Snowmobiling and winter tourism

Despite the rains, the story on the drought situation remains much the same.

“We’ve had rain, but not enough to lift the level two drought,” says Jason Symington, environmental technician with the South Nation Conservation Authority. 

He was in the field examining levels early this week and says, “We still have a ways to go. The rain we got was fairly quick and not as long lasting as we needed it to be to change the level two situation.”

Earlier this month, the water response team which includes representatives from several stakeholder groups, including the agricultural community, met to talk about their observations and actions regarding the low water levels. According to Symington, they basically reported that things are dry but the demand is still being supplied so they recommended maintaining the level two designation.

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Pieces from the War of 1812 are now featured at the Morrisburg Visitor Information Centre located on the main floor of the South Dundas Municipal Centre. 

The display was created with the assistance of local history enthusiast and Carman House Museum Chair Murray Richer.

The War of 1812 is a significant part of local history. The Battle of Crysler’s Farm was fought east of Morrisburg and ended the American campaign east, ensuring British control of the vital St. Lawrence River waterway. The War of 1812 ended in 1815, with 2015 marking the 200th anniversary of the end of the battle.

Some of the featured pieces include:

• A Cannon Ball: Found at Iroquois Point during the construction of the Seaway Locks

• End of a Polearm: Found on Toussaint Island

• A Medical Kit

The addition of this display case compliments an initiative already underway to display local art on the walls of the lobbies in the South Dundas Municipal Centre. Currently, works showcase everything from abstract art to local scenes such as ships passing through the former Canal system. 

“Our community has a strong connection to its local history” said Mayor Evonne Delegarde. “We are fortunate to display pieces that connect to our past, and showcase the work of current local artists at the South Dundas Municipal Centre.”

Art, currently on display, include works of Terrie Chedore, Elsie Gallinger, Colonel Montgomery, Sharon Montgomery and Kharla Ward.

The Municipality is now accepting submissions from artists wishing to participate in the June to December 2015 cycle of the SDMC art hanging program.

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MP Guy Lauzon was on hand at the St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage on Saturday, June 6, to present the board of directors with $25,000 in funding over two years from the Canada Arts Presentation Fund. 

“The Government of Canada is pleased to support the St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage Performances,” Lauzon said, in making the presentation. “Congratulations to the Stage’s organizers and volunteers, who developed this event from a showcase for local artists to an eight-show season that highlights both emerging and professional artists.” 

Sandra Whitworth of the SLAS accepted the cheque on behalf of the board. “The funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage plays a critical part in ensuring that we have the capacity to present high-calibre musicians as part of our annual music and workshop series. We are enormously grateful for the support.”

The St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage, run completely by volunteers, provides a showcase for touring professional musicians and for up and coming emerging artists. The Stage gives audiences, who might otherwise have to travel to large urban centres, the chance to enjoy live, original music right here in South Dundas. The Stage has also arranged workshops with several of these visiting professional artists for  amateur area musicians. 

In recent months, the SLAS has also established a program which brings performers into local schools, introducing a wide range of participatory music to children and their teachers. Educational  musical outreach is an area that the Stage is hoping to develop fully in the future.

Saturday, June 6, was a memorable occasion for the SLAS in other ways as well.

Madison Violet, Lisa MacIsaac and Brenley MacEachern, with Jakub Zapotonczny, performed before a sold out house, the third sold out concert in the Stage’s 2014-15 concert series. 

This was also the final concert which will  be held at the Operating Engineers, the Morrisburg Meeting Centre, the Stage’s venue since it first launched several years ago. In September, as the 2015-16 concert series kicks off, the SLAS will transfer to the Upper Canada Playhouse venue. 

The St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage board will formally announce the musical artists’ line up and performance dates later in the summer.  

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