November 2012 – Morrisburg Leader

Agnes Smith

November 28, 2012 Editor

A resident of the Woodland Villa Nursing Home, Long Sault, for the past five years, Agnes Smith (nee Price) passed away there on Thursday, November 15, 2012. She was 91.

Agnes was born in Aultsville, on November 20, 1920, to her parents Charles Royal Price and Ruth Ellen Price (nee Coughler).

Agnes was always willing to help anyone. She was always kind and considerate to her family, friends and neighbours. She always looked after her family with the best of care and in the most loving fashion.

Over her life, she was a Girl Guide leader, a member of the Order of Eastern Star and a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary. Agnes was a member of the United Church of Morrisburg.

In her early years, Agnes worked at Caldwell Linen Mill and in the Ammunitions Factory in Halifax during the war. She later kept busy raising her three children and working in retail. She worked at Upper Canada Village, then opened “Agnes’ Flower and Gift Shop” in Morrisburg. After this she retired to care for her mother and family.

In 2005, Agnes moved to the Hartford Retirement Home, and after a couple of years there she moved to the Woodland Villa Nursing Home.

A light from our family is gone,

A voice we loved is still,

A place is vacant in our lives,

One that never can be filled,

May her gentle soul rest,

In eternal comfort and peace.

Love Always Mom – Your Family

Agnes is survived by her daughters Heather (Glen) Whitteker of Iroquois and Jeannie (Brian) Whitteker of Williamsburg and her sister Olive (Bob) McIntosh of Iroquois.

Agnes will be sadly missed by grandchildren Laurie Arsenault, Thomas Whitteker, Michael Montgomery, Julie Montgomery, Lauren Whitteker, Christopher Fraser, Holly Degreaves and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Hector, her son Douglas, her sister Hilda Price and her brothers Orval, Samuel, Stanley, Claude, Bert, and Royal Price.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Monday from noon until time of service. Funeral service was held at the Funeral Home on Monday, November 19th at 1 p.m., with Rev. Norine Gullons officiating. Interment followed at Maple Ridge Cemetery. Pallbearers were Laurie Arsenault, Michael Montgomery, Thomas Whitteker, and Lauren Whitteker.

Donations to Woodland Villa Nursing Home or the Canadian Cancer Society would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

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Rose “Bernie” Sisty

November 28, 2012 Editor

A resident of the Hartford Home in Morrisburg for the past six months, Rose “Bernie” Sisty passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Sunday, November 11, 2012. She was 90.

Rose was born in Preeceville, Saskatchewan, on September 18, 1922, to her parents Ole and Theodora Bjornstad (nee Tesluck).

Rose served as a chef in the Canadian Air Force from 1939-1945, and while she was stationed in Saskatchewan, she met Dominic “Cooke” Sisty. Eventually, they got married and had two daughters, Pat and Joan.

Rose worked as an interpreter at Upper Canada Village, and she was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 370 in Iroquois for many years.

She will be sadly missed by the ladies of her various sewing circles and the many people she touched during her 50 years in Iroquois.

Rose is survived by her daughters Pat (Carole) of Cornwall and Joan Anderson of Ottawa, her granddaughter Inika Anderson (Rob) of Ottawa and her brother Orville Bjornstad of Preeceville, Saskatchewan.

She was predeceased by her husband Dominic “Cooke” Sisty and her sisters Olga Copsey and Jennie Haddad.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Iroquois, on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Legion service was held on Tuesday evening at 6:45 p.m.

The funeral service was held at the funeral home on Wednesday, November 14th at 1 p.m., with Rev. Janet Evans officiating.

Interment followed at Iroquois Point Cemetery. Pallbearers were Rob Chaput, Eric Vallee, Danny McLaughlin and David Lapier.

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

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Perspectives with Rev. George Frey

November 28, 2012 Editor

Your New Life!

It is my sincere hope that you have received Jesus Christ as your Savior and the Lord of your life. The Bible teaches us in Romans chapter 10, verse 9, that “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (esv)

Your continuing belief that God raised Jesus Christ from the dead as the Bible teaches, and your continuing confession that Jesus is the Lord of your life, gives evidence of your salvation. It’s not the only evidence but it is a first evidence.

According to the bible we are responsible to be sure of our salvation. 2 Peter 1:10a says, “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election … (esv).”

Election simply means being chosen by God. Everyone that is saved has been chosen by God. But this text makes each Christian responsible to use all diligence to further confirm that he/she is actually chosen by God.

According to verses 5 thru 7, here in 2 Peter 1, we may confirm that we are chosen by God, by adding certain qualities to our initial faith. But it is not just the adding that is in view, but rather that which these additions enable the Christian to do, namely “never fall.”

Peter goes on to say in verse 10, “for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” So it is the adding of the listed qualities that secures the believer against falling from his/her initial belief and confession of faith as stated in Romans 10:9.

Consider the eighth verse, part a, of 2 Peter 1, “if these qualities are yours and are increasing …” This phrase brings into view the idea of ownership; these are no longer just qualities listed in your bible, but they are to be your qualities; qualities possessed by you within your personal character and value system. You are to willfully add them to your character in Christian obedience to the scriptures.

Furthermore these qualities are possessions that are subject to increase while in your possession; and indeed the expectation of the text is that they are both possessed and increasing.

Without this increasing possession the believer will not be effective and fruitful as a Christian, because it is the qualities themselves, possessed and increasing, that “keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The phrase “keep you from” in this quote, indicates a disabling of the “ineffective or unfruitful” feature, that is sometimes found in the Christians life.

There is so much more that might be said concerning this passage, however I must commend you to a scripture meditation on 2 Peter 1:2-13.

I share in the admonition of Peter, intending “always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have.” (2 Peter 1:12)

Rev. George T. Frey,

Faith Christian Center,

Morrisburg, 514-767-7720, www.faithchristiancenter.ca www.faithlifebookstore.com

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They’ve come a long way

November 28, 2012 Editor

They’ve certainly come a long way.

Seven years ago, a small group of music lovers had a dream that it could bring musicians, both professional artists and amateur hopefuls, to perform in an intimate local setting, the stage at the Operating Engineers. The volunteers began this project with very little money and virtually no outside funding. What the members of the board of the St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage (as they decided to call themselves) did have, however, was a passion for music and the drive to do something about that passion.

The St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage is a remarkable phenomenon. From its somewhat rocky beginnings, often learning as it went, the board has contrived, in just a few years, to bring some extraordinary professional artists into this community (and to launch some talented amateurs into new careers).

Serena Ryder has performed here. So has Lynn Miles and Graham Greer, Don Ross and Manitoba Hal. There have been many others: some of them have shared their knowledge and talent at special workshops for people in the community. To a person, these musicians have repeatedly praised the performance venue in Morrisburg, the dedication and professionalism of the board, and the warmth of the welcome they have received from audiences here.

The St. Lawrence Stage operates on a proverbial shoe string.

While the Stage has received some provincial and federal grant money, and the Township of South Dundas has helped out, audiences are still developing and funds are tight. The SLAS remains dedicated to presenting musicians and shows that are the equal (except for much lower ticket prices) of anything in the city.

If you’ve never attended a concert at the SLAS, go to one. Any one. You’ll be impressed, entertained, thrilled, by what you can see and hear right in our own community. This is an organization worthy of support and an asset to South Dundas.

The St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage and its volunteer board have indeed come a long way. That journey needs to continue.

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Morrisburg Curling-Adams Trophy claimed

November 28, 2012 Editor

The day curling men at the Morrisburg Curling Club have begun their second round robin league series, this one for the Bowman Trophy.

Last week the winners of the Adams Trophy, named for Gerald Adams, one of our finest senior curlers, were announced. The champions were Pete Zeran, Karl Duncan, Gerry Thompson and Robert Martin.

Close on their heels were Jack Barkley’s rink, made up of Ted Herriman, Earl Jeacle and Eric Johnson, and right behind them were Don O’Brien, Rick McKenzie, Keith Robinson and John Walsh.

Some of our senior men attended an over-seventies bonspiel in Navan, the Masters, last week. Raymond Benoit was hoping that some of his old friends from Buckingham, with whom he went to the senior national championships a few years back, would be there. Sure enough, when he arrived with Sid Morrell, Neil Williams and Pete Zeran, not only was Buckingham there, they were scheduled to play Morrisburg.

It was a morning of dreams, as our local boys trounced the old friends before enjoying a fine lunch. Perhaps they enjoyed too many beverages with the meal, for in the afternoon our chaps were slated against Cumberland, who had lost all but one end in their morning game. For whatever reason, the Morrisburg contingent could not match their morning success, and were overpowered by Cumberland. Too bad, fellows!

In another bonspiel, Peter Zeran, Doug Jarvis, Fred Langlotz and Eric Johnson played in Winchester against Pete’s old friend from Cornwall, Gary Stover. Gary was unusually generous with Pete, allowing him to win all but one end in their match.

After another good lunch, Pete’s afternoon opponent was a Russell foursome. Jack Barkley also had a team there: Karl Duncan, Peter Byvelds and Bob Youmelle. (If the skips had their regular teams with them.) Jack’s team split their matches.

Perhaps Pete and Gary will meet again in the Parnell championship being played this Friday in Morrisburg. As hosts, we are only allowed one team this time. Pete, Karl Duncan, Earl Jeacle and Ralph Graves defeated Don O’Brien, Wally Baker, Jack Barkley and Andy Patenaude in competition for this one spot. Pete has to play Sid Morrell’s team for the right to challenge Cornwall, Lancaster and Prescott on Friday.

Two ladies’ quartets competed last week in bonspiels. Gretta McGann, Susan McIntosh and Paula and Claire Locke defeated Smiths Falls and after lunch in Brockville’s dining room, tied their match with a Kemptville foursome to finish in third place, behind Kingston and Brockville. Well done, folks.

Our other curlers, Alice Thompson, Sharon Van Allen, Pat Foley and Sandra Beckstead, dropped tight games against Cornwall and Alexandria at the Lancaster club, and enjoyed a delicious catered luncheon and pleasant social interaction with some very fine teams and likeable curlers.

Next Tuesday, Morrisburg hosts their annual ladies’ bonspiel, with twelve teams from Eastern Ontario vying to get their names on the trophy and collect prizes.

Also, Andy Patenaude reports that he’s taking a mixed team to compete in the Ontario Senior games. The venue is Maxville, and the other teams in the round robin competition are from Winchester and Cornwall. We’ll have the results of those two events next time.

Finally, the Morrisburg club is hosting a Christmas bonspiel for next Saturday.

The sign-up sheet and details are to be found in the lounge.

Good curling to all!

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Bantam B Lions end winless streak

November 28, 2012 Editor

Looking for their first win of the season, the South Dundas Bantam B Rep Lions hosted the Brockville Braves here on Wednesday night.

Winless in their first 10 games, the Lions have been closing the gap, game after game, and were looking for a break through on offence to get the job done. And get the job done they did with a 5-3 victory.

The Lions opened the scoring early in the first period when Edward Orendi shot home a Quinn Bennis rebound. Picking up the assist on the play was Josh Perry.

The Braves responded one minute later but before the period ended the Lions struck again. This time the Lions goal came from the stick of Aaron Smith who took a pass from Matthew Woolsey and one timed it home for a 2-1 Lions lead. Drew Minish picked up the second assist.

In the second period, Braves centreman Jack Gibbons set up Damon Brown who beat Lions goaltender Christian Francis to even the game, 2-2.

Francis responded with several keys saves in the period to allow the Lions to go back in front.

The Braves found themselves in penalty trouble which gave the Lions a 5 on 3 advantage and resulted in

Quinn Bennis blasting a slap shot home.

Riley Black and Aaron Smith provided some excellent passing plays along the outside to set Bennis up for the one timer.

In the third, the Braves again tie the game, (3-3), but the Lions would not be denied as they scored twice before the period ended.

Drew Minish got one while the Lions were short handed when he stole the puck in the neutral zone and the other would came from Ben Michels assisted by Edward Orendi.

The 5-3 victory ended the Lions winless streak and gave the Bantam B Lions momentum heading into their game on Saturday, during Lions Day.

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Junior B Lions drop two

November 28, 2012 Editor

The Winchester Hawks are slowly, but surely, climbing to the top of the St. Lawrence Division hockey standings, and Friday night, the Morrisburg Junior B Lions became one of their three victims in this week’s action.

Thursday night, the Hawks defeated the first place Casselman Vikings in Casselman, 6-5. Their next victims were the Lions, Friday night in Winchester by a 10-5 count. And they weren’t finished yet. Saturday night they claimed a 3-2 win against the Char-Lan Rebels in a shoot out.

The weekend results, which bring their streak to five consecutive wins, put the Hawks in second place in the St. Lawrence standings now just five points behind the first place Vikings.

That drops the Char-Lan Rebels to third place at 22 points, while the Akwesasne Wolves are not far behind with 19. Both the Alexandria Glens and the Morrisburg Lions continue to hang in with 17 and 12 points respectively.

Friday night in Winchester, the Lions managed just one goal from Clarke Veenstra (assisted by Chris Rutley) in the first period as the Hawks went to work to put three past Lions goaltender Mikael Dion.

In the second period, the Hawks added three unanswered markers to put the game well out of reach of the Lions.

The Lions did come to life in the third period for four goals, but the Hawks answered with four to collect the 10-5 win.

Chris Rutley scored twice in the third for the Lions, and Grant Cooper and Sam Hodgson added singles. Drew Veenstra and Michel Lefebvre assisted on the first two Lions goals, and then Lefebvre and Rutley helped out on the Hodgson counter.

Rutley scored the final goal of the game, unassisted.

Luke Scott, Ramsey Wheeler and Christopher Rossi had two goals apiece for the Hawks and Brandon Pantaleo, Cody Levasseur, Josh Stubbings and Kyle Richardson added singles.

The Hawks were three for 10 on their power plays, while the Lions were unsuccessful during their four opportunities.

Sunday afternoon on home ice, the Lions gave up a close one, 4-3, to the South Grenville Rangers.

The two played even at two goals apiece in the first period, and the Rangers took the lead with the lone goal of the second period.

They stretched their advantage to 4-2 early in the third period and then gave up just one more to the Lions, that to Michel Lefebvre (from Chris Rutley and Clarke Veenstra) on the Lions power play.

That was it. The Rangers goaltender Cole MacMIllan held on and the Rangers claimed the 4-3 win.

Clark Veenstra and Chris Rutley did the counting for the Lions in the first period.

Mikael Dion, in net for the Lions, gave up the four goals on 35 Rangers shots.

Coming up this weekend, the Lions host Gananoque Friday night, November 30. Game time is 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 1, they are on the road for a rematch against South Grenville. Game time, at the Leo Boivin Memorial Centre in Prescott, is 7:30 p.m.

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Alight at Night lights up Friday, November 30

November 28, 2012 Editor

Historic Upper Canada Village will once again be aglow for the holiday season starting this Friday night, November 30, when the switch is thrown to turn on close to one million festive lights.

Now in its 12th year, The Alight at Night festival at Upper Canada Village is one of Ontario’s premiere winter events.

This year the festival will operate on select nights from Friday, November 30, through Saturday, January 5, 2013.

“Alight at Night, Eastern Ontario’s largest outdoor light festival is now in its 12th year and still ranks number one with families as an annual tradition,” says Darren Dalgleish, General Manager/CEO of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission. “I recall my first family visit as being overwhelmed with the peace and tranquility of this event, its pure beauty and simplicity in the rural setting – I’m so pleased we’ve maintained that spirit.”

“This year we have added even more decorative lights getting us very near that spectacular one million mark,” says Dalgleish. “We’ve also added a new seasonal display at Crysler Hall that is both charming and fun.”

“As a community leader, it is also important to keep our festival priced ‘family friendly’. That’s why admission rates remain the same as last year, continuing as well with all-inclusive pricing which combines festival admission, train and wagon rides. This offers guests great value and helps accelerate entry into the site.”

“I hope local residents will invite out of town family and friends to Alight at Night this year – it’s an event all of our partnering communities should be very proud of.”

Alight at Night has become a true family tradition. To celebrate this, Crysler Hall will set the stage for an all-new Visions of a Victorian Christmas exhibit, where visitors will get an elaborate glimpse into the origins of some of the popular traditions associated with the season today.

Visitors are invited to drop in to marvel at beautifully animated 19th century tableaus of the traditional family Christmas dinner, church carollers, and delightful Dickens characters, all within the walls of this majestic mansion.

The Sound & Light Show featuring seasonal music, accompanied by dancing lights, will be offered with shows playing every half hour on the grounds around Crysler Hall.

The Gingerbread Competition previously held inside Crysler Hall will not run in 2012.

Carolling will take place in Christ Church from 5-9 p.m. on Friday through Sunday evenings, November 30 to December 23, and then nightly December 26 to January 1; Friday, January 4 and Saturday, January 5.

Christmas Carol song books are provided in the church and visitors are encouraged to sing along or just soak up the holiday ambience. Carolling is made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of local businesses.

Romantic carriage rides for two are available in the Village’s Pommier Carriages, an ideal way to make engagements, anniversaries, or your visit extra-special! Advance reservation is required and can be made by calling 1-800-437-2233 or locally 613-543-4328 to make a reservation.

Visitors can stay warm by stopping in at the Bakery to savour the smell of fresh bread and cinnamon rolls baking or by visiting one of several Quick stops at Kettle Corner, The Pantry, the new Chip Truck or at Cook’s Tavern.

Full service dining is offered at Willard’s Hotel or cafeteria style at the Harvest Barn. Both restaurants will be serving up turkey dinners with all the fixings and other menu options.

Streamlined pricing continues for the event and for one price – Adults (13 years plus) $13; Seniors (65 years plus) $10; Youth (6-12 years) $10; Children 5 years and under free – you get a comprehensive experience that includes entry to the festival, horse-drawn wagon rides and a ride on the Moccasin, Upper Canada Village’s toy train.

Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended to speed entry into the festival.

Visit the website www.AlightatNight.ca to purchase tickets.

The Alight at Night Festival has many partners and sponsors who provide support to various parts of the festival. This year’s festival sponsors include: BMO Financial Group – Toy Train, ‘The Moccasin’; Pommier Jewellers – sponsor of the Pommier Carriages; Cornwall Hotel Partners – providing marketing support; Ramada Inn; Best Western Parkway Inn; Comfort Inn; McIntosh Country Inn, Morrisburg; Cornwall & the Counties Tourism – providing marketing support; The Great Waterway South Eastern Ontario.

Alight at Night has helped turn the Cornwall & Seaway Valley region into an overnight tourist destination in what has traditionally been considered a non-tourism season for this part of Eastern Ontario. Overnight packages are offered through local hotel partners with links on the festival website AlightatNight.ca.

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Looking for Forever Homes

November 28, 2012 Editor

Hi. I am a very thoughtful lady, but I am sad. I didn’t think that when I got away from my home in Morrisburg that I wouldn’t be able to find my way back and would end up at the South Dundas Animal Shelter. According to that nice lady who took my picture, “I am just beautiful, although I do need a grooming.” I am a collie mix, about four years old, and compact in size, which is perfect for snuggling with my best friend(s). I have beautiful black, gold and white colours. The picture lady was so nice, that when she offered me a treat, I offered her my paw and showed her what a loving pal I can be. I am not sure why she was sad and had tears in her eyes when she left, but I am hoping the picture she took helps me to get a nice home. I’m a real tail wagger when I am happy. (This loving little dog was picked up in Morrisburg two weeks ago with a chain still dangling from her collar. She can be reclaimed (or adopted by a new family) by calling 613-543-2980.)

For information or to adopt 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). Food, treats, blankets, beds, water dishes, bowls and other donations for the South Dundas Animal Shelter can now be dropped off at the Morrisburg Animal Hospital on Highway 2 in Morrisburg. It is strongly suggested that animals that are adopted be spayed/neutered asap.

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Community support for Froats family

November 28, 2012 Editor

This just in…Michele Proulx at Canadian Tire in Morrisburg has asked us to let the community know that to help out the Brody Froats family, as they deal with Brody’s and mom Lisa’s illnesses, Canadian Tire has set up coin collection jars at each of its cash outlets. Through the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program, every penny collected in the Canadian Tire jars will be double matched up to $1,000.

So, if we as a community drop up to $1,000 in donations in the Canadian Tire jars, that means the Froats family will benefit to the tune of $3,000. What a boost that will be, and what a wonderful, wonderful community spirited thing this is for Michele and Canadian Tire to do.

The Every Penny Counts-Help the Froats Family fund raiser is now totally up and running and donations to assist the family can be made at any Scotiabank branch in the name of Froats Family Trust Fund, Account #706720303984. In addition to the Canadian Tire Coin collection jars and donations made at any Scotiabank, coin jars are now located in a number of other local retail outlets.

In last week’s story on the Froats family, we incorrectly stated that mom Lisa is battling breast cancer, when in fact, she is receiving treatment for Indolent Follicular non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

We have been in touch with Lisa who tells us she is feeling better after her recent treatment. She tells us that during her chemo weeks she is very ill. She spends as much time at the hospital with Brody as possible, as there is also brother Brett to care for at home. Dad Mark continues to be at Brody’s bedside and has not been home in five weeks.

“Everyone has been so supportive and genuinely concerned for Brody and myself,” says Lisa. “It really touches one’s heart in a way that cannot possibly be expressed in words. I can say we are so very blessed to be a part of such a wonderful community.”

In regards to Brody, Lisa tells us, “there has been no change. He is stable. The most recent echo cardiogram showed the same as others. It hasn’t gotten worse, but sadly isn’t repairing itself either. It’s a wait and see what happens. Prognosis is unknown. It is up to his body. I will say he is a miracle in all of the doctors’ eyes, as the second day he was there they told us there was no chance of survival…We didn’t accept that a month ago, and we continue to hold faith that somehow he will beat the odds.”

On a happier note, Lisa reports that the family will be helping Brody celebrate his 17th birthday on Sunday, December 2.

“Brody is very excited and has invited everyone to come to the hospital to have cake with him. I am a little concerned about how many are going to come through the doors,” says Lisa. “To date, he has had well over 100 different wonderful people visit him. He has loved every minute. He is such a social butterfly.”

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