November 2011 – Page 14 – Morrisburg Leader

Peewee C House Lions get new sweaters

November 2, 2011 Editor

Saturday, October 29, the South Dundas Peewee C House Lions suited up in a brand new set of sweaters thanks to the generosity of Michel Proulx/Canadian Tire Store in Morrisburg. The House Lions and South Dundas Minor Hockey Association were absolutely delighted to receive the donation which includes both home and away sweaters. Keeping the teams looking sharp is a yearly effort for the local minor hockey association which tries to replace at least a couple of sweater sets per year. They often count on the generosity of the community. Pictured with the team, (kneeling centre row) is Canadian Tire representative, Joanne Minish. Front is goaltender Austin Robinson. Kneeling, l-r, are MacKenzie Nelson, Megan McKay, Anna Cassell, Jackson Weegar, Joanne Minish, Nathan Cameron and Brody Smail. Back, l-r are Matthew Helmer, Sheridan Caines, Brooke Lapier, Grace Brooks, Julenea Barnhartd, Trinity Hanes, Shayna VanBeilen and Emma Barkley. The Peewee C House Lions coaching staff includes, coach Shawn Lapier, Derek VanBeilen, Tim Cassell and Barry Barkley.

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CAV Sicily, motorcycle unit formed

November 2, 2011 Editor

They offered a helping hand, and Morrisburg Legion Branch 48 president Maurice Praine was willing to accept it.

Saturday, four members of the Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Unit (The C.A.V.), were out and about in Morrisburg to assist the local Legion Branch by selling poppies. They were easily identified as they were wearing their black vests which, according to their website, are worn “in mourning of those who have fallen in securing our Peace.”

CAV Motorcycle Units were started in 2003, and are active in Charity Event Riding and Community Support Events across Canada.

They support charity events locally, provincially, nationally and internationally.

Saturday, four members of the nine member local CAV Unit, Sicily, were in Morrisburg. They included Jeff Betts, John Kennedy, Bill Aitken and Reg Anderson all of whom have served in the Canadian Military.

The Unit was formed this past summer and according to Betts, is based out of Morrisburg, because it is central to the members. Betts is from Winchester and other members are from Morrisburg, Cardinal and Cornwall.

“We are teamed with the Morrisburg Legion only in the sense of developing a mutually beneficial relationship,” explained Betts. “We have the same goals of helping our veterans and our community.”

The CAV is a national brotherhood of Canadian Army, Air Force and Navy Veterans who are motorcycle enthusiasts.

There are three regions: 1st CAV which covers central Canada (Manitoba to Quebec), 2nd CAV in Eastern Canada and 3rd Cav in Western and Northern Canada. Members gather in units named in tribute of Canadian Battle Honours.

The local unit is in 1st CAV and is named for the 1943 Battle of Sicily when the Allies launched one of the largest combined operations of WWII for control of Sicily.

“Our mission statement is to ‘ride and have fun, while helping others’,” said Betts whose nickname is Lurch and who was an Administrative Clerk in the military for 14 years.

CAV does have several charities of choice, such as “Ride for Dad”, an annual ride for prostrate cancer and ICROSS, International Community for the Relief of Starvation and Suffering of the world’s poor. It also supports a number of military organizations including Soldier On and the MFRC (Military Family Resource Centre).

At the local level they support community events and the local Legions, or they may run their own event in support of a cause they choose.

Betts also explained that members don’t have to own motorcycles. Those who don’t can come out and assist in fundraising events, travelling to the event as they choose.

The CAVs ‘Honorary Rider in Chief to Veterans’ is Rick Hillier, past Chief of Defense Staff for Canada’s military.

In addition to the charity assistance, Betts says the group gathers to “have fun and reminisce about our military experiences.”

Saturday, John Kennedy, nicknamed Saddle Tramp, was doing just that as he pointed to the picture hanging in the Morrisburg Legion lounge of the HMCS Haida, the last remaining example of the 27 Tribal Class destroyers built between 1937 and 1945.

“I served in peace time, (1959-63), and I was the last to sail overseas on the Haida. They took it out of service in 1960.”

Kennedy says he has logged over 200,000 km on his 1996 bike, and he has enjoyed all of his experiences. He recalls travelling with a group out of Ottawa to participate in a parade in Washington. “I’ve been all over. I really enjoy it.”

“We are always looking for new members,” said Betts.

Information on The CAV can be found at www.thecav.ca

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Morrisburg golfers freeze fees

November 2, 2011 Editor

Members of the Morrisburg Golf Club will have some new blood on their executive for the 2012 season with five officers not returning to the executive for another term, including long-time president Sam Laurin and secretary Alice McNairn.

The two, along with 1st vice-president Garry O’Neill, club captain Lance LePage and greens chairman Bob Youmelle, all chose not to return, which opened the door for some new people.

The club’s annual fall meeting was held at the clubhouse on Sunday, October 30.

Moving up from the second vice president’s chair, to take over as the club’s president was Jason Broad. Barry Henderson was elected 1st vice president and Mick Mabo got the nod as 2nd vice president.

Longtime treasurer, Sean Boulerice was returned, and Candy Jamieson was elected secretary to replace Alice McNairn who retired her position after 17 years.

Shawn Hummel was elected to replace Youmelle as greens chair.

Elected as club captain was Bob Mann. Lori-Anne Davies was returned as ladies captain by the ladies section of the club earlier this fall as was Lawrence Larocque as the senior’s representative.

Although the club has been battling decreases in the membership for the past two or three years, the membership decided, that with the economic climate as it is, an increase in the membership fees for the 2012 season would not be a good idea.

A reduced fee initiative for new members this past year, was successful in attracting 28 new members and it was suggested that it be run again next year.

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Most by-laws enforced by complaint

November 2, 2011 Editor

By-laws get broken everyday and, for the most part, go unnoticed. Even more irritatingly for some, these “crimes” go unpunished.

At the October 17th public meeting in Dixon’s Corners, a concerned citizen had inquired as to whether we actually have a by-law officer and whether or not anything might be done about the illegal parking in front of the Bank of Montreal in Morrisburg.

This inquiry brought up a few more examples of parking infractions in other South Dundas communities as well.

The consensus of the council appeared to be no, nothing can really be done.

Another citizen wondered aloud as to why council bothers to make by-laws if they don’t intend to enforce them.

This left everyone a bit puzzled. If agreed that by-laws are necessary, how can council enforce them?

A by-law, by definition, is a municipal, local or corporate rule or regulation. The township’s website claims that “these by-laws often regulate lands, the use of lands, health and safety and environmental protection.”

It further states: “In most cases, the public complies with the Township’s by-laws. However, from time to time the Township must enforce its by-laws. Offenders are often given a first-time warning or order, depending on the type and seriousness of the infraction.”

At the public meeting Deputy-Mayor Jim Locke remarked: “most bylaws are enforced by complaint.”

The complaint process is outlined on the township website complete with instructions and a handy form to fill out.

“The township has a number of regulatory by-laws it is permitted to enforce under the Municipal Act. They include: property standards; animal control; noise; illegal dumping; fire control; building and construction; signs; garage sales; pools; smoking; and, parking on public streets.”

“Should you wish to register a complaint with the Township about a perceived infraction on any of the above by-laws you must fill out a complaint form.”

In doing so, will anything be done to rectify the situation? The answer is unclear.

For those interested citizens, the Building Inspector/ By-law Enforcement Officer for South Dundas is Dan Tessier. He works out of the township office in Williamsburg.

When contacted for input into South Dundas by-law enforcement, Tessier replied, “I was advised not to comment.”

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Ranald ‘Randy’ Herbert Shaver

November 2, 2011 Editor

A resident of the Dunbar area, Ranald Shaver passed away suddenly at home on Sunday, October 16, 2011, with his wife of 48 years by his side. He was 69.

Ranald was a cherished husband to Sharon (nee Montgomery). They had three wonderful daughters Debbie, Shelley and Valerie. He took great pride in their accomplishments especially with their choice in mates: John Durant of Winchester, Benny Melenhorst of Mountain and David Brown of Brockville.

Ranny was blessed with six special grandchildren: Jarrett, Randi and Mitchell Melenhorst, Mason and Evan Durant and Mackenzie Brown.

Ranny is also survived by his dear brother Rick (Joanne) of Dunbar, his two amazing nephews Danny (Monica) Shaver and Derek (Tracie) Shaver, his dear mother in law Doris Montgomery, brother-in-law Colonel (Sharon) Montgomery, and sisters-in-law Janie Connelly, Gloria (Ken) Summers, Carol (Rod) Lafleur.

Ranny is preceded by his parents, Reginald and Nellie (nee Presley) Shaver, grandparents Herbert and Buelah Shaver, Aunt Evelyn (Ebby) and niece Kemberley.

Ranald was born on the 2nd concession in Aultsville on June 7, 1942. With the coming of the St. Lawrence Seaway Project, the family was forced to relocate losing their farm land to the Goose Sanctuary, # 2 Highway, the railway and the 401.

In 1955, the family moved to a farm west of Dunbar. Before the move, Ranny rode around in the big hydro trucks which were stationed on their property. It was then that he began dreaming of driving a 18 wheeler.

At the age of 16, he started working at the Morrisburg Dairy, until he realized his dream by driving a dump truck for Manlo Construction filling the Cardinal canal.

From there, he went to work in Brockville for Cooney Haulage and Harold Smith and Sons as well as other local companies. His last 18 years driving were for A.L. Blair Construction where he took great pride in his job and had a great respect for Art and Terry Blair.

He loved joking with and listening to his truck driving buddies telling jokes and laughing on the C.B. and two ways. When not at work on the weekends, he would spend hours polishing his truck.

Ranny had a witty and quirky sense of humour and liked to tease and play practical jokes.

He had a passion for the great outdoors. Every season Ranny did something he loved: Construction work in the summer, moose hunting and deer hunting in the fall, fox and coyote hunting in the winter and fishing and planting his garden in the spring.

Gardening and lawn care were his way of unwinding and relaxing after long hours of work, but hunting was his real passion.

During his younger years, Ranny enjoyed playing Broomball. Over the last two years of his life, he had a new best buddy named Scooter. The two of them went for daily drives. Wherever Ran went you would find his dog.

His door was always open to friends and family. He had many close friends particularly Bob, Wayne and Sheila, Janet and the late Rae Loucks as well as brother Rick.

Ranny spent many hours socializing, playing games and listening to old time country music. His favourite hockey team was the Montreal Canadiens, and over the last few years he looked forward to watching Nascar. His favourite Nascar drivers drove Ford.

Ranald was known by many names: Ranny, Randy, Ran, Dad, Grandpa, Monday and then came Uncle Monday.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Chesterville, on Wednesday October 19th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service was held at the funeral home on Thursday, October 20th at 11 a.m., with Rev. Ian MacLean officiating.

Interment was held at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery. Pallbearers were Danny Shaver, Derek Shaver, Aaron Wopat, Gordon McLaughlin, Jarrett Melenhorst and Wayne McHaffie. Honorary pallbearers were Sheila McHaffie and Janet McCol, and Bob Lacelle.

Donations to Winchester Hospital would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.

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Africa and Morrisburgâ€“Perspectives

November 2, 2011 Editor

What is this all about? What does Morrisburg have to do with Africa? I asked myself that question, too, before I traveled to Durban, South Africa for the 2011 World Methodist Council and Conference in July/August.

Representing one denomination in the whole family of Methodism, where John Wesley said, “the world is my parish,” is a bit intimidating. Over 150 denominations worldwide claim their lineage from the roots of John Wesley’s Methodism.

By way setting the meeting and Methodism in history, the first meeting of Methodist Council and Conference took place in London, England in 1881, one year after the completion of the existing Methodist Church in Canada church on Lakeshore Drive, now Lakeshore Drive United Church.

The subsequent councils and conferences met every 10 years at sites around the globe, and since the 1980’s have begun meeting every five years. Committees constituted by people from various Methodist denominations report on their worldwide work in areas such as family life, global relations and evangelism. And Methodists gather to re-affirm their identity and connect with one another.

As any other gathering of over 2000 people, it is such a Spirit filled place to sing, dance, and worship God together! In so many languages with such vibrancy!

Besides Bible study and world class speakers like Archbishop Elias Chakour, all the delegates and friends could participate in mission work. All of us were asked to bring school supplies for children so that the churches could distribute them as needed throughout South Africa.

The Methodist Church of South Africa operates many day-care centers, orphanages, preschools and day schools for youth. African churches are instrumental in the work to eradicate the spread of HIV/AIDs.

We were able to participate in the daily work at every site we visited.

I also chose to fill food bags for the program called End Hunger Now. It is a 10-year old food aid organization which the Methodist Men in the United Methodist Church have taken on as their mission project.

The goal for the conference was to fill 100,000 packages, and we exceeded that goal by 33,000 packages. Even high school children from Durban helped in this effort.

Each package contained a cup of rice, a cup of vegetable protein, two tablespoons of lentils and a package of vitamins and minerals. Mixing six cups of water with this dry mix produced a well balanced meal for more than one child.

End Hunger Now received permission from the Somalie group El Shabab, to deliver 25,000 packages to the starving thousands in Somalia.

Even in Africa, the church and nation know that in order for a child to learn well they need a full stomach. For some children the meal that they get at school is the only really filling meal that they get on a daily basis.

So remember this when you or your church is raising funds for food in Africa, especially at this critical time in the life of the drought in the Horn of Africa.

But hunger is also close to home here in Morrisburg. We have children and families where nutritious food is not always available.

There is a lunch/breakfast program at Seaway District High School. At our elementary schools, our children receive little bags of dry cereal or crackers and fresh fruit to supplement their diets.

So that is why we need to connect Africa and Morrisburg.

Africans say that it takes a whole village to raise a child. What they know is that it takes everyone taking an interest in the welfare of our children to ensure that they grow up as healthy, educated, responsible adults.

Our various denominations know that we all celebrate the Eucharist, Holy Communion, The Lord’s Supper, in what I like to call the “meal that feeds the world.” And as we are fed at the Lord’s Table so we are called to be disciples to also feed the world with the Word that nourishes our hearts, mind and actions, and calls us forth to put our faith into action.

We are thankful to be able to support the Food Bank, Canadian Food Grains Bank growing projects in our community and other programs that ensure that children and adults here and in foreign countries receive healthy meals.

We have just celebrated abundance in Thanksgiving. We give thanks for gifts received and gifts shared. God’s Peace.

Rev. Arlyce Schiebout

Lakeshore United Church

Morrisburg

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Lions hang tough against the Vikings

November 2, 2011 Editor

During a visit to the Morrisburg arena Friday night, the St. Lawrence Division’s second place Casselman Vikings (tied for second with the Hawks) discovered the Morrisburg Lions aren’t pushovers.

Although the Vikings did eventually pick up a 5-4 win, they first had to play 60 minutes of regulation time hockey and five minutes of overtime before they were able to put it away in a shoot out.

It was a big game for the Lions and an exciting game for Lions fans as they watched their Lions hang tough against the powerful Vikings who have lost only three games in 15 starts this season.

“Let’s face it. To get a point against Casselman is an accomplishment, even though I thought we really should have won,” said Lions coach Thom Racine. “I thought we played well. Outshooting the Vikings (40-37) is a rare feat and with some luck around the net it might have been a different story.”

The Vikings were first on the scoreboard with an Adam Wensink goal just 1:24 into the game.

That held until late in the frame when Michael Poapst, assisted by March Antoine, evened it off at 1-1.

The Lions couldn’t hold them off, and the Vikings were able to slip one more past goaltender Mikael Dion, on their power play at 15:14 of the period.

Just 4:39 into the second period the Lions again levelled the playing field this time with a goal from Taylor Wilson assisted by Zach Sequin and Ryan Dunbar.

That held until 18:37 of the second when the Vikings collected another power-play goal to again push ahead as the period ended.

Joel Adam pushed the Viking advantage to 4-2 with an unassisted counter at 8:50 of the third period, but it wasn’t over yet.

The Lions came back and came back strong.

Clark Veenstra (from Taylor Wilson and Ryan Ward) pulled it to within one at 11:05 and then at 15:55 Michael Poapst and Taylor Wilson set up Zach Sequin for the tying marker.

The 4-4 tie held throughout the overtime, although the Lions had their chances thanks to a pair of Casselman penalties that gave them a five on three power play. The Lions were unable to capitalize on the extra man advantage and the 4-4 tie was finally broken in a shootout.

Alex Steingruber, Michael Poapst and Ryan Ward were all unsuccessful against Vikings goaltender Phillippe Quesnel.

Coming up this week the Lions travel to Casselman to taken on the Vikings at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 3.

On Friday night, November 4 they host the Winchester Hawks.

“If we bring the same intensity to these upcoming weekend games, I like our chances at stealing some more points,” says Racine.

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Young Lions plan dance for Nash Nesbitt

November 2, 2011 Editor

In support of their 14 year old teammate, Nash Nesbitt of Iroquois, the South Dundas Bantam B Rep Lions are organizing a fund-raiser ‘teen dance’ at the Iroquois Legion on Saturday, November 12.

Nesbitt was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphoid tissue, in late August. He is currently undergoing cancer treatment in Ottawa.

“When we found out about Nash, we knew we wanted to do something, and we wanted the kids to be involved,” Lions team manager Rondalyn Jarvis said Friday night at the arena, where the Lions had gathered to launch the dance promotion.

“The support we’ve been getting is unbelievable,” said Jarvis. “People have been calling and wanting to donate.”

“These kids have been together since novice hockey (about 10 years) as well as at school and in other sports,” said Jarvis. “We’ve all been together for so long, it’s a family…this is our hockey family.”

The benefit dance is planned for Saturday, November 12, at the Iroquois Legion. Open to all area youth in grades 7 to 12, it will be chaperoned by the hockey team parents. The cost is $10 per person.

The event has received huge support from South Dundas businesses, organizations and individuals who have donated either money or prizes. Team parents are providing food donations, and the hockey team will be selling pop.

“The Legion has been donated to us, and the DJ has given us a really good deal,” said parent rep Cassandra Barry who is helping with the event organization.

In addition to his hockey teammates, other friends of Nash, are also on board to help out, as are other teams in the South Dundas Hockey Association who have found various ways to help raise money. Members of one team are donating a ‘loonie’ every time they score a goal.

Nash is the son of Tammy Johnston and Earl Nesbitt, and, according to Jarvis, he is doing well. He was preparing to enter grade nine at Seaway when he received the diagnosis.

“His last chemo treatment is November 3, and once his doctors determine its success, they will decided where to go from there. He just received approval to come out in the general public, and if all goes well he could be back in school in about a month. They caught it early, so everyone is very hopeful.”

Jarvis explained that the dance is to help raise money for expenses not covered by insurance.

“The travel and the parking is expensive, and Tammy’s been off work to care for Nash,” said Jarvis. “We want to make it a little easier for them financially.”

To help kick off the Lions’ effort on Friday, longtime family friends, David Lapier and Danny McLaughlin, dropped by the arena to hand over a $250 donation.

“We’ve known Nash’s parents our whole lives, and Nash since he was a baby. This is a tough situation, and we hope all goes well,” said Lapier.

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