Youth risk behaviour results

South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds attended the annual ROMA/OGRA Combined Conference in Toronto last week.

The conference, which took place from February 26th to February 29th, gave Byvelds the opportunity to meet with politicians from other municipalities throughout Ontario.

According to their website, ROMA (Rural Ontario Municipal Association), “is Ontario’s rural municipal voice, ensuring that matters affecting rural  communities are brought to the attention of the provincial and federal governments.”

OGRA (Ontario Good Roads Association) “represents infrastructure interests of municipalities through advocacy, consultation, training and the delivery of identified services.”

On March 6th, Byvelds revealed that “there were no objectives going to ROMA. It is,” he added, “a great opportunity to discuss issues or methods with fellow municipal politicians.”

In terms of how things progressed at the conference, he said “there were some good information sessions.”

“I believe if you come home with one idea it was worth the effort.”

As for what South Dundas residents might find relevant from the conference, Byvelds said, “I did go to a seminar that was related to climate change and picked up a contact with information we can use when we have our public meeting concerning the sewer issues in our villages.”

In addition, “there was also a panel discussion on how municipalities need to work with local post-secondary institutions and how they affect economic development.”

According to their own literature, the ROMA/OGRA Combine Conference “is one of the largest annual gatherings of municipal leaders in Canada. It’s aim is to reinvigorate public debate about how municipalities will respond to emergent challenges and opportunities.”

This year’s conference, according to Byvelds, presented a good opportunity “to get a feeling on where the Provincial government is heading in these current times of fiscal restraint (don’t expect the cheque in the mail).”

While Byvelds didn’t get an opportunity to speak with the Premier himself, he did “take the opportunity to listen when he spoke.”

According to Byvelds, Premier Dalton McGuinty “did speak in generalities and hoped to continue to work with municipalities in the future. He committed to the finish date on the uploads but cautioned us on the new spending limit for the OMPF (Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund) of $500 million. He also re-committed to Green Energy.”

While several politicians walked out during the Premier’s ROMA appearance in protest of his energy policy, Byvelds admitted, “no, I was not involved.”

“I do not think it is a way to have a meaningful dialogue on issues. It takes two to discuss and walking out does not solve the issue.”

[…]

A capacity crowd gathered on May 6 at Matilda Hall for “The Amazing Grannies Tea & Vintage Fashion Show”.  

Guests were greeted by 23 hostesses, each of whom had decorated a table with creative décor in keeping with the  “Springtime in Paris”  theme, complete with Eiffel towers and other paraphernalia. 

The majority of guests donned hats or fascinators which enhanced the vintage theme.

On hand was Chris Marshall of Morrisburg, who has met 70 percent of his goal by raising $ 23,672 within a span of six months, for the completion of the construction of a maternity hospital in Uganda where he has recently been volunteering.  

A portion of the $3,900 profit realized from the Tea and Fashion Show was directed toward this project.

Master of Ceremonies for the event, Gail McCooeye, introduced a skit depicting the need for Canadians to send affordable generic drugs to Africa.  

A proposal to this effect is about to be voted on in Parliament, and the Amazing Grannies in Canada is advocating that this motion be passed.

After dessert and viewing of the various displays, vendor’s and baked goods tables, the fashion show began, organized by Robin Lane and directed by Dwight of Aura, Morrisburg.  Authentic hairdos and makeup artfully applied by Helder, also of Aura, depicted the era of the clothing modeled.  

The fashion show delighted the crowd and received a standing ovation. 

Outfits were collected from donors in Ottawa and within Dundas County.  

The models, some of whom travelled from Montreal and Toronto for the event, strutted professionally to the Parisian music played by Brian Erratt and Steve Barclay.   The show ended to the tune “Singing in the Rain”, during which models strolled the catwalk with their dogs which were wearing matching rain attire.

The organizing committee (Gail McCooeye, Harriet Clarke, Grace McDonough, Robin Lane) appreciated everyone who contributed to the success of this event.

[…]

  Marilyn (nee Meikle) Hunt says she is excited to see the result of the restoration project for the John H. Meikle Memorial Gate at Mount Pleasant Cemetery on Lakeshore Drive west of Morrisburg. Last […]