ND Times Issue 1 2021 January 13

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Vol 1, No 9

January 13, 2021

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by Jane Adams Aubree May Sylvia Hedge wasn’t going to let Christmas Signature: ______________________________________ Date: ______________________ get in the way. She was born Real Estate . Wills & Estates P P Family Law W I N C HMunicipal ESTER at 6:31 am on December 25 at * BALANCE NOW DUE: $ ST. LAWRENCE ST. 522 Farm Business & Real Estate WINCHESTER, ON Winchester District Memorial 613-774-2670 Employment CORNWALL Hospital (WDMH), weighTOLLGATE RD. W. Commercial &89Corporate CORNWALL, ON 613-933-3535 ing 7 pounds, 5 ounces. Her Stephen Ault . Samantha Berry parents, Shawna Hare and . Warren WW.AULT LAW.CA MallyWMcGregor Leroy Cam Hedge, barely had time Winchester to make the drive from their DISCOUNT 522 St. Lawrence St. home in Kemptville before Winchester, ON $75.00 OFF 613.774.2670 her arrival.

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and I almost delivered in the car,” says Shawna. “One of the Emergency doctors had to come up and things moved quickly from there. Many of the nurses know me because I needed some extra care during my pregnancy. Everything was great.”

Aubree is a little sister for her four-year-old brother Mason, and he was able to get in on the celebrations too.

Shawna, Cam, and Aubree

went home in the afternoon so everyone could open presents!

The first baby born at WDMH in 2021 took a little more time. Her parents, Shelby Fraser-Clouthier and Josh Fawcett, arrived at WDMH at 2:30 on New Year’s Eve from Morrisburg. Dallas Fawcett arrived more than 24 hours later, at 5:41 pm on January 1. She weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces.

“I could not have done it without such an incredible team – every nurse, Dr. Deeb and Ashley, my midwife,” says Shelby. “Thank you more than I can ever express!”

Dallas is lucky to have an older sister named Reagan, who is 10. “She’s such a great help,” says Shelby. “Everything is awesome.”

Congratulations from everyone at WDMH!

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South Mountain Rink & Sledding

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Tid-Bit Musings

by Joselyn Morley South Mountain has one of the five outdoor rinks within North Dundas, with the other four being in Mountain, Hallville, Inkerman, and Morewood. With the indoor rinks closed due to the current pandemic lockdown, let’s hope the winter weather holds, and we can keep the outdoor rinks up and running!

The old shack that sat beside the rink for many years is gone, and has been

replaced by a new, smaller, maintenance shed. Kids used to change their skates in the old shack, but the new shed is for equipment. The shed will be getting siding this year, as well as paint.

There is a four season public pavilion to be built at the park at South Mountain sometime in 2021. In the winter people can tie their skates, or watch skaters, and in the spring, summer, and fall, it will provide shelter and a venue for social gatherings.

scheduled to start January 18, will now start, tentatively, on February 1, 2021. Rink houses normally open, are not open during the shutdown.

South Mountain also has a bit of a sledding hill. It is not of the same caliber as the hill in Limerick Forest, or Conroy Pit in Ottawa, or even the hill in Winchester, but it is just the right size if you're little, and you have a little sled.

The total budget for the new maintenance shed, and pavilion, is $25 353, including landscaping, engineering, labour, contractors, permits, utility hook-ups, and materials.

The indoor rinks are closed, as are the libraries, although branches are doing curbside pickup. All recreation facilities and community centres will be closed until January 23, based on the province's shutdown. The township recreation programs

Todd Elliott flooding South Mountain Rink, sledding hill in the background

Shannon Lever

Marketing Consultant

Phone 613.791.8317 Email: shannonlever@ndtimes.ca January 13, 2021

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by Elva Patterson Rutters RSSW New beginnings. Starting afresh. A do -over.

Resolutions. No matter the term, the motivation remains similar. It is a time to do things differently, in hopes of achieving greater contentment. That time of action doesn't need to correspond with New Year's Eve, you can set the start date as often and whenever you choose. Few rational decisions are made on the spur of the moment. A good friend chose to withdraw from connections as he "figured" himself out. When there is historical abuse, the desire to re-create yourself in thoughts, feelings and behaviour often entails a listening ear. In one's attempt to make sense of things from the past, do not forget to live and enjoy the present. Being a hermit isn't recommended for a long period of time. Mankind was not meant to be alone that goes back to when God create Adam, saw he was alone, and said that was not good, so created woman.

We need socialization. A listening ear helps us make those new choices.

Seems we are always seeking fulfillment of our concept of contentment.

The idea of a more active lifestyle, fewer pounds, new relationships, new jobs, new demographics, implies contentment originates outside the body. True contentment is within the heart, if we could only be happy with what we have.

For many, it is time to break the cycle of abuse, develop a relationship to a deeper level, to spread your wings, and/or to expand your horizons. I always thought Army Brat meant an unruly, misbehaving youngster, and yet it did not fit the youth of so many Army parents I knew. I learned just this summer

it means: Born, Raised And Transferred! For those youth, stability and formation of lifetime friends did not exist, although, with today's social media, that is somewhat alleviated. In fact there are so many transitions in the lives of people due to jobs or relationships, no-one seems to retain connections for a lifetime, like years ago. To aim to increase your connection with family and friends remains challenging with Covid, but the phone and computer gives the chance of keeping in touch.

For many, the church or service club was the point of connecting to the community; but again Covid has put its claws into those connections. Wearing masks forbids us to see if someone is smiling, or sticking their tongue out at us! We are becoming more adept at reading eyes. It remains a task to initiate and maintain relationships.

It has to be a commitment where, often, you get out what you put in.

All those new beginnings, new habits, new resolutions, require work and commitment. Life is not easy, nor is it handed to us on a silver platter. Even if we win the lottery, decisions need to be made. It remains imperative we approach our new beginnings with the awareness of consequences, implications, and strategy applicable to achievement. Clearly defining our plan is essential and 9/10ths of the battle.

Whatever you strive to do, may you seek contentment and growth in your personal being. Do not hesitate to seek the advice of others; especially those who have previously trod the path. Your contentment is only relevant and applicable to you. Treasure YOU! www.ndtimes.ca

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Mayor Fraser’s New Year greetings

Hello, and my best wishes to everyone for a more positive New Year. We have endured 10 months of an unimaginable situation. I am so proud of the efforts made by our community members to deal with this pandemic, the way we have followed

the guidelines as laid out by Dr. Paul, our Chief Medical Officer of Health, the way we have continued to be a caring, compassionate community, and by the way we have continued to support our local businesses in these trying times. I am so proud of us and so proud to be a member of this community.

The changes that this pandemic has made to our lifestyle and our relationships with family members, friends, acquaintances, and strangers will continue for the foreseeable future. A New Year’s message should be a message full of joy, happiness, and promise for better times; unfortunately, this year’s message is one of encourage-

ment to continue doing the right things to ensure that all of us have the best chance to get through this pandemic as healthy as possible. We need to continue being considerate of others, we need to follow the best practices as recommended by our health care experts, and we need to be supportive of our community and all those within it who try to make our lives more comfortable.

We have done well in North Dundas, our efforts to control the spread of this virus is working; but we need to redouble our efforts at this time to ensure that we don’t allow this virus to overwhelm our health care workers or our health care system. The num-

bers across Ontario are rising, and it is imperative that we react with vigour in order to lower the number of cases in our area. We are a strong, supportive community that has consistently demonstrated our compassion for each other, and must be mindful of not letting down our guard. My New Year’s wish is that we continue being considerate of each other’s well-being, and keep following the EOHU recommendations. My hope is that 2021 will be a much more joyous year than 2020.

Take care, be kind and be good to each other, Tony Fraser, Mayor Township of North Dundas.

Your Local Financial Services Professionals Cynthia Batchelor Financial Advisor

Sarah Chisholm Financial Advisor

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North Dundas Fire Service Awards

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Quality Used Car Center L-R: Al Armstrong, Deputy Mayor; Ray Sherrer, Fire Chief, Mountain Station; Parker Havekes, Havekes Land Improvement, Don Levere, Deputy Fire Chief Mountain Station; Dean Keyes, Landowner.

by Joselyn Morley The Annual Award Ceremony for Fire Service Awards could not be held this year because of Covid-19, so Deputy Mayor and Fire Commissioner Allan Armstrong visited fire halls in Chesterville, Morewood and Winchester during their regular December training meetings, to hand out the awards recognising service milestones.

Dan Villeneuve, Eric Wilson, and Ryan McRostie have January 13, 2021

each served for five years.

Matt MacGregor, Jeffrey Sharpley, Rich Yount, and Ryan Hay have served for ten years. Kreg Raistrick has served for fifteen years. Jim Henderson has served for twenty-five years, and will receive a 25-year Service Medal from the Ontario Fire Marshal.

North Dundas Fire Service is a Volunteer Fire Service. There are four stations, Winchester, Chesterville, Morewood, South Mountain,

and a sub-station at Hallville.

Each station has between 19 and 23 fire fighters. They meet at least twice a month to train and practice.

Remember, volunteer fire fighters sport green lights in their own vehicles when answering a call. Pull over and yield right of way to them.

Somehow, there's always someone who doesn't know about the green lights of volunteer fire fighters. Each fall, townships and fire departments have a green light

awareness campaign, and the use of flashing green lights in or on vehicles is restricted to fire services.

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Editorial

Walk on

by David Shanahan Happy New Year and welcome to the first edition of the Times for 2021. To be honest, I wasn’t sure about wishing you a happy new year, given that we’re already two weeks into the new year. It seemed, at first, to be a greeting that’s a little outdated already. But then, when I thought about it, I realised that the wish “Happy New Year” has probably never been as meaningful, and never said with as much sincerity, as it is this year.

Traditionally, saying “Happy New Year” has about as much meaning as that mildly irritating “Have a nice day”. (Incidentally, does that phrase mean “I hope you have a nice day”, in which case it’s a rather trite remark; or is it a command: have a nice day...or else? Oh well, a deep thought for another day, perhaps.) Wishing someone a happy new year is not something we think a lot about, usually. But this year, it’s different.

When we say it, we are almost all thinking about the

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, As the chainsaws and backhoes keep tearing out trees in North Dundas despite over a decade of warnings that our forest cover is already too low to sustain a healthy environment, these facts may be enlightening.

Global warming, contaminated water, severe droughts, bad air advisories -- these have become commonplace in our world. The time is now to recognize the benefits of our natural environment and make protecting it a Number One priority.

Trees lend stability to the landscape by anchoring the soil. They moderate the effects of flooding by absorbing as much as 20% of storm runoff and storing it.

Trees filter groundwater, keeping our fresh water fresh and our well water drinkable.

An average mature tree absorbs 26 lbs of carbon dioxide from the air and releases 13 lbs of oxygen each year — enough for a family of four to breathe for an entire day!

Trees remove pollutants from the air, even the very

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past year, the year everything changed for us. Remembering the many who have died, the millions who suffered, the restrictions and loss of contact, the social isolation that has affected just about everyone, the incredible bravery and dedication of the frontline workers, the essential workers, the ones we must always honour, what we are saying when we wish someone a happy new year is that they may be saved from all of this in 2021.

Of course, we know it’s not over. Perhaps in the summer, maybe in the autumn, there will be some return to what may be considered normal. Vaccines promise much, and without them we can’t count on much improvement. We have learned, in these past many months, that we, as a society, have a clear limit to the amount of patience, endurance, and selfdiscipline we can continue to show. Some people, sadly, never had any of those things to begin with, and continued to endanger their friends, neighbours and families by

their reckless disregard. But maybe that was not a surprise.

There is some pride in remembering how we responded to the Ice Storm in 1998; the way in which people came together to support each other during a very difficult time. But this pandemic was different: we weren’t able to be together physically, restricted in how much we could be of practical help, even to our own family members living away from home. That makes it much harder to deal with. But, when we enjoy what may be called 2020 hindsight, I think we will have a greater sense of pride that we survived these months. It is amazing still how much we’ve learned to accept the sight of people in masks wherever we go. We have adapted fairly well to the new realities of life in a time of covid; but it is not easy or fun.

One of the phrases that has been used quite a lot during this time has been “Together, apart”, that is still the aim, the thing we have to commit ourselves to. We

have missed so much because of this accursed virus, and it is up to us that we don’t lose more than we must. Do whatever you can to support your family and neighbours: support local stores and businesses as much as possible.

Try and find ways to keep in touch with your regular contacts, even if only by email, phone, text, social media, or whatever way you can.

When this is over, and it will be over one day, think how wonderful it will be to hug someone again, to travel anywhere you want, without let or hindrance. Think what it will be like to meet your friends at club meetings, church services, or anywhere you want. To visit someone at their home for a meal, or a chat, or a song or two. To play hockey, or baseball, or soccer, or to curl, to act in a play, or just to attend one, or a concert, or an open stage.

Imagine the freedom we once had. Those days are coming again, sooner or later.

Then we might be able to really appreciate that life again, but in a new way. As

finest particulates that penetrate deepest into our lungs and are connected with some cancers.

Having mature trees on your property can speed home sales by 6 weeks and add 14% to the home’s value. In some areas, having lots of mature trees has increased the value of the home by at least $10,000. That benefits homeowners. [Source: U.S. Department of Forestry] Trees are a natural buffer for noise pollution. A 100 foot by 45 foot patch of trees reduces noise pollution by 50%. [Source: U.S. Department of Energy] Over 50 years, one tree provides $30,000 in oxygen, recycles $35,000 in water, and removes $60,000 of pollution.

Shade provided by trees reduces air conditioning costs in commercial and residential buildings by up to 50%. Their windbreaking abilities can reduce heating bills by 30%.

That saves you money.

Because trees block winter winds, less plowing is needed for drifting snow on roadways. That reduces your tax costs.

Trees provide habitat

for wildlife, many of which reduce pests and pollinate crops. A balanced ecosystem is a healthy ecosystem.

Trees add to the economic health of a community by attracting businesses and homeowners. [Source: Trees Canada] Hospital patients recover significantly faster and with fewer complications when they have a view of trees. This reduces health care costs.

Having trees in a community reduced family violence and domestic crimes by a whopping 22%. This saves money on policing and improves our society.

One acre of trees provides enough oxygen for 18 people and absorbs as much carbon dioxide as a car produces in 26,000 miles.[Source: University of Illinois study on Human Environment Research] Please consider halting the wholesale slaughter of our tree cover and urge our Mayor, Council, and MPPs to immediately enact laws to protect our community from this ongoing escalating threat.

Janice Atkey Videto Winchester

Waste Diversion in North Dundas

Peter Peers Phone 613.989.2850 Email: peterpeers@ndtimes.ca January 13, 2021

North Dundas is currently undertaking an Environmental Assessment of the Townships Waste Management Plan. This is being carried out under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act, in part to help figure out the best way to divert garbage from the landfill, including all organic waste by 2023, as mandated by the province.

Ontario plans to ban all organic waste from landfills by 2023. Ontario will be the third province to ban organic waste from landfill, after Nova Scotia and PEI. Nova Scotia banned organics from landfills in 1998, and has since had difficulty finding enough people to take the compost they have made, because it ended up contaminated with plastics, glass, and other non-organics.

In 2018, Ontario generated over 3.6 million tonnes of food and organic waste.

Approximately 60% of that was sent mostly to landfill.

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Sales Manager

by Joselyn Morley

OFFICE 613-215-0735 Marketing & Sales Shannon Lever 613-791-8317 shannonlever@ndtimes.ca

Accounting Pat Jessop cfo@ngtimes.ca 613-258-4671

Editor editor@ndtimes.ca 613-215-0735

4

veterans of a great struggle, a life or death challenge that we, as a world, confronted for so long. I can remember my mother and grandmother telling me about what they experienced during the Second World War; the privations, the rationing, the constant fear of death and loss of loved ones away for years. They always told me that we young people didn’t realise how easy we had it in comparison. They loved to sing the songs of those days, to remember the music and the dances, the smuggling and thrill of forbidden sugar, or nylons.

One thing they rarely spoke of was the fear, the loss, the internal conflicts. They were determined not to dwell in the past in that way, but to enjoy every new day as much as possible.

Of course, that release, that restoration of freedom and normality, wore off to some extent as they faced the realities of living day to day. But something stayed with them from that time, something that understood how precious life, love, fam-

When food ends up in the landfill, it starts to decompose, and releases methane. It also contaminates the ground and water with lechate. Part of the answer is to redistribute food to people, then animals.

Composting needs to be an end solution.

At the end of October, Minister of Environment, Conservation, and Parks, Jeff Yuek, and the Ontario Government committed over $5 million to help food rescue organizations, First Nations, and other Indigenous organizations buy storage space, freezers, and refrigerated trucks under the Surplus Food Redistribution Infrastructure Program. The Federal government has also set targets for reducing food waste.

More than half of Canada's food supply is wasted each year, and $49.5 billion of that wasted food is avoidable.

Food is wasted from farm to plate, during production, processing, distribution, retail, food-service, and also at home.

Mailing Address P.O. Box 1854 Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0

Staff Reporter joselyn@ndtimes.ca

ily, and friends really are.

Whatever was coming next, they knew they could face, because of what they had already faced.

Maybe we’ll have those kind of stories to tell younger generations: stories of how we all wore masks everywhere. How we couldn’t travel as far as Ottawa, much less further afield (at least not legitimately). We’ll bore them with talk of these days when we struggled against an unseen enemy who terrorised the whole world. And we’ll tell them how we made it through to the other side.

So, look forward to those days when, as Vera Lynne sang: “We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when. But I know we’ll meet again some sunny day”.

With all it means, and from all at the Times, let me say with deep conviction: Happy New Year!

Another part of the Made in Ontario Environment Plan, includes a plan to transition the Blue Box Program to a producer responsibility model. In short, the goal is to take the cost of recycling off of users, municipalities, and tax-payers, and putting the responsibility for the cost of recycling onto the producer.

Producers will begin to be responsible for recycling in January 2023, and by the end of 2025, producers will be fully responsible for providing blue box services all across Ontario. Furthermore,

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SNC reminds residents to be cautious of ice conditions

South Nation River

South Nation Conservation (SNC) is reminding residents that although winter is fully upon us, you should remain cautious when venturing out onto the ice. The Conservation Authority notes that ice formation on the South Nation River has been sporadic and several spots are not yet thick enough for use.

Ice thickness is not usually uniform and can vary depending on outside temperatures, water current and flows, and snow cover. SNC recommends that ice should be at least 15 to 20 cm thick for skating, walking, or pond hockey, and even thicker for snowmobiles. The colour of ice may be an indication of its strength: clear blue ice is the strongest; ice that is cloudy white or grey in colour can be unsafe.

Before going out, be sure to check conditions with local authorities, or with ice hut

South Nation River Flooding Xmas 2020

by Joselyn Morley On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, residents living near the South Nation Watershed were warned that a great deal of rain was going to fall, and flooding was possible as the ground was frozen, and the river already quite high. Sure enough, pictures from the South Nation River running through South Mountain taken on Christmas, resemble those taken in very early spring.

Many sump pumps were working overtime as water went where it could.

A couple of weeks before Christmas, we had a cold spell that froze enough ice to make the river in Chesterville look inviting to at least one adventurous youngster, quite possibly saved by an observant bus driver.

Right now kids are skating on some back bays, and

along the sides of some shallow or slow-moving rivers.

South Nation Conservation is asking people to be very careful heading out onto the ice. Winter is fully upon us, but our fall was unusually warm, and there are many places on the river that are not frozen. Where there is ice, the thickness is not uniform.

Ice formation is affected by snowfall, air and water temperature, current, and depth.

Blue ice is strongest. Grey ice can be dangerous. The repeated cycles of freezing then thawing that have been happening more over the last few years due to climate change, mean that the ice is not as predictable as we may remember.

Kids are home from school because of our current shutdown. Parents are juggling work and remote learning. People are busy, stressed, and distracted. Take

a moment to review ice safety with the children in your life.

If you do plan on going ice fishing, or spending any time on the ice, make sure to let people know where you're going, and when you plan to return. Check with local residents or anglers for information on ice conditions. When going ice fishing, ensure you have a provincial fishing license for those over 18. This year, you can fish in Ontario without a license between February 13 and 15.

Two men fell through the ice on Mississippi Lake on New Year’s day, north-west of here. One man, 26 years old, managed to climb out right away. The other man, 57 years old, could not climb out, and remained in the water for 45 minutes, until rescued by boat by the Beckwith Fire Department.

operators and other anglers if you plan on ice fishing.

SNC recommends being prepared for a worst-case scenario by letting others know where you are going, when you plan on returning, wearing appropriate clothing, and bringing the proper safety equipment including a life jacket, cell phone, ice pick and throw rope.

Parents are encouraged to explain the dangers of ice to their children: they should never go onto ice alone or follow friends or pets onto potentially dangerous ice, no matter how safe, fun, or frozen the ice may seem.

And when the ice is safe to use, SNC encourages local anglers to take advantage of some of the great ice fishing offered along the South Nation River, which houses as many as 72 species of fish.

A provincial fishing licence and hut registration is

required to ice fish along the South Nation River. Fishing licences and hut registrations are issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. More info can be found here: www.ontario.ca/page/ ice-fishing.

When ice fishing, please refrain from dumping your bait bucket into the river, as it could have potentially harmful effects to the local ecosystem by introducing invasive species. And when the fun is done, please clean up to avoid litter being left on the ice.

This year, Canadian residents can fish in Ontario without buying a licence, including along the South Nation River, from February 13 to 15, 2021.

More information on fishing opportunities along the South Nation River can be found at www.nation.on.ca/ recreation/fishing.

Ice Fishing on the South Nation River in Casselman

Peter Peers Sales Manager

Phone 613.989.2850 Email: peterpeers@ndtimes.ca

South Nation River January 9, 2021. Careful on the ice South Mountain January 13, 2021

5

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Winchester Kennels

by Joselyn Morley Taunya Van Allen has owned Winchester Kennels since 2016. Her kennel, located on 10 acres of land on Ormond Road, just south of Winchester, offers boarding, daycare, and grooming.

There are both indoor and outdoor kennels, with indoor both heated and temperature controlled. Dogs get plenty of exercise, great care, and fun while they stay with Taunya.

She welcomes large breed dogs, and dogs who may be challenging. Taunya also donates her time and space, and provides short-term boarding to rescue dogs when needed.

The pandemic and subse-

quent lockdowns have been hard on Taunya's business.

People aren't vacationing or traveling, so dogs don't need to be boarded. Many people are working from home, or aren't working, so few dogs need daycare. Even when people are working, often family or friends are available to provide a midday break for a dog.

For those working long shifts, with an early start, or unconventional hours, Taunya offers self-check in, which allows the dog owner to drop the dog off at any time that is convenient. The owner can arrive or pick up whenever they need to. They put their dog in an assigned kennel

School reopening delayed As COVID-19 cases continue to rise at an alarming rate throughout the province, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, is extending certain measures to keep students, education staff, and residents of Ontario safe. This includes extending in-person learning until January 25, 2021 for elementary school students in the 27 Southern Ontario public health unit regions. These time-limited measures are being taken to help ensure that all Ontarians stay at home as much as possible to minimize transmission of the virus and prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.

Targeted testing done among students and staff in December 2020 confirmed that schools are not a significant source of transmission.

However, with students having been at home for several weeks and with reports of concerning behaviour over the holidays, the positivity rate among schoolaged children has increased sharply. Most troubling, the positivity rate for kids aged 12-13 years old increased from 5.44% in late November, early December to nearly 20% in early January.

Returning students to school now, with community transmission and positivity rates so high, risks losing the hard-fought progress made in keeping schools and students safe. The Ministry of Education will continue to act on the best advice of medical and health experts to ensure that students in Ontario are able to return to school safely.

The government's comprehensive plan of more than $1.3 billion to protect students and promote safe learning environments will continue to be in place to support students and staff.

The plan includes investments in personal protective equipment, improved ventilation, money to support the hiring of additional staff, and the introduction of asymptomatic testing to screen against COVID-19.

"I have and remain firmly committed to getting students back into class as soon as possible - there is nothing more important. However, the best medical and scientific experts have been clear: while schools have been safe places for kids, the sharp rise in community transmission puts that progress and On-

and they can leave, knowing their pet will be well cared for when they are at work. This is great for many essential workers who are working long hours right now.

Many small business owners do not qualify for any of the government assistant programs. Rent subsidies don't apply if you pay a mortgage rather than rent, for example. Most small business owners were not eligible for CERB, and are not eligible for CEB. Even some of the programs, such as the provincial grants for small businesses, match dollar for dollar, which is not helpful if you have very little revenue coming in.

Baldwin’s Birds

by John Baldwin A Happy New Year to all my bird loving friends and their families.

With the cold snap, over Christmas and the last few days of 2020, we have been treated to a very large flock of Red Polls at our feeders. They have shared our garden with some of our more permanent residents. I got outside and withstood the cold, for a while, to get some pictures of them as they fed. Quite a nice way to end the year even if we are still inhibited by the Covid 19 virus. Hopefully we don't have to wait too long before it is all put behind us.

Best wishes to all and stay safe.

January 13, 2021

6

tario families at risk," said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. "During this time, students will remain engaged in live teacher-led online learning with access to enhanced mental health and technology supports."

In the weeks since Ontario was moved into a Provincewide Shutdown, trends in key public health indicators have continued to worsen in both Northern and Southern Ontario, including concerning trends in health system capacity, most notably in hospitals. The impacts of these time-limited measures throughout the province will be evaluated after 14 days to determine if it is safe to lift any restrictions or if they need to be extended.

"In the last two weeks, we have seen concerning trends at home and abroad, as well as increased community transmission during the holidays, indicating that it is not yet the time to begin easing public health and workplace safety measures," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "While extending the shutdown in Northern Ontario is not the news many wanted to hear, we must work together to stop the spread of COVID-19, protect hospital capacity, and save lives."

The Chief Medical Officer of Health will continue to consult with experts, review data, and provide advice to government on the appropriate and effective measures that are needed to protect the health of Ontarians. This will include an assessment of how and when it is safe to exit the Provincewide Shutdown and move public health unit regions back into the COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open, including how a revised approach for the safe reopening of retail may be operationalized.

"As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is crucial that all Ontarians continue to follow all public health and workplace safety measures," said Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. "To help stop the spread of COVID-19 and safeguard health system capacity, Ontarians are strongly urged to stay at home, limit trips outside of their households for essential reasons only and must not gather with individuals outside of the people they live with."

To support families during this extended school closure, child care centres, and home-based child care services will remain open.

Ontario is also expanding eligibility for the Ministry of Education's targeted emergency child care program for a broader number of frontline health and safety workers.

In order to continue to support remote learning, the ministry has recommended that a portion of the second half of federal funding, an additional $80 million investment, will be provided for additional technological devices, such as laptops and tablets, to support school boards in procuring about 160,000 additional devices province-wide.

For those requiring additional support during this challenging period, Ontario is providing an additional $10 million in support of student mental health, including funding for Kids Help Phone to support children and youth across the province. School Mental Health Ontario will be providing mental health resources and strategies to support students during this period.

Financial support is available for families during this temporary remote learning period through the Support for Learners program. Starting on January 11, 2021, an expanded Support for Learners program is providing $200 for each child/youth up to grade 12 and $250 for each child/ youth up to age 21 with special needs. Applications will be open until February 8, 2021.

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Winchester Lions Thrift Store receives occupancy permit

by Joselyn Morley The Winchester Lion's have now met all the requirements in order to open their new Thrift Store at 541 St Lawrence Street! They received the occupancy permit on December 23, but the most recent lockdown will keep the doors closed until about January 23. Many people are anxiously waiting to be able to donate items to the new store. Currently, they are unable to accept donations, although they are working hard to try to develop a donation receiving procedure, and hope to have it up and running shortly! They ask to please refrain from leaving donations in front of the building.

It is not safe, and donations become unusable with weather exposure. Please, when it is time to donate, only donate clean items. The Thrift Store does not have the capacity to wash or dry items. If there is anyone in the community in urgent need of clothing, you can reach the Winchester Lions through their Facebook page, and they will be there to help.

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OFA reflects on a year to remember platforms. We are grateful for our members and counties who have adapted to making these virtual meetings successful, and were overwhelmed by the participation and support shown at our Annual General Meeting.

It is a well-known statistic that the farming community makes up 2% of the population and often, rules and regulations do not initially reflect the unique needs of our sector. In this case, Public Health had declared a vague and ominous restriction on farmworkers, which would limit them to only working at one farm in the hopes of reducing the spread of COVID-19. As a dairy farmer myself, I knew that this would cause significant issues for Ontario's farming families. To solve this issue, I was given the opportunity to work with the Southwestern Public Health Unit (SWPH) and lobbied for clarification to ensure that public health restrictions fairly addressed the unique needs of the agriculture sector.

Along with other lobby efforts, the OFA team worked

by Tracey Arts, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture 2020 has been a whirlwind year for Ontario agriculture. As farm business owners, we had to be flexible and proactive as we adjusted to a new reality.

The pandemic first hit our province in March of this year and has continued to keep our sector on its toes with changing regulations, public health restrictions and loss of traditional market streams for our products.

Together with many partners, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has accomplished a tremendous amount of good for the sector, laying a strong foundation for a post-pandemic road to recovery.

The Ontario agriculture industry has collectively overcome significant obstacles and disruptions, including labour shortages, rail strikes, food processing shutdowns, volatile markets, and a freedom-ofinformation request among a long list of other issues.

Despite these challenges, advocating on behalf of our members remained a top priority for OFA. We continued to champion the diverse interests of our 38,000 farm families.

In early March, our members had to pivot to virtual meetings in order to maintain provincial safety regulations. This change was a big adjustment for a community that values faceto-face interaction, however, our organization was overwhelmed by the cooperation and willingness from our members to embark on this virtual journey with us. We not only adapted to virtual as an organization - we thrived. Throughout the pandemic, our organization has been able to effectively run virtual booths and events, county Annual provincial and county-level meetings for monthly business, as well as county Regional and Annual General Meetings culminating with our first ever OFA wide Annual General Meeting, all successfully through online

to ensure that our members had the tools required to navigate COVID-19 successfully. Communications pivoted to develop resources to help our members navigate effectively. OFA created a summary of financial programs available to farmers, along with a producer's guide to selling directly to consumers throughout the pandemic, a guide for minimizing workplace risk, and fact sheets with the most up-to-date information on our website.

Throughout the pandemic, we continued to advocate hard for the pressing issues affecting our membership.

In a year like no other, OFA lobbied for Bill 156 to be put into force, in order to protect farm animals, the food supply, as well as farmers and their families. We also put our lobby efforts into furthering investments for broadband and cellular expansion, for expansion of natural gas infrastructure for rural, northern and remote communities, and for funding to increase to Ontario's Risk Management Program.

Additionally, OFA successfully influenced the Ontario

government to address our concerns regarding the NotFor-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) and spearheaded the Freedom-of-Information (FOI) request settlement.

You, our members, have also been a large part of this success, as you have all been active advocates, locally holding meetings with politicians to address key priorities and issues within our sector.

We owe our successful year to the collaborative work with fellow industry stakeholders throughout the value chain. Working together for the common goal of a dynamic and robust Ontario agri-food sector during the pandemic has been vital in keeping the agri-food sector resilient.

I am incredibly proud to be a part of such a hardworking sector and to represent my counties at the provincial level. I hope we can end this year on a high note, celebrating Ontario agriculture's resiliency and strong advocacy. On behalf of OFA's team, I wish you all the best in 2021.

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That’s not the way we used to do it!

by Bob Porteous Remember when we used to have to go outside to go to the toilet? Maybe some of you who were raised in cities or towns never had to do that, but myself, being raised on a farm a "few" years ago, I sure did, and so did many of our neighbors. Many of us didn’t have electricity either.

Anyway, I can remember that old “two-holer”, where the bumble bees and yellow jackets buzzed around you while you were trying to get out of there just as quickly as you could finish the paperwork. (Why did they have two-holers anyway? Did you have someone go to the bathroom with you?) Or maybe it was wintertime, and the temperature was lower than your pants, and certain parts of your body stuck to certain parts of the seat. Of course, if you could stand it, it was a good place to hide out, so you didn’t have to pump water to cool the milk. It sure made your sisters mad when you hid out. They had to go do the pumping. I’m glad we don’t do things like that

What you should know about a silent heart attack

Lao Tzu, the Chinese philosopher, wrote that “Silence is a source of great strength.”

Possibly sound advice in some situations. But for people who’ve had a silent heart attack, silence is far from a virtue. In fact, according to a report from the University of California, up to one half of heart attacks are totally silent!

So, how dangerous are these myocardial infarctions, and what is the treatment?

The first indication of an attack may be when an electrocardiogram (ECG) is done for another medical reason and shows a damaged heart.

But it may remain undiscovered until an autopsy revels scarring in the heart’s muscle.

Why does the silent heart attack fail to cause symptoms? Some people have a higher threshold of pain than others. Or a higher blood level of endorphins helps kill pain.

Or a smaller coronary artery is involved, causing less damage. And diabetes can cause degeneration of nerves.

In 2014, the Rotterdam Study, involving longitudinal research on a cohort of citizens, showed the silent attack is associated with a greater chance of dying from any cause, or from cardiovascular disease, for men and women over a period of 20 years,

compared to no heart attack.

In another study, ECG evidence of a silent heart attack was associated with a triple risk of death from coronary heart disease and a 34% risk of dying from any cause over nine years, compared to someone without a heart attack.

It also noted that there was a greater risk among women than men for both types of heart attack. No explanation was given for this difference.

But years ago, Dr. Tirone David, one of the worlds great cardiac surgeons, stressed that by-pass surgery is more difficult in women because their coronary arteries are smaller.

An Icelandic study, published in JAMA Cardiology, showed what happened to cardiology patients over a 13year period. During the first few years, those who had a known heart attack were more likely to die of any cause than those with a silent attack. But after 10 years, silent heart attack patients were just as likely to have died as those who had a known attack.

This means that the silent heart attack can be as dangerous as painful ones. And since they’re so common, it’s prudent to try to prevent them.

What is the best treatment? A silent coronary oc-

curs for the same reasons as one that causes pain. So, being obese, a smoker, diabetic, having high blood cholesterol, hypertension, and a sedentary lifestyle are all risk factors. Your doctor will suggest a change in lifestyle to eliminate them. And a good start is a high fiber diet rich in fruit and vegetables, whole grains and unsaturated fats as found in fish and nuts.

Your doctor may suggest a 33 milligram Aspirin to decrease the risk of blood clot and should explain complications that may occur with this medication. You’ll know from reading past articles that omega-3 fatty acids decrease the risk of clotting, lower triglycerides, increase good cholesterol and decrease inflammation. Visit our website, www.docgiff.com/omega to learn how you can measure your level on the Omega-3 Index.

So, to Lao Tzu, silence may have its virtues. But it can also hide a serious medical problem. A good case scenario is that you get a diagnosis long before an autopsy.

The best case is prevention, prevention, prevention.

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January 13, 2021

McDonell. “Countless people rely on their services every day, and even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, they still deliver.”

The local organizations receiving grants are: Association canadienne-francaise de l’Ontario – Stormont Dundas et Glengarry, Beyond 21, and Glengarry, Nor’westers and Loyalist Museum. The Glengarry Curling Club in North Glengarry Township has also been selected.

The Resilient Communities Fund provides grants of up to $150,000 to help eligible non-profit organizations.

They can apply for a broad and flexible range of needs, such as mental and physical health and wellbeing supports for staff or volunteers, identifying new health and safety processes, or purchasing new technology and personal protective equipment. The fund

food was all supplied by the family whose threshing was being done.

Everyone worked hard, and everyone was hungry when dinnertime finally arrived. There might be as many as twenty hungry men. Oh, how I remember those meals.

The meat, the potatoes, the vegetables, the gravy and, in particular, the pies. Pies of all sorts, apple, cherry, strawberry, raspberry, even maple sugar pies.

The big meal was at dinnertime, but, even though it was "leftovers from dinner", supper was an excellent feast as well. Still, even today, I love “left-over’s”. (Wonder what I’d have to pay for a meal like that today?)

We should never forget though, that it is through the efforts of our predecessors that we are where we are today. Reaping the rewards that parents and grandparents wanted us to have but, at the same time, I can understand when I hear an oldtimer say, “That’s not the way we used to do it”.

Year in review

by Todd Lihou, Corporate Communications Coordinator As we begin the new year, it is an opportunity to look forward to what lies ahead, but also a time to reflect on the year we have just finished.

2020 was not what anyone could have imagined, but at the SDG Library we can be proud of the positive things we did accomplish.

Early in 2020, we launched a new digital book platform, cloudLibrary, that provides an improved user experience at a more economical cost. One of the best features of the new platform is the access to cloudLink, a digital inter-library loan service that provides access to more than 200,000 titles from other libraries in Ontario.

And despite working under the unique conditions resulting from COVID-19, the Library also successfully launched a new online catalogue using BiblioCore.

BiblioCore makes it easy for patrons to explore and

Ontario helps local organizations recover from COVID-19 Jim McDonell, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry, has announced on behalf of the Ontario government that three worthy organizations will receive a total of $175,900 to rebuild and recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This grant is part of the first round of funding through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s new $83-million Resilient Communities Fund.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations.

OTF awarded $115 million to 645 projects last year to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario.

“Non-profit organizations are a crucial and valued part of any community, especially here in Stormont-DundasSouth Glengarry,” said MPP

anymore (pumping water that is, making your sisters mad is another story).

Those were good times though. When neighbors helped neighbors. One of our neighbors had a threshing machine and travelled around the community threshing the grain or filling the silo. His grain or corn, of course, got done first, and then the other farms in order. Not sure how the order was determined, but we were usually the last.

My dad was a very quiet, soft spoken man, so I suspect he did not push to be a priority.

All the neighbors on the threshing list helped one another with the threshing.

The men would bring their horses, wagons, pitchforks, and maybe even some of their older boys, to help with the gathering, loading, and transporting to the barn, filling the granary, and storing the straw.

I remember how everyone looked forward to dinner (today it's called lunch), because the neighbourhood ladies had also gathered together to do the cooking. It was much like a potluck, except the

will also provide grants to support capital needs, such as renovations and facility updates to meet the changing needs of the communities they serve.

“COVID-19 has resulted in a ‘triple threat’ of health, economic and social crises in Ontario, and this funding will help 486 non-profits adapt to those challenges, and ensure that they have the tools and resources to provide the best service to those who need it the most,” said Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, Lisa MacLeod. “As we work towards the province’s economic and social recovery, supporting programs like the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund will make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families.”

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discover Library materials, manage their Library account and connect with staff and other patrons.

The challenge of staying connected with our communities, while also limiting access to our branches, was a daunting task at the beginning of the pandemic. However, SDG Library staff rose to the challenge and found creative and innovative ways to offer services, programs and activities. From the creation of the SDG Stay-At-Home Book Club, to a completely online TD Summer Reading Club program, to STEAM, genealogy and other general interest Zoom programs, the Library continued to offer opportunities to bring people together and to share ideas.

“We are incredibly proud of the efforts of our staff over the past year” said Karen Franklin, Director of Library Services. “And we look forward to using our new tools and skills to continue to offer exceptional library services to SDG.”

2021 may be starting with limited access to physical library services, but it doesn’t mean that the Library is closed. All branches are currently open for curbside pick-up service, digital materials are available anytime at www.sdglibrary.ca, Library support is available through email and phone, and virtual programs, both new and old are being planned. As well, we are getting ready to celebrate 50 years of the SDG Library. No matter what 2021 throws at us, we look forward to continuing to bring you library services!

The SDG Library provides library services to the residents of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. Fifteen branches are located throughout SDG, or online at www.sdglibrary.ca. For specific questions or comments, please contact Susan Wallwork at swallwork@ sdglibrary.ca, or (613) 9368777 ext. 226.

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What is Roblox?

By Naomi Jackson You may have heard kids talk about something called Roblox, and are wondering what it is. Is it a game, and why are young people spending so much time on it? Roblox is a well-known gaming platform that is quickly growing around the world. It is popular with kids, teenagers, and even some adults. Roblox powers imagination and creativity by allowing players to make their own games and publish them to the platform for others to play. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of Roblox players has skyrocketed. After launching in 2006, there are now over 164 million players on Roblox. Let us take a deeper look into the Roblox community, how to get started, how Roblox makes money, how to play safely and avoid online bullying and scams.

If you search for “Roblox” on the internet, you will get a lot of links to different websites. One of those links takes you to the Roblox website, where you can sign in, or sign up to create an account.

After signing in, you will see a list of recommended games and a picture of your avatar head. Everybody starts off with the beginner’s avatar, sometimes called the “noob” avatar. The word noob refers to a new person on Roblox.

If you want an upgrade, you

need Robux which brings us to our next category.

Robux is Roblox’s digital currency. Robux cards ($5 to $50) can be purchased online and in many stores, alongside other gift cards. While you do not need Robux to play most games, they are needed to purchase online clothing, accessories, hair styles, and animations for your avatar.

This is how Roblox, game developers and digital clothing designers make money.

Teenagers and kids want to be noticed and stand out in this online gaming community. Robux allows players to create unique avatars and buy game passes. Game passes can give you special items, abilities, and features in certain games. Players can be whatever and whoever they want to be, they don’t need to be selfconscious at all. This leads us to our next topic: scammers.

As a new player, you need to be careful when you use Robux to buy something in a game. Scammers often target the noobs that just bought Robux. If you even feel a smidge of doubt, like it is too good to be true, then it probably is.

Some scammers will give you a link to a website offering “free Robux”. This is not true.

They can only be bought by yourself, or if someone gives you a Robux gift card. Next to scams, bullying is also a

Tiffanny the Tea Trickster

by Isabelle Nadeau Once upon a time, there were two sisters living together in an old farmhouse.

Both these sisters were vile, and the people in the nearby village called them witches.

A few times a month, a child in the village disappeared.

They were said to have run away because the parents of those children were abusive, but no one knew the truth. The truth, in fact, was darker and more upsetting; the witches had taken them. The sisters, Wilma and Ezmeralda, forced these children to work on their farm as slaves, and none of them were happy.

One day, Ezmeralda walked to the nearby river to catch some frogs for her potion. Behind the bulrushes, she spied a pair of eyes timidly peering at her. Quick as a flash, the witch reached into the bulrushes and pulled out a girl by her pigtails, the girl screamed.

“Ah ha!” cried the witch, “Trying to get away, are we?

What’s your name?”

“Tiffanny,” said the girl,

concern.

One day I was playing a game called Meep City. I was walking around after creating a new outfit and I came across two girl players whose avatars had dark skin and a pride flag draped across their backs. Another player approached them and started to harass them by calling them offensive names.

I said, “Stop harassing them, leave them be! Keep your thoughts to yourself and stop being homophobic and racist!” The two girls and I were enraged by his behaviour.

After five minutes of trying to defend the girls, I said to one of them: “Let’s go someplace else, he just wants attention.”

We went to one of their digital houses and talked about what happened. They said it happens a lot. This made me feel disappointed that there is still this level of racism and homophobia on Roblox today. I am now online friends with them.

Here are some tips to avoid being scammed or bullied. Never play a game that is offering free Robux. Never give out personal information, such as your real name and address. Don’t click on ads in Roblox. Don’t chat with people you don’t know. Roblox is aware that there can be arguments among players, so they have safe chat for players 12 and under.

Roblox is a wonderful, but sometimes harsh, online gaming community. It is growing and changing for the good as more voices speak out to stop cyberbullying and scams. Roblox is safe to play, and incredibly fun to explore with your friends, and might just be the community for you.

“Yes?” The witch answered.

“What does the potion do?”

“Good question,” came a response, “It can turn people into goats. Impressive, right?”

“Oh, yes!” The girl said.

“You look exhausted! How about I make some tea?”

“Good idea,” said Ezmeralda, “Make some for Wilma too. Wilma!” She shouted, “Come down and have some tea!”

“Coming!” Boomed Wilma from upstairs. The stairs shook as the witch descended.

Tiffanny reappeared with cups of tea and served the two sisters. The witches drank greedily. Suddenly, their hands and feet grew into hooves, and their noses became snouts. They had transformed into goats! The ex-witches ran around the house making angry bleating noises. Finally, they ran out the house and were never seen again. The children then took over the farm and lived happily ever after.

The End.

Student Nutrition Programs working through Food Banks

School buildings and student programming sites have become more than just a destination for children and youth to socialize and engage in learning; amongst the many other roles these sites play in our communities, for many children they have also become an important source of nutritious food. To ensure students maintain safe accessibility to healthy food regardless of school closures or location of learning, and in response to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, Upper Canada Leger Centre for Education & Training (UCLCET) diverted an additional $40,000 to local Food Banks during the holiday season, to be provided to families with school-age children.

UCLCET is a community-focused organization that seeks to find innovative ways to spearhead unique projects supporting education, diversity, health and wellbeing in Eastern Ontario. It administers and distributes funding for breakfast and snack programs in over 225 schools and youth agencies throughout the counties of Prescott Russell, Stormont Dundas & Glengarry, Leeds & Grenville and Renfrew. In typical times, healthy food is offered by these programs at

Student Council spreading positivity with Morning Announcements

by Jamie Wilson We have made it through our first week of online classes; things are running smoothly, if not for a bit of Wi-Fi lag. For the past week and a half, Student Council members have been writing positive messages to the students that have been posted on the school social media. These messages feature words of encouragement and motivation for the students, as well as a series of fun facts, helpful tips, and suggestions for activities.

Each Student Council member has been drawing inspiration from their responsibilities on the council when writing these announcements. Our Minister of Social Activities provided a list of fun and creative activities to give students a break from their devices. Our Minister of Communications (that’s me) gave some fun facts about the learning brain; our Prime Minister shared helpful advice on goal setting and organization; our Minister of Athletics suggested ways to stay physically active while at home; our Minister of Finance focused on study habits and time management; and our Deputy Prime Minister talked about hope and perseverance during this difficult time.

These positive messages will continue throughout the month of January, as we hope to encourage the students of North Dundas to put their best efforts into online learning.

January 13, 2021

whimpering. Ezmeralda was angry, she didn’t like it when her captives tried to escape.

“Where did you think you were going? Wilma and I do not tolerate escapees!”

“Well,” said Tiffanny, “I was trying to learn.”

“Learn what?” Asked the witch. “I want to learn how to be a witch, just like you! I admire what you do.” Ezmeralda was stunned, she wasn’t used to flattery or admiration.

“Oh,” she said, “Maybe I could teach you a few things.”

“That would be fantastic!” said the girl. The witch let go of her pigtails and gestured toward the river.

“I’m just gathering the ingredients for a potion, care to help?”

“Of course!” Said Tiffanny.

The rest of the afternoon, they caught frogs in the water, and at dusk, they headed home. All night, they brewed their potion, working until Ezmeralda collapsed on the sofa in the living room.

“Ezmeralda?” Said Tiffanny.

9

no cost to students through food bins, buffet settings, or student self-preparation areas. This program is supported by the provincial Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, among other funding partners, food producers and distributors, and is made possible by the dedicated service of several hundred volunteers.

“Student nutrition programs offered throughout our regions serve more than 6,824,000 meals to over 46,000 students every year,” Matthew Raby, UCLCET Executive Director noted.

“Traditional service models have been adjusted this year to make sure nutritious foods can still be provided to students while ensuring every safety precaution is taken.

The partnership with local Food Banks helps to ensure we can continue reaching

students, regardless of where they are learning.”

Food is being distributed throughout the regions that UCLCET serves through student nutrition programming, to every food bank that is certified by the Feed Ontario partnership.

“Local food banks will always play a vital role in our communities to ensure families remain food secure,” explains Jennifer Cuillerier, UCLCET Student Nutrition Program Manager. “We are so thankful for the generosity of our funding partners, food producers, and distributors.

Through the well-established service and delivery models and standards established by Feed Ontario, we know that our food banks will be in position to provide healthy food to families with schoolage children and youth in our communities at this time.”

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CLASSIFIEDS

CONTACT classifieds@ngtimes.ca The North Grenville Tim CROSSWORD

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28 inch snowblower, automatic HOMEMADE GARDEN TRAILER, starter, new motor $475.00 613 GRILL AT FRONT,OPEN SID- 215 0625 ED $ 125.00 12 HP KOHLER ENGINE,ELECT START,FROM A Mixed seasoned firewood for GENERATOR $ 250.00 CALL JOHN sale, $110 per cord delivered, minimum 3 cord order for de613-269-3113 MERRICKVILLE livery, Jon 613-227-3650 FREE: 2 JBL speakers, approx.

22x14x12 inches in teak cabi- 2 Bridgestone Tires 16" used nets. Also, asstd. 3-ring bind- one summer $150. Call 613ers all in good condition. Call 614-5730 Bill 613 258 6544.

HOUSE FOR SALE: At 114 Hagan St Kemptville. Call 613 2582753 or jbleizert@ripnet.com

CELLANEOUS ANTEDLooking to Rent Farmland for Organic Cash Crops Specifically looking for land that's fallow/overgrown or old hay/pasture. Also interested in conventional cropland to transition to organic. Call or text Mitch @ 613-262-1204

FOR RENT Indoor and outdoor storage for vehicles, boats and RVs. Call Jon at 613-227-3650.

SERVICES HANDYMAN RETIRED CARPENTER Renovations, kitchens, SERVICES bathrooms, additions, Painting, Demolition, decks, home repair.

Drywall, Call George at Carpentry, etc 613 462 7637 Bill at 613-774-2922

email classifieds@ ngtimes.ca for pricing

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1. Sleighs 6. Breezed through 10. Bungle 14. Moon of Saturn 15. Anagram of "Note" 16. Citrus fruit 17. Muse of love poetry 18. A soft porous rock 19. Largest continent 20. Large oblong melon 22. Happy 23. Anagram of "Merit" 24. Scallions 25. Chills and fever 29. Peculiar 31. Advise 33. Subjugate 37. Be a snitch 38. Listener

DOWN 1. Goulash 2. Former Italian currency 3. French for "State" 4. Tryst 5. Sound of contempt 6. Try 7. A stream of lava 8. Implement The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry is 9. Prefect rolling out a fun program to add some colour 10. to Whip our winter maintenance activities. Starting today, residents and other 11. Fine thread interested 12.

Inuit parties can help name each of the 16 snow plows theboat County owns 13. Tiny ballssafe strung during together that are used to keep our vast road system clean and 21. Misinform the winter months.

24. Optical maser By following the link below, residents can open short survey 25. Doesasomething that asks for some options to be chosen, as well as an 26. Satyr opportunity to submit their own name. The survey will remain until Janu27. "Dolive ___ others..."

28.

Appraisal ary 22. After that, the results will be tabulated, and the new names 30. Asthmatic's device ACROSS will be unveiled.

32. Canker sore Impassive 1.“This Sleighs is a great way to39.add some fun in the dead of winter,” said 34. Operatic solo 41. Fetes 6.

Breezed through Transportation and Planning Services Director,35.

Benjamin de Haan.

VVVV 42. Physical examination 10. Bungle “We’re hoping people enjoy this activity and help us time to add some 36. At one (archaic) 44. Where the sun rises 14. Moon of Saturn distinctiveness to our fl eet.”

40.

Bloodline 45. Lance 15. Anagram of "Note" 41. Leopard The County will add 48. the namesmusical to the plows later this winter.

A nine-piece group 16.

Citrus fruit 43.

Against 50.

Words 17. Muse lovemore poetry colourful options include: Some ofofthe 45. Condition 51. Gather responsibilities and 18.

A soft porousCleaver rock • County 46. Prison-related authority 19.

Largest continent • Bainsville Brawler 47. Spare 56. Against 20. Large oblong melon • Morewood Less Snow 49. Anklebone 57. Strip of wood 22. Happy • Sheila Dundela 51. Cause surfeit through 58. Sensational 23.

Anagram of "Merit" • The Barber of Hanesville excess 59.

Tropical tuber 24. Scallions 52. Roman moon goddess 60.

Monster • Eat Meat?

Dun-Vegan 25. Chills and fever 53. Colored part of an eye 61.

Come together 29.

Peculiar • Avonmore Ace 54. Medium-sized tubular pasta 62.

Dash 31.

Advise • Guardian O’Glengarry 55. Biblical garden 63. 365 days 33. Subjugate Link: surveymonkey.com/r/58DP3PD. 64. Indian antelope 37. Be a snitch 38. Listener

39. Impassive 41. Fetes 42. Physical examination 44. Where the sun rises 45. Lance 48. A nine-piece musical group 50. Words 51. Gather responsibilities and authority 56. Against 57. Strip of wood 58. Sensational 59. Tropical tuber 60. Monster 61. Come together 62. Dash 63. 365 days 64. Indian antelope

DOWN 1. Goulash 2. Former Italian currency 3. French for "State" 4. Tryst 5. Sound of contempt 6. Try 7. A stream of lava 8. Implement 9. Prefect 10. Whip 11. Fine thread 12. Inuit boat 13. Tiny balls strung together 21. Misinform 24. Optical maser 25. Does something 26. Satyr 27. "Do ___ others..."

28. Appraisal 30. Asthmatic's device 32. Canker sore 34. Operatic solo 35. V V V V 36. At one time (archaic) 40. Bloodline 41. Leopard 43. Against 45. Condition 46. Prison-related 47. Spare 49. Anklebone 51. Cause surfeit through excess 52. Roman moon goddess 53. Colored part of an eye 54. Medium-sized tubular pasta 55. Biblical garden

Easy

Hard

January 13, 2021

January 13,to2021 Solutions last week’s Sudoku

10

Medium

Solution to last week’s Crossword

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The North Dundas Times

Johanna Paula Romar – Voorthuizen January 30, 1942 - January 1, 2021

After a long battle of cancer, she peacefully passed away at home on January 1st, 2021.

Johanna Paula (‘Hannie’) Romar of Hallville, born on January 30th, 1942 in Medemblik, The Netherlands. Beloved wife of Filippus Romar of 56 years. They were married on October 16, 1964 in The Netherlands. She is survived by her husband Filippus, her children Frank (Shirlee), Marcel (Gea), Hans (Linda), Erwin (Francine) and her grandchildren Basten and Megan. She is survived by her sisters Rie Visser (late Meindert), Diet Douma (late Jan) and her brother Henk. She is predeceased by her brothers Jan (late Gre) and Leen (Simone). It was Johanna’s dream to live in Canada, so the family emigrated in the Spring of 1986 to Russell, Ontario. Subsequently, they moved to Brinston, Ontario and then Beausejour, Manitoba, in search of a larger farm. However, due to the harsh winters, they returned to Ontario and reside in Hallville. The family wishes to thank the numerous wonderful nurses, personal support workers (PSW) and Dr. Rattan of Kemptville for their kind and compassionate care that Mom received at home. Also, thank Pastor Ben Last of Southgate Community Church for his prayers and spiritual support.

A private graveside service will be held at Spruce Haven Cemetery, Brinston. A celebration of life is planned for the summer of 2021.

Peter Peers Sales Manager

Phone 613.989.2850 Email: peterpeers@ndtimes.ca

Shannon Lever

Marketing Consultant

Police services launch awareness campaign on methamphetamine

January has been proclaimed 'Crime Stoppers Month' in Canada, and the theme chosen for 2021 is “Helping All Communities Safe”. In support, Crime Stoppers Canada, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) and police services across Canada are launching a national awareness campaign that will run over several months to educate the public on the negative impact of methamphetamine and the threat it poses to the safety and well-being of our communities.

Under the auspices of RICCO (Canadian Integrated Response to Organized Crime), police services participating in this campaign will deploy various communication strategies to provide information to the public on methamphetamine production and methamphetamine prevalence in communities. . Police departments will

make every effort to encourage members of the public to report suspicious activity to their local police departments or to alert Crime Stoppers while maintaining anonymity.

Various Canadian law enforcement agencies have noted an increase in the use, trafficking, importation and production of methamphetamine. Methamphetamine has emerged as one of the most prominent commodities within organized crime, involved in production as well as importation and distribution. The production of one kilogram of methamphetamine generates approximately six kilograms of toxic waste. These wastes are often disposed of through illegal dumping resulting in environmental contamination and threats to public health.

RICCO encourages social media followers to spread the message and information to help educate community

members about the warning signs of possible methamphetamine labs and the dangers of methamphetamine production in our communities. .

RICCO represents all police services in Canada and coordinates national initiatives to curb organized crime through intelligence sharing and collaboration. This partnership goes beyond policing and includes organizations such as the Canada Border Services Agency, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Center of Canada and other federal government departments.

OPP Deputy Commissioner Chuck Cox, Provincial Commander, Investigations and Organized Crime, and RICCO Co-Chair, stated in announcing the new campaign: "Canadian law enforcement agencies, and their vital partners like Crime Stoppers, are committed to aggres-

sively tracking down, rooting out and dismantling the crime organizations involved in the proliferation of illegal goods, including methamphetamine, in our communities”.

And, to emphasise the importance of vigilance in communities, David J. Forster, President of Canadian Crime Stoppers Association, noted” “The threat of methamphetamine production and distribution in our communities is growing. Often linked to organized crime, this criminal activity poses a threat to our personal safety.

The Canadian Crime Stoppers Association and its 87 affiliate programs that support communities across Canada encourage the public to report suspicious activity to police or anonymously to Crime Stoppers. Together, we can help all communities to live in safety”.

The Food Corner

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville

1 tablespoons parsley Pepper to taste Parsley garnish Preparation: Cut shrimp in half lengthwise Remove and discard stem end from the tomatoes and cut the remaining portions of the tomatoes into large, bite-size pieces Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat Add the garlic and cook until golden brown Add the tomatoes and cook 2-3 minutes or till softened Add wine and lemon juice and simmer 3-4 minutes Add the shrimp and feta cheese, stirring gently to combine, but being careful not to break up the feta Simmer just long enough for the shrimp to be cooked through (and not too much) Add the butter and stir gently until it is melted into the sauce Place in serving dish over a bed of rice, grind a bit of pepper on top and garnish with parsley.

Try a cold Chardonnay with this one and let me know how it worked out.

After such a long break over the holidays, here’s a double helping of the Food Corner to start off the New Year.

Shrimp with Feta: As we start to wind down from over-indulging over the festive season, we can look at recipes that are a bit more respectful of our waistline. Fish and seafood are a great alternative. In our family, we try to have fish once a week and some form of seafood twice a month. Shrimp is an all-time favourite. They are readily available and the prices aren’t too bad, compared to other seafood such as lobster and scallops. Try this one on for size (it has a bit of Greek influence).

Ingredients: 20 large shrimp, peeled and deveined 8 plum tomatoes ¼ cup of thinly sliced garlic (5 large cloves) 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 1 cup dry white wine 1 cup diced feta cheese 1 stick of butter, cut into pieces and softened (1/2 cup)

Carrot-Orange-Ginger Soup Today is rather chilly, Preparation: and nothing goes down more Dice the carrots, onions and nicely at lunchtime than a ginger into a largish pot. nice warm soup. This soup Completely cover with is a must for your soup list. broth.

It is supremely easy to make Boil until the vegetables are and has a huge flavour punch, very tender. even though its main ingredi- Add grated zest from the ent is the humble carrot. I two oranges. confess to crunching up some Squeeze the juice from the Saltines when enjoying, but oranges into the soup. other folks prefer some fresh Purée with a blender or bread like baguette, or some submersible blender. of those great buns from Stir the cream in slowly by Grahame’s Bakery. If you hand. are vegan, definitely use the Season with salt and pepper to taste. vegetable broth. *Note: broth is available in Ingredients: cardboard containers or you 2 to 3 lbs. of fresh carrots can dilute concentrate (e.g., 2 medium onions Knorr’s) with water.

2 navel oranges Many thanks again for ½ cup fresh ginger, peeled Vegetable or chicken broth* your mails and questions.

Keep ‘em comin’, folks at 2 cups 18% cream my email address: pcormier@ Salt and pepper ranaprocess.com.

Phone 613.791.8317 Email: shannonlever@ndtimes.ca January 13, 2021

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The North Dundas Times

A Very Sweet Donation

Gala 2.0 – Home for the Holidays - the results are doubled!

At the outdoor presentation were (l-r): Cathy’s son Aaron Burns, her husband Alan Burns, Simply Baked employee Jess Stewart, and Simply Baked co-owners Cheryl Beasley and Anne Carriere.

by Jane Adams Cathy Burns was a longtime community volunteer in South Mountain, helping with everything possible – from Nationview Public School, to the South Mountain Fair.

Whatever it was, Cathy was there to support it. Cathy was also an amazing baker. And her famous peanut butter balls were well known throughout the area.

Sadly, Cathy passed away in July, 2019 after a long illness. She had spent a lot of time at Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) having dialysis and her family wanted to give back to

the hospital as thanks for the care she received. So, Cathy’s husband Alan shared her long-held secret peanut butter ball recipe with Anne Carriere of Simply Baked Catering in Winchester. Then the Simply Baked team got to work.

From a simple Facebook post in early December, they received orders for 63 dozen peanut butter balls – 756 in all – resulting in a $315 donation to the WDMH Dialysis Unit in memory of Cathy. Some people even purchased peanut butter balls for WDMH staff.

“We wanted to honour Cathy Burns, a wonderful lady, who gave so much for

the community,” say Simply Baked co-owners Cheryl Beasley and Anne Carriere. They plan to repeat the fundraiser in March, 2022 to coincide with Kidney Month, and make it an annual event.

“Cathy was an absolute gem and is dearly missed,” adds Cindy Peters, Manager of Direct Mail & Events. “I think this is a wonderful tribute to her, and I think she would love that she is still making a difference to her community. Thank you to Alan, the ladies at Simply Baked, and everyone who placed an order.”

Maureen Robertson, Sisters for Life team member presents a cheque to Cindy Ault Peters, Manager of Direct Mail & Events, WDMH Foundation.

by Jane Adams The Sisters for Life team didn’t let COVID-19 slow them down. This year, they turned their annual in-person gala into a virtual Gala on Facebook over six days in November. Guests made a minimum donation of $20 and could join in for various events, games, an online auction, a raffle, throughout the week. There was also a ‘tealight service’ during the finale event, honouring loved ones who are fighting or have fought cancer. The gala also included guest speakers, who

County Council forest donation process begins

the purchase of a new digital mammography machine at WDMH,” notes Cindy Ault Peters, Manager of Direct Mail & Events. “My brother and I are also so pleased to honour our Mom’s wishes to double the impact of every gift. It is a wonderful way to continue our parents’ legacy of giving.”

The North Stormont-area Sisters for Life team has been fundraising to fight cancer since 2013. To date, they have raised more than $150,000.

The County has initiated a process that will solidify the donation of more than 80 acres of forest land to the upper-tier.

County council, at its December 21 meeting, green-lit a process that will see the County accept stewardship of 84 acres of forest that is currently owned by Dr. John Macaulay. The forest, located on Robertson Road near Martintown, has been in Dr. Macaulay’s family for 50 years.

A site visit by the County’s contracted forester (South Nation Conservation) has confirmed that this property has been well managed, consists of predominantly upland tolerant hardwoods, has significant natural features and would ultimately make a wonderful addition to the County’s existing forest.

“This is an incredibly generous and heartfelt donation from Dr. Macaulay and we thank he and his family,” said Benjamin deHaan, County director of planning and transportation.

Given that this property is proposed to be donated to the County under the Canada Ecological Gifts Program, the County would have very little financial obligation relative to the overall value of the donation.

Given its age and condition, the property could be easily incorporated into the County’s existing forest inventory and incorporated into sustainable management plans.

The forest property is located near Martintown January 13, 2021

provided details about cancer care and research, and how their support would make a difference.

The final tally is impressive! Nearly $33,000 was raised this year, to be shared by the WDMH Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society Ontario. The Foundation’s gift of $16,494.27 has been matched thanks to the generosity of the late Patricia Fawcett-Ault, bringing the grand total to $32,988.54!

“The Foundation is grateful to be one of the beneficiaries, with funds directed to

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