Year: 2012

 

Once again it is time for some Christmas shopping as the Morrisburg and District Arts and Crafts Association presents its annual Christmas Craft Show and Sale at the Morrisburg Legion this weekend (Friday, November 16-Sunday, November 18).

Over the years, shoppers have delighted in finding those special, lovingly made gifts at the show and says association chair Linda Schenck, it  won’t be any different this year.

“We of course have the work of our talented members, plus some really interesting gift ideas from our guest exhibitors.”

One of those exhibitors who has been a guest at the show for the past two years, and is now a member is jewellery maker Rejeanne Wozny,  of Kemptville, who says, she is really looking forward to the show.

“I really enjoy doing the Morrisburg show,” says Wozny who has been crafting for 40 years. “It is nice to meet the other crafters and also all the nice people who come to have a look and buy some of our work.”

Wozny started crafting because her husband was in the military. “So when he was away for six months at a time, this helped me pass the time. I started with flower arrangements and then, about 20 year ago, I took a stained glass course.”

“I really enjoy doing the stained glass, and I still do windows and lamps for friends, but now, I mostly do jewellery.”

Wozny says she got started on jewellery about seven years ago and over those years she has perfected her skills.

“I used to do a lot of fused glass pendants. I am lucky to have a kiln in my home, so it is a lot of fun to work with glass.”

“I now do different types of jewellery. I like working with seed beads, but also do other things such as the Viking Knit chains. This is very time consuming, but a lot of fun to do.”

Because Wozny still works, the time she can find to craft her jewellery is limited. The Morrisburg Arts and Craft show is also the only show she attends, but “eventually, when I retire, I would like to do more shows.”

The Morrisburg and District Arts and Crafts show opens at noon this Friday, November 16 and runs until 7 p.m. in the James Fraser Hall at the Morrisburg Legion. It will be open on both Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

There is no charge for admission.

“We have a full house for this year’s show,” says Schenck. “We have several new crafters coming in who will feature a number of different products.”

“We will have soaps and skin care products, bees wax candles and both maple syrup and honey products.”

“I also have a lady coming who will have her husband’s wood carved toys in addition to the pieces she makes using photographs.”

“She will be available to do caricatures on the spot, so that will be something different. I have seen her work, and it is really good.”

“Also new is a young man who crafts outdoor metal art.”

I am really excited. I think we have a really good show, and now we just need the people to come out and enjoy it.”

On a sadder note, Schenck will have some pieces of the late Carol Smith for sale. “Carol was a phenomenal tole painter and passed away last January. We have a few of her pieces that we are be selling for the family.”

At 4 p.m. on Friday afternoon, the Association will make their annual presentations to Winchester District Memorial Hospital and Hospice. These presentations are in addition to a bursary presented annual to a  Seaway District High School graduate who is continuing in the arts program. This year’s recipient was Jill Vander Poel.

The 2012 show will be the last three-day show for the Morrisburg District Arts and Crafts Association. Starting next year it will run on Saturday and Sunday only.

In addition, beginning in 2013 there will be an admission charge. “We have decided to ask our visitors to donate either a toonie or a canned food item for the Dundas County Food Bank.”

“Helping out in the community along with allowing our crafters to get together and sell their products is what it is all about,” says Schenck. 

[…]

 

Upper Canada Village’s new fall event Pumpkinferno has proven its status as the largest, boldest and definitely most unique event in Eastern Ontario.  Just ask the 35,000 visitors, who passed through the gates.  

With performance exceeding even the St. Lawrence Parks Commission’s expectations (approximately 20,000 forecasted), Pumpkinferno will return in 2013 with even more improvements and visual features. 

To say investing in the event required a leap of faith by the SLPC’s leadership would be an understatement.  The concept was actually a few years in development.  

And as the vision and concept was fine-tuned, so to was a business plan and market analysis.  

Investment in the range of $600,000 over three years has been allocated for the event.

The Product and Development Team presented a plan to purchase thousands of artificial pumpkins and carving equipment, hire a team of talented local artists and carvers and a supervisor to bring the concept of Pumpkinferno to life.  

“It definitely was a calculated risk on our part to support the development of this new event,” said general manager and CEO Darren Dalgleish. “But as leaders in event development, the event business plan really fit with our strategic objectives of product mix enrichment.”

The SLPC has led the way in the region with the introduction of special events both during the regular season at Upper Canada Village, Fort Henry and their other recreational properties as well as during what is traditionally the ‘off-season’.”  

“Our experience with Upper Canada Village’s Alight at Night and Fort Henry’s Fort Fright events proved to us that there is interest amongst consumers to visit our sites for a non-traditional product offering,” says Dagleish. “In fact, we find that our audiences for the off season are quite different than for the regular core season.  Often visitors have never been to the sites during the main season, so these events offer us a unique opportunity to broaden our appeal and to connect with market segments we previously may have overlooked to be our guests.” 

“We attracted guests from Montreal, Ottawa, Kingston, Belleville, Northern New York State and some even from Toronto!”

Dalgleish went on to say: “Development of these very successful off season events is critical to our overall business objective to improve our net performance and by doing so, strengthen our sustainability and tourism brands throughout the Great Waterway Region.”

Next up for Upper Canada Village is the winter lights festival Alight at Night which opens its twelfth year on Friday, November 30 at 5 p.m. and operates on select nights through until Saturday, January 5, 2013.  

Admission to Alight at Night is $13 adults (13 to 64 years of age) and $10 for seniors (65+ years of age) and youth (six to 12 years of age.).  

Entry, wagon ride and train ride are all included in the admission price.  Parking is free.  Advance tickets are recommended and can be purchased online at www.AlightatNight.ca

 

[…]

 

Members of the Morrisburg & District Lions Club and the Iroquois-Matilda Lions Club are expressing their gratitude to MacEwen Petroleum of Morrisburg for their generosity in once again sponsoring the 7th South Dundas Senior Christmas Concert coming up at Matilda Hall in Dixon’s Corners on Saturday, November 24th. 

Karen Ouderkirk, Morrisburg MacEwen C Store owner, who has championed this event for several years, explains the South Dundas Seniors Concert is an opportunity to thank the community for their support in a meaningful and significant way. 

In lending her support and endorsement, Ouderkirk points out that the two Lions clubs have put together a comprehensive package for South Dundas seniors, by pooling their resources to decorate Matilda Hall, provide transportation, and ensure a joyful afternoon which includes festive Christmas music, exceptional refreshments and the fellowship of friends. And it is all free of charge to concert goers.  

The doors at Matilda Hall will open at 1:30 p.m. and the concert will run from 2-4 p.m. 

Back by popular demand are Ron Whitteker and his band, “Good Time Country” who will provide toe tapping and traditional Christmas tunes! Once the concert concludes, members of both Lions Clubs will serve refreshments while Santa Claus and friends make an appearance!  

This event is offered at no cost to the Seniors of south Dundas Township. 

Whitteker Bus Lines are again providing transportation to the concert from: Iroma Apartments, Iroquois at 12:20 p.m.; Hartford Retirement Centre, Morrisburg at 12:40 p.m.; Morris Glen, Morrisburg at 12:50 p.m.; Park Drive Villa, Williamsburg at 1:05 p.m.

For additional concert information or transportation needs seniors are asked to contact Bill MacDonald (613) 652-2307 (Iroquois-Matilda Lions Club) or Earl Wood (613) 543-3292 (Morrisburg and District Lions Club). 

[…]

 

On Friday, November 2, Ken Hasson, left, and Jamie Thompson, right, owners of Thompson Tim-Br Mart in Iroquois, recognized 20-year employee Mike Deschamps. “We want to thank you for your many years of service,” said Jamie Thompson who made the presentation in the store with Deschamps’ fellow workers and several customers in attendance. “We really appreciate it.”  Deschamps started working in the yard at Tim-Br Mart 20 years ago, and worked his way up to deliveries. He is now the operator of the company’s 20-ton Crane delivery truck. “I enjoy being on the truck,” said Deschamps. “It’s nice to be out and about. You meet some nice people.” “Thompson Tim-Br Mart prides itself on loyal, long-term employees,” said Hasson. “Mike is our fourth  member to reach the 20 year service level. Our customers and our contractors are always glad to see Mike.” 

[…]

 

Following three generous donations to Meal on Wheels (headquartered in Morrisburg) on Wednesday, October 31, chair Glenn Beckstead said, “We are so appreciative of the support that has come from the community since our call for help went out.” The call for help involved the need for funding to purchase pricey insulated trays/tray liners and carry bags used in the delivery of meals. Meals on Wheels needed to replace some trays and increase the quantity to accommodates the program expansion in Iroquois which means meals are now available five days per week, up from the previous three days. Last Wednesday, Meals on Wheels received a $500 donation from Morrisburg Branch 48 of the Royal Canadian Legion (which tops up a previous $500 donation), a $1,000 donation from the Morrisburg and District Lions Club and a $400 donation from Robert Jordan Construction. Two weeks ago, the Iroquois/Matilda Lions dropped off a cheque for $1,000. Beckstead, said that in addition to the special projects (tray purchases and Iroquois expansion) the generous donations will help with the everyday expenses of purchasing containers and utensils needed by the program. “The donations will also help us to maintain the high quality of our meals which we are so proud of,” said Beckstead. In the photo top, Meals on Wheels vice chair Joyce Millard (centre left) and cook Ruth Doesburg accept the Legion donation from past president Maurice Praine (left) and Legion Poppy Chair Tom Fisher. Bottom, Millard is joined by cook Brenda Bradley to accept the donations from Morrisburg and District Lion Susan Hubert and Robert Jordan.

[…]

 

One of the first signs of the holiday season for many in the community is Upper Canada Playhouse’s Annual Christmas Gift Auction. 

This year’s 19th Christmas Auction is being held on Saturday, November 17th at the Morrisburg Meeting Centre. 

The Auction is The Playhouse’s only fund-raising event and it’s also a win-win for everyone in attendance.  Proceeds from the Auction are used to maintain both the ongoing repairs and renovations required on an annual basis to keep the building a safe and comfortable venue for the audience. 

It also ensures that the theatre can continue to produce the highest quality of professional theatre for which it is known locally and provincially. 

This year’s Auction proceeds will go towards the installation of new seats in 2013 to celebrate the Playhouse’s 30th Anniversary. 

In addition, the Auction is a unique and fun evening that gives friends and colleagues the opportunity to socialize, share a fantastic meal, enjoy some entertainment and bid on some truly unique and practical items in the famous Silent and Live Auctions. These items include products and services generously donated by many businesses, individuals and organizations within the community. 

The Auction is a great way for The Playhouse to showcase these products and services for its donors by proudly displaying them in their Auction Catalogue and at the Auction itself. 

The Playhouse has enjoyed a great deal of success over the years and revenue from the Auction has helped to ensure that the theatre is able to sustain this level of success through its extensive marketing, production and administrative operations. The theatre is also proud to support many community charitable organizations through the Annual Charity Fund raising Event and also by contributing tickets to the many local groups who also hold fund raisers. 

This year’s Auction will begin with a social hour between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. where people can mingle, enjoy complimentary wine and cheese and be entertained by a fabulous Barbershop Quartette  who will perform everyone’s favourite Christmas songs. 

Following that will be a scrumptious buffet meal prepared by the renowned AJ Catering. 

During the whole evening people can browse and bid on the many Silent Auction items with the flagship Live Auction beginning at 8 p.m.  

Those interested in purchasing tickets, private tables or donating a product or service for the Auction can contact The Playhouse at 613-543-3713 or drop by the theatre. 

Start your Christmas season with a fun holiday event and find that unique gift for that special person—or yourself!

 

[…]

 

Iroquois holds its Remembrance Day ceremony

It was cold, almost bitter, and the skies were grey in Iroquois on Sunday, November 4, as Iroquois held its Remembrance Day ceremony.

That did not stop people, all ages, from coming out to honour and remember the young men who laid down their lives for Canada in the great World Wars. Also remembered at the ceremony were the veterans of Korea, of many Canadian peace keeping missions and of Afghanistan.

The Iroquois Fire Department joined the Legion Colour Party and members of Branch #370 in the parade to the cenotaph, as did the scouts and many others.

During the services at the Legion and at the monument, the pipes and drums of the Kemptville Legion Branch #212 Pipe Band, directed by Pipe Major Mike Durant, played hymns and airs that would have been very familiar to the soldiers who served Canada’s colours. Everyone sang “O Canada” before the memorial.

Wreaths were presented on behalf of local organizations, businesses, churches, families and individuals. The young people of the community were also part of the service. MP Guy Lauzon laid a wreath on behalf of the federal government while MPP Jim McDonell placed one for the government of Ontario. Councillor Evonne Delegarde represented the Township of South Dundas. Two minutes of silence was observed.

Legion chaplain the Reverend Janet Evans led those present in prayer, finishing with the words, “We give You thanks for all who served their nation in time of trial, and for those who made the supreme sacrifice.” 

[…]

 

Summer’s gone, winter is fast approaching, the ghosts and goblins have been laid to rest for another year, and the count down for Christmas has begun.  Sadly, for some members of our community, this is not necessarily a joyful time. 

The current economic climate, with many out of work and others working fewer hours, will no doubt lead to many families requiring assistance this Christmas. 

For the 24th consecutive year, the South Dundas Christmas Exchange is making plans to bring a spot of joy to those in need, and hopefully make their Christmas a little brighter. 

The mandate of the Christmas Exchange is “to ensure that families in need are provided with the making of a nice Christmas Dinner with some of the traditional trimmings”. 

Again this year, the Exchange will work closely with the South Dundas Food Bank to more efficiently get Christmas Baskets to those who require them.  All Christmas Baskets will be provided by the Christmas Exchange. 

Because of the large number of baskets to be prepared, it is impossible to do all of them at the Legion Hall. 

The co-operation of the Food Bank in distributing those for singles has made this a more manageable task for the past few year, and will continue this year.  

Singles are reminded that they must register through the Food Bank, 543-0065,  and not through the published Hot Line number.  Only family registrations will be accepted through the Hot Line. 

The Hot Line will be in operation from 1 to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, from November 12th to November 23rd. 

As this is a private line donated by one of our local Churches, those registering are asked not to call other than the days and times specified. The Hot Line number is 543-2005. 

Although the Christmas Exchange will be providing a well stocked Christmas Dinner Basket, we know that some families will require additional assistance. Those who do can contact the Food Bank to discuss their special needs with the coordinator.  

Receiving a Christmas Basket does not disqualify any Food Bank client from receiving their regular assistance, but is simply meant to make Christmas a bit special for them and their family. 

The Morrisburg Lions Club is again sponsoring Angel Trees, which will be located at the Scotiabank and the Bank of Montreal in Morrisburg, and at SDS Kerr/Beaver Dental.  

In Iroquois, Sandra Johnston will be coordinate the Angel Tree at the Bank of Montreal.  

Watch for the Angel Trees later in November, and remember to return all gifts by the dates specified.  

The gifts and toys collected are distributed through the Christmas Exchange, along with the Dinner Baskets.  

Those wishing to make financial donations, for which Tax Receipts will be issued, may send cheques to: The South Dundas Christmas Exchange, P.O. Box 450, Morrisburg, ON   K0C 1X0.

Donations may also be made at Valu-mart in Morrisburg, through the “Top-up Program” which will get under way later in November and is as simple as asking the cashier to adding a dollar or two to your grocery bill.

Financial donations enable organizers to purchase turkeys, hams and other perishable food items for the Dinner Baskets and are critical to the success of the Christmas Exchange.

Volunteers are also needed, particularly people interested in taking on organizational roles. 

Some volunteers have been working with the Christmas Exchange for many years, and there is a need for some younger folk to come forward to take over. 

Call Carol Richer to discuss how you can help.  

Organizers are counting on the support and assistance of everyone in South Dundas to make this 24th year as successful as those of the past 23 years.   

Make helping others part of your Christmas plans.

[…]

 

W. Gibb–Leader staff,

IROQUOIS – The bronze plaque, inlaid on a boulder, which marks the start of the hiking trail in the Two Creeks Forest Conservation Area signals Don Graham’s contribution to his community.

 Don Graham Trail Dedication

In recognition of Mr. Graham’s role in preserving the natural state of Two Creeks Forest for the use and enjoyment of all.

A large group of friends,  committee members and officials gathered at the Two Creeks Forest Area on Saturday, November 3, to honour Don Graham, whose efforts to preserve this forest region guarantee that generations of area residents will be able to enjoy it for years to come.

“This Trail is a real jewel in South Dundas,” said Lawrence Levere, chair of the South Nation Conservation Authority. “You were right there with me, Don, when we took ownership of this former Domtar forest and began our dreams. We set up the trail, got the bridge built and groomed the route for everyone. Without you, Don, this trail would not be here.”

Several speakers echoed Levere’s words. 

“Don is a passionate guy, especially about conservation,” said John Pollack, chair of the former Diamonds group, the organization (of which Don was a founding member) that determined to preserve and develop the Two Creeks Area. “We took our name, Diamonds, from the belief that there were a lot of ‘jewels’ along the St. Lawrence River that needed to be preserved and protected. We also wanted to do something for our community that was sustainable.

Don was always a strong advocate of hiking trails, and he is a very persistent guy. He got the support and the concessions he needed to get this project going. He remains a real force in this community.”

The Don Graham Hiking Trail, like the Two Creeks Forest, is jointly under the aegis of the South Nation Conservation and the Township of South Dundas. 

Mayor Steven Byvelds stressed the township council’s indebtedness to Don Graham for ensuring that the councillors all saw the merit in the conservation project, and got behind it.

“People like Don offer councils like us imagination,” Byvelds said. “They help us to think outside the box. Don was instrumental in presenting us with a vision for our area, and his persistence meant that this Trail come to exist. It is really fitting that today it be named after him.”

For Don Graham, the dedication ceremony was “most satisfying and exciting. A trail like this is linked to conservation, to recreation and to education. I know that schools are planning to use this site in their studies,” he said to the audience. 

“With this trail, we wanted to recognize the past history of our region, and to acknowledge that this forest is a valuable piece of property for the future.”

He thanked the many people and organizations who had made the Forest preserve and the Trail possible. “And my family,” he added, “has been right in the forefront with their support and ideas.”

The Trail is closed to any kind of motorized vehicles and to hunters. 

Everyone is welcome to hike its four kilometres, taking in the region’s unique forestation and wild life. The parking lot will be kept plowed in the winter, and the South Nation Conservation Authority will ensure the maintenance of the property. 

“We welcome people to get involved, to themselves undertake the stewardship of this area,” Don Graham said. “We have built this place: now we want to see people use it.”

[…]