Issue 39 October 16 2025

NewsPaper Carriers Keep the Times on the Move

by Marguerite Boyer

When David and I were in Ireland in September for a family funeral, the Post Office decided to go on strike. Being so far away, we felt helpless. The first week, we couldn’t publish, but due to growing pressure, we started up again the following week with the help of two wonderful people back in Canada.

When we returned home, with the strike still ongoing, I tried to deliver as many papers as possible myself, with the help of a dear friend. A huge thank you to Allison Miller for his time and kindness. He has

an electric car, which was an even bigger bonus.

However, I soon realized I was missing too many homes. So, I created an ad looking for youth to help as paper carriers and asked friends to share it on social media. The response was overwhelming in the days before the paper came out! When I later posted the ad in our paper, even more inquiries poured in.

I spent days replying to emails, sometimes to the same person more than once or twice, doing my best to stay organized as I signed on new helpers. Many of you know that charts and

spreadsheets have never been my strength, but we got there!

To date, The North Grenville Times has hired 23 carriers (a few adults included), and they had their first go at delivery this past week. With one exception, everything went smoothly. I did receive one rather unhappy message from someone suggesting we suspend the paper until Canada Post resumes service. She complained that her paper had blown across her yard, but otherwise, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, many homeowners even took the time to thank

the kids in person.

Our youth carriers have been given clear instructions:

• Make sure each paper is safely tucked onto porches or between the doors.

• Don’t deliver additional papers if previous ones haven’t been picked up.

• Above all, stay safe: no deliveries after dark, in heavy rain, or during snowstorms.

Your paper might not always arrive on the exact same day, but generally, you can expect it Wednesday or Thursday.

We’ve also listed on page 2 all our business locations where copies are available for pickup, and soon, we’ll be setting up newspaper boxes in the hamlets for easier access.

Thank you to everyone for your patience, understanding, and encouragement as we adjust during this strike. And thank you to our new carriers and to the local business for stepping up to help keep The North Grenville Times in your hands each week. We are not sure how the paper will be delivered when the strike is over, but It it nice to be able to hire local kids, giving them a bit of income

Lions Club draw winner

The first winner of the new series of the Lions Trip of the Month Club Draws is Ryan McCurdy, pictured here with Lion Alan Forbes. Although the draw was in September, Mr. McCurdy has been unavailable to congratulate in person before now.

We wish him a pleasant trip nonetheless. Although the prize is for trip to the Saguenay Fjord and whale watching, he is free to travel wherever he chooses.

Salvation Army thanks the Lions

The Salvation Army would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Kemptville Lions Club for their generous donation of $1,790.00 from their 'Trip of the Month Club'. This money will be used to help local families in need this thanksgiving.

Where you can find the NGTimes during the Post Office Strike

B&H Community Grocers Bowling Centre

Brewed Awakening (HWY 43)

Burritt's Rapids (by the post office boxes)

Canadian Tire

Fast Eddies Diner

Grahame's Bakery

Home Hardware (Downtown)

Jonsson's Independant

Kemptville Family Restaurant

Long Reach Bar & Grill (near Equinelle)

M & M Food Market

McEwens Gas Station, Hwy 43

Municipal Centre

Merrickville Food Market

Salamanders Restaurant

North Grenville Public Library

Seniors Community Services

The Restore (Kemptville Mall)

To Be Continued

Running for Rowan: A community united in love and legacy

By Talia Hreljac

Last weekend, more than 200 people came together to honour Rowan Dean, a remarkable young man with a deep passion for running, who tragically passed away just over a year ago while doing what he loved on

North Grenville’s rail trail.

Rowan’s passing left a lasting impact on the community. He was kind, driven, and deeply loved by so many. His absence is still felt, but his spirit was very much present this weekend.

In a beautiful tribute to his memory, his parents, friends, family, teachers, and volunteers organized the first annual Run for Rowan, with 100% of the proceeds going toward the Rowan Dean Passion for Sports Scholarship. The event took place at the Ferguson Forest Centre, where the sun shone down on a really meaningful day.

Participants came together to run or walk 2K and 5K distances, sharing stories, hugs, and moments of reflection along the way. The energy was full of love, strength, and a shared commitment to keeping Rowan’s legacy alive.

This run is more than just a race; it's a symbol

of how one person’s passion and kindness can inspire a whole community. And if the first year is any indication, the Run for Rowan will continue to grow and make a difference for years to come.

Rowan’s light continues to shine through every step taken in his name.

Local Optometrist joins World Sight Day Challenge

Local Optometrist, Dr. Carla Eamon took part in the World Sight Day Challenge on October 9 to help give the gift of vision to people in underserved communities around the world. Now in its 19th year, the World Sight Day Challenge is Optometry Giving Sight's largest annual fundraising campaign to address avoidable blindness caused by uncorrected refractive error – simply the need for an eye exam and glasses. The event celebrates the collective power of the optometry community to help give the gift of sight to millions of families and individuals in need.

On World Sight Day, Dr. Eamon made a donation to raise funds to help the more than 1.1 billion people globally who are unnecessarily blind or vision impaired simply because they don't have access to an eye exam and a pair of glasses.

"I have supported Optometry Giving Sight for 19 years," says Dr. Eamon. "Working together, we can solve preventable blindness and we are proud to be a part of this fundraising campaign to help give better vision to those in need. Everyone can make a difference, and we are thrilled

to be contributing to vision worldwide."

Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) is a non-profit organization founded by the Brien Holden Foundation, the World Council of Optometry and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. Its mission is to end preventable blindness and vision impairment by expanding the optometry profession globally through the establishment of schools and training programs that result in increased access to vision care.

As "Optometry's Charity," OGS raises funds from optometrists, optometry practices, and optometryrelated businesses and corporations to award grants for sustainable, impactful projects in underserved areas of the world. Over the last 20 years, OGS has helped establish 14 optometry schools in 11 countries, trained over 14,000 optometrists and allied health professionals, and impacted the lives of more than 15 million children and adults in over 50 countries.

Optometry Giving Sight's Executive Director, Donna J. Mikulecky, says that this event brings together a community of eye

health professionals who are committed to making good vision a reality for everyone, everywhere.

"Professionals in the optometry community are passionate about everyone having access to eye care and enjoying good vision. They demonstrate this every day, caring for their patients and working in their communities to provide the highest possible level of care. They also are deeply passionate about helping people in need around the world, in areas where there is a dire shortage of optometrists and little to no access to even basic eye care. We see this in their generosity year-round. During the World Sight Day Challenge, they become especially impassioned to make a difference. We are so very grateful for their support of our work."

For more information about Optometry Giving Sight, or to make a donation, go to givingsight.org.

Dr. Eamon's office is located at Unit 3, 212 Van Buren Street, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0. Call 613258-7438 or visit www. drcleamon.com to schedule an appointment.

Scare Away Hunger: Join South Branch Elementary's Annual Food Drive

by Katie OConnor

From October 20 to 31, South Branch Elementary will host its annual non-perishable food drive, Scare Away Hunger. This event invites families and community members to come together to support those in need by donating food items to help local families during this challenging time.

All donations will benefit the House of Lazarus and Kemptville Salvation Army, two vital organizations dedicated to providing essential food assistance to our community. As we approach the holiday seasons, the demand for assistance is greater than ever. This year, an alarming 1 in 4 families in our community is relying on local food banks to meet or supplement their nutritional needs—a staggering 20% increase from last year. Your contributions can make a significant difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to send non-perishable food items with their students or community members may drop items off at the school office between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Every donation matters, and together we can help "scare away" hunger from our community.

Let's show our caring spirit and join hands to support those in need. Together, we can ensure that every family has access to the nutritious food they deserve. Thank you for your generosity!

NG entrepreneurs in Starter Company Plus 20th Round

The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville is supporting 17 small businesses in building stronger foundations and greater resiliency through the Starter Company Plus program. Over the next six months, participants will work to complete intensive training in business fundamentals, including developing business plans, applying cash flow best practices, and strengthening long-term strategies for growth.

On Thursday, October 9, graduates, local dignitaries, mentors, and community supporters gathered in the Grand Room at Prescott Town Hall to mark the start of this new round. The launch serves as a valuable networking opportunity to strengthen connections within the local business community.

Of the 17 small businesses making it into the next round of the program, four of them are based in North Grenville.

Brandon Bloomfield, Your Local Handyman Service, provides local handyman services within 50 km of Kemptville. Brandon can be contacted at 613-851-8828, by email at info@YourLocalHandymanService.com. His website: yourlocalhandymanservice.com.

Sarah Nestor, The Nest Wellness provides pelvic-health and orthopaedic physiotherapy, and chiropractic care on Clothier Street East, in Kemptville. Sarah’s contact info: 613-215-0400, email info@nestwellness.ca. Website: nestwellness.ca.

Patricia VanderLaan, Saltastic Health and Wellness Spa, provides a salt therapy wellness spa, natural treatments, stress reduction, and overall wellbeing. She is located at County Road 43 in Kemptville. Contact: 613-215-0644, email info@saltastic.ca. Website: saltastic.ca.

Karen Trivett, Inanna’s Grotto, provides operatesa hair salon and sanctuary spa specializing in extensions and holistic beauty services. Contact: 613-883-8059, email trivettk75@gmail.com. Website: book.squareup.com/appointments/1oi83gjecpj7ec/location/L8YB8SW40G9X3.

Each entrepreneur will have the opportunity to receive up to $5,000 in funding to support essential business needs, from equipment purchases to marketing initiatives. The program will also provide personalized business coaching from experienced advisors through mentorship sessions that ensure participants have the best possible opportunity to launch and grow their businesses.

NG_Times_Oct_quarter_pg_ad_crops.pdf 1 2025-09-10 7:56 AM

The Counties’ Small Business and Economic Development staff offer free consultations, resources, events, and workshops, assisting local entrepreneurs to continue to learn, grow and foster their presence within the region’s business network.

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Yesterday once more

by David Shanahan

I’m not sure when it happened. One day, I looked in the mirror and the face staring back at me was that of my grandfather. Not really, you understand; it just looked so much like him that it kind of shocked me. That was a pivotal moment. Another one was when it hit me that seniors were no longer “them”, they were “me”. I think it was getting monthly payments from the feds and province that made it real. CPP, OAS, and such acronyms appeared in my bank statements. Even the bank statements were a rather large reminder: my account is called “Everyday chequing with Seniors Discount”!

It seems the universe is insisting on telling me that I am no longer in the first flush of youth. The universe really doesn’t need to shout it so loudly. My aching body, failing eyesight (failing? It has passed fail and been expelled from school), and a myriad other subtle hints have made it

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

I can envision a day, not in the distant future, when robots will be used to sort the mail, all mail will be delivered, by robots, and put into boxes on every corner along with postal stamps dispensed from the mailboxes, and all packages and parcels will be deposited into a local small depository where postage will be available and Canada Post will be a thing of the past. Josephine Herman

Dear Editor,

How lucky we are in NG to have Dr. Fred Schueler's occasional articles about our local fragile changing ecosystems and John Baldwin's bird column. I learn so much from their detailed observations and often find myself heading out to examine the phenomena described. Keep 'em coming!

M. LeBlanc

very clear indeed that my days of youthful exuberance are a fast-fading memory.

This is not all bad, of course (those monthly government subsidies are a bonus). I have reached an age when I can be, as my dear wife called me the other day, a genuine curmudgeon. I say “genuine” because, to be honest, I’ve been a curmudgeon for quite some time now. But at last I have an excuse. We seniors can tell younger ones to deal with it, when we come across as a little crusty and grumpy. I have yet to use that phrase I used to hate so much, “when I was your age....”, but I’m sure the opportunity to say it is fast approaching. There’s so much to remember with gratitude about being this age. We were the Baby Boomers (I arrived towards the end of that generation, of course...), a title I find so much more friendly and apt than Generation X (or Y or Z, or whatever), or Millennials. Let’s face it: we had the best music, the sunniest summers, the deepest thinkers, the hippest rebellions, all you’d ever want in life.

Yes, I know, most of that is not quite true, except for the music bit, but I can’t imagine living in a more exciting and optimistic period. Well, until Nixon turned up, anyway.

There’s a strange sense of perspective at this age, and a rather stunning one too. When I was twenty, let’s say, World War II was thirty years in the past. For someone who is twenty today, thirty years in the past was 1991. But that was yesterday! I mean, I remember that year as being recent, but WWII for me in 1975 was ancient history. Do you see what I mean? Perspectives change.

I was reading an article the other day about how the current generation of children (5 to 15 years old, say) live in a world where technology has changed so much that they have no experience, or even sometimes no knowledge, of things like pagers, rotary phones, cassette tapes, and a host of other things that were a major part of life for my generation. But things that were special to my parents’ or

grandparents’ generation are not strange to us. We grew up hearing and seeing them, watching black and white movies from the 30's and 40's, and seeing a different world in them. I can remember black and white TV, even watching old Laurel and Hardy, or Charlie Chaplain films.

It’s hard to grasp how fast everything has changed so recently, at least in my recent past. As a student, in about ten years I went from writing on an electric typewriter (which was revolutionary at the time - you could change fonts by using different golf ball-type things) to a mainframe computer in university, to a desktop PC that had apparently unlimited potential. When I first got an email account, I couldn’t use my full surname on it, because the system couldn’t handle anything longer than a few characters.

Yes, much has changed and much has been left behind, for good or ill. I am now a senior, although writing that seems ridiculous and I feel a bit of a fraud.

Two years since the disappearance of

Robbie Thomson

$50,000 Reward Announced, Investigation and Search Continue

A $50,000 reward is now being offered in connection with the disappearance of Robbie THOMSON in the Smiths Falls area. Robbie THOMSON was reported missing on Thursday, October 19, 2023, but is believed to have gone missing sometime between Thursday, October 12 and Wednesday, October 18, 2023. He would now be 36 years old.

The Government of the Province of Ontario is now offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the disappearance of Robbie THOMSON.

Robbie is described as:

6'2" (188 cm)

Medium build

Brown hair and brown eyes

Robbie is known to frequent locations in Smiths Falls and Prescott.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Smiths Falls Police Service (SFPS), under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, have been continuing to investigate Robbie's disappearance. This has involved multiple searches by the OPP Emergency Response Team, OPP Aviation Services and Canine Units. Investigators have been following up on a variety of information, including tips that have come in from members of the public.

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Robbie THOMSON, or what may have happened to him, and have not yet spoken to police, call the dedicated tip line at 1-855-677-4636. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

After all, I can’t really be a senior, can I? I mean, rock and roll, right? I may not be able to party all night long, but I still dig the music. There’s still so much about me that just doesn’t feel like a senior, whatever that is supposed to feel like. Maybe that’s it. Maybe this generation of seniors has simply changed the way seniors are, a new perspective, a new interpretation, of what that word means? Perhaps we really did achieve something and the times they are a-changin’. After all, we did invent the teenager, right? Why not reinvent the senior?

When I look in the mirror and see my grandfather looking back at me, I can smile and think of all he went through: two world wars, a great depression, a revolution in culture, technology, society. I do smile at that image of John Hamilton and I can only hope that I will do him justice as a senior, as he did in his time. Rock on!

Contact 613-215-0735

ISSN 2291-0301 www.ngtimes.ca

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

Editor David Shanahan editor@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735

Marketing/Sales marketing@ngtimes.ca 613 215-0735 Reporter Talia Hreljac Talia@ngtimes.ca

Graphic Designer Mary Moore graphics designer 613-215-0735

Accounting cfo@ngtimes.ca

Classifieds classifieds @ngtimes.ca

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

Four ways Canadian newspapers power important conversations

(COMMUNITYWIRE)-- If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s just how important it is for Canadians to have access to news they can trust. It’s not only about staying informed; it’s about being able to have meaningful dialogues and advocate for what you believe in. Here’s how Canadian news media fuel these meaningful conversations from coast to coast to coast:

1. Keeping Canadians Informed

Canadians continue to rely on their local newspapers for vital information they can trust every day. In fact, recent research finds that more than 85% of Canadian adults read newspapers each week – either in print or digital format. The essential service the news media industry provides makes it possible for readers like you to gather knowledge, think critically, and form your own opinions. Newspapers give us all the tools we need to stay informed and discuss issues important to our communities.

2. Combatting News Deserts

‘News deserts’ are communities that lack a daily or weekly newspaper, forcing people to turn to other, less credible sources of information. Local newspapers and their digital platforms play a crucial role in combating news deserts across the country. With the help of dedicated local reporters, news media outlets work hard to provide these communities with original, local and factual content. These newspapers provide a voice for communities that are often overlooked, offering them a platform to gather accurate information that cannot be found elsewhere, including on social media.

3. Reporting The Facts

In the golden age of disinformation and dreaded ‘fake news’, access to credible information is more important than ever. By providing access to diverse and fact-checked sources of information, newspapers enable Canadians to share information they can trust with family and friends, as well as the tools they need to form informed opinions and engage in meaningful conversations.

4. Preserving Canadian Democracy

While the internet and social media have certainly made communicating and sharing information easier, it also means that, unfortunately, almost anyone can say almost anything, whether it’s true or false. With Canadians consuming more content than ever before, access to credible news sources is increasingly vital to our democracy. Newspapers have always played a crucial role in upholding Canadian democracy by providing diverse, local, and original content that cannot be found anywhere else, and by helping to hold governments and leaders accountable. Honest and accurate journalism has a profoundly positive impact on civic engagement by creating opportunities for Canadians to engage in meaningful conversations and providing the necessary tools to make informed decisions.

Newspapers keep readers informed, inspired, and connected. They provide us with the information we need to engage in meaningful conversations with our communities as we work towards a stronger future.

Protecting Your Home: Winter Water Preparation Guide

from the Municipality of North Grenville

Cold weather can cause problems for your home plumbing and the Municipal water distribution system. Here are a few easy steps to protect your water service this winter.

Preventing Frozen Pipes: Keep pipes in basements, crawl spaces and garages warm. Insulate any exposed water pipes near outside walls. Close gaps around windows, doors, and foundations near water lines to keep out cold air. Small leaks can freeze and cause larger damage in winter conditions.

Know Your Shut-Off Valve: Find your home’s main interior shut-off valve before winter. In case of a burst pipe, shutting off water quickly can prevent costly damage.

Outdoor Connections: Disconnect and drain garden hoses. Shut off and drain outdoor taps before freezing weather sets in.

After Snowfalls: Don’t bury hydrants under snow piles when shoveling or plowing. Keep fire hydrants near your home clear of snow and ice (at least 1 meter around). A visible, accessible hydrant helps firefighters respond quickly in an emergency and keeps your neighborhood safe.

Burritts Rapids Tip-To-Tip Trail temporary closure

Parks Canada advises residents and visitors that the Burritts Rapids Tip-to-Tip Trail will be temporarily closed between Centre Street and the lockstation for tree and woody vegetation removal. This is necessary to allow for inspection and to maintain the integrity of the dam. The work is scheduled from October 20 to 31, 2025. The same area will close again for one week in November for waterside erosion protection, with exact dates to be posted on social media.

This work is part of an ongoing earth dam repair project, which has been underway for the past few years and was planned in accordance with an environmental assessment. Removed vegetation will be replaced with native plant seeds that will support birds, bees, and species at risk, such as the Monarch butterfly, while ensuring future inspection access is not impeded.

For the safety of the public and the construction teams, access to the area will be restricted during these periods. We kindly ask that all visitors adhere to the fencing and signage in place.

Parks Canada thanks the community for their understanding as we carry out this important work to ensure public safety. For more information about the Rideau Canal, please visit parks.canada.ca/rideaucanal or follow us on social media @RideauCanalNHS.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

REGARDING A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE OFFICIAL PLAN FOR THE UNITED COUNTIES OF LEEDS AND GRENVILLE

TAKE NOTICE that the Planning Advisory Committee of the Corporation of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., to consider a proposed Amendment to the Official Plan for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville in accordance with Sections 17 and 21 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, as amended.

LOCATION: 25 Central Avenue West, Brockville, Ontario. This meeting will be in-person with a virtual participation option. For information on how to participate virtually, please see below under Participation and Submissions. For viewing only, the meeting is livestreamed at: https://www.leedsgrenville.com/en/ government/agendas-minutes-and-video.aspx.

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the Amendment is to update the policies in Section 3.2Agricultural Areas of the Official Plan and to amend the Schedule “A”, Community Structure and Land Use map to update the existing “Agricultural Area” land use designation on the schedule. This is a Counties initiated Amendment and it implements the recommendations of the Agricultural Area Review Study, which uses a Land Evaluation and Area Review (LEAR) methodology, as required by the Province. Mapping changes recommended by the Planning Advisory Committee on July 9, 2025 and endorsed by Counties Council have been incorporated and the recommended policies have been updated based on municipal and provincial comments and public input to date.

SUBJECT LANDS: This amendment affects numerous properties throughout the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. Accordingly, no key map is provided. Maps illustrating Agricultural Area lands are available by contacting Planning staff or on the Counties website at www.leedsgrenville.com/agriculture.

NOTIFICATION OF DECISION: If you wish to be notified of the decision of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville on the proposed Official Plan Amendment, you must make a written request to the County Clerk at the address below.

PARTICIPATION AND SUBMISSIONS: Any person may participate in the public meeting and/or make written or verbal representation, either in support of or in opposition to the proposed Amendment. If you wish to provide any written comments to be included in the meeting agenda, please submit them to Christina Conklin, County Clerk at the address below prior to Friday, October 24, 2025. Written comments will be accepted up to and during the meeting.

To participate in the virtual meeting or provide comments during the meeting, contact the County Clerk at Christina.Conklin@uclg.on.ca.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: For more information about this matter, including obtaining a copy of the Amendment and information about appeal rights, contact Elaine Mallory, Planner II by telephone at (613) 342-3840, ext. 2422 or by email at elaine.mallory@uclg.on.ca or visit www.leedsgrenville.com/ agriculture.

DATED: at the City of Brockville, this 15th day of October, 2025.

Christina Conklin, County Clerk

United Counties of Leeds and Grenville

25 Central Avenue West, Suite 100

Brockville, ON K6V 4N6

Phone: 613-342-3840, ext. 2456

Email: Christina.Conklin@uclg.on.ca

Save the wild years

by Hilary Thomson

There is nothing quite as feral as young children after dinner. I don't know what it is about the combination of nourishment and utter exhaustion but, without fail, my two and four-year-old end up running wild around the main floor of our house in the evenings. Just when my husband and I could use some peace and quiet, they quite literally turn into wild animals, until I grab my son and fireman carry him upstairs for bed.

When I talk to other parents this seems like a pretty universal phenomenon. In fact, I remember doing it myself. My sister and I would run laps around the kitchen after dinner until my parents told us to stop. At the time I didn't understand why they would want to ruin our fun.

But, now I get it.

There are a lot of things that I understand more about my own childhood now that I am a mom. I see the wonder and imagination that I had as a child in both of my children. From imaginary friends, to make believe tea parties, or even the tears around the living room, they all bring back this memory of being able to transport myself in a world of my own making; one full of joy in the present moment.

How wonderful would it be if we all kept the energy and zest for life that we have in childhood. I firmly believe that great fiction authors never truly let that part of them go. Think J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy; he was able to create a complex fantasy world all inside his own imagination.

I think that is something that is missing in many people’s lives as they age. Many succumb to the idea that play and imagination is for the young. The world is a harsh and difficult place and the ability to escape into a story of our own making or an activity with no purpose other than to spark joy, is a skill that many adults would benefit from.

It is true what they say: you go into parenting thinking about what you are going to teach your children about the world; but they actually end up teaching you so much more.

So, as my children tear around our dining room table and I am yearning for peace and quiet, I am going to take a pause and wonder at the wild nature of children. And hope that, in some way, it never leaves them.

JOB POSTING

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT –BUILDING & PLANNING (1 Year Contract)

Tay Valley Township is seeking a full-time Administrative Assistant –Building & Planning. Reporting to the Planner, the Building & Planning Administrative Assistant will be responsible for undertaking file preparation, tracking and initial review at the application intake stage for planning applications, and will facilitate direct communication between applicants and the Planner during the application review and approval stages, among other clerical related duties. A detailed job description is available upon request.

As the preferred candidate you will have attained post-secondary school courses in office administration and/or the building and planning field. Successful completion of The Primer on Planning Course will be considered an asset. Excellent communication skills, strong time management and organizational skills are essential, as well as excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe and GIS. Experience in a municipal or planning environment will be considered an asset.

The wage range is $30.25 to $33.61 (2025 rates) per hour. A comprehensive benefit package is available to all employees.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a covering letter and resume clearly marked “Administrative Assistant – Building & Planning”, prior to 9:00 a.m. on November 3rd, 2025, to:

Tay Valley Township Attn: Deputy Clerk 217 Harper Road Perth, ON K7H 3C6 or e-mail: deputyclerk@tayvalleytwp.ca

Tay Valley Township is an equal opportunity employer, committed to ensuring all candidates are able to participate in the interview process fully and equally. If contacted for employment, please let us know if you require

We

Herpetology at a random location in Bishops Mills

Fred

Schueler & Aleta Karstad, Fragile Inheritance Natural History

This is the story of what we see and hear from the centre of the village of Bishops Mills. At the onset of concern about globally declining amphibian populations in 1992, it was pointed out that the only change many studies would find would be decline, because the studies were established in sites where the studied species were abundant: "the only way to go is down." This same bias leaves out much of the countryside, where many species are scarce or absent. Without thinking much about this problem, in 1992 we started listening for frogs every night from home in Bishops Mills, from 1 March-1 August, and in 2002 started "doing-the-streets", recording all alive-on-road and dead-on-road animals, on a 267m transect, going all four ways from the village intersection, about 300 m from the creek.

Listening-from-home resulted in 4,190 auditions, and 7,388 species records from 1992-2025, while

there were 3,881 Doingthe-streets road surveys, producing 8,563 records of species occurrence from 2003-2025. The species with the most records was the American Toad (593 on road records, 845 calling over the course of the years). We hear lots of distant calling, in April through June, and waves of juveniles come into the village every 4-5 years. The next most represented species is the Grey Treefrog (152 on road, 1047 calling), with scattered occurrence on the road, from March to November, with about half being juveniles. Calling begins in April in some years and peaks in May & June, but summer "treetop" calling has not been heard at night. Spring Peepers (71 on road, 1028 calling) were found occasionally on the roads from March to November, and prolonged loud calling in the spring, though with strikingly few in the strangely quiet spring of this year.

The first species with a serious change in status is the Northern Leopard Frog (904 on road, 91 calling),

with distant calling from the creeks in April and May: Leopard Frogs were only 2-7% of what we heard at night from all species through 1993-2004, and only 1% or less since then. On-road activity of Leopard Frogs is usually half by juveniles transformed from that spring's eggs, which arrive at an average date of 1 August. 10-30% of onroad records were Leopard Frogs until the hard winter of 2013-14, then there was huge drop-off in numbers to 1-8% in 2014 and after.

Green Frog (519 on road, 322 calling) calling, from the creeks, begins in May and peaks in July, which is when there's a big influx of juveniles, transformed from over-wintered tadpoles. This happens before the juvenile Leopard Frogs appear on the roads. Bull Frog (221 on road, 462 calling) adults are seen in the village in wet summers, and there is lots of calling from both branches of the creek; but recently less calling has been heard in the creek going through the village, and this may also be the case for Green Frogs.

Rideau Glen Ladies Golf League: another outstanding season

by Joan Beauregard

Our end-of-season golf day felt somehow especially festive this year, made even better by one of the best golf-weather days of the year. A record number of players, sporting our silliest socks, feted the day with a fun game, scrumptious luncheon, awards, prizes, and many thank-you’s .

September began by hosting (and winning!) our division in the Ottawa Valley Golf Association Seniors Intersectionals. Closely following was our League Championships. After keen competition, the results are: League Champion: Leslie Cheal.

'A' Flight: 1st Place, Cathy Maur, and 2nd Place, Donna Lush. 'B' Flight: 1st Place, Marie Coady, and 2nd place, Suzanne Sampson.

'C' Flight: 1st Place, Sue Ouellette, and 2nd Place, Tracey Bennett. 'D' Flight: 1st Place, Libby Price, and 2nd Place, Francine Cross.

Congratulations to all!

Recognition for league members’ first birdies made in September goes to: Lynne Ferguson-Bourguignon, Glenda Helem, Connie Lamble, Joyce Lavergne, Brenda Macumber, Rayanne McGee, Janne Ritskes, and Linda Thomson. For firsts breaking 100: Linda Thomson and Cathy Ouellette; and firsts breaking 90: Tanya Peters and Marie Coady. 2025 was a season of many firsts. Our first season with over 150 members, all keen to play. Our first season with a roster of volunteers to run the weekly check-in – thank you to all. A new Hole-in-One trophy that was won within days of its donation to us. New committee members who stepped into their roles like pro’s. A new catering arrangement with Catered Affairs for our month-end fun-days, that also introduced a new online paymenthandling method.

Many Thank-you’s are owed. To the executive committee, whose tireless efforts make our league fun and successful. To Rideau Glen Golf Course for making us welcome, and ensuring every game day went off without a hitch. To sponsors who donated prizes for our events. And to all the members for your cheerful participation, genial competition, and friendship.

And one more thank-you. To the North Grenville Times, which has published our monthly news every season going back to at least 2011. In this uncertain and challenging time for the smaller, independent newspapers, we appreciate your determination and exceptional efforts in keeping our community informed.

Wood Frogs (18 on road, 111 calling) are abundant in nearby wooded areas, but their April calling hasn't been frequently heard from the village, and may not have declined very much. On-road activity has been a very few adults in March-May, and then a few juveniles in August-October. Mink Frogs (4 on road, 113 calling), are rarely seen on the roads so far from water, and they call mostly after midnight. However, they have not not been heard in Listening-from-home since 2016. Redbelly Snakes (96 on road), are mostly seen in the fall, when presumably going towards wherever they hibernate, and about half are juveniles, while Garter Snakes (90 on road), are on-road from May-November, mostly September and October, with about half of them juveniles, beginning in July. A Northern Water Snake (10 on road) population along the creek sends out juvenile dispersants in their first year, and while in some years we've seen adults in a hibernaculum south of the village, no

adults from this movement have been seen in our centre-of-the-village transect.

Our only Salamander has been the Blue-spotted Salamander (10 on road) from 2008-2021; one in April, two in September, and 7 (including two juveniles) in October. Turtles: All three species found have been road-killed hatchlings that were dispersing hundreds of metres from their nest sites. Painted Turtle (5 on road): overwintered hatchlings in April-June in 2006-2008, 2011, and 2025, no females seen nesting in the village; Blanding's Turtle (1 on road): one hatchling, and one female subsequently seen nesting in the village; Snapping Turtle (1

on road): one hatchling 9 September 2016, another in the village off the transect 14 Sept 2011, and one female has been seen nesting in the village.

So that's the herpetology of Doing-the-Streets and Listening-from-Home in Bishops Mills. Further understanding of the factors correlated with activity and population levels will require statistical analysis of the weather and timing of surveys, and compensation for the dates when we were away from home.

Businesses are open and ready to serve you with great products, tasty eats,

Talia’s Take

Bring Back the Dinner Parties:

Building Community One Meal at a Time

When I was a kid, my parents always had friends over for dinner. Whether they invited them to join our Sunday family dinners, or had them over separately when it was a little less chaotic, our house was always a place where people felt welcomed. I feel like COVID sort of killed that idea a little bit for most people, and I wanted to bring it back.

So, when Jordano and I first moved to Kemptville, one of the things we said was that we wanted to be more social. We wanted to build our village with more people. We wanted to bring back the days when people would just stop by, or feel comfortable enough to hang out.

We slowly started having people over, and we made sure to invite their kids too, because honestly, long gone are the days of $5/hour babysitting. The kids would run off to play while the adults enjoyed a meal where we could talk about something other than Paw Patrol. It may not be as glamorous as going out to a restaurant all the time, but with the rising cost of everything, it’s a great way to be social and still connect with those around you.

This weekend, we took it a step further. We put out a general invite to a bunch of friends for a little Halloween potluck with the kids. Although lots of people couldn’t make it because of family Thanksgiving plans, it still ended up being such a fun group of new and old friends sitting around the table, laughing hysterically the entire time.

And although dinner for most kids consisted of a bun and seven Rice Krispies squares each, they also had the best time running around in their costumes.

The best part? Because we all have kids, everyone was gone by 8:30, which meant we were in bed by 9. Talk about best case scenarios.

It wasn’t fancy. It was chaotic. But it was real, and it was easy, since everyone brought a dish. Plus, it was just SO much fun, and all I could say afterwards was the fact that my heart was so full. It’s something we’re going to try and do once a month as an open call. If you can come, great! If you can’t, no problem. We get it, life is busy. But the invite is there. The chance to connect is there.

If you want to start something like that, just send out a few invites to friends, or people you think would get along well. If you want to take it a step further, you can say, “I’ll do the main, you bring a side or dessert.” It doesn’t have to be a grand affair, and many hands make light work.

If building a bigger table means more laughter, more connection, and more community, then we’ll keep adding chairs and I hope others feel inspired to do the same.

Budget Conscious Grocery Shopping

When you return home from the grocery shopping, store foods that need to be frozen or refrigerated right away. Perishable items like meats, eggs and dairy products need to be refrigerated within 2 hours to keep them from going bad. The following storage tips will help keep produce fresh for longer:

1. Most vegetables, like carrots, broccoli, cabbage and celery should be stored in a plastic bag or container in the crisper of the refrigerator.

2. Store leafy greens by first rinsing them, wrapping them in a paper or tea towel and refrigerating in a container or bag.

3. Mushrooms are best stored in a paper bag.

4. Most fresh fruit will last longer if kept in its original packaging in the crisper.

5. With the exception of leafy greens, don’t wash vegetables and fruit until it’s time to eat or cook them. It’s not necessary, and washing some items like berries and mushrooms can cause them to spoil quicker.

6. Fruit and vegetables that are not yet ripe can be stored at room temperature until they ripen. Once ripe, store them in the refrigerator to help them last longer.

7. Vegetables should be stored in a different part of the refrigerator than fruit. This will prevent them from ripening too quickly.

8. Keep potatoes in a cool, dark and dry place, away from onions.

For more information, visit the Health Unit’s website at healthunit.org, connect with us on Facebook, or X @LGLHealthUnit, or call 1-800-660-5853.

South Gower Business Park

We would like to take this time to thank our clients, fellow business associates and community. You have contributed greatly to our success at 4 Industrial Road, South Gower Business Park.

Great effort is made to meet your requirements in a timely, cost-effective manner, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. With varied experience, continued growth in education and support staff, our team continues to provide assistance in many areas including:

CORPORATE SERVICES

• Financial statement preparation including compilation, review and audit reports

• Corporate tax return preparation and strategic tax planning

• G/HST, Payroll, WSIB

• Representation to tax authorities

INDIVIDUAL SERVICES

• Tax planning and personal tax return preparation

• Estate planning and tax return preparation

• Representation to tax authorities

FINANCIAL SERVICES

• Assist with budget and projection forecasting

• Business management consultation,

• Assisting with new and changing business & restructuring

• Buy and sell business consultation

• Provide in-house bookkeeping or assist with finding your own bookkeeper

We know and love the local area we serve and strive to support local businesses and individuals in all their business and financial goals.

Time passages

by David Shanahan

The entire world is waking up to the realisation that we are in a new era in history. The apparently stable society of the post-Cold War period, when, as one historian seemed to imply, we had come to the end of History, has been uprooted and the certainties are no longer certain. This is, however, something that has happened many times in the past, passages of time when things change and we have to readjust to deal with new realities.

One of those passages took place eighty years ago, in 1945, when the new atomic age began with a flash of light and heat over Hiroshima. That marked, in its turn, the end of another time passage which had begun just thirty years earlier, in 1915, when the world woke up to understand that a small war in the Balkans was going to be far different in scope and consequences than anyone had imagined. For Canada, too, the years between 1915 and 1945 were to be ones of enormous change in all aspects of society, politics, economics,

and identity. And the people in what is now North Grenville experienced those radical changes too.

As we approach Remembrance Day 2025, it’s worth looking back on those years when everything changed, to see what was there before, what caused the changes, and what brought that passage of time to an end. Because that particular period caused more profound alteration in the thinking and nature of our community than most other time passages in our relatively short history.

While it is true that the First World War began in August, 1914, it was not until the following year that the impact on North Grenville was felt. (For ease of narrative, the term “North Grenville” will be used to describe what were the Townships of Oxford-on-Rideau, South Gower, and the Village of Kemptville). A hundred years ago, in the summer of 1914, what we now call North Grenville would have seemed quite familiar to us. It was still a new century, full of confidence that technology and progress were the keys to a bright future. The sinking of the Titanic two years earlier had shaken that faith

somewhat, and the loss of the Empress of Ireland at the end of May, 1914 was a profound shock closer to home. But when the Archduke of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and his wife were assassinated in Bosnia on June 28, there was little idea that those deaths would spark a war that would see another twenty million deaths within just a few years.

The assassinations made the pages of the Kemptville newspaper, the Weekly Advance, but the report was consigned to page five: it was not considered front page news. As Europe stumbled towards war through the hot summer days of July, any potential war seemed to be coming to Austria-Hungary and central Europe. Of course, alliances between what were then called the Great Powers meant that all of Europe was inevitably drawn in to the crisis.

The people of North Grenville carried on with their normal lives throughout those tense weeks. On July 9, the "Gibbs Comedy Company of high class

vaudeville artists" began a two-week engagement in their "cozy canvas theatre", a circus tent, on the Kemptville Park Grounds. Admission was 20¢ for adults and 10¢ for children under 12. For an extra 5¢, you could even reserve a chair. There was no sense of anti-German feeling, no unease with German militarism. In fact, one newspaper article commended the Germans on their policies regarding militant Suffragettes. The feminists resort to arson and violence would never be tolerated by German police, as the Kemptville Advance noted approvingly. The editor considered that the Germans knew how to deal with obstreperous women.

The big news locally was the Provincial election which had been held in June, resulting in the return of the area's most successful politician, G. Howard Ferguson, to the Ontario Legislature with a huge popular vote. Ferguson had survived a scandal in March that nearly drove him out of politics, but his success in the election led

to his entry into the government that summer. For the remainder of this pivotal era in local history, Ferguson would remain at the centre of events, first as the local M.P.P., then as Premier of Ontario from July, 1923, until the end of 1930. Between 1930 and 1935, he served as Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, dying in February, 1946, as the new atomic era began. His place in provincial, national, and international affairs brought a different perspective on events to the people of North Grenville. The focus on their local representative gave an added dimension to how they viewed what happened between 1915 and 1945, as would be illustrated by reports in the local and national newspapers. And that is how we can trace the changes that those pivotal years brought about.

Next: The end of one era and the dawn of the new

Notice of Public Information Centre

Municipality of North Grenville Water and Wastewater Servicing Master Plan Update

The Municipality of North Grenville has initiated a Master Planning process in accordance with Approach 1 of the Municipal Engineers Association (MEA) Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) to develop a Water and Wastewater Master Plan for the Municipality.

The Master Plan study assessed various options to improve the ability of North Grenville’s water and wastewater systems to accommodate the current and future population growth within the Kemptville Urban Serviced Area.

Public and agency consultation is a key part of the Master Planning process. The Public Information Centre provides an opportunity for the public and stakeholder agencies to speak directly to the Project Team. The Public Information Centre will provide the recommended servicing solutions of the problems identified in the study.

Event Information:

Monday, October 27, 2025

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (drop-in any time)

North Grenville Municipal Centre, suite C 285 County Road 44, Kemptville

For more information visit www.northgrenville.ca/projects

Good for all, for it has finally decided to rain! Great, you must be saying, but what does a Junco do, which is not common for them to be seen doing, it takes a bath! Yes, that’s right. There it was, having the time of its life in a bath that just wasn’t filled today with rain water, but in water that has been there for it to use, and hasn’t, for quite a time now. What a strange reaction to have, but one that I, as an amateur, cannot and will not try to explain!

Not knowing what I was going to write about today, I decided to just sit in my car with the window open and use it as a bird hide, to get at least a couple of pictures to submit for this article. I sat watching the Chickadees

flit back and forth, as they do, and got some pictures of them, which I obviously haven’t needed to use, as can be seen, on this page. Once I had settled into my car seat, the birds went about their normal activities, either at the feeders, on the water bath, or on the ground, with nothing too unusual going on. The Junco that I have already mentioned didn’t do its bathing act until I was back in the house, so I just sat until it seemed that nothing was going to happen of note, and then I started towards my front door. The Chickadees still kept coming to my overhanging feeders despite my presence, so I just wedged myself in the corner of my doorway and took pictures of them from

Michael Paul Whittaker

1953-2025

On September 30 Michael Whittaker passed away peacefully at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. He had been in hospital since March 04 for an unrelated illness when a hospital contracted infection damaged his heart to the point of no recovery. He was surrounded by his wife Terri, as well as his children, Samantha and Richard and his sister Carole Whittaker-Bedard and her husband Ray. Also at his side was his stepdaughter Danielle Collier.

Michael is predeceased by his parents Robert and Dianne. He is survived by his siblings Heather (Dale), Bruce (Carol), Carole (Ray) and Andy (Catherine). There are also numerous cousins nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will take place on November 01 2025 at the Canadian Legion #632, 800 Taylor Creek Blvd, Orleans ON from 3-6 PM.

Donations in memory of Michael to any dog rescue of your choice or any historical society would be most appreciated.

there, and also of a Downy Woodpecker. And then a familiar little beep, beep, let me know that there was a Nuthatch in the vicinity, too.

Sure enough, it wasn’t long before there was an “Upside down” bird on one of the feeders, which turned out to be one of the Rose- breasted Nuthatches. It didn’t stop for long and flew off into the trees, so I thought about going back indoors to start writing when I got a glimpse of another nuthatch, this time a White-breasted one, who was trying to get a peanut from another of my hanging feeders. It, too, didn’t linger for long and, once it had got a nut from the feeder, it too disappeared.

The rest of my day’s observations and picture taking were made from inside the house, from either downstairs, or through my living room window. A female Cardinal, always

Monica Berridge Sills September 20, 2025

Dearly loved. Greatly missed. Some enchanted evening ..

a lovely sight, landed on one of the garden feeders and was quite happy there alone picking away at the food. A couple of Chipping Sparrows joined her before she departed, so made quite a nice trio to watch for a little while. They all left and there were a few ground feeding birds evident, such as the Mourning Doves and Rock Pigeons. They didn’t turn out to be the only ones though, because another movement caught my eye on the ground made by a darker looking sparrow sized bird. I soon zeroed in on it with my telephoto zoom lens and got three or four pictures of it as it hopped about. Its head was my first indication that it wasn’t our Chipping Sparrows, because I had caught a glimpse of some white on it. So, before I downloaded my camera to check more closely, I was thinking that it might be a White Crowned Sparrow, or even a White Throated Sparrow. On doing my download I was able to conclude that it was, in fact, one of the latter, confirmed not only by the throat colour, but also by the small yellow marks by its eyes. I was quite pleasantly surprised and pleased at having spotted it. I hope that you too are getting surprised by what you see and can also identify too. Stay safe and well. Cheers, John Baldwin s

Terry McGahey

(son of Paul & Marian) August 9, 1967 - October 14, 1975

I’ve provided you with several pumpkin recipes over the years. So, since it’s The Month of the Pumpkin, it’s time to give you another, this one for some delicious muffins. Pumpkin Muffins go real well in the children’s lunch box or with coffee or tea in the morning before you slip off to work.

Pumpkin Muffins

Ingredients:

2 cups of flour

⅔ cup of golden brown sugar and ⅓ cup of white granulated sugar

1 tablespoon of baking powder

1 teaspoon each of salt and ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon each of baking soda and ground ginger

½ cup of melted butter

⅓ cup of buttermilk

½ cup of canned pumpkin

2 eggs, beaten

Preparation:

1. Heat your oven to 375F

2. Combine the flour, sugars, baking powder and soda, spices and salt in a large bowl

3. In another bowl, mix the butter, buttermilk, pumpkin and eggs

4. Combine the dry with the wet ingredients

5. Spoon the resulting batter into a muffin pan lined with paper muffin cups

6. Bake for 20 minutes until golden

As usual, you can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick to see if it comes out clean. Once done, you should cool your muffins for at least 10 minutes, then either serve warm with room temperature butter or place in a closed container for use within a few days. These muffins also freeze nicely in a sealed bag for enjoying all through the winter months.

This is the comfort food season, what with Thanksgiving and all. Stay well and keep those mails coming to Paul at pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

In memory of our son Terry. Terry, you are in our hearts forever. Your life however short, was so precious. Your were and still are so precious.

Love Mom & Dad and your family

COMMUNITY EVENTS events@ngtimes.ca

RECURRING EVENTS

Knights of Columbus Monthly Supper at Holy Cross Church Hall 503 Clothier Street West. Suppers are held at 5:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month, September to November and January to May. Cost $10 per person, $5 for a child under 12 and $25 for a family. 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 LEGION EUCHRE will be held at 100 Reuben St., the 3rd Saturday of each month. Registration starts at 12:30, with Euchre starting at 1:00. Cost is $5 to play - cash prizes. NG Duplicate Bridge Club Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptivlle, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155

Friendship Lunches are offered to everyone every Friday. Please join us in our lower hall by 11:30 for a free meal, companionship and fellowship at St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. and begin at 11:30. There is no charge. A free will offering is appreciated. Everyone is welcome.

Friendship Café is open to the community Tuesday's from 10 to noon. All are welcome to stop by, enjoy a hot beverage, a sweet treat and some friendly conversation all at no cost. At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. Tuesday Community Hub hosted by the House of Lazarus All are welcome to drop in. Advocacy, “make a meal, take a meal” cooking opportunities, community services assistance are just a few of the weekly programs. Stop by and visit or contact House of Lazarus directly at 613-989-3830 for more details. “Building Community, Sharing Hope”. Upstairs at St. John's United Church at 400 Prescott St. Modern Square Dancing in Kemptville with the Grenville Gremlins Square Dance Club. Monday Evenings 7:30 - 9:30pm. North Grenville Municipal Center County Road 44 For more info call Debbie at 613-795-3032 or Google "Kemptville Square Dancing" Saturday Art Social every Saturday morning at the NG Public Library! 10 am - 11:30 am at the NG Public Library. Free with basic materials provided BID EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, September 23. Registration starts at 6:30 p.m., play starts at 7:00 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com

EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, September 16 and 30. Registration starts at 6:30 p.m., play starts at 7:00 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com

KLUB 67 invites all euchre players to join us every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month for a fun social game of euchre. Location: Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben St. Registration starts at 12.30, play starts at 1pm. Cost is $5 to play – cash prizes given. No membership required.

North Grenville Men’s Shed

A men’s shed provides a safe and friendly environment for men to socialize and/or do projects.

Contact: Peter Ivay 343 598-1174 or website ngmensshed.com for scheduled meetings on the calendar and additional information.

Kemptville Horticultural Society - meetings are held monthly, except July, August & December. The are held the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm at the Kemptville Pentecostal Church.

NG Pride: 2SLGBTQAI+ Seniors and allies meet 2 - 4pm the first and third Sunday of each month at the NG Library. Join us for coffee, chat, cards and shenanigans. South Branch Serenade FREE Event Every Thursday Night Throughout July and August. 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

St James will be reinstituting their Mid -week Eucharist on Wednesday October 22, at 10:30 am.. All Welcome .

Rideau Hill Camp

1. Rideau Hill Camp Euchre Tournament and Games for Kids or Kids at heart - please see attached poster for details

Date: Saturday October 25 2025

Time: 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Cost: $20.00 for adults; $5.00 for kids

Location: Winchester Legion 482 Main St E, Winchester ON K0C2K0 Registration begins at 12:00 pm; pre-registration is preferred at rideauhillcamp@gmail.com

Food, drinks, prizes, 50/50, silent auction

All funds raised will support camp sponsorship, programming and operations for Rideau Hill Camp

2. Games, Cards & a Chilli Supper too!

Date: Friday November 7, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: St. John's United Church, 400 Prescott Street, Kemptville, Ontario

Bring your family, friends or just yourself for an evening of food and fun. Chilli and buns will be available for a free-will offering. Games and cards will be set up for adults and kids. Bring a new game or play an old favourite!

Hosted by Faith Circles at St. John's United Church.

CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Ranted

6. Not the whole

10. Rate

14. Nimble

15. Affirm

16. Distinctive flair

17. Mud volcano

18. Was a passenger

19. Fair attraction

20. Prior appropriation 22. Abound

23. Slipped

24. Delicately charming

26. Explosive device

30. Employ

31. Craving

32. Jewish month

33. Fruity pastry

35. Adjust again

39. Wise Biblical king

41. Thriftiness

43. Genus of heath

44. Monarch of Iran

46. Fleece

47. Not hers

49. "Eureka!"

50. Bygone era

51. Eloquent

54. Male turkeys

56. Tirade

57. Brusqueness

63. Module

64. Snakes

65. Eagle's home

66. Companion

67. Vermin

68. Nigerian money

69. Types of dessert

70. Large northern deer

71. Clothe

DOWN

1. Coarse file

2. Food thickener

3. Loathsome

4. Otherwise

5. Regards

6. Guerrillas

7. Dodger

8. Overhaul

9. Voguish

10. Relevance

11. Extraterrestrial

12. Trainee

13. Foe

21. Formerly it was a planet

25. Pertaining to flight

26. Bottom

27. Fragrance

28. French Sudan, today

29. Skewers

34. Tea parlors

36. Alone

37. Arab ruler

38. Sort

40. Principal

42. Winner

45. It holds hats

48. Unchanging

51. Dowdy woman

52. Hawaiian veranda

53. Come together

55. Get to one's feet

58. Roil

59. Close

60. A Great Lake

61. Knights

62. Oceans

73’s secure four points after clipping the Hawks and calming the Bears

That's the way you do it: cooper grant turns the game around for 73's on wednesday night with smiths falls bears

by G.J. the sportsguy Wednesday evening retribution, with the visiting number one seed (Robinson Division) Smith's Falls Bears, was a sweet outcome for the Kemptville 73’s 2 to 1 victory after finding themselves behind by one in their four game matchup.

The initial twenty opened with a furious pace as both teams glided the full two hundred feet seeking their target when Smiths Falls lit the lamp just before the buzzer. At 19:46 Peyton Veltkamp, with helpers from Paquette and Ott, pumped it top shelf by Rylan Donovan. Matthew Montoni came on like gangbusters up the wall pushing the line to Julien Davis, on to the tape of Will Mullins on the doorstep ramming it home over Ayo Ogini mitt at 2:48 in the second to knot it at one. Game winner for Kemptville with a pretty penetration on a tic-tac-toe effort from Darius Nichols to Zachary Venance in the middle for Cooper Grant to pull the trigger at 9:21.

The last frame was a give and take challenge with zone to zone action, with the Bears pulling their stopper for extra attacker at 18:37. 73's fans left gasping

for air in the final minutes of the closing period as Kemptville ripped two off the bar when attempting an empty netter and held on for 2 to 1 win.

The coach thought it was a tough playoff-like series against Smiths Falls to start the year and very happy how they closed out the game. Really looking forward upon this experience to grow as a team as they move forward in the schedule. Kemptville outshot Smiths Falls by 25 to 24 with 0/2 PP to the Bears 0/4 PP.

Trekking off to the Hawks Nest in Hawkesbury for Friday evening excursion provided the fans with an exciting end to end seesaw battle. Hawkesbury struck first with a combination from Denis to Michael Minchello in the slot to beat Keegan Carswell in the first frame at 11:37. Kemptville bounced back with Sydney Loretto footloose through the neutral zone reversing to Cade Campbell on point to Jay Zeus Mbarushimana driving hard to the net past Brett Ruddy at 17:30. A second go around found Kemptville down a man, but Zachary Venance SHG flashed his magic

wand for the tie breaker in the first minute at :32. Another sin-bin rendezvous for the 73’s that set up Michael Minchello PPG for his second marker from Lacoste and Denis at 4:25 to even it at two. Defensive transition from Nicholas Voicey with Morgan Henderson to catch Anthony D’Arienzo in the weeds at 8:32 to put Kemptville ahead.

Jeremy St. Louis combined with Thomas St. Louis allowed the Hawks to make it three all at 4:16 in the final twenty forcing three on three extra five minutes on the clock. Kemptville's game winner only needed 38 seconds into OT, A snappy, sweet, crisp stretch pass from Eric Sweetapple to Zachary Venance who chipped the rubber back unto William St. James twig to launch it home and take a 4 to 3 win at :38. Kemptville outgunned Hawkesbury 36 to 24 with 0/5 PP to 1/6 PP.

On the bus into Nepean to face the Raiders on Wednesday evening, and then two home stands on Friday with the Renfrew Wolves and Sunday matinee with the Braves of Brockville.

Hockey with EDGE… see you around the wall.

Ontario agriculture is

worth celebrating this week -and every week

by Clint Cameron, Director, OFA

This week is Ontario Agriculture Week, leading us into Thanksgiving, one of the most food-focused times of the year. It’s a perfect reminder of just how much our province has to be thankful for when it comes to agriculture and food. Ontario farmers grow and raise more than 200 different food and farm products. That’s an incredible depth and breadth of diversity that few other places in the world can match. It means we’re fortunate to enjoy a wide variety of locally grown and raised food and beverages right here at home, no matter what season it is.

Ontario’s agricultural story stretches across the entire province. In northern Ontario, livestock and crop farms supply beef, pork, lamb and grains to local and regional markets. Eastern Ontario is well known for its dairy and poultry farms. Apple orchards in midwestern and central Ontario are bursting with crisp, sweet fruit at this time of year.

Southern Ontario has long been the heart of fruit, vegetable, and grape production: think tender fruit in Niagara and along the Lake Erie shore, tomatoes and peppers in Chatham-Kent, greenhouses in Leamington, and the world-class wine industry those grapes support. Whether it’s maple syrup from Lanark County, wild blueberries from Sudbury, or pumpkins from Norfolk, every corner of the province contributes something unique to Ontario’s harvest.

Agriculture isn’t just about what ends up on your plate, though. It’s also a powerful economic engine. Our province’s agri-food sector contributes more than $51 billion to the provincial economy every year and supports over 867,000

jobs. Farming businesses don’t stand alone, they connect to food processors, transporters, retailers, farm suppliers, equipment dealers, and countless others.

That’s why we like to say that everyone in Ontario is part of agriculture. You might not milk cows or drive a tractor, but if you work in a food plant, drive a truck, stock grocery store shelves, serve a meal in a restaurant, or simply sit down to enjoy breakfast, you are part of the food system that agriculture makes possible.

One of the best ways to connect with Ontario agriculture is to meet the people who grow your food. This year, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), where I’m part of the provincial board of directors, once again partnered with Farmers’ Markets Ontario to help markets across the province promote their farmer vendors. Following a successful launch year in 2024 with $50,000 of funding from OFA that was matched by the 28 markets who participated, 14 new and 20 returning markets took part in the 2025 program to strengthen connections between farmers and Ontarians.

Visiting a farmers’ mar-

ket is a chance to ask questions, try something new, and build a direct relationship with the people who produce your food. It’s also a great way to support small businesses and keep food dollars circulating in local communities. Ontario Agriculture Week is about recognizing the care and commitment farmers put into raising livestock, tending orchards, planting fields, and harvesting crops. It’s about acknowledging the truck drivers, millers, processors, retailers, and chefs who all play a role in moving food from farm to table. And it’s about celebrating the incredible variety of wonderful farm products, from food and fibre to flowers and fuel, that are produced close to home.

Equally important is recognizing agriculture as the powerful foundation of a thriving economy in our province, supporting jobs, healthy communities, and a resilient future. When we support food and farming, invest in rural infrastructure or work to preserve our farmland, we’re also strengthening our province.

Happy Ontario Agriculture Week — and a happy Thanksgiving.