Issue 6 2024 February 15 NG Times

Renovation, not demolition in Kemptville

North Grenville is seeing some reconstruction instead of deconstruction of some of our heritage buildings.

Kemptville, in particular, is enjoying some renovation projects that breathe new life into historic structures: a welcome change after losing so many fine buildings to demolition and fire.

The old Ferguson House at the corner of Clothier West and Rideau Street is following in the footsteps of the Kemptville Suites building down the street. And another historic part of the town has undergone a positive transformation.

If there is a story behind every door, then the old Kemptville Town Hall is a library of fascinating and colourful tales. In its 143 years, it has served as a jail, a Fire Hall, a Town Hall, a Court House and an Archive! Today, it has been carefully restored to

become the Court House Apartments, a joint housing development by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and the Municipality of North Grenville.

The land was bought from local residents in 1873 for the large sum of $350, as the Village of Kemptville, which separated from Oxford-on-Rideau Township in 1857, needed a Town Hall.

It was the Municipal Centre for Kemptville until 1998, when Kemptville rejoined Oxford and amalgamated with South Gower to form the new North Grenville. For another seven years, it remained in use by the Municipality, until the new Municipal Centre opened.

But it was not just a century of Council meetings that took place there. The stone building also housed the offices of the Kemptville police, and the Council chamber doubled as a courtroom for inquests, hearings and trials. Judges and juries

decided cases ranging from drunken behaviour to murder, and councillors, mayors and reeves debated and decided on the issues which affected the development of the Village into the Town that it became in the 1960's.

While the political and legal minds worked away upstairs, the ground floor of the Town Hall was given over to the Fire Department, and generations of firemen (as they always were then) and fire trucks were stationed in the space subsequently used by the courts. It was not until 1968 that the Fire Department moved out of the Town Hall and into the Armoury in Riverside Park. The Department maintained a fire dock behind the Town Hall, and, around 1881, a hose tower was erected attached to the Town Hall. This was a high, wooden tower in which the old fabric fire hoses could be hung up to dry after being used at a fire. Around

1898, a bell was installed in a special decorative canopy at the top of the tower, and it was used to warn of fires until the tower was badly damaged in, ironically, a fire in 1935. The tower was demolished in 1957.

After the Municipality moved out of the building, the Ontario Provincial Courts and the Provincial Offences Court began to hold their sessions downstairs, and the North Grenville Historical Society enjoyed its use for years as the location of their Archives. But it had lost any grandeur it may once have had, presenting a rather drab appearance.

But there is a bright new look to it now, and it remains, underneath it all, a valuable heritage site, now entering into a new era as part of the continuing history of our community.

The newly restored building today: the Old Court Apartments

The old Kemptville Town Hall

Mudpuppy Night presentations at the History Hub

You may have heard about Mudpuppy Night in Oxford Mills, a unique opportunity to see giant aquatic salamanders in the wild, a “long term survey” which Fred Schueler and Aleta Karstad have been sharing with the public on Friday nights all through the winter going on 25 years!

Mudpuppy Night is now under the banner of the non-profit Fragile Inheritance, and increasingly attracting attention from scientists, naturelovers, local schools and community groups, and naturalist groups across

Ontario and beyond.

Aside from the regular Friday night guided visits for families and individuals at 8:00 and 8:30 pm to look for Mudpuppies below the dam in Oxford Mills from late October to spring breakup in March, there is an opportunity for groups to schedule special Saturday events.

Beginning with a slide and video presentation (often attended by live Mudpuppies) at the History Hub, the presentations are followed by an outing to the bridge and the dam in Oxford Mills,

where Mudpuppies in their natural habitat may be seen if viewing conditions are right.

For further information, to register a group for a special Saturday night presentation, or to join one of the scheduled presentations if there is room, contact Fred Schueler bckcdb@istar. ca or phone/text Aleta Karstad (613) 299-3107.

The weekly Friday Night visits can be booked online from the Mudpuppy Night in Oxford Mills FaceBook page.

Sponsored by Fragile Inheritance: Mudpuppy Night in Oxford Mills Saturday presentations at The History Hub, 148 Prescott St, Kemptville, on 17 February, 6:007:00, followed by a field trip to the dam in Oxford Mills.

Registration required. Donations appreciated (Proceeds split between Fragile Inheritance and NGHS)

Fairly Funny Frolic, Comedy Show & Dinner

The Spencerville Agricultural Society is proud to present the Fairly Funny Frolic, our first-ever Comedy and Dinner Night.

Come and join us at the Drummond Building on Saturday, March 23 at 6 pm for an unforgettable evening with cocktails, an authentic Greek dinner, and YukYuk’s very own Cedric Newman, featuring Bobby Knauff, and headliner, Ian Sirota.

Tickets are now on sale for $40.00 each, with tables of 8 and 10 also available for purchase. You can buy your tickets at www.spencervillefair.ca. Don’t be disappointed, and make sure to get your tickets before they sell out!

What are you waiting for?

Grab your friends, family, and neighbours, and get ready for a night of endless laughter and endless fun.

Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024

Time: 6:00 pm

Location: The Drummond Building, 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville *Tickets include tax and are non-refundable. Age of Majority Photo ID Required, 19+ event.

www.spencervillefair.ca/fairly-funny-frolic.

301 Prescott

Blackburn residence, 1873

Kemptville Community Group Forum Update

In January of this year, the first Community Group Forum was held at the Municipal Centre. This inaugural meeting brought together some 55 participants representing over 20 community groups. The purpose of this community-led initiative was to provide a venue for local activist groups to exchange ideas and information and discuss issues of common concern. All groups in attendance were committed to building a healthy, strong and inclusive community in our fastgrowing municipality.

It was agreed that this initiative was worthwhile and should continue.

To this end, a small secretariat has been established to help plan for the future and ensure that this idea does not fall by the wayside as so many attempts have in the past.The members of the secretariat are Cathy Ashby (House of Lazarus), Sarah Jane Manning (NG Pride), Geoff Gander (Royal Canadian Legion), Cora Bekins (Rotary Club), Brian Mc Kee (Kemptville Campus) and Marguerite Boyer (NG Times).

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING

by Donna Ross MDHS Lecture Series Coordinator

The Merrickville and District Historical Society's ever-popular Lecture Series starts up again after the winter break. Please join us on Tuesday, February 27th at 7 pm at the Merrickville Legion for Philip Ling’s presenta-

tion, “The Maitland Tower: An Odyssey of Intrigue from War to Oasis”. Hear stories and see images of the Maitland Tower, an iconic landmark east of Brockville on the St. Lawrence River, from its time as a French shipbuilding fort in the 1750s, to life as a large flour mill then

The Secretariat has met several times since the Forum and is pleased to announce that a second get-together of Forum members is in the works. This meeting will be held on March 6th at Parish Hall on the Kemptville Campus.Lasting two hours from 11:00 – 1:00, the topic of the forum will be ‘Volunteers’.This was an issue raised by many at our initial meeting.We have several experts in the field who will address issues such as the recruitment and retention of volunteers.A plenary session will be followed

notorious bootlegging distillery in the 1800s, its rebirth in the 1900s with horses that were flown to international competitions, and home to a mysterious business that attracted a German Spy in the Second World War. It has a fascinating and storied past!

Philip will also give us a glimpse into what the future could hold for the Maitland Tower and the 13 acres it sits upon.

The presenter, Philip Ling, is an electrical engineer, entrepreneur, and nature bug. Learn how a 2,200 km cycle led him to purchase the Tower! In short, he rescued this piece of history from demolition by neglect and/ or a potential developer’s bulldozer!

We look forward to seeing you on February 27th for an evening of historic tales and intrigue and to meet the man who saved the Tower. We hope you will enjoy the lecture as well as a sweet treat, compliments of Violets on Main Bakery!

by a breakout into smaller discussion and information groups.

At the end of the meeting, we will announce some exciting and concrete opportunities for attendees to help with recruitment, training, screening and appreciation of volunteers. More on that later.

For more information, contact Brian Mc Kee (bbrianmckee@ gmail.com) or Marguerite Boyer (info@ngtimes.ca).

613.258.5943

Maitland Tower, 1929 (Clifford M. Johnston / Library and Archives Canada / PA-056500)

The golden throne

by Brandon Mayer

I’m back! But don’t worry, I’m not here to stay… you can un-roll your eyes. David Shanahan remains the editor of the Times – a role which he took back from me at the start of 2024 after I had filled it for a little over a year. In our very first issue of this year on January

11, David announced in his editorial that he was returning as editor, but he has since realized that he never explained the reason for the change. He has therefore asked me to do so in this guest editorial. I must say it feels good to be back, albeit temporarily!

It’s not easy to explain why David has returned as editor. It’s much easier to explain why I was asked to take over as editor in November of 2022 in the first place. David was busy. Having a history PhD and

decades of experience tends to make a person popular with organizations seeking credible historical research. Meanwhile, David and his wife Maggie own not one, but two community newspapers – the North Grenville Times, and the North Dundas Times. David was working as the editor of both while juggling his employment.

I began working for the Times as a reporter in July of 2021. I am a resident of North Dundas and originally applied to be a freelance reporter solely for the ND Times. It wasn’t long before I was asked to contribute stories for the NG Times as well. Maggie sure knows how to fill the Times’ staffing needs. Fun fact: our marketing manager, Melissa, was headhunted by Maggie one morning while she was our server for a breakfast work meeting!

We had a team member leave in the early months of 2022. She had been filling a

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter role, and I was asked to fill the role until the end of the contract. I reluctantly agreed, unsure if I would be able to commit to the time required to write all of the articles. I managed well (I think), and later that year, in October 2022, David and Maggie asked if I would consider taking over as editor of both papers in November. I was, again, reluctant. I work full time at Winchester Public School, and I also do volunteer work in addition to juggling the duties of being a husband and a dad. Being the editor of two papers seemed like too much to add, but I agreed because it’s not an opportunity that comes along every day.

What readers weren’t told was that it was always understood that my role as NG Times editor would be temporary. My wife and I purchased a house in South Mountain in September 2021, meaning that we live just a few kilometres from

the North Dundas – North Grenville border, but the fact remains that my vote in municipal elections goes to North Dundas, my taxes are paid in North Dundas, and my main career is in North Dundas. I was born in Winchester and I have devoted my life to Winchester’s youth. That said, I have always explained that North Grenville is my community, too. Kemptville is a booming hub of commerce and services, and I live just as close to Kemptville as I do to Winchester. Nevertheless, a newspaper like the NG Times needs an editor who lives right in the thick of the action. Having a North Dundas resident as its editor was always meant to be a temporary gig.

For 14 months, I did my best each week to track down the important North Grenville stories, and to separate the interesting local news from the bland, the generic, the untruthful, and the harmful. In Decem-

ber of last year, over our Christmas holiday, David and Maggie invited me to lunch and explained that the time had come – David’s workload was back to a manageable level, and he was ready to take his rightful place in the editor’s chair once again. This chair is the golden throne of the newspaper business. It’s the hotseat of striving for the truth while expecting much feisty, democratic, and sometimes downright hilarious ridicule.

David may be the NG Times editor once again, but things have not returned to exactly how they were before November of 2022. Just like North Grenville needs a local paper with a local resident at the helm, North Dundas requires the same. I have therefore remained in the role of editor of the ND Times. I am grateful for the chance to explore stories in my home community in greater depth now that I can focus more on the ND Times. And I know that Da-

Deputy Mayor Barclay adds new entry to lengthy resume

by David Shanahan

Long before he was elected to the North Grenville Municipal Council in 2018, John Barclay had been deeply involved in community activism in the community. From the Oxford Mills Community Association to the Kemptville Farmers market, as Executive Director of the Old Town Kemptville Business Improvement Area (OTK BIA) to the Economic Development Committee, John served his time, as it were, gaining experience, community background, and a network of local groups and individuals before running successfully for Council. Following the last municipal election, he was named Deputy Mayor of North Grenville. Remuneration for councillors being what it is, John took on a part-time job, but his was an unusually public one.

In July of 2018, Jim Beveridge of the B&H - Your Community Grocer, hired

John to help in his Produce Department. John had been advised that in order for him to run for Council, he would have to resign from the OTK BIA because, as a paid administrator of a municipal Board of Management, he would have a conflict of interest in running. John needed a job. Jim gave him one.

“I’m sure the Beveridges had bets on how long I would last: until the end of the campaign, six months; maybe a year?”, remembers John. “It was tough, but I hung in there and by the end of two years, I figured that I knew the job and what had to be done. I started doing weekly strength training with Richard Chartrand (sustainablesuccess.ca) in order to physically handle the work.”

In a nice piece of synchronicity, the B&H had served as one of John’s first connections with North Grenville.

“When I left Toronto in 2009 to move closer to family in Ottawa, I was absolutely done with the hustle and bustle of city life. My very first small-town experience was a lovely chat with a B&H cashier about bird seed, of all things. I felt very much at home. Over the years, I came to understand how important this store was to the social fabric of Kemptville, if not all of North Grenville and Eastern Ontario.”

For many years, the B&H was the dominant retail grocery store in this part of Eastern Ontario, outside of Ottawa, Brockville, and Cornwall. With the highway bypassing Downtown Kemptville in the late 1970s, traffic patterns around the B&H started to change and B&H saw significant declines in the summer with fewer tourists coming into the store. The decline in the downtown traffic over the last 20 years would have been considerably more if the B&H had exited as did most other larger retailers.

By 2011, John was working for the OTK BIA and volunteering on the board of the Oxford Mills Community Association. In 2013 he joined the Kemptville Farmers’ Market (then the Kinsmen Kemptville Farmers Market) as a non-vendor member of the Board, ostensibly to facilitate the Market’s move to the B&H parking lot where it remains today. Joining the BIA as their Executive Director in 2016, John recognized that the B&H was a key element in maintaining a vibrant downtown.

“At first, the job at the B&H was a means to an end, meeting expenses with a parttime job, but soon I came to realize the benefits of being so accessible to residents employed on the front lines of a popular downtown business. The Beveridges were

very indulgent, to a point, of conversations I had with residents in the aisles while on their dime. For the most part, residents were respectful of the fact that I was working. That said, working at the B&H had definite political advantages, for which I’ll always be grateful.”

Just before Christmas last year, after five and half years at the B&H, John gave Jim Beveridge his notice. It was time to move on, motivated by a desire to have his weekends free once again and to use his experience working with nonprofits to raise awareness and to fundraise. On January 3, 2024, John began a new part-time job as the Executive Director of Community Involvement Legacy Homes (cilh.ca). Community Involvement Legacy Homes (CILH) provides independent affordable housing for persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Leeds and Grenville Counties.

“CILH does not provide the wrap-around social services and programming of organizations like Community Living North Grenville. It is a small non-profit charity that purchases homes with funding from various levels of government, private donations and funds from families and support networks and provides lifetime or legacy leases to tenants. We’re primarily involved in property

vid is happy to be once again managing his newspaper in a more direct capacity, rather than giving advice from behind the scenes.

You’ll be delighted (or horrified) to know that you’ll still see my name in the NG Times most weeks. I will continue to cover stories and register opinions in print, though not nearly in as high a frequency as I did when I was editor. The Times staff have always believed in sharing as many different perspectives as possible. I’m also continuing to do behind the scenes work with the NG Times, since getting a quality newspaper in 8,500 mailboxes each week doesn’t just sound like a lot of work, it is a lot of work!

This editorial serves as hello, thank you, and goodbye until the next hello. I look forward to continuing to connect with the North Grenville community. P.S. – we North Dundas folks are jealous… that your mayor is better than ours!

maintenance and development. I’m excited about the possibilities to develop more opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities to live truly independently.”

So, John will be a some-

what less visible presence around town now, but his involvement in the community has taken a different form and he remains one of the North Grenville’s list of most active of activists.

New Commander for Grenville OPP Detachment

Inspector Lisa Nicholas is the new Commander of the Grenville Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police.

Chief Superintendent Stephanie Patterson, Commander of the OPP East Region, welcomes the appointment: "I am very pleased to announce that Inspector Nicholas will be taking on this role at Grenville Detachment. She brings excellent leadership skills and displays commitment and dedication to the communities we serve."

Inspector Nicholas had been the Commander of the Ottawa Detachment since June 2021, most recently acting as the Interim Commander of the Renfrew County Detachment. Lisa has been a member of the OPP since 2008 and has served in a number of roles in Renfrew, Arnprior, Lanark, Ottawa and East Region Headquarters.

She will immediately assume the new role as Grenville OPP Detachment Commander.

Inspector Nicholas replaces Inspector Josh Kingsley who has transferred to OPP East Region Headquarters in Smiths Falls.

Suspect arrested in Kemptville hit and run

by Brandon Mayer

An alleged hit and run incident involving a pickup truck and a pedestrian in Kemptville last week has led to an arrest. The accident occurred around 4 pm on February 5 in the Colonnade Plaza. The Ontario Provincial Police quickly released a statement confirming that a 62 year old man was hit by a red Chevrolet pick-up truck while trying to cross Colonnade Road between the TD Bank and Capital Orthodontics. The red pickup truck then continued driving and

turned east on County Road 43 toward Winchester.

The OPP statement reported that the victim was taken to hospital with nonlife threatening injuries. The day of the incident, police were asking for help from the public in identifying or locating the alleged perpetrator of the hit and run. Police statements noted that the red pickup truck believed to be involved had “distinct headlights”.

The next day, on February 6, the OPP gave the welcome news that the driver of the vehicle had been arrested

and charged with dangerous operation causing bodily harm and failure to stop after an accident. The police thanked the public for their assistance.

A conviction of dangerous operation causing bodily harm carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison if tried as an indictable offence, as well as a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000 for a first offence. If tried as a summary offence, there is still a potential for up to 2 years less a day in provincial jail, and the minimum $1,000 fine still applies. The charge of failure to stop after an accident can add an additional 10 years of prison time upon conviction. It should be noted that maximum sentences are seldom given in the Canadian court system.

Upon the arrest of the driver in the February 5 incident, the pickup truck was impounded. OPP Officer Ann Collins confirmed that this step is part of the investigation, since the pickup truck itself is evidence in the case. She also confirmed that the information that led to the suspect being tracked down was “deduced after speaking with the public”.

Police were unable to provide an update on the well-being of the victim, though it has been confirmed that the injuries sustained were not life threatening.

Anyone with additional information that could aid in the police investigation of this hit and run incident should contact the OPP at 1 888 310-1122.

www.northgrenville.ca

What’s going on? See our events calendar: www.northgrenville.ca/events

Stay informed! Council Meetings: www.northgrenville.ca/meetings

Need to see us? Municipal office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 285 County Road 44, Kemptville

Need to reach us? Contact us: Call 613-258-9569 or email: general@northgrenville.on.ca

Need additional information? Visit us: www.northgrenville.ca

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staff and experience with equipment preferred for outside workers .

Students considered with right qualifications

Send resume to therideauglen@gmail.com

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The red pickup truck that was allegedly involved in a hit and run accident in Kemptville on February 5 is shown being impounded on February 6. OPP photo.

New numeracy program to build much-needed math skills

from Community Wire

National literacy organization ABC Life Literacy Canada today announced the launch of its newest program, ABC Everyday Numbers. ABC Everyday Numbers is a numeracy program that offers free resources and workshops to adult learners looking to improve their math skills.

The Government of Canada’s Skills for Success model defines numeracy as the ability to find, use, and report mathematical information presented through words, numbers, symbols, and graphics. Numeracy skills are used in daily life such as figuring out how many minutes until a train departs, increasing a recipe to serve extra guests, and checking that the correct change was received after a purchase.

According to the 2013 Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), just 13 per cent of Canadian adults rank proficient in numeracy, which means that they can understand complex mathematical information and work with mathematical arguments and models. Conversely, 55 per cent of Canadians score at the three lowest levels of the assessment. An individual at the lowest level will be able to carry out simple processes such as counting, sorting, and performing basic arithmetic operations with whole numbers. Unsuitable numeracy skills impact us financially, socially and professionally, and it may even affect our health and well-being.

ABC Everyday Numbers aims to increase Canadians’ numeracy skills and math confidence through free resources, online courses, and workshops. The first workbook titled “Playing with patterns” is currently available and additional workbooks and online courses on the ABC Skills Hub will launch in the following months. The program is also available for adult literacy practitioners who are teaching math skills and may not be trained foundational math instructors. Practitioners who want to bring ABC Everyday Numbers to their community can sign up to host workshops, receive printed workbooks, and access online facilitator training.

“With ABC Everyday Numbers, we’re bringing math to life through clear, easy-to-understand resources that teach introductory math principles in real-life scenarios,” says Alison Howard, Executive Director of ABC Life Literacy Canada. “Canadians are struggling with numeracy skills, and our goal with the program is to give adults the skills needed to use math confidently in their daily lives.”

ABC Everyday Numbers was developed with support from Manulife in alignment with their Impact Agenda and commitment to driving inclusive economic opportunities. For more information, to download free resources, or to host a workshop in your community, visit abceverydaynumbers.ca.

Younger farmers changing the face of agriculture

by Drew Spoelstra, President, OFA

Much is always made of the high average age of Canadian farmers, but there’s a quiet shift happening in agriculture that is changing the face of our industry. Quite literally, farming is in transition – and I’m one of many farmers right in the middle of it. Family farms are still a huge part of what Ontario agriculture looks like, but like so many Canadians, a growing number of farmers are facing retirement. That means that they’re now following succession plans to turn the management and ownership of their farm businesses over to a new generation.

That’s exactly the situation that I fi nd myself in. I’m 37 and I’ve been involved in our family dairy and grain farm my entire life. My wife and I and my parents have recently worked through our farm business transition plans as we look to set our family farm up for a better future.

Farm succession is an onerous and challeng-

ing task, but one that is absolutely necessary for the sustainability of farm businesses as many farmers enter the later stages of their careers. With a plan in place, we can now make investments – like a stateof-the-art dairy barn – that we hope will help make it possible for our young daughters to farm when they grow up if that’s what they’d like to do.

My family is also reflective of another new reality for many farmers and that’s farming close to an urban area. Our farm is near the town of Binbrook in a rural part of the City of Hamilton and while that brings opportunities, it also often means that the needs of farm businesses get lost in the larger urban issues that dominate the agendas of local decisionmakers.

In addition to farming, I’m also heavily involved with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). I believe it’s important to give back to the industry that sustains us, and late last fall, I became the youngest OFA president in the organization’s history.

What you see in me is a lot of what you’ll see across agriculture in Ontario now – older farmers following succession plans and a next generation stepping up with visions for the future of their farm businesses and

in some cases, also the broader farming sector.

You’ll also see that reflected in a growing number of my fellow OFA board members and in the leadership of other agricultural organizations where a new, young generation of farmers is starting to take an active role in representing their industry and helping to shape its future for the decades to come.

Agriculture’s next generation is bringing fresh ideas and raising different perspectives on everything from sustainability and climate change to public trust, mental health and wellness and more. We look forward with optimism and while we are making investments in the future of our businesses and our industry, it’s a road we can’t go alone. We need to know that Canadians see benefit in strong farms and rural communities, value a local food supply system that brings the sustainability and environmental stewardship benefits that farms provide, and support us by buying local.

And to meet the ambitious goals of the Province’s Grow Ontario strategy and to protect our future ability to continue to produce as much food, fuel and fibre right here at home, we also need government to step forward

and support our sector. That support can come in various ways, whether through sound, forwardthinking policies and legislation or with financial investments into muchneeded infrastructure, resources and programming that will support farming’s long-term sustainability and profitability. We’ve brought some of these ideas directly to government by participating in the provincial budget consultations that are currently happening across Ontario: Supporting home grown food production by encouraging government and public sector agencies to buy more local food and beverages, increasing funding to the provincial Risk Management Program that helps farmers manage uncertainty, and addressing the agri-food sector’s chronic labour shortages. Modernizing farm tax programs and development charges to support continued farm business transition, growth and expansion. Investing in rural and social infrastructure, such as rural roads and bridges, affordable energy and highspeed broadband, and education, healthcare and community hubs for rural communities. Improving soil health and water stewardship by continuing funding for the Ontario Agricultural Soil Health and Conservation Strategy and the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program. Strengthening Ontario’s veterinary sector by investigating additional short and long-term strategies to help solve the lack of veterinary capacity in Ontario.

Agriculture has a long, proud history in Ontario and I’m excited to be part of shaping its next chapters.

2024 Easter Bunny Hop details announced

The members of the Old Town Kemptville BIA Marketing and Programming Committee are pleased to announce the return of the Easter Bunny Hop to Downtown Kemptville on Saturday, March 23 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Here are just some of the activities that are being planned for the big day:

Each participating business will be providing Easter treats or trinkets to children who come to their doors. Participating businesses will have a special sign in their window indicating that they are participating. Treats and trinkets will be while quantities last.

Yazdani Dental will be hosting an Easter Colouring Contest at the former Oddfellows Hall at 119 Clothier St. (corner of Clothier & Barnes). Not only will they be providing all of the colouring supplies, they’ll also be giving out FREE hot chocolate for the kids.

Anytime Fitness will be providing some extra Easter excitement by hosting an Easter Egg Hunt. This activity will be taking place in Downtown Kemptville. Watch the Old Town Kemptville BIA Facebook page for the time and exact location closer to the event.

There will be a familyfriendly scavenger hunt,

where one lucky completed entry will win a prize by random draw. Scavenger hunt forms can be picked up at the North Grenville Public Library or be printed off from the Old Town Kemptville BIA Facebook page starting Monday, March 4. All completed scavenger hunt forms must be returned to the Library by Saturday, March 23 to be eligible for the draw.

To Be Continued will be hosting an Easter craft activity at their location at 207 Sanders Street, as well as being a pickup and dropoff location for scavenger hunt forms.

3

The North Grenville Public Library will also be offering Easter-related activities, including Easter crafts and a special Easter story time for kids starting at 11 am at the Library.

A special Easter Bunny Hop Dance Party will be happening outdoors at Rotary Park in Downtown Kemptville with a special guest appearance by the Easter Bunny and music provided by Jamming Around Man Productions.

There will be some free inflatable outdoor fun games by Whipitbounceyrentals in the downtown, and Fun To You will be offering face painting ($) at Rotary Park starting at 11 am. Please bring cash to pay for this activity.

Stay tuned to our Old Town Kemptville BIA Facebook page for more information and updates as we get closer to the event. Thanks to all of our volunteers, partners, and participating businesses for making this event possible, and we hope to see everyone on Saturday, March 23 starting at 11:00 am in Downtown Kemptville.

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Eco Farm Day 2024: Growing Together

Eco Farm Day brings together established farmers and new farmers with related businesses interested in organic food and farming in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. At the event, participants learn, engage, and connect on current technical and business issues that matter in the organic sector through a series of panels, presentations, farmer-to-

farmer sessions and one-onone discussions with exhibitors. The event will be held on Saturday, February 24 at the Kemptville Campus in Kemptville.

Eco Farm Day has been organized by the Canadian Organic Growers' OttawaSt.Lawrence-Outaouais chapter for over 30 years, but is coming to Kemptville for the first time in 2024.

The theme of Eco Farm Day 2024 is Growing Together: Strengthening Economic Viability and Building Resilience on Organic Farms. Our full day of farmerled programming focuses on tapping into the vast expertise and resources of the Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec organic farming community, and on building farmer-to-farmer

connections. Workshops will be led by sector leaders and will cover a number of topics that are relevant to strengthening economic viability and building resilience on the farm.

This year’s keynote will be given by Dan Brisebois of Tourne-Sol Cooperative Farm. Dan is a founding farmer at Tourne-Sol Cooperative Farm in Les Cèdres,

Quebec. Tourne-Sol grows organic seeds for an online seed store and a wholesale rack program, and grows organic vegetables for 500 weekly veggie baskets

Dan’s thoughts are split between farm spreadsheets and seeds. On the spreadsheet front, Dan runs the Farmer Spreadsheet Academy to help farmers learn tools and tricks to be better

farm managers. He is also co-author of Crop Planning for Organic Vegetable Grower. On the seed front, Dan is the host of the Seed Growers podcast and blogs about farming and seeds.

Eco Farm Day 2024 is hosted by Kemptville Campus as part of its ongoing mandate to promote agriculture and education.

KDH Volunteer opportunities

by Jean Gallant

If you’ve ever had to go to Kemptville District Hospital (KDH)’s Emergency Department, or even walked through the Emergency doors, chances are you were greeted by someone in a red vest. They are volunteers with the Hospital’s Volunteer Program and donate their time to help those arriving at the hospital find their way and navigate through the Hospital.

Although there are currently fewer than a dozen volunteer greeters covering two four-hour shifts on weekdays, they nevertheless provide a friendly welcome to the Hospital during often stressful times in visitors’ lives. Whether you’re there to see a doctor,

visit a patient, or have an appointment in X-ray or at one of the clinics, or just want a cup of coffee from the coffee shop, these volunteers provide willing help in a quick and efficient manner. They also provide comfort in the form of colouring books and special hand-made dolls for children in the Emergency waiting room who haven’t brought toys from home, as well as warm blankets and water for those who need them.

The volunteers provide an important first point of contact and their ability to offer timely help to visitors and patients means that critical nursing staff are able to focus on the many other aspects of their work. The volunteers’ caring attitude means that they often take on additional shifts when other volunteers are sick or need some time off.

“We don’t want to leave the Hospital without a volunteer greeter because it makes a difference to be met at the door and helped. “ said Connie Parsons, the KDH Auxiliary’s Volunteer Coordinator. “The absence of a volunteer can also take valuable time away from staff who could be attending to other care activi-

ties”, she added. “Our greeters are a terrific team who never leave a shift empty. We would welcome more volunteers to help out.”

Parsons noted that several years ago, there were upwards of 50 volunteers on the Auxiliary’s roster, easily filling the daytime shifts and ensuring volunteer support throughout the Hospital. “A number of our dedicated volunteers retired during COVID when the volunteer program was paused”, she explained, “and despite our recruitment efforts, we haven’t yet been able to replace them.”

KDH’s CEO Frank Vassallo spoke of the Hospital’s deep gratitude to the volunteers and recognition of the impact they have at the Hospital every day. “The role of Hospital volunteer is an important role to improving patients’ experience and delivering exceptional care”, he said. “We are so appreciative of our volunteers’ dedication, compassion and kindness.

We continually receive letters from grateful patients letting us know what a difference the volunteers made in their visit to KDH, whether it was in the Emergency Department, Interim Long Term Care Unit, Day Surgery, or elsewhere”.

Vassallo added, “The KDH Auxiliary has been a key support for the Hospital since its founding in 1959, a year before our doors even opened.”

In addition to helping out in the Emergency Department, the volunteers serve in other areas of the Hospital, including assisting with meal service, group exercise classes and various other activities in the Interim Long Term Care/Convalescent Care Unit. In this way, volunteers work together with Hospital staff to ensure the best patient care.

If you are considering becoming a volunteer, you’ll enjoy the camaraderie of other volunteers and staff. The personal satisfaction derived from helping others is very gratifying”, explained Parsons. One of our Emergency Department volunteers, Mike, always says that the best day of his week is the day he volunteers at KDH.”

Students are especially encouraged to volunteer after school or on weekends. For more information, or to learn more about becoming a member of the volunteer team, please contact the KDH Auxiliary at kdh_volunteer@ kdh.on.ca.

Quackenbush, John Ronald

November 22, 1939 – February 3, 2024

Passed away suddenly in Brockville on February 3, 2024 in his 85th year. Beloved husband of the late Rona Ann Quackenbush (nee Shipman) for 64 years. Loving father to son John of Chase, BC, and daughter Carolin Albers (Rick) of Iroquois, ON. Special Grandpa to April, Hannah (Johnathon Ferguson) and Heidi, and great Grandpa to Ashton. Dear son of Eli and Evelyn Quackenbush. He is survived by his brother-in-law Mike Parker of Victoria BC and predeceased by his sister Marilyn Ann. He is also predeceased by brothers- and sisters-in-law Jimmy and Dimples Shipman, Irene and Bob Parker, Jessie Shipman, Garnet and Bernice Shipman, and Leora and Bill Froome. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and his dear friends from River Road.

Born in Ottawa ON, Ron grew up in Millars Corners alongside his sister Marilyn and parents. He married Rona in May 1960 and built their home on River Road in Kemptville where they resided until September 2016. Ron was employed at the Ministry of Transportation where he drove snow plow for 29 years. Upon retirement he took up driving fertilizer spreaders for Harvex and odd trucking jobs for the township. He was an avid gardener, bird watcher, and renowned for the beautiful woodworking pieces he created in his workshop. He was a man of wisdom and always seemingly had the answer to anyone’s question.

Upon Ron’s request, there will be no service. Special thanks to St. Lawrence Lodge in Brockville for the wonderful care given for the past month, and to Kemptville District Hospital’s care for three months prior. For those wishing, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation are gratefully accepted.

Condolences/Tributes

Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgar

The

The

Mike, one of the volunteers in the KDH Emergency Department

KDH Board seeking volunteer directors KDH Scanner Campaign gets further donation

The Board of Directors of Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) is currently seeking candidates to fill the position of Director.

The KDH Board of Directors is governed by a Board of Directors which includes 12 to 16 unpaid members-at-large. These volunteer directors have diverse backgrounds and bring a variety of skills and areas of expertise to the Board. Directors must demonstrate a commitment to KDH and its mission of meeting people’s diverse health needs, community service and helping to build healthier communities. Directors inform Board discussions and decisions; they do not provide professional advice to the Board.

Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) (www.kdh. on.ca) is an integrated health services organization serving the health needs of North Grenville, the eastern regions of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, and South Ottawa in partnership with other health care and community organizations in our region. KDH is part of an approved Ontario Health Team – Ottawa West Four Rivers – comprising many community service providers as well as our primary care providers in the region. KDH provides 24-hour emergency care, inpatient care, surgical programs in-

cluding advanced orthopedic surgery, and a wide variety of outpatient clinics. We are committed to our mission of ‘Building Healthier Communities’ based on a patient and family centered delivery model, collaborative partnerships, and employing the best technology available. KDH is a model of hospitalled integrated health services within the provincial health system.

The Board is currently seeking to fill as many as four volunteer Director positions with a start date of June, 2024. While all applications are welcome, the Board encourages those with a mix of the following skills and expertise to apply: Clinical/Healthcare/Health; Legal; Financial; and Architecture, Construction or Infrastructure Planning. Previous experience on a non-profit board, especially in the health or social service sector, is an asset. Equity, diversity and inclusion are also important factors in the selection process.

A Board member can expect to spend a minimum of 10 to 12 hours per month attending meetings and performing committee work.

Successful candidates must be willing to learn and work in a team atmosphere, be able to dedicate the time required to fulfill their duty to the Board, be free of any

Towards the end of 2023, MNP LLP Ottawa (Accounting, Business Consulting and Tax Services) decided to create a Community Fund and asked its partners to suggest causes of interest. One of the partners, Shawn Mincoff - also a Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) Board Director - strongly suggested that they donate to the KDH CT Scanner Crossroads $2.2 million Campaign. He said, “I was very proud to get my partners involved as the Hospital is important to me.” To his surprise, and making the donation perhaps even more compelling, one of his colleagues shared that he had his knee

done at KDH.

Shawn added, “KDH offers great services and is always ready to take care of us.”

He believes that we cannot forget the needs of our community and hopes that this $15,000 donation from the MNP LLP Community Fund will add momentum to the CT Scanner Campaign.

conflict of interest, demonstrate the ability to think strategically and communicate effectively, and reside in the Eastern Ontario region.

For more information and/or to apply, see: www. kdh.on.ca/call-for-board-ofdirectors-2024.

THE FRIDAY LIFE DRAWING CIRCLE

We are excited for round two of The Friday Drawing Circle, a series of weekly in-person drawing & painting sessions hosted by Jennifer Gow

This open studio is for artists of all levels of interested in working with a live costumed model. For more information contact Jennifer gowjb@msn.com

When

Fridays 4-7pm, January19th - March 22nd

Where

400 Prescott Street, St. John’s Church basement, Kemptville

Cost: drop in $15

surgery

At the cheque presentation were (l-r): Frank Vassallo, KDH CEO, Kristy Carriere, KDH Foundation Coordinator, Margret Norenberg, KDH Foundation Board Chair, Shawn Mincoff, KDH Board Director and MNP LLP Partner, and MNP LLP Partners Kayla Seipp and Natalie Schuler.

73's post points home and away

Renfrew for a Saturday evening affair that turned into an up and down battle with the 73’s taking a 6 to 5 decision. Kemptville drew first blood with defensive offense from a combination with McDonald and Haughian to find Gavin McDougall to beat Nolan Lane at 3:45.

#26

Gavin McDougall

Nickname : DOUGIE

Birthplace & Date : Kemptville, ON. 11/23-2005

Kemptville 73's finally got the monkey off their back on Friday evening as they faced the Cornwall Colts to take a 6 to 4 victory after being shut down three times in four previousmeetings.

Rutley relegated the play to Melvin who foun d Nicholas Bennett in the slot to launch a howitzer by Xander Miceli at 4:12 to break the ice for the 73's. The Colts countered with Bradley Fraser from Garnier into open space glove side around Dax Easter at 5:19. Man advantage with Bennett from the trenches to Loreto onto Tyler Melvin PPG tape to ignite a rocket top shelf at 10:47 to

break the tie for Kemptville. Redmond muscled the rubber off the wall back to Moroz who rifled it from the point and Trey Wandall picked up the rubbage to lift it water bottle high to give the 73's a 3 to 1 lead.

The second stanza opened with a TOL line combination of Logue tic-tac-toe with Trottier to find Matthew O’Doherty on the doorstep to give Kemptville a three goal lead at 1:21. A brain freeze from on the half boards to clear the zone allowed Nathan Garnier assisted from Samodral with Fraser to put Cornwall within two at 7:58. Aggressive attack up the wall by McDonald to Rutley to Nichlas Bennett on the flank

to drive it home for his second at 10:50 with the game winner.

Kemptville took their foot off the gas in the last twenty as Cornwall converted in the first minute from Gingras with Lauzon to Luc Beliveau at :50. Insurance for the 73's when Bennett reversed to Fennell on a cycle with a power play to Tyler Melvin PPG to pull the trigger six hole for his second of the game at 16:51. Colts answered back with helpers from Little and Beliveau to Matheanson Cameron at 19:16. The 73's would hold on to a 6 to 4 win, outgunning the Colts 30 to 29.

Back on the bus up the valley to face the Wolves of

Renfrew picked up an SHG from Noah VomScheidt to put it behind Jacob Biron at 1:32 to make it one all to start the second. Kemptville with man advantage capitalized on give and go from Trottier to Ryan Rutley PPG at 1:41 for the tie breaker. The Wolves came on again assisted by Wilson with VomScheidt for Aaron Enright to knot it up again at two. Kemptville with extra attacker counted one from Grady Logue PPG with assists from Trottier and Sweetapple for the tie breaker at 7:44. Smith with Grainger for Austin Fellinger PPG at 15:05 to even it at three.

Renfrew moved ahead at 16:34 for Noah VomScheidt second with assists from Wilson and Smith. Kemptville on the board with assists from Moroz and Holmes to Matthew Montoni in the lane at 17:12. Garbage goal from Wilson with VomScheidt on to Ethan Smith’s stick to see Renfrew go to the dressing room with a one goal lead.

One could sense that the

Hometown : Kemptville, ON

Position : Right Wing

Previous Hockey Club : Kemptville 73’s

Hockey Hero : Tom Wilson

Most Inspiring Person : Eric Cornel

Favourite Movie : Miracle on Ice

Favourite Musician : Drake

Favourite Actor : Adam Sadler

Favourite Food : Fettuccine Alfredo

Favourite Hockey Moment : Win AA Championship with RSL Kings AA

Favourite Sport other than Hockey : Baseball Life as a Jr. A Player : Hard Times, Fun Times with Your Brothers

One Word to Describe Me : Relentless by G.J. the sportsguy

last twenty miles would be exciting and entertaining, and it was, as Kemptville came out hot on a mission. Ryan Rutley records his second from Melvin with Bennett at 3:43 to even it at five. Game winner from power play with combination of Bennett with Loreto to find Tyler Meivin PPG in the rocking horse at 13:01. Renfrew pulled their stopper at 18:00 for an extra man without results as Kemp-

tville sustained the onslaught for a must needed 6 to 5 win. Renfrew hammered Kemptville 48 to 26.

Hawkesbury Hawks swoop into the Kemptville barn for Valentines evening at 7:00 pm and then on the road to meet with the Navan Grads for a Sunday matinee.

Hockey with EDGE. See you around the boards.

Dig,dig, up and away....Trey Wandall snipes the water bottle over Xander Miceli to make it a 3 to 1 contest in the first frame during Friday evening home battle with the Cornwall Colts for a 6 to 4 win.

Senior Times

The Bene“fit”s of staying active

by Jill Woodley, Seniors' Community Services

Staying active at any age can be challenging; we are often our worst enemy. How many of us have had those negative thoughts that creep into our brains and side-track our successes? From the most athletic to those just starting, we all have selfdoubt sometimes. Getting back into any level of activity can be daunting.

The key is to be kind to yourself, start with one step, and move at your own pace.

The benefits of exercise not only impact your physical health, but also your cognitive and mental health. When you start to move your body, at any age, (read that again…at ANY age) you will experience positive change.

Exercise offers numerous benefits as we age, helping to maintain physical, mental, and emotional well-being. As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass and strength. Regular exercise, particularly strength training and resistance exercises, can help counteract this loss by building and maintaining muscle mass, strength, and function.

Weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, dancing, and strength training can help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures as we age. Stretching exercises can improve flexibility, joint range of motion, and balance, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Aerobic exercises such as walking, cycling, swimming, and dancing improve cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.

Exercise releases endorphins, neurotransmitters that boost mood and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Physical activity also promotes better sleep, cognitive function, and overall mental well-being. Research suggests that regular exercise may help prevent or delay agerelated cognitive decline and reduce the risk of conditions like Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Exercise promotes neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to adapt and form new connections. Regular physical activity can

lower the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and arthritis, and may improve management of existing conditions. Participating in group exercise classes, like those offered at Seniors' Community Services [SCS], can provide opportunities for social interaction and support, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation commonly experienced as people age

Undoubtedly, we all have some understanding of the benefits of moving your body. But how do we use this knowledge to inspire ourselves to take the next step? Stella, an active member at SCS, is a shining example of putting the theory of exercise benefits into action. She saw a decrease in her mobility which resulted in difficulty doing things that she took for granted. Reaching down to put on her shoes, relying on her walker more, or simply opening the cap on a water bottle, was becoming increasingly challenging. Stella joined the exercise program at SCS, and in three months has seen a marked improvement in her health. At the age of 87, she has more energy, her fl exibility has increased, and she feels more confident walking independently. During these icy winter months, she feels more relaxed, knowing that her core strength will keep her strong with less risk of falling. The opportunity to access an exercise class that is geared to older adults was key for Stella. An inclusive, safe place to thrive and continue to feel empowered in her fitness journey.

Specializing in Residential House Beautification

brightshinyspaces@gmail.com

Remember, the most important thing is to take that first step, no matter how small it may seem. Our goal is to help you succeed with achievable and manageable steps. Reach out for more information and let us cheer you on!

www.seniorscs.ca, or call us at 613-258-3203.

215 Van Buren Street, Kemptville 613.258.7462 jansenlaw.com

Real Estate - Wills & Estates - Family Law - Corporate

Rachel S. Jansen, B.Comm., J.D.

Paul A. Jansen, BA, LLB.

Housing and services for long-term success

Lanark Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health (LLGAMH) and The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville (UCLG) strengthened their partnership by teaming up to provide individuals who are unhoused with housing and wrap-around services for greater long-term success.

Mayor Brant Burrow, Chair of the UCLG Joint Services Committee, shares: “The United Counties is very thankful for the willingness of Lanark, Leeds, and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health to partner and provide critical housing support services to those exiting homelessness. We are encouraged to see so many people with complex struggles receiving the services they require to retain long-term safe and affordable housing solutions.”

In fall 2023, LLGAMH received funding from UCLG for five staff (3 full-time, 2 part-time) to provide Supportive Living services to 20 housing clients, giving them the support they need for longer-term, stabilized housing. The clients are identified by the ByName List and approved by UCLG.

“Community partnerships like this one are the cornerstone of how we will collaboratively make a meaningful impact for our communities,” says Domenic Ielo, CEO, LLGAMH. “This has been a significant opportunity to expand our team’s reach so that more individuals can benefit from the services they need to achieve their goals.”

Katelyn and her partner, James, are Supportive Living clients and describe the Program as “the very best transformation experience in our lives.” She adds: “Brockville, as some might know, has a big homelessness problem, but since this program started, it’s helping destigmatize homelessness. I am not just thankful for this program, but I am thankful for the staff. I am constantly amazed by their support, compassion, encouragement, and unwavering commitment to providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for each client so they are happy, healthy, and safe! The staff have made an impact on the lives of the individuals they support—especially ours.”

The new Supportive Living Program’s wraparound services include individualized case management, support with activities of daily living (e.g., cooking), medication management and reminders, and support with appointment logistics.

“This new program mirrors our existing and successful Co-Op Program,” explains Kim Gifford, Manager, Clinical Services. “When UCLG approached us about their service gap, we knew the wrap-around model was the right fit, and we had the added comfort of leveraging an established program that has been so effective for clients. Thanks to our fantastic, dedicated team, it’s been a strong start to the Supportive Living Program.”

Visit https://llgamh.ca/ to learn more about LLGAMH’s services.

Do Unto Others lesson needs retelling

What do you hope for each morning as your tired eyes read the news? You try to be a positive person, but day by day, things are getting worse. The world is in an awful mess. Is it sacrilegious to ask, what exactly will it take to have the Second Coming of Christ? How much bloody war, climate chaos, and civil disintegration is required before we learn to follow a simple and sane edict? “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”

The problem is times have changed. The only Christ we can anticipate in 2024 is a “deep fake”. The dumbingdown of social media preys upon any remnants of a moral compass among our political and business elite. How can we teach our children the golden rule when public leaders never abide by it?

What are we to do? This Gifford-Jones father-daughter team is running out of creative suggestions. It’s a return to common decency that’s needed. We say, let’s load up on basic human kindness. Let’s utilize this feature of our abilities to a far greater degree than whatever unfortunate leanings we may have toward indecency and unkindness. And until we welcome back the Messiah, could enough of us doing the right thing make enough of an impact to keep the planet from an early end?

This week includes Valentine’s Day. It’s a telling fact that this day to celebrate love, although recognized in many ways around the world, is nowhere a public holiday. It’s a day rich in history, but poor in meaning to us. Like most other things, the concept of love has been commercialized, and therefore cheapened.

But love is synonymous with hope. It is enduring, forever resistant to evil by those who will not relinquish it.

Shakespeare’s eloquence on love is plentiful. But he got straight to the point with this sound advice, “Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.” It’s not hard to do, but why do so few people live by it?

Here are a few suggestions to help get things started.

One, you will do yourself and others a world of good if you “shower the people you love with love”, as James Taylor sang. Use this Valentine’s Day (and every day that follows) to let your love rain! For those who can do it, a switch to a more generous mindset can be life-altering when fighting the downward spiral of depression, for example.

Two, if you adore sharing a chocolate treat, make it high-quality dark chocolate. Cocoa contains fiber, iron, and other important minerals. The antioxidants in chocolate help protect blood vessel walls and inhibit inflammation. But moderation is the key, as chocolate is also a high-fat, highsugar food and packs a big caloric wallop.

Three, there’s nothing wrong with random acts of kindness, and doing them has been shown to be extraordinarily good for your health. One study showed that the more people spend money on other people, the lower their blood pressure. Another study provided hypertensive people with $40 to spend. Half were asked to spend it on themselves; the other half were instructed to spend the money on someone else. If you guessed the latter group had lower blood pressure at the end of the study, you are right. It was equivalent to the effects of being put on an exercise program!

Perhaps we have gotten angry with frustration about the world. It’s understandable. But what we all really need is for someone to tell us, “I love you.”

Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive our weekly enewsletter. For comments, contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow us on Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones.

Family meals

by Dana Douglas, LG&L District Health Unit

Role Modeling

Family meals provide an important opportunity for adults and caregivers to role model healthy choices, table manners, social skills and positive body image. Children are more likely to eat the healthy foods they see their caregiver eating and enjoying. Adults can role model proper table manners and help children develop social skills by engaging in conversation. Family meals also provide an opportunity for adults to teach children positive body image habits, including that bodies come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and to enjoy all food in moderation. After the family meal is a great time to be active together. For example, the whole family could go for a walk around the neighbourhood or go to the park.

To help children learn healthy eating habits and to make family meals enjoyable for everyone, it's important that adults know their role at mealtimes and let children do their job. Adults decide the what, when and where – what foods to offer, when meals and snacks will be served and where children will eat. Children decide whether to eat and how much. Caregivers should encourage children to listen to their hunger and fullness cues, and never pressure, coax or bribe.

For more information, visit our Health Unit website at healthunit.org, follow us on Facebook and X, or give us a call at 1-800-660-5853.

Supporting Living staff member with clients Katelyn and James.

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RECURRING EVENTS

Monthly Suppers prepared by Knights of Columbus at Holy Cross Church Hall at 503 Clothier St W. Suppers will be held on the last Thursday of the month commencing September 28. Cost $10 per adult, $5 for children under 12 and $25 for families.

PROBUS: Fellowship, Fun and inFormed presenters are part of the PROBUS gathering on the third Wednesday of each month at St Paul's Presbyterian Church Hall at 9:30AM. For more information contact at n.g.probus97@gmail.com

Kemptville Legion: Fridays 3-9. Free Pool and Darts.

Everyone Welcome BINGO, Kemptville Legion, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, doors open at noon

NG Duplicate Bridge Club, Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptville, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155

KLUB 67 EUCHRE Join us for fun, social euchre games taking place every 2nd and 4th Wednesday monthly at 1pm, September to May. Location: Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben Cres, Kemptville. Everyone welcome, $5. To play, cash prizes

Friendship Lunch every Friday at St. Johns United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. starting Oct. 6 th . The meal begins at 11:30 and is free of charge. A good will offering is appreciated. Everyone is welcome. Drawing from Life - Portrait and figure drawing clothed models. Fridays, 4pm to 7pm, St. John's United Church 400 Prescott Street. Artists at all levels are welcome. Drop in fee $15. For information contact gowjb5@gmail.com

Spencerville Agricultural Society planning general meetings. If you are interested in joining our committee, please email info@spencervillefair.ca to receive all of the meeting details. Mar 11, Apr 8, May 13, Jun 10, Jul 8, Aug 12, Oct 21, Nov 11. The Drummond Building, 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville Ontario

UPCOMING EVENTS

Annual General Meeting of the Friends of Ferguson Forest Centre (FFFC) for the year 2023 will take place at 7.00pm on Thursday, February 29, 2024, in the Community Room, Grenville Mutual Insurance, 380 Colonnade Drive, Kemptville. Please register by 10.00pm, Tuesday, February 27 (tadams500@gmail. com – Tel: 613 558 9007)

Fairly Funny Frolic, Comedy Show & Dinner. Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 6:00 PM. The Drummond Building 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville. https://www.spencervillefair.ca/fairly-funny-frolic

ACROSS

1. Ascent

6. Documents

10. Nil

14. Cowboy sport

15. River in Spain

16. Any thing

17. Sporting venue

18. Large number

19. Seize suddenly

20. Cosmetician

22. Mound

23. Hitches

24. Condition

25. Affirmatives

29. Smiled scornfully

31. Cheese dish

33. Corrupt

37. Canine tooth

38. Fragments

39. Orator

41. Skirmishes

42. What's left

44. Arid

45. Old Jewish scholars

48. Noodles

50. Thin strip

51. Possessing a spine

56. Indian dress

57. Put ____ words

58. Reveals

59. Therefore

60. Require

61. Sea

62. Observed

63. Countercurrent

64. Josh

DOWN

1. Complain

2. Old stories

3. Notion

4. List of choices

5. Ships

6. Comment at length

7. Require

8. Wrinkled

9. Scattered seed

10. Nightgown

11. Skylit lobbies

12. Administered

13. Stroll

21. Interiors

24. Brown shade

25. Circle fragments

26. Wail

27. Celtic language

28. Breakup

30. Brimming

32. Bicycles

34. Dull pain

35. Swerve

36. Being

40. Matured

41. Detention

43. Moved quickly

45. Donkeys

46. Din

47. Flatboat

49. Monastery head

51. What a grape grows on

52. Speed competition

53. District

54. Earl Grey and orange pekoe

55. Slave

The Food Corner

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville

Today’s recipe is Salisbury Steak. It was originally invented as a health recipe by Dr. James Salisbury, way back during the American Civil War as a cure for digestive problems. The US army fed its troops Salisbury Steak during World War I as well. It sure doesn’t sound like gourmet food but like any other recipe, it is excellent if you use the best ingredients and prepare it with loving care. Also, if you like meatloaf, you have to like Salisbury Steak, which is a flat version with fewer ingredients; that means it’s easy and quick to make for busy week-day family dinners.

Salisbury Steak:

Pattie Ingredients

· 1 to 2 pounds of extra lean ground beef (at room temperature)

· ½ cup of panko crumbs

· ½ cup of milk

· 1 egg

· ¼ cup of finely chopped onion

· A dash of Worcestershire Sauce

Gravy Ingredients

· 1 cup of beef broth

· ¼ cup of red wine

· 1 teaspoon of dried thyme

· 1 small can of sliced mushrooms, drained

· A sprinkle of black pepper

Preparation

· Combine all of the pattie ingredients in a bowl

· Shape the meat into 6 oval patties

· Place the patties in a hot pan that has been sprayed with canola oil

· Cook each side until brown and remove from the pan

· Mix the gravy ingredients in a bowl and pour into the same pan

· Bring to a boil and let thicken, then stir in the mushrooms

· Lower the heat and put your patties back into the gravy mixture

· Simmer for 15 minutes or so or until cooked throughout

Serving

Salisbury Steak goes well with mashed potatoes prepared with some grated cheddar cheese melted in and a bit of cream. For veggies, anything goes, such as cauliflower or broccoli florets or Brussel sprouts; however a legume such as peas is very nice as well. Since it’s winter, you can try Le Sieur Petit Pois (tender peas) in a can. I really enjoy their flavour mixed in with the brown gravy the steak is bathing in. Also, some Grahame’s Bakery Buns are definitely in order to sop up that gravy. So, open up your family diner and serve classic Salisbury Steak. Best from pcormier@ ranaprocess.com.

Happy Birthday Paul McGahey

CDSBEO superintendent receives Distinguished Leadership Award

The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario is pleased to share that Superintendent of School Effectiveness Norma McDonald has been chosen as the recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Leadership Award presented by the Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers’ Association.

The Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of leaders who have enriched the development and advancement of Catholic Education in Ontario through leadership on committees or projects which focus on enhancing the interests and needs of students, as well as leadership contributions in parish, civic, or humanitarian activities.

Superintendent McDonald expressed her gratitude

for being chosen to receive the award.

“It is an incredible honour to be chosen as a recipient of the OCSOA Distinguished Leadership Award and I want to extend my gratitude to our CDSBEO community for the opportunities provided, to Director Corrigan and my colleagues for the nomination, and to the OCSOA Board of Directors for their faith in me as a choice for a recipient. I am extremely humbled to accept this award given the many outstanding leaders in Catholic Education throughout Ontario and want to thank all those who have mentored and guided me over the years.”

Director of Education Laurie Corrigan acknowledged Superintendent McDonald’s remarkable impact on education.

“Norma’s unwavering witness and commitment to faith and good works allows her to bring hope and learning together for our students, staff, and families. Her contribution to education in Eastern Ontario and throughout the Province is vast, and we will continue to reap the benefits of her dedicated service for years to come.”

Baldwin's Birds

Today it's a Slow birds' day!

I, and probably quite a few of you, are wondering what has happened to our birds. Even though the feeders are well stocked, there do not seem to be the numbers of birds feeding that I/we have grown used to. The weather is the obvious answer, as more of the natural food has been made accessible as the thawing sun melts the ice-coated snowcovered foliage and the ground. It is still quite

Superintendent McDonald’s robust nomination includes her involvement with many local and provincial committees, including the OCSOA Catholic Leadership and Faith Development Committee (since 2018), both the CDSBEO and Ministry of Education provincewide Parent Involvement Committees, many Early Years Community Partners Network committees, and seven municipal committees including Vibrant Communities of Cornwall and the Cornwall Stormont Dundas Glengarry Early Years Planning Table, to name just a few.

She has also been involved with the Eastern Ontario Catholic Curriculum Cooperative Board of Directors and has established and implemented professional development for Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogy, Early Years Learning (for both teachers and Early Childhood Educators) and has mentored newly appointed superintendents through OCSOA. Her involvement with her local parish and as a community volunteer, and her dedication to lifelong learning and leadership with Indigenous, Faith and Equity

treacherous to venture out to replenish the feeders on the slippery ground, so I can imagine foraging for food in the trees and bushes isn't too much fun either, which is what the birds have to cope with if feeders are not available to them!

When talking of walking to my feeders, I am referring to the ones that are on fixed posts located in the front garden, and a couple hanging in an old tree there too. The ice-covered snow, which, even though I had used a

initiatives are a hallmark of her career. Her accolades are numerous and span 35 years of devoted service to Catholic Education.

OCSOA is a professional organization of Catholic Supervisory Officers throughout Ontario, dedicated to furthering the interests of Catholic Education and to promoting the professional development and welfare of its members. OCSOA works in partnership with Catholic education leaders to ensure high expectations of student achievement and well-being, and advocates for the inclusion of all students and their individual learning needs. It supports the care of vulnerable and marginalized students and is a provincial leader in the advancement of environmental stewardship.

The OCSOA Distinguished Leadership Award was instituted in 2004.

The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario operates 39 elementary and 10 secondary schools across eight counties. The CDSBEO offers excellence in Catholic education through provincial-leading programs to approximately 13,600 students.

snow blower at the first snowfall, is still evident and being followed by a freezing rain covering, is still "dodgy" to navigate to get to them.

However, I do have some suspended feeders under my eaves in front of our living-room windo, which aren't affected so much by the snow and freezing rain, and there seems to be a lack of bird activity on them too. These feeders are easily and safely accessed, so are always kept well stocked, but the birds

are not using them to the extent that we are used to. Maybe it is not deemed severe enough for them to take up their winter stance here and they have decided to move back to their more usual habitat wherever that might be.

I have included a couple of pictures of some of our "regulars". One is a Goldfinch which uses our suspended feeders and the other is a Darkeyed Junco, one of our "ground feeders"; a couple of them, due to the icy conditions, have even tried to use the suspended feeders.

Stay safe and well when walking please. Cheers, John Baldwin

Norma McDonald, winner of the 2024 Distinguished Leadership Award

Notes from above ground Counterfeit Christians

by David Shanahan

A friend told me about something he heard that really got to me: “Forget about putting Christ back into Christmas, try putting Christ back into Christians!”. Good point.

But what does it mean?

People and groups have used the word “Christian” in so many ways over centuries to justify wars, persecutions, hatred and intolerance. Is that what it means? How can you tell what is “Christian”?

Or does it just mean whatever you want it to, to suit your own cause?

Those who are responsible for verifying works of art, or identifying counterfeit currency have a similar problem. There are so many different versions of counterfeit bank notes, for example, that it is impossible to be

acquainted with them all.

So, the best way in which to spot a counterfeit is not to study counterfeits, it’s to study the real thing. The more you become familiar with the genuine, the easier it is to spot the fake.

What is the real thing, and how can you know it? That, in fact, is the easiest question to answer: the only authoritative source for defining Christian is Christ. If someone teaches or believes anything that contradicts what Jesus taught, either about himself or life, then they cannot claim the term “Christian”. A Christian preaching hatred, intolerance, or trying to impose their beliefs on others forcibly through legislation, for example, is going against the teaching of Jesus. They are what I call Meat-eating Vegetarians, a complete contradiction in terms.

Throughout the centuries, any time people have tried to “bring the Kingdom of God to earth”, by legislating “Christian” practice and belief, it has been a disaster. There has never been a “Christian” country in all of history, only attempts to artificially create one. Now, it is fine to legislate a moral society, but that is not the same thing. Jesus made it very clear: “My Kingdom is not of this world” (John 18.36). In fact, Jesus said that this world is under the control of Satan. When he was asked about paying taxes, he laid down the principle: “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12.17). For now, Christians are the Resistance in an occupied territory, winning it back one person at a time, not by political coups.

In the country next

Millions in new funding for low income renters and shelters

Federal Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland speaks to reporters following the funding announcement on February 6.

by Brandon Mayer

The federal government is acknowledging the financial difficulties posed by the current housing market, and has pledged $199 million in new funding to help offset the problem.The funding announcement was made on February 6.

Of the funding, $100 million will be put toward the creation of new emergency homeless shelter spaces for the winter months when sleeping outdoors becomes even less feasible than it is when the weather is mild. The other $99 million will be provided as a boost to the existing Canada Housing Benefit.

The new funding was announced during the prebudget consultation period for Canada’s 2024 budget, which raised questions re-

garding the need for urgency.

“We’re doing it now just because the need is great,” Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters at a press conference on February 6. “I think all of us can see on streets, in parks across the country… people who are really cold, and really, really suffering. And this is Canada. We need to do what we can to be sure that every Canadian has a roof over their head and warm food to eat.”

The Canada Housing Benefit is a federal government initiative that has partnerships with provincial governments across the country. Locally, the aid funding is known as the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB). To qualify for the benefit, there are limits to both household in-

door, we hear about “Christian Nationalism”, which has nothing to do with Christianity, and everything to do with making the nation (though not everyone within the nation) the focus of your religion and loyalty.

I can hear the objection being raised: “who are you to decide who is a Christian or not?”. Surely it is obvious that those using the word Christian, but who are acting or speaking in ways that contradict Christ, cannot be justifi ed in claiming Jesus as their example and Lord? What is the authority for defining “Christian”, other than the New Testament? It is the main source for knowing who Jesus was, what he taught, and how he defined his followers.

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the

truth will set you free” (John 8.31-32).

There is one thing that needs to emphasised: this is a fallen world, and Christians are, by definition again, broken people saved by grace. They may not always live up to what they believe, but they know it when they fail to do so. Paul said that: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3.28), so any form of racism, misogyny, or discrimination of any kind, is not in keeping with genuine Christianity.

But there is a Gospel to be preached, things to be said that the rest of the world will find disagreeable because they don’t like to hear it - like the idea that we’re all broken and fallen, in need of forgiveness and a Saviour. Is this judging? Yes, the

New Testament says we aren’t to judge, meaning condemn, look down on, discriminate. But there is another word, a different judging which means weighing up, choosing truth over falsehood, recognising genuine from counterfeit. That is what we have to do, instead of just accepting everything as equally true or valid. If you get arrested for trying to use counterfeit currency, it’s no use telling the judge that, in your opinion, it was a genuine bank note. There is an objective reality involved.

So with the term “Christian”: anyone can use or abuse it for any reason they like, but it doesn’t make it a valid use. Become familiar with the genuine, and the counterfeits won’t be able to fool you.

Leeds Grenville International Women’s Day celebrates Collaboration and Creativity

come, and the monthly rent amount currently being paid.

Applications for the COHB are processed through the local municipality – North Grenville residents would therefore apply through the office of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.

There is little doubt that rent has hit an all time high in Canada, with prices not sustainable even for families that would have been considered well above the poverty line a few short years ago. As of December 2023, the average asking rental price across all of Canada for all types of residential units was $2,178 per month.

Meanwhile, the average household income in Canada in 2023 was reported by Insurdinary.ca to be $6,287 per month. According to the Canada Revenue Agency’s payroll deductions calculator, the resulting net pay (assuming no tax credits other than a basic personal amount) would be $4,655 for the month. Comparing these two averages, it suggests that in the current housing market, renters, on average, are expected to spend about 47% of their total income on rent. However, it has long been recommended

by financial experts that no more than 30% of income be spent on rent.

The additional government funding is sure to be welcomed by the countless individuals and families who are struggling to pay for their basic necessities, or those with nowhere to live.

Why is rent so high in Canada? While many factors certainly come into play, the main reported reason for the rent inflation is the current “high interest rate environment” which is driving people away from home ownership and into the rental market. The resulting increase in demand while the general supply of rental housing stays the same drives rental prices up.

Locally, there is always support for those in need. Readers who find themselves in financial hardship are encouraged to reach out to the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville to inquire about current assistance funding available. The House of Lazarus in Mountain also offers advocacy for those in financial crisis. Visit https://hol.community/outreach-programs/ to learn more.

The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Small Business is hosting its annual International Women’s Day event on Thursday, March 7, 3:30-9 p.m. at the North Grenville Municipal Centre, 285 County Road 44 in Kemptville.

The afternoon and evening will feature a business showcase with local vendors; a local panel of female entrepreneurs telling their stories and sharing how Collaboration and Creativity has made them successful. The panel members are Sherri Marshall-Stobo, owner at SMS Home Rentals & Services in Brockville; Nicole Hudson, co-owner at Katarina’s Coffee Shop in Prescott; Erin Kergen, owner at Pickle & Myrrh in Merrickville; and Stacy Blair, owner at The Pie Bar in Westport.

The annual Lifetime Achievement Award will be announced. This award recognizes a woman in the Leeds Grenville community who has been in business for over 20 years and has adapted to changing times. This business leader is an inspiration to others and continues to make major contributions to her community.

This event will inspire, celebrate and honour women who contribute so much to the region. There will be time to network and exchange ideas with other attendees, along with beautiful catered meal by Catered Affairs. Additionally, there will be raffle draws with money going to the Kemptville General Hospital CT Scanner Fundraiser, live entertainment with Birds of a Feather and more!

Tickets are $99 and can be purchased by searching “International Women’s Day Kemptville Eventbrite”.

Opportunities to be part of the business showcase contact Carol Hardy via email or call 613-3423840 ext. 5367.

Kemptville Campus update A day with real heart

The development of Kemptville Campus continues, as we look to make it a centre of activities for the entire community. This involves catering to a wide variety of groups and interests. Here are some of the ways we’ve been growing.

Local food and greenhouse programming:

With such a rich agricultural background, Campus was pleased to incubate the Kemptville Campus Community Garden project in 2023. Completely run by volunteers, the Garden became more than just a plot of land, it's also a great educational tool for kids and adults alike. Start-up support for the project came from the Municipality of North Grenville.

Our AJ Logsdail Greenhouse is a hive of activity most days, with regular programming and volunteers tending plants and growing them for sale as a Campus social enterprise. You can book the space or plan a workshop there.

We have just finished a feasibility study for an incubator-kitchen facil-

ity to support local food businesses and community groups and we are exploring the possibility at a couple of Campus locations to see what makes sense. This would allow us to support local food producers and farmers who want to do value-added processing and packaging for local markets, and provide wraparound supports and training for food entrepreneurs on topics such as food labeling and marketing. We just won a Sustainability Award for this work from Sustainable Eastern Ontario!

This is the beginning of many exciting projects related to local food happening on Campus. We hope to branch out over time to really support a growing local food economy in Eastern Ontario.

Education and training on Campus:

The three schools and three daycares on Campus are all growing as the population of North Grenville grows. Elementary and high school students at Rivière Rideau and Notre Dame continue to enjoy the Cam-

pus space including the gym, the trails, and the outdoor classroom. We partner with TR Leger on apprenticeship training, with support from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training, Immigration and Skills Development.

We offer a variety of training formats for adults and students, and will offer our first Level 2 Motive Trades apprenticeship course starting April 2024.

We remain focused on creating an even more welcoming and safe space for children, with a series of traffic calming and sidewalk installations planned for summer 2024.

Last year, we partnered with Notre Dame on an agrifood business course with support from the OMAFRA Rural Economic Development fund. The students created a new website showcasing local food producers in North Grenville and the surrounding area:

https://sites.google. com/ecolecatholique.ca/ alimentslocaux?usp=sharing.

Alongside the schools, our child-friendly campus provides many programs

by David Shanahan

and services; e.g. LeedsGrenville Children’s mental health, Wellington kids speech therapy, Dreaming Heart Art workshops, and sporting activities.

Sports and recreation:

The JAGS (Kemptville Minor Football) and Mission Volleyball now provide opportunities for children’s participation in sport in addition to any group being able to rent our gym, soccer fields, or the Agroforestry Centre for forest school and outdoor education.

Arts on Campus:

We welcomed The Dreaming Heart Art Studio and Painted Key Therapy to Campus in 2023, and saw another successful Kemptville Live, with 19,000 attendees. And we’re excited to see what 2024 has in store!

We are in talks with local arts groups about establishing an artist’s residency on Campus to help us build community while providing cost-efficient shared space and supports for arts groups. Another initiative we’re exploring is a musical instrument lending library with local partners including J.A.M. Productions and the North Grenville Public Library.

Every day, we’re exploring options for the Campus grounds and buildings. By continuing to provide spaces for nonprofits, local organizations, and individuals to host events, workshops, and programs, Campus hopes to continue building a diverse and welcoming place for the community to come together.

It would be easy to think of Valentine’s Day, February 14, as another Hallmark invention, designed to sell greeting cards and create annual anguish for people everywhere as they try to find the perfect card for the object of their affections. But in fact, Valentine’s Day is an ancient festival, the origins of which may be rather unclear, but rest with certainty in the records of history.

The day is named for Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr of the 3rd Century, though, as noted, there is some uncertainty about which of two or possibly three martyrs named Valentine is the main source of the celebration. One of these died around 270 AD during the reign of Emperor Claudius II, and the story surrounding him is that before he was executed, he healed his jailer’s daughter of blindness. The day before his death, he wrote her a letter which he signed “from your Valentine”. Hence the tradition of signing Valentines with a similar wording.

Another possible Valentine was said to have secretly married a Christian soldier in the Emperor’s army, and against the commands of the Emperor, and so is associated with romance and secret love. However, since Christians didn’t join any army before Christianity became the state religion, and as the Emperor had no objection to married soldiers, this tradition lacks some credibility.

But that there was a Valentine, and that he gave rise, somehow, to the tradition of Valentine’s Day, is rather more historically supported. Some believe that the Day is a Christianised version of the older Roman festival of Lupercalia, which celebrated the coming of Spring in midFebruary each year. However, that theory has been firmly rejected, as there was little in common with the events of Lupercalia and those of Valentine’s Day. Reflecting their ancient Roman origins, valentines commonly depict Cupid, the Roman god of love, along with hearts, traditionally the seat of emotion. Birds are often included in illustrated cards, as February was thought to have marked the beginning of mating season for birds. Traditional gifts include candy and flowers, particularly red roses, a symbol of beauty and love.

The Venerable Bede, in the “Ecclesiastical History of the English People”, written in the 8th Century, refers to Valentine as an historical character. Bede is a credible writer on history, medicine, poetry, and science, and is lauded as “one of our best-written sources for early English history”.

References of Valentine’s Day go far back in historical and literary records. The Victorians, of course, are often credited with expanding the mythology surrounding the day, but commercially produced Valentine cards date from the late 1700’s. Earlier still, cards and messages on Valentine’s Day appear from the 1500’s, and Shakespeare referred to the day in Hamlet, when Ophelia says:

“To-morrow is Saint Valentine’s day, All in the morning betime, And I a maid at your window, To be your Valentine.”

Amazing weekend of teamwork and friendship for Storm U13HL1 at the Brockville February Freeze tournament. These girls took home silver in the finals with a close 1-0 loss. Incredible skill, impeccable teamwork and lasting memories were made by a great group of girls. Way to go Storm!!

It is thought that one of the earliest surviving valentines in English appears in the Paston Letters, written in 1477 by Margery Brewes to her future husband John Paston “my right well-beloved Valentine”. An even earlier reference can be found in Geoffrey Chaucer’s book, “Parliament of Fowls”, in 1382, and in a few other sources from the 14th Century.

Religious relics are a less reliable source of information on history, but relics of Valentine are held in a number of locations, including, oddly enough, in a church in Dublin. It seems that Pope Gregory XVI donated them to the Carmelite order from their previous location in the cemetery of St. Hippolytus in Rome. They are now on display in Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin, Ireland, where they have been since the 19th Century.

But all of this is probably irrelevant to those romantics, and under-pressure lovers, as they search for just the right card, just the right wording, to provide their loves with an expression of their love on February 14 every year.

Of course, for those who have already found the love of their lives, every day is Valentine’s Day and there is no need for cards and flowers to prove their love and devotion. Or maybe that’s what they tell their love when they forget to buy a card?