ND Times Issue 23 2021 July 14

Reaching by direct mail to over 5,500 homes and businesses in Winchester and area

The Voice of North Dundas

Vol 2, No 23

July 14, 2021

Morewood celebrates cenotaph centenary Honest, Easy, Auto Parts Come see Mike for old-school service, product knowledge & competitive pricing.

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The new sign and arbour entrance at Veterans View Park. Courtesy of the Morewood Recreation Association

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One hundred years ago, on July 6, 1921, a new “soldiers’ monument” was unveiled in Morewood. It was a dignified affair, with a special veterans’ parade and dinner to mark the event. In that seemingly far-off time, special arrangements were made for feeding horses and parking cars. A century later, the efforts of volunteers in the community have resulted in new funding being acquired to renovate

the cenotaph. Veterans Affairs Canada has provided a grant of up to $25,000 through its Commemorative Partnership Program.

This sum will be added to the funds already raised through the volunteer initiative, and it is hoped that a formal rededication ceremony will be held on Friday, September 10, assuming further COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted to allow the local community to attend and participate in the service.

The volunteer committee has been working on the

project for over 18 months.

The Township of North Dundas supported the restoration with a significant donation to kick-off the fundraising campaign, and fundraising events and initiatives have helped to meet their goal. An online Go Fund Me donation page raised $2,000, an online auction brought in another $2,000, and a take-out ham dinner by Christ Church United at the Chesterville Legion also managed to bring in $2,000.

The total cost of the renovations is expected to be

around $63,000 and will involve cleaning, examining and ensuring the structural integrity of the monument and repairing the damaged First World War plaque. A new plaque will be added to include the name of one soldier from Morewood whose name had not been inscribed on the cenotaph, and granite pillars will be added along the outside of the walkway around the cenotaph with images of the soldiers etched on top.

"Proudly serving our Community" Dan Pettigrew Owner & friendly neighbour T: 613.774.1958 Dan.Pettigrew@sobeys.com foodland.ca 12015 Main Street Winchester, ON

cont'd on page 2

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Cont'd from front page Another granite pillar will be added in recognition of those who returned from conflict zones and who would later pass as a result of their service. The new pillar will bear the inscription, “In memory of those who returned who would later succumb to physical or mental diseases or wounds – We Will Remember Them.”

Morewood Cenotaph Committee Chair, Bill Smirle, praised not only Veterans Affairs for its contribution, but also the wider community for its role in making the work possible.

“I am so pleased that Veterans Affairs Canada has supported this project to celebrate one hundred years for our well-recognized cenotaph in the centre of town, but it is also great to report that our community has shown its responsibility and gratitude once again by getting involved quickly with very generous donations that completed our fundraising in record time.”

In announcing the grant from Veterans Affairs, Eric Duncan, Member of Parliament for StormontDundas-South Glengarry, July 14, 2021

Map: Part of the agreed map showing traditional Algonquin boundaries in Eastern Ontario. noted: “We are very fortunate Although these Land Ac- transfer agreement with the that the local volunteers knowledgments are common Mohawk and Mississauga,

by David Shanahan have done such a fantasthroughout Canada, here in not realising that it was Altic job raising funds and this part of the country there gonquin territory. This error finding a nice way to both More and more organisa- is a particularly strong ra- has been admitted by the refurbish and enhance the tions, municipalities, service tionale for making such a Government of Canada in already stunning cenotaph clubs, and other groups are declaration. Most of Eastern a Draft Agreement with the in Morewood. The Com- beginning their meetings Ontario and the Ottawa Valley Algonquin Nation, and the memorative Partnership with a Land Acknowledg- was the traditional ands of the map agreed by both parties Program has been a long- ment. This means they make Algonquin peoples. In fact, shows the boundaries of the standing program at Veter- a statement acknowledging such was their undisputed traditional territory.

And so, a Land Acknowlans Affairs Canada and it is that the land on which they aboriginal title that they had great to see federal support are meeting is the traditional a major settlement on the edgment in this part of Oncoming to this worthwhile land of a First Nation. In Ottawa River where anyone tario is simply a statement milestone project.” much of Eastern Ontario, trading up and down the that this remains unceded Another project that the reference is made to river would have to pay a toll traditional territory of the has been undertaken by the the Algonquin people. But of a percentage of the goods Algonquin. The only land that Morewood Recreation As- some people are opposed to they carried in order to be will, or has, changed hands is sociation recently will also the practice, concerned that allowed use the route. At the Crown land; no private land add to the improvements such an acknowledgment time, the Ottawa River, then can be included, so all private around the area of the ceno- leaves them open to litiga- known as La Grande Riviere property is protected. The taph. Veterans View Park tion, or to claims that could des Algonquins, was the main semi-official text of the Land has a new sign and arbour involve them losing their transportation route across Acknowledgment that can be entrance, thanks to the vol- own property. the country. This made the used in this region states: “We respectfully acuntary work of the AssociaThe fact is that, no mat- Algonquin not only powerful, tion, in particular, Martin ter how strong and valid the but also a target of compet- knowledges that [event/ofReichert. Shane Signs and claims of indigenous peoples ing nations, particularly the fice], are/is [taking place/ located] on the unceded, E.C Carruthers & Sons may be to a particular area, Iroquois.

Utility Construction also the legal status of that land This resulted in the Al- Unsurrendered Territory of donated to the work. Earlier cannot be changed against gonquin being temporar- the Anishinabe Algonquin this year, the Association the will of the owners. Third ily pushed out of the Ottawa Nation, whose presence and worked with the Township party interests are protected Valley. Only coming back stewardship of the Kitchisippi of North Dundas and K2D2 in all cases, even where on a seasonal basis for hunt- and its tributaries, dates back Landscaping to relay the formal land claims are recog- ing and fishing. But during to time immemorial and will stonework pathways at the nised as legitimate by courts that absence, Britain took continue in perpetuity. We Park. Morewood is a hap- of law. In other words, no- over from France as colonial honour their long history of pening place! one is coming to take away “owners” of North America, welcoming many Nations to your home or land. and mistakenly made a land this territory and we acknowl2

edge our shared responsibilities to ensure health and wellbeing for all creation for generations to come.

Further, we respect and affirm the inherent and Treaty Rights of all Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Our acknowledgment of the Algonquin Anishinaabe territory recognizes the oppressive history and current experience of colonization, and is a reflection of our commitment to decolonize, and to recognize and honour the pursuits of Indigenous Nations and Peoples’ self-determination and sovereignty.”

This, then, is what is meant by a Land Acknowledgment: not a claim to anyone’s private property, but a simple statement that we recognise the wrongs of the past, and a desire to do justice to the history we all share as stewards of this land. Perhaps we have matured enough as a people to be able to do so with honesty and gratitude.

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Eastern Ontario Municipalities lift Declaration of Emergency The United Counties of SD&G, the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, and the City of Cornwall have lifted the state of emergency as of June 30, 2021. The state of emergency was declared on March 26, 2020, due to growing concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

Municipal leaders from all three communities consulted

with the Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, when making the decision to end the state of emergency.

COVID-19 restrictions remain in place, and residents are encouraged to stay vigilant. Everyone is encouraged to book an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine at 1-888-999-6488 or at www. ontario.ca/bookvaccine.

physical distancing. I look forward to the day when this is all behind us, and, through science-based decision-making, we will get there soon.”

Municipalities will continue to support the Eastern Ontario Health Unit as the pandemic continues.

“While we appear to be emerging from the shadow of COVID-19, now is not the time for complacency,” said United Counties of SD&G Warden Allan Armstrong. “I urge all residents who are eligible to receive a vaccine to book an appointment as soon as possible. We must also continue other health protocols, like mask-wearing and

- supporting women as they enter and re-enter the workforce, - supporting women’s entrepreneurship, and - removing barriers for women to enter fields in which they are underrepresented including skilled trades and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

The Government announced the creation of a task force on inclusive growth in the 2021 Budget. Its mandate is to provide advice to the Minister of Finance and the Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues to help address the unique and disproportionate economic barriers women face, particularly in an economy that will look different after COVID-19.

The Task Force’s work will be informed by direct consultations with diverse stakeholder groups whose work touches on women’s participation in the economy and Ontario’s workforce.

If you would like to share your feedback as part of this consultation, you can email your submission to submissions@ontario.ca. Submissions will be accepted until July 30, 2021.

Your submission may be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and may be posted online.

Please do not submit personal information, specific identifying details of individuals, companies or other entities or information that you would not want to be made public.

Members of the Task Force were selected for their broad range of expertise, experience and insights into issues related to women’s economic participation. The Task Force’s recommendations will also be informed by direct consultation with diverse stakeholder groups whose work touches on women’s participation in the economy and workforce.

The Task Force will be chaired by Dr. Karin Schnarr, Associate Professor of Policy & Law at the Lazaridis School of Business & Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University where she also serves as the Director of the Undergraduate Business Program. Dr. Schnarr has 15 years of experience in government and private sector management consulting.

WDMH proud to be Tid Bit Musings part of COVID-19

by Elva Patterson Rutters, RSSW Are you listening? Really listening? I made a fourth call Research Project to Bell to seek financial restitution for my spotty phone and internet service since June 22. I told the chap I was frustrated and dismayed that the service still isn't running properly. His first words were, "I'm glad you are happy with our service...."

Excuse me, did he even listen to me?

In regard to Canada Day, folks are quick to say that if you are not angry about the atrocities towards the indigenous people, then you aren't listening. Are those the same people who want to take time and a half for working July 1, or taking it as a holiday? Many of those same individuals claim a woman sexually assaulted in today's world asked for it by where they were, what they said, or how they dressed. Saying a victim has a part in the attack is barbaric and socially defunct thinking. A wrong is a wrong, and no need to dismiss nor negate its impact on people. Sometimes, people refute just so they don't have to change their ways. Once you make an admission, you are obligated to change unless you are insane. There are good people in Canada and we do have many benefits!

We cannot change nor control how others think, but we can be proactive in addressing injustices. We can retaliate with forgiveness and kindness. Take the time to really listen to what someone is saying. Hear the feelings behind the words.

Respond with empathy, or even an admission of how you have never experienced that situation, but promise you are there for them. If you are truly there, don't be preoccupied or flippant. You may mean the world to someone! Be genuine!

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Rays of Sound

Ontario’s Task Force on Women and the Economy The Ontario Government has established Ontario’s Task Force on Women and the Economy to help address the unique and disproportionate economic barriers women face – issues that have been heightened as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Task Force’s recommendations will be reflected in future policy initiatives that support women as the Province rebuilds its economy post-COVID-19 and keeps pace with a rapidly evolving twenty-first century workplace.

Ontario’s Task Force on Women and the Economy will meet throughout the summer of 2021. The Task Force will focus on the following three key areas relating to women’s participation in economic growth:

Services

asking ‘why’, and ‘how we can do this better’ for rural populations,” notes Cholly Boland, WDMH CEO. “Supporting our local communities during COVID-19 is a top priority.”

As part of the study, the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) will work with up to 300 family physicians and nurse practitioners across Canada to build their capacity to deliver evidence-based messaging to support COVID-19 vaccine uptake among their patients. This includes developing tailored messaging to send electronically to specific segments of their patient population who are less likely to have received the vaccine. Factors for not receiving the vaccine may include vaccine

by Jane Adams Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) is proud to be involved in a research study that will suppor t primary care providers in talking to their patients about the COVID-19 vaccine. The project – entitled “A tailored automated COVID vaccine communication strategy to build primary care providers’ capacity to address vaccine hesitancy among their patients” – is being led by the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Ottawa (DFN).

The Public Health Agency of Canada has provided $450,000 in funding for the project.

“WDMH’s research program focuses on always 3

by Stephanie Seaver For business owner Kelly Windle (owner of The Planted Arrow in Winchester) along with her husband Stefan Kuhot, supporting local musical artists has become a priority this year. The arts are very important to them, and they want to support local talent by funding professional studio time. This means pairing up with well-known music venue, Vibration Studios in Osgoode (https://vibrationstudiosinc.weebly.com), who supported the initiative immediately.

Originally, artists were going to be given three hours of studio time. Vibration Studios bumped that up to five hours with a professional producer in a top of the line studio. Kelly and her husband are so grateful to have made this incredible connection.

Who was the inspiration behind this initiative?

Esi Edugyan. She wrote the novel, Half-Blood Blues.

She described her process as writing while listening to the music of the time to aid her in setting the stage for the reader. The music helped her get into the minds and shoes of the characters she wished to convey. Music was a window into the past. Into a moment.

A feeling. An idea. We wanted something like that for our region. Something that would

say, this is what some of our locals are saying with sound in this moment, so that in the future someone could listen to our sound in one moment or another, and get a deeper sense of what it was like to be us. Then Covid hit and venues shut down. Artists couldn’t perform. Their livelihoods were at stake. We found ourselves, fortunately, still above water, even with the wedding season completely gone,” said Stefan. Enter the “Rays of Sound” project. How does all this tie into Kelly’s other business, The Planted Arrow?

“An artist creates. We’ve been creating beautiful transient pieces to add to moments. Sound is another artistic medium that layers onto the moment. Have you ever fully taken in a bouquet while blasting Tchaikovsky‘s Russian March? Start at the base.”

The Rays of Sound has been posting its studio time winners each month on its Facebook page, and have been very happy with the outcome. There have been many soulful submissions with not much heavy metal music so far. No discrimination, just a well formed sound that could benefit from some professional studio time.

Artists can submit their sound to: RaysOfSoundProject@gmail.com.

hesitancy, age, language, education level, rurality, gender, and ethnicity. The EOHU is collaborating with the Canadian Primary Care Information Network (CPIN), the Institut du Savoir at Hôpital Montfort, and WDMH. “This pan-Canadian trial helps family physicians identify which of their patients have not yet been vaccinated and then provides a tailored digital intervention by e-mail and text messages to provide them with appropriate information,” explains Dr. Mohamed Gazarin,

WDMH’s Chief Research Officer and one of the investigators of the study.

Primary care providers interested in helping their patients while demonstrating the value of family medicine in the COVID-19 pandemic should contact stephaniechenail@montfort.on.ca.

If you would like to provide comments or suggestions about hospital services, please contact Cholly Boland, President and CEO, WDMH at 613774-1049, or by email at cboland@wdmh.on.ca.

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Editorial

The North Dundas Times

I’m looking through you

by David Shanahan Last year, we all felt that Canada Day was a bit of a miss; not the usual opportunity to celebrate the land and the people, to sing the songs and enjoy the festivities.

Maybe next year, we fondly thought, when the pandemic is over. That seems like a long time ago now, and this Canada Day was, if anything, more fraught with issues of identity, history, tragedy and shame. Not a good time to celebrate Canada.

Some communities cancelled whatever celebrations they had planned, having reacted with horror to the stories of residential schools and unmarked graves of children. What was there to celebrate, they asked? Canada’s reputation around the world has certainly been battered.

Stories in newspapers abroad not only reported the residential schools stories, they also pointed to the west coast heat wave as a warning of what was soon to be coming to all parts of the world because of climate change. Neither story was one you would want as the focus for Canada Day. An example of this is a headline in the Guardian newspaper on an article written by Mumilaaq Qaqqaq, Member of Parliament for

Nunavut, “This Canada Day, let’s remember: this country was built on genocide”.

There are of course those who believe the entire thing has been exaggerated. They are tired of hearing about the residential schools and everything associated with them.

Calls for reconciliation are dismissed as mere whining.

One online comment on the Times Facebook page simply stated: “I don’t have any interest in reconciliation; we do that via massive tax donations to Indians every year.”

This is a very inaccurate picture of how indigenous communities are funded, especially since so much of those tax “donations” go to pay for a government bureaucracy made necessary by the Indian Act, which was a Crown initiative designed to “civilize” the indigenous people. What did “civilize” mean? Well, that same poster complaining about tax donations makes the following statement: “ I don’t know what the term “reconciliation” is supposed to mean, nothing will erase history.

The focus should be to get people off reserves, educated, healthy and fully integrated with the rest of Canadian society.” That is exactly what the British intended in 1830 when they began the Civilization Policy for indigenous

Eric Duncan unhappy with VIA Rail

Local Member of Parliament Eric Duncan (Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry) issued the following statement on the announcement from Transport Canada and VIA Rail with respect to the future of High Frequency Rail (HFR) between Toronto and Quebec City. “ Wi t h t o d a y ’s a n nouncement to move forward with VIA highfrequency rail service up through Ottawa and Peterborough, there continues to be reasons to worry about what the future holds for service levels in communities like Cornwall that will no longer be along the main route.

VIA’s presentation to Cornwall City Council July 14, 2021

was uninspiring, to say the least, and left more questions than answers.

By now, with this $4 billion project getting a green light, there is no reason why future plans for Cornwall, Brockville, and other stations would not be included in the announcement, allaying the fears that many residents have over rail service across Eastern Ontario.

If the government is trying to announce good news before a possible election, why wouldn’t assurances about service levels not be provided to the Cornwall station as well? It certainly makes it look like there isn’t good news for our region once again”.

people. This ultimately led to the Indian Act in all its manifestations. And that is what led us to the present crisis.

Perhaps reconciliation should be more about asking indigenous people what they mean by the word, instead of the wider community and government deciding that for them, as with the quote above?

The first time indigenous leaders were invited by the Canadian Parliament to meet and discuss indigenous matters was in 1947. Yes, 1947.

And even then, it was considered a major and generous gesture by the settler community to even allow this to happen. The consultations did not last very long.

There are arguments put forward that have validity and need to be addressed, including the one above that says: “nothing will erase history.”

It is true that in many other countries, there is a tendency to say to victims of colonization and imperialism: “That’s history, tough!” And that kind of thing might be fine when it really is a matter of history.

But that is not the case here in Canada. The past is present and the victims are still suffering to one extent or another.

If Canada is the nation it has always prided itself on being, we should be able to address the past and the present and

work to ameliorate the effects we find are still impacting on peoples’ lives.

I am an immigrant to Canada, coming from a nation that has also experienced the horrors and long term effects of colonization. What I found in this country was liberating, wonderful and full of possibilities. I have spent my entire career as a historian working with indigenous communities and learning the real history of Canada. It isn’t always pretty. But I do believe that Canadians are not just acting out of nastiness, racism, or other offensive beliefs and behaviour, though, sadly, some are. The real problem, I believe, is ignorance. Most people simply don’t know the facts. This is true, not just of those such as the commentator quoted above, but also of those well-meaning and liberal thinking people who see everything in stark terms. Everything indigenous is good and pure, and everything settler is nasty and evil. That is just as negative and unhelpful an approach to history and facts as the racist one.

In the past, I have been condemned as a racist myself by readers of this paper, because I tried to point out that the situation is not what most people seem to think. If we want to solve our problems, we have to know what

Open letter to Annamie Paul Annamie Paul, Given that your new shadow cabinet member Richard Zurawski has proclaimed that the GPC is harbouring an antisemitic BDS terrorist group, and given Zurawski has proclaimed that Mr. Manly and Ms. Atwin are promoting that terrorist group’s agenda, and given hate speech such as Zurawski's against the GPC is a violation of the code of conduct, I ask the following: Will you immediately denounce Zurawski's accusations?

Will you immediately remove Zurawski from the shadow cabinet?

Wi l l y o u c a l l f o r Zurawski's expulsion from the GPC?

Or will your handling of this be akin to the way you handled accusations of antisemitism against Green MP's from your spokesperson Noah Zatzman - leaving them undenounced and by default representing your position?

Constantine Kritsonis Former Ontario representative to GPC Council

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they are. Finding solutions to problems that don’t exist in the way we think they do is not going to solve anything.

Are we mature enough yet, as a country and a people, to step back and ask for information, for the facts of history in all their complexity, horror, and tragedy, as well as the stories of people who were heroes, who tried to do the right thing,

Level I Low Water Condition maintained for South Nation River Watershed

by Kelsey Smith Despite the rain received in the month of June, South Nation Conservation’s (SNC) Water Response Team upheld a Level 1 Low Water Condition for its entire watershed in Eastern Ontario on June 30, 2021.

Due to a drier than usual spring and the lack of precipitation, conditions in the South Nation River Watershed meet the threshold for a Level 1 Low Water status under the Ontario Low Water Response Program.

Low Water Conditions are determined based on precipitation and stream flow indicators. Stream flows within SNC’s watershed are below average for this time of year. However, the lack of precipitation is the leading factor in the current low water status. Records indicate that precipitation over the past three months was at least below 80% normal.

While in Level 1 status, SNC asks residents and businesses to reduce their water consumption by 10% to help mitigate the impacts of low water conditions. Water consumption can be reduced by limiting non-essential uses and with the following water conservation practices: 1. Repair all leaks around the home.

2. If you must water your lawn, early morning or late evening watering reduces evaporation.

3. Use a pail of soapy water to wash your car and rinse it off quickly with a hose.

4. Water plants with water collected in a rain barrel.

If you must run the tap, save the excess water for watering plants.

Of the three levels of Low Water Conditions, a Level 1 indicates that there is the potential of a water supply problem should current precipitation and stream flow trends persist.

A Level 2 condition indicates minor supply issues may be apparent and conservation and non-essential restriction is adopted, and a Level 3 condition indicates the failure of water supply to meet demand.

Under the Ontario Low Water Response Program, each Conservation Authority forms a Water Response Team to ensure that the public is provided with advance warning of reduced water availability, and that related decisions are made by local stakeholders, including representatives from provincial and municipal governments, agriculture, and special interest groups.

SNC will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will provide updates as required.

To better understand local conditions; landowners, businesses, and industries are encouraged to contact SNC if they are experiencing any unusual water-related problems.

For more information, please contact Katherine Watson or Sandra Mancini at 1-877-984-2948 or info@nation.on.ca.

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even if unsuccessful, or even misguided? There are heroes as well as villainsoffesnvi in our history.

This year, Canada Day was different. Maybe it is time to look beyond, to look through ourselves into our real identity as a nation, and deal with all of it, good and bad. That will take a lot of courage.

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A Bright Light!

Presenting the cheque are (l-r): Terri-Lynn Villemaire (left) with her daughter Ivory Villemaire.

by Jane Adams For the past month, TerriLynn Villemaire has been selling her beautiful candles and donating a part of the proceeds to the WDMH Foundation. Recently, TerriLynn and her daughter, Ivory, came to WDMH to present a cheque for $201. The money will go to the Family Care Fund.

Cindy Ault Peters, Manager of Direct Mail & Events at the WDMH Foundation, was one of the first people to buy online.

“The candles are wonderful! In all, Terri-Lynn sold 67 of them in support of health-

care close to home. Thank you so much to Terri-Lynn and to everyone who bought a candle.”

To learn more about Bellawax, visit www.facebook. com/Bellawaxx.

The Family Care Fund does just that – ‘supports families just like yours’. Donations to the Family Care Fund will be used where your gift is needed most: to buy new medical equipment, upgrade existing equipment, or meet other urgent needs at WDMH. We work with our donors to help ensure compassionate, excellent health care.

Happy Canada Day Barbara Sandilands!

Q & A with Cyndy & Sarah – Critical Illness Insurance

by Cyndy Batchelor, Bcom, Financial Advisor, O’Farrell Financial Services No one plans for unexpected health problems. An illness can throw your financial stability off track. Did you know that not all bills are covered by your provincial health plan?

In comparison to the past, many more people survive illnesses like cancer and stroke, however, the path to recovery may be long and may mean that you are not able to work and provide income for your family. One in two people will develop cancer in their lifetime. More than half will survive, and that number increases each year. How can Critical Illness Insurance help you?

Q: What is Critical Illness Insurance?

A: Critical Illness Insurance is a living benefit policy that will pay out a lump sum one-time payment to the insured/ owner of the policy if you are diagnosed with a covered critical condition. Conditions can include heart attack, stroke, life-threatening cancer, MS, Coma, Dementia, and Kidney failure, among others. You can check with your Advisor to determine which illnesses are covered.

Q: What can Critical Illness money be used for?

A: Anything you want. This means it can be used to cover medical expenses outside the provincial or your health plan coverage, to cover your other everyday costs like mortgage, groceries, or vehicle, to access private out of country medical treatment, to supplement your lost wages and even cover your business operating costs if you are self-employed. You Brakesto reconnect with • also Vehicle can use itrepairs to take a family• vacation • Class “A” Mechanic • Suspension your loved ones.

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Service Clubs, Charities & Non-Profit Associations

If you are keen to let readers know what you are up to, The North Dundas Times welcomes submissions of your articles and photographs. Please send your submissions to: editor@ndtimes.ca Articles are accepted at anytime, however there is a Friday deadline for the following week.

WINCHESTER 473 Main St. 613-774-2832

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www.mcdougallinsurance.com Susan Casselman from the S4L team presented the WDMH Foundation with a cheque for $1,065.

by Jane Adams July 1 was a day to celebrate for Barbara Sandilands, the first prize winner of the Sisters for Life Raffle in support of the WDMH Foundation. Barbara took home $1,000! The second prize of $300 went to George and Clara Edwardson. Sarah Cecereu won the $200 third prize.

Patients at WDMH were also winners! In all, $1,605 was raised for the Foundation’s Digital Mammography Fund. On July 7, S4L team member Susan Casselman stopped by to present a cheque.

“This group continues to amaze us,” says Cindy Peters, Manager of Direct Mail & Events. “They never stop coming up with new ideas on how to raise funds for health care close to home. We are so grateful for their ongoing support.”

The raffle is the first of a number of fundraisers being organized by the Sisters for Life in support of WDMH in the coming months. Stay tuned to their Facebook page - www. facebook.com/groups/438918486242509 - for details on more ways to get involved!

July 14, 2021

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Agricultural Digest Submitted by William Lennox ( former grandfathers & father farm) now Rutabaga Ranch in Brinston,

Connie Servages Grandkids A big thank you to all those who have submitted these banner pictures

She was boss at age 22 — and sold the business 43 years later

Lezlee Byers with new buyers; general manager George MacMillan, Michel Laplante and his son Jean -Philippe. (Nelson Zandbergen photo, Farmers Forum)

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by Nelson Zandbergen, by permission of the Farmers Forum Byers Farm Equipment is augering in a new era — as is the woman who has been at the helm for the last 43 years. Former proprietor Lezlee Byers officially became an employee at the Chesterville-based business June 14, when a new ownership trio took over.

Gordon MacMillan of St. Albert and father-son team Michel and JeanPhilippe Laplante of Valleyfield, Que., have jointly bought the operation known for its stabling and stalls, material- and manure-handling equipment, feed mixers and ventilation. MacMillan is general manager while Byers stays on in sales for the next two years at Byers Farm Equipment — now with “MacMillan L&L” appended to the end of the company name.

The inventory will also expand as the firm adds the grain handling, bins and drying equipment lines the Laplantes are known for at the original Ormstown,

Que. business — Les E΄quipements L&L Lte΄e.

The Chesterville site will continue to offer Canarm, Val Metal and J Lore products, as well as “all of the lines here that we have” in Ormstown, says Michel Laplante. Expect to see some outdoor displays of the expanded offering, he says, suggesting a grain tank and a conveyor or two will show up at the Byers Road address. Their big brands include AGI, Walinga and Sukup.

MacMillan comes to the business after a long career working for a competing operation. He and Lezlee Byers knew each other, crossing paths many times. “I had told Gord in the past that the business was for sale,” says Byers, standing outside with the group on the day of the transition. “It’s better because you always want your business to continue and expand, not close.

It’s good for everybody,” she says. “And the people in this area always kept saying to me, ‘What are we going to do when you

close?’ It’s going to be so much better for everyone.”

“The stars aligned,” concurs MacMillan, who is also licensed to work on grain dryers.

It was MacMillan who recognized a good opportunity and made the connection with the Laplantes.

Michel Laplante had already expanded his business footprint a few years ago by opening a second outlet — Agri- Service Monte΄re΄gie — with another partner in St. Jean, Que. This is his first move into the province next door.

“I think Eastern Ontario has great territory, and lots of possibilities,” observes Michel Laplante.

“Especially in the grain industry and grain handling, it’s not really — I think — well covered.

There are a lot of cash crop producers.”

Jean-Philippe Laplante says the work has already begun to bring Chesterville online with a common computerized inventory system with the other two locations. “We can better serve the customers that

way,” he observes. “If we know somebody has the parts, even if it’s an hour away, it’s not that far to get you out of a jam.”

Lezlee Byers says her late father, Stuart, branched out from construction to start what was a Jamesway dealership in 1970. He would be “very happy” to see it continue, she says. “And that’s one of the reasons I kept on working, because I didn’t want to close shop. It’s exciting,” adds the married mother of two adult children.

She officially joined the operation in 1978 — though she had also helped out after school going back to the early 1970s. Her father gave her complete charge in 1979 when she was only 22-years-old, as he pursued silo projects in the Toronto area. As a familiar face behind the counter, Byers reports no trouble picking up responsibility for sales and making deals with farmers of that era. Chauvinism was not an issue. Her age and

• • •

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gender caught the attention of the Ottawa Citizen newspaper, which celebrated Byers as an atypical female agribusiness owner “making it big in a man’s world” while “ankle deep” in the “liquid gold” of a prospective customer’s hog barn.

For the last decade, the business has run with just the owner and a single employee, Patty DukeDaines, who is staying on.

“It’s been 43 years, and it doesn’t feel like it,” Byers marvels. She credits her love of the work for allowing time to fly. “It’s only because you enjoy it that it’s not as much of a job as a privilege.”

Though she signed on to stay for two years, she hasn’t ruled out sticking around longer if given the option.

• • • •

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The right people The right products The right services

Fertilizer - Seed - Crop Protection Oxford Station 613-258-3451 888-342-7839

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4-H Ontario Ambassador Post-Secondary Scholarships

Hay Days

by Ellen Biemond Haying season is upon us and farmers across the region are busy cutting, raking, baling and storing - all in preparation to sustain the winter. But it takes more than the act of cutting hay at the appropriate time to ensure a top quality feed for the animals. From soil nutrition and efficient equipment to timing and storage, farmers put endless time and energy into creating a well balanced system that benefits all.

At New Care Farms in Iroquois, Ontario Josh Biemond puts his hay season at the top of the priority list. His Organic dairy herd is grass fed as long as possible year round and with this in mind, Josh has learned to develop a system where he can create the optimum growing conditions for hay that will contain all the nutrients the cows require even in the peak of winter.

The key to quality feed is making sure the ratios between available calcium and phosphorous are at 3:1.

Taking soil samples, tissue samples, final feed samples is one method of checking if the process is sustaining through the life cycle of the

plant before and after cutting.

New Care Farms’ target is to have brix (sugar) levels between 10-15% in the hay which indicates that the minerals and other nutrients are present and will sustain the cut hay far longer while wrapped and will provide enough fibre, protein and energy to significantly limit the need for added minerals and supplements in the diet.

The cows are exclusively on pasture from mid-April though September/October each year and from OctoberDecember they receive a fresh cut/green chopped barley/ peas/oat grass until the snow prevents further cutting. JanMid April, the cows are fed the wrapped hay and receive a limited amount of barley/ peas/oats grain mix during milking to boost the energy levels.

Another key element in developing optimal forage is the equipment being used. This year, Josh took the plunge and finished upgrading his entire line of hay equipment. He started last year with a combination of a front and rear mount mower allowing a total 24’ swath in one pass reducing the amount of compaction and damage

4-H Ontario is pleased to announce that, with the generous sponsorship of the Walker Wood Foundation, a post-secondary scholarship opportunity is available for 4-H Ontario Ambassadors.

The 4-H Ontario Ambassador Scholarship is available to current year 4-H Ontario Ambassadors who are pursuing post-secondary education to support their financial security while acknowledging the effort they exhibit in their role as a 4-H Ontario Ambassador.

“This is an amazing opportunity to further support the young people involved as 4-H Ontario Ambassadors who dedicate so much time and talent to sharing the 4-H story across Ontario during their term,” says Marianne Fallis, 4-H Ontario’s Senior Manager of Programming. “The support from the Walker Wood Foundation is greatly appreciated by 4-H Ontario and the Ambassador team.”

“Walker Wood Foundation is delighted to assist some of the fine, hardworking, and dedicated members of the 4-H Club with their post-Secondary Education”, says Susan Wood, President, Walker Wood Foundation.

In 2021, Faith Emiry, 4-H Ontario Ambassador from the Sudbury District 4-H Association, was the recipient of the scholarship. The 2022 4-H Ontario Ambassador Scholarship will be awarded to a 2021-2022 4-H Ontario Ambassador in February, 2022.

The 4-H Ontario Ambassador program is Sponsored by FS and is 4-H Ontario’s premiere leadership program where up to six youth are selected from the 6,000+ 4-H Ontario participants across the Province as representatives for the organization for a term of one year, providing the opportunity to grow their public relations, leadership, and facilitation skills.

4-H Ontario is a non-profit organization that supports young people in becoming leaders within their communities and assets to the world. With roots in rural Ontario, today 4-H is available across the Province. 4-H youth ages 6–21 and volunteer leaders come together to learn about selected topics through fun, hands-on activities and mentorship. There are also provincial camps, conferences, competitions and national and international travel opportunities available to further develop skills in leadership, professional development, resilience and more. 4-H is passionate about preparing young people for the future and showing them that with the right skills and attitude, anything is possible.

The Walker Wood Foundation was established in 2006

by Neil C.W. Wood and his wife Susan following the sale of some of their corporate assets. The Walker Wood Foundation is dedicated to the funding of post-secondary education to candidates who have a high academic standing, demonstrated leadership or similar qualities and who might have otherwise found it difficult to afford further education. Both Susan and Neil have travelled extensively throughout Canada in an effort to determine where these funds can be most effectively awarded within the various diverse regions of the country. Neil’s father, a medical doctor in the U.K. who attended medical school on a Carnegie Scholarship, inspired Neil and Susan to establish the Walker Wood Foundation.

The Walker Wood Foundation currently gives awards to numerous universities and colleges across Canada.

from the tractor. He has since added a McHale baler and a front mount rake allowing him to complete hay in 2 total passes. Imagine, hay in a day! It can be done. The new equipment is all designed with the preservation of the grasses in mind. The settings allow the operator to control the chop, pressure, size and tension of each bale all from a screen in the cab. Less time wasted getting in and out and more time for more hay.

Finally, timing and biology is everything. Farmers wait and watch the weather multiple times a day looking for the perfect conditions to cut, dry and bale. At New Care Farms, Josh knows that the best time to cut is at 4:00 in the afternoon because this is the peak moment when all the nutrients are up in the grass before being sent back down to the roots at sunset.

If the weather allows it, he is able to cut, let it dry over night and be raked, baled and wrapped by end of day the next day. And he will have captured the hay at its peak nutrient quality.

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Hulbert-Valley United COUNTIES CASH: Church congregation Shop local in SDG and win big gives back particular prize. Counties Allan Armstrong. "We

At the presentation are (l-r): Darlene Fawcett, Kristen Casselman and Richard Gilmer. Darlene and Richard are two of the three trustees from the church who were responsible for managing the sale. (Missing is Dale McDermott)

The saying goes that ‘when one door closes another always opens’. Recently, the Hulbert-Valley United Church was sold, and the congregation chose to give a portion of the proceeds to the WDMH Foundation. We are very grateful.

In late June, two church trustees presented Kristen Casselman with a cheque for $49,574.61. They provided this message from the congregation: “The services provided by Winchester District Memorial Hospital are valuable and necessary in our community. When we think of the people you have helped already, and the vast number of people still in need, the congregation of Hulbert-Valley United Church are not only deeply grateful for your vision, but also pleased to help support your cause. We hope this donation provides a small amount of assistance toward the continuation of your services and we look forward to seeing the continued progress you will make in the future.”

“We are so grateful to the Hulbert-Valley United Church family for this special donation,” noted Foundation Managing Director Kristen Casselman. “Churches support our local communities and so does WDMH. This gift will ensure the best care close to home continues. Thank you to the congregation.”

Counties Cash prize packs per municipality. Winners must spend their Counties Cash in the local municipality attributed to that

As more businesses reopen following months of lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, the United Counties of SDG wishes to celebrate the kickstart of the local economy with a contest COUNTIES CASH. It's pretty simple. Between July 12 and 23 whenever you visit an SDG business (any business), snap a selfie and post it to Twitter or Facebook with the hashtag #shoplocalSDG. On July 26 we will randomly choose 12 winners who will each receive $100 in Counties Cash.

The Counties Cash prize packs are broken down by each of the six local municipalities in SDG. There are two $100

Cash can be spent on anything from groceries to a haircut, car repairs or a wonderful meal in any of our fantastic restaurants.

Winners will be contacted via social media.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially trying for local small businesses," said SDG Warden

want to focus our efforts on promoting our small businesses at every opportunity. So visit local businesses, snap a selfie, and good luck!"

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Ontario supports modernization of small and rural communities The Ontario government is providing up to $1,409,419 to help improve the delivery of critical programs and services in Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry. The funding is being delivered through the Municipal Modernization Program and will support the Township of North Dundas Council Meeting Digitization.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need to deliver programming more efficiently so that people can access the services they need, when they need them,”said Jim McDonell, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry.

“These projects will ensure that our community will benefit from innovative and streamlined solutions in a way that will positively impact services and save taxpayers’ dollars.”

Ontario is providing up to $24 million to support the modernization of 224 small and rural municipalities across the province. A total of 254 projects will receive funding under Intake 2 of Ontario’ Municipal Modernization Program.

Municipalities will use the funding to find efficiencies and implement a wide range of initiatives to digitize, streamline and/or integrate programs and services with neighbouring communities. The funding will also help municipalities administer the cost saving measures in time for the 2022 municipal budget cycle.

July 14, 2021

proud to partner with your local Pharmachoice

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IroquoisMatilda Lions Club

by Lion Jim Devenny, Past President On July 1, the Iroquois-Matilda Lions Club moved into a new Lions year. There are some changes - Lion Carol Thompson will be our new President; Lion Evonne Delegarde will become our Zone Chairperson, and Lion Renée Devenny will become the District Governor.

Our Club has served the community, Lions District, and Lions International for over seventy years. We excel as a Club, because of our members and the community support we receive. By working together, we make our community a better place to live. The Lions cannot do it all. We need, appreciate, and say thanks for the support of family and friends in our many adventures.

Even though last year was a Covid-19 year and we needed to adapt to changing health constraints, we accomplished a lot. With member support, and innovative thinking, we were able to re-imagine our projects and find new ways to serve our community and Lions International. We were able to stay connected as a Club. We remained visible in the community, providing service and support when able.

Look at what we accomplished last year!

Two Chicken BBQ’s, (2020 Applefest and spring 2021) Two Yard Sales, (fall 2020 and spring 2021) Foodland Grocery deliveries Roadside Clean-up “Beer for a Year” raffle Senior’s appreciation and Christmas radio broadcast Peace Poster Contest Iroquois Cenotaph Project commitment Support the Paramedic’s toy drive Assist the Legion with supper deliveries Purchased a new Lions bench Provided workers for the Morrisburg Covid-19 vaccination clinic Organized a food drive for the Dundas Food Share Initiate the Community Garden Project Provided facemasks for seniors Thank you to the community and the businesses for your continuing support. We are all making a difference in our community. Contact any Lions member if you are interested in becoming a part of this incredible organization.

“Where there is a need, there is a Lion”

The North Dundas Times

Seeing the Impact

Joanne Pollock, Registered Nurse and Team Leader in the Operating Room, accepts the cheque for $2,000 for the Ophthalmology Fund.

Once again, the Winchester Lions Club has positively impacted the Ophthalmology department at Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH). Recently, the Lions Club provided a $2,000 gift to the WDMH Foundation’s Ophthalmology Fund. The donation will be used to fund the next piece of required equipment.

“The Winchester Lions are proud to be the Knights of the Blind and to support our great hospital in providing visionrelated health care,” noted the Lions Club Executive. WDMH was chosen as a beneficiary for the Club’s ‘year-end’ giving list.

“We are so grateful to the Winchester Lions for their help in ensuring that eye care services and surgeries are available close to home,” added Foundation Managing Director Kristen Casselman. “This industrious group has donated $150,243 to WDMH and we are very thankful as this specialized equipment can be very expensive.”

Most recently, the local Lions Clubs helped to purchase a new microscope that is used for cataract and strabismus eye surgeries. It acts as a very high intense magnification that the eye surgeon looks through at the same time as performing the surgery. The new microscope cost $94,731.21.

Message from the Medical Officer of Health on the Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines

It has now been more than a year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic – a year that, sadly, has caused significant personal, social and economic hardships for many people. It has also demanded a great deal of sacrifice, effort and patience, as we have all worked together to try to bring the spread of COVID-19 under control. The months ahead will continue to have some challenges, and we must continue to do all we can to protect our community – however, the good news is that we are also seeing significant July 14, 2021

progress in the fight against COVID-19.

Thankfully, safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines are now available and are in the process of being distributed in our region according to Ontario’s 3-phase priority-based distribution plan. Please be assured that the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) is undertaking every effort to distribute the vaccines as soon as they are received in order to protect as many of our residents as possible, as quickly as possible.

Due to high global demand, vaccine supply is limited at this time. To ensure the available supply is used where it is most critically needed, we are currently vaccinating populations at high risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19, and frontline workers who are at high risk of exposure

Winchester’s Little Free Library re-opens to the public

lowing public health precautions – even if you have received the vaccine – until a large majority of residents in our region have been vaccinated.

On a final note, I’d like to thank our region’s residents and our many community partners for your collective contributions to protecting our community throughout this past year, and for your patience as we undertake the enormous effort of vaccinating everyone in the EOHU region who would like to receive the vaccine. We are finally starting to see a light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel, and together, we will get through it.

Sincerely, Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, MD, CM, MPH, FRCP(C), CCPE Medical Officer of Health Eastern Ontario Health Unit

while caring for vulnerable populations and individuals with COVID-19.

Over the coming months, vaccine supply will increase significantly, allowing us to offer vaccines to more people. The EOHU will use a wide range of channels to notify individuals and population groups as soon as they are eligible for vaccination.

I urge everyone to get the vaccine once it becomes available to you – please check our website regularly and subscribe to our social media channels for the latest information.

As with other regions in Ontario, we are now facing an added threat posed by new, more transmissible variants of the COVID-19 virus that can cause a rapid rise in cases, hospitalizations and deaths. For this reason, it remains extremely important to continue fol9

by Hayley Bedford The Winchester Little Free Library on Church Street had to close its tiny, glass-panelled door in April last year due to COVID-19. But as of July 5, that adorable little door has been unlocked, and the books inside are available to the public once more.

The Little Free Library was established in 2014 by local resident Cathy Cullen who was inspired to set up the library after seeing a couple of similar installations while visiting her daughter in Toronto. After discussing the idea of bringing a library to Winchester with her family, Cathy’s son in-law Ryan and her then 4-year-old grandson, Cash, built the Little Library in secret and presented it to Cathy for Christmas in 2014.

Shortly after that, Cathy’s daughter, Samantha, registered the library with the official ‘Little Free Library’ book sharing movement, and the Winchester Little Free Library was born.

The vision of the movement is to inspire and empower readers by making books accessible for all. The concept is to ‘take a book, share a book’, although Cathy admits that she has quite a ‘Back Stock’ of used books; so if you don’t have a book to leave, you are still welcome to take one.

Unfortunately, the library did sustain some damage a few years ago, but was graciously repaired and given a facelift by an unknown neighbour who just wanted to help. Cathy say’s “It has become a community run library for sure”.

The Winchester Little Free Library is located at 520 Church Street and, in Cathy’s words, “Welcome back and Happy reading!”

For more information on the Little Free Library movement visit its website www.littlefreelibrary.org, or follow it on Facebook, www.facebook.com/LittleFreeLibrary.

Hayley Bedford

Marketing Consultant

Phone: 343-777-2702 Email: hayley@ndtimes.ca www.ndtimes.ca

The Voice of Our Community

Taylor’d Safety Services Inc. Safety services tailored to your business needs James Taylor, General Manager

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CROSSWORD

“The Cooperative Education Department at North Dundas District High School would like to thank the following co-op employers for supporting our program during the 2020-2021 school year.”

Algerdale Farm Ambassador Dearie HVAC Inc. Barnhartd Drywall Services Cambridge Public School Cedarview Building Supply Foodland, Winchester Iron Forge Pizza Jed Express Locuslea Farm McDonalds, Kemptville Moriarty Property Maintenance North Dundas Township

OK-Tire O2 Automotive Quintan Products Inc. Seaway Valley Pharmacy, Morrisburg Simply Baked Catering Inc. Stony Creek Farm Sybrenson Farm Thurler Farms Inc. United Counties SD&G VS Landscaping Services

ACROSS 1. Grave marker 6. Eat 10. Midmonth date 14. Trimmed 15. Arab chieftain 16. Tidy 17. Lengthways 18. Italian for "Wine" 19. Devil tree 20. Demoralized 22. Anagram of "Dice" 23. South American weapon 24. Ancient ascetic 26. Iridescent gem 30. Frequently, in poetry 31. Dab 32. Western tie 33. Perishes 35. Parts portrayed 39. Sickness

"Thank you for providing our students with a safe working and learning environment, particularly during Covid times.”

Ontario combatting Islamophobia in schools The Ontario government is investing in a plan to counter Islamophobia and ensure classrooms are free from discrimination.

Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, and Kaleed Rasheed, MPP for Mississauga East-Cooksville and Associate Minister of Digital Government, announced that in collaboration with community partners, funding will be provided for initiatives to support Muslim students and families with an emphasis on enhancing resources and training for educators, targeted supports for students, and digital resources for parents.

According to the most up to date data from Statistics Canada, hate crimes have been on the rise in Canada, with a nine per cent increase in anti-Muslim attacks in 2019, when compared to the previous year. Tragic and disturbing reports and incidents across Canada and the world over the past years underscore the need for action.

“It is unacceptable that many Muslim stuJuly 14, 2021

dents continue to face discrimination in our schools, on our playgrounds and in communities across this country,” said Minister Lecce. “That is why we are investing and partnering with community leaders — who are leading this effort— to counter racism and better support Ontario’s Muslim students and their families. For Premier Ford, Minister Rasheed and myself, we believe in our core that every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and engaged in learning in inclusive classrooms.”

As part of the Safe Return to Class fund, Ontario’s government is providing $225,000 to the Muslim Association of Canada to create digital resources for educators, students and

41. A part of a broadcast serial 43. Trifled (with) 44. German for "Mister" 46. Type of sword 47. 54 in Roman numerals 49. 56 in Roman numerals 50. Lairs 51. Arouse 54. Purposes 56. Low-fat 57. Organized 63. Stake 64. Ballet attire 65. Any compound of oxygen 66. Pesky insects 67. Corrosive 68. Staggers 69. Not nights 70. Shoestring 71. S S S S

DOWN 1. WW1 plane 2. Cab 3. Anagram of "Sire" 4. Jump 5. Improvise 6. Manta ray 7. Mimic 8. 3 times 3 9. Worn away 10. Disinclined 11. Defrost 12. Consumed 13. Ancient Greek unit of length 21. Crucifixes 25. Indian dress 26. Death notice 27. Game on horseback 28. Partner 29. Solitariness 34. Slavery 36. Easy gait 37. Biblical garden 38. Views 40. Modify 42. Choice 45. Stretchable 48. Virginal 51. African antelope 52. Hospitality to strangers (Ancient Greece) 53. Bitchy 55. A cloud of fine particles 58. Cassava 59. Chopping tools 60. Fastens 61. Doing nothing 62. To tax or access

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

parents to raise awareness about Islamophobia. These resources will provide information about Islamic practices, values and misconceptions, root causes of Islamophobia and ways to help end Islamophobia, racism and discrimination.

Ontario is also providing $75,000 to the National Council of Canadian Muslims to facilitate outreach and engagement with Muslim parents and families, with a focus on newcomer communities.

These engagements will provide information on school supports and will provide culturally relevant resources to enhance wellbeing for families and help Muslim students prepare for the return to school in September.

Easy

Medium

Hard

Solution to last week’s Crossword

Hayley Bedford

Marketing Consultant

Phone: 343-777-2702 Email: hayley@ndtimes.ca www.ndtimes.ca

The Voice of Our Community

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The North Dundas Times

Support aging adults during 65-hour online giving event Nearly everyone experienced the feeling of isolation and loneliness during the global pandemic. Unfortunately, these feelings are common for the older adults in our community. Carefor Eastern Counties is committed to helping aging adults stay connected and engaged with their peers and community through our programs and services.

When the pandemic hit, we adapted our programming to continue serving the vulnerable older adults in our community. We worked tirelessly to modify our services in a safe but meaningful way to ensure aging adults remained connected to each other even while they were isolated at home.

We rely on the generosity of this community to support these vital services and programs that are helping older adults to age with dignity and on their own terms. We are kindly asking for support during the Give65 Event to continue serving our aging clients and eventually transition back to how we operated

before the pandemic.

From July 13 to 16, Carefor Eastern Counties is participating in the fourth-annual Give65 Event, a 65-hour online giving event exclusively for charitable organizations serving aging adults presented by Home Instead Charities.

This year, we’re raising funds for the Carefor Eastern Counties Meal Delivery Program, providing nutritious meals to over 500 seniors across the region. Gifts can be made here: www.give65.ca/carefor.

During the Give65 Event, Carefor Eastern Counties we are also raising funds with the hopes of receiving up to $5,000 in matching funds from Home Instead Charities.

Not only does this increase the impact of the donations received, but we are hopeful it inspires people to give back.

“Give65 allows us to help aging adults in our community while raising awareness of the critical need for the programs and services they rely on to safely live independently,” say Jennie Stephenson, Carefor Communications

BACKYARD ASTRONOMY

Embracing Summer Nights

& Fundraising Specialist.

The 65-hour Give65 Event begins at 9 a.m. EST on Tuesday, July 13 and concludes at 2:00 a.m. EST on July 16.

“COVID-19 has really highlighted the challenges aging adults face every day.

Supporting aging adults and providing them the tools to define their own aging journey is always important, but particularly during a global pandemic. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Carefor Eastern Counties for the fourth-annual Give65 Event and hope our partnership inspires greater charitable giving in support of older adults who rely on the important work of the charitable sector,” says Lenli Corbett, executive director of Home Instead Charities.

To learn more about Give65, visit www.Give65. ca. All donations are 100 percent tax deductible in Canada.

For more information about Carefor Eastern Counties, visit www.Carefor.ca or call 613-932-3451 ext. 4247.

by Gary Boyle The Backyard Astronomer It was this time last year that Comet Neowise graced our skies and allowed the world to gaze upon the heavens following its nightly glide amongst the stars. Not since Comet Hale-Bopp in 1997 has a comet been as bright. These mountains of rock and ice are usually small, faint targets only a telescope can reveal. July 2020 belonged to Neowise with its long dust tail easily visible in the bright moonlight. It was a time that we all needed a distraction from Covid-19. Nature has a way of helping to relieve stress and anxiety.

Although there are no predicted bright comets visible for the near future, the night sky is a never-ending stage to view celestial objects with a telescope, binoculars or just the naked eye. The easiest is of course the moon.

On the night of July 11 look for a challenging slender 4%

Finding truth in science is a moving target Having a good debate about matters of your health is not a bad thing. As has been said, “It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.” But recently, having a difference of opinion has become too closely associated with the polarized politics that is endemic in many countries.

People have lost their sensibilities amid noisy pundits arguing nonsense about facts and fake news. So, if you do not know who to turn to for the “truth”, you are not alone.

And maybe you are chasing in the wrong direction.

In the old days, there were fewer authorities holding credible and accessible medical knowledge. Research was bound in books, and it was the “good doctor” who held a monopoly on the practice of medicine. Well trained, experienced, and distinguished, it was customary that the doctor could explain disease symptoms and treatments with confidence, clarity, and compassion. Patients could trust the doctor for medical expertise and outstanding judgment in the face of difficult decisions.

July 14, 2021

Today, even the wisest polymaths on the planet cannot compete with the computing powers that effortlessly generate big data, crunch statistics, run algorithms, and deploy artificial intelligence that can predict problems before they occur.

The volume of published research is growing exponentially. To boot, an upheaval in communications has multiplied the sources of good and bad information for patient and doctor alike.

Some old lessons stick.

In 1902, Henri Poincare, the French mathematician published “Science and Hypothesis”, in which he argued that the absolute truth of science is non-existent. He wrote, “Experiment is the sole source of truth. It alone can teach us something new; it alone can give us certainty.” To appreciate his point, one needs to understand the purpose of research.

The Lancet, one of the world’s leading medical journals, stated nearly a decade ago, in a 2012 editorial on medical research, “Truth in its purest form is rarely apparent. Results are presented not as facts, but as probabili-

ties and uncertainties. The job of medical researchers is to ensure that these probabilities and uncertainty margins are robust - a task that is contingent on the pursuit, not of truth, but of methodological rigor.”

Still, people want answers to their questions.

But, before jumping to conclusions based on the latest YouTube video or Facebook post, or even the statements of esteemed public health authorities, have a look at the objectives of the research they cite, the questions that have been posed, the quality of methodology, and the communication of findings.

Be cautious about interpreting findings from medical research as rigid facts.

The perspective of a statistician will differ from an ethicist, when looking at the same experiment. Ask the director of a clinical trials unit if the objective is finding truth. The response will be an emphatic “no”. Clinical trials are about evaluating an intervention to weigh effectiveness in a controlled experiment.

Reviewing the detailed parameters of research is not a practical pursuit for most.

Selection and synthesis is the job of the journalist – and, now, the public too. People need to be far more discern-

ing in their assessment of information. This means: don’t expect absolutely certainty in the answers to medical problems. Rather, accept that finding truth in science is a moving target. Bertrand Russell, a British Nobel laureate and a champion for freedom of opinion, wrote, “When a man tells you that he knows the exact truth about anything, you are safe in inferring that he is an inexact man.”

Visit www.docgiff.com for health tips and more.

For comments, contact-us@ docgiff.com. Follow us on Instagram @docgiff and @ diana_gifford_jones.

11

thumbnail crescent low in the low western sky just after sunset. The following night, its illumination increases to 9% and is positioned to the upper left of Venus and tiny orange Mars very close to Venus at the lower left.

This is a great time to see the “ghostly” unlit portion of the moon called Earthshine of the Da Vinci Glow. This setting is a prime photography moment for DSLR cameras on a tripod. But the moon is a fantastic sight in any telescope, especially along the dividing line of its day and night side.

The two gas giants of the solar system are now above the southeast horizon well before midnight local time.

Saturn and its majestic rings rise around 10 p.m. with much brighter Jupiter and its Galilean moons appearing about an hour later. Words cannot describe seeing these in a telescope.

Also, take advantage of nights the moon is absent from the sky to see the heart of our Milky Way Galaxy.

Visible from the countryside, away from all light sources, this band of light is the collective glow of billions of distant stars. It stretches from the right side of the “teapot” in the constellation Sagittarius in the south to overhead running through Cygnus the Swan, dubbed the ”Northern Cross” and continues through the iconic “W” of Cassiopeia

the Queen.

With many people heading to campgrounds and cottages, sit back with friends and family and look upon a clear moonless night for a peaceful setting. You will see slow earthly satellites and quick-moving sporadic meteors. As you stare at these distant suns, breathe in the fresh night air as sounds of frogs and crickets play their soothing tones.

Binoculars can reveal a treasure trove of star clusters along the Milky Way along with a few star-forming regions. Hundreds of stars can be seen at a glance. Astronomers now consider that every star has at least one planet orbiting it. A tiny fraction of these exoplanets are earthsized and reside far enough from the sun for water (if it has it) to stay liquid. This could be an indication that life might exist on that distant world, too far for us to travel to.

Over the next couple of months take advantage of experiencing nature whenever and wherever possible.

Embrace the summer night for all it has to offer.

Till next time, clear skies.

Known as “The Backyard Astronomer”, Gary Boyle is an astronomy educator, guest speaker and monthly columnist for the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

He has been interviewed on more than 50 Canadian radio stations as well as television in Canada and the United States. In recognition of his public outreach in astronomy, the International Astronomical Union has honoured him with the naming of Asteroid (22406) Garyboyle. Follow him on Twitter: @astroeducator or his website: www. wondersofastronomy.com.

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Covid-19 Vaccination update for EOHU The Eastern Ontario Health Unit has issued an update on the progress of vaccinations in the region.

The latest statistics available at the time of going to press showed that a total of 209,977 doses had been administered as of July 8.

Number of vaccines given last week June 16 to July 8: 43,949 doses administered at all EOHU settings including mass community clinics, hospitals, pharmacies and primary care Who received vaccines last week: Individuals 12 years of age and older, 1st and 2nd dose, at one of the following sites: Mass community clinics Pop-up mobile clinics Hospitals Pharmacies Primary care Homebound Congregate living Plans for the week of July 12: Local residents aged 12 and older who need a first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can be vaccinated at one of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit’s (EOHU) vaccination clinics

without an appointment. A select number of vaccines are reserved for walk-ins and will be given on a first come, first served basis and while supplies last.

The clinic locations are listed on our website. Additional information on the locations of pop-up clinics will be added.

We continue to accept submissions for the COVID-19 Standby List for remaining doses at the end of a clinic.

We are working to increase the vaccination rate of youth 12-17 and adults 18-29, whose coverage is hovering around 50%.

We are also working to increase the vaccination rate of 1st and 2nd doses among the whole population.

Who is planned to receive vaccines next: Individuals 12 years of age and older are now eligible to receive their 1st and 2nd dose. The 2nd dose must be at least 28 days after the first dose of Moderna or Pfizer.

Thank you to our partners: We continue to work with community partners to offer

Baldwin's Birds

Non Web-footed Birds in, and near water

the COVID-19 vaccine to the EOHU population. Our vaccination efforts are successful thanks to the support of our many community partners.

We wish to thank our partners and the people undertaking this enormous endeavour.

NOTE: Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are administered at COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout the EOHU region. Depending on vaccine availability, individuals attending clinics for their second dose may not receive the same vaccine they received as a first dose.

Please be assured that the EOHU is undertaking every effort to distribute the vaccines as soon as they are received in order to protect as many of our residents as possible, as quickly as possible. It remains extremely important to continue following public health precautions – even if you have received the vaccine – until a large majority of residents in our region have been vaccinated.

by John Baldwin Hope all is well with you all now that things are looking brighter on the pandemic front and everyone is striving to do the right thing by getting inoculated. Well done, it’s starting to work, but we can't relax yet!

The other day, I spent a bit of time just sitting on a garden bench by our waterfall feature, and got some pictures of the birds that you are less likely to see in and around the water. As you can see by the picture, they are not the ones you would expect to see there partaking of a quick dip, but I suppose the very hot weather that day was enough incentive for them to take the chance.

In a very short period of time I saw a Chickadee, which afterwards landed on a tree a couple of feet from me to untangle his feathers and get dried-off! He was joined in the water by others, such as a female House Finch (with which it came head-to-head with in a challenge for a good, not too deep, bathing spot), a Tree Sparrow, and even a Bluebird. Of course the real lover of water, a Robin, had already taken its regular "dip" and gone to dry-off again. You may have seen other ones in an odd puddle near you doing the same thing. Quite the treat to be enjoyed.

Our bird drinking bath at the front of the house adjacent to some of our feeders has been visited by very thirsty squirrels and also a Grackle, which didn't bathe, but was flying to and from the feeders with food in its beak which it softened by swishing it in the water before swallowing, - very ingenious!

Stay safe and well, Cheers, John.

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