2012 – Page 87 – Morrisburg Leader

Recreation sprints forward

March 7, 2012 Editor

During the February 21st South Dundas council meeting, Recreation Program Coordinator Ben Macpherson recommended that council accept the recently created Charter for Active Living as a living document.

Macpherson told council that the document, created by Macpherson and Stephanie Caissie of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, “would be an excellent opportunity to show a commitment to the health of the residents of South Dundas.”

“It would also,” he pointed out, “serve to show individuals, families, businesses and organizations looking to move into the community that the township of South Dundas is dedicated to providing their residents with every opportunity to be active and healthy.”

The charter, Macpherson said, “would clear a path to where we want to take recreation here in South Dundas.”

The charter’s stated goal: “The Township of South Dundas will improve the physical and mental well-being of its residents by encouraging families and individuals to integrate active living in their everyday life as they learn, work and play through continued education, promotion of healthy living and accessible programming.”

Deputy-Mayor Jim Locke said, “I certainly think it’s a good move.”

“It’s a good document,” said Councillor Archie Mellan, “it might inspire me to get up and get active.”

Mayor Steven Byvelds added, “I certainly concur with council. I think it links hand in hand with where we want to go as a society, which is health prevention.”

The South Dundas Charter for Active Living is printed in full in the spring/summer edition of the South Dundas Recreation Guide.

At the moment, Macpherson is looking for members of the community to form a working group for the official launch of the South Dundas Charter for Active Living, which is expected to take place sometime in late spring, possibly May.

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A Sweeping Success at Easter Seals Bonspiel

March 7, 2012 Editor

The Easter Seals Bonspiel was played at the Morrisburg club on Saturday. The organizing committee announced that they had raised over $1,400 on the day for this fine charity. The two full draws, with nearly 50 curlers, including representatives of all club leagues from little rockers to seniors and entries from outside the club, enjoyed a delightful day and a fine lunch, catered by the committee.

Bob Ruddick was the emcee, Betty Locke arranged for the teams, Margaret Reynolds and Easter Seal people and volunteers ensured a successful event. Bob presented certificates to the Morrisburg and District and the Iroquois/Matilda Lions’ clubs and the Odd Fellows, in recognition of their many years of supporting the children helped by Easter Seals. Ross, one of the children who has been helped in this way, was on hand, kindly agreeing to represent all young people.

The first draw was won by Al Harriman, Arnold Barkley, Ron Brown and Denis Thibeault. Tied for second place were Sam and Claire Locke and Wendy and Jim Casselman, and the Morrisburg Lions’ Bill Magee, Fred Langlotz, Keith Robertson and Paul Gunther. In the late draw, Mahlon Locke, Pam St. Pierre, John Toonders and Paula Locke took top honours, with the Odd Fellows team of Graham and Glen Pemberton and Derek and Shelley Whittaker a strong second. Thanks to all who participated.

The senior men held a playoff last week for Morrisburg’s two spots in the McLennan Bonspiel, to be played in Cornwall. Sid Morrell, Raymond Benoit, Neil Williams and Al Harriman won the first match against Pete Zeran’s team. Accordingly, the losers had to play the third interested quartet to get to the bonspiel. Pete Zeran, George Rutley, Jack Dikland and Karl Duncan played against Dave King, Jack Barkley, Doug Jarvis and Bill Magee to decide the second entrant for Morrisburg.

Dave’s foursome came out on top in the well-played match, and the local teams will face Cornwall, Prescott and Lancaster on Friday.

At the senior mixed bonspiel in Navan last week, Morrisburg entered three teams. The so-called 2-2-2 bonspiels involve two men and two women, whose total age must be at least two hundred and twenty-two. These are a lot of fun, and can be quite competitive. Morrisburg is one of many clubs that run this type of bonspiel, and curlers might want to consider these posted competitions in future.

The early draw in this one saw Alice and Steve Thompson, Keith Robinson and Sharon Van Allen win half the ends, but come up short on the scoreboard in their first match. Dave King, Ruth Kelly, Fred (Boomer) Langlotz and Joanne Baker fared better, tying their first game.

In the next draw, Mahlon Locke, Kathy Norg and Sam and Claire Locke won their morning game handily and after lunch all three of our teams hit the ice again. The Thompson and King rinks fought hard, but a big end in each game did them in. Dave King’s rink finished third, while the Thompson foursome took the high one-game honours.

In the late draw, Mahlon’s team had to settle for a tie, and took second place overall. All things, including weather considered, it was a pleasant, successful day for our local curlers, with good competition, a fine lunch, and noteworthy hospitality.

There are just a few more bonspiels to go, league championships to announce, and the club’s closing bonspiel. Stay tuned for the results.

That’s all, folks. Good curling to all.

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Swing into comedy with Foursome at UCP

March 7, 2012 Editor

Spring is coming, and so are the laughs at Upper Canada Playhouse.

It’s only two weeks to the start of the new season at the Playhouse. A rip-roaring and hilarious production of Norm Foster’s The Foursome will kick off 2012, with a special two week run, March 16 to April 1.

“We wanted to introduce a new spring time slot into our season,” said artistic director, Donnie Bowes, at a recent press conference. “People have been asking us to run a spring show, and we thought why not a familiar, funny and popular play like The Foursome? We’re starting right now to get out our brochures and publicity, especially as this initial production will only have a two week run, rather than the four week runs in the main season: there are still some good seats available.

And this play is such a fun time for the audience and the actors too. People will really enjoy seeing it.”

It was evident at the press conference, from the closeness of the cast, that The Foursome is going to be a show no one will want to miss.

Jesse Collins, who is directing this production, is a veteran actor and director. He has worked extensively on television (he starred in Katts n Dog), on stage and on screen, and appeared at Upper Canada Playhouse in The Affections of May.

“It’s going to be great doing double duty as the character Ted and as the director. Our initial read through of the play was wonderful,” Collins said. “The camaraderie and relationships between the four guys are crucial. This play is an ensemble piece where everyone is out there the whole time. There are terrific one liners and rich comedy in Norm’s show. That makes it even better to have such experienced and collaborative actors to work with.”

Richard Bauer, who plays Rick (“slightly obnoxious with a lot of bravado”) has acted in The Foursome before. (“He’s taken the same role again so he doesn’t have to learn any new lines,” Collins chimed in to laughter from the cast) “This is a wonderful show, a real treat,” Bauer said.

Brian Young, as Cameron, the “cheerleader” of the group, admits that he loves the show and “playing non stop golf. I’ve always wanted to do The Foursome.”

Sweeney MacArthur, who plays Donnie, the only character in the group who has no idea how to golf, describes him, with a grin, as the “doofus.” “But it’s great to work with friends in a show about friends.”

“The Foursome is about so much more than just golf,” Donnie Bowes said. “It carries so much of the trademark Foster hilarity that appeals to both men and women, whether they play golf or not. Actually there isn’t much in life that Norm loves more than golf. He wrote the script in six weeks, following a round with three old friends. I actually like to think that Norm may have named his character Donnie after me,” he added.

“Yup,” said MacArthur, to cast laughter, “the one who absolutely can’t play golf.”

The cast has been rehearsing the show on a striking set especially designed by Playhouse technical director, Sean Free.

“We wanted a golf course on the set, and we wanted it to mimic a real course,” Free explained.

By actually removing parts of the existing stage to open up the space, Free has been able to skillfully “suggest literal items on a golf course,” director Collins said. “He has been able to create levels, depth and a versatile, workable and practical set for the actors.”

And by using a black scrim as part of the set design, Free will be able to bounce light, creating sun movements and sky effects throughout the play. “It allows me to create the passage of time. It should make the entire golf game very interesting for the audience.”

With its strong cast and direction, performed on a breath-taking set, brimming with the memorable characterizations and non-stop laughter so typical of Norm Foster, The Foursome is the ideal way to start the new season at Upper Canada Playhouse.

For tickets and information, contact 613-543-3713

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Atom B House 2 Lions push to the limit

March 7, 2012 Editor

The South Dundas Atom B House 2 Lions ended their playoff run with a hard fought battle against the Brockville Braves on Saturday, March 3.

The two teams went into the fourth and final game of the series tied at three points apiece.

The Braves opened with a 4-3 win but the Lions battled back in game two for a 2-0 win to event the series at two point each.

Game three ended in a 1-1 tie, forcing the fourth game in Brockville on Saturday.

Saturday’s action was again a close affair, and once again ended in a 2-2 tie. That forced the game into overtime, after two period of scoreless sudden death it went to a shoot out.

The Braves prevailed in the shoot out scoring on two out of three opportunities, to eliminate the Lions.

Head coach David Lapier had asked his team to “leave it all on the ice”, and after the game, although disappointed with the shoot out loss, he said, “I’m proud of all the players and how well they played in the playoffs. It was a great team effort.”

The Lions, who finished second in regular season play, opened the four point series against the third place Braves at home on Sunday, February 26.

The Lions who had received a first round bye, came out flat in the opening game falling behind 3-2 in the third period.

They found inspiration in the spirited play of Sarah Backes who repeatedly out-battled the larger Brockville defenders deep in their own zone, but try as they might to mount a comeback, at the final buzzer the score was 4-3 in favour of the Braves.

Game 2 in Brockville, saw the Lions come out roaring to dominate play in the first period and maintain possession of the puck in the offensive zone for most of the period.

Right winger, Ty DeDekker picked up a loose puck in front of the net and slid it past the Braves keeper to make it 1-0.

Dean Lapier sent several thundering shots towards the Braves net from the blue line and Brady Smith blocked a clearing attempt with his skate and sent a hard shot on net where Kolby Hamilton converted the rebound.

Power forward Jack Collins played a solid two way game as the Lions held on for the 2-0 win and the only shutout of the series for Lions goaltender Olivia Salmon.

The series returned to Morrisburg for game three on Thursday, and in front of a large and supportive crowd the Lions strove to eliminate the Braves.

Colin Minish scored with a back-hander from the crease to put the Lions up 1-0.

Jayden Rowe repeatedly broke up the Braves attempted advance through the neutral zone, and Nathen Verhey blocked several shots as the Braves attempted to even the score.

The Lions valiantly defended their lead while Brockville had a 5 on 3 power play, only to have a screen shot slip in seconds after returning to full strength.

The game ended in a 1-1 tie, to force a fourth and deciding match in Brockville on Saturday, March 4.

Minish scored twice for the Lions, but again Brockville scored late in the third to tie the game 2-2 and force overtime.

The teams moved to a four on four format for five minutes of sudden death overtime, and although the Lions generated several scoring chances they couldn’t put the puck past the Braves goalkeeper.

A second sudden death period, this time with three skaters for each side was required.

Several back and forth rushes had the crowd roaring in approval. Brockville’s top goal scorer broke in alone but Dana Domanko used her speed to close the gap and then strip him of the puck as he entered the high slot.

Once again, the overtime would end without a goal.

It finally came to a shoot out to settle the game (and series) and with the first two Lions shooters unable to put the puck in the net, the Braves scored on two of three opportunities for the victory.

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Opportunity to speak up for South Dundas

March 7, 2012 Editor

The opportunity has come to voice opinions about what the future of South Dundas should look like.

On March 21st and 22nd, South Dundas township is hosting four Community Vision Cafés, each in a different South Dundas location.

Chief Administrative Officer Stephen McDonald first approached council with the “Proposal for a Community Wide Strategic Plan” at the November 1, 2011 council meeting.

Once approved, McDonald set to work gathering bids for consulting firms, of which he received 10 entries. Council agreed, at the December 20, 2011 council meeting to hire Dillon Consulting Limited, an Ottawa-based company, for a cost of $24,870 plus HST.

In early March 2012, McDonald sent The Leader excerpts from the Dillon Consulting Limited’s plan document, outlining the details and expectations for the Community Vision Cafés.

The format for the cafés are described as follows: “The workshops provide an opportunity for participants to learn about the Community Strategic Plan project, the results of our initial review/ survey/ photo journal, and meet other residents and business owners to discuss the strengths, opportunities and vision for the future.”

In addition, it is suggested that “participants should have four to six major strategic directions/ themes/ priorities listed, and may have also identified some early specific actions for the strategic plan.”

“At the closure of the session, we will ask participants to specifically sign-up as champions for action planning later in the Strategic Planning process.”

According to McDonald, a status report will be ready for council to consider in April and, following this, an implementation plan will be presented in June. Council will then decide how and when to move forward with the findings.

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Letter to the Editor

March 7, 2012 Editor

Dear Editor,

This past week, we visited our daughter and her family on Lake Huron in Kincardine. This was reading week for their daughter, home from university.

For her thesis to get her master’s degree she chose the topic “Community Response to Turbines”. She had interviews set up all week with people, both “for” and “against”.

The one interview especially interested me. This interview was with a farmer’s wife. Her dairy farm had been greatly affected by a turbine which was 560 metres across the road.

After the turbine was working, the cows’ production went down 500 litres every pick up. This was every four milkings for approximately 60 cows.

Following a great deal of observation and investigation, they discovered the cows were not getting enough water. Why? The metal water tanks in the cows’ free stall enclosures had become electrically charged.

More on Windfarms

This happened to the dry cattle, the heifers and the milking cows. They all got a shock trying to get a drink. This affected, not only milk production but the health of the animals. Stray voltage was coming from the turbine, underground, to the metal tanks. Rubber tanks had to be installed.

Another interview was with a lady who had a beautiful bed and breakfast on the lake. Her adjoining neighbour, unbeknownst to her, had optioned his lot to erect a turbine. She fears she must move as her livelihood is in danger. Needles to say, she and her neighbour are no longer friends.

After hearing and reading my granddaughter’s reports, I realized that it will take years to truly determine the varied effects wind turbines will have on our communities. It seems there is little consideration as to whether they are the right way to go or not.

Money has the final say.

June Herriman

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Novice Bs advance to East Division final

March 7, 2012 Editor

The South Dundas “Howitzer” Novice B Lions defeated the Kemptville #2 Panthers in two straight games to advance to the East Division finals against the Brockville #2 Braves.

Heading into the series, it was expected to be a close one. In previous matches, the Lions held the season series advantage over the Kemptville team 2-1-1. In October, they lost to the Panthers in an exciting overtime game in the “A” final of the NGS tournament.

The opening game pitted the number two rank Panthers against the third ranked Lions who had just come of a two game sweep of the North Dundas Demons.

The Panthers came out strong in the opening minutes while the Lions were adjusting to their speed. That result in a Panther goal just 1:40 in from Noah Penney.

The Lions bounced back quickly on the power play when Kolby Latulippe scored from the slot, assisted by Ben Lapier and Nolan Henry.

The Panthers added one more before the period ended for a 2-1 advantage heading into the second period..

Goals were traded in the second by Lion Nolan Henry and by Panther Matt Murphy, before the Lions exploded for three goals in three minutes.

Lapier kicked it off when he scored on a breakaway pass from Emytt Fetterly, then Kayne McCadden connected on a nice three way passing play by Owen Fetterly and Joshua Broad.

Henry picked up his second goal by making a couple of moves at the Panthers blue line before breaking into their zone and scoring. The assist went to Cassidy Bilmer who had moved the puck up the right wing boards.

Penney responded for the Panthers to close the gap to 5-4 in the Lions favour as they headed into the third period.

Lion’s goalie Brendan Shaver was sharp in the third period keeping the Panthers off the score board with the help of defense partners Spencer Barclay and Trent Rae.

The Lions extended their lead to three, with goals from McCadden and Henry.

Henry’s was his third goal of the game giving him his second hat trick in a week.

Emytt Fetterly picked up the assist with line-mate Owen Fetterly and Joshua Broad assisted on McCadden’s goal.

The Lions grabbed a late power play marker when Latulippe netted his second of the game with 22 seconds left with assists to Owen Fetterly and Henry.

With the game one, 8-4, the Lions grabbed home ice advantage in the series.

Back home on Morrisburg ice, last Wednesday, the Panthers were looking to even the four-point series.

Panther Noah Penney once again opened the scoring on a breakaway two minutes into the first period and the 1-0 lead held into the second period.

In the second, the Lions got on the scoreboard while on the power player when Kayne McCadden took a pass from Nolan Henry in the slot and scored with a low shot to the corner of the net.

Ben Lapier picked up the secondary assist as he kept the puck alive along the boards and made a short pass to Henry. The Panthers battled back to take a 2-1 lead, but before the second period ended the Lions scored another two from Ben Lapier and Kayne McCadden as he and his line mates Owen Fetterly and Joshua Broad would team up on a passing play.

With the Lion’s up 3-2 to start the third, the Panthers pressed but Lions goaltender Brendan Shaver stood tall.

As time ticked by McCadden scored his third of the game, a hat trick, with the Fetterly boys’ picking up assists, Owen and Emytt.

When the third period expired, and the Lions had their fourth consecutive playoff win and second series sweep.

The South Dundas “Howitzer” Novice B Lions were in playoff action on Sunday afternoon in Brockville for Game #1 of the East Division Final and won 5-3, Game #2 was played last night, Tuesday, March 6th in Morrisburg.

Details of the championship series will be in next week’s issue of The Leader.

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Have your say at South Dundas Community Cafes

March 7, 2012 Editor

What does South Dundas need to achieve in the next 10 years?

The Township of South Dundas has embarked on an exciting journey to develop a Community Strategic Plan to chart the municipality’s future for the next 10 years.

The Community Strategic Plan is designed to bring together a range of interests and priorities in an integrated and balanced strategy.

Local residents, groups, and businesses are encouraged to articulate a vision that is meaningful and originates from within. Through this process, citizens will shape the long-term direction of the community.

The Township is hosting a round of community cafés in four locations across South Dundas on March 21 and March 22 to gain community feedback and advice in the creation of a Community Strategic Plan.

To assist with organizing for this event, advance registration is suggested and can be submitted by e-mailing csp@southdundas.com or by calling 613-535-2673.

The four cafés are:

•March 21st from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Matilda Hall, 4241 County Road 16, Dixon’s Corners

•March 21st from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Morrisburg Meeting Centre, 12580 County Road 2, Morrisburg

•March 22nd from 2 p.m to 4 p.m. at the Iroquois Civic Centre, 1 Dundas Street, Iroquois

•March 22nd from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Williamsburg Oddfellows Hall, 12389 County Road 18, Williamsburg

If citizens are not able to attend the consultation cafés, they are encouraged to join the discussion on-line by participating in the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/DL7QZWF.

Citizens are also encouraged to contribute to an on-line photo journal by e-mailing pictures with descriptions to photos@southdundas.com.

Please visit www.southdundas.com and click on the “Community Strategic Plan” tab for more information.

[…]

Township budget choices, sure glad it’s not me

March 7, 2012 Editor

It’s budget time in South Dundas and the process – at a government level rather than a personal level – is quite eye-opening. Until Monday, when South Dundas started budget deliberations, I’d never been to a municipal budget meeting.

For those of us who try to live by a budget in our personal lives, it is very similar, yet also very different. In very basic terms, it comes down to calculating expected revenue minus expected (necessary) expenses and determining what should or could be done with the leftover… if there is any.

In case you haven’t guessed already, I’m not a financial genius and numbers aren’t really my thing. (I prefer words.) I do, however, understand the basic concepts of financial planning and budgeting. From what I could see on Monday, our township council, with the daunting task of planning our financial future, is committed to doing what they think is fair and what they think is best for South Dundas.

In personal finances and budgeting, most people only have to consider themselves and their own family when making choices. Municipally, the township council must take into consideration department requests, public requests, residential tax increases and the financial future of the township itself.

I have one car to budget for… the township has to consider vehicles for the roads department, the fire department, the recreation department, and so on. Nothing is simple. How much will a new vehicle cost? Is it necessary? Is one department more needy than another?

These are just some of the questions council is faced with when making spending decisions at budget time. If they say ‘yes’ too much in one area, how much will they have to cut in another area in order to keep residential tax increases at an ‘acceptable’ percentage?

In an effort to push the township forward, how much can council comfortably spend if it means going in debt? Will it be worth it?

Budget time, more than any other time, I think, shows just how much courage it takes to be a political representative. One bad choice and council will be ‘taking heat’ for months, possibly years to come. (For council members who may be reading this… no pressure!)

All that’s really left for me to say on the subject is this: I’m really glad it’s not me! (In the ‘hot seat.’) -S.C.

[…]

Bantam B Reps claim east division crown

March 7, 2012 Editor

MORRISBURG–It was a battle to the end, but Monday night, in front of their hometown fans, the South Dundas Bantam B Rep Lions claimed the 2011/12 Upper Canada Minor Hockey League’s East Division championship.

After a tough challenge from the Char-Lan Rebels in semi-final action, the Lions met head on with the Cornwall Colts who finished the regular season in first place, five points ahead of the second place Lions.

Game one of the four point championship series was played in Cornwall on Sunday (March 4), and the Lions skated away with a 3-1 victory to claim the first two points.

That set the stage for the championship, 3-2 victory, on home ice Monday night.

The Colts were first on the scoreboard, taking a 1-0 first period lead on a Brandon Denault goal.

The Lions got lucky in the second when, in a scramble in front of the Cornwall goaltender the puck ended up going in off a Colts defenceman.

Drew Minish was credited with the tying goal and Lions captain Andrew Jarvis got the assist.

Just over the halfway mark of the third period, Jarvis took charge when he picked off a Colts cross-ice pass at their blue line

The Lions were killing off a penalty when Jarvis made the interception, beat the Colts defenceman and then made a great move on their goaltender to give the Lions a 2-1 lead.

The 2-1 Lions advantage held until the Colts pulled their goalender and Quinn Bennis fed Josh Black a pass that he deposited into the empty net with 1:16 left on the clock.

However, the game wasn’t over yet. The Colts returned their goaltender to the crease and then launched an attack which resulted in a Kristian Palmer tally with 26 seconds left in the game.

That would be it, and the Lions held on for the 3-2 championship win.

Zach Frawley, in the Lions net, made some huge saves in the dying minutes of the game to allow the Lions to hold on, and the Colts goalie was called upon several times to stop the Lions from stretching their lead.

In Cornwall on Sunday, the Lions went up 1-0 in the first period when defenceman Josh Black moved in front of the Colts net to put a rebound shot past Leroux. Quinn Bennis and Toby Mullin earned the assists.

In the second, Drew Minish, from Randy Fawcett, sent Jarvis in all alone to beat Leroux on a back hand shot.

Connor Lapointe got one back for the Colts to end the second period with the Lions in the lead 2-1.

Midway into the third period, Quinn Bennis, with help from Josh Black and Toby Mullin on the Lions power play, iced the cake with the Lions third goal and that was it.

In semi-final action, the Lions had their hands full against the Char-Lan Rebels.

After opening the series with a slim 1-0 victory, the Lions were unable to shut the Rebels down, as they came back with a strong 4-0 victory.

That forced a game three, back in Morrisburg last Thursday, March 1. This time out, the Lions didn’t underestimate their opponents, and with an unbeatable Frawley in net, they went to work for a 6-0 victory.

Aaron Smith led the Lions’ scoring charge with two goals, while singles came from the sticks of Evan Mullin, Ben Michels, Andrew Jarvis and Josh Black.

The South Dundas Lions will now meet the winners of the West Division series currently underway between Perth and Smiths Falls for the league championship.

The series will be played following next week’s March break.

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