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Grand Day for Duck Hunting

 

Every one of the 1,000 duck tickets for the great 2012 Duck Race, held on Sunday morning, August 5, by the Morrisburg & District Lions Club, was sold out ahead of time. 

“We are so very pleased with the response of the community to the event,” said Lion Judy Charette, as she joined fellow Lions, volunteer helpers, dogs, handlers and the crowd at the Morrisburg beach, to enjoy the fun-filled ‘race.’ “This community has once again united to support us. The funds we raised with the Duck Race will all go back into Lions’ events and causes right here in South Dundas. All I can say, is get your tickets early next year.” 

Five very keen dogs, Gemma, Willow, Heidi, Cocoa and Dublin, did the ‘duck hunting’ honours, to the applause and encouragement of folks on the shore, plunging into the waves to haul out the numbered prize winning yellow birds. 

The strong wind and choppy waters Sunday morning obviously did not deter the dogs. However, the rubber ducks (on loan from the US) appeared at one point, after the prize retrievals, to be making a run for Cornwall. Organizers had to scramble to retrieve them all at the end.

The dogs were all volunteers for the Duck Race and appeared to be thoroughly enjoying the ‘retrievals.’ Gemma was handled by Jonah and Lucas Bennis, Heidi by John Gilmer, Cocoa by Juli Strader and Dublin by Mike Radoman.

Willow, wearing a lovely bikini, and handled by Priscilla Hubbard, pulled out the first prize duck. Ticket holders Linda and Jim Hollister, were actually on hand to see the race and were thrilled to accept the $500 cheque from the Lions. 

Susan Bird took home 2nd place in the Race and $200; Carol Thompson received $100 for third place; Cam Shaver received a $50 gift card from Canadian Tire in fourth; and Dawn Dumoulin claimed the final prize, a $50 gift card from Riley’s Valu-mart.  

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Wife Begins at Forty Casts Comic Light on Marriage

“I have everything I want. I’m a happy man with a happy family.”

Famous last words indeed, as Upper Canada  Playhouse welcomes its newest comedy, Wife Begins At Forty, to the stage. Speaker George Harper is convinced that his 17 year old, politely stable marriage, is rock solid.

Too bad that rock is eroding.

Blessed with a strong cast of humans (and one four-footed actor) the Arne Sultan, Earl Barrett and Ray Cooney farce, set in the 1980’s, takes an irreverent look at the ups and downs, the pitfalls and yes, the joys of marriage. Judging from audience reactions, there were many in the capacity crowd who related to the Harpers.

Linda Harper, played by Alison Lawrence, brings a nice level of frustration to her role. “Living with you is like living with a machine. George, you aren’t alive. You aren’t growing. We don’t do things together.”

The thought of her approaching birthday has left her examining her staid life, and finding it wanting. “I just feel if I don’t do something now, I’ll be 40!”

Unfortunately, and hilariously, her efforts to “share” her feelings with George only lead to more frustration. He just can’t find the time for passion, and all that bother, what with memos, and bills and employees and the “busy season for artificial flowers.”

He is, consequently,  thun-derstruck at the news that Linda wants “a change.” 

Brian Young is delightful as the blinkered George Harper. He has failed to notice that his cozy little world is crumbling. Everyone around him, including his father, Bernard, and his son, Leonard,  know and accept that Linda is moving on…without George.

Even George’s efforts to explain the separation rationally and calmly to son Leonard (a typical, semi cynical teen, well played by Kyle Orzech) fall flat.

“If you and mom aren’t getting along, you should split. Move on,” Leonard comments casually, more interested in TV and soccer than marital woes.

“You callous young swine!” is George’s frustrated reaction.

Ironically, George’s final downfall takes place at the surprize party his neighbours, the Dixons, have thrown to celebrate the Harper’s anniversary. George exceeds his customary limit of two drinks (“Why that won’t even put a smile on your face,” Roger Dixon tells him.), and ends the night holding forth from the top of a grand piano, sharing tales of fighting fish, flamenco dancers, botched honeymoons and a very private operation he’s just had, with most of the neighbourhood. 

His departure from the family home is abrupt.

Roger and Betty Dixon provide a kind of comic foil to the Harper’s marriage.

Roger, played by Richard Bauer (who doubled as director of the show) is a man about town,  and unrepentant about his views of marriage. He has lots of advice for a ‘single” George, most of which horrifies him.

“Betty and I have a terrific marriage.” – Roger.

“But you’re deceiving her!” – George.

“That’s what makes it terrific!” – Roger.

Of course, Betty (the exuberant Melanie Janzen) is far from the damsel in the dark that her husband imagines. She knows of Roger’s affair with a local bar maid, “Around the golf club she’s known as the British Open…Roger’s her handicap.”  

Betty loves philanderer Roger. She accepts him. And she knows that underneath the playboy facade, he adores her.

“Marriages are made in heaven,” she tells Linda with a certain world-weary air, but they must be “lived” in the real world.

Grandpa Bernard, portrayed  with lovable confusion by Walter Learning, usually in the company of family dog, Chopper, (acted with tail-wagging enthusiasm by Chopper Thom, local boy) lends his view of life and marriage to the laughter on stage. “We got married during an air raid,” he tells his son of his 39 years with his late wife. “Our entire marriage was a kind of air raid. Compared to my wife, Hitler was a pussy cat.” But Bernard loves his family unreservedly and they know it.

The dialogue  is sharp and quick. And the characters are well drawn in Wife Begins At Forty, which is a little unusual for  traditional farce. The Harpers and Dixons are very likeable (even bon vivant Roger).

And, although I cannot describe how the plot comes out, I have to say that in Act II, Alison Lawrence and Brian Young (a real life husband and wife) have a spectacular, hilarious scene that is truly a “tour de farce”! 

This is a witty play: it understands the ups and downs of marriage, and relishes them.

Wife Begins At Forty runs until August 26 at Upper Canada Playhouse. Contact 613-543-3713 for tickets.

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Retired U.S. Destroyer Edson clears Iroquois Locks

 

The US destroyer Edson is pictured as it enters the locks at Iroquois on Thursday, August 2 at about 9:40 a.m. Heading for Bay City, Michigan, the Edson was decommissioned in 1988, and the following year became a museum ship at the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York. She was returned to Navy lay-up in 2004, and this past spring it was decided she would again become a museum ship, this time at Bay City. Named for Major General Merritt “Red Mike” Edson (1897-1955), the Edson was built in 1958. She initially served in the West Pacific/Far East particularly off the coast of Vietnam. She served as a plane guard for aircraft carriers and participated in Sea Dragon operations, patrolled on search and rescue duties and carried out Naval Gunfire support missions during the Vietnam War. The Edson participated in the evacuation of Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Saigon, Vietnam in 1975. Cleared to begin her journey to Michigan in mid-July, she entered the Gulf of St. Lawrence on July 25. She passed Morrisburg at about 7 a.m. last Thursday and was expected to reach her final destination on the weekend. She was towed by the Tug Colonel and the Ecosse was on the stern.

 

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Another snag at the Morrisburg Dock

 

While the season has been inconvenient for boaters using the Morrisburg Public Dock, for those boaters who are returning to Canada after having landed in the United States, it is about to become even more so…and it is all because the phone used to report has been removed.

Although there is no longer a phone located at the Morrisburg Dock, boaters returning to Canada from the United States are still expected to report in says the Canada Border Service Agency.

However, CBSA Communications Officer, Caroline Desjarlais has indicated in an e-mail that “until the situation at the Morrisburg Town Dock is resolved, boaters may continue to report to the CBSA from this location, by contacting the Telephone Reporting Centre (TRC) at 1-888-226-7277 using their cellular phones.”

On July 29, The Leader was contacted by a local resident inquiring if “the Morrisburg Town dock was no longer a port of entry for Canadians returning by boat from the United States.”

After determining that the telephone located on the exterior wall of the dock area rest rooms and used to call in, was indeed gone, The Leader made calls to South Dundas municipal clerk Brenda Brunt and the Canada Border Service Agency.

According to Brunt, the removal of the phone did not involve the municipality. It was her understanding that Bell Canada had removed it, as it was not being used, and that it had been gone for quite some time…certainly weeks if not months.

When contacted Officer Desjarlais  was unable to provide an immediate answer, but she did agree to look into the matter.

In a CBSA e-mail dated Wednesday, August 1, Desjarlais writes, “The CBSA has been advised that there is no longer a telephone available at the Morrisburg Town Dock marine telephone reporting site. The CBSA is investigating this matter; however, as an interim measure, this site is available for reporting to the CBSA by way of a cell phone.”

While the interim reporting measure is in place however, boaters without cell phones who are returning to Canada after having landed on U.S. soil will have to report from other nearby designated marine telephone reporting sites using the phones provided there. Locally the closest CBSA Reporting Sites are at Crysler Park Marina and Iroquois Marine Services.

Tim Robins at the Crysler Park Marina explains that the marina has a courtesy dock which enables boaters to tie up and report in at the CBSA Telephone Reporting location. Boaters are asked to advise the marina of the purpose of their visit.

He also suggests that, “they call ahead using VHF channel 68. That way we can direct them where to park, and we will know the nature of their visit before they arrive to save time.”

The CBSA advises that, “Until the situation at the Morrisburg Town Dock is resolved, boaters may continue to report to CBSA from this location using their cellular phones.”

According to the CBSA website under Reporting Requirements for Private Boaters: All private boaters who intend to land on Canadian soil, or who have departed Canadian waters and landed on United States soil, are required to report to a CBSA designated marine reporting site.

 Upon arrival at a CBSA designated marine reporting site, boaters are to call the telephone Reporting Centre at 1-888-226-7277 from the phone provided to obtain clearance. 

For boaters who do not land their vessel in the United States, but who did leave Canadian waters, the call-in may be made from cellular telephones upon arrival back in Canadian waters.

If a phone is not returned to the Morrisburg Dock and the facility loses its “marine reporting site status”, the result will be a major inconvenience for boaters, both visiting boaters and local boaters who have landed in the United States as they will have to travel to Crysler Marina or Iroquois Marine Services to access a designated marine reporting site.

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Van’t Foort Memorial Golf to tee off

 

Organizers are busy planning another fun-filled event to mark their seventh year hosting the Scott Van’t Foort Memorial Golf Tournament and dinner.  

Scott was a popular and kind-hearted individual who was an inspiration to others. 

“In September 2010, in connection with Free The Children, a primary school was built in Kenya with the help of our generous community members,” says Amanda Ball, a member of the organizing committee.  “This year, we continue to support the Scott Van’t Foort Memorial School through maintenance funds (school supplies, teacher salary, etc.,) and will also provide our regular donation to Scott’s former high school, Seaway D.H.S., for their graduation.” 

New this year will be a special donation to a project being completed with The Stephen Lewis Foundation.

“We will contribute funds for the completion of a Maternity Ward in Uganda,” says Ball.  

This project is being spearheaded by Morrisburg native Christopher Marshall who was one of Scott’s best friends.  Marshall was recently in Uganda where he volunteered at St. Francis Health Care Services, a locally run HIV clinic where the Maternity Ward is being built.  

“As you can see, we use all funds raised to make as much of a difference as possible – both locally and as global citizens,” says Ball. “We hope that you will mark August 25th 2012, in your calendar.”  

“This is the day that our friends and supporters will take to the links at Nationview Golf Course for the 7th Annual Scott Van’t Foort Memorial Golf Tournament.”  

The Golf Tournament will kick off at noon with a four-person scramble followed by a chicken dinner.  

The event is promising to be much more than just golf: lots of fun games, a Big Ball Drop sponsored by Lloyd McMillan Equipment, a Dunk Tank and a Live Auction!

In a show of support the community is invited to:

•Participate in the tournament and/or dinner

•Donate a prize for the prize table/live auction.  

•Sponsor a hole.  

•Make a cash contribution.

For more information, to register, make a donation, or buy raffle tickets please contact: Samantha Ball Co-organizer at 613-806-6520.

 

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Morrisburg & District Lions Assist Food Bank

 

Members of The Morrisburg & District Lions Club recently presented the Dundas County Food Bank a donation of $1,000. On hand to make the donation on behalf of the Lions club were Lions Earl Wood and Fred Langlotz. Pictured at the Morrisburg location of the Dundas County Food Bank following the presentation, l-r are Lion Earl Wood, food bank board members Jim Wilson (with his six-year-old daughter Katie),  Alvin Runnalls (board chair) and Brenda Millard (past chair), Lion Fred Langlotz and Dave King (food bank treasurer). Historically, the summer months are the time when the food bank sees its donations decrease mainly because people are busy and often away from the community for holidays. With visits to the food bank up about 10 per cent over last year and donations down, the Lions Club’s generosity was greatly appreciated. The food bank can always use cash donations for the purchase of the necessary perishable foodstuffs. The Food Bank is also currently in need of juices, cereals, canned meats and fish, canned fruits and vegetables, soups, dry pasta, canned pasta and pasta sauce, children’s snack items and personal toiletries. With the school year just around the corner, school supplies would also be welcomed.                      Photo contributed

 

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Constable Robert Bird of Wikwemikong Police awarded Medal of Bravery

 

Police Constable Robert, “Bobby” Bird of the Wikwemikong Police Service located in the region of Manitoulin Island was commended with the Police Medal of Courage and Bravery at the annual First Nations Chiefs of Police Ceremony in Winnipeg, Manitoba on May 23, 2012.

A native of the Morrisburg/Williamsburg area, Constable Bird is a graduate of the Police Foundations Program at St. Lawrence College in Kingston.

The award was given for Constable Bird’s valiant actions during a domestic assault incident in November of 2010, when he was the first officer on scene to a 911 domestic violence call involving a female who had been stabbed by her common law spouse.

The incident later involved a heated stand-off during which the accused man pointed a firearm directly at the officers. Due to the actions of Bird and the other officers, the incident was resolved without casualty and the man was brought safely into custody.

The Police Medal of Courage and Bravery is one of the highest honors a police officer can receive.

Bird says “I decided in high school (he is a graduate of Seaway District High School) that I wanted to become a police officer.” He recalls the love and support of his grandmother (the late) Delores Mullen during his teenage years growing up in the South Dundas.  

In 2006, at the age of 25, Bird became Security Manager at Rideau Carleton Entertainment Centre in Ottawa, It was in 2009 that he decided it was time to pursue his policing career. 

Applications were made to local city police stations in Ottawa, Cornwall and Brockville and to the Wikwemikong Police Service, which he learned was hiring officer through a policing website.

“I have a close friend who works with the RCMP and polices a First Nations Reserve in Saskatchewan. He highly recommended that I apply to a reserve in Ontario.”

Bird explains that when he looked into the Wikwemikong Police Service more deeply, he learned it was located on Manitoulin Island, the largest fresh water Island in the World.

“Since I enjoy the outdoors and fishing immensely, I thought I would give it a shot in the dark and put in my application. I also have First Nation heritage that goes way back on the Bird side of my family, therefore I thought policing a First Nations  community would be a great experience.”

After completing the interview process, Bird was hired by the Wikwemikong Police Service in January 2010, as a fourth class probationary police constable.

After three months of work as an Auxiliary Constable, he was sent to the Ontario government mandated Police Constable Training College in Aylmer, Ontario. While at the college, he was selected by the College Instructors and Sergeants to be a Police Ethnic and Cultural Exchange Mentor. He graduated from the Ontario Police College in July of 2010, and returned to Manitoulin Island.

It was just four months after his graduation, in November 2010, the he was faced with the incident that led to the recently awarded Medal of Bravery.

Constable Bird explains that the Wikwemikong Police Service is a stand alone First Nations Police Service.

“At one time the Wikwemikong Reserve was policed by the RCMP, then by the OPP, then in 1994, the Reserve, supported by the OPP, decided to become their own, stand along, police service.”

The Wikwemikong Police Service has a staff of 24 people (most of whom are First Nations officers). Bird is one of two officers who are not First Nations.

Constable Bird will complete his two year contract with the Wikwemikong Police Service this December.

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South Mountain Fair celebrates 120 years

 

The excitement is mounting as the South Mountain Fair is now just around the corner from August 16-19.

“This is our 120th anniversary, so this is a special year for us,” says Diane Fawcett, a member of the board of directors. “Every year we try to put together the best show that we can.”

And what the South Mountain Fair Board ends up with each year, is a huge well-rounded country fair that has something to offer for all ages and all interests.

Fawcett is extremely excited about this year’s music venue which she looks after. “We have Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives headlining Sunday and on Saturday, sure to please everyone is Jason Blaine and Landmark.”

“Freddy Vette is on Friday night. He does 50s-60s and he is amazing,” says Fawcett.

The Freddy Vette show at 8 p.m. on Friday, August 17, follows the hugely popular Demolition Derby which roars into action at 7 p.m.

The Fair opens Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m. with the opening of the midway. The fair’s opening ceremonies will take place at 6:30 p.m. and the first big event is the Horse Pull at 7 p.m.

“Our midway is Crown Amusements and they run a great show, really clean,” says Fawcett.

Fawcett also explains that from some new events tried last year, the committee decided to return the Farmer’s Olympics. “It was a hoot. We had 17 teams. The audience had a great time along with the participants.”

The farmer’s Olympics includes contests all related to farm practises like hay bale throwing, running through tires, wheelbarrow racing and so on.

Fawcett says there are also a few new events at this year’s Kid’s Mountain and she urges families to come out and have some fun.

The fair features one price admission of $20 per person (daily) or $50 per person for the weekend, and that gives the holder unlimited midway rides, admission to all of the concerts and dances (age of majority), the kids entertainment, and all of the agricultural shows and exhibits.

Fawcett says that people have been really receptive to the all inclusive pricing, because it really is a bargain.

The fair is a huge event which receives great support from everyone in the community, not just the people who attend but those who sponsor it and various events and prizes.

“The fair would not be able to continue at the level it does, if it weren’t for the support of the community,” says Fawcett. “We have Agri-Business sponsors, private business sponsors and organizations and people in general who support events.”

“This is a big year for us, and hopefully we have put together a big show that everyone will enjoy.”

As a bonus, the fair offers free camping. “It’s rough camping, but people can come, purchase their $50 weekend pass and camp. They don’t have to leave a concert and drive and that’s great for them and less worry for us.”

“We also have plenty of nearby parking for everyone.”

Fawcett explains that each year following the close of the fair, the committee of 25-30 directors takes a couple of months off. “We usually have our annual meeting in early December, and then come January we start again with new directors and new sponsors.”

This year’s title sponsors are Scotiabank and O’Farrell Financial Services Inc.

For a complete list of all of the South Mountain Fair events, everything from events for kids, to the agricultural shows, to the concerts and dances go to www.southmountainfair.ca

This year’s grand prize give-a-way offers the winner a choice of four grand prizes sponsored by Mike Dean’s Supper Food stores, Sandy Row Restaurant  & Golf Course, Winchester BMR and Byers Limousine and Stretch Suv’s.

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Obituaries

Annabel Casselman O’Mara

 

A lifelong resident of the community, Annabel Casselman O’Mara passed away peacefully at Dundas Manor, Winchester on Friday, July 20, 2012. She was in her 93rd year.

Annabel was born June 21, 1920, in Aultsville, just east of Morrisburg, to loving parents Charles Gogo and Jean (nee Bouck).  There she farmed with her parents and half sister Ella on their 100 acre dairy farm until she was married to Gordon Casselman in 1939, at the Aultsville Anglican Church. 

Annabel and Gordon had three sons, Mahlon, Lyle, and Ivan.  In 1956, Annabel, Gordon and the three boys sold their dairy farm in Aultsville, and bought a farm at Dixon’s Corners. 

Annabel’s husband, Gordon passed away in 1977, after 38 years of marriage. In March, 1994, Annabel was married to her second husband, Arthur O’Marra.  Together they lived on the farm for two years before moving to Morrisburg in 1996. 

Annabel enjoyed shopping, playing cards and games (especially UNO).  However, there were never games or cards played on Sunday.  

She loved flowers and music, especially gospel music. Her knowledge of the Bible was phenomenal.  Throughout her lifetime, Annabel was a member of the Winchester Wesleyan Church, Morrisburg Pentecostal Church and the Community Family Church of Iroquois.  

Annabel had a generous heart and was known for her tremendous bear hugs.  She loved everyone equally and was a genuine, true friend to many.  

Annabel was the beloved wife of Art O’Marra, and  loving mother of Mahlon (Betty) Casselman, and Lyle (Irene) Casselman, both of Brinston, and Ivan (Judy) Casselman of Morrisburg.  

She was cherished grandmother of Darryl, Amanda, Amy and Gordon and great-grandmother of Gabrielle, Shana, Alicia and Jasmine.  

She will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. 

Annabel was predeceased by her husband Gordon Casselman (1977) and an infant son (1957). 

Friends were received at the Parker Funeral Home, Morrisburg on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service was held at the home on Tuesday, July 24, 2012. at 1 p.m.

Pallbearers were Jim Adams, Gerry Whitteker, Lorne Johnston, Gerald Casselman, Gary Bradford and Matthew Casselman.  

Interment was at Spruce Haven Cemetery, Brinston.  

Memorial donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association or Dundas Manor Activity Fund will be gratefully acknowledged.  Condolences may be made at  www.parkerofmorrisburg.com

 

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Obituaries

Marvin Keeler

 

A lifetime resident of the area, Marvin Keeler passed away at the Brockville General Hospital on Wednesday, July 25, 2012, following a brief illness. He was 69.

Marvin was born in Matilda Township on June 5, 1943, to his parents Garnet and Effie Keeler (nee Robinson). 

As a teenager he began working for a local farmer but his main interest was doing mechanical work so he got a job working at Gib Strader’s junk yard when he was only 15 years old. 

On July 2, 1966, he married Connie Howe and together they had one son Jeff.   Marvin worked for Gib Strader for a number of years before going to work on the big boat engines at Prescott Machine and Welding. 

When he was laid off in 1981, he, Connie and Jeff moved to Alberta where he worked on the heavy equipment in the oil fields.  

The family returned to the Iroquois area in 1989. 

Marvin enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, doing woodwork and repairing lawn mowers.  He loved the outdoors and his small farm animals which are now being taken care of by his grandson Rylee who shares his grandfather’s love for animals.  

Marvin will be fondly remembered by his family and the many friends he made locally, in Alberta and in Nova Scotia.  

 Marvin is survived by his wife Connie (nee Howe), his son Jeff and his wife Debbie of Williamsburg. 

He will be fondly remembered by his siblings Edna Roskell (late Frank) of Hanesville, John (Joan) of Prescott, Linda Beckstead (William) of RR1 Iroquois, Basil (Debbie) of Nova Scotia, Tim of Nova Scotia and Tony (Della) of Hanesville. 

He will be sadly missed by grandchildren Michael, Rylee and Raven.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. 

Marvin was predeceased by his parents Garnet and Effie Keeler and his brother Garnet.  

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Friday from 11 a.m. until time of the service.  The funeral service was held at the funeral home on Friday, July 27 at 1 p.m., with Rev. Doug Carnegie officiating.  Cremation followed.  

Donations to the BGH Palliative Care would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

 

[…]