October 2012 – Morrisburg Leader

Looking for Forever Homes

October 31, 2012 Editor

For information or to adopt Mooch and Chester please call the South Dundas Animal Shelter at 613-543-2980. There are no adoption charges. However in order to provide homes for the animals past the four days the municipality provides for their care, the shelter counts on donations (cash or food). It is also strongly suggested that animals that are adopted be spayed/neutered asap.

Hi my name is Mooch. I am a three year old male Beagle (not neutered). My mommy had to give me away because she wasn’t home enough to take care of me. I like to play and I like to play with children. I have a lot of energy and so am looking for a family that can keep me busy.

In addition to Mooch and Chester, the shelter has a beautiful shepherd/husky mix female (not spayed and 3-4 years old) who has a very friendly temperament and is thought to have been a family pet.

Hi my name is Chester and I’m sad because I don’t have a forever home. They tried to get me to smile for this picture but I am saving all my smiles for my new family. I am a male Shepherd mix (not neutered), and a little over a year old. I walk well on a leash and I am very quick and willing to learn. They say I have a good nose and am very smart. They also say if my new forever best friend has the time to work with me he/she is going to be very happy…me too!!!

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Seaway Sevens Hold Pumpkin Extravaganza

October 31, 2012 Editor

It took steady hands and an eye for design, but the students in 7.1 and 7.2 at Seaway District High School proved they were up to the challenge of creating their own pumpkin extravaganza.

Grade seven teacher, Andrew Carson, with the assistance of teachers Mr. Benton and Mme. Driscoll, and LRC teacher Mrs. Fowler, took the 43 students to the art room for some serious pumpkin work on Monday, October 29.

“We had been preparing for today for about a week,” Carson said. “The students had to choose the individual stencils to create their designs. And of course, they had to clean out the pumpkins themselves. That’s been a little messy, but they are enjoying themselves.”

Choices of pumpkin stencils ranged from bats and ghosts to were-wolves and aliens.

All the carvers were hard at work when the Leader arrived.

“The students have been really excited about this. Some of them have never used stencils before. Others have never actually carved a pumpkin. So they were ready to dive in this morning: it’s really a new and fun experience for most of them.”

Smyth’s Apple Orchard provided the 45 pumpkins needed for the classes.

“Those pumpkins were a very generous donation by Smyth’s Apple Orchard,” Carson said, “especially since this is their busy season. We are really grateful.”

Tuesday, October 30, all the pumpkins went to the Seaway gym for the grand lighting ceremony, “sort of our own Pumpkin Inferno,” Carson laughed. At the end of the day, each student took home the pumpkin he or she had created.

And nothing was wasted.

All the pumpkin seeds from the activity were collected and taken to the Developmental Room kitchen where they are going to be baked.

“We’ll be eating them as treats at the Hallowe’en dance this Wednesday,” Carson said.

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C.A.V. Sicily wraps up ‘homeless vets’ mission

October 31, 2012 Editor

Saturday, (October 27) representatives of the Branch 48 Royal Canadian Legion in Morrisburg and the local Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Unit Sicily (C.A.V. Sicily) got together to complete their mission in support of Operation Leave the Streets Behind for the Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund.

In July, C.A.V. Sicily ran its first major fund raiser, since its inception in the summer of 2011, the SD&G Highlanders Highway 43 Memorial Ride which started in Perth and ended up at the home base in Morrisburg.

The ride, which the C.A.V. had hoped would raise between $1,500 and $2,000, did just that and then some when Morrisburg Legion Branch 48 topped it up with a $2,000 donation for a total of $4,669.69 for the Operation Leave the Streets Behind campaign.

C.A.V. president Bill “Justus” Aitken was absolutely delighted. He credited the 52 bikers who participated in the July 8 run and the community (businesses and individuals) from Perth to Morrisburg that supported it.

“The Morrisburg Legion really went above and beyond,” he said. “They donated $2,000 on behalf of us in addition to helping us to facilitate the ride.”

C.A.V. Sicily, named for the 1943 Battle of Sicily when the Allies launched one of the largest combined operations of WWII for control of Sicily, was formed last summer with seven members. The unit has now grown to 17 members which is a mix of 11 Veterans and six supporters, most of whom ride motorcycles.

C.A.V. Sicily members have become familiar to the community thanks to their participation in various events. This past Saturday they were out and about as they joined the Williamsburg Scout groups, for the launch of this year’s Poppy Campaign.

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Partnership, new sidewalk formed

October 31, 2012 Editor

South Dundas township and the Upper Canada District School Board have come to an agreement to build a new sidewalk that will make for a safer trip to school for students who walk to Morrisburg Public School.

South Dundas chief administrative officer Stephen McDonald confirmed that the new sidewalk will be located on township property along the fence on the north boundary of the old high school property.

What that means is that the Ottawa Street crosswalk will go back to its original location near Alice Street, rather than its more controversial present location at Second Street.

The partnership between the municipality and the board will see the board paying a substantial amount of the $12,000 sidewalk project cost and the municipality taking on the maintenance costs.

“This is a priority project, and it will be done ASAP,” said McDonald.

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Morrisburg Curlers hit the ice

October 31, 2012 Editor

We’re into the third week of curling at the Morrisburg Curling Club and things are rounding into shape.

The Swing and Sweep event had to be cancelled this year, as a result of low numbers interested. Instead, the executive organized an opening bonspiel for last Saturday.

Other events scheduled are Glenn Cougler’s stick bonspiel, the women’s Invitational on Tuesday, December 4, the Gamble bonspiel on Saturday November 17, and the OCA Zone 1 Intermediates from December 22-23.

In addition, a lady from Cornwall is trying to organize an Alzheimer’s bonspiel for Saturday, November 10. Club president, Mahlon Locke tells us there’ll be an information sheet in the lounge. Why not put together a team to support this charity? More information on all events is available at the Club or from the organizers.

Over the summer a good deal of work was done by the executive and other volunteers. The new carpet is in, painting (especially interesting is the red door) and upgrading inside has taken place, -washrooms, bar, etc., and feet-cleaning mats are down at entrances to the ice surface.

The ice is fast, and Wally Baker has some other innovations that have much improved the surface and our curling experience. On November 10 our rocks’ running bands will be reconditioned, to bring back the wonderful curling ability they used to have, well back in the last century.

Our membership numbers are down slightly from last year, but there are a number of new curlers, and it is still possible to register for the league of your choice. Those interested can also curl as a spare, or pay for single games if there is an opening on a team.

Dave King is looking after the day men for anyone who would like to join that league. Tuesday night men’s coordinator Joe McCooeye is the person to see about signing up there, Alice Thompson for the Tuesday afternoon ladies, Susan McIntosh and Claire Locke for Wednesday night ladies, Ruth Kelly for daytime mixed, Ian Wilson for the Thursday night competitive league, and Mahlon Locke for the Friday night mixed league.

Also, the little rockers are being looked after by Ian and Kathy Wilson. Hope to see some more people out!

Mahlon and Paula Locke and their committee organized the opening bonspiel, and arranged a delicious lunch for the curlers in the event. In the early draw, there was some mid-season level curling, with Sid Morrell’s foursome emerging victorious. His team included Ron Beaupre, Ted Herriman and Paul Gunther.

In the second draw Mahlon Locke, Wendy Casselman, Dave McIntosh and Claire Locke were victorious. When the total points for the teams were considered, Sid’s foursome finished first, with Mahlon’s warriors ending up second overall. It was a good day, with profits from the event turned over to the club.

A women’s team competed at Kemptville last Saturday. Gretta McGann, Cheryl Thompson, and Paula and Claire Locke played a single eight-end match in the morning, and defeated a foursome from Brockville. When the winners’ scores were tallied, Morrisburg was in second place, while Smiths Falls took the overall total.

Local teams are entered in several bonspiels around eastern Ontario, and we’ll report on those when they occur. There will be friendly competitions with other club teams from various leagues, and we’ll do our best to keep you informed about those. Do keep us posted on your events, so that we can report to your fans.

Good curling, folks!

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Local pharmacist trained, ready to offer flu shots

October 31, 2012 Editor

The Ontario government announced, October 9, that it will be easier than ever to get a free flu shot close to home, and that will definitely be the case here.

Anyone who missed the lone flu shot clinic hosted by the Eastern Ontario Health Unit within South Dundas, can simply visit a local pharmacy.

Among the participating pharmacies who are trained and ready to give flu shots to Ontarians, age five and older, is Morrisburg’s Seaway Valley Pharmacy.

Owner, Scott Lane is trained and ready to administer the dose.

“We’re ready, we’re just waiting for the vaccines to arrive from the government,” said Lane last Thursday.

Once those arrive, Lane will announce the clinic dates when he will be administering the free flu shots.

Upper Canada Remedy’s Rx, which is also located in Morrisburg will not be offering the flu shots this year.

“This year we are not offering it. Most likely next year,” said pharmacist Solymar Galindo. “The training is still needed.”

Gilmer’s Pharmacy in Iroquois is not planning to offer the service, according to Doug Gilmer.

The flu vaccine is publicly funded as it aims to keep Ontario residents healthy.

The flu vaccine is safe and effective, and getting it early helps you and the people around you stay healthy.

The flu can lead to serious health problems. Those most at risk are the elderly, young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

Free flu shots are also available through family doctors.

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OPG Drops Off Gift to Figure Skaters and Minor Hockey

October 31, 2012 Editor

The Ontario Power Generation made most appreciated donations of $500 to the Morrisburg and District Figure Skating Club and the South Dundas Minor Hockey Association on Monday evening. According to Skate Club president Julie Van Hoof, the annual OPG donation is always a big help and this year it will be put towards some new equipment and the construction of new viewing stands for competition judges. Minor hockey president, Jeff Van Moorsel also expressed his association’s gratitude and said the money is used to provide registration assistance to some of its players. The OPG presentation was done by Dale Adams of Morrisburg who is the Maintenance Manager at the Saunders Generating Station. Adams explained that OPG likes to give back to the community and in this case, “it is going to our youth athletes.” Pictured, l-r, are Ellen Biemond and Julie VanHoof representing the figure skating club, Adams, and Jeff Van Moorsel.

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Hiking trail named for Don Graham

October 31, 2012 Editor

Saturday, the Two Creeks Forest Conservation Area hiking trail in South Dundas will be named in honour of its champion, Don Graham.

The Township of South Dundas, South Nation Conservation, and other supporters will hold a dedication ceremony this Saturday, November 3, 2012 to name the Two Creeks Forest Conservation Area hiking trail as the “Don Graham Trail,” in honor of long time resident and volunteer Don Graham.

The dedication is planned Saturday November 3, at 11 a.m. at the trail head of Two Creeks Forest Conservation Area, on County Road 2, between Morrisburg and Iroquois, near the west end of Lakeshore Drive.

South Dundas and South Nation Conservation will host a nature outing following the ceremony at noon, which will include a hike along the trail.

Local officials decided to name the trail after Graham because of his work in creating it.

“Don has worked tirelessly to promote a natural trail system for our area,” said South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds.

“The Don Graham Trail will honour his desire to ensure that the residents of South Dundas have such a trail for our enjoyment.”

Don Graham, a professional Landscape Architect, Harvard trained, has been offering his time, imagination and expertise towards development in this area for well over 30 years.

South Nation Conservation owns and maintains the Two Creeks Forest Conservation Area, which has trails as well as other amenities.

“We are so proud and pleased to partner with South Dundas to honor Don Graham in this way,” said Angela Coleman, Director of Marketing and Communications with South Nation Conservation.

“He is held in such high regard by his peers and staff – we are so fortunate to have worked with him on the Two Creeks Forest Project.”

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Atom B Rep Lions & Glens all knotted up

October 31, 2012 Editor

The South Dundas “Howitzer” Atom B Rep Lions hosted the Alexandria Glens here on Saturday night in a battle for first place in the Upper East Division, but a 2-2 resulted in no changes at the top of the standings.

The Lions were coming off a win over the Cornwall Colts last week, while the Glens were looking to avenge their loss to the Lions the last time the teams meet.

The Glens were also looking to put a little distance between themselves and the Char-Lan Rebels with whom they were sharing a piece of the East Division’s top spot, and the Lions who trailed the two by just one point.

The Lions opened the game strong and forced the Glens to take a penalty only a few minutes in but were unable to take advantage as both goalies made some early saves.

Alexandre Duval in the Glens net and Brendan Shaver in the Lions net both looked very strong early on.

Late in the first period the Glens got on board when John Caddell, standing alone in the slot, received a pass from Addison Hay. Caddell one-timed the puck into open side of the net before Shaver could get across.

Before the first period ended, Emytt Fetterly took a slashing penalty to put the Glens on the power play, but it was the Lions that would had the best scoring chances.

On the penalty kill, Jack Connors picked up a loose puck at his own blue line and out-skated the Glens defenders before putting a move on Duval stuck out his left pad just in time to make the save to hold the Glens one goal advantage.

Seconds later Connors and Joshua Broad were denied on a two on one as a Glens defenceman knocked the puck away at the last second.

Starting the second period still short-handed, the Lions Jayden Rowe and Dana Domanko came up big as they continued to clear the zone and run the Glens out of power-play time.

Later in the period at the end of a long shift Kieran Geurkink made a clearing pass along the boards to Nolan Henry who sensed the Glens defender was going to pinch on him.

Henry quickly passed the puck off the boards and out of the zone where centreman Ben Lapier could chase it down in the neutral zone and break in on the Glens goal. The other Glens defenceman angled Lapier off as he approached the net, but Lapier was able to get a back hand shot off that came off Duval’s pad and rolled over the line into the net.

The Glens pressed back, but Shaver stayed strong in the net to preserve the 1-1 tie into the third period.

Brody Fairbairn, Jaden Phifer-Shaver and Duncan Hutt had a strong shift at the start of the third to get the Lions going, and Owen Fetterly, on a strong back-check, prevented a Glen’s forward from skating into the Lions end unabated.

The Glen’s struck first in the third period, at the seven minute mark when Mathieu Lavigne stick handled into the Lions end and beat several defenders before getting a backhand shot past Shaver.

The Lions got a break a few minutes later when Lapier tripped up breaking into the Glens end and referee Spencer Heldens penalized the Glens forward putting the Lions on the power play.

The Lions pressed and on a Glens clearing attempt that was kept in at the blue-line by Dana Domanko, Nolan Henry won a fight for the puck and got it to Ben Lapier who skated into the slot and buried his second goal of the game to tie it at 2-2.

Moments later, Nathan Verhey was penalized for body contact forcing the Lions to kill a penalty one more time to preserve the tie and remain one point behind the Glens in the standings.

The South Dundas “Howitzer” Atom B Rep Lions will face the South Stormont Selects here on Saturday night at 7 p.m. immediately following public skating.

Come out for a skate and support your Lions!

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Nominated for Aviva Community Fund, online support needed

October 31, 2012 Editor

While the Carefor Cornwall Hospice is gearing up for their annual fund raising telethon through which they hope to raise $80,000, there is another way that the community can help them double that amount.

Cornwall Hospice, is a 10 bed residential facility that provides free end of life care for those who prefer not to stay in hospital or can no longer stay at home.

The services of the hospice have been used by many local residents, yet many are unaware of the facility and the service it offers.

Rhonda VanBeilen, a broker at Brister Insurance in Morrisburg had been unaware of the Cornwall Hospice until she learned about it from her brother David Lapier.

Once she learned about the facility she did something that could help Cornwall Hospice in a big way.

She nominated Cornwall Hospice for the national Aviva Community Fund contest which gives away $1 million to various organizations across the county.

For this nomination to become funds for Hospice, community support is needed.

VanBeilen explained that all you have to do is register at avivacommunityfund.org and then you are eligible to vote for this medium project once per day per email account.

“You only have to register once, so it’s easy,” said VanBeilen.

The top 30 projects according to number of votes will move on to the contest semi finals.

Last week the Carefor Hospice nomination was among the top 30, and VanBeilen hopes that they will be able to maintain that good standing to move on to the semifinals.

Carefor Cornwall Hospice is partially funded by the government, but $500,000 in fund raising over and above that funding is needed to keep it operational.

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