the north grenville
TIMES
Reaching by direct mail 9,000 homes and businesses in North Grenville and Merrickville/Wolford www.ngtimes.ca
The Voice of North Grenville
Vol. 4, No. 4
January 27, 2016
Strength lies in differences
The North Grenville Times is Locally Owned and Operated
by Hilary Thomson The North Grenville Municipal Centre has a new mural to put on its walls that supports Community Living North Grenville and promotes inclusion. Melissa Workman, a grade 11 student at Saint Michael Catholic High School, presented the mural to the community at an unveiling ceremony last Wednesday. Mayor David Gordon, representatives from Community Living Ontario, Community Living North Grenville and Saint Mike’s were all in attendance. Melissa created the mural as part of the Re:Action 4 Inclusion initiative spearheaded by Community Living On-
tario. “Re:Action 4 Inclusion is a social justice movement that supports young people and empowers them to take a look at their schools and communities, start asking who’s missing, and what they can do to get involved to change this,” says Latoya Jackson of Community Living Ontario. Melissa was chosen to put together one of four projects by students throughout Ontario to promote inclusion in their schools and communities. After working at Community Living North Grenville as a student last summer, she was identified as hard working, passionate and a leader in her community. “Sincere thanks goes to her for her commitment, her enthusiasm, and hard work to see this project
through,” says Sandra McNamara, the Executive Director of Community Living North Grenville. As part of the project, Melissa also held a contest in which students at Saint Mike’s submitted art pieces, poems and videos exploring the concept of inclusion in the community. Finally, she has organized motivational speaker Blake Fly, who she saw at the Re:Action 4 Inclusion conference last year in Orillia, to come speak at her school in April. It was clear at the unveiling that Melissa is very passionate about what she does. “This mural is more than something on a wall that should be passed by without looking. It has been made so
that we can know that we are able to create a world where everyone feels like they belong, everyone is accepted and everyone contributes in a meaningful way,” she said, teary eyed. After high school Melissa would love to study to become an occupational therapist, someone who helps people who have trouble performing the tasks of daily living (brushing teeth, doing laundry, etc.). The colourful mural, which features the words “strength lies in our differences, not in our similarities”, will hang in the Municipal Centre as a reminder to everyone who walks through its doors how important it is to make everyone feel included, wanted and valued in our community.
Merrickville/ Wolford Times Pages 10 & 11
The North Grenville Times
Nearly a decade celebrating Earth Day in North Grenville! Mark your calendars for the 9th annual North Grenville Sustainability Fair and Market! This year’s event takes place on Sunday, April 17, at the North Grenville Municipal Centre in Kemptville. The Fair is a free family fun day out featuring businesses, market stalls, electric vehicles, kids activities, food, music, door prizes, and more… For information, to book a table or to volunteer, please contact Jeanne or Clare at sngfair@magma.ca Organised by Sustainable North Grenville: www.SustainableNorthGrenville.ca
KWBSC recognises a decade of local sponsorship Local businesses in the North Grenville and Merrickville-Wolford area have always been generous to their community. Kemptville Wildcats Baseball and Softball Club [KWBSC] has been lucky enough to have dedicated sponsors for over a decade. Local businesses have donated funds to the club to support the purchase of equipment, training aids, player development clinics and so much more. In order to honour sponsors in the community, KWBSC recently thanked its local businesses with a plaque to commemorate their donations to the Club. Kemptville RONA, Kemptville Interiors, B & H Grocer and m5 Digital each received a plaque for more than ten years of dedicated sponsorship to KWBSC. Other local businesses that have continued to support the Club are: Giant Tiger, 8 years; Canadian Tire, 7 years; Hudson’s Auto Body, 6 years; Kemptville Legion, 6 years; Tim Hortons, 3 years; Shoeless Joes, 3 years; O’Farrell
Financial, 3 years; Walmart, 3 years; Grenville Mutual Insurance, 2 years; Conquer the Unhealthy You, 1 year; and Spa Sans Souci, 1 year. KWBSC thanks all of these businesses for their continued generosity. The Club also recognised the Municipalities of North Grenville and MerrickvilleWolford for the tremendous amount of work and support that has been given to KWBSC since its first charter was signed with Little League Canada in 1993. In addition to the municipalities, the local media has been instrumental in helping KWBSC to grow and help players in the area stay connected. A thank you was also given to The Kemptville Advance, The North Grenville Times and Juice FM. For information on how your business can donate to KWBSC and help over 350 baseball and softball players in the North Grenville and Merrickville area, please contact Lyn O’Callaghan at lynoc4kemptvillewildcats@ gmail.com
The Voice of North Grenville
Bingo for Books; What do you know!! Youngsters of Yore themselves. An amazing assortment awaits the participants. Youngsters of Yore, co-ordinated by Jean Kilfoyle and Fran Thompson, is sponsored by the Friends of the North Grenville Public Library, a registered charity recognized by Revenue Canada. January is membership renewal month; family memberships are $20. Guest speaker at last week's session was Lynn L. Clark, who highlighted her
by Pat Babin At this week's meeting of the Youngsters of Yore, scheduled for Thursday afternoon in the Tallman Room of the Norenberg Building, bingo will be played. However, this will be bingo with a slight modification. A departure from the traditional is that players will win a book (and perhaps two) whenever they shout BINGO! The nearly-new books have been donated by the
new book entitled, The Home Child. What if you could never go home again? Quoted from the back cover: "From 1869 through the first half of the twentieth century, approximately 100,000 children were sent to Canada from the United Kingdom. Known as the British Home Children, the majority were sent from the Barnardo orphan homes in England, while 7,000 came from the Quarrier orphan homes in Scotland."
Author Clark is married to well-known crime fiction novelist Michael J. McCann. The latter has made two presentations at the Youngsters meetings. Some of you will remember his crime novels, Blood Passage, Marcie's Murder, and The Fregoli Delusion. His latest book will be published shortly. Membership Renewal Month for Friends!
Fun Day with Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville enjoyed a great fun day of sausage and pancake making with local volunteer John Polly on January 16, 2016. The kids certainly enjoyed making the sausages from scratch, but enjoyed eating them much more! While the kids enjoyed their breakfast, everyone watched a movie together! If you would like to be a part of these events, there are many ways you can get involved; you can volunteer as a Big with the agency, register your child to be a Little, donate/sponsor our fundraisers, or drop off some ADVERT #2 arts and crafts! Visit www.mentoringmatters.ca to find out how you can be a part of the agency. It only takes a little to make NEW SERVICES AVAILABLE a BIG difference!
“Shadowboxes Galore!” PLAQUE MOUNTING ~ Have your poster, picture, photo dry mounted onto a plaque, no frame required, a price to suit any budget.
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CANVAS TRANSFER ~ You provide a wedding photo, travel photo, etc. and we transfer it onto canvas. Regular depth canvas ready to assemble in a frame, or Gallery depth canvas that’s ready to hang on the wall.
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New KWBSC Directors are elected at AGM by Lyn O‘Callaghan On January 18, members of the Wildcats Club gathered to attend an AGM. Existing members were on hand to give an overview of the Club`s activities in 2015. Current President, Jeremy MacDonald, opened the meeting with a welcome and discussed what the 2015 Executive had accomplished during the year. Vice President of Finance, Mary Anne Leang, walked members through the results of a survey the Club had sent out to all members. She explained that the Club received valuable feedback from a large portion if its members and that the new Directors that were to be nominated January 27, 2016
would have excellent information to move forward with for the 2016 season. Members nominated the following Directors for the Executive, and those members have accepted the nomination. Please join us in welcoming Claire Larabie, Warren O`Callaghan, Anthony Orlicky, Marla Campeau, Brian Colbourne, Shon Bellefeuille , Lyn O`Callaghan, Jeremey MacDonald, Mike Sterkenberg. The new Directors will meet in short order to continue the work that is needed for the 2016 season. There are still four open positions for the Executive that have not been filled. Anyone that would like to be appointed by the New Executive as
Open 7 days/week by appointment. 2536 McGovern West, Oxford Mills (613) 258-5558 an interim Executive member If you are a returning player www.trojanacres.ca Trojan, CPF from last year, you can access can contactGillian Lyn O`Callaghan
your account through account login on the home page of the website and will be able to use the short form registration as you are currently in the system. Spring Training will begin after March Break. Stay tuned to the website and Facebook page for more details.
at lynoc4kemptvillewildcats@gmail.com. KWBSC thanks former Executive members Mary Anne Leang, Mike Martin, Mari Martin and Leslie Snowdon for their commitment to the Club over the years. Although these past Executive members have stepped down, they have offered their incredible volunteer skills as members at large. They assured the new Directors that they are not going away, but are just changing roles within the Club. Registration continues for the Wildcats. Please go to www.kemptvillewildcats. com to register your player.
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We have some catching up to do! by John Carkner First of all, we at the Kemptville Lions Club would like to thank you for your overwhelming generosity at our Christmas Tree Sale. As always, North Grenville gives and then gives some more. We actually sold out a bit early. The money made will be well spent with the organizations and individuals which we continue to support. Stay tuned for some upcoming fundraisers. We will be out in area stores soon, selling what has been described (by me) as the best Easter Chocolate Bunnies on the planet. I may be a bit biased. 50/50 tickets will be available as winter turns to spring, and we know that you will support us in this as well. The amazing thing about this
community is that some folks will simply make a donation as opposed to walking away with a bunny or tickets. As I said before North Grenville gives! The Kemptville Lions Club is excited to report that the Scott Woods Band is coming back. This springs show is titled "Love that Fiddle", and they describe it as "an uplifting live show celebrating the magic of the fiddle and simpler times with Canadian fiddle champ Scott Woods and his band”. We know well ahead of each Scott Woods concert that it will be a toe tapping, hand clapping delight. We have sold out every time they come to town, so do make sure to get your tickets early. The show will be on May 3, 2016, at the North Grenville Municipal Centre and
The Voice of North Grenville Erick Le Pors
it starts at 7 pm. Tickets will be available at the Municipal Centre and at the Royal LePage Team Realty office. (yes we are RLP Team now, but still at the same place in the Colonnade Mall). If you need to get more info on the concert, call Mavis Lecuyer at 613 258-5739. This gracious lady will be able to help you out. You might consider sponsoring this event too. Sponsor levels are: Gold $400, Silver $325, Bronze $250, Premium Patron $100 and Patron $50. Your sponsorship dollars are a plus for us and really help this fundraising event "sing". Complimentary tickets to the event are provided to Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsors, as well as recognition in the handouts, by Scott Woods, and on the easel at the door to the event. Thank you to all
of our past concert sponsors. You do make a difference. Meanwhile, back in our winter wonderland; do try to enjoy the season as much as you can. Many people are opting to stay here this winter (something to do with the dollar I guess) and, while many look forward to warmer weather, we need to appreciate all of the seasons. We live in the best country and the best community in the world. Enjoy. Thanks so much for taking the time to catch up with us. We look forward to seeing you as we're out and about. Take the time to stop and have a chat when you spot a Lion. Quick PS; if you are interested in being a part of the work and the fun that we do, join us! We'll even feed you at the first meeting while you check us out. Happy Winter!
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Kemptville Live announces two more acts for 2016
The next Kemptville Live Music Festival continues to grow and the line-up now includes a classic band and a great talent heading out on a solo career after decades of success with Great Big Sea. The Festival runs from July 22 to July 24 at the campus of Kemptvile College, and is building on the enormous success of last year’s first outing. The Saturday stage will see the Five Man Electrical Band perform, a rush for older fans and a great new experience for others. The Five Man Electrical Band ... doesn’t that brings back a flood of fond memories? Of all the groups that have come out of the Ottawa area, none achieved the international fame of this band. If you’re of an age, you’ll certainly remember I’m a Stranger Here, Absolutely Right, Money Back Guarantee, Werewolf and their biggest hit Signs, which reached number 3 on the Billboard Top 100. Original members Les Emmerson (vocals, guitar) and Ted Gerow (keyboards) are now joined by veteran players Brian Sim January 27, 2016
(guitar, vocals), Rick Smithers (bass) and drummers Steve Hollingworth and Mike Belanger. The Five Man Electrical Band will transport you back to the 1970s and all those happy times. But this isn’t just simple nostalgia, because the years haven’t dampened the skills, enthusiasm or the musical abilities of this group. The Five Man Electrical Band is sure to provide a rocking show to remember. www. fivemanelectricalband.ca/ index.html On Sunday afternoon, the Festival has signed up a fantastic opener for Bruce Cockburn. Séan McCann is a founding member of Atlantic Canada's world renowned Great Big Sea. After 20 years and millions of albums sold, countless hit songs, and record-breaking tours around the world, Séan has stopped touring with GBS to focus on a solo career. In 2014, the singer-songwriter, multiinstrumentalist issued his first post-GBS album, “Help Your Self”. He has now released a second album, “You Know I
Tickets for the Festival will be on sale as of April. VIP and weekend passes are on sale online now, and if you buy one of the limited number of General Admission weekend passes now available before the end of January, you’ll save $10.
Love You”, a happy collection of songs that depict love through music. In addition to his active solo career, Séan in now on the speaker's circuit chronicling his own life challenges and motivation for change. www.seanmccannsings.com
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Editorial
The North Grenville Times
Let’s dance by David Shanahan There has been a welcome opening within the realms of the Municipality of North Grenville, a move towards normalisation, as it is called in Cold War terms. After a season of very bad public relations crises, the NG Council and staff have begun a process that can only be welcomed by all residents of the area. Steps have been taken to communicate better with the people of North Grenville, and that is both a brave and a timely initiative. It began with the expansion of the responsibilities of the Deputy Clerk, Katie Valentin to include the job of Communications Director. This has led to more information being distributed to the media, and therefore to the public, about the activities of Council. The Municipality has redesigned their web site to make it more accessible and more informative than it was previously. This is essential in this internet age, when so many people get their information from social media and online sources. People expect to be able to access necessary
information from their homes and offices, without having to press many, many buttons on their phones before finding the appropriate recorded message. The new web site is another step in the move towards greater transparency. Last week, the first Mayor’s Media Briefing was held, a new development in this community, at which the Mayor, the CAO and the Communications Director sat down with representatives of the local media to answer questions and discuss issues. Councillor Jim Bertram sat in on the session, which was like the first hesitant steps in a dance we had all looked forward to for some time. Relations between the media on the one hand and politicians and staff on the other are always like a dance: though this was more like a stately gavotte than an intimate waltz. Very far indeed from a cosy tango. As CAO Brian Carré said, both sides need each other and serve the public in doing so. Although one reporter disagreed, I fully supported Brian’s comments; it is important that the Municipality communicate effectively with
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the people they represent and serve. It is equally important that the media report accurately and fully what is happening in municipal circles. This is something the Times has been preaching for a long time, and, as I said, it was a brave and timely initiative by the municipality. Like any dance, of course, there are pitfalls, the rules, the movements need to be understood on all sides. The media recognise that they will be told what the municipality wants them to know, and nothing more. The municipality need to know that the media should report, perhaps, more than just a party line. And, of course, the media will try not to give their competitors any advantage either, even if that means some parties try to exclude others from the process. What does this new dance mean for the public? It has to be seen as a positive step forward, a move towards meeting the commitments made by candidates during the last election to be more transparent and to communicate more fully with residents on the issues which affect them. It means that they will, hope-
fully and if we do our job, be better informed and better equipped to understand and evaluate what is being done on their behalf in the corridors and offices of the Municipal Centre. For Council and staff, it should mean less indignation (if that is not too mild a term) at what they read in the media, at least when it comes to accuracy and fairness. Reporters cannot be faulted for getting the facts wrong, if those facts are not made available to them in the first place. Now we have a duty to live up to this new system’s potential, and that is a duty we at the Times have always taken seriously. Behind all of this is the principle expressed in the old saying: “tout comprendre c'est tout pardonner”, to understand all is to forgive all. There is no doubt that it is easier to forgive when we understand what was involved in the action or decision we find objectionable. But, of course, to understand all is not to agree with all, either. What officials and politicians will find is that the media and the public may now be able to understand all, or as much
as they will be told, but that will not inevitably mean the public will agree with all, or accept all. In the end, that will be the acid test of this new system of openness and communication. When the media report negatively on what has been communicated to them, will the communication continue, will the dance slow down or stop altogether? This is a brave new world in North Grenville, and those who have brought it about are to be congratulated and their commitment honoured. It will be fun watching as we all learn together the steps of this new dance.
and the Fetherston Park residents have worked hard to provide affordable living space. The size of the yard of each unit varies, the owner provides and maintains their own building. Water, sceptic and communal space is included in the park fee. Homes can cost between $30K and $90K. Annual fees and taxes are approximately $5K. A resident could live in Fetherston for about 20 years before matching the Small House Village home price. Cost effective for seniors who spend extensive time down South. Lock up and go. Harmen Boersma
to year. It shouldn't be news worthy, but the $8 cauliflower is a hot topic. The $8 cauliflower was originally reported to be due to a US drought. Now it is the focus of high food costs and blowing things out of proportion. On average, a winter cauliflower is $4-6 dollars (out of season, hefty in weight for shipping). I don't buy out of season veggies, unless they come from the freezer section or a can. This is how you eat on a budget in the winter. Meat has been expensive for years. Have you ever walked around the meat department comparing $ per kilo? Right now, steak is a luxury, but ground beef is still one of the least expensive options in animal protein. To save even more money, we combine ground beef and ground pork (cooked accordingly due to the pork). Eggs are an affordable protein. Add canned tuna once
a week. Lentils are packed with protein and fibre. It gets a little monotonous, but we get through. The NG Public Library has an amazing selection of cookbooks that help you get creative. Let's help each other out, talk about what we can do, instead of what we can't. Spring is just around the corner and an abundance of more affordable fresh food. Kate Queen
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Letters to the Editor Dear Editor: Thank you for the editorial Carry that Weight. Can anyone here imagine what it would be like to live in a refugee camp after losing everything you had? The “deadening hopelessness” as stated. And I do totally agree that spending taxes to help these people is better than spending the money on bombs and fighter planes destroying everything they land on and probably more often killing innocent people and destroying their homes and all the surrounding infrastructure. How does anyone expect them to begin again? These wars are more often than not trumped up for political purposes. Think about the sale of arms. The U. S. being the biggest exporter on the planet. Someone is getting extremely wealthy in the process. Think about the latest use report about the 60 something wealthiest people in the world having more money than ev-
eryone else on earth. Where does their money come from? Are they benevolent people or not? Who knows? We all share this planet. We all come from the same source. We are the same species. Isn’t it time to stop dropping bombs and learn to share and cooperate. Wishful thinking? I hope not. Kathy Piché Dear Editor The article The Small House village in North Grenville is an interesting concept. One house per acre as e.g. in Glengables, or eight houses per acre as in Small House Village, creates a significant density issue. How would water and sceptic be provided in the country? The current official plan actually discourages this type of development in rural NG. The cost of $180K per unit is lauded with no condo/park fees. In comparison, the board
Dear Editor, There is a lot of talk about the high cost of food this winter, as if we need something to complain about. Veggies don't grow around here in winter (save greenhouses), ergo, they cost more to be shipped in. This hasn't changed year
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Dear Editor: I would like to join others who have expressed dismay at the lack of information concerning the apparent sudden departure of North Grenville's treasurer. I was reminded of the 6.5% increase that was approved by Council last year. Of course, we did not know at the time of the last election that we would end up with a tax and spend Council. Not a word of a tax increase had been debated prior to the election. To make matters worse, in response to the outpouring of criticism of the tax increase, the administration defended their action noting that their only option to taking more money from taxpayers was to increase borrowing. Apparently neither, reducing spending nor a more reasonable tax increase were considered. Against this backdrop, this Council and administration are charged with coming up with a future for Kemptville College. I am sure that I join the vast majority of residents of North Grenville in hoping that a sustainable, and self financing future can be found for the College. However, it is extremely disconcerting that this tax and spend Council is in charge of coming up with options. Taxpayers of North Grenville will need to be extremely vigilant. That vigilance will need to be extended to the upcoming budget! My sense is that if Council is proposing another significant tax increase, we should have no option but to demand that the provincial auditor examine our books before any budget is finalized. Victor Jarjour
Staff Reporter Beth Nicol beth@ngtimes.ca 613-258-0033 Staff Reporter Hilary Thomson hilary@ngtimes.ca
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The whole truth...
by Jim Bertram While perusing one of the more recent issues of the North Grenville Times, I came across the following question in an article: ”Why does the public feel that these Committee of the Whole meetings are not worth attending?” The question itself was set in a cynical, semihumourous context meant, no doubt, to convey an impression of omniscient judgement in matters relating to our municipal government. It did not require world-beating cleverness to determine that the writer has a very low, not to say contemptuous, view of local Council. I won't undertake to address the attitudinal part of the article. Attitudes set in stone are indeed hard to change. However, a few words of fact concerning Council meetings might be useful for those who,while healthily sceptical, still have room in their minds for ad-
ditional, factual information. Why, indeed, bother to attend Committee of the Whole? My response is based on several years of regular attendance at both Council meetings AND Committee of the Whole meetings before being elected to Council. To begin my response, it is certain that, if you have taken the time to determine what is being discussed by Council in the realm of current issues, you can have your say at Committee of the Whole. As I myself often did during my pre-Council days, one may address issues of concern in that venue. Some of the presentations I made as a citizen-commentator were, in fact, lengthy during the many Committee of the Whole Meetings where I made interventions. Interested people in my citizen group also presented on aspects of the issues which concerned us. In so doing, we caused a significant amount of reflection on the part of the Council of the day. Furthermore, I and members of my group were provided with reams of information which enhanced our knowledge of pertinent issues and made our subsequent interventions even more effective. And you don't have to make a large-scale presentation. Citizens can express concerns, ask questions, support others
on the importance of the interventions made by taxpaying residents of North Grenville at Committee of the Whole. They are very important additional sources of information. And I dare say that my fellow Councillors are equally interested in this process, although their thinking will often, quite justifiably, lead to interpretations different than my own. And we will often have non-unanimous votes, reflecting what I would describe as a rich variety of points of view. I believe that is a strong aspect of democracy. And it happens at North Grenville Council during Committee of the Whole. So, some may choose to sit in their warm homes on Monday nights (Council nights) as is their right. And they may further choose not to follow closely the activities of Council. But surely the fair-minded and thoughtful among us will not give much attention to uninformed ramblings of those who offer opinions not strongly undergirded by facts, or at least by an effort to determine the facts surrounding an issue. To determine facts, of course, would often require at least some presence either at Council Meetings or Committee of the Whole Meetings. At the very least, it would require access to the numerous and
who are speaking on a subject and so on. Of course, the wise cynic will respond that none of this has the slightest effect. Council has already decided how they will vote. And, of course, Council will all vote the same way. Well, sure. Many items are very straightforward items of business and do not involve significant context for major differences of opinion. And so, Councillors will often pass such relatively straightforward items unanimously after, perhaps, a few questions for clarification. But it is simply incorrect, to put it mildly, to state that Council always votes the same way. Any regular and knowledgeable observer of Council would know that on complex issues the vote is often divided. Therein lies the reason for attending Committee of the Whole. In my brief experience as Councillor, I can state unequivocally that the interventions made by residents have often coloured my decision to vote one way or another. I would go so far as to say that I find citizen participation to be a very useful adjunct to the other sources of information I receive on any given subject. I certainly will not always be sympathetic to the views offered. I do, after all, retain the right to have ideas of my own. But I insist
New provincial support for measures combatting violence against women Last week, Dr. Helena Jaczek, Minister of Community and Social Services, announced that Ontario is introducing two new initiatives to help rural, remote and Northern communities address violence against women. Violence Against Women agencies and shelters in rural, remote and Northern communities face unique challenges in delivering services. The province is introducing a new $1 million, two-year Rural Realities Fund to help eligible Violence Against Women agencies and shelters fund additional supports for women and their children in those communities. Ontario will also be working with Violence Against Women agencies to create and implement a new framework that will help agencies develop co-ordinated plans to respond to tragedies or crises involving violence against women in their communities. The creation of a new Rural Realities Fund and Crisis Response Framework were recommendations to the province from January 27, 2016
the Premier's Roundtable on Violence Against Women. These initiatives support the Ontario government's goals of ending violence against women and providing better supports for survivors, and also support the government's It's Never Okay: An Action Plan to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment. The Ministry of Community and Social Services funds more than 2,000 shelter beds for women who experience abuse and their children. Approximately 10,390 women and 7,330 children were served at VAW shelters in 2014-15. Dr. Jaczek said in her announcement: “It is critical that women and their children experiencing violence in their homes in rural, remote and Northern communities have access to the help and support they need from Violence Against Women agencies. The Rural Realities Fund will help those agencies to develop local solutions that address the unique challenges in serving their communities.”
In Canada, one in three women will experience some form of sexual assault in her lifetime. The government announced the creation of It's Never Okay: An Action Plan to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment on March 6, 2015. This is designed to be a ground-breaking plan to help change attitudes, provide more supports for survivors, and make workplaces and campuses safer and more responsive to complaints about sexual violence and harassment. The government has committed $41 million over three years to support the plan’s implementation. The urgency of the situation for women suffering from such violence was emphasised by other government ministers. Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, noted that: “Sexual violence is regrettably present in every community in this province — and that is not acceptable. We can, and must, do better.” And Tracy MacCharles, who
is the Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues, pointed out that: “Sexual violence and harassment are shockingly prevalent in our society.” If you, or someone you know, is suffering from sexual violence or harassment, there is help available close by North Grenville. The Lanark County
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growing number of communication modalities made available by the municipality and by local media. I encourage those with real interest in municipal affairs to avail themselves of the considerable and growing number of sources of information about Council's activities. Come to Council Meetings to gain information as well. Follow that up with a visit to Committee of the Whole, where you may ask questions, offer ideas, represent a point of view. That would be so much more pro-
ductive than sitting back and merely casting groundless aspersions in the general direction of Council . A warning though: to do so is a whole lot harder and time-consuming, though much more effective, than sitting back and saying the first thing that comes to mind. I know about the effort required. Because I have made that effort. Come and participate at Committee of the Whole. YOU are invited. I hope to see you there.
Support Ring
Clarification re the Municipal Treasurer At a media briefing on Tuesday, Mayor Gordon and CAO Brian Carré were quite insistent that the departure of NG Treasurer Sheila Kehoe was a personnel matter, and had no connection with either municipal finances, or the postponement of the scheduled budget meetings for the 2016 municipal budget. Mayor Gordon explicitly stated: “This is a normal procedure. The Treasurer is a Human resources issue”. Brian Carré confirmed that and stated that the departure of the Treasurer had nothing to do with municipal finances. Neither were prepared, or permitted by municipal policy, to comment on the reasons for the departure of the Treasurer, but it would appear that it was not a sudden move. The immediate cause seems to have been the recent restructuring of municipal staff responsibilities. Although nothing was said by either Mayor Gordon or CAO Carré, it is understood that the alteration in the staffing structure, particularly at the senior management level, led to Ms. Kehoe’s leaving the “organisation”, as it is called internally. A new schedule of budget meetings has been released by the municipality, beginning with a presentation by the CAO on February 16, and ending with a planned approval of the new budget by Council on March 29.
Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Program is located at Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital, 60 Cornelia St., 613283-2330, ext. 1258. In Ottawa, there is a Sexual Assault Partner Abuse Care Program at The Ottawa Hospital, Civic Campus Emergency Department at 1053 Carling Ave.
[613-761-4366 613-761-4140 (TTY), 613-798-5555, ext. 16555 (admin.)] In the case of children, the Ottawa Pediatric Sexual Assault unit is at CHEO, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, 401 Smyth Rd. 613737-7600, ext. 2939.
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What is the New Horizon Club? In 1983, a group of people from the Burritt’s Rapids area got together and decided to start a club for seniors. According to Joyce McKay, a charter member of the club, the first Board of Directors consisted of Jack Pindermoss, President, Doreen Pindermoss, Chris Mills, John McKay, Dick McFadden, Hazel Hyland, Grace Gordon, Jean Nixon, George Wilson and May Stroulger (now all deceased). The purpose of the club was “to further the happiness, the best interests and dignity of its members and to promote and sponsor, in the name of the Club, such activities as may be proposed and approved by its members.“ To get started, they applied for and were successful in being awarded a New Horizons Grant by the federal government in the amount
of $5,168 which was used to purchase tables, games, and art and craft supplies. Later, a second New Horizon Grant of $18,503 was awarded and those funds were used mainly for renovations to the Burritt’s Rapids Community Hall which is still being used as the venue for the club meetings. This second grant enabled a much needed new roof and flooring, kitchen appliances, stage curtains and lighting and ten years free rent for the club. In 2012, a third New Horizons grant was awarded and those funds were used to purchase the equipment needed for visual presentations such as Power Point, videos, movies and photos. The New Horizon Club currently has over 60 members. Membership is open to all adults fifty-five years of age and older. Meetings are held at the Burritt’s Rapids
Neon Golf on June 25 dent; Klaus Wierspecker, Past President; Helen Brazier, Secretary; Karin Wierspecker, Treasurer; Kim Holland and Jean Travers, Program Coordinators, and Shirley Price, Public Relations Coordinator. New members are always welcome and people are invited to attend a meeting or two before joining if they wish to look us over. For more information about the New Horizon Club, call Janet (613-269-2737). The next meeting will be held on January 27 at 2 pm and will be “Time to Play” with cards and board games. The first meeting in February on the 10th at 2 pm will be a Valentine Party and Karaoke when members will be encouraged to come dressed as their favourite artist (Elvis? Dolly?).
Community Hall every second and fourth Wednesday of the month from September through to May. Club activities from January through June this year include a Valentine party, an old fashioned carnival, fancy bonnet tea, recipe auction, pizza party with scavenger hunt, the annual variety show showcasing the talents of members and friends, a health and wellness seminar, and we will end the year with the annual potluck and picnic in May. Most meetings begin at 2 pm, but occasionally special event lunches are planned to begin at noon. There is always a social time for tea, coffee, cake and conversation following the formal part of the meeting. For information about programs, dates and times, please call Kim at 613-258-1780. The current executive includes Janet Glaves, Presi-
Catholic School Board reviews EQAO numbers Each year, students from across Ontario in grades 3, 6, and 9, participate in the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) assessments. The data collected through the testing helps school teams identify areas of student strength, target areas requiring support, and plan for improvement. The data also provides additional evidence that helps teachers and parents engage in meaningful conversation about individual student’s achievement. The assessment of reading, writing and mathematics - Primary and Junior divisions, measures the skills students are expected to have learned by the end of grade 3, and the end of grade 6. The assessments also track progress in mathematics for students in grade 9. At the most recent meeting of the Board of the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario [CDSBEO], held on January 19, Principal of Curriculum, Brent Bovaird, and Superintendent of School Effectiveness, Natalie Cameron, presented an overview of the results for this year’s EQAO assessments to the Board. Provincial numbers for the Primary and Junior assessments were not available for comparison due to province-wide job action. Mrs. Cameron presented the assessment results. “In Primary Reading, 78% of students scored a level 3 or 4, with only 2% scoring below level 2. In Primary Writing, 80% of students January 27, 2016
scored a level 3 or 4, and we are proud to report that less than 1% scored below level 2. In Primary Mathematics, 66% of students scored a level 3 or 4, therefore 29% of our students are currently sitting very close to the provincial standard at a level 2. Only 3% scored below level 2.” Junior level results demonstrated similar success. “In Junior Reading, 81% of students scored a level 3 or 4. Only 1% scored below level 2. In Junior Writing, 83% of students scored a level 3 or 4, with less than 1%below level 2. In Junior Mathematics, 51% of students scored a level 3 or 4 and 35% of students are currently just below the provincial standard at a level 2, with 12% below level 2,” noted Mr. Bovaird. For the grade 10 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test Results, First-time Eligible students, 85% were successful. This achievement is 3% higher than the provincial average of 82%. For the previously eligible cohort writing the OSSLT for the second time, 57% of students were successful, which is 8% higher than the provincial average. Grade 9 Applied Math students continued with the trend of scoring above provincial results (based on the 2013-2014 provincial results), with 59% of Applied, and 86% of Academic students achieving a level 3 or 4. “As we continue to celebrate the success of our students we are also purposefully
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planning to improve student achievement, which is a continuous process,” noted Mrs. Cameron. “The Board Numeracy Action Plan has been updated to reflect our continued focus on Catholic Professional Learning Communities to support collaboration and sharing of best practices to improve instruction, and identify areas for improvement in school cohorts.” “EQAO Divisional Numeracy Action Teams have been created in our schools,” explained Mr. Bovaird.
“Teachers in Junior and Intermediate panels will have the opportunity to gather and make meaningful connections between EQAO scores and curriculum expectations. This will also provide an opportunity for divisional math teachers, with the guidance and support of Numeracy Consultants, to engage in meaningful discourse around teaching practices in their math classrooms, and how they can set goals as a team to better prepare students for assessment opportunities.”
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by Hilary Thomson Members of the Neon Night Fun Run organizing committee have branched off this year to bring another colourful event to the community in support of childhood cancer research and support services. The Neon Golf Tournament will be held on June 25 at Nationview Golf course and will be an independent fundraiser in support of the Neon Night Fun Run. Brenda Burich, who is both the Chair of the Neon Night Fun Run and co-Chair for the Neon Golf Tournament, says that, with the success of the run (which has raised over $100,000 in the past two years), they wanted to see if they could push the envelope. “This year, we wanted to outsource some other activities that would bring in even more money,” she says. The tournament will be set up so that it’s fun for golfers of all levels. At each hole there will be a different game, like a wheel of fortune or misfortune, which will dictate which club you have to use to tee-off at that hole, says Brenda. After the golf, there will be a dinner at the Nationview clubhouse, where there will be both a silent and live auction, as well as a guest speaker. Registration for the tournament will open soon via the Neon Golf Tournament Facebook page. The $80 registration fee will cover
golf and dinner. Golf carts must be reserved separately, for an additional fee of $15. The event is expected to sell out quickly, as the course can only accommodate up to 100 golfers at a time. The committee is still in the planning stages right now and is looking for donations for the silent auction, event sponsors and sponsors for the various holes. Brenda says the holes can be sponsored by companies, or in memory of a child who has lost their battle with cancer. They are also looking for volunteers for the day itself and a treasurer to be in charge of registration and money handling. Anyone who would like to donate an item for auction or become a sponsor should contact Brenda’s co-Chair Lyall Jollota at 613-979-3554 or lyall_neonnight@bell.net. For more information about how to volunteer or get involved with the committee, contact Brenda at 613-258-9852 or bfraser21@hotmail.com. The next committee meeting will be held at Grenville Mutual on Tuesday, February 9th. If you wish to attend please contact Brenda directly.
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Bride & Groom Show a total success UPDATE UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL Monday, February 8 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Monday, February 1 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre. For agenda information, please contact the Clerk’s Office or visit the Municipal website. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES The Municipality is currently accepting resumes for the position of Director of Finance/Treasurer. For more information, please visit www.northgrenville.ca/careers. 2016 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 2016 are available at the Municipal Office or at the Fire Hall at 259 County Rd. 44 for a fee of $15. Please contact the Fire Hall at 613-258-2438 ext. 5 for conditions prior to burning.
Mike Pacitto, Anne Kotlarchuk and Vanessa McCutcheon
by Marguerite Boyer
The first Bride and Groom Show, held at the Municipal Centre this past weekend, was a total success, according to vendors, the public who attended, and Anne Kotlarchuk of ALK Management who organised the showcase. More than 120 brides and grooms attended, as well as about two hundred members of the public. Considering that this was a specialty event, with a limited target audience, Anne was very pleased with the turnout. I spoke to several vendors and they were very pleased with the interaction with the public and the steady stream of potential clients. Congratulations to Michelle Laporte and Bryan Trottier for winning the $2,500 wedding photography package from Mike and Ness Photo. If you missed the show, you can visit the NGTimes website to check out some of the vendors who attended: www.ngtimes.ca. Anne, once again, amazed us all with yet another successful show behind her. We have an interview on our website with Anne in which she discusses her experience starting her own event management business. She is a genuinely local success story in her own right. Well done Anne, looking forward to the Shop Locally Showcase on April 15-16, 2016 at the Municipal Centre in Kemptville. Businesses can register now. All you need to do is visit the ALK website under the Shop Local Showcase tab: www.alkeventmanagement.ca.
2016 DOG LICENSES Renewal notices will be mailed to all currently registered dog owners. If you are not a currently registered dog owner, please contact By-Law Services at 613-258-2438 ext. 6 for further information. The 2016 rate for Dog Licenses is a flat fee of $15 for each dog. For information on Kennel Licenses, please contact By-Law Services. The Municipality of North Grenville 285 County Road 44 PO Box 130 Kemptville, ON, 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 By-Law Services: 613-258-2438 ext. 6 Police Administration: 613-258-3441 Animal Control: 613-862-9002
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Amendment to School Year Calendar They can be every working parent’s nightmare, when extra coverage is needed in daycares, libraries, or anywhere else children can be accommodated who would otherwise be in school. The Ontario Ministry of Education has announced that there will be an additional PA Day in the school year, on Friday, April 15. This update, directed by the Ministry of
Education, is a result of recent settlements with provincial teachers’ federations. As with all PA Days, students do not attend school on April 15, as school staff will be participating in professional development activities as mandated by the Ministry of Education. A key term of the settlements that were negotiated recently with the four teachers
federations is the provision of an additional PA day each school year. Regulation 304 has now been amended to implement this commitment. The amendments to Regulation 304 are set out in Ontario Regulation 364/15, and came into force on November 30, 2015, the date the regulation was filed. Regulation 304, as amended, now requires school boards to designate three PA days. The authority for boards to designate up to an additional four PA days per school year remains unchanged, thus increasing the total maximum number of possible PA days per school year from six to seven. The requirement for every school year to include a minimum of 194 school days remains unchanged.
MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH GRENVILLE WATER & WASTEWATER MASTER PLAN UPDATE NOTICE OF COMPLETION THE MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH GRENVILLE has completed a Water & Wastewater Master Plan Update for the Municipality’s potable water distribution and sanitary sewage collection systems. The Master Plan identifies infrastructure requirements to address current deficiencies and support future development and growth in the Municipality for the next 20 years. This project was prepared as a Master Plan Update following Phases 1 and 2 of a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment. The purpose of this Notice is to inform the public of the completion of the planning stage of this project. The Municipality is making the final Master Plan report available to the general public at the following locations: 1) Municipal Centre, 285 County Road 44, Kemptville, ON, K0G 1J0, Tel: 613-258-9569 2) Municipal Website at www.northgrenville.ca/news Written comments may be submitted until February 27th, 2016 to: Mike Finley, Superintendent of Environmental Services Municipality of North Grenville 285 County Road 44 Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Tel: 613.285.9569 ext. 139 Fax: 613.258.9260 Email: mfinley@northgrenville.on.ca The Environmental Assessment Act has provisions that allow an interested person, Aboriginal community, or government agency to ask for a higher level of assessment for a Class Environmental Assessment project if they feel that there are outstanding issues that have not been adequately addressed by the proponent. This higher level of assessment is referred to as a Part II Order request. Such requests must be addressed in writing to the Minister of the Environment and received no later than February 27th, 2016 at the following address:
For Advertising rates please contact Peter at peter@ngtimes.ca or call 613 989 2850 January 27, 2016
The Honourable Glen Murray Minister of the Environment & Climate Change 77 Wellesley Street West 11th Floor, Ferguson Block Toronto, ON M7A 2T5 Tel: 416-314-6790 Fax: 416-325-3159 Please note that a duplicate copy of a Part II Order request must also be sent to the Municipality of North Grenville at the address noted above. Under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Environmental Assessment Act, unless otherwise stated in the submission, any personal information such as name, address, telephone number and property location included in a submission will become part of the public record files for this matter and will be released, if requested, to any person.
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Manotick’s Mike Shulz wins NGCC Senior Men’s Invitational Bonspiel
L-R Mark Zbitnew, Kurt Ellison, Scott Brewster, Mike Shulz & Bill White by Jim Dolan The 11th annual Senior Men’s Invitational Bonspiel was held Friday, January 15, at the North Grenville Curling Club in Kemptville.
Twenty visiting teams from Manotick (4), Smiths Falls (3), Perth (3), Brockville (2), Navy (2), Firemens League (2) Royal Kingston, Granite, Prescott, and Huntley participated in a two game
points bonspiel. The entries were divided into two ten-team sections. Monetary prizes in each section were awarded to the first, second and third place finishers. A cash consolation prize was also given to the high one game winner. Section A winners were First Place Team Bartlett (Firemen), Second Place Team Orton (Firemen), Third Place Team Tompkins (Navy). The one game high winner was Team McGrath (Smiths Falls). Section B winners were First Place Team Schulz (Manotick), Second Place Team Kennedy (Brockville), Third Place Team Geiler (Manotick). The one game
high winner was Team Prasow (Navy). Team with the highest point total overall was awarded the Royal Lepage Associates Shield. The Associates, namely Anita Maloney and Gary Durie, have sponsored this event since its inception, and attended the afternoon luncheon. The overall high points team, and winner of the Royal Lepage Associates Shield, was Team Shulz from Manotick skipped by Mike Shulz. Mike’s teammates were Kurt Ellison-third, Scott Brewster-second, and Mark Zbitnew-lead. When you play in senior men’s spiels throughout the
Ottawa and Seaway Valleys what makes the events memorable are excellent ice conditions, great food and the sportsmanship and post-game camaraderie enjoyed by the teams. This year’s event coordinator, Bill White, said the event succeeded in all three areas. The teams raved about the wonderful curling ice surface provided by our ice technician Dennis Elgie. They praised the meal prepared by the club’s kitchen crew led by Carol Menchions. And teams from the Ottawa and Seaway Valleys enjoyed the opportunity to share a few laughs and “soda pops” with their silver tongued and haired curling buddies.
73’s rock the Colts and Grads with back to back wins rifled in the rebound at 15:33. Then again at 12:45, O' Flynn clears to Titus who faked out stopper, over to Adam Alavi in slot for two goal advantage. Tackett to Matt Tugnutt on the fly, leaving his opponents in the dust and makes a pump fake to back-hand over Messervier shoulder for SHG at 11:15 to wrap up second 17 - 12, SOG favouring 73's. Final twenty: Cody Kyle, with helpers from Besner and Larose at 11:01, for attempted Grads comeback. At 9:32, 73's Tugnutt to Dow through the neutral zone, as Jason Tackett batted it out of mid-air past stopper for PPG. Zackhary Salloum from Frechette and Cameron at 5:36 to put Grads within
Let's dance......as the adrenaline flows and the score mounts, so do the tempers.
by the sports guy The return contest against Cornwall Colts in their barn, with revenge on the minds of the Colts, made for the perfect scenario for a fantastic matchup and a great Thursday night hockey game. Bobby Dow at 16:20 received a stretch pass over the middle from Hale to smash home blocker side for only marker of first twenty and both clubs with 12 SOG. At 19:40 of second, Matthew Morin, with helper from Derochie, to put Cornwall on the board. Wichers from half boards to Kirkby and Matthew Titus bangs it in at 17:29 to even it up. The go ahead for 73's at 13:19, when Cole keeps the play alive as Tugnutt steals the rubber and hammers it to the net, so Jason Tackett drives home the rebound. Grant Cooper from Craig and Morin at 9:09 for Cornwall to move closer. Russell gliding over the blue-line to Tracy who fed Jake Gaudet to pump it by stopper at 6:56, closing out period with 4 – 2 advantage January 27, 2016
and 15 – 9 SOG. Final frame, with our boys on their bicycle below the line, with Gaudet to Tracy, back to Wichers at point to find Adam Alavi in front to rip it past Lascelle at 11:00 for 5 – 2 lead. At 2:00, Parker Krol from Dirven and Lalonde as it re-directed off defenders blocking attempt, to put Colts within two. Lascelle vacated his post at 1:22 as time ran out, as Kemptville captured second victory of 5 – 3, even though being out-gunned 20 – 6 with total of 41 – 33. Victor Tracy and Quinn Wichers receives the Marks W W Hard Hat Award for the continuous play-making effort. Kemptville 73's faced the Cumberland Grads 3 pm on Sunday for the fifth time without a win. 73's Peter Brooks gave up a PPG from Shawn Cameron, assisted by Dubois and Salloum, at 15:35. Our boys bounced back at 5:44, as Samanski laid out to safe off-side to Kirkby from the half boards to Cameron Bisson on circle to slam it home for 1 – 1 game and close out the first frame, out-gunning
the Grads 18 – 15 SOG. Second stanza: 73's came alive, as Alavi strips the puck to Cole and trailer Alex Row
two, but 73's held on for 5 – 3 tally and end period with both squads settling for 10 SOG. Kemptville's PK excelled, only allowing one goal with seven PP opportunities. Neal Samanski receives the Mark's W W Hard Hat
Award for his stellar defensive play to help turn the contest around.
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February 2016 Employment Readiness Workshops
Mapping the journey to successful employment North Grenville Employment Resource Centre 125 Prescott St Kemptville Call to register: (613) 258-6576 (800) 214-7066
Date
Events
February 2
Information Session, 10:00—11:30
February 4
CSE Outreach at TR Leger Kemptville, 9:00—11:00 Resumes and Cover Letters, 1:00—2:30
February 5
Information and Decision Making, 1:00—2:30
February 8
Group Starts—Good Luck!!!
February 9
Information and Decision Making 10:00—11:30
February 10
Resume and Cover Letters, 1:30—3:00
February 11
Job Search Strategies, 1:00—2:30
February 12
Information and Decision Making, 1:00—2:30
February 15
Closed—Family Day
February 16
Information Session, 10:00—11:30
February 17
CSE Outreach in Merrickville (Merrickville Health Community Centre), 9:00—12:00 Resume Rescue Clinic, 10:00—2:00 (First Come, First Serve)
CSE is OPEN from 9:00—12:00 on Saturday March 5th !!!
February 18
CSE Outreach at TR Leger Kemptville, 9:00—11:00 Interview Types, Tips and Techniques, 1:30—3:00 CSE Days! All day coffee and snacks!
Next Month’s Highlights
February 19
Information and Decision Making, 1:00—2:30
Struggling with your job search?
February 23
Information and Decision Making 10:00—11:30
Need some extra help?
February 24
Service Canada Outreach 9:00—3:00 (Closed 12—1 for Lunch)
Contact us to find out about our special program called Mapping your Journey: Finding your GPS (Goals, Plans, Skills) - starts in March, Register now!
February 25
Smart Serve, 9:00—1:00 ($30.00 + HST)
Follow CSE on:
WHMIS, 9:00—12:00 ($30.00 + HST) Check out our online job board at: www.cseconsulting.com
February 26
Information and Decision Making, 1:00—2:30
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.
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Brighten up your home with flowers during the long winter months!
301 Rideau Street, Kemptville
Regular Store Hours: Mon.- Fri. 8 to 8, Sat. - 8 to 6, Sun. 9 to 6
613.258.3014
Prices effective: Friday, January 29 to Thursday, February 4, 2016 “We reserve the right to limit quantities to reasonable family requirements�
January 27, 2016
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Reaching by direct mail 9,000 homes and businesses in Merrickville/Wolford and North Grenville
the Merrickville-Wolford Vol. 1, No. 11
TIMES The Voice of Merrickville/Wolford
January 27, 2016
Breathe Dance Company to perform Amalgamation proposed other costs. The only reason want to remain sustainable as in remembrance of Michelle Brazeau by David Shanahan we in North Grenville are long as we can”.
by Hilary Thomson Merrickville’s Breathe Dance Company will be showcasing their talents in a performance to remember Michelle Brazeau. On Saturday February 20th Breathe’s competitive team will be performing at Saint Michael Catholic High School to celebrate Michelle’s life and raise money in support of her family. Lindsay Roney, the director of Breathe Dance Company, decided to organize a tribute to Michelle because
one of their dancers, Joyce, is Michelle’s niece. The competitive team’s booster club also wanted to do something to support the community and this seemed like good fit. “It’s a way for Breathe to do something supportive for one of our own,” Lindsay says. “It just seemed like the right thing to do.” Breathe’s competitive team has been working hard on their routines for the show. Two of thier instructors, Sam Crosby and Allegra Crosby, have also been working on
In a recent talk to the Kemptville Rotary Club, United Counties Warden, David Gordon, stated that he wants to amalgamate Merrickville into North Grenville so that Kemptville can be the commerce centre and Merrickville can be the tourism centre. This was not a new idea from the Mayor of North Grenville, as he has often stated his conviction that many of the municipalities in the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville are not economically viable. His position is that Grenville County needs to look at amalgamation, followed by Leeds County, and then that should lead to a single municipality. As for union with North Grenville, he believes that amalgamation with Merrickville-Wolford “is a natural fit, like a glove. [North Grenville] is the commercial [Merrickville-Wolford] is the tourism. We would be a strong, healthy community if we both amalgamated”. Although he acknowledges that Mayor Nash does not agree with the idea, he believes that talks on the issue are inevitable. “I have come back from a meeting where the Province has said they will not force amalgamation, but if you wish to amalgamate, they will definitely help you out in a hurry. It might not be forcing, but look at your police costs, and various
a couple special numbers for the opening and closing acts of the show. “We are looking forward to expressing our support for the Brazeau Family,” says Lindsay. Tickets will go on sale at the beginning of February at Breathe’s studio (629 St. Lawrence Street, Merrickville) for $10 or by donation. Doors will open at 2:30pm and the show will start at 3:00pm. Seats are limited. For more details feel free to contact Lindsay at breathedanceco@gmail.com .
Strategic Plan preparations under way Draft Terms of Reference for proposed Merrickville-Wolford Strategic Planning initiative are being considered as Council prepares to begin the process of setting goals for the municipality for the coming years. When completed, this Strategic Plan will provide Council with a long-term vision and results-based implementation plan to guide its decisions and budgets over the next decade. This initiative will be led by a Strategic Planning “Entity”, as it is now being called,
with members to be appointed by Council. Membership will include key community stakeholders including representatives from Council, committees of Council, and related community organizations and interest groups. The total of twelve members for this planning committee has been suggested. According to the draft terms of reference presented to Council on Monday, project management responsibilities will include coordination, research, con-
sultations, strategic plan preparation, communications, resource management and budgeting liaison with CAO as Council representative, and reporting to Council. The strategic planning entity will be directly responsible to Council which will establish its final terms of reference, appoint its members, allocate resources, approve the project plan and timelines, receive reports, and provide direction on an ongoing basis as required.
surviving is because we are expanding. In ten years, I will put money down, I bet you are going to see municipalities amalgamate.” Mayor David Hash does not completely agree with that prediction. He does agree, however, that municipalities in Leeds & Grenville are facing serious economic challenges. But the future, at least in the immediate future, lies in co-operation, rather than amalgamation. “I think one of the big changes is that, if we are going to be sustainable, we have to tear down the little barriers and quit building kingdoms and stuff like that. It means partnering with our neighbours. It doesn't matter what county they are in. It’s the same way if I want to reduce my operating costs to be more effective. The biggest problem for me is to remain sustainable as a small community.” David Nash takes a more light-hearted approach to David Gordon: “You listen to Warden Gordon, as I am sure you do: it's not easy mentoring him, but I am trying to do the best that I can. He will be the first one to tell you, “you know, there are 150 small communities around here that should be amalgamated. They shouldn't be around”. So it’s a tough grind for us, our identity as Merrickville-Wolford is very important to us, we don't want to lose that identity; we
There is no question that cuts in Provincial support payments to municipalities has had a major impact on their ability to maintain services, and some small rural municipalities are finding it very difficult indeed to meet policing costs from their shrinking budgets. Warden Gordon will no doubt continue to preach amalgamation to a audience of sceptical mayors, and any future move towards consolidating municipal jurisdictions will be a long and delicate process. There will be opposition, even in places like North Grenville, to any idea that it should be a strictly commercial centre, leaving tourism and heritage economic development to MerrickvilleWolford, or that smaller municipalities would simply be absorbed into a larger entity in which their own traditional identities and history would be lost. There is much to talk about, and many sensitive issues to manoeuver around in the coming decade before David Gordon can collect on his bet. For Advertising rates please contact Gord at gord@ngtimes.ca or call 613 258 6402
s e c i r P g t n s i e B Fram Canal Gallery & Frame Shop for January 27, 2016
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Merrickville Library reports to Council Merrickville Public Library’s Librarian, Mary Kate Laphen, presented a report on library activities to the library board’s meeting recently. Although the number of young people using the Library dropped slightly in 2015, there was an overall 5% increase in the number of patrons visiting last year. Mary Kate recently finished reorganizing the main collection which is given more space for fiction and DVDs. The work on the children’s collection and completing the work on the main collection continues. The Library continues to use a local and social media to promote use of the Library across the community.
Train whistle issue addressed
Following a presentation to Council by a delegation of residents late last year, requesting the cessation of train whistles for the crossing on County Road to and Railway Street, the municipality approached CP rail about the problem and the company has now requested an engineering study. In correspondence with the United Counties it was confirmed that it is now up to the County to pursue the issue as they are the road authority at the crossing. Once the CP rail study is received, it will be forwarded to the County’s for action.
The Voice of North Grenville
Angled parking petition Yes or No? Mike Neelin of Mainstreet Restaurant presented a petition to Council this week containing 334 signatures opposing the change to parallel parking on Main Street. The petition stated that: “We the undersigned hereby petition that the Village of Merrickville to maintain the existing angled parking on Main Street West, Merrickville to ensure that the limited parking spaces available in the Village are not reduced from the present 31 to 15 parking spaces by changing to parallel parking along Main Street West”. The Public Works department has recommended to Council to continue using angled parking on that part of the north side of Main Street between St. John and St. Lawrence Streets, as has been the case for some years. Parking on the south side of the street is parallel. To change from angled to parallel parking on the north side would result in the loss of seven parking spaces along that section of the street. Parallel parking is recommended for the north side of Main Street between St. John and St. Patrick Streets only.
Thinking outside the box stores Given the current situation with the Municipal Council, and the continuing difficulties with the urbanization plan, it would be wise and prudent to develop an alternate solution for local prosperity and job creation in North Grenville. It would also be wise to develop a proposal that would be in contrast to the pending consultant’s report on the future of Kemptville College, so that a comparison can be made and discussed. It must also be said that for any local, commercial, retail or primary development to take place in North Grenville, “planning” must be separated from ”development”. “Planning” is all about talking, “development” is about economic benefits and “doing” within a local context, by local citizens, for the benefit of the local community. To date, planning has brought chains stores, tax increases, increased debt, impending enormous debt and the dead downtown that features the famous bumps. In addition, the planners have brought two major financing failures, and major delays in their program which will cause cost overruns. It is ironic that the same group of planners who produced these events is now the one in charge of the College revitalization. The time for talking, (planning) is over. By daring to suggest an alternative to the planners’ choice, this article will be criticized by Council members. In their unfocused criticism terms such as “uninformed”, and “not a team player”, will be used. I would remind January 27, 2016
readers to consider these criticisms in light of this Council’s performance and attitude, so as to put their criticism in context. “Do not criticize what you do not understand, for the times they are a-changing”. So, let us then suggest an alternate course of action, built around the assets we have and the things we can do: this is the “economic” development approach. Hops grow in this area, and have been grown in North Grenville in the past. Barley also grows in the area, so let us set up a craft brewing industry, or brew pubs, before others in the area do. I would also remind you that craft beer is also a local food. Malting facilities would be easiest to set up, followed by hop processing facilities. These hop yards and malting facilities would serve the greater Eastern Ontario area, possibly a larger area, if well operated. There are universitygenerated feasibility studies to support the feasibility of this proposal, and this would entail full time jobs. Now, supplement this hop and malting operation with a cheese factory, asparagus fields, a market farming community and an efficiently run Farmers
into production. With the commercial traffic this would generate, it would be possible to set up workshops, information seminars and possible miniconventions (featuring craft beer). This is especially true if local food is advertised along with local craft beer. Let us now highlight another feature that is important, but not obvious. If a number of small operations were established, it would be quite reasonable to assume that this would generate $40,000 per week in local revenue that would stay in the community for a period of time before moving out of the area. This concept is the “multiplier effect” of local business. It is a documented effect that is used by many economic advisors. The result of this would be about another $1 million or so floating about the greater community as “working capital”, a feature the urbanization plan cannot duplicate. If you wish to see the inverse of this process, that is all the money from chain stores immediately leaving the area, walk along the main street of Kemptville. This situation is
Market, and also with special events such as Maple Sugar Day in March, extending to a Hop Harvest Festival in September, and you would have a large tourist draw. During this period, it would be possible to produce session beers and harvest beers to compliment the hops festival. This would highlight the unique community aspect of the area, which will go a long way to solving some B.I.A. problems. A local “brew pub” trail would also be a good idea. Should these industries get started, there will be a need for an analysis lab for barley and hop verification analysis, as well a leaf analysis. This lab would serve the market farming community, as well as the surrounding area from Madoc to the Quebec border. Once these industries are in operation, there will be direct “spin off” opportunities, such as using the hop pelletizer and press to manufacture various edible and cosmetic oils, such as sunflower oil and rose hip oil. This manufacturing and preparation would be done during the winter months, based on crops grown during the summer. There would also be a demand for smaller scale farm equipment to suite the smaller farms coming back
IOOF & REBEKAH HALL BOARD PRESENTS
by Woody Armour
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a direct result of our Planning Department’s decisions. Perhaps a Powerpoint presentation explaining this option should be held prior to the consultant’s report on the College, so that another option can be presented and the Council cannot force “their” set of facts upon the community. It would also be useful for the planners to make a similar presentation and explain the benefits of traffic jams, crowded streets, chain stores, urban sprawl and the portion of increased taxes the people on water and septic will have to pay to finance this grand vision.
It is also important that residents pay attention to these developments, given the rise in food prices etc. Things must adjust and change, the storm clouds are gathering, and the Council must also realize this; but they do not, the wind is changing so to speak. So, yes, “the answer is blowin’ in the wind”. Changes are coming, and the Council is not aware. I leave you with your thoughts
Editor welcomes your feedback
Roast Pork and Mashed Potatoes January 31, 2016
4:30 PM to 7:00 PM 119 Clothier St. E. Kemptville
COST ADULTS - $15.00 CHILDREN 12 & UNDER - $5.00 www.ngtimes.ca
The North Grenville Times
COMMUNITY EVENTS
CROSSWORD
ACROSS 1. Mouthful 5. Potato state 10. Hint 14. Operatic solo 15. Relocation company 16. Steering mechanism for a ship 17. Observed 18. A strong liking 20. Slender double-reed instrument 22. A small kitchen appliance 23. Female sib 24. Tale 25. Next-to-last 32. Agitated 33. Fanatical 34. Mayday
37. Gait faster than a walk 38. Celebrations 39. Cab 40. A very long period 41. Scintillas 42. Femme fatale 43. Getting excessively hot 45. A type of small mammal 49. Vigor 50. Scholarly 53. Stronghold 57. Drugs 59. Applications 60. Annul 61. Fortuneteller's card 62. Search 63. Beams 64. Stalks 65. Makes a mistake
DOWN 1. Deep cut 2. Component of urine 3. Place 4. Slack suit 5. Customs duty 6. Small boat 7. "___ Maria" 8. Significance 9. Chocolate cookie 10. Thorax 11. Slowly, in music 12. Canker sore 13. Manicurist's board 19. Levelled 21. Tab 25. Head 26. River of Spain 27. Midday 28. Angry 29. Of the cheekbone 30. Humble 31. "___ the season to be jolly" 34. Indian dress 35. Beasts of burden 36. Make melodious sounds 38. Governor (abbrev.) 39. Chickadee 41. Classical Greek 42. Told 44. Happenings 45. Take exception to 46. Turf 47. Mucky 48. "Bye" 51. Makes lace 52. French for "State" 53. Space 54. End ___ 55. Ale 56. Sounds of disapproval 58. Fury
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January 27, 2016
Youngsters of Yore, 1:30 pm, Library Program Room. BINGO FOR BOOKS. Kemptville Legion Euchre Tournament, registration from 11am to noon. Tournament starts as 12 pm. Registration fee $10. For more information contact Chico 613-978-7828. New Members Night - Lions Club of Merrickville, 7 pm. Please think about joining a group whose main goal is giving back to the community. Come out to our meeting at the Goose and Gridiron. For additional information call 613-269-1212 Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, Christ Church Burritts Rapids 4419 Donnelly Drive, 5-7 pm: pancakes served with maple syrup, sausages, baked beans, desserts and coffee/tea (juice for young ones). Free will offering. Meeting for Neon Golf Tournament, an independent fundraiser for the Neon Night Fun Run for Childhood Cancer Research and Support Services. Volunteers needed to fill various roles on the committee such as a treasurer for registration, attaining sponsorship and 'day of' activities. The meeting will be held at Grenville Mutual Insurance 380 Colonnade drive, Kemptville from 7-9pm. For more information contact Brenda Burich 613-258-9852. The Oxford Mills Community Association (OMCA) invites you to a Pancake Supper on Shrove, 5:30pm. The Castle Minstrels will be performing their unique blend of traditional Celtic and Canadian old time fiddles tunes, performed on string and wind instruments. The cost is $5.00 per person." Valentine Pot Roast supper at Leslie Hall, St. James Anglican Church. Social hour from 5 pm, supper at 6 pm. Tickets $20 (cash bar). For tickets call 613-258-7049. Sweetheart Brunch in honour of Harry and Sheila Pratt. Enjoy a wonderful brunch and toe-tapping Celtic and Country live music at the NG Municipal Centre, 8:30 am - 1:00 pm. Tickets available the Scotiabank and at the door. $10 Adults, $5 Children, free for kids under 6. All proceeds go to support local charities and community initiatives. Presented by the Knights of Columbus Council 5333.
Weekly and recurring events Tues
Easy
The Voice of North Grenville
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BNI Networking Group Breakfast, Grenville Mutual Insurance Building, 380 Colonnade Drive, 7- 8:30 am. Call 613-918-0430 for more information. Bridge- St. John’s United Church, 12:15 pm. Cost $4. "All levels of bridge players welcome. "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! NG Photography Club - first Wednesday of every month from 7-9 pm at the Auditorium of the Municipal Centre. Check our website for more information on outings and upcoming events. ngphotoclub.ca Klub 67 Euchre every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 1:15 pm. St. John's United Church downstairs. Everyone welcome, $5.00. 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, 1:15 pm, St. John's United Church downstairs. Everyone welcome, $5.00. 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. Kemptville Concert Band.7 pm at North Grenville D.H.S. Come join us for a great evening of music. Wind instruments and percussionists of all levels welcome! Contact: dennis843@gmail.com Twice The Fun Games (206 Prescott Street) is your host for Game Night, 6-10 pm, 2nd and 4th Friday every month. Bring your favourite game or borrow one from their library. All ages 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 Legion breakfast, 8 - 10 am third Saturday of every month. Adults $5. Children under 12 $3. All welcome. Twice The Fun Games (206 Prescott Street) selects a game for their "Learn to Play" event. 1-4 pm. No experience needed. Kemptville and Area Walking Group, Municipal Centre - Early birds: 8 am, others 8:30 am. Contact: Eva 258-4487. Senior’s Fitness Classes, free of charge, 10-11 am at the Pentecostal Church, Hwy 43 west. Male or female over age 50. Wear running shoes, bring water and light handweights (2-3 lbs) if you have them.
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First 10 words are FREE for North Grenville and Merrickville/Wolford Residents. Extra Words: 50 cents a word. Email production@ngtimes.ca SERVICES CFSC $ CRFSC Courses and exams Steve Hoy 613.258.6162 2shoy@xplornet.com Weight Loss Coach “I did it... you can too!” Wendy Moore (613)558-4933. Free consultation. The Plumb”Mur” Plus Bathroom PLUS more. Murray 613.519.5274 nmmuir@ gmail.com Eavestrough cleaning, repairs and installation. Free estimate 613.295.0300 House cleaning, interior and exterior, any odd jobs. Free estimate. 613.295.0300 Restore your Health - pain, injuries, digestion, breathing Kemptville 613.799.3315 TheBowenApproach.ca Frame Local! Country Ways Custom Picture framing 613.322.6484 dam5@bell.net Snowplowing: Residential Driveways Call Robert Leach for estimate 613.222.2292 Dance classes for adults & seniors. Line, Jazz, Tap, Aerobics, Ballroom. The workshop Dance Studio 215 Sanders St. 613.868.9062 NO TIME TO COOK? We’ll take care of it! Homemade frozen meals; lunch & family sizes, muffins, soups, dessets and more! For more information go to www.lamyriade.ca. WELLNESS THROUGH NUTRITION Coaching Carol Pillar, R.H.N. Wholesumapproach.com 613.258.7133 Stucco & Parging Services, also specializing in repointing & chinking. Free estimates. cedarrockcontracting@gmail.com 613.818.5187 SNOW REMOVAL: stairs, walkways, small driveways, roofs. Call Al 613.258.3847 or 613.295.0300 Call Cinderella to look after your Alzhiemer or Parkinson loved one 613.859.4644 Lessons piano, guitar, ukulele, group singing and more. Your place or mine. 613.720.3531
January 27, 2016
Certified Packer can help you prepare for your move. Cinderella 613.859.4644
Rock My House music lessons in fiddle, piano, drums and more. 613 258 5656
PIANO LESSONS for everyone. All styles, all ages. 613 324.0382 www.kemptvillemusic.com
Handyman/Contractor with years of experience. No job too big or small. Unlimited references, call for free estimate 613.791.8597
SEWING: Weddings to alterations at Stonehouse sewing. Call Sharon 613 224 3182
YOGA for everyone. Wed and Thurs., at YIG. Call 258-9902
Rural Home Care servicesAffordable, personal, professional & experienced care for your loved one. 613.868.0356
Cindy’s House Cleaning. Need help? I’m your gal. Also will walk your dog. Call 613 258 1568.
FREE DRUM LESSON!!! Professional drummer offering FREE trial lessons...no obligation! 613 298 5913 www.drumhead.ca
Language Learning North Grenville classes startting the week of February 15. French (junior/intermediate), Spanish (beginner level 1 & 2) and Inuktitut (language and culture). Two hours per week for 8 weeks $195 www.alkeventmanagement.ca anne@alkeventmanagement.ca 613.853.8308
ONE ON ONE Computer Training: Sigma Computer Systems is now offering 1/2 hour classes on Saturdays. Please call 613.258.9716 for more information HANDY MAN specializing in renovations & house staging. We do it all CALL 613.294.2416 MESS “S.O.S.!” sarahlystiuk@gmail.com Free monthly articles straight to your inbox! You Name It, I Can Sew It. Call Rhonda at 258-5248 NEED A NEW ROOF? GOT A LEAKY ROOF? Over 15 yrs owner/operator, subcontracting. Free estimates Work Guaranteed call 613 294 2416 MR & MRS CLEAN residential/ commercial cleaning. Mrandmrsclean613@gmail.com, 613867-2184 HOUSECLEANING- Every working Mother and Father needs a House Wife. Sandi 613-2197277 Fencing and Deck Specialist, Renovations 20 yrs experience Brian 613 215 0805 Property clean-up, trees/brush/yard waste, scrap metal, dump runs, anything removed. Call Wayne Scott at 613 286 9072 Complete Home Property Clean up: house cleaning, dump runs, etc. Call Al’s Clean up services 613.258.3847 613.295.0300
BRIDE & GROOM SHOW Saturday January 23
from (am to 3pm at the NG Municipal Centre. Free admission and a $2,500 grand prize! www.alkeventmanagement..ca anne@alkeventmanagement.ca 613.853.8308 FOR RENT Merrickville 2 storey, non smoking, recently renovated 1 bedroom apartment + loft, 2 bathrooms, hardwood floors. 5 appliances. Electric wall & baseboard heaters. Dedicated water & electric meters. 1 parking space. 613.608.6033 Merrickville Ground Floor, non smoking, recently renovated 1 bedroom apartment, hardwood floors. 4 appliances. Electric wall heaters. Dedicated water & electric meters. 1 parking space 613.608.6033 Furnished Room For Rent in Oxford Mills, $650 a month. Call 613.294.7420 Commercial warehouse (up to 6,000 Sq Ft, will divide) and office (500 Sq Ft) to rent/ lease. 18 ft ceilings, column free area, 14 ft overhead doors and mandoors, heat available. Kemptville Colonnade area. Call 613.258.1133 or 613.229.0566 Room for rent in downtown Kemptville within walking distance of all amenities. Heat, hydro, internet incl. $500. Call 618 878 4738.
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House for rent - Burritt’s Rapids, 2+bdrm, encl. yard, appliances. $1000/mth plus utilities. Call 613 296 2850 Commercial space for rent 513-b Prescott St. All Inclusive $750/month, Available Oct. 1 613.794.3551 Old Town Kemptville 28 Clothier St. Commercial retail space 650 sq. ft. avail Oct 1st 613.295.0552 Renovated Ground Floor Office 1,900 sqft, 200 Sanders St. Kemptville 613.795.2389 Kemptville, 512 Clothier, 2 bedroom apartment in a seniors building, $863 + utilities, no smoking, no pets. 613 294 6819 2 bdr attached home for rent $1150 includes water, heat & 4 appliances. Call 613 296 5906
WANTED Senior needs old car batteries for making weights. Call 613 258 6254
FOR SALE SEWING MACHINE for Sale. Basic Model, Singer Prelude, nearly new $50.00 email tineboyer@gmail. com Nordic wood stove, used one season, good for small area. Asking $550. 258.1246 Electric wheel chair, Model stormtdx4 invacare. In good running order. $400. 613.258.6254 Canon Rebel XT $99.00 ve3mhm@sympatico.ca 2011 John Deer Tractor JD 2720 Tractor, JD 46 Backhoe with 16 & 9 buckets, JD 200CX front end loader. Used only 123 hours for personal landscaping, no winters. Asking $27,500.00 or OBO. 613.215.0674 Quality Grass Horse Hay 4x5 rounds Jon 613.227.3650 5 PC. PEAVEY DRUM SET w/highhat $350.00 O.B.O 613.808.4725 613.258.6413 Firewood-Hardwood cut, split and delivered, $100/cord, Min. 3 chords. Call Peter at 258-5504 or 613-913-0810
Firewood-Mixed hardwood $100 per cord delivered. Call Charlie at 613-989-2768. Firewood-Mixed hardwood $100 per cord delivered. Call John at 613-227-3650
HELP WANTED Laborer needed, for construction company Driver’s licence not required, Residents of Kemptville Only Call 613-894-5210”
For Advertising rates please contact Gord at gord@ngtimes.ca or call 613 258 6402
Upcoming Legion Events in Kemptville February 13th - Kemptville: Kemptville Legion, Valentine's Day Dinner/Dance. Roast Pork Dinner at 6:30 p.m., Dance 7:30-11:30 p.m. Entertainment by "THIS OLD HEART AND THE COUNTRY COMRADES". Advance tickets $25.00 per person until February 10th or $30.00 at the door. Tickets from Legion Bar Staff (613-258-5734), Lorena Miller (613-2589065), or Marilyn Aldus (613-986-1378). Public Welcome. March 11th - Kemptville: Kemptville Legion, St Patrick's Day Party. Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Entertainment by the Kemptville Pipes and Drums, followed at 7:30-11:30 p.m. by the Montreal based Celtic Band "THE KITCHEN PARTY", Advance tickets $30.00 per person until March 7th or $35.00 at the door. Sell-out last year so reserve tickets early. Tickets from Legion Bar Staff (613-258-5734), Lorena Miller (613-258-9065), or Marilyn Aldus (613-986-1378). Public Welcome.
Women’s Pink Ride for Breast Cancer When: Saturday January 30, 2016 Where: Register at the Clubhouse - 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Please note that the ride is weather permitting | trails have to be open. You have to donate a minimum of $25 to register for the ride. Breakfast will be served from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. ($6 per person) Breakfast will take place even if the ride gets cancelled. There will be door prizes and a prize for the best decorated sled! After the ride a pot-luck style meal will be served by Men of the Club, at the clubhouse. Any questions, contact Bruce Robinson at 613-258-3648
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‘April’ by Deron Johnston Homelessness is not really a subject that people think much about here in North Grenville. If you don't see someone sleeping outside on the street, it's easy to assume that there are no 'real' homeless people living here. Homelessness, to most people, is a 'city problem'. However, let's consider the following definition of homelessness from a Canadian homelessness advocacy website: “Homelessness describes the situation of an individual or family without stable, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means and ability of acquiring it.” So, the definition of homelessness also includes things like people who 'couch-surf' and stay temporarily with friends, or those who rent a bedroom in a house for a few months and then move on. Statistically, the majority of these people are youth under twenty five. We've all passed these young people on the street without any way of knowing their situation. I sat down with a taxi
driver recently, who he told me an interesting story about a fare he had back in December. It was late on a Sunday night when he got a call to go pick up a fare at a private residence in Kemptville. The caller said that they needed a ride to the bus station in Ottawa. The driver told the caller that he had a couple of other calls to do first, but he would be there in fifteen to twenty minutes. The caller phoned again ten minutes later and asked where the taxi was. The driver told the caller that they were his next fare and that he just had to finish his current one. The caller asked the driver to hurry because she had been 'kicked out' of her brother's house and she was waiting outside. It was cold and snowing, so the driver said that he would be there as soon as he could. When he arrived to pick up the caller, “April” (who appeared to be a young First Nations woman in her early twenties) was waiting outside on the street in front of the address she had given him. April walked over to the car, carrying two small bags, and got in. The driver asked April if she
had the cash to pay for the trip to Ottawa and she said not to worry, that her friend would email the driver the money for the ride. He explained to her that she had to have the cash for the trip, and that emailing the money to him was not an option. April got on her phone to call her friend, but got no answer. She told the driver that if he took her to a bank machine, she would try to get the money for him. So he took her to a bank beside the 416, but didn't charge her for it. She went in to the bank machine, but came out five minutes later empty handed. She said there was a problem with the bank machine, and that she'd try to call her friend again. When she got no answer again, she asked if the driver would take her to Walmart, so she could get cash back with a purchase. Once again, she came out empty handed and said there was a problem with her card. She got back in the taxi and once more tried to call her friend. Sitting in the back seat, she started crying and got very upset, saying that she had to get to Ottawa to catch
a bus because she already had her ticket paid for, and she couldn't miss it. The driver said that he simply couldn't take her if she didn't have the money for the ride. Through her tears, April said that she had to go to the bus station that night, because she had nowhere that she could stay in Kemptville. She had been staying at her brother's house, but he had kicked her out and wouldn't let her stay there any more. The driver felt badly, but he knew that he couldn't afford to pay for the trip himself (about $80). Being unsure what to do, he decided to drop her off at Tim Horton's, but promised to make a couple of phone calls to see if he could find her a place to stay for the night. He called the executive director of a local charity at home and woke her up, but she said that they weren't able to help the passenger at this time of the night, but to try calling the Salvation Army. If that didn't work, he should try calling the OPP, who might be able to give her a voucher for a night's stay at a local hotel, or find another appropriate place for her to spend the night. So
he tried calling the local Salvation Army, but there was no after-hours phone number to call on their voice mail. So, as a last resort, the driver called the OPP. The OPP dispatcher asked the driver a number of questions about the situation, the physical and emotional state of his former passenger and where she was currently. They then told the driver that they would send an officer over to Tim Horton's right away to check on the young woman, and then they'd make a decision on how to proceed. The driver asked if they would call him back and let him know what happened, but
reaching. Treasurer Bob Johnson announced on Wednesday that they have raised $6,250 so far. Two fundraising events have already been set up for February. On February 13, the Kemptville Christian Reformed Church will be holding their annual Sweetheart Breakfast, with all proceeds going to R.I.N.G., and
responsible for the startup costs and half of each family’s living budget for one year. Startup costs for housing, furniture, transportation etc. is estimated to be around $7,000, while the annual budget for each family will be $20,000. This budget is meant to be similar to the amount they would get on social assistance, should they be unable to find work after the year. “It will by no means afford them an extravagant life in Canada, but it is a life
they will be able to maintain,” explains Stephanie. R.I.N.G has already gone through many of the necessary steps towards being ready to apply for a family. They have a solid executive set up who will make many of the integral decisions, such as what type of family (size, age, background etc.) will be coming to North Grenville. The only decision that has been made so far in this regard is that they will be looking for a family who is used to rural life, said Sally Jorgensen, Chair of R.I.N.G. They have also set up several subgroups who will be in charge of looking after securing transportation, housing, medical care, ESL training, documentation (OHIP, SIN card etc.), employment and overall integration into the community. These families will not only need financial aid. They will need the friendship of the people of North Grenville, says Stephanie. “They will need to have someone to call if they don’t understand something. It will be a steep learning curve.” In terms of fundraising, Stephanie says an initial $10,000 will be enough to make the application for the first family, a goal that R.I.N.G. is well on its way to
RING public meeting
by Hilary Thomson Members of the community gathered on Wednesday evening to learn more about how they can help regarding the worldwide refugee crisis. The information and training session was held at the Kemptville Christian Reformed Church and led by members of the Refugees in North Grenville (R.I.N.G.) executive, and Stephanie Gilmer, the Executive Director of World Hope Canada. January 27, 2016
Mayor David Gordon was also on hand to say a few words. “Canada is a country made up of immigrants and refugees,” he said. “My own grandmother came to escape war in her home country. We need to open our hearts to people in need.” R.I.N.G.’s goal is to bring two Syrian refugee families to Canada and help them settle in our community. They have committed to being a part of the private sponsorship program, where they will be
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they never did. The taxi driver said he felt very guilty that he wasn't able to help more than he did that night. He said that now he'll always remember that night, and for him, homelessness now had a face and that her name was April. For Advertising rates please contact Gord at gord@ngtimes.ca or call 613 258 6402
KEMPTVILLE PHYSIOTHERAPY CENTRE
2868 COUNTY ROAD 43, KEMPTVILLE, ON 613.258.7661 / KEMPTVILLEPHYSIO.COM
on February 28 the Branch Restaurant will be hosting an afternoon with three local bands, featuring Heroic Mad Peasants, The Castle Minstrels and Bella Borealis. If anyone has fundraising ideas, or would like to organize their own fundraiser, feel free to contact the R.I.N.G. executive at info@refugeesng.com.
Habitat for Humanity Thousand Islands Is seeking a
Part Time Truck Driver
for its new Kemptville ReStore location. Please send resumes to restore@Habitat1000islands.com or mail to Habitat for Humanity, Box 383 Brockville, On- K6V-5V6. Attn. Ken Hunter by February 5th, 2016.
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The Stove Store The Stove Store was established in 1972 (43 years) by Mel Shannon who is a resident of the area. From its humble beginnings in the garage of his home, the store eventually moved to its present location at 6 Beverly St. Spencerville and contrary to its name, The Stove Store does not just sell stoves. It is a major supplier and installer of all types of heating and cooling equipment. The Stove Store carries a wide variety of gas and wood furnaces, fireplaces and inserts, freestanding pellet, wood, gas units and air conditioners. The Stove Store specializes in geothermal systems, ductless heating systems and cooling units. For those finishing touches, there is a large variety of stone facings and mantels. No job is too big too small or too far away for The Stove Store’s factory trained installers and service technicians. All estimates, in home or in the showroom, are completed by qualified and knowledgeable sales staff, and they are always FREE. Drop by The Stove Store’s comfortable 1800 square foot showroom where there are over 55 heating and cooling units and fireplaces on display, with 35 of them operational. You will find the most up to date products on the market and you can discover the newest of technologies as they become available. Mel Shannon and The Stove Store have set a high standard for quality performance and customer satisfaction for their installations and professional services. They will continue this tradition of excellence into the future. The Stove Store , (613) 658-3101, 1-888-370-9859 thestovestore@ripnet.com Also visit us on the web at: www.thestovestore.net
January 27, 2016
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Fundamentals
God, History and Music by David Shanahan A friend posted something recently on Facebook that seemed quite simple and direct. “The only things I know to be good and true are God, history, and music.” On the face of it, that seems a legitimate statement for someone to make, whether you disagree with it or not. But, as so often happens when people post something to do with “religion”, some of the responses were less than respectful. One poster replied: “History of God: Mass genocide due to petty disagreements about who's imaginary friend is better for you. I’ll stick with music”. It’s not so much the rudeness I find objectionable, it’s the ignorance posing as sophistication, a trait all too common among online comments. First of all, there’s the assumption that mass genocide is a feature of the “history of God”, whatever that means. There can be no denying that many wars and many murders have been fought in the name of God. This is an accusation that is levelled at Christians constantly: “what about the Crusades, the Inquisition, etc., etc.?” During what were called
the Troubles in Northern Ireland, there were many times when the IRA or the UVF bombed and murdered people. People from the same side as the murderers would go out on the streets to dissociate themselves from the violence, carrying signs that said: “Not In My Name”. Listen to what Jesus said: “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ [Matthew 7.22-23] Can Christians murder, kill, go to war in the name of God? Listen again: “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” [Matthew 5.39. That is a saying that almost no-one actually acts on, dismissing it as impossible, impractical and naive. But that is still what Jesus said. As people at the time said of other sayings of Jesus: “On hearing it, many of his disciples said, ‘This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?’” [John 6.60] The Twentieth Century
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was probably the bloodiest in history, just in terms of the numbers killed in war and its concomitants. But none of those conflicts were about God, religion, or “who's imaginary friend is better for you”. [I should note that the correct spelling is “whose”, but that is how the original post reads]. That very phrase “imaginary friend”, is used a lot online also. It is far from being the worst term used about God, or Jesus, by commenters. It is, however, remarkable to me that people who have probably never opened the documentary record for themselves, so glibly dismiss people like Augustine, Francis of Assisi, Isaac Newton, J.S. Bach, William Wilberforce, Florence Nightingale, Desmond Tutu, Martin Luther King, and so many more. Christians are far from being anti-intellectual morons who believe in fairy tales and myths. Another comment on the Facebook post said: “God is VERY questionable to be true AND good”. References were made to not liking his methods, another apparent reference to wars, but also, perhaps, to the existence of injustice, hunger, disease, etc. There are a few points
to make about this. The first, from a Christian perspective, is that the worldview of believers is that this is a fallen creation, the result of mankind’s rejection of God and desire to rule our own lives. This, we believe, and the Bible teaches repeatedly, is why we have such evil in the world. We are the ones killing our planet, refusing to feed the hungry (or shelter the refugee), pricing medicinal drugs out of the reach of the poor and needy, etc. More interesting is the fact that even the antiGod writers use terms like “good”and “evil”, etc. The most virulently anti-God writers, particularly Richard Dawkins, accuses religion of being the greatest evil in the world, one which should be exterminated for the good of the human race. But how does he define those terms? What is the measure by which you judge what is good or bad, evil or moral? The basic problem I have with those who criticise “religion”, is that they so very often base their attacks on assumptions, ideas without a solid intellectual foundation, what you might call fairy tales. But what can you expect in a world where a man who
preached love, forgiveness, fellowship and God’s love was tortured to death by those who believed such teaching was dangerous, a threat, even evil? Why do people even today react so fiercely against any mention of Jesus? If the idea of God or religion makes your blood boil, you must ask yourself: “why?” As Jesus himself put it: “If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty
of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’” [John 15.24-25] The North Grenville Times is available in Oxford Mills at the Brigadoon Restaurant
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January 27, 2016
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