Author: admin

After graduation in 1967, John Downey returned to the family farm in Caledon ON. In 1971 he married Ruth and they took over the family farm. In 1992 they sold their dairy herd and moved into the agri tourism business with strawberries, raspberries, sweet corn, pumpkins and a playground. As time passed they started doing school tours, birthday parties and corporate events at the farm. They then added an Easter egg hunt for children, a Canada Day Celebration and then a Pumpkin Festival. In 1999, their oldest son took over the crops and started his own business across the road , including an apple orchard.

In 2020 their youngest daughter and her husband bought the argi tourism business and now John helps when needed and gives his opinion whether it is wanted or not.  Now Ruth and John have more time to spend with their five children and 15 grandchildren. 

If you are visiting Downey Farms this July, wish John and Ruth a Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary. Check out their web at www.downeysfarm.com

Norm Blodgett ‘52 grad, from Peterborough is like the “Energizer Bunny “. He just keeps going and going and going.His latest project is making Deacon Tables. The one he is working on is from red Oak and he has completed three of these to date.Norm keeps in touch with alumni and has stayed very interested in the Kemptville College Historical Building and is waiting patiently to return to reunions.

The Kemptville College Alumni is very fortunate to have a real Santa Claus among their Alumni. Do you recognize him? If you do not go back over the news items and check out the “ Pumpkin Grower”. Merry Christmas alumni and Happy New Year.

Covid has given some Kemptville grads time to train a new puppy. Donna Koeniger ‘69 grad, is doing just that. She recently took “ Ruby “ their new Rottweiler puppy to have her Christmas picture taken. The photographer also has a Kemptville connection. Her parents are Kim and Graham Link, also ‘69 grads. You can see where she is taking pictures by checking Margaret on Facebook at Photography by Margaret Link.

Shayna Dickson is in her second year of the Business Agricultural Program at the Perth Campus, Algonquin. As well as studying, she also works part time at a farm and equipment dealership. She has been active in 4-H in Leeds and Lanark, often taking a leadership role in her clubs. Shayna graduated from Smiths Falls Collegiate Institute and hopes to pursue a career in business and find her dream job after graduation.

Jessica Robinson is in her second year of the Business Agricultural Program at the Perth Campus, Algonquin. She is following in the foot steps of her dad and uncle who both graduated from Kemptville College. Jessica was active in 4-H when she was younger but farm work and a part time job, along with school work keep her very busy. Jessica graduated from South Grenville District High School and hopes to farm with family members on their generational family farm.

The Kemptville College Historical Building has passed the final inspection !
The stone work and gravel has been completed around the outside. Thank you to Ron Burgess and his excellent crew for completing the work.

Gary Brown – G & N Contracting, kindly donated a skid steer to help with
moving the stone.  Work continues on the inside and this will continue to be
ongoing.