the north grenville
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TIMES The Voice of North Grenville
Vol. 1, No. 22
Salvation Army celebration
Mother’s Day brunch buffet
Bianca Overdulve receives a Certificate of Appreciation for twenty years of service to the Salvation Army in Kemptville
by David Shanahan The Salvation Army annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner took place last Friday night at the Pentecostal Church on CR 43. This year had a bitter-sweet element to it, as the event celebrated 125 years of Salvation Army work in North Grenville, but also marked the news that Simon and Allison Downey are leaving at the end of June. Simon and Allison have become part of our com-
munity over the three years they’ve been here, and everyone associated with them in that time has come to appreciate their generosity and warmth. It is a shame that they have to leave just as they are beginning to reap the benefits of three years hard work. They will certainly be missed. But the Volunteer Dinner was a chance to enjoy looking back on the past year and the great work that has been done with the essential help of the many volunteers, both individual and business,
that played their part. There was a display of photographs and documents on show, provided by the North Grenville Historical Society, tracing the history of the Salvation Army in Kemptville since 1888. Music for the evening was provided by the power of Poppa Grace with members Ross Templeton, lead guitar and vocals, Chris Must, bass guitar and blues harp, Gord Logan, drums and vocals and Neil Milnes, piano and keyboards. Catering was provided, in fact donated, by Er-
ick LePors, Dial-A-Chef himself, who has been the regular provider of great food at these events over the past number of years. The dinner was a great event: a chance for people to look back and enjoy the memories of work well done and positive contributions to our community. Next up is the annual Mothers Day Brunch, the main fund raising event of the year for the Salvation Army. Taking place at the Municipal Centre on May 12, with catering by the Branch Restaurant and Texas Grill.
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Everyone knows moms work tirelessly to bathe, feed, clothe… love, encourage and nurture. What are you planning to do this year to celebrate that special mom in your life? Why not bring her to the Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet? You and the kids will be off the hook for breakfast in bed which means mom won’t be having burnt toast and undercooked eggs on her special day! And you won’t have to cajole the whole family to go out and spend the day together because there’s something for everyone to enjoy! There will be a delicious food for those that are looking for a memorable meal. Brunch will be provided by The Branch Restaurant, known for its delicious Texas style foods prepared with fresh, locally sourced, and organic ingredients. Their flavourful and creative food is passionately handmade from scratch. They always strive to offer outstanding flavours - with honest, ethical, and artfully presented cuisine. Highlights from
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The North Grenville Times continued from front page the menu include: eggs and frittata, bacon, ham and sausages, home fries, crepes, baked goods, salad and fresh fruit (vegan and gluten free options). Come for the food, you will not be disappointed. Maybe, there are some people in your family who aren’t interested in eating. They want to have a fun time. Adults and children alike will be in stitches watching The Cowguys, a juggling, comedy extravaganza. The Cowguys are an Ottawa based performing duo who have been delighting audiences worldwide since 1990. They expertly blend circus, juggling, western and magic skills with dexterity, wit, and comedy for all ages in their award winning show. If you’re looking for a good time and a place to laugh together, this is it.
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And finally, if your crowd has some little people who don’t want to sit still, we’ve got just the thing for them too. A bouncy castle and inflatable slide will keep them entertained while mom relaxes and finishes her coffee. Orbital Talents will be providing amazing face painters so that the children can imagine and pretend play, creating those picture perfect memories of your morning together. Come one, come all on Sunday, May 12, 10 am and 12 noon sittings. Tickets are available at The Branch Restaurant, 613-258-3737 and The Salvation Army, 613-2583583, $20 in advance or $25 at the door, kids 12 and under pay their age. All proceeds go to The Salvation Army, celebrating 125 years of service to our community.
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Sustainability Fair
Giving Garden workers Victor Desroches, Carmen Pincott, Linda Desroches and Don Muntz encourage giving...and gardens.
Institute, the Giving Garden, the NG Horticultural Society and the event’s sponsors: Sustainable North Grenville. Commercial concerns showed everything from organic farming techniques and produce, to toys made from recycled materials. It was quite surprising to see how much the concept of sustainability has infiltrated the marketplace. The EVent was a showroom of electric vehicles which proved that the plug-in car and truck is no novelty item. These vehicles were very stylish, and far from the battery on wheels critics used to decry. It was still quite strange to open the hood and see empty space where the internal combustion engine “should” be. Percussion professionals, “Junkyard Symphony”, gave a rousing performance of their “EcoCircus” in the Municipal Theatre to round out the day of free activities. Sustainable North Grenville was created to help raise awareness about sustainability issues in North Grenville. The sixth Sustainability Fair has raised the profile of this organisation in the community and it is hoped that it has also increased the number of residents who will get on board with the message and philosophy it expounds.
The sixth annual Sustainabililty Fair was held at the Municipal Centre last Sunday, attracting a good crowd to a very diverse collection of booths, shows and fun for the whole family. In the Lion’s Club Community Room, groups with a common focus displayed their wares and information, while one of the arenas held an amazing display of electric vehicles. The theatre was also a venue, beginning with a Green Prom fashion show, and ending the day with the “Junkyard Symphony”. The displays were put on by a wide variety of organisations, including the Bishops Mills Women’s
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The Voice of North Grenville
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The North Grenville Times Editorial Page Insurance - The Community Killer they used to excel at, out of by David Shanahan It seems everywhere I went over the past few weeks, the subject of insurance raised its ugly head. I say “ugly” because in every case, insurance was causing a problem for people. The fact is that the whole subject has been gradually, and almost imperceptibly, destroying traditional community life throughout Canada. And we are not immune in North Grenville. We are all aware of the growing incidence of litigation, beginning in the United States and spreading across the border and abroad, in which people, organisations, municipalities and anyone else that could be dragged in were being sued over injuries, bad service, slights and hurt feelings. This is only a slight exaggeration. People are going to court demanding money because of real or perceived injuries of all kinds, physical, social or psychological. But although one could poke fun at some of the ridiculous cases brought to
court over the past decade, the effects on our communities have been far from funny. It is evident even in the playgrounds our children use. Fear of litigation, and the complaints of a pampered generation of parents, have led to the removal of traditional swings and roundabouts and other equipment, as municipalities and school boards have become frightened of being sued if a child falls and gets a bruise or a scraped knee. Let me be clear, there have been genuine accidents and genuine responsibility assessed against school boards and other institutions when playgrounds have not been properly maintained. But the modern desire to protect our children from every possible upset, again - physical or psychological - has led to litigation, and the subsequent fearful reaction that has transformed how our children play outdoors. But this has gone far beyond protecting children. The urge to sue has spread like a virus throughout society. In a world where
Letter to the Editor Dear Editor On Saturday April 27, members of the North Grenville Fire Service arrived at our home and six great guys came to clean out our eaves troughs. That was done and much more that we did not expect. We had given up for now on our terribly sick lawn, thanks to the skunks and whatever else digs up our yard in Kemptville. The firemen went to work, cleaned our eaves troughs and also raked and applied grass seed to our lawn, which we did not expect. Mere thanks are not enough! But we want them to know how grateful we are! Joan and Ken Burnett Kemptville
Dear Editor,
Volunteers are the backbone of any community! I would like to pass on my sincere thank you to a group of volunteers that we often may take for granted. This past weekend, over 30 of North Grenville’s volunteer Fire Department members gave up their Saturday to do various odd jobs around our community. They painted, cleaned up yards, did hedge trimming and a myriad of other small jobs and they did it with a smile! Instead of doing a fundraiser, it was decided to follow the lead of Fire Chief Paul Hutt and go out into the North Grenville Community and raise awareness by doing Community Ser-
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Marketing Consultant Gord J. Logan gord@ngtimes.ca 613-258-6402 May 1, 2013
people seem to think that someone else should be held responsible for any and every accident, lawyers and their clients have made literally millions out of suing here, there and everywhere. Some have seen this as almost like a victimless crime: after all, only the “deep pockets” are suffering, and they can afford it. Corporations may be able to absorb the huge sums being awarded against them by the courts, but many others cannot. Because what municipalities, school boards, service groups and others are finding is that the real result of these court decisions is a rapidly increasing rate of premiums that are being charged by insurance companies. These premiums cannot be avoided, and they get paid out of our taxes in the end. That is one cost. Another is perhaps even more serious. Traditional community events and activities have been curtailed by insurance fears. Scouts and Guides of every age find they can no longer afford to put on some of the more exciting activities
fear of injury and accidents bringing them to court and possibly bankruptcy. Individuals, volunteering with community associations, sports teams, festivals and other public events, find themselves personally liable in any court case arising from their activities. This means that someone helping to put on Canada Day, or a school play, or whatever, could find themselves in danger of losing their home if someone falls, or chokes, or even jumps off a swing at their event. The fear that this danger provokes has caused many, with good reason, to cut back on their volunteer activities, or even to withdraw completely from involvement in their community. It used to be that community groups could organise a supper, or a party of some kind. Perhaps there would be a parade to mark some occasion, or a fund-raising event for a good cause. But now, everyone has to ask: “Is it properly insured? Am I properly insured?”. And more and more of this kind of community participa-
vice work! In a cheerful and friendly way, these folks went about their jobs and finished in remarkable time! When I inquired what they would do if all their jobs were finished early, the prompt response was that they planned to go around replacing smoke detectors! Kudos on a job well done! Thank you for all the work you do in our community! North Grenville has a vibrant growing community and it is people such as our Fire Department that lead the way. Pam Owen
author. When we are born again there is always such a desire and a hunger to know more of what the Holy Spirit wants to reveal to us in order to change us from day to day. We are not perfect people but we are forgiven because of the price that was paid for our sins on the cross. It is not arrogance to say yes to being” born again “but to truly rejoice in the fact that God has been calling you and He calls each and every one of us everyday but often we turn aside because we fear the outcome and that fear prevents us from truly knowing the one true God and His name is Jesus Christ. God has a purpose and plan for our life and in this world today with all its ideologies we see more and more people who need a foundation that will be their anchor in the midst of the storms and and difficulties
Dear Editor Each week as I read the articles by David Shanahan it blesses my heart to see one who boldly speaks the words of life so that all may know that our hope is in Jesus Christ. So many times we refer to the Bible and Gods word but fail to truly know the
the north grenville
TIMES Editor
David Shanahan editor@ngtimes.ca 613-258-5083
ISSN 2291-0301
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Koppee Edditorrr
Production Manager
Pat Jessop editor@ngtimes.ca 613-258-5083
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The Voice of North Grenville tion is in danger because people, groups, even large institutions can no longer afford the proper insurance coverage, because the premiums have become so expensive. It may be a fact of modern life; but I see it as a symptom of a serious malaise at the heart of our society. We are being forced back into our houses (properly insured, of course), and away from communal activities, because they are becoming things we are either unable to afford, or unwilling to risk. The problem has been caused in part by frivolous litigation. It is also caused by judges making highly technical decisions on the strict letter of the law, which leave the rest of us scratching our heads in confusion. Ultimately, though, judges judge on the laws as passed by Parliament and Legislatures. It is becoming a crisis for many municipalities and organisations in Ontario. It is time the Provincial Government took a long, hard look at the wording of some of our laws that allow these liability issues to be decided in such an
apparently stupid manner. That will take years, no doubt. In the meantime, we, as a society, need to come up with new solutions to this problem, before we are all confined to our homes, afraid to go out in case we get sued. For those who doubt the seriousness of the situation, or that it is not costing us in our tax bill, we will have two pieces next week that need to be read. One is on the new regulations governing road maintenance, and the other concerns the uncertain future of one of North Grenville’s community success stories: the Maplewood Community Hall in Oxford Mills. Other events have been protected up to now. For example, the Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade is covered by the national Kinsmen organisation. But what if something should happen at an event in Vancouver, or St. John’s, or Ottawa? Will the Kinsmen be willing to continue holding events after they have been subjected to litigation and serious expense? The future is very uncertain, and our communities are at risk.
of life and that will guide and direct their steps. He is the master weaver who takes the threads of life and intertwines each one, gold and silver and makes a beautiful tapestry that tells a story and leaves a legacy behind. Birthdays are to be celebrated with such joy because God created us in His image and we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Respectfully Barb Richer
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North Grenville Links to Ukraine Projects by David Shanahan North Grenville is a long way from the streets of Odessa, the great port on the shores of the Black Sea. But World Hope Canada, which has its headquarters in Kemptville, is at work in that far-off city, making a genuine difference in the lives of many young people who have been left alone and at risk. Ukraine is a country with a sad and troubled history. It suffered huge losses in the Second World War and after, including forced deportation of ethnic groups. The economy was almost destroyed after independence, and it is, of course, the location of the Chernobyl Nuclear power plant, site of the one of the greatest disasters in recent history. The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, believe there are around 80,000 children in the Ukraine who either live in State-run orphanages, or on the street. The orphanages take care of children up to the age of sixteen, after which they are left to their own devices, many of them ending up on the streets
too. The problems are more than the authorities can handle, and the situation in Odessa, in particular, is extremely serious. Into this disturbing scene, World Hope Canada has brought...hope. The Kemptville-based organisation is a Christian relief and development organization working with local partners in Odessa on a number of projects aimed at helping these children and young adults. Stephanie Gilmer, local North Grenville resident and now serving as Executive Director of World Hope Canada, recently hosted a visit by Ukrainian Director, Sergiy Svystun, who was visiting North America to talk about the Ukrainian projects and raise support for the work. In an interview with the Times, Stephanie and Sergiy talked about the work they do: “First Step Centre, a drop in located in Odessa’s city centre, began back in 2000 in response to the many children living on the streets of Odessa. On average, about thirty kids
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The Voice of North Grenville
Profile of a local horseback rider: Jessie Christie by Dina Snippe and Jessie Christie (Part 1)
a day visit the Centre. To help you understand, our report from October 2011 indicated that of the 170 children that came that month, 97 of them were under 12 years of age and 38 of those were pre-school age!” Another project involves housing young women over sixteen. Since 1991, an estimated 120,000 young women have been trafficked from the Ukraine, mostly for the sex trade. One of the most vulnerable groups to trafficking are young women who are graduated from state-run orphanages at 16 years of age or who are living on the street. World Hope Canada has opened two homes for these girls in Odessa, and there are many happy stories of successful education and career development as a result. The third project undertaken in partnership with the Odessa Municipal authority’s Youth Services department involves what are called life skills training courses, called LifeStart Odessa. These courses provide practical education and information services, warning the young people about the dangers of human trafficking rings, and the many dangers facing them in that city. It is a counselling service, and it is hoped to design and implement a foster care style system to assist children once aged out of orphanages. In addition to the work in Ukraine, World Hope Canada is working with national partners in Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Swaziland. It is very important for the organisation to work with local people, to support and co-operate with national and cultural traditions in each country in which they work. It is never a matter of imposing Canadian values and systems, but of respecting and encouraging indigenous values. This work is tying North Grenville to communities across the globe, and your help and involvement is welcome. For more information on World Hope Canada, visit worldhope.ca/, call 613482-1499, or e-mail at contact@worldhope.ca.
While her name is undoubtedly familiar to anyone who’s spent much time at local hunter/ jumper horse shows in the past two decades, North Grenville has a lot to learn about Jessie Christie. Although she no longer lives in the township, Jessie was born and raised in the area. Her family, both human and equine, resides in or near North Grenville, so Jessie is here at least five days a week. She began her lifelong commitment to riding horses 20 years ago, at the age of eight. Jessie’s father Gary was always interested in horses. He owned Standardbred racehorses, and turned the garage of the family home into a barn for some of his horses, bringing a few home to live before Jessie got interested in horses herself. In her early years, Jessie was heavily involved in competitive figure skating. Things changed, however, when Debbie Williams opened a hunter/jumper facility called Turnout Stables just down the road from the Christie house. As Jessie says, “I was hooked from the first ride, and it wasn’t long before I gave up figure skating altogether and focused solely on riding.” The rest of my conversation with Jessie follows. How did your first ride go? Do you remember which horse you rode? “I rode a pony named Copper. The most memorable thing about those early rides is that it took me ages to learn how to post to the trot. “Posting” is standing in the stirrups and sitting again in rhythm with the horse’s stride. I just bounced around, sometimes right off the pony, and laughed a lot. Copper wasn’t just a pony, he was an amazing teacher, and I was incredibly lucky to have him introduce me to the world of riding. He was also the first pony I competed with, and the first pony I qualified for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair with. He went on to teach countless kids over the years before enjoying a well-earned retirement. He passed away a few
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years ago, but he will always be a legend at Turnout Stables. Were you scared to ride and jump when you started? Do you still get scared? I think one of the greatest things about being a kid is that you are generally pretty fearless. But I have definitely experienced a few scary situations over the years. I think it’s pretty unavoidable in this sport, especially if you are riding and working with young, inexperienced horses. I’ve been really lucky that I’ve never had any sort of serious injury (knock on wood). But, horses are “flight” animals, and they can definitely hurt you unintentionally when they are scared or overwhelmed. Accidents can happen, but in general, if you use common sense, don’t try to take on more than you or your horse are ready for, and always ask for help when you need it, the risk isn’t too high. When did you know you were hooked on riding and horses? I loved it right from the start, but looking back, I think I was absolutely, irrevocably hooked by the time I started high school. I was riding and competing every weekend from spring to fall with 3-5 horses, and traveling all over Ontario and Quebec doing both the provincial and national level horse shows. You know it’s true commitment when a teenager is willing to trade in parties, sleeping in and hanging out with friends to get up at 5 a.m. and work their butt off all day. There were a few years where Debbie and I did close to 30 shows per season. I remember there being multiple weeks in a row where we would leave for Toronto on a Wednesday or Thursday, show all day Friday, drive all the way back to Kemptville (usually getting home really late), then get up at 5 Saturday morning and spend the next two days at a provincial-level show in Ottawa. Do you own a horse? I own two horses. Joy (who goes by the show name “Shy Joy”) is an 18-year-old Quarter Horse
mare. I’ve had her since she was less than a year old. My dad actually traded a flatbed trailer for her! She was the first horse I ever tried Jumper with. Even though, as a 15.1hh Quarter Horse, she isn’t the typical height or breed of a Jumper, she was amazing at it, and we had a lot of success on the Trillium and A circuits over the years. She has so much scope, can make impossibly tight turns, and is super-fast. Eventually I leased her out to Alda O’Grady, a younger rider at Turnout Stables who wanted to learn the ropes of Jumper. They competed for two years and racked up a ton of accomplishments. In 2011 they even won a class at the Trillium Championships, and I decided that was the perfect highlight to retire Joy on. I love her to pieces, and I owe her so much. She was the absolute perfect horse to learn the ropes of Jumper with, and she deserves a long and happy retirement. I also own Cohen, who is Joy’s son. I bred her to the local Trakehner stallion Kioga in 2004. Cohen was born in 2005. He inherited Joy’s colour and her beautiful face, but takes after his dad in terms of height. At 16.3hh, he stands a full six inches taller than Joy. He is my main focus right now and is the horse I will be competing with this year (under the name Shyne On). Since Joy’s retirement, Alda has been riding Cohen as well, and also plans to compete with him this season. He’s so much like Joy, but also very much an individual. I completely love and adore him, and am so excited for what the future holds for us. -next installment, horse shows and future goals
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Municipality Matters
The North Grenville Times
Municipality Matters is a regular feature in which local politicians and officials talk about their work and what’s happening in their world
by David Shanahan Paul Hutt is approaching the end of his second year in North Grenville as Chief of the Fire Service. With a new Fire Hall, and a new name, the North Grenville Fire Service has seen a lot of change over the years. Paul sat down with the Times recently to reflect on developments. How do feel the fire service has changed since you arrived? Since 2011, the North Grenville Fire Service has emphasized a customer service, or service excellence, approach. From fire prevention to fire suppression it is our priority to leave a positive and professional impression with the residents of North Grenville. Further, the North Grenville Fire Service endorses empowerment, team participation and fair opportunities for all members. Succession planning, by providing development opportunities to all members is a priority to ensure a sustainable service. Traditionally, the Fire Service has conducted business in isolation from the Municipality. Now we em-
brace the linking of all North Grenville Municipal Departments and work together as a team. The North Grenville Fire Service has made it a priority since 2011 to ensure that fire-related training is organized, focused, accountable, and meets the legislated requirements. With the development of a new recruit program and an ongoing training program for existing firefighters, we ensure that firefighters are qualified and trained to do the job. As serious as firefighting is, it is equally important to enjoy and have fun at what we do. We strive to build strong camaraderie among the membership, in the way of social activities outside of the regular fire activities. How important is the new identity, now that it is the North Grenville Fire Service? With the shift to working closely with the Municipality of North Grenville, the firefighters believed that it was time to change the trademark of the fire service to represent the entire Municipality of North Grenville by becoming “The North Grenville Fire Service”. Embracing the past, the firefighters themselves created a new visual identity crest, highlighting the “Kemptville Fire Department” in the centre of the new fire logo which captures the past and the present services. Over time, the image (visual identity – fire crest) becomes associated with a level of credibility, quality,
unless you have been part of a volunteer fire service, you may not completely understand the commitment and the sacrifices associated with the position. The fire service is strictly governed and does not, and cannot, differentiate between a fulltime and a volunteer service. A house fire is a house fire, which means it does not have any geographical boundaries. Therefore, all firefighters need to be trained to a minimum standard. As a Fire Chief in a part-time /on-call service the greatest challenge I face is ensuring that firefighters are trained to at least this minimum standard to increase firefighter safety, but to also ensure that parttime / on-call firefighters maintain a happy balance within their lives. As the Fire Chief I want to ensure that firefighters do not over extend themselves. What is “Senior’s Day”? Traditionally the Fire Service has conducted an annual Chicken BBQ fundraising event. In consideration of our new motto of Service Excellence, the firefighters felt compelled to come up with a new way to help within our community. Given the number of seniors, which is increasing annually within our community, it was an easy decision: “ Help a Senior Day” was formed. Firefighters, their families, and local business owners, teamed up and participated in our First Annual “Help a Senior Day”. From cleaning windows, repairing eavestroughs, painting, minor home repairs, the day was a huge success, making a difference in the life of a senior.
and satisfaction in the minds of the community we serve. The firefighters of North Grenville stand behind their brand and are committed to building a professional reputation within their Municipality. How have the firefighters responded to the changes? We are seeing an alltime high in attendance for training and response activities. The impressive participation levels are a result of an accountable and fair approach taken by the fire service management team with the membership. Through positive motivation, empowerment, and recognition, the entire fire service is extremely progressive at this time. Further to the successful participation within the North Grenville Fire Service, our people have the training to adapt to all learning styles, everyone from a new generation firefighter to a seasoned veteran. The response to all of the changes has been positive, due in large part to the fact that the firefighters themselves are involved in the process of change. Coming from your time in Ottawa, what are the particular challenges facing a rural service? I have always taken pride in being a member of a parttime/on-call (volunteer) fire service. I began my career in Osgoode as a part-time/oncall firefighter, so I recognize the commitment it takes to do that job within your community. I truly believe that
School Board reacts to child left on school bus On March 21 last, a junior kindergarten child fell asleep on the bus on the way to Kemptville Public School. When the other children got off, the driver failed to notice the sleeping child and drove the bus home. From around 9:30 until 12:45, the child was alone on the bus before being discovered by the driver and taken home. Meanwhile, at the school, the usual process for taking attendance and checking on absent children was not followed, for a variety of reasons. It was a strange, and possibly unique set of circumstances. However, the Upper Canada District School Board naturally investiMay 1, 2013
gated the event and The Board’s Committee of the Whole passed the following motion after receiving the report: “That Committee of the Whole recommends the Upper Canada District School Board request the Audit Committee establish a plan to monitor high risk policies and report to Committee of the Whole no later than 6 months”. This followed a series of recommendations by the Board which will be examined with a view to implementation in the near future. The recommendations urged that all buses that transport UCDSB students be equipped with an electronic “child check”
system by September 1st, 2013; that bus safety be examined and further improvements to aid drivers be considered, including the installation of video cameras in all buses by September 2014. In addition to other reviews of procedures, it was recommended that the current process of school attendance tracking be reviewed and more efficient electronic means of data input be investigated. Finally, the Board instructed schools in the District that safe arrival procedures be clearly detailed in the operational messaging of the Board in September communication with principals, and emphasized
centrally throughout the school year. This message is to stress the priority of safe school calls in all school offices at the start of the school day. A great deal of energy and thought has gone into responding to what must have been a traumatic experience for the child, the parents, the teachers and the driver. It is encouraging to see how seriously it has been taken by all parties.
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The Voice of North Grenville
The Dandelion Festival North Grenville’s Premiere Festival Organizers of the 2013 Dandelion Festival are working hard behind the scenes to ensure another fun filled festival for all ages. This year’s festival will once again be taking over Old Town Kemptville both Saturday May 25 and Sunday May 26. “The Dandelion Festival started 14 years ago as a way to celebrate local art, culture in North Grenville,” said festival coordinator Brent Kelaher. “It’s grown every year and is now the area’s premier spring event adding a sport and healthy lifestyle element over the past few years. This May, we expect to attract over 10,000 visitors from Barrhaven to Brockville and the surrounding area.” Returning for 2013 is the eQuinelle Grand Prix Elite Bicycle Race where over 100 professional and amateur cyclists will hit speeds of over 60 km/h on a closed circuit in downtown Kemptville. The event will take place on Sunday May 26 as part of Cycling Canada's National Events Calendar (http://www.cyclingcanada. ca/sport/road/events/typeof-event/domestic) and will attract riders from all over Ontario, Québec and the United States. “Thanks in large part to funding received from Heritage Canada and sponsorship from eQuinelle, we are able to keep the Festival in nearby Riverside Park and bring some first-class cycling downtown – which is an incredible draw,” said Kelaher. “It’s also given us more room for our main stage and a bigger space for the very popular kids’ zone.” This year the Main Stage will be rockin’ out with headliner Silver Creek Saturday night – bringing you some roots country rock and blues to dance the night away. Silver Creek will be surrounded by some of North Grenville’s best new and well-known musical talents both Saturday and Sunday. Please keep checking the website as acts get confirmed. “We are so lucky to have such a deep talent pool to choose from – it has been a challenging task for our entertainment directors to keep the line up to just two days with so many musically talent folks to choose from.” New to this year will be the BIA’s street sale with activities planned for the
kids all day on Saturday May 25 as well as some other surprises yet to be announced – also the winners from the ‘My View Youth Film Festival’ will be shown in the old armoury. The Grenville Militia will be setting up camp all day Saturday with drill and marches planed around Old Town Kemptville. The Historical Society will be holding an Archaeological Roadshow in the courthouse – view old arrowheads and other cool artefacts uncovered in the backyards of North Grenville. Activities in the Kids’ Zone will include Super Hero and Princess photo opportunities, Brad the Balloon Guy, Reptile Rainforest and a giant obstacle course. The Festival is also looking at adding climbing walls, plexi-glass art, a petting zoo and much, much more. Other events will include, monster trucks, dunk tank, dog agility demonstrations, youth baseball tournament, artist and artisans setting up for the weekend as well yummy dandelion inspired foods and don’t forget the opening of the Kemptville Kinsmen Farmers’ Market. “North Grenville will be putting out the welcome mat on the last weekend of May. We hope that all of our friends and neighbours from across Eastern Ontario, West Québec and New York State will come and join us for two days of fun,” said North Grenville Councillor Terry Butler. “Even with all of the added attractions this year, we are still committed to keeping costs low. Admission will be free but we encourage everyone to dig deep and toss some money into our donation boxes to help keep this festival alive for next year. It’s the best entertainment deal in the region, so we hope to see lots of people there.” All vendors wishing to participate in this year’s festival are strongly encouraged to download the vendor forms from our website. More details about the Dandelion Festival are available at www.thedandelionfestival.ca and further announcements will be made throughout the month of April. For more information, please contact: Brent Kelaher, dandelionfestival@ gmail.com
The North Grenville Times
Sex Please, We’re Sixty
Cathie Raina, Winston Kinnaird, Sandra Tobin, Kathleen Hamilton, Lee Gaw, Steve Wendt Kemptville Players Inc presents Sex Please, We’re Sixty, a fun and flirty comedy for the young at heart, written by Michael Parker and Susan Parker, May 2-5. Sex Please takes place at the Rose Cottage Bed and Breakfast where prim and proper proprietor, Mrs. Stancliffe, entertains a steady stream of repeat customers. Much to her chagrin, her next door neighbor and silver fox, Bud Davis, seems to be a key attraction for the largely female clientele who find themselves repeatedly drawn to him for romantic trysts. Bud, however, may actually be good for business. “It’s a comedy, more for enjoyment than anything else,” says Director Diane Miller. “It’s about a
group of senior ladies who visit a bed and breakfast and get mixed up with a couple of the local men whose libidos are still very much intact.” Miller says the sixperson cast features a few of KPI’s longstanding favourite actors and she herself has been a stalwart behind the scenes with the theatre since 2000. In contrast, the play itself is relatively new – one of 11 plays Michael and Susan Parker have produced to date, including Hot Bed Hotel and Who’s in Bed with the Butler? “These are bedroom farces, this is not Shakespeare,” laughs playwright Michael Parker over the phone from his Florida home. “The plays have absolutely no redeeming literary value whatsoever,
Panthers say thank you! are a lot of musical beds.” One reason Sex Please has been so popular could be for its straight-forward aim – to make people laugh. “If you’re looking for some hidden message or you’re looking for a play that’s trying to make the world a better place, go somewhere else,” he says. “Come to the theatre, have a good laugh, and go home, and ride all the way home with a big silly grin on your face because you had fun tonight. That is our reward.” The play runs May 2-4 at 7:30 p.m. and May 5th at 2 p.m. at the North Grenville Municipal Centre, 285 County Road #44. Tickets are $15 and are available at B&H Community Grocer, Business Strategies, and the North Grenville Municipal Centre or by calling Elaine Groskopf at 613-258-5137. Visit www. kemptvilleplayers.ca for more info.
but they’re hugely successful because they have no pretentions about anything other than creating laughter.” Parker has been writing plays with his wife, Susan, for over 20 years, and is enjoying Sex Please, We’re Sixty’s success as it plays all over the world, including China, Australia, and Canada. “This caught on hugely,” he admits, adding that his favourite scene is when the two male characters suddenly find themselves suffering from typically female issues. “The whole concept of men with menopausal symptoms is something that has just captured the world’s funny bone.” Currently the Parkers are working on Sex Please, We’re Sixty – the musical. “Because the play has been so successful all over the world, there is a chance we can write a musical. We’re going to give it a try,” he says then laughs. “[But] I’m the most nonmusical person on the planet. No really, I can’t hold a tune, I’m tone deaf.” Regardless how the musical turns out, Parker says his formula for success is simple, and aims to keep the audience on the edge of its seat. “You cannot take a single idea and run with it for two hours. The audience gets bored,” he says. “There’s got to be sidewinders, you’ve got to be surprising the audience, you’ve got to have new things coming in. There
The Kemptville Panthers Atom B1 team would like to say “Thank you” to Harvex, Tym Plumbing, Mark's Quality Carpentry, Summitt Seeds Inc., KrisAlis Inc., Formvu Inc., Ron's Roofing, Strone 25 itech. We had great year because of sponsors like you. Members of the Panthers Atom B1 team: Front row left to right, Alex Tym, Reed Ramsden, Mason Felix, Joshua Price, Brandon Lacelle, Simon Piche, Back row, Ryan Watson, Nicolas Leclair, Adam Sterkenberk, Joshua Meulenbroek, Andrew Thompson, Ethan Marion, Devon Ramsden, Riley Smith, Coach Lincoln Tym, Dan Piche, Dave Lacelle and Trainer Steve Thompson. Missing from photo is Brad Jessup and Manager Denise Felix.
KEMPTVILLE YOUTH CENTRE 5 Oxford Street, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0, 613258-5212, www.kemptvilleyc.com Helping the youth of North Grenville make positive lifestyle choices in a safe, non-judgemental environment— since 1994! Our programs are FREE to the youth of our community. Special Programs and Events Motivational Speaker Leigh Bursey , May 2 , 6:00pm-7:00pm Giant Tiger Fundraising BBQ, May 4, 11:00am-3:00pm Golf Tournament Planning Meeting May 13. 6:30pm-7:30pm MyView Youth Film Festival, May 25-26 All Day LA Comes to Kemptville’ Movie Marathon, May 31-June 1, 7:00pm-7:00am Don`t forget that you can check us out on the web: www.kemptvilleyc.com for all our programs, permission forms and information
Competitive Rates
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The Voice of North Grenville
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The North Grenville Times
Open Stage Anniversary
their moments with lovers and friends, I still can recall Some are dead and some are living. In my life, I've loved them all”. John and Terry Brewer were the first hosts of the gig, and came back, month after month, for years, laying a foundation that remains. They were there on Sunday, along with the larger than life AJ Taylor himself, the man who began it all. I have a tradition, where I picked it up, I really don’t know. But I like to repeat the names of those who are not here any more. Some, as Lennon said, are dead and some are living. But they all had a part in this wonderful tradition of music played, not for profit or career, but for its own sake. Music played, songs sung for the sheer joy of it. Joining in with others to play along, or sing the harmony, or just to share a really strong vibe. There’s really nothing like it. So I remember Peter Nicol: the godfather of all of us, the one who commanded the respect of the room whenever he stood up to play. I remember that I seemed always to go on after Peter, and the mic was always miles over my head and had to be dragged down to my level again. Symbolic, I thought. Andre Courtemanche playing Cat Stevens and “Redemption Song”by Marley. Richard Brooks, who in a past life had been part of an English duo who had shared a stage with the Beatles and the Stones. Scott Arena, the cool blues shouter, who seemed always in danger of smashing his guitar, such was the energy with which he played. Kevin Carr, who played Classical Gas, instrumental Beatles songs and wonderful tunes. I remember the afternoon Mally Krock first walked in and sang. The room stopped. Her voice and her songs just silenced everyone. That doesn’t happen very often. I won’t name everyone, far too many to recall, but there was the nonmusician who loved the place and the people and who contributed as much as the singers: Wayne the Bug Man Grimm, we remember you. But its not all sentimental memories. There’s still a weekly event, kept alive by Bruce and Nicole. New
AJ Taylor, Terry & John Brewer, and Bruce Enloe: founders and foundation of the Open Stage for eleven years.
by Dr. Dave
Last Sunday was the 11th anniversary of the Open Stage at the Branch Restaurant in Kemptville. Actually, the Open Stage is older than the Branch - it started when the place was owned by AJ Taylor, and
May 1, 2013
was known as Amanda’s Slip. This was, I think, the first year I didn’t get there for the anniversary, and I was sad and reflective as a result. I mean, eleven years of music on Sunday afternoon. That’s a lot of music, a lot of hours spent in that
magical place - and a lot of memories of people.. “There are places I'll remember all my life though some have changed Some for ever not for better, some have gone, and some remain. All these places have
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The Voice of North Grenville people coming through, adding their names to the story. But the anniversary was a time to look back. Mary Moore and Tom Lillicoe were there to rep-
resent all that, linking us all across the years. So, in the words of the inheritor of this history, and who keeps it going still: “Thank you, friends”.
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The Voice of North Grenville
Deanna Maude Dalziel, artist of the month at Geronimo’s
Deanna was born in Toronto and raised in Oshawa. She moved to the small town of Mountain 4 years ago. Deanna has always had a creative mind, and just painted occasionally because it’s something she enjoyed. During a difficult period of her life, she focused her attention towards painting and became very dedicated to what she was doing and what she created. Painting has allowed her to express herself emotionally. Living in a small town has allowed Deanna’s mind to expand to the finer beauties in life. It has allowed her to take a breath, relax and enjoy what it is to be living. She has found time to paint and truly enjoy it. “My paintings have brought me to a place of freedom in thought and comfort.”
Attention all Artists, Artisans and Vendors Dandelion Festival, May 25 and 26, 2013
Spring has Sprung, the grass is getting green and soon the beautiful Dandelion will be upon us. We would love for you to join us at the 14th annual Dandelion Festival taking place in Old Town Kemptville, May 25 and 26. If you are interested in showcasing and/or selling your art, products or services, this is the festival for you. No experience needed, if you are new to the festival, there will be volunteers and coordinators to help you organize and set up your booth. To secure your booth, you will need to complete a vendor package which can be found on the Dandelion Festival website. Booths are $50 for artists and vendors, $100 for food vendors. If you have any questions, please send us an email at northgrenville@gmail.com. As well, we can be reached by phone at 613-258-4741, ask for Dave or Kathy.
May 1, 2013
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The North Grenville Times
The Voice of North Grenville
By John Barclay, BIA Coordinator Welcome back to the Old Town Kemptville BIA (Business Improvement Area)'s monthly column in the North Grenville Times. When life hands you lemons what do you do? Ellen Grove and Dave Melville, vendors at the Kemptville Kinsmen Farmers' Market will tell you - you make lemonade! Life handed the merchants of Old Town Kemptville a big "lemon" on April 22 when Prescott Street was closed to through traffic for 5 days. Some merchants decided to cut their losses and took a well-deserved staycation; recharging their batteries for what will be a busy month downtown. Many of our businesses are family-run and find achieving the right work/life balance can be a challenge. As Old Town grows over the next few years, you'll see store hours extended as increased traffic and sales translate into hiring more staff to keep the doors open. Other businesses downtown simply chose to make "lemonade" by offering promotions such as the Construction Specials offered by To Be Continued or who, by simply maintaining their regular hours of business, saw slightly increased sales due to less competition or re-directed traffic. Stores and services along Rueben Street, Heather's Healthy Harvest for example, profited by the increased visibility they earned from being along the detour route. To celebrate the re-opening of Prescott Street and the end of Pitch-In Canada Week, Old Town Kemptville businesses and “friends” of Old Town met at 2 pm this past Saturday for a mass sweeping of the sidewalks. This Spring Fling event reminded us that the BIA is a close-knit group with a strong sense of community and a commitment to keep downtown Kemptville a family-friendly place. Upcoming Events: A Mother’s Day Gift Basket Draw takes place on May 11 and the official opening of Anniversary Park on May 24. The opening of the park kicks of the Dandelion Festival on May 25 and 26, which will see the partial closure of Prescott Street for a variety of activities featuring wine and cheese sampling. Don’t forget the Kemptville Kinsmen Farmers’ Market opens May 26 from 11 am to 2 pm. Finally, we are preparing for the 3rd Annual Pirates Day (September 14, 2013), the 2nd Annual Kreepy Kemptville (October 26, 2013), and the 3rd Annual Old Town Christmas event (date TBA). Please join our community online by liking our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/OldTownKemptville) or following us on Twitter (@OldTownKemptvil).
GERONIMO “Coffee to wake the dead”
One of a Kind
146 Prescott St Kemptville 613- 215-0401 geronimo@cogeco.net
Hand Made Bags made right here in our Studio
Tue - Fri: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Rowland Leather 103 Clothier St. E. Kemptville 159 St. Lawrence St. Merrickville
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Children’s Clothing - Newborn Teen TO BE CONTINUED HAS to NEW Toys & EquipmentNew Products HOURS Children’s accessories Mon - Wed. 10 - 5:30 LadiesThurs. jewelry10 & accessories - 7:00 Ladies Casual & Business(NEW EVENING HOURS!) Maternity & Nursing Wear
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138 Prescott St.
138 Prescott St., Kemptville, ONKemptville K0G 1J0
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Health
The North Grenville Times
Focus on Nutrition Fluids/Hydration
by Heather Westendorp Wa t e r c o n s t i t u t e s about 60% of an adult’s body weight and a higher percentage of a child’s body weight. The water in body fluids carries nutrients and waste products throughout the body, maintains blood volume, aids in maintaining blood pressure and temperature. It also participates in metabolic reactions and serves as a solvent for minerals, vitamins, amino acids, glucose and many other small molecules. It even acts as a lubricant and cushion around joints and inside the eyes, spinal cord and amniotic sac surrounding a fetus in the womb. The body can survive only a few days without water. In healthy people, thirst governs water intake. Thirst indicates that we need to drink. The mouth will become dry and we will “feel” thirsty. The entire system sustains a very delicate balance to ensure the body has enough fluid. Thirst lags behind the lack of water. People must pay attention to indications of thirst and take time to get a drink, because ignoring it can lead to dehydration. With aging, thirst sensations may diminish. Thirst can often be confused with hunger, leading to fluid imbalance and unneeded calories. It is a good idea to develop the habit of drinking water regularly. Many people try to get children to eat before having a drink, since the drink will fill up a child and then they will often not eat their dinner. On the opposite end of the scale, seniors tend to drink less, so they are encouraged to drink with a meal. Keeping hydrated during hot months and exercise is very important. Men need to take in an average of 3.7 litres per day and women need to take in an average of 2.7 litres a day in total water. Foods May 1, 2013
contain some water, but most of us try to drink enough in a day to avoid dehydration. To maintain water balance, intake from liquids, foods, and metabolism must equal losses from kidneys, skin, lungs and feces. There are many choices when hydrating. It can be a cup of coffee (filtered water strained through beans), flavoured water, energy drinks, Latte, milkshake, fruit smoothie, juice, tea, soda pop or even just a plain glass of water. All drinks are not the same. Our bodies need water for optimum health and water balance. There are many choices, but some are far better than others. Look at the drinks you consume on a daily basis. How many calories do they contain? Often we are consuming far more calories than we realize with our drinks. A large latte, for example, can contain upwards of a thousand calories in one single serving! Not to mention the fat, salt and sugar that we are ingesting without realizing or counting the amounts. Every drink contains water. Look at what is in that drink besides the water content. Remember your body has to process all the extras to get to the water. Coffee = Caffeine, plus what you add to it (count those calories) and some oil from the beans. Flavoured Water = Sugar or sugar substitute, artificial colour and flavour Energy Drinks = Caffeine, salt, sugar Latte = Caffeine, salt, sugar, fat, artificial flavour and colour Milkshake = Fat, sugar, salt, colour, flavour Fruit smoothie = commercially prepared, High in sugar, artificial colour and flavour. (Commercial smoothies may also contain fat and caffeine). To advertise a “real” fruit smoothie, does not require much real fruit at all. Juice = Sugar and often very low in actual fruit juice. Read the ingredients, if the ingredient starts with water, you can be assured it is not 100% fruit juice. Tea = Caffeine, plus what you add to it (count those calories) Soda pop = Caffeine,
sugar and or substitute, salt, artificial colour and flavour. Water = There is even salt added to some bottles of water. Sodium = salt It is always a good idea to read the labels on every drink product you consume. Know how much fat, sodium, caffeine and sugar is contained in each serving. It may surprise you how many extras you are getting! Not to mention the calories add up throughout the day! Adjust your choice of fluids to accommodate your needed calorie intake. A quick test for hydration is to pinch the top of your hand to pull the skin up. Watch how long it takes for the skin to spread back out again. If it takes a long time, then you are dehydrated! The body cannot live without water for all its functions! The heat of summer or exercise can increase demands on fluid requirements to keep your body hydrated. Some medications can affect fluid balance as well. Having diarrhea or vomiting can also cause sudden fluid loss that needs to be replenished. Many people use commercial drinks like Gatorade to attempt to replenish electrolytes, but this is not the same formula and is not recommended. There are electrolyte solutions available from your drugstore that will replenish fluid balance. Electrolytes help maintain the appropriate distribution of body fluids to help maintain acid-base balance as well. Discuss this with your doctor if you are ill, taking medication or exposing your body to extreme demands. Happy, Healthy Drinking! Heather Westendorp is a graduate of the University of Guelph: Food, Nutrition and Risk Management Diploma. She has also lost over 50 lbs. and is now a healthy weight, improving her health status!
The Voice of North Grenville
Mental health and story sharing with the Women’s Institute by Jeanne Lambert On March 14, the Bishop’s Mills Women’s Institute (BMWI) hosted Anne Longtin from the Brockville office of the Canadian Mental Health Association Leeds Grenville. This open meeting was held as part of the Rural Ontario Sharing Education initiative of the provincial association (ROSE) and there were many guests in attendance as well as local WI members. Longtin, a Mental Health Nurse and Family Support Worker, shared valuable information about dealing with stress as well as challenges to getting help for mental health issues such as stigma and lack of information. Handouts with helpful hints were distributed and included resources in the community and lists of signs and symptoms for different age groups of people with a special focus on women’s mental health. The Membership Committee made a presentation to the Oxford Mills Community Association about Women’s Institute in early April and shared stories at the Sustainability Fair on April 28. The BMWI Facebook page is live and already there have been many people checking in
on the status of the group. The April meeting included the Annual General Meeting and elections of new Executive for the next year. Plans for the monthly meetings were also laid out. The next meeting will be on May 9 at 7:15pm in the Community Hall and the members of the Fairfield Women’s Institute are invited to join our branch members for a craft session making cards. Sheryl McKim, President, will be leading the group in designing greeting cards. The Bishop’s Mills Women’s Institute has been involved in the community since 1985, including documenting the history of the village and encouraging positive change. The Bishop’s Mills Women’s Institute holds monthly meetings and welcomes new members interested in meeting their neighbours and getting involved in their community. If you are interested in finding out more about WI, see the Provincial organization’s website: www.fwio.on.ca and check out the BMWI page on Facebook . For information about attending local meetings, please contact President Sheryl McKim 613-926-2472 or Jeanne Lambert at jmlambert@ tdgraham.com .
Dr. Mamen to Present at Parents Reaching Out Event Free Event on Monday, May 6, 2013, for all North Grenville Parents A dynamic, humorous and celebrated speaker, Maggie Mamen will discuss the issues — from the extraordinary to the everyday — that complicate our contemporary family life. Combining laughter with practical advice, Dr. Mamen will share her recommended strategies that parents can use to provide a family environment that supports the development of resilience and healthy self-esteem in their children. Dr. Mamen will discuss a variety of issues such as independence, values, problem solving, benefits of failure, boundaries, assertiveness, empathy and tolerance. Raising Resilient Children will run from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic School on Monday, May 6, 2013. Childcare will be provided. Holy Cross Catholic School is located at 521 Clothier Street West, Kemptville.
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Community input sought on organics curbside collection program The Municipality of North Grenville is seeking feedback from the community regarding an opportunity to strengthen the local waste diversion program. An Organics Curbside Collection Program has been identified as an option to further reduce waste sent to landfills, and a survey has been initiated to measure public interest and gain feedback on the concept. “Waste reduction is an issue of public concern. Council is asking the community to let us know how they would respond to an Organics Curbside Collection Program. Is it a valuable investment and will our citizens make use of the opportunity? Take a few moments and give us your input” – Mayor David Gordon. The survey is available online at www.ngrecycles. ca or in paper form at the Municipal Centre, the North Grenville Public Library and the Oxford Mills Waste Transfer Station. The deadline to complete the survey is May 31, 2013. Currently North Grenville averages approximately 30% waste diversion through initiatives including the Blue Box, Household Hazardous Waste, Take It Back and Backyard Composting Programs. An Organics Curbside Collection Program may assist North Grenville in reaching the Provincial target of 60% waste diversion. For more information contact Christa Stewart, Public Works Clerk at 613-258-9569 ext 133 or cstewart@northgrenville. on.ca.
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The North Grenville Times
Enjoying our green space Limerick Forest Doors Open event Limerick Forest will be holding a Doors Open event on May 4, from 10:00 - 3:00 at the Interpretive Centre. Forestry Staff and volunteers from the Friends of Limerick Forest group will be on hand to greet visitors and answer questions about the Forest, or take them on guided walks of the trails and boardwalks in the vicinity of the Interpretive Centre. This will be the public’s first chance to view eggs from the heritage Dixon-Turner Egg Collection, which was donated to Limerick Forest in 2011. This collection contains thousands of eggs collected during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Although a substantial portion of the eggs are from North American species, there are many from Europe, Africa and other parts of the world. Many of the eggs have with them notes made by the collectors indicating the location, physical environment and nesting conditions where the eggs were found. Mr. Dixon collected many of
the eggs, and traded with other enthusiasts to obtain specimens from far-flung parts of the world. He passed the collection along to the late Bruce Turner of North Grenville, on condition that it be kept together. Mr. Turner respected that wish, and when the time came that he could no longer care for it, he turned it over to Limerick Forest, with the same condition. Volunteers from the Friends of Limerick Forest group have refurbished the storage cabinets and have catalogued the collection on a computerized database. Photographs have been taken of every group of eggs, for addition to the database. At the Doors Open event, a sampling of the eggs will be on display in the Interpretive Centre. One display case will show eggs and nests of local and North American species, while the other display case will show some of the more unusual and diverse aspects of the collection. Another feature of the Open Doors event will be guided walks of the Old
Rob’s Money Rant
Why you pay so much in taxes
A couple months ago I was sent for some medical tests to check out my heart and arteries among other things. I'm at that magical age now (mid 50's) when men sometimes suddenly drop dead. It turns out my heart is OK and I also regularly exercise. However I am now very conscious of what I eat. I stopped eating sweets for a couple months and instantly dropped 12 pounds. I'm not heavy to begin with so it was a bit of a shock. When I was in having my heart checked I was amazed at the complex and expensive tests and number of professionals involved. I must have seen a dozen professionals over the course of a couple weeks. Expensive professionals. Paid for by your tax dollars. I'm glad they are there. But it got me to thinking and May 1, 2013
wondering about the total impact of the medical profession. It turns out almost 50% of all government spending in Ontario (and remember we are still spending more than we earn in tax and transfer payment revenues) is spent on healthcare. It's a great thing to have available if you need it. But it made me also wonder how much of our health woes are self inflicted with bad eating habits. Some quick research showed me that fully 27% of healthcare expenditures are solely the result of obesity (mostly from bad diet and lack of exercise). Junk food has no "sin tax" on it, but I think it should. It makes me mad to see flyers offering Coke, Pepsi and other sugar-water drinks at prices cheaper than spring water. This is the sort of stuff that is making you and I pay more and more taxes every year. It so bad that the prediction now is our children will on average have a shorter lifespan than us, solely because of their poor eating habits. This is a national tragedy. And some foods smell so innocent. I was
PRIBBLES & NIBBLES
Homestead Trail, which is directly west of the Interpretive Centre. During this walk, the history of the 200 acre property where the former Limerick School, and now the Interpretive Centre stands will be outlined. Visitors will learn about the early settlers, farming in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and will visit the foundation of the Cochrane homestead. They will also learn how and why Limerick Forest came into being. The walk is an easy one, taking less than half an hour. For the more ambitious types, a walk to either of the two boardwalks will give lovely views of one of Limerick’s wetland areas where waterfowl are gathering for nesting. As the forest awakens from its winter slumber, there will be frog choruses aplenty to enliven the air, as well as possibly hawks, beavers and other interesting wildlife to observe. A round trip on the Chalet Loop trail is approximately 3.5 km on solid footing, although there may be puddles to negotiate. Come out and enjoy your Limerick Forest! recently in Ottawa and feeling a bit peckish in the afternoon. I decided to cave-in once and have a sweet Cinnabon. My dear wife looked up the nutrition facts shortly after it was happily sitting in my stomach. A single Cinnabon has 880 calories, 36 grams of fat and 17 grams of saturated (heart clogging) fat and 830 mg of sodium (salt). I cannot tell you how that made me feel at the time; enraged, cheated, violated? I don't know the right word, but I do know one thing. If we don't get this junk food menace under control it will turn us into a nation of sick weaklings. If ever an industry needed high tax intervention, it is the insidious industry of tasty, salty, sugary, fatty junk and fast foods. It is already costing each of us personally thousands of dollars a year in taxes to pay for the free health care attempting to help the people made sick by these foods. Why should we continue to pay more in taxes to fund an industry that is getting away with murder? This industry is killing us and your tax dollars is supporting it. Does anyone else care about this like I do?
The Voice of North Grenville
Marc Meyer’s Food and Folklore Ramble Tuesday, July 9 the Association has invited the Company of Fools to present The Merry Wives of Windsor at Maplewood Park in Oxford Mills. Our countdown sits at 10 weeks remaining. THREE HARES
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With 20 weeks remaining we considered, under the title TINNERS RABBITS the folklore of the Cornwall tin miners ... knockers, white hares and the like. Sharing the peninsula with Cornwall is Devon, and within Devon, in Dartmoor, the moorland churches often display a symbol known as the Three Hares, or Tinners Rabbits. It depicts three hares running around a circle, with their ears joined as a triangle in the center (three hares, each with two ears, yet in the whole image just three ears in total). Hares do well in the higher regions of the moor, for they are better suited to this area than rabbits (which out-compete them almost everywhere else). Tinner's Rabbits is also the name of a Morris dance, performed to the tune "Winster Gallop". This ties in with our discussion of crabtree sticks in week 14, for in addition to the Morris dancers waving kerchiefs and jingling bells, they bang stout sticks against each other, against the ground, and ultimately link them in a circle like spokes in a wheel. There is a Morris group in Devon called Tinners Morris who on May 6 will meet for their Jack-InThe-Green celebrations. It involves a "procession through the High Street led by the Town Crier", a "Jack-in-the-Green followed by the May Queen and attendants", as well as a "drumming band, children, Maypole dancers and other revelers.” JACK-IN-THE-GREEN Robbie Burns and later Lewis Carroll lived in a time when May Day festivities included a Jackin-the-Green, a mobile dancing evergreen, at their center. When Burns was born in 1759 the tradition had not yet taken hold and by the time of Carroll's death in 1898 the tradition had pretty much passed on. By contrast we know that in Shakespeare's time, centuries earlier, Morris dancing was so well established as to play the part of the safely familiar against the prospect of the fearfully foreign. The play is Henry V and the English
are planning their foray into France “ Therefore, I say 'tis meet we all go forth to view the sick and feeble parts of France: and let us do it with no show of fear; no, with no more than if we heard that England were busied with a Whitsun Morris-dance.” Whitsun falls on May 26th this year. Within Morris the tradition of blackening one's face with burnt cork or soot was already well established (as a costume option), but come the Jackin-the-Green style foolery, soot saw an unprecedented revival. Even the Jack under all the foliage was blackened with soot, and not above catching a drink of “good cheer” where he could. It is reported that “Josh Hudson was 'Jackin-the-Green' but was little seen save when he poked his sooty bill through the wentilator to receive his reglars of heavy wet”. The revels were in fact put on by chimney sweeps at this time … master sweeps as well as their young child apprentices (so called climbing boys) that were used to service the long, narrow flues. Some sweeps would dress as fools and some as ladies, bedecked with feathers and flowers, and they would dance to the clanging of whatever instruments, tongs and shovels, saucepans, and marrow bones, were at hand. They would extend a long handled spoon for onlookers to give them spare change. Sending young children up chimneys was out-lawed in 1864 and the chimney-sweep May
Day procession did not survive much beyond. In 1873 all that remained of the sweeps were some enigmatic jesters on donkeys at some of the bigger events. Already in 1844 The Punch Almanac (named after the infamous Punch and Judy puppets) was lamenting the passing of true chimney sweep and Jack-in-the-Green processions. The form remained for a while but had been taken over by those dressing the part and hoping to make some quick coin. “But reader put no faith in such forlorn merry-makers. They are not sweepers. They never made soot their daily bread. They know no more of the inside of a chimney than did Falstaff in his days of sack and sin know the inside of a church.” In The Merry Wives of Windsor, Falstaff may not know the inside of a church but he nearly comes to know the inside of a chimney. He has been invited in to “visit” with a lady while her husband is away hunting game birds. The hunting party returns and Falstaff is left looking for a hiding place. He is dissuaded from the flue when he learns that they on occasion shoot up it with their rifles. Falstaff is told the husband is returning and asks: “What shall I do? I'll creep up into the chimney.” The woman he has come to visit replies “There they always use to discharge their birdingpieces. Creep (instead) into the kiln-hole.”
BIA Sweepers John Barclay and Terry Butler clean up on Prescott Street to remind shoppers they’re open for business
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gas heat, a/c, no smoking THANK YOU North Grenville and pets, available immediHistoral Society Retired senior needs old car ately. 613- 295-0552 The First Oxford Mills Girl Dr. Paul Thibaudeau batteries - making canon Guides would like to thank of Intermesh Enterprises balls 613-258-6254 LE Old Town Kemptville - 113 the community for purchasPrescott St. – commercial – ing our raffle tickets as a will speak on Truck Stops 800 sq. ft. available immedi- fundraiser for our upcoming and Mystery Houses: SERVICES ately. 613-295-0552 trip to Casa Loma in Toronto. Archaeology in Eastern The draw was held on April Ontario. Dr. Thibaudeau, Kemptville - Shop AVON at Old Town Kemptville – 113 15, 2013 in Oxford Mills and who recently excavated home Personal service and Prescott St. - commercial/ the winner of the queen100% guarantee. Anne Hunt office space – 2000 sq. ft., sized “Birdhouses” quilt pre-contact sites in Cassel613-258-3806 baashunt@ available immediately. 613- was Jan Cooper. The second man and an historic site at sympatico.ca 295-0552 prize of the “Rainbow Zebra” Richmond will use these baby quilt was won by Jason digs to detail his talk. This is an opportunity to learn Kemptville Locksmith Boal.” 558-8542*lockout*rekey* For Sale more about the people who installation*residential Chris lived in North Grenville Halden 558-8542 Show this 2002 Alero Fixer UpperHelp Celebrate and the surrounding area ad - get 10% off Good body brakes and Lloyd Cranston’s before the pioneers and in tires $500 OBO 6132161830 the early period after their Looking For a Better Job? 80th Birthday arrival. The doors of The Free training in essential FOR SALE Computer desk Court House, 15 Water skills, certificate courses, with recess keyboard and Street, North Grenville computer use. 613-258-8336 diskette trays $35 Brass & will open at 7:00 pm and ext.61643 Glass display unit 8 shelves Dr. Thibaudeau's presenta$25.00 613 258 4582 Bowen Therapy Restore your tion will begin at 7:30. All health. PAIN, Respiratory, Dining Room set: 6 chairs are welcome - old friends Digestive & more. 613-799- table/buffet/hutch Asking and new. 3315. www.BowenKempt- $350 258-2120 ville.ca Garden Tractor Noma One Tear Studio, Paintings/ A4616 Signature Series Soapstone Sculptures/But- with Grasscatcher,B&S terfly Hearts. Visit by ap- Engine,automatic TransmisMay 11, 2013 pointment or chance www. sion. $400.- 613/258-4519 HannaMacNaughtan.ca 1 to 4pm (613) 258-7297 “le gut truck” - mobile canCall for a Free Consultation teen truck w/established Open invitation to Jesrae Pottery 830 Law Road, route in and around KemptFriends & Family Craig Pollard Certified Personal Trainer Oxford Station. Please call ville. Great stops & customLight Lunch Served 613-258-4671 for an ers - including construction Best Wishes Only appointment. sites, gravel pits, local busiLose Fat Get Strong nesses and more! Business Live Healthier I Can Sew It: Rhonda includes: 2003 GMC ½ ton, 600 Crozier Rd Cybulskie-613-258-5248 stainless steel box, route and Oxford Mills Rhonda@ICanSewIt.ca all equipment. Contact Jenn Better results & Brent for details @ 613are a Phone Al’s Cleanup Services Dump 258-0085. Call Away runs, Grass, Landscaping Al Scott R R #1 Oxford Sta- Earth Roller, 30” wide,24” Public Notice 613.715.2425 tion(613) 258-3847 diam can be filled with wawww.AFitter.Me ter, but has heavy steel The North Grenville Beavers, House Cleaning - Kemptville weight, trailer hitch. Asking Cubs, Scouts and Venturers For Advertising rates area. For quote call 613-294- $130, 258-4519 are looking for an area for please 0385 or dhlacombe@gmail. their annual Scoutrees event. contact Gord at com C2008 Coachman Clipper We’d need a couple of acres gord@ngtimes.ca Sport 126ST Tent Trailer. of field where the owner or call Property Clean up, yards, Immaculate. Non-Smok- would like saplings planted. 613 258 6402 garages, basements, loads ers & pet free. Many fea- We get our saplings at the to dump,anything removed. tures.$5,900. 613-282-6242 Ferguson Forest Center. 613-258-7955 Please contact Dan Gilpin at 30” electric range, self clean- NGScouts@gmail.com. Homeopathic Practitioner ing oven. very good condiDiscover safer, healthier tion.$79.00 CALL 613-258- NEW TIME for Yoga For Evnatural healing alternatives 3557 eryone: Wednesday eveto address pain, fatigue, nings 5:00; Tuesdays 12:00 anxiety & more. e-mail at Your Independent Grocer francesdynhealth@sympatiYARD SALE in Kemptville. Cost is $10.00 co.ca613.258.7602 per class or $12.00 to drop Oxford Mills 1425 County in. Call Maureen at 613-258Sienna Fine Arts Art Classes Road 18, 3 families, Sat. May 9902 to register. and Supplies www.sien- 11, 8-2. nafinearts.com 613-878The North 9706 Ginormous garage/moving sale! Saturday, May 11 from Grenville Times 8am to 1pm. 10 Regiment is Locally FOR RENT Road - in Settler’s Grant. Items big and small...even Owned and Kemptville - 2 bdrm - $900 the house is for sale! Rain or Operated + utilities, hardwood floors, shine! 13
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COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION will hold its Annual General Call for a Free Consultation Meeting on May 2 at 7pm in Maplewood Hall. Last year's financial statement will be presented along with a year-end report. It's a great opportunity to get to know your community Lose Fat Get Strong better and we encourage everyone to drop by. Live Healthier Members of the community in attendance can also nominate or run for a place on our five member Board of Directors. There are cur613.715.2425 www.AFitter.Me rently three vacancies
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ACROSS 1. Wanes 5. Sail supports 10. Leave in a hurry 14. Harvest 15. Accustom 16. Story 17. Hindu princess 18. Deplorable 20. Anagram of "Clients" 22. Version 23. Seek damages 24. Leases 25. Informative 32. Indian monetary unit 33. Sensational 34. Residue from a fire 37. Smell 38. A type of dance 39. Double-reed woodwind
40. Mesh 41. Passageway 42. Lacquer ingredient 43. Velocity indicator 45. Orderly grouping 49. Spy agency 50. Low leather step-in shoes 53. Incinerator 57. Extra 59. Boring 60. Back 61. Andean animal 62. God of love 63. Not less 64. Hermit 65. Anger DOWN 1. Makes a mistake 2. Rhythm
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3. Curse 4. Old maid 5. Environment 6. A Freudian stage 7. Total 8. Tall woody plant 9. Transmit 10. Condition 11. Log home 12. Bestow 13. Adolescents 19. Exhausted 21. Medical breakthrough 25. Weightlifters pump this 26. Naked 27. Smudge 28. Near 29. Gown fabric 30. Annoyed 31. By means of 34. Assist in crime 35. A few 36. Inheritor 38. A small hard seed 39. Poisonous ornamental shrub 41. Heretofore (2 words) 42. Arab chieftain 44. Relating to the eye 45. Warning signal 46. Cowboy sport 47. Radiolocation 48. All excited 51. Small brook 52. Alone 53. Notability 54. Emanation 55. Blockage 56. If not 58. Indian bread
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May 1, 2013
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Could Auto Insurance Rates Cause A Spring Election? That question no longer inspires rolling eyes. Political brinkmanship, strong media attention, and driver dissatisfaction have created a perfect storm. Anything could happen come Budget 2013. Behind that one question are other tough ones: • Why are premiums still high? • What are the costs behind those high premiums? How are premiums set? • Sure there’s fraud, but is it
really that much? Who’s to blame for it? Community newspapers are trusted sources of information. But the issue is complex. We can help break it down. On Wednesday, May 8 the Insurance Bureau of Canada will host a live webinar on auto insurance. We’ll look at the issues, take your questions. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how
auto insurance works, and the forces at play. Cost: FREE (Use a speaker phone and one computer/screen and train as many participants as you want!) After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. Cancellations are per-
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The Voice of North Grenville
The North Grenville Times
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Quality pre-owned furniture to meet your budget
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May 1, 2013
Repairs to leaking and damaged eavestrough Eavestrough cleaning Installation of leaf guard Installation on new construction and replacement eavestrough
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Expanding to 2 floors to serve . you better New Arrivals Weekly + Auction Services
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