2011 – Page 28 – Morrisburg Leader

Morrisburg Legion News

October 12, 2011 Editor

The general meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 12, at 7:30 p.m. in Fraser Hall. Please put this on your to-do list for this week. There are some very important decisions to be made.

Keith Johnston will entertain in the pub on Friday, October 14, making a good ending to T.G.I.F. day.

Sunday euchre will begin on October 16 at 1 p.m. Bingo on October 6 saw our regulars once again with players in the 70s.

Our meat draw on the 9th was for a fresh turkey and was won by our own Lee Kelley.

Memberships for 2012 are available at the bar. The early-bird draw will take place up to November 30, with prizes of $35, $20 and $15, possibly the price of your membership.

On October 3, D. Dillabough, M. Praine and G. Houze attended a seminar at the Rideau-Perley Veterans’ Home in Ottawa. Branch #48 has supported them with donations for several years. We were presented with a wish list for the veterans who reside there, and we are considering several items. This will come before the general meeting on Wednesday night.

Six bursaries have been awarded this year, each for $500, to students furthering their education. The Poppy Campaign will be starting shortly and as usual, at this busy time, help is always needed. Please leave your name at the bar if you can spare a few hours.

Many thank yous were read, among them ones from the SD&G Highlanders, the Children’s Treatment Centre, Scott Robertson for the Terry Fox committee, the Old Home Week committee and the Cornwall Hospice. Yes, this is where the money goes, as well as for repairs to this great building that we are so fortunate to have. Others before us worked hard to accomplish this and we have to work hard to keep it in good repair.

On the fun side, a pub crawl is being planned for October 22 and there will be a sign up sheet in the pub.

Our next steak night is on the 28th with John Mason providing the entertainment, so yes, we do have fun too.

Live well, love much, laugh often.

[…]

New principal at Iroquois Public

October 12, 2011 Editor

“This school has fantastic energy. I am deeply impressed with the staff keenness and relationships with the students,” said Kelty Grant, who has assumed her duties as the new principal of Iroquois Public School. “The children are really friendly. I go out in the yard and the kids are happy to see me and to talk to me. That stands out in my mind.”

For Grant, who grew up in Ingleside and attended Rothwell-Osnabruck, coming to Iroquois was a little bit like coming home. She is familiar with the area and with the Upper Canada District School Board for whom she has worked in teaching and administrative capacities since 1992.

Principal Grant received her B.A. at Queen’s University in Kingston, and took her teacher training at McGill University in Montreal. She began her career as an elementary/primary teacher.

“My first five years in education were spent teaching at the Kanatakoa School, which is part of Awkwesasne, affiliated with UCDSB,” Grant said. “I taught kindergarten, grade three and grade five there and loved the experience. From there I went to Memorial Park, then to Morrisburg Public School where I taught part time.”

Later, Grant split her time between Vincent Massey and Viscount Alexander serving as a vice principal and an acting principal. She brings extensive classroom and administrative experience to her position at Iroquois.

Grant has a family with two children and two step-children and makes her home in Ingleside.

Although she has only been principal since the late summer, Kelty Grant is delighted with the enthusiasm for teaching and for learning that she sees among teachers, students and parents.

She also praises the support of the custodial and secretarial staffs at the school. She laughed that custodians have already had to cope with wasps in the primary playground.

“IPS teachers have a deep focus on the curriculum,” she said. “They’re willing to experiment and to try different approaches to learning. I find that very progressive. I find they also have a lot of interesting ideas which they are very willing to share. That helps to move a school ahead.”

Grant is already looking forward to the first professional learning community at the school where the staff will examine EQAO results (out soon) and analyze on-going strategies for improvement. She is hoping that the school has succeeded in getting a PRO (Parents Reaching Out) grant which will help set up a new program designed to help parents develop family literacy, to work with their children at home.

“I’m still getting to know the needs of the school, still discovering what teachers are seeing in their classrooms,” she said. “Then I will have a better idea in what directions to move.”

Grant is aware of some of the priorities at IPS, such as Take Home Reading Programs, the acquisition of more SmartBoards and the need for new playground equipment. Traditions like monthly assemblies, concerts and special events will continue.

“The most important thing I believe is that every child can learn,” she said. “It’s my job to create an environment where that can happen. All subjects are important. You must develop the whole child.”

[…]

Seaway honours 2011 graduates

October 12, 2011 Editor

“Today is the beginning to a new chapter in our lives. Soon enough, each and every one of us will go forth in our own directions, seeking to make a mark in this world,” said valedictorian of the 2011 graduating class of Seaway District High School, Kendra Ward.

Addressing over 70 fellow graduates in a beautifully decorated gymnasium over-flowing with families and friends of the graduates, Ward reminisced about life in high school, hopes, dreams and forever memories.

She thanked teachers, support staff and parents for their support and caring over four years. Her message to fellow grads observed that “we only live once, and opportunities are rare, so it is important to take advantage of these opportunities and live life to its fullest.

Liam Barkley was chosen as the most outstanding graduate by his fellow students. Andrew Zandbergen was awarded the Governor General’s medal for academic achievement. Teresa Palmer was presented with the Lieutenant Governor’s community volunteer award. Kendra Ward, chosen valedictorian by her class mates, was also the recipient of the board’s Character Always award.

Nearly $40,000 in awards, scholarships and bursaries were presented at commencement.

Students achieving 90 per cent in six grade 12 courses, Liam Barkley, April vanDodewaard, Andrew Zandbergen and Michael Zandbergen, were named Seaway Scholars. Barkley and vanDodewaard also tied for first in the overall proficiency awards, with Andrew Zandbergen placing second and Michael Zandbergen placing third.

Other Awards

Jason Lee Hill Memorial Bursary – Sherry-Lynn Harbers

Iroquois-Matilda Lions International Award – Kelsie Chambers, Sherry-Lynn Harbers, Shelby Strader, Kristina Swank, April vanDodewaard

Swank Construction – Gareth Cochrane

Iroquois Legion Leonard Roberts bursary – Elyse Fournier

Iroquois-Matilda Lions Bursary – Jesse Swank, Kasey Swank

Iroquois Legion Bursaries – Kelsey Hall, Jesse and Kasey Swank

Robert Jackson Memorial Award – Jesse Swank

SD&G District Women’s Institute Scholarship – Kelsey Hall

Iroquois Masonic Lodge #143 Awards – Kelsey Hall, Drew Mattice

Tom Corden Memorial Award – Carley Lawlor, Drew Mattice

Crooke-Elliott Award – Drew Mattice

Madden Scholarship – Carley Lawlor

IOOF Williamsburg Lodge Bursary – Carley Lawlor

Chris Salmon Memorial Award – Devon Bonvie

Yvon Mayer Award – Devon Bonvie

Seaway Student Council Bursaries – Liam Barkley, Devon Bonvie, Cory Fowler, Jeremy Piamonte, Kendra Ward

Debbie Strader Memorial Bursary – Teresa Palmer

Nationview PS Bursary – Teresa Palmer

Mountain & District Lions Club Awards – Alison Harbers, Teresa Palmer

OSSTF Bursaries – Teresa Palmer, Jenna Yates

Pricedex Award – Jenna Yates

Ball Arts Scholarship – Alison Harbers

Morrisburg & District Arts & Crafts Award – Alison Harbers

Seaway Staff Bursaries – Alison Harbers, Sarena vanDodewaard

Seaway Admin. Awards – Alison Harbers, Sarena vanDodewaard

Beaupre Jewellers Award – Sarena vanDodewaard

Hugh Porter Memorial Bursary – Michael Zandbergen

Cameron Cluff Memorial Math. Award – Michael Zandbergen

Ont. Principals Leadership Award – Michael Zandbergen

Beavers Dental Awards – Taegan Mills, Michael Zandbergen

BMO award – Taegan Mills

25th Reunion Committee Scholarship – Jeremy Piamonte

PhotoVisions Bursary – Jeremy Piamonte

St. Lawrence Rebekah Lodge Bursary – Jeremy Piamonte

Morrisburg Leader Award – Jeremy Piamonte

Decker Award – April vanDodewaard

Evonik RohMax Award – April vanDodewaard

Loyal Orange Lodge Bursaries – Kelsie Chambers, April van Dodewaard

Former Williamsburg Legion Bursaries – Kelsie Chambers, Matthew Wilson

Randy Thompson Memorial Award – Matthew Wilson

St. Lawrence Medical Clinic award – Cassie Murphy

RCL Morrisburg Bursaries – Andrew Beatson, Cory Fowler, Curtis Fowler, Cassie Murphy

Capt. William Robinson Memorial Award – Andrew Beatson

Canadian Club Morrisburg & District Bursary – Andrew Beatson

Iroquois Fire Fighters Bursary – Brandon Foster, Sheila Gillard

St. Lawrence College Scholarship – Sheila Gillard

Ray John Barkley Memorial Bursaries – Sheila Gillard, Kasey Swank

Ronald Pitt Memoris Bursary – Kasey Swank

Williamsburg Recreational Bursary – Jessica Whitteker

Marsden & McLauglin Bursary – Amy Veltkamp

St.Mary/St.Cecilia Cath. Women’s League Bursary – Amy Veltkamp

William N. Crooke Memorial Bursary – Amy Veltkamp

Lion Harry van Moorsel Memorial Scholarship – Anthony Burke, Andrew Zandbergen

Scott Van’t Foort Memorial Bursary – Andrew Zandbergen

Seaway Admin, Award – Andrew Zandbergen

RCL Morrisburg Ladies’ Auxiliary – Kate Gervais

Lion Blake Cruickshank Bursary – Kate Gervais

IPS Parents Council Bursary – Janice Stevens

StockTransportation Awards – Cameron McIntosh, Janice Stevens

Lion Leland Van Allen Scholarship – Cameron McIntosh

Seaway Staff Bursaries – David Baird, Ryan Douma, Jacob Feht, Cameron McIntosh, Kristina Swank, Tanner Williams

Seaway Bursary – Tanner Williams

RBC Awards – Ryan Douma, Tanner Williams

John Lortie Memorial Bursary – Ryan Douma

Lion Art Martelle Memorial Scholarship – Liam Barkley

Wayne Johnston Memorial Award – Liam Barkely

MPS Bursary – Liam Barkley

Township of S. Dundas – Liam Barkley

Fred Hill Ins. Bursary – Krista Thompson

Upper Canada Motors Bursary – Luke Whitteker

Brown’s Fine Food Award – Luke Whitteker

Storm Realty, Steven Iwachniuk Award – Kendra Ward

Whitteker Meat Market Bursary – Kendra Ward

Order of the Eastern Star, Chapt. #224 Award – Ryan Gilmer

Rooney Feeds Award – Alan Hofer, Jessica Hofer

Nation Valley Pork Producers Bursary – Alan Hofer

Sheldon Tryon Memorial Bursary – Alan Hofer

Weagant Farm Supplies Award – Jessica Hofer

North Mountain, South Mountain, Mountain Reunion Award – Anthony Burke

Kenneth Kirkby Memorial Bursary – Anthony Burke

Effie Prunner Memorial Award – Philip German

S. Williamsburg Township Recreational Bursary – Curtis Fowler

Cruickshank Construction Bursary – Jacob Feht

Ross Video Scholarship – Jacob Feht

Evan Mallette Memorial Bursary – Jacob Feht

Iroquois Amateur Radio Club Memorial Bursary – Jacob Feht, Dylon Hall

Ont. Power Generation Awards – David Baird, Dylon Hall

Sandra Primrose Memorial Bursary – David Baird

Seaway Admin. Award – Brandon Lizert

Doug Byers Furniture Award – Brandon Lizert

Currier Bursary – Matt Cromie

Student Success Bursaries – Krista Gallinger, Manal Hamadi, Chelsea Hummel, Sarah Keeler, Jazzy St. Denis

Annette Angus Awards – Manal Hamadi

Jamieson Award – Jesse Page

Ronald & Joyce Fader Memorial Bursary – Gurcharn Cheema

Light Up Your World Bursary – Cory Fowler, Kristina Swank

Ball International Development Award – Shelby Strader

[…]

New funding, exciting new season at St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage

October 12, 2011 W. Gibb – Leader staff

The opening September 24th concert, which featured Juno-award winning, outstanding Canadian talent, Serena Ryder, was completely sold out.

The St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage has started off its 2011-12 performance series on a very high note.

The all volunteer board of the not-for-profit St. Lawrence Stage feels this may herald a new era for the company now entering its sixth year in the South Dundas community.

“When we began, in 2007, to run a full concert season, we were drawing smaller crowds,” said board member, Sandra Whitworth, during an interview with The Leader.

“But the core of a dedicated audience also began building. Since then, we’ve seen a 30-35 per cent overall growth in our audience size. The more people are exposed to our concert series and to the stage, the more energy builds and the more people come out. We still need our dedicated core of enthusiasts, but we’re also working to attract new audience members.”

This year the St. Lawrence Stage has also received significant funding from a number of sources.

The Stage has received funding from the Canadian Arts Presentation Fund, through Heritage Canada, for the last two years in the development category. This year, however, the company has qualified for the federal government’s established grant.

“Essentially, the government studies a company like ours for two years to determine if we are viable and working, and if we are following our mandate,” Whitworth explained. “They look for an artistic vision, and examine our governance and management practices in detail.

By moving the St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage from development to more mainstream, established funding, the government is essentially saying, I hope, that we are here to stay.

We ensure our visiting artists have a positive experience of us as a venue, and of Morrisburg as a welcoming community.”

The Stage has received its third Ontario Trillium grant. These provincial funds are restricted to capital purchases in areas like sound and lighting, and cannot be used for operations. This year, a new, professional digital sound board was purchased.

The South Dundas council has also continued to help fund the St. Lawrence Stage.

However, two new and key sources of funding have brightened plans for the future.

“We have our very first Platinum sponsor,” Whitworth said. “ We are delighted that Coffey’s Coffee of Ingleside has signed on with us.”

Also new in 2011 is a grant from the Eric Baker Family Foundation in Long Sault.

“The Eric Baker Foundation is a private foundation which supports the arts, education and health,” Whitworth explained. “I found them when I was researching funding opportunities and the St. Lawrence Stage contacted them. We put together a package about the Stage, and their directors responded favourably. That support really allowed us to put on the Serena Ryder show.

Bringing in the Ryder show was a bit of a calculated risk on the board’s part. We wanted to test the waters, to bring in someone with definite name recognition, to see if new people would come to our venue.”

A growing audience base is essential for the Stage’s hope of one day becoming self sustaining.

Whitworth stressed that grants, especially from the government, will only continue to support an organization if it can prove that other sources of revenue like ticket sales and donations are in place.

However, if the incredible line up of artists coming to Morrisburg’s St. Lawrence Stage this 2011-12 season is any indication, then the future should be a bright one.

Appearing in October is renowned artist Del Barber, a critically acclaimed, Juno nominated singer/songwriter. Opening for him will be Brea Lawrenson, who is building a name in country music.

Coming in December is the Ben Henriques Jazz Quartet, whose fusion style is delighting fans across Canada.

2012 starts off with a bang with the appearance of two time US Finger Style guitar champion, musician Don Ross. Opening for him will be Cornwall’s own Graham Greer.

February will see the return to Morrisburg of noted award winning artist Lynn Miles.

New and emerging talents will also find a showcase at the St. Lawrence Stage.

“The St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage is becoming a vital part of South Dundas,” Whitworth said. “Our mandate is to expose audiences to different talents and different styles of music. I think our volunteer board and supporters are creating something amazing here. It’s exciting to bring this level of talent to our community.”

[…]

Paving the path

October 12, 2011 Editor

It looks like people in Iroquois will have the good fortune of walking or biking on a smooth, nicely paved path this spring.

On October 4th, Don Lewis, Manager for Recreation and Facilities, updated South Dundas Council on the state of the Iroquois Walking and Bike Path.

The 2011 budget allotted $20,000 for repairs to the path.

“The repairs consisted of removal of stones which had caused substantial heaving due to freeze/thaw cycles.”

Lewis and his crew completed the repairs “in-house” and according to Lewis, “we only spent $2,500 to $3,600 so we have a good chunk left.”

He requested that council give the go ahead to use the remaining funds to pave the path: “Due to the limited time remaining in the paving season, staff is requesting that Council approve the paving of the walking/bike path as long as the price to complete paving is within the remaining budget allocation.”

Lewis told council that he had “contacted some companies” and “if council wishes, we can go ahead and do the paving job and it will be in budget.”

Councillor Evonne Delegarde inquired as to the amount of path to be paved and, according to Lewis, “all of it” will be done leaving “nothing left to do.”

Council agreed and the Iroquois Walking and Bike Path will be freshly paved by H&B Contracting from Chesterville. Lewis told the Leader that, weather permitting, the company has agreed to be in Iroquois next week.

Councillor Jim Graham applauded Lewis and his staff saying it’s “efforts like that that’s left us with a surplus at the end of the year.”

[…]

Split Decision for Bantam Bs

October 12, 2011 Editor

The South Dundas Bantam B Rep Lions kicked off the season on home ice, Monday, October 3, with a 3-2 loss to the South Grenville Rangers, but then got on the right track for game two with a 5-2 victory against the South Stormont Selects in Long Sault, on Friday, October 7.

The first league game against South Grenville proved the Rangers were out for revenge from the previous week’s 3-0 exhibition loss to the Lions.

At 5:28 of the first period, former Lion, Drew Gillard scored on a two-on-one, when his shot beat Lion goaltender Zach Frawley cleanly on the blocker side.

It wasn’t until the final seconds of the period that the Lions were able to tie the game on an Andrew Jarvis goal assisted by Josh Black and Quinn Bennis.

In the second period, the Rangers went ahead when an unprotected Frawley stopped the original blast from Nicholas McColl and Devan Miller pounced on the rebound.

That effort was negated when the Lions Randy Fawcett, after successfully fighting for possession of the puck, delivered it to the top corner of the Rangers net to again even things up. Evan Mullin picked up the assist.

Early in the third, Andrew Hanna beat a screened Frawley for what would turn out to be the Rangers winning goal.

The remainder of the period featured end-to-end action, and with 24.6 seconds remaining, Frawley was pulled for an extra attacker. The Rangers, however held on for the win.

On Friday, October 7th, the Lions were in Long Sault where they clipped the South Stormont Selects for their first win of the young season, 5-2.

Riley Barry (from Spencer Heldens) kicked off the Lions scoring at 1:29 of the first frame with a blast from inside the blue line that beat Drew Nichol cleanly.

Minutes later, Cameron Chayer scored for the Lions on a nice wrist shot to the top corner with Heldens setting it up on a two on one opportunity.

After Selects Alex Cleary, on a breakaway, was knocked down by defenseman Toby Mullin, his penalty shot beat Frawley and the Selects were back in it, now trailing just 2-1.

Early in the second period, the Lions Andrew Jarvis made an end-to-end rush with the Lions playing shorthanded, and his shot left a rebound for a waiting Heldens who made it 3-1.

With 18 seconds left in the second period, Andrew Lalonde (Tavish MacLeod) was finally able to put one past Frawley when his slap shot beat him on glove side. That cut the gap to 3-2 heading into the third period.

Early in the third, Mullin drew a four minute (hit to head) penalty, and Josh Black was assessed his first penalty in two years for cross checking which gave the Selects a five on three, power-play opportunity. The Lions penalty kill, however, was up to the task, and the Selects were held from the scoreboard.

Half way through the period, Barry scored his second goal, from Jarvis, and Randy Fawcett, assisted by Bennis, rounded it out on the Lions power play for the 5-2 victory.

Quinn Bennis, who was moved to defence, played a strong game, along with Spencer Heldens who had a three point performance and Riley Barry who skated hard for a two-goal performance.

The Lions were at home to Brockville on Monday, October 10. They travel to Athens, this Friday night October 14th for a 6 p.m start, and on Monday, October 17 they host Perth at 8 p.m.

[…]

Novice Bs start season with win/tie

October 12, 2011 Editor

The South Dundas “Pioneer Gas” Novice B Lions started their regular season on the road last week with a tie (3-3) in Kemptville and a win in Westport (6-2). Kayne McCadden led the offense by netting five goals in the two games.

Saturday afternoon, the Lions rolled into Westport, where they defeated the North Leeds Stars 6-2.

With the game tied 2-2 late in the second period, Joshua Broad picked up a Ben Lapier rebound and fired it home for his first goal of the season and a 3-2 Lions lead which they would not relinquish.

In the third period, Broad, standing behind his own goalie, knocked down a North Leeds shot that had beat Lions goalie Brendan Shaver and was going in the net. Broad then made an outlet pass to Owen Fetterly who went the distance to score the Lions forth goal.

Broad followed that effort when he used his Howitzer Hockey Stick to pick up his second goal of the game for a 5-2 Lions lead.

Capping off the Lions scoring was Nolan Henry who received a pass from Emytt Fetterly and broke in and beat Stars goalie Westwader. Cassidy Bilmer also picked up an assist on the play.

Spencer Barclay and Trent Rae continued their strong play on the Lions blue line as they turned away several Stars attackers. Defensemen Emytt Fetterly and his partner Cassidy Bilmer, who both picked up an assists in the game, also had a strong game keeping the puck alive at the offensive blue line and chasing down Stars attackers.

The Lions had grabbed a first period lead on two goals by Kayne McCadden.

McCadden continued his strong play to start the season as he picked up pucks in his own end and would go “coast to coast” beating the Stars defenders before beating the Stars goaltender.

The Stars tied the game with two goals from Matthew Taite in a two minute span, late in the first period and early in the second.

Lions goalie Brendan Shaver had a quiet game in the Lions’ cage.

In Kemptville last Wednesday night, McCadden netted the Lions second hat trick of the year in a 3-3 tie.

With the Lions leading 3-2, and under two minutes left to play, the forward line of Joshua Broad, Ben Lapier and Owen Fetterly were on the ice to protect the lead.

They carried the play in the offensive zone for over a minute with several shots on net and hard pressure down low until the puck squirted out over the blue line and the Panthers converted on a goal by Noah Penney with 19 seconds left.

The Lions grabbed their first lead of the game with 5:05 left in the third period on a nifty move by centreman Kayne McCadden.

With Kolby Latulippe pressuring the Panthers right defenseman along the boards, he forced the puck into the middle right where McCadden was standing.

A quick toe drag around a Panther forward, quick acceleration around the defenseman and he broke in alone a netted a shot in the top corner over the goalie glove.

The story throughout the game was the amazing goaltending of Brendan Shaver, who faced and turned away dozens of shots. Shaver received the “The Big Stick Award” for his outstanding play and his hard work.

The Panthers opened the scoring at 4:05 of the first period and the Lions responded with 55 seconds left when Emytt Fetterly kept the puck alive at the blue line getting it in deep so McCadden could pick it up and score his first of the game.

In the second period, the Panthers went up 2-1, before McCadden netted another when yet again a puck went over the net and goalie from behind the goal line and ended up in front before being knocked home. Nolan Henry picked up the lone assist on play.

The South Dundas “Pioneer Gas” Lions open their regular season home schedule Saturday, October 15th at 7 p.m.

[…]

Seaway’s Spartans win soccer crown

October 12, 2011 Editor

The Seaway Intermediate Spartans defeated South Grenville 1-0 in the championship game of an all-day tournament on the home field last Tuesday to earn the right to advance to the Intermediate Soccer Championships coming up in Kemptville on Tuesday, October 18. On their way to the local championship the girls defeated St. Mary/St. Cecilia, 5-0, St. Marks, 4-0, and South Grenville 4-0 behind the unbeatable goaltending of Kendra Buter. “It was an outstanding team effort,” said coach Robin Gibbs of the Spartans win. Pictured above members of the team are, kneeling l-r, Sierre Swindells, Abigail Macmillan, Sophia Currier, Brynn Gilmour, Emma Barkley, Emily Hector and Hailey Markell. Goalkeep Kendra Buteer is in front. Back, l-r, are Sierra Dodge, Courtney Casselman, Teisha Mullin, Allison Waytowich, Jessica Ferguson, Mackenzie Whyte, Jane van Moorsel, Taylor Casselman, Sydney Runions and Logan Millward. In the action above, Brynn Gilmour has control of the ball and teammate Emily Hector (back left) is waiting for the pass. Jane van Moorsel is pictured throwing the ball in.

[…]

Zippity Do Dah!

October 12, 2011 Editor

Oh those grandkids….They do keep us young. Such was the case for Olive MacIntosh of Williamsburg, who, with her daughter Marilyn and son-in-law Jim (Adams) visited her granddaughters Kylie and Katherine in British Columbia in September. In addition to a visit to Whistler and a tour of the Olympic site, the family took Olive, who turned 84 just last week, ziplining. Granddaughter Katherine works for Ziptrek Eco Tours, a world leader in the design, development and operation of zipline-based eco adventures. The company’s flagship location is in Whistler. Top left, Olive gives a thumbs up as she is about to take off. Left she is pictured with son-in-law Jim Adams and above she is photographed as she ziplines through the treetops.

[…]

As the seasons change…

October 12, 2011 Editor

I love October. I love Thanksgiving. I love autumn. Seriously, what’s not to love? Nature becomes a treat for all the senses with the changing colours, the cool temperatures, the smells of roast turkey and pumpkin pie… the taste and touch of comfort.

Every October I’m reminded of a famous Bible verse, which I’m almost positive most of you have heard at one point or another. It begins: “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the sun.”

Autumn is a time for change. It’s a time when the earth takes a much needed rest, readying herself for a full period of growth in the coming spring.

This past weekend, with the Seaway District High School graduation and the Thanksgiving holiday we found “a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance.” It was a time to reminisce over memories of yesterday and talk about our hopes for tomorrow.

Graduates have entered a new phase of their lives and, just in time for Thanksgiving, they were able to share their successes (and disappointments) with friends and family. Change has embraced them and they’re being challenged to step up and be their best.

As teens transition toward adulthood, residents in the SD&SG riding prepare to make a transition of their own: a political riding that has long been red has emphatically changed its colour to blue.

Conservative Jim McDonell is replacing retired Liberal MPP Jim Brownell.

There is “a time to keep silent and a time to speak.” On October 6th, did you speak up by voting or did you stay silent? How did the choice you made on the 6th contribute to the outcome of the election?

Will our new MPP be able to meet the challenges of his new position? More to the point, will he be able to make things happen for this riding when he is a Progressive Conservative working in the shadows of a Liberal Premier? On that note, will our Liberal premier be able to work effectively with a minority government?

With so many questions left unanswered, can we be sure of anything? Yes, we can. “To everything there is a season…”

[…]