local hospital? Nothing against the Kemptville District Hospital, but the municipality has no business funding health care, a provincial responsibility. Politicians and bureaucracy need to be accountable. Victor Jarjour

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor: Your recent article “Tax Increases Inevitable” and the subsequent article “Money” have certainly struck a nerve. I for one am not interested in rewarding politicians and bureaucracy by giving them more money. Why is it inevitable that taxes need to increase to cover a budgetary shortfall? What’s wrong with January 28, 2015

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This represents an increase of around $122,000 since 2012. About $23,000 will be spent on buying books. It will be remembered that the decision to close the branch libraries in South Gower and Oxford Mills was taken in order to control salary and benefit costs. In a general overview of operating costs, Corporate Services accounts for 32% of taxes, with Public Works coming next at 26%; Recreation & Culture follow at 23%, Environmental Services take just

5% and Planning & Development 4% of the total budget. The Emergency & Protective Services Department accounts for just 9% of the operating costs of the Municipality of North Grenville. While passing the 2015 Budget, council also dealt with the issue of insurance coverage for the municipality for 2015. It was resolved that a policy with Frank Cowan Company would be renewed for 2015 at a cost of $328,385.

Dear Editor: I find this debate between yourself and Dr. Jo-anne Goodwin-Bell of interest. However, I do agree with her that science and religion are compatible and inseparable. I do not see that science necessarily eliminiates a creator. The universe is so complex. How can anyone of us begin to imagine how it works, what it is, if there is

a purpose and how an we sever understand who or what a creator is? It also seems much too intricate to be accidental. I do very much appreciate this paper and do find these debates very thought-provoking. Thank you both Dr. Shanahan and Dr. Goodwin-Bell. Sincerely, Kath Piche www.ngtimes.ca

Editorial

The North Grenville Times

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A Friend lost to improve and there was a time of real hope. When Jim won his seat, and was sworn in as one of our two new councillors, Sonja and their daughter, Erika, were, literally, standing by him, beaming with pride and happiness. But as the new year dawned, Sonja’s condition suddenly worsened, and, after a time of hard and stubborn fighting, Sonja died last week. This might be just another story of struggle and loss, a personal experience confined to family and friends. But it made me think about what people give up in order to serve this community. I remembered my friend, Peter Nicol, a man whose life seemed to have been centred on his community, his neighbours. After a career in journalism, Peter ran for council, in spite of health issues that, as he told me, nearly killed him as he walked for miles from door to door during that election campaign. Peter lived less than a year after taking his seat on council, leaving his wife, daughter, and grandson to grieve along with so many

by David Shanahan You and I lost a friend last week. Most of you would not have known Sonja Bertram, and have probably never heard her name before. But I say she was a friend to us all, and for this reason. Sonja had fought a hard battle against cancer and survived. Last autumn, her husband, Jim, decided to run for council in North Grenville. He had been campaigning on a few local issues and he and Sonja believed he had something to offer the people of the municipality in an elected position. Then, shortly after Jim had filed his nomination papers, the bad news came that Sonja’s cancer had returned. Jim decided to withdraw from the election to care for his wife and friend of so many years. But Sonja still believed that Jim had something important to do for North Grenville. Knowing what she was facing, Sonja and Jim decided that he would carry on the election campaign. Amazingly, Sonja’s condition seemed

in this municipality. You see, council is made up of five individuals who get into public life knowing that there will be status, criticism, opportunity to do good, and times when they will make mistakes. But those individuals usually have families: wives, husbands, children, who also sacrifice to allow their loved ones to attend meeting after meeting, who accept absences from home, sometimes from family events. They have to carry the extra load at home and, perhaps, read some nasty editorial criticising their loved one, and be unable to hit back. Some members of council, past and present, have had to deal with serious issues while continuing to perform their role on council. Some have dealt with personal tragedy, serious illness in a spouse, and who knows what else that the public never know about. Not every relationship can easily survive such pressures, and every elected politician will tell you that a strong home base, the support of family, can make all

Letters to the Editor continued Dear Editor: In last week’s NG Times, David Shanahan highlighted a 70% jump in the library budget over the past five years but did not provide any context. On behalf of the Library Board, I would like to do that now so nobody is left with the wrong impression. While the increase appears very large in percentage terms, the dollar amount is relatively small. When compared to 2010, the change to our municipal grant in 2015 amounts to a little over $165,000. What’s more, a substantial part of that is due to labour legislation beyond the control of both

the Library Board and the Council. When it gets right down to it, the people of North Grenville pay about a dollar a week for library services. This is far lower than many comparable municipalities in Eastern Ontario. For that small amount of money, we all receive: Regular hours of access to top-notch library services and programing . An important community space that is open to everyone Increased number of public use computers and free Wi-Fi . Free access to collections, including books, DVDs, magazines, EBooks, audio books

(on CD or downloadable) . Interlibrary loans for material not available here in North Grenville . Free computer training . Variety of programs for all ages-babies to seniors . Language training for over 60 languages through our website and Much more North Grenville has a library service that is second to none and a local Board committed to always ensuring that our tax dollars are spent wisely. Joan Simpson,Chair, North Grenville Public Library Board

the difference in the world. How many of us would want to go out, night after freezing winter night, to attend council, committee of the whole, community events, openings, closings, and so many other activities? But at least those in the public eye get some recognition, some acknowledgement. They have walked into that situation with their eyes wide open, and know they can expect to receive valid and sometimes harsh criticism, as well as the kudos and the titles. I remember having coffee with a member of council once, and there was a remark made about some criticism I had made of his behaviour, or decisions he had made. I considered then, and do so still, that the words I used were fair, valid and deserved. “But,” he said, “my children read what you write about me.” I always remember that when I write about elected people, not so I can water things down, but to separate, as much as possible, the person and the position they take. Agree or disagree with the politician, there are fami-

lies at home who have sacrificed to allow their husband or wife, or father, to serve as a public representative. They do so, at least in part, so that the public can be served. That is why I call Sonja Bertram a friend of all of us. She and Jim decided that serving the people of North Grenville was so important that not even such serious illness would stand in the way. Jim will need the support of his friends over the coming weeks and months. But he will also, as I know him, put his heart and soul into doing his work as councillor, because he knows how much that means. All the families of those who work on our behalf, no matter what our opinion of their politics might be, deserve our thanks. They should know that they, too, are appreciated and acknowledged by their neighbours and friends. I am so sorry we have lost Sonja Bertram, and our deepest sympathies go out to the family. And, to all of you who have made it possible for your loved ones to serve this community, thank you.

Dear Editor: Recently and interestingly after the last municipal election, we have learned that we are headed for more tax increases to pay for infrastructure and development costs over the next ten years,-or may I boldly say -- ad-infinitum? This is because of cut backs from our ever wasteful provincial government and the fact that growth is not paying for growth and has not been for sometime. With a recently posted inflation rate of 1 percent, salaries not keeping up with inflation and a presently greater average debt load per household than what people make, how is it possible to sustain this growth? Eventually the benighted tax slave cannot afford to do anything else but to barely survive merely to pay taxes. The fact of the matter is that growth under our beloved Debt Based System is neither affordable nor sustainable. It has and will continue to

lead to greater environmental deterioration, greater crime, increased poverty, more illness, more stress and unhappiness, more wars and greater monopolies,-- witness the trend towards amalgamation and increased debt. Who benefits from this wonderful system that effectively promotes and insures total bankruptcy? It is those who control the system and the creation and issuance of money. If the people do not change this system, the results will be ominous for civilization and humanity as a whole. Sincerely, Vito Carini

January 28, 2015

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Dear Editor: This headline is very disconcerting to say the least. Where does that leave most of us? Up that creek? Like the one advertised on CBC? The new SITCOM. In today’s newspaper, we hear that our money, if we have any, will earn less than 1% it’s earning now, pretty close to nothing. For those on fixed incomes, young people

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struggling with families to raise, how can they afford to pay possibly double in municipal taxes? Happy New Year! Also, about “Fundamentals”, just because one believes something doesn’t necessarily make it so. One can believe they have solid reasons for believing in God or Allah or whichever name applies depending on the religion, but how can one believe that their way is the right way. There is no hard evidence, as you would need for example in a courtroom. Each person is entitled to believe as they wish as long as it doesn’t harm someone else! At least that’s how it is in this country so far. It certainly wasn’t always that way. Countless wars have been fought and oceans of blood lost because of religion. And it’s still happening. We’re presently spending millions and maybe billions of dollars to fight Muslim extremists. Kath Piche

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Local Drug death leads to warnings from OPP Grenville County Ontario Provincial Police are assisting in a Coroner’s Investigation involving the death of a 23 year old female. Shortly after 3 am on January 18, Police were dispatched to a report of a female with no vital signs at a Kemptville residence. The female was pronounced deceased at the scene. A post mortem has been completed and Police are awaiting toxicology results. The initial investigation has determined that illegal substances, believed to be ecstasy (also known as

MDMA OR “Molly”) were located at the residence. Police are warning the public about the dangers of ecstasy. Such dangers include the rapid and acute onset of symptoms and can lead to sudden death. MDMA can cause problems with the body’s ability to regulate temperature, particularly when it is used in active or hot temperature settings. On rare occasions, this can lead to a sharp rise in body temperature, known as hyperthermia, which can cause liver, kidney, heart failure or death. Other effects of MDMA

the risk for seizures and affect the heart’s ability to beat normally. Any signs of distress or illness should be dealt with immediately by calling “911”. Anyone with information on the above occurrence is asked to call Grenville County O.P.P. Communication Centre at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222(TIPS) 8477 or submit your tip on-line at www.tipsubmit.com. Crime Stoppers does not want your name, you don't go to court, and you could earn cash reward.

include: increases in heart rate and blood temperature, muscle tension, teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, chills or sweating, higher body temperature (leading to heart, liver or kidney problems) and increased risk for unsafe sex. MDMA does not always break down in the body and can interfere with its own metabolism. This can cause harmful levels of the drug to build up in the body if it is taken repeatedly within short periods of time. High levels of MDMA in the bloodstream can increase

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8 Year Old Snowcross Racer riding to success

By Beth Nicol Oxford Station resident, Ryan Earl, isn’t wasting any time. Just the opposite. Ryan has a passion for Snowcross racing. Picture motocross on snowmobiles. This is his second season competing on the Canadian Snowcross Racing Association circuit and he is loving it. He is knowledgeable about the rules for competing safely; he is learning about the care of his machine; his riding skills are improving steadily. Most of

all, he is an eight year old having the time of his life. Ryan’s first snow racing experience was in 2013. He participated in a small event to see if he had enough interest to take his riding to the next level. In 2014, Ryan’s rookie year, he took part in 7 races with an overall finish of 8th place. He is anticipating another successful season. He placed 3rd in his division in the Dayco Triple Crown National Snowcross Series held in Ste. Marie. Ryan raced in the International Grand Prix in Rouyn Noranda, Quebec on January 18 and 19. He finished with a 4th overall in the Champ Class on both days. The Canadian Snowcross Racing Association (CSRA) has been active since 1994. It is the governing body for Snowcross enthusiasts, regulating all aspects of the sport in Canada. Snowcross is the most popular form of snowmobile racing and the circuit runs from November through April. Each race features events for racers of all ages and skill levels. There are

also events geared specifically for modified machines. Ryan participates in two classes on his Arctic Cat CR120. The 120 Briggs Improved Class specifies engines retain factory engine anti tamper seals. The Champ 120 allows some modifications and is also open to sleds from the Briggs Improved Class. As with any sport, having the appropriate gear is important. Safety is paramount; CSRA equipment requirements are specific. They can also be costly. The neck brace required for helmet stability and neck support have been supplied to Ryan at a racer discount by Atlas Brace. Classic Graphics are sponsors as well, providing the windshield graphics for his machine. The race events are family oriented, combining the excitement of racing with the pleasure of reuniting with friends new and old. Ryan’s favourite part...playing with his friends.

Building a Sustainable North Grenville

Employment Readiness Workshops February 2015

Mapping the journey to successful employment North Grenville Employment Resource Centre 125 Prescott St Kemptville Call to register: (613) 258-6576 (800) 214-7066

Follow CSE on: Next Month’s Highlights Career Dimensions Summer Job Service 2015 Employer Applications are now available on our website

Date

Events

February 2

Information and Decision Making, 10:00—11:30

February 9

Labour Market Information, 9:30—11:00 Information and Decision Making 1:00—2:30

February 11

Smart Serve, 9:00—1:00

February 16

CLOSED—Family Day

February 17

Information and Decision Making, 10:00—11:30 Resume and Cover Letters, 1:00—2:30

February 18

CSE Outreach in Merrickville (Merrickville Health Community Centre), 9:00—11:00 Drop-in Resume Rescue Clinic, 10:00—2:00

February 19

CSE Days! All day coffee and snacks!

February 23

Working from Home, 9:30—11:00

February 24

Portfolios and Networking, 9:30—11:00 Information and Decision Making, 1:00—2:30

February 25

Job Search Strategies, 9:30—11:00 Service Canada Outreach, 9:00—3:00 (closed 12—1 for lunch)

February 26

Interview Types, Tips and Techniques, 9:30—11:00 Workplace Excellence, 1:00—2:30

February 27

WHMIS, 9:00—12:00 Social Media, 9:30—11:00

Mapping your Journey—Finding you GPS (Goal, Plans, Skills) runs until February 20th—stay tuned for the next series!!! Check out our online job board at: www.cseconsulting.com

Employment Ontario programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada. Les programmes Emploi Ontario sont financés en partie par le gouvernement du Canada.

January 28, 2015

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Prices effective: Friday, January 30 to Thursday, February 5, 2015 “We reserve the right to limit quantities to reasonable family requirements”

January 28, 2015

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Sports

Perth’s Merv Robert’s wins NGCC Senior Men’s Invitational Curling Bonspiel

Fresh never frozen

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8.80/kg

99 /lb

L-R Fred Brownlee, Murray Hunt, Al Chaplin, Merv Roberts, skip by Jim Dolan On Friday January 16, 2015, eighteen teams from Ottawa and the Ottawa and Seaway Valleys participated in the 10th annual Senior Invitational Bonspiel at North Grenville Curling Club. Clubs represented were: Manotick(3), Navy(2), Brockville(2), Smiths Falls(2), Prescott(2), Perth(2), NGCC(2), Huntley(1), Granite(1), and the Royal Kingston(1). The Bonspiel was a two game point event. The winning team, decided by a tie breaking rule, was Perth Curling Club’s rink comprised of Merv Roberts, skip, Al Chaplin, Murray Hunt, Fred Brownlee. The Brockville Curling Club team skipped by Al Kennedy took home second place money. Third and fourth place money went to rinks skipped by Gary Froats of the Manotick Curling Club and Brian Doherty of the Smiths Falls Curling Club. One game high winners were rinks skipped by Navy Curling Club’s Tony Charbonneau and Huntley Curling Club’s Bob Green. All teams enjoyed a wonderful lunch and a scrumptious dinner prepared by a willing host of volunteers under the direction of Doreen Simard and Carol Holmes. The ice conditions were near perfect, thanks to our ice tech, Steve Dunne, and our club received numerous positive comments about the ice and the club premises in general. Bill White, club convenor of the event, also wants to thank Brian Cassidy and Mark Copeland for their assistance throughout the day, and Wayne Vachon and his bar crew. The North Grenville Curling Club also wishes to say a big thank you to Royal Lepage Gale Real Estate Agents - Gary Durie and Anita Maloney. Gary and Anita have been sponsors of this event since its inception, and were formally recognized for their continued support at the event’s closing activities. Mr. Bill White deserves special recognition for continuing to organize this first class bonspiel.

The Kemptville Wildcats Baseball & Softball Club wants you! By Dan Piche Have you ever thought of becoming a coach or an assistant coach? KWBSC are now accepting coaching applications at all levels for the 2015 season. Whether it is softball or baseball, girls or boys, young or older, every year the opportunity for kids to play is made possible by volunteers that step up to coach our children. With the exponential growth of the program over the past few years, there’s a need to have more parents involved at every level. If this is your child's first time in baseball or softball and your first time wanting to be a coach or assistant coach, have no fear, we will provide training and support. Positions are open at all levels, BlastBall through to Senior Baseball and Midget Softball. Interested coaches are asked to apply on the KWBSC website at www.kemptvillewildcats. com/ The deadline for applications is February 6, 2015. There are also many other ways parents can help make this season memorable for their children, such as team mangers, umpires, tournament co-coordinators, fundraisers and many other volunteer positions that make it all happen. All of these positions are available to sign up for at registration. The first in person registration will be at the North Grenville Municipal Centre, Saturday January 31 from 9 am to 2 pm. Online registration will begin towards the end of this month. Thanks for helping us make 2015 a great season for our children. KWBSC Executive January 28, 2015

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Sales Representative

Gerry Van Gurp 613-371-7871 gerryvangurp@kw.com

Having grown up on a dairy farm near Morewood, Ontario, the value of hard work and responsibility was instilled in me at a young age. I have been a successful self-employed home renovation contractor for over 26 years and this experience has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of structures, fit and finish, good design, and has also allowed me to develop an understanding of how important it is to listen to people in order to collaborate with them on a vision for their home. As a contractor, I have purchased and refurbished many homes to be re-sold, and this experience has given me a good eye for detail and for determining what buyers are looking for.

I have lived in the Kemptville community for over 20 years and I know the potential of this area. My wife and I own a successful business in Oxford Mills. Six years ago we bought an aged building, completely restored it ourselves, and opened our craft and gift store known as Olde Porch Primitives. We are very proud to be members of the business community in this area.

Over the years, I have built a solid reputation as an honest, hardworking contractor and I am now using those skills and long experience in the real estate field. I enjoy working with people, and I find it very rewarding to help people define what they hope to achieve with the purchase or sale of a home.

I look forward to working with new customers and past clients. Please call me if you are considering buying or selling a home, I will be here to help you make the right move. Gerry

January 28, 2015

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The North Grenville Times

Funding for Spencerville Mill

CLASSIFIEDS

The Spencerville Mill, which traces its history back two hundred years, has received a significant grant from the federal government to help it to continue operating as a heritage site. Last Thursday, local M.P. Gord Brown presented the Spencerville Mill Foundation with a grant of $20,000 which came from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. The funds will be used to increase the capacity of the site for presentations, exhibits, and other events. Sheila Fawcett, the chairwoman of the Spencerville Mill Foundation, noted that the funds would be used as part one of a long-term project to renovate the building in order to make it useable year-round. It operates as a local museum, tourism site and

First 10 words are FREE for North Grenville Residents. Extra Words: 50 cents a word. Email classifieds@ngtimes.ca SERVICES The Pet Nanny - Pet sitting, dog walking Kempt./ Merrickville. 613-979-2616 petnannykemptville.com Property cleanup,trees/ b r u s h / y a r d waste,scrap,dump runs,anything removed Wayne Scott RR#5 Kemptville 613-286-9072 SERIOUS ABOUT LOSING WEIGHT? www.herbalone.com Effective, affordable programs and/or products. Call 613-258-4242 Mention this ad to SAVE 10%.

a House Wife. Sandi 613-2197277

YOGA for everyone. Wed and One bedroom apt available Thurs., at YIG. Call 258-9902 immediately in Burritt’s Rapids. Parking, separate Food-HealthConnec tions entrance & private yard. No seminars for your company, dogs. $650 + utilities. Call group, school. Nutrition- 269-2850. ist Carol Pillar RHN. www. w h o le su map p r o ac h.co m 2 bedroom upper level of 258-7133 duplex in downtown Kemptville. 4 applicances/parking/ water included. Call 613 296 FOR RENT 5906.

ing packages now available www.sarahsorganizingservices.com”

Rideau River home at Burritt’s Rapids, 2 bedroom, 21/2 bathrooms, completely Need help with social media? furnished including all apBusiness or personal. Email pliances, $1650 plus utilities. alwaysoncanhelp@gmail. 613 269 4785 com or call 613-227-3009 Old Town Kemptville – 10 HANDY MAN SPECIALIZ- Prescott St. – commercial ING IN RENOVATION AND retail space – 690 sq. ft., HOUSE STAGING. WE DO IT available immediately. 613295-0552 ALL CALL 613 294 2416 Mr & Mrs clean residential/ commercial cleaning. Mrandmrsclean613@gmail.com, 613-867-2184 Nutritional Counselling to customize a wellness plan for all your health concerns. w h o l e su m a p p r o ac h.co m 613-258-7133

pets; available immediately. 613-295-0552

Al’s Cleanup Services Dump runs, Kemptville 2 bdr house, 4 apGrass, Landscaping Al Scott R R pliances $900 + utilities, no #1 Oxford Station(613) 258-3847 pets. Call John 613 258 2753

Rock My House Music Centre is looking for Instructors. Kemptville 4 BDRM Century Home Finished basement all 613 258-5656 appliances 1 ½ baths large deck sauna hot tub 613 720 “DROWNING in MESS?! Individually tailored Coach- 0942

Old Town Kemptville – 113 Prescott St. – commercial retail space – 1,878 sq. ft., available immediately. 613295-0552

Kemptville – 1 bdrm – 506 Rideau St; $800 + utilities; hardwood floors; gas heat; covered balcony; no smoking or pets; available immediQualified English tutor: read- ately. 613-295-0552 ing, writing, grammar, etc...I Kemptville - 2 bdrm – 506 make it fun! 613-269 2367. Rideau St; $950 (water inHouse Cleaning-Every work- cluded) + utilities; harding Mother and Father needs wood floors; gas heat; covered balcony; no smoking or

The Voice of North Grenville

Log chalet nestled on a mountainside facing north, Mont Tremblant. 4 bedrooms, fireplace, hot tub. Book now 613 203 2897 chantillyplace. tremblant@gmail.com

location for various community events, including the Spencerville Heritage Fair. The Foundation has received funding for the Heritage Fair from the federal government for the past two years, through a separate Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program. In her speech at the grant presentation, which took place in the Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council chambers, Ms. Fawcett gave details of how the funds would help the Foundation in its work. “This project will improve physical conditions for the creation of heritage and historical presentations, artifact preservation, exhibitions and programming, while permitting public access to the upper level of our heritage grist mill.”

In presenting the grant, Gord Brown stated that the Conservative Government considers it important to provide support to local arts and cultural initiatives, and the $20,000 grant to the Spencerville Mill Foundation was an indication of this. The recent establishment of a Museum Committee at the North Grenville Historical Society, reported elsewhere in this issue, is an important first step in having a similar local museum set up in this municipality also, to preserve and promote the history and heritage of North Grenville. The example of the Spencerville Mill Foundation will be an inspiration to the Committee in their work over the coming years.

announcements A memorial service for Sonja Bertram will be held at the McGarry Family Funeral Home at 805 Prescott Street in Kemptville (Main Street) on Tuesday, Feb. 3. Visitation with family will be from 1 pm to 4 pm with the memorial service at 4 pm. Arrangements are also being made for further memorial to follow that date for those who would join me and my family at a church service memorial. I will send further information when it becomes available. Let us never forget the brave, loving, generous wonderful spirit that was my beloved Sonja. Meine Sonni, ich halte Dich fuer immer in meinem Gedanken und in meinem Herzen ! Sonni, you will live forever in my heart! Your loving husband, Jim

Large one bedroom in Heckston for rent $775.00 plus utilities. 613-258-4741 Spacious 3 bdrm bungalow. Fridge, stove, washer, dryer incl. Large lot. $1275 + utilities. 613 853 6592FOR SALE For Sale Galvanized, vinyl,dog kennel 8’x14’x48”, insulated doghouse 251/2” x 311/2”, $350,989-2836 2002 F350 diesel quad cab 2x4 excellent workhorse $4500 613-314-9327 Jeep hard top storage doly/dust cover. Incl. 2 carts, nests together. $500. 613 215 0253.

Happy 50th Birthday Darlene

What’s Happening @ KYC

Chainsaw, Makita Model SC341, 16”bar. Spare chain and file incl. $160. Call 613 325 0845.

Free Programs at Kemptville Youth Centre

Murray Pro Series snow thrower. Electric start 11 HP/29” $350.00

Ross McNeil Cook Night

Jam Night 6 - 8 pm (Wed., Jan. 28th) 4 - 8pm (Thurs. Jan 29th)

Jumpstart Kickboxing 4 - 5pm (Fri. Jan.30th)

Baking Night 4 - 6pm (Mon. Feb 2nd)

BNI Sports Night 6 - 7:30pm (Tues. Feb 3rd)

5 Oxford Street West www.kemptvilleyc.com 613-258-5212

January 28, 2015

The North Grenville Times

COMMUNITY EVENTS

CROSSWORD

Jan 29

Youngsters of Yore, Kemptville Public Library, 1:30 pm. Guest speaker: Three days in Prague Feb 1 Snowarama Day in support of Easter Seals Kids. Breakfast at Kemptville Fire Hall 8-10 am, put on by the 1st Oxford Mills Girl Guides and Pathfinders. Photo Op at 9:30, followed by 100 km snowmobile ride. Everyone welcome. Get pledges: www.snowarama.org For more info call: Earle Moore 258-3271. Feb 8 17th annual Sweetheart Brunch, North Grenville Municipal Centre. Live entertainment, a draw for cash prizes, 8:30-1 pm. Tickets $10/ adults, $5/children aged 6–11. Children under 6 eat free. Tickets available at Royal LePage Gale Real Estate, Solution One Tax Services, O’Farrell Financial, Brewed Awakentings Feb 10 St. Michael’s CHS Student Art Show, by over 90 students in the Visual Arts Program. Open for viewing 6-8 pm in the cafeteria. Feb 15 Breakfast at Kemptville Snowmobile Clubhouse, 8-11 am, $5. All welcome. Snowmobile Rally, registration at clubhouse 8-11 am. (about 100 km) $25 per person. Big prize money and lots of door prizes. Followed by a Ham Supper at Kemptville Legion, $15.00. Participate in all 3 events at a cost of $40. Feb 17 The Oxford Mills Community Association (OMCA) is having a fundraiser on "Pancake Tuesday". Why cook dinner when you can come to Maplewood Hall, and at the same time help out the OMCA in support of our ongoing activities? $5 per person, two sittings - 5 pm and 6:30 pm. Seating is limited, reserve early! For more info, please email Maplewoodhall@cogeco.ca or call 258 - 6485. Feb 19 The Friends of the North Grenville Public Library will be holding its Annual General Meeting, Norenberg Building, 1 Water Street, from 7 9 pm. Following a short business meeting, Phil Jenkins will entertain us with stories from his books on the history of the Ottawa area. Feb 28 Kemptville Legion Breakfast, 8 – 10 am. Adults $5.00 per person, WeeklyChildren and recurring under 12 $3.00.events All welcome. Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Sat

M,W,F

The Voice of North Grenville

ACROSS 1. Multicolored 5. Not together 10. WW1 plane 14. Lasso 15. An organization's rule 16. French for "Black" 17. Ear-related 18. To begin with 20. Gruesome 22. Breathing tube for swimmers 23. Excluding 24. Prepared 25. Stupidity 32. Disney mermaid 33. Eagle's nest 34. A type of large sandwich 37. Sow 38. Entry permits

BNI Networking Group Breakfast, Grenville Mutual Insurance Building, 380 Colonnade Drive, 7- 8:30 am. Call 613-918-0430 for more information. Mixed Pickup 18+ Basketball is back! All skill levels welcome. Holy Cross School on Tuesday, 7-9 pm. $5 per night or $60 for the season. Please call Jeff or Samantha at 613-258-1847 or samantha.rivetstevenson@rbc.com. Please remember there is no basketball on snow days ! Bridge- St. John’s United Church, 12:15 pm. Cost $4. "All levels of bridge players welcome. Come discover Duplicate Bridge. "Info, contact Sandra at 613-258-2691. The Branch Artisans Guild, North Grenville Community Church, 2659 Concession Street every 3rd Tuesday, 7 pm. New members welcomed! The North Grenville Photography Club - Meeting first Wednesday of every month at the Auditorium at the Municipal Centre on Hwy 44. For more info see ngphotoclub.ca. Bingo- First and third Wednesday of the month, Kemptville Legion. Games start at 1 pm. All welcome. Refreshments available. Klub 67 Euchre every second and fourth Wed. of the month beginning Sept 10, 1:15 pm, St. John's United Church downstairs. Everyone welcome, $5.00. KCCB, NG High School band room,7-8:30 pm. Brass and Woodwind musicians of all levels welcome! Music covers a wide range of musicals, classics, jazz and modern pieces. For more information, email dennis843@gmail.com Bridge - St. John’s United Church, 6:45 pm. Cost $5, partner preferred but not necessary. For more info, contact Sandra at 613-258-2691. North Grenville Toastmasters - Meeting 1st & 3rd Thurs. of the month, 7 pm at O’Farrell’s Financial Services, Cty Rd 44. Info, call 258-7665. Friendship lunch, Leslie Hall, Clothier St. W. Sponsored by St. James, St. John, Kemptville Pentecostal Tabernacle, Salvation Army and Holy Cross churches. Serving begins at 11:30 am. No charge. Goodwill offering. All are welcome. The Kerith Debt Freedom Centre. Confidential coaches will help you get out of debt and stay out of debt. Free, open on the 2nd and 4th Sat. of the month from 9:30-11:30 at the NG Community Church. Appointments can be made at kdfc.ca or by calling 613-258-4815 x103. Kemptville and Area Walking Group, Municipal Centre - Early birds: 8 am, others 8:30 am. Contact: Eva 258-4487.

DOWN 1. A formal high school dance 2. Greek letter 3. Sweeping story 4. Poured 5. Terminates 6. Combustible pile 7. Former boxing champ 8. Tatters 9. Identical or fraternal 10. Trap 11. A type of dance 12. Suffered 13. Laconically 19. Like the Vikings 21. Be agitated 25. Short run 26. Chocolate cookie 27. Misled 28. Acclaims 29. Homes for birds 30. Delete 39. Certain 31. Female sib 40. A box for bricks or mortar 34. A set of garments 41. River muds 35. Desire 42. Set straight 36. Curve 43. Having a mottled appearance 38. Compete 45. Entertain 39. Raced on skis 49. American Sign Language 41. Pilfer 50. Used to stabilize a ship 42. As well 53. Pocket billiards 44. Arrived 57. Unrefined 45. Bad treatment 59. Construct 46. Devilfish 60. Flower stalk 47. Canker sore 61. All excited 48. Shantytowns 62. Gave the once-over 51. Male deer 63. Hearing organs 52. A soft porous rock 64. Wagered (archaic) 53. Arid 65. Extinct flightless bird 54. Knockout 55. Barely managed 56. Start over 58. 18-wheeler

SUDOKU Easy

Medium

Hard

Solution to last week’s Crossword

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

January 28, 2015

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History

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

The Heart of Eastern Ontario by David Shanahan When the Ontario Government bought land at the north end of Oxford-onRideau Township in 1945, it marked the beginning of what we know today as the Ferguson Forest Centre. For fifty years, the Province ran a tree nursery, and when it was closed in 1995, and then bought by the Township to operate as it does today, the people of North Grenville were given a priceless gift, a large green space of trees, trails, river and beauty to enjoy as their common inheritance. Perhaps not many of those who walk, run, bike or ride the trails, or who boat up and down the South Branch and around the Point to Beckett’s Landing, realise how central that tongue of land has been in the history of Eastern Ontario. In fact, all of the townships lying west, north and east of that one point of land were located in relation to the Forks of the Rideau. When, in 1791, the government sent, not one, but two surveyors to begin laying out townships beyond the original line of settlement on the Saint Lawrence, it was to the Forks they were sent to, and everything began there. The story of why that point was chosen is for another day. It is a long, fascinating story that will be told here in the coming months. For now, let’s stick to the land between the rivers, because its story is also worth knowing, full of irony and historic connections, and it

gives some insight into life in this area in times gone by. The first European to visit and describe the land around the Forks was a British officer, Gershon French, who had been sent by his superiors to explore the Rideau River from its mouth to its source. He and his team arrived at the Forks on October 5, 1783 and described the land like this: “...the river is here from 100 to 150 yards broad, the shores are low and overflowed in the time of high water to about 80 roods back where the land rises high and is equally good as that discovered the two preceding days. A considerable river enters here from the East...” That first surveyor in 1791 was Jesse Pennoyer, and, as he trudged through the wild lands, he discovered the truth of French’s comments about flooding. His description of the land was consistent: all around the tongue of land was “very bad swamp”. There was money to be made out of even swampy land located on a river, and when later descriptions of the land were made in 1845, there emerged a record of exploitation by those who stripped the land of its most valuable asset: trees. Ironically, the land that would become the Ferguson Forest Centre, dedicated to growing trees to preserve our environment, was almost destroyed by the theft of trees. The comments are stark: Lot 27, Concession 1: “Timber - hemlock, beech & some few maple. Timber

INCHESTER PRINT & STATIONERY

on Hills hemlock & some few Pine, in the vallies [sic] Tamarack, Cedar, spruce & some ash. Once covered with pine timber, but now all gone”. Lot 29, Concession 1: “...the lot has been run over, the timber cut, hacked and destroyed”. Settlers unfamiliar with how to use this kind of land often made matters much worse by clearing the trees for farming. Taking away whatever top soil there was only emphasised the fact that much of the tract was better used for growing trees than for any other crop. In 1871, lot 27 in the first concession was again described in stark terms. “Land of more value in natural state than now. Quality poor.” And this was after almost thirty years of farming. But, in time, other and more productive uses were found for the tract of land. In 1918, the highway from Ottawa to Prescott, which crossed the bridge at Beckett’s Landing, was designated a provincial highway. In 1925, part of the tongue of land was expropriated to change the line of highway, now numbered 16, and the land along the banks of the Rideau and South Branch became more accessible for use as cottage lots. In 1936, the highway bridge was moved to its present location (actually about 100 east of its present location!), and this made Kemptville an attractive site for the Forest Station, given the soil and other environmental conditions there, when the Province decided to open a

Forest Station in this part of Eastern Ontario in 1945. It was as if the intervening attempts at cultivation had been an interlude, and the obvious and original use of the land had been rediscovered. Growing trees was what the land was perfectly suited to do, and so it has continued. One other nice touch of historical synchronicity: one of those cottages that were built on the land in the 1930's was the property of one G. Howard Ferguson himself, after whom the Forest Station, and the present Forest Centre would be named. The Ferguson Forest Centre lands are at the heart of Eastern Ontario, with a long history and a continuing tradition of growing and cultivating trees. Deep roots.

WINCHESTER PRINT & STATIONERY

January 28, 2015

WINCHESTER PRINT & STATIONERY

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The North Grenville Times

It takes a Village: Grandmothers Together

by Patrick Babin How would you like to visit Ethiopia and South Africa while sitting comfortably in the North Grenville Public Library on a cold January day? Thanks to Sheila Green, who

January 28, 2015

is associated with the Stephen Lewis Foundation, this is what happened to the Youngsters of Yore in attendance at last Thursday’s meeting in the Program Room of the Norenberg Building.

As part of a modified virtual reality presentation, Sheila “transported” her audience to these two African countries. Not on a sightseeing tour! Not to admire the scenery! No, this was a very particular field trip; one that would provide her audience with an overview of the exemplary work being done in Africa by the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign. Her focus was on Canadian grandmothers who support community-based organizations that deal holistically with African people, most affected by HIV and AIDS. This group, imbued with compassion, empathy, generosity, and solidarity, works with community groups at the grassroots level in responding to the orphan crisis. There are 17 million African children orphaned by AIDS. The group works diligently

to keep siblings together and family homes intact. What happens when children lose both parents to AIDS? Older children who become caregivers often face discrimination because parents died of AIDS. All of a sudden, the only caregiver is the grandparents, especially the grandmother. This is where Canadian grandmothers show their mettle. Through their financial generosity, over 240 Canadian grandmother groups support their counterparts in fourteen African countries. If interested in additional information, please contact The Stephen Lewis Foundation at: info@stephenlewisfoundation.org Many thanks to Sheila Green for a most enlightening afternoon.

Walmart Donates to big baNG submitted by David Watson Deborah Hillier, Walmart Assistant Manager, presents a $920 cheque to four members of big baNG - Ruby O’Shea, Elgin Toole, Will Watson & Morgen Davis. big baNG is the African drumming group at North Grenville District High School. They were selected to play at Walt Disney World Florida during the March Break and are currently fundraising to offset travel costs. Recently, the fundraising efforts took them to Walmart and, through the generosity of Walmart customers and with Walmart matching the funds, were able to raise this amount in December. There is a special event planned for Sunday, February 15, at North Grenville District High School. Come joins us for an afternoon of local musical talent and refreshments. We are hosting a Sweetheart Tea starting at 2 o’clock. Contact the High School or David Watson at 613 799-8964 for information.

Nestle Down B&B

Ellen & Allison Miller 613-258-7778 ellen.allison_miller@xplornet.ca www.bbcanada.com/nestledown

4101 Highway 43 E Kemptville, Ont.K0G 1J0