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News

Iroquois Mac’s hit again

On Saturday, August 27, at approximately 12:15 a.m. SD&G OPP officers responded to a report of a robbery at the Mac’s Convenience Store in Iroquois.

The investigation revealed that a male armed with a weapon entered the store and demanded that the clerk hand over all the money in the cash.

The employee complied and an undisclosed amount of money was handed over to the male.

The employee was not injured and the male fled on foot.

An extensive search of the area was conducted with negative results.

The male whose face was covered is described as approximately 6’2 inches tall, with a slim build (white). He was wearing black pants, a black coat and his face was covered.

SD&G OPP officers, assisted by the OPP Crime Unit investigators continue the investigation.

Anyone having information on the above or any crime is asked to call SD&G Opp at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

The Iroquois convenience store was also the victim of an armed robbery on June 12. Two youth were later apprehended and charged for this incident.

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News

WDMH selects new CEO

Cholly Boland has been selected as the new Chief Executive Officer of Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH).

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce our new Chief Executive Officer. His appointment is effective September 6, 2011,” noted John Polak, Board Chair. “Cholly brings a wealth of expertise to this position and will play an integral role in advancing WDMH’s vision to create a Centre of Excellence for Rural Health and Education.”

Cholly has been a dedicated and talented leader in the health care field for close to 20 years. Most recently, he was CEO of Headwaters Health Care Centre, and prior to that, he was CEO of Arnprior and District Memorial Hospital where he was instrumental in helping Arnprior achieve one of the top patient satisfaction results for Ontario. Cholly has demonstrated leadership in the strategic and operational administration of health care organizations, including experience with the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. He has held a number of health care management roles during his career, serving as CEO at Kitimat and Area Health Council/Kitimat General Hospital in British Columbia, the Community Care Access Centre Timiskaming and Health Services Administrator for the Northern Health Authority.

Cholly is a Fellow of the American College of Health Executives and earned his Certified Health Executive designation from the Canadian College of Health Service Executives in 2002. He received a Master of Business Administration in 2000 and a Master of Health Administration in 1992 from the University of Ottawa. He graduated from Queen’s University in 1984 with a Bachelor’s degree in Science and Engineering. He is married with two children. They will be relocating from the Orangeville area.

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Obituaries

Gail Kelly

A lifetime resident of the area, Gail Kelly passed away suddenly at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, August 17, 2011.  She was 65.

Gail was born in Williamsburg, on July 19, 1946, to her parents Stuart and Ethel Saddlemire (nee Newbury) and raised on the family farms.

The first farm was located west of  Aultsville. In 1955, when everyone was being relocated during “The Seaway Project”,  the family, which consisted of Judy, Gail, Art, Marg, and Chuck, bought a farm east of Williamsburg, which is now part of “Cedar Glen Golf Course”.  Chuck was a baby then, and Stan and Paul were born in the coming years.

Gail attended school at S.S #4 East Williamsburg in her early years, then Bouck’s Hill Public, and later Morrisburg High School.

Following high school, she married Lee Kelly on June 26th, 1965.   Gail and Lee lived in the Morrisburg area, and Gail worked at  Iroquois Linen Mill,  then  in the bakery at Mr. Grocer.  

After she retired from the bakery, she cleaned a few days a week for  people in the area, where she made many more lifelong friends.  She providing baby-sitting for some of her friends, loving the kids as if they were her own.

Later Gail volunteered at the Hartford (along with her devoted dogs, first Charlie, and later  Buddy), calling Bingo numbers, and visiting with the residents.  She volunteered at the Food Bank on Monday mornings for numerous years, which added to her growing list of friends.

Gail was an animal lover and enjoyed animal shows on television.

Some of her best times were when she could have a get-together with her family and friends. She enjoyed camping at Upper Canada Campsite every weekend with Lee and her faithful pal Buddy, her baby sister Marj and brother-in-law Jack and many others who became her friends too. 

When she was home you often saw her doing crafts, and she loved making homemade bread, and keeping a spotless home.
Gail was proud of all her nieces and nephews, and excited when a new baby was welcomed to her Kelly and Saddlemire families.  She was an easy going person, and always looked for the good in people, which was why she had so many friends from all walks of life.
Gail attended St. James Anglican Church in Morrisburg with her friend Myrna quite often, and also attended other churches in the area.  
Gail, Lee and Buddy had moved recently to a home on Farlinger Ave. in Morrisburg, where she had became great friends with her neighbor Patty Bilmer and her family. She visited them regularly, often discussing CSI episodes which had been televised the night before. As she had purchased  her first computer, Patty’s boys were a great help showing her how to run the “darned thing”.   Gail loved to stop and chat with all the other neighbours she met when she walked Buddy every afternoon or evening, rain or shine.

Gail’s passing leaves another big hole in her family and her big smile will be missed by all who knew her.  Gail’s was a good life, well lived, everyone should be so loved.

We love you Gail, see you in the sunshine.  
No farewell words were spoken,
No time to say goodbye,
You were gone before we knew it,
And only God can tell us why.

Gail is survived by her husband Lee, her siblings Judy Barkley of Williamsburg, Marge (Jack) Vanderveen of Williamsburg, Chuck of Williamsburg, Stan of Winchester and Paul (Jen) of Cornwall.  She was predeceased by her parents and her brother Art.  Gail is also survived by her devoted dog Buddy, and by many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.  

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.  Funeral service was held at the funeral home on Monday, August 22nd at 11 a.m., with Rev. Sue McCullough officiating.  

A beautiful eulogy was given by her friend and neighbour Patty.  Cremation followed.  

Donations to the Ontario SPCA would be appreciated by the family.

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Opinion

Around the Township…

The countdown is on and we are just days away from the return to the classroom…what is that Staples commercial…it's the most wonderful time of the year….They Are Going Back. A reminder to all drivers…the kids will be back on the village streets and the buses will be running.

Speaking of going back, those wonderfully talented crooners who are members of the Seaway Valley Singers will be kicking off their new season, next Wednesday, September 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Christian Reformed Church in Williamsburg. Anyone interested in joining the Singers is invited to call Robin at 613-543-3412 for more information.

Well we kind of lucked out on Sunday. Although we did get some rain from Hurricane Irene, it was mainly just a nice steady rain with little wind…and all of our plants, yards and wells benefitted. The Phlox have gone into a second flowering, and we are harvesting every day, from our back-deck, single potted cherry tomato plant. Our Black-eyed Susans (rudbeckia) are putting on quite a show, even if the nearby neighbouring Hostas are looking a little worse for wear thanks to the nightly-visiting slugs.

As we head into the long weekend, we caution everyone to drive carefully. In addition to those last summer get aways this is generally a well-travelled weekend as our youth head off to colleges and universities. It is a time of discovery as parents, who for the first time are sending their kiddies off into the wild blue yonder, discover that yes, you can fit everything, even the kitchen sink, into the SUV. It is the time when the kids discover how much mom and dad did for them as they embark on a solid diet of Mr. Noodles and never again wear jeans that have been ironed to remove the knee bumps…Oh well, such is life.

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Sports

Morrisburg tops Jr. Valley League

Led by a three over par 73 shot by Brandon St. Louis here last Wednesday, the 2011 Junior Valley League championship was claimed by the Morrisburg team, with 22 strokes to spare over the defending champs from Summer Heights.

St. Louis posted a big performance for the Morrisburg entry. He kicked it off with a one under par 34 on the front nine which was highlighted by an eagle on the par five sixth hole.

On the back he was coasting along and was even par after five holes when he ran into a string of bogies that pushed him to the four over par 39 finish and the 73.

For his efforts, St. Louis was awarded the Founding Father’s Trophy for low gross in the A flight category (age 14 and up).

St. Louis’ effort capped a big effort from the entire Morrisburg team which counted 516 strokes from its six member team.

Summer Heights was second with 538 and Cedar Glen placed third with 564.

For the first time since the founding of the Junior Valley League 20 plus years ago, the Iroquois Golf Club did not field a team.

Adding to the Morrisburg A flight winning total were Andrew Morrisburg who carded an 86 and Jordan St. Louis who shot an 89.

In B flight (13 years and under), Randy Keller led the locals with an 84. Colin Minish posted a 90 and Drew Minish a 94.

Keller and Colin Minish ended up tied for low net of the flight with 61s and Minish got the nod for the Beaupre Jewellers Trophy with the tie broken using retrogression.

The overall low gross in B flight, for the second consecutive year, was won by Summer Height’s Ty Celone. Twelve-year- old Celone posted a front nine 40 and added a 38 to win the Morrisburg Golf Club Trophy.

Shawn Crook of Cedar Glen won the Summer Heights Fun Night Trophy for low net in A flight for the second straight year.

Crook shot an 86 for a low net 71 for the win.

Also a member of the Morrisburg team was Aaron Smith who played in the spare position. Although his score did not count towards the team total, Smith shot a 95.

Low shooters for the Cedar Glen team were Jack Van Kessel with an 87 in B flight and Shawn Crook with an 86 in A.

No girls competed in this year’s Junior Valley League.

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News

Magical Mardi Gras funds rolled into admirable fund raising tally

It seems a little like magic, but after only about seven weeks of concentrated fund raising efforts, the South Dundas Community Playground Committee is approaching their $100,000 fund raising goal.

The thermometer measuring their fund raising progress is at nearly $98,000 of cash and in kind donations to the project that will see a new playground built Sept. 24 in Morrisburg’s Earl Baker Park.

The contributions the community is making to the project keep rolling in. Area businesses and individuals are coming forward with donations from as small as pennies to as large as cheques for thousands of dollars.

Last week, Michael Burton and Ron Currie of Manor Bistro in Morrisburg presented Steve Morrow of the committee with the proceeds from a fund raising event they hosted for the project.

The event, Mardi Gras at the Manor, which was described by Burton and many of those who attended, as “magical”, raised $3,256 for the South Dundas Community Playground.

“The event was really well attended,” said Burton. “It was a sold out event,” added Currie.

In addition to the attendance, the fund raising efforts continued throughout the evening, and beyond.

At the Bistro, beads were sold and traded to raise funds for the playground.

At the end of the evening, the person with the most beads, Cindy Veinotte, took home the top prize of a 32” flat screen television, a package from Beau’s Brewery in Vankleek Hill. Other prizes were donated by Canadian Tire and Manor Bistro.

Once the event wrapped up, the revellers from High Street made their way to the Tubie dance, where they in turn sold the beads they had accumulated to raise even more funds for the playground.

“They raised another $300,” said Burton.

“Everyone had a great time,” said Currie.

“I think this event reached a demographic not reached by the Tubie dance,” said Burton.

“We had a lot of grandparents of the children who will be using the park, so this event gave them a fun opportunity to contribute,” aded Currie.

Another way that people helped contribute to this fund raising total was by volunteering to work at the event to keep staffing costs to a minimum, explained Burton and Currie who acknowledged the contributions of Mae Pedersen, Dave Shaver, Jennifer Warner, Rosemary Laurin, Brenda Castleman and Michel Proulx.

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Obituaries

Evelyn Whitteker

A resident of the Heartwood Retirement Centre in Cornwall for the past 4.5 years, Evelyn Whitteker passed away there on Sunday, August 21, 2011.  She was 87.

Evelyn was born in Cornwall on December 27, 1923, to her parents Colin and Agnes MacMillan (nee Dennison). She was the oldest of a family of eight.  On March 30, 1945, this city girl married Ross Emerson Whitteker and settled into country life where she became the “rock”of her family.

Evelyn was an amazing women, who had many talents that she did to perfection.  
She was an accomplished seamstress, who also knitted and crocheted, and kept her family dressed in style. There was nothing she could not fix, alter, or make.  

Her artistic side led her to painting, and ceramics, and her culinary talents were unsurpassable. No one will forget her apple pie, dill pickles, and donuts. Tim Horton’s had nothing over Evelyn’s donuts!

Evelyn was involved in all aspects of farming with Ross, from baling hay and driving machinery to feeding, and milking cows. She loved animals, especially dogs and there were many but Topsy and Brandi were closest to her heart.

There was nothing that Evelyn could not do, and through all of this rural life she never lost her “city girl” touch, as she was always dressed for town, from her lipstick and earrings to her matching purse and shoes. She loved to shop, especially for jewelry and shoes. 

In the community, Evelyn was involved in everything from Women’s Institute, and ladies aid, to quilt making at the church. People from the community describe Evelyn as “beautiful”, both inside and out.

She and Ross loved to love life, this included everything from fishing, boating, dancing, playing music, snowmobiling, bowling,  card playing, reading, puzzles,  to just enjoying family fun around the campfire at the cottage on a warm summers night.

Evelyn will be remembered as a very strong woman. She had such amazing strength, and that strength came through in who she was and all she did.   Intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, socially, and physically…. she was a strong woman. That strength carried her through the long, graceful journey of her life with dignity and pride.

Evelyn is survived by her children Donnie (Susan) of Williamsburg, Gail (Bob) Godbout of Keswick, Karen Wells (Terry Henderson) of Brinston and Robbin (David) Kerr of Mountain and by her siblings Muriel Potvin of Ottawa, Mary Kerr of Ottawa, Donald (June) MacMillan of Clarence Creek and Kenny (Norma) MacMillan of Ottawa.

She will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Greg, Kristine, Cory, Colin, Robert, Jeff, Ashley, Julie-Anne, Holly, and great-grandchildren Jake, Bo, Mack, Elle, Kristin, Rachel and Raine.

She was predeceased by her husband Ross and sisters Gladys Tippins, Betty Pinkham and Helen Allen.  She is also survived by nieces and nephews.    

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.  Funeral service was held at the funeral home on Thursday, August 25th at 11 a.m. with Rev. Norine Gullons officiating.  Interment followed at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg.  

Pallbearers were grandchildren Ashley Kerr, Julie-Anne Kerr, Holly Kerr, Robert Wells, Cory Godbout and Colin Godbout.  
Donations to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church or Winchester Hospital would be appreciated by the family.

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Opinion

M&M family dinner

On Thursday, September 15, 2011, M&M Meat Shops is encouraging Canadians to turn off the TV, log off from their computers and power down cell phones and participate in the 7th Annual National Family Dinner Night that celebrates what matters most – spending quality time with family and friends. The importance of family dinners reaches far beyond simply sharing a meal together. Research shows that gathering around the table presents a valuable opportunity to interact, strengthen relationships and affirm the value of every individual in the family and their role in their community.

A recent national study conducted by Canadian Omnibus reveals that as we become increasingly immersed in the digital age, the intrusion of electronic communication devices during traditional times, such as family meals, is spiralling. A shocking 80 per cent of Canadians admit to having at least one type of electronic communication device turned on and in use during family meals. More than half of Canadians (51 per cent) revealed that the TV stays on at mealtimes.

"Sitting down for a meal together can have a lasting, positive effect on open communication between children and parents and re-establish a sense of family unity," says Mac Voisin, Founder of M&M Meat Shops.

National Family Dinner Night, launched in 2004, attracts tremendous public and charitable support every year and has contributed significantly to the more than $21.5 million M&M Meat Shops has raised for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC). This year, M&M Meat Shops urges everyone in Canada to register their participation.

For everyone who registers their pledge to participate in National Family Dinner Night on the website: www.nationalfamilydinnernight.com, M&M Meat Shops will make a $1 donation to the CCFC, up to a maximum of $100,000.

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Sports

Junior Rockets power up for Chesterville hockey

The North Dundas Rockets will be the new kids on the ice when the hockey season resumes this fall.

Coached by Dale Murdoch of Morewood, the new Junior C franchise will be a member of the eight team National Capital Junior Hockey League.

Junior C hockey is not a stranger to the Chesterville area, says Murdoch. “In the early 80s there was a team in Chesterville,” he explained.

“It’s a couple of those players who are involved in the current startup.”

Murdoch says that he and the owners have recognized a need for Junior C hockey in this area.

“We have several Junior B teams surrounding us, but more and more they are using non-local players because of the competitiveness of the Junior B league. There is a need here for local minor hockey players to be able to progress into competitive hockey beyond minor hockey.”

“Many kids end up not playing hockey at all after minor hockey. There isn’t even any juvenile hockey anymore.”

In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Murdoch is the Rockets’ General Manager.

His first steps have been to line up his coaching staff and joining him behind the bench is Brian Downey of Morewood and Nick Pass of Winchester. Both played Junior A hockey after starting out locally at the Junior B level. Downey also experienced university hockey in the United States and played at the pro level in the former Colonial Hockey League.

The Rockets will play their home games on Sundays in Chesterville. They will play a 32 game schedule against teams from Vankleek Hill, St. Isidore, Cumberland, Embrun, Papineauville, Gatineau and Rockland.

“Our intention is to bus to games on the Quebec side of the league,” says Murdoch of the fairly hefty road trips.

The first home game for the Rockets is scheduled for October 2. As ice will not be ready in Chesterville for a number of weeks, the Rockets training camp will open at the Winchester Arena at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 10. A second session has been set for Sunday, September 11 at 8 p.m.

Murdoch explains that the National Capital Junior Hockey League teams are able to protect only those players in their own minor hockey system.

“So we can protect North Dundas Minor Hockey. Embrun protects Embrun Minor Hockey players. Anyone who plays minor hockey in say, South Dundas or Kemptville, are basically free agents.”

Murdoch also explains, that while each team does have one 16 year old card, teams in the league do not use 16 year olds. “We are looking for 17 years olds and above. We are really looking for kids who have graduated from minor hockey. We really aren’t interested in taking players (17 year old midgets) from the local minor hockey systems.”

While walk-ons are welcome to the upcoming Rockets camp in Winchester, Murdoch says, as a time saving measure, he would like everyone to pre-register.

For more information or to register, he can be reached at 613-913-8266 or e-mail dalemurdoch@yahoo.ca.

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Sports

Rain cuts Valley League play to nine holes, Summer Heights wins

Hurricane Irene was the big winner at the annual Men's Valley League hosted by the Summer Heights Golf Links here on Sunday.

Play was halted when the rain became too much, and this year's Valley League championship was decided using nine hole rounds.

At the end of nine holes, it was the hosting Summer Heights team that claimed the D. MacLennan Championship trophy with 641 strokes.

Cedar Glen was second with 649 and Morrisburg third with 660. Iroquois posted 680 strokes and Sandy Row had 723.

The Morrisburg team won the tournament on its home turf in 2010.

Successfully defending his title was Cedar Glen golfer Kurtis Barkley who claimed the Millard Trophy for low gross in A flight with a 37. Barkley won the trophy in Morrisburg last year.

The B flight win and the Sports Unlimited Trophy was went to Morrisburg's Kirk Barkley, while Frank Miller of Summer Heights successfully defended his 2010 low gross C flight win with a 47. The win allowed Miller to hang onto the S.H. Fun Night Trophy for another year.

Stepping to the front of the senior category was Morrisburg's Bob Mann who claimed the T. Parker Trophy with a 42 (retro tie-breaker).

The low gross 'junior' Highlands trophy was won by Bradley MacKay of Summer Heights with a 43.

Mike Deschamps of Morrisburg won the A net Julien Trophy, and Darrell Shelp picked up the B net Cedar Glen Trophy. The C net Lorne Barkley Memorial Trophy went to Rob Robinson of Cedar Glen.

The team low net Comrie-Blakely Trophy was won by Morrisburg.

Terry Barkley of Cedar Glen won the Russ Fader Net Trophy in the president's position and Rick Cauvier of Sandy Row picked up the Hugh Hutchinson Memorial Trophy for low net among the club captains.

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