2012 – Page 7 – Morrisburg Leader

Perspectives by Rev. Duncan Perry

December 5, 2012 Editor

Peace, Is It Possible?

I’ve been thinking about peace a lot lately. I’m not sure why. It may be because several of my family have been experiencing some serious health problems. I expect that happens as a family ages. It may be because my wife and I are going through a significant transition in our lives. Whatever it is, I pray for peace for all involved.

I was reading my Bible, as I do every day, and a verse from the letter Paul writes to the Colossians seemed to grab my attention. It is found in chapter three verse 15. It says, “Let the peace of God rule in your heart.” I began to meditate on that, and I would like to share today what came to my mind.

In my dictionary the word ‘rule’ has the following meaning: to exercise authority or dominion. These are words that really got me thinking.

We all face crisis in our lives, we go through tough times, a doctor breaks bad news to us, or we lose a spouse to death, or we get a notice that we no longer have a job. Can we, when we go through theses times, have peace?

I was reminded of the words of Jesus found in John’s gospel chapter 14, verse 27. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you, not as the world gives do I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Jesus spoke these words to His followers. They were experiencing turmoil in their lives. Jesus had told them that He was going away and they were distraught. Did they experience the peace He gave them?

As we follow their lives through the Book of Acts, we find that indeed they did. Even though they were threatened, beaten, imprisoned and even put to death, we see peace reigning in their lives.

In the verse I mentioned in the beginning, what it really means for the one whose hope and trust is in the Lord Jesus Christ is, whatever we may experience in life, peace will override the fear, anxiety, doubt or uncertainty that may threaten us, because for the child of God, our peace is Christ who lives and reigns in us.

Is it realistic in our day? Yes, I believe it is.

Back in the 1800’s, a man by the name of Horatio Spafford, a business man in the United States, lost everything he had. So he put his wife and children on a steamship to send them home to England while he cared for the remaining details.

On the voyage home, the ship hit an iceberg and went down. Only his wife from his family survived. His children drowned in the cold Atlantic waters. Upon passing the place of the disaster, Horatio was made aware that this was the place where his children had perished. We are told he went back to his cabin and penned the words of the well-known hymn.

When peace like a river attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll,

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul.

What could have caused bitterness, rather resulted in the composition of one of the greatest hymns ever sung. How could that be, you may ask? His heart was ruled by the peace of God. And that, my friends, is God’s will for every one of us. Why not ask Him to come in today and give you that peace.

Rev. Duncan Perry,

Morrisburg

Pentecostal Tabernacle

[…]

Mini rink in Morrisburg to fill the bill temporarily

December 5, 2012 Editor

Under the premise that something is better than nothing, Donnie Lewis, Manager of Recreation and Facilities for the Township of South Dundas has erected a small outdoor rink in Morrisburg for the enjoyment of the younger children of South Dundas.

The 32 by 56 foot long rink, which falls well short of a regulation ice surface for hockey, has been put in place at the west end of the arena, along Trillium Street.

Although the entrance, to what will be the ice surface, is currently located on the west ‘street’ side, Lewis is planning to relocate it to either the north or south end, for safety reasons. A safety net has also been erected.

Lewis says, the season was getting along and it was becoming apparent that a decision on a location for the outdoor rink in Morrisburg would not be forthcoming from the municipality.

He and Ben Macpherson, Recreation Program Coordinator for South Dundas, identified five possible locations only one of which seemed to get a favourable response. That was at the Morrisburg beach area, which Lewis, says he felt was a bit out of the way and would be too open to the elements.

The other identified locations were between the two ball diamonds in the Waterfront Park, an area in the Earl Baker Park, in the greenbelt between Highway 2 and the Pinkus Plaza and behind the former Parks Building, just west of the arena.

The latter was the most favoured by Lewis as it is protected from the elements, has lighting, water and is close to the arena.

Lewis says the current rink is just a temporary solution for this year, and that he has enough rink boards available to build a regulation size rink when a location is selected.

Previously the outdoor rink in Morrisburg was located on the south lawn of the old Morrisburg High School. “It was maintained for many years by John Schenk who did a fantastic job,” said Lewis. “John put a lot of long hard hours into maintaining the ice surface, and he transported a lot of water.”

The high school rink location had to be given up to make room for the revamping of the high school. At the time that it was dismantled, Lewis discovered that the boards were in very poor condition and could not be reused.

The boards for a new rink in Morrisburg have been completely rebuilt by students in the Cornwall College Blossoms program. This is a program that teaches students the trades through hands on experience.

“They came here and built four by eight foot board sections,” says Lewis. “We purchased the materials and they provided the labour. I believe there were 11 of them. It worked great for me, and it was great for them.”

“The new boards are made of recycled rubber which is five eighths of an inch thick. They should last forever. In fact we did the outdoor rink in Dundela in 1998, using the same material, and we haven’t had to do any maintenance on them.”

Lewis confirms that with the addition of the small rink in Morrisburg, South Dundas will have five outdoor rinks operating this winter, weather permitting. They include the rink in Riverside Heights under the care of South Williamsburg Recreation, the rink in Williamsburg under the Williamsburg Recreation Association, the rink in Dundela under Wes Moore, the rink in Iroquois under Andy Majors, and now the rink in Morrisburg under Chris Phifer.

“Each of the rinks have their own schedules, and most are open at night and on the weekends,” says Lewis.

As for the Morrisburg mini-rink, he hopes that all children in South Dundas will make use of it. “I didn’t put it up for adult hockey, there just wasn’t enough space. But I put it up for the children of the township.”

Its size should lend itself nicely to younger skaters and to perhaps young hockey players who don’t need a big ice surface. Its location the arena’s west end shields it from wind, and also makes it convenient should the children wish to go indoors to get warm or enjoy a snack.

[…]

New price tag for old high school

December 5, 2012 Editor

South Dundas council met with the project managers and the contractor who will be renovating the former Morrisburg Collegiate Institute November 27, at a special council meeting to better pin down the cost of the renovation of the old high school.

From the new information and small project changes outlined in a post-tender addendum document that the project team has been preparing over the last couple of months, council now knows that the cost of the renovation project will be $4,093,882.

The team has been working to find savings within the project originally tendered at $3.8 million.

They identified areas of savings through small structural changes, such as keeping an existing stairwell, the use of metal siding on a small portion of the building and changing the elevator specifications.

The document also reflected changes to the project made by council that will add costs.

Council decided that they want the brick on the entire building re-pointed for the sake of both longevity and appearance, which is an added expense.

The project managers and contractor were asked to provide council with a more accurate cost estimate for abatement costs, and within the context of that work they found some added project expenses.

“We didn’t expect the abatement costs to be that high,” said Ron Rivet of True North Group, the project managers.

“Asbestos was the least of our worries,” he said, explaining that almost $150,000 of abatement costs will have to be spent on mitigation measures for the lead paint, which is throughout the building.

The abatement costs for the asbestos in the building will be about $34,000.

Whether the building is renovated or demolished, the municipality is on the hook for the abatement costs.

“Actually, if you demolished the building it would be a much higher cost,” said Dick Markell, president of Bourgon Construction, the contractor hired to renovate the building. He estimated that in the case of demolition, the abatement costs would likely triple.

“What you will have when we are done is a building that is pretty close to new, and in some ways better than new,” said Markell explaining, “New buildings are not designed and built like this building was built.” According to Markell, the structure of this building is much like that of a hospital.

Once Bourgon Construction gets the official go ahead from council, likely in the form of a resolution at the December 3 council meeting, they expect the project to be complete in nine to 10 months.

“The structure’s up, so the hard part is done,” said Markell. “I’m hoping to get in the ground before Christmas. Getting the services in before the frost gives us a huge jump on the project.”

The contractor was asked about the handling of hazardous material, in close proximity to a public school.

“Anything that is air borne is tarped. We have industry standards that we have to follow,” said Markell.

“Bourgon has an excellent safety record. That’s one of the reasons we chose them for this project,” said Rivet.

[…]

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.

[…]

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.

[…]

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

[…]

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.

[…]

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!

[…]

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.

[…]

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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