2012 – Page 88 – Morrisburg Leader

Taking Farran back

March 7, 2012 Editor

In a March 2nd press release, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) announced the return of Farran Park to its portfolio of parks and day-use areas following the expiry of its lease on March 31st with the Township of South Stormont.

The Township of South Stormont has operated the park since 1990. A separate lease agreement between the SLPC and South Stormont remains in effect until 2022 to provide free waterfront access for residents through Lakeview Park.

In the July 25, 1990 edition of The Leader, it was reported: “At its July 18 meeting, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission decided to open doors for business entrepreneurs to participate in operating the parks which were closed this spring due to restructuring.”

The parks in question included Brown’s Bay, Charlottenburgh, Farran, Grenville, and Nairne.

In a follow-up article, the October 10, 1990 edition of The Leader reported that the SLPC “received 14 proposals from public and private sectors for the five parks it closed earlier this year in a cost-cutting measure.”

One of the proposals came from Osnabruck Township (now known as South Stormont) for both Farran and Nairn.

“On an agreement with the Commission, Osnabruck Township operated Farran Park this summer (1990) from July to Labor Day, realizing a profit of $4,000.”

“The Township is looking at a lease to operate both parks for between 30 to 50 years for a nominal fee,” the 1990 article continued. “They wish to extend the camping season to the end of September, and upgrade facilities starting with water and electrical sites in both parks, and improve the boat launching area at Farran.”

The March 2012 SLPC release revealed that in 1991 the SLPC entered into a lease agreement with the Township of South Stormont for the operation of Farran Park.

The SLPC lease required the Township to reinvest a portion of the profits of the campground into the maintenance and capital refurbishment of the park in lieu of higher rent payments to SLPC.

This has resulted in an estimated $500,000 investment in the campground’s infrastructure.

It was also revealed that, in February 2012, the SLPC Board voted to reassume operation of Farran Park, effective April 2, 2012 with the option of considering any future proposals that the Township may choose to submit during the coming year.

Darren Dalgleish, GM & CEO of the SLPC, said, “the municipality should be proud of the job it has done operating the campground over the past 21 years. Now that the lease has reached its end and with SLPC in the process of revitalizing the campgrounds, it’s the right time for the SLPC to reassume operation of the park.”

In the same release, SLPC acting chair, Ron Eamer said, “the SLPC is committed to maintaining and growing Farran Park as we reintegrate it into the Commission’s network of parkland. The camping sector is poised for significant growth and we see a very bright future ahead for Farran.”

Further to that, SLPC Parks and Recreation Manager Lou Seiler added, “we will accommodate current guests and all planned special events at Farran Park.”

“We have decided to ‘grandfather’ the seasonal camping fees and daily campsite fees that were established by the Township in 2011 for the upcoming 2012 season,” continued Seiler.

“Coupled with this will be the new benefits of access to other attractions which represents tremendous value to residents and guests.”

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John Alexander ‘Jack’ Shaver

March 7, 2012 Editor

John Alexander “Jack” Shaver died peacefully at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Saturday, February 25, 2012, at the age of 94 years.

Born in Matilda Township, on June 28, 1917, to Frank and Clair Shaver, Jack is a lifelong resident of South Dundas.

Jack worked on the family apple farm just outside of Iroquois, and for Caldwell Linen Mill before going to work for Ontario Hydro during the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway. He worked for Hydro One until he retired.

Jack married Elsie Millard on June 13, 1942, and together they raised three boys Ed, Art and Robbie.

Jack cared deeply for his family especially his wife who he cared for after her arthritis became too much for her.

Jack was a member of the Iroquois United Church Cemetery Board for over 52 years and the Iroquois Masonic lodge for over 60 years, holding various positions.

He loved cars, fishing, playing euchre in Morrisburg and Iroquois, shuffle board twice a week at the Matilda Hall and golf. Jack was seen playing daily at the Iroquois Golf Club during the summer.

Jack is survived by his sons Ed and his wife Debbie of Morrisburg, Art of Iroquois and Robbie and his wife Cindy of Iroquois.

He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Ashli, Christina, Jessica, Sheri and Stacey and by eight great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his sister Elizabeth Perdue of Winnipeg and sister-in-law Ruth Shaver of Ottawa.

Jack was predeceased by his wife Elsie and brother Allen.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Iroquois on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 from 11 a.m. until time of the service at 1:30 p.m. Rev. Janet Evans officiated.

Donations to the Arthritis Society are gratefully acknowledged by the family. Spring Interment will at the Iroquois Point Cemetery.

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Frank Mullen

March 7, 2012 Editor

A lifetime resident of the area, Frank Mullen passed away at the Carefor Hospice in Cornwall, on Saturday, February 11, 2012, following a 14 year battle with cancer. He was 83.

Born in Inkerman, Ontario, on April 12, 1929, to his parents John and Mary Mullen (nee Kelly), Frank married Dolores Hess in July of 1958, and resided in Ottawa, where he gained employment with Voyageur Colonial Bus lines. Frank drove bus for this company for 35 years.

Frank and Dolores relocated to the Morrisburg area in 1963, and acquired their first home in 1965, in Williamsburg, where Dolores taught at the local school.

With lifelong friends Rae and Betty Casselman, they built and opened The Charcoal Pit, a place where you could grab a burger or a shake and sit and visit with friends.

Frank continued to drive bus and decided to venture into the tour industry. He owned and operated Frank’s Tours taking many country music fans from the area to Nashville Tenn., sun seekers to Florida and many other destinations.

Frank was always very personable, and he always made sure every trip was memorable.

Frank is survived by his son Darrin Mullen of Morrisburg, daughter Devon Wells of Williamsburg, and by his grandchildren Konnor Mullen, Cobie Wells and Robert Bird.

He was predeceased by brothers Kevin and Leo and sisters Rita Kaufman, Honora Spurrell and Bernadette Hogan.

He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Friends and family may call at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Williamsburg Ontario, on Saturday April 14th from noon until the time of a memorial service at 2 p.m.

Donations to Carefor Hospice would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.

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Mary ‘Maxine’ Feeley

March 7, 2012 Editor

A lifetime resident of the Chesterville area, Maxine Feeley passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, February 29, 2012. She was in her 80th year.

Maxine was born in Dunbar, on July 11, 1932, the second youngest of 15 children to her parents Edsel and Bessie Merkley (nee Wallace).

Maxine is survived by her husband of 60 years Henry; by her children Barry (Patsy) of Chesterville, Cathy (Ronnie) Carbino of Finch, Tom (Mary) of Ottawa and Lori (Graham) Ball of Chesterville; and by her siblings Audrey Casselman of Williamsburg, Lois (Jack) McCaughey of Cornwall, Lorna Bolster of Brushton, New York and Joan Beckstead of Chesterville.

Maxine will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Michelle (Mark), Mallory (Trevor), Michael, Lindsay, Alyssa, Warren and Lauren and by one great-grandson Colby Morozuk.

She was predeceased by sisters Vera Smith, Dorothy Price, Emma Hess and brothers Walter, Irwin, Lee, Carl, Clifton, Audeen and Lyle Merkley. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Friends called at the Marsden McLaughlin Funeral Home, Chesterville, on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held at the funeral home on Saturday, March 3rd at 11 a.m., with Rev. Lois Gaudet officiating.

Interment followed at Maple Ridge Cemetery, Chesterville.

Pallbearers were grandchildren Michelle Doll, Mallory Morozuk, Michael Carbino, Lindsay Feeley, Alyssa Ball, Warren Ball and Lauren Feeley.

Donations to Winchester Hospital would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

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Sydney Wade (Pat) Leightizer

March 7, 2012 Editor

Sydney Wade (Pat) Leightizer B.Sc. (Acadia), M. Ed. (University of Windsor), passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 18th, 2012, at St. Andrews Terrace, Cambridge, after a long illness. He was in his 89th year.

Pat was the much loved father and father-in–law of Audrey and Ron Vrooman of Waterloo, Ontario, with whom he lived for most of his later years.

Pat will be missed by his son Brooke and daughter-in-law Nelly Leightizer of Iroquois, Ontario, and daughter Vicki and son-in-law Colin Hine of Ottawa Ontario. He is also survived by sisters Patricia of Elliot Lake, Ontario and Joyce of Edmonton Alberta, three grandchildren, four great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents John and Josephine (nee Morrison) Leightizer of Prince Edward Island; sisters Mary, Connie, Rae, Nell and Bette; and brothers George, Jack, Jim and Karl.

Born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Pat was a World War II veteran who served as a Flying Officer with the RCAF, stationed in Scotland and Ireland.

Following the war, Pat returned to complete his education, then joined the Canadian Forces (Army). He was a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons for 10 years, serving in Germany with the NATO Occupation Forces in 1951.

After his retirement from the army, Pat pursued his true calling as an educator. He was an admired and respected teacher who taught at Morrisburg High School, Woodstock High School and then joined the Essex County School Board. After serving at several schools in Essex County, he retired in 1982 as Principal, Essex District High School.

In retirement, Pat was an avid and accomplished woodworker and his family has many of his beautiful works to help keep his memory alive in our hearts.

Following Pat’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation or service. A private family celebration of Pat’s life will be held and he will return to rest in his birthplace.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Erb and Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S. Waterloo.

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Perspectives by Rev. Duncan Perry

March 7, 2012 Editor

Are you a Fan or a Follower?

A friend of mine told me of a book he was reading. The title of it is, Are You a Fan or a Follower?

I haven’t read this book, but I understand from my friend, that it has to do with our relationship with Jesus. According to what I have understood, the writer of the book sees a great difference between a fan and a follower. In his view, a fan is one who has some interest in a thing but no real commitment to it. This is in contrast to a follower, who is more dedicated to that particular thing. Let me illustrate by looking at the sport of hockey.

If you were to ask me if I am a fan of a particular hockey team, I would tell you that I am a Montreal Canadiens fan. Ask either of my sons or my daughter, and they will tell you they are Toronto fans. So far, we all seem to be on the same level, just two different teams.

But let me be honest. I know maybe two players on the Canadiens team. I have no idea what their standing is or if they have any hope of making the playoffs.

Now my sons can tell you anything you want to know about the Leafs. They are probably as knowledgeable about the Leafs as anyone on Hockey Night in Canada. My daughter is more of a fan like me, but my sons, they’re followers. They are sold out Leafs fans.

No matter who wins the Cup, no matter how bad the Leafs play, they support the Leafs. We can rightfully say they are followers, and it’s quite easy to see the difference between their view of hockey and mine.

Now, may I bring that reasoning over into the spiritual realm and consider what I believe the author of the book “Are you a Fan or a Follower” is trying to get across? Many people profess to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ today, and where they are in their relationship to Him is no doubt between them and Jesus.

But, Jesus makes an important statement about this in Matt. 7:16. There He talks about knowing a tree by its fruit. For example, He says, “You do not gather grapes from thornbushes”. He goes on to say that, “A good tree will only bear good fruit and a bad tree will bear bad fruit.” He then uses this illustration to show us the truth about people who profess to follow Him and those who truly follow Him. In verse 21 of this chapter Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord”, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven.”

I’m not here to judge. That is not the intent of this column. But, may I ask you, “Would you dare to consider your own life? Are you a fan or a follower of Jesus Christ?”

A fan may be one who believes Jesus Christ is a good person and may even like what Jesus taught. A follower is one who acknowledges that Jesus is God and commits to being obedient to what He taught, and who endeavors to imitate in his or her life, by the help of the Holy Spirit, the life that Jesus lived.

Jesus says, “If you are not willing to take up your cross daily and follow me, you are not worthy of me.”

I pray when all is said and done, and your life is evaluated by God, that He will judge you fit for His kingdom.

He then uses this illustration to show

Rev. Duncan Perry,

Morrisburg Pentecostal Tabernacle

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Sens Alumni in town for South Dundas Minor Hockey

March 7, 2012 Editor

South Dundas Lions Bantam Rep player, Nash Nesbitt drops the puck to officially open Saturday night’s festivities organized by the South Dundas Minor Hockey Association. In total the fund raising event raised $3,200 for the local association which included a very generous $1,500 donation made back by the Sens Alumni. The evening included a game between the Ottawa Senators Alumni and a heavily stacked local team made up of the coaches in the local organization. Taking the face off for the coaches (left) is South Dundas Minor Hockey president Jeff Van Moorsel, and for the Sens Alumni is Dan Frawley a former Pittsburg Penguin player who now lives in the area. Thanks to the donation of an autographed Sidney Crosby helmet arranged by Frawley, the evening also raised $1,200 for the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario where Nash received his recent cancer treatment. Joining Nash, l-r, are his dad Earl, Sylvie Corbin (Director, Major Gifts for the CHEO Foundation) and Nash’s mom, Tammy. Pictured at the top and right is action during an Initiation game played during the intermission. The young players were joined by several of the Ottawa Alumni players including goaltender Mark Cavellin and #19 Brian Richardson. Although Nash Nesbitt scored twice for the Coaches on penalty shots, and Randy ‘Tug’ Mullin (assisted by Bruce Mullin and Rob Casselman) and Mike Barclay (assisted by Jeff VanMoorsel and Joe Hummel) added singles, the coaches remained well behind their opponents. The coaches had great goaltending from Frank Waytowich and Ben Henry and several great scoring opportunities. Twice David Lapier was set up by little brother Shawn and twice he missed, Steve Martineau was stymied on a break-away, and Brian Shaver, Joe Hummel, George Menges, Jamie Smith, Shawn Hummel and Gary Hart all had their chances. Coach Claude Plamondon said after the game, he would have his squad much better prepared, next time.

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Ongoing delay for time-of-use rates

March 7, 2012 Editor

Activation of the time-of-use rates for customers of Rideau St. Lawerence Distribution Inc. are delayed.

According to Rideau St. Lawrence Chief Executive Officer John Walsh, “we haven’t been able to get an actual date.” At this point, there is a “fluid date” of May 1st, but it may happen earlier or it may happen later. Walsh did say that when a firm date has been set, customers will definitely be informed.

The time-of-use rates will be divided into three time periods: on-peak (highest price); mid-peak (mid price); and, off-peak (lowest price). In addition, peak periods will change depending on whether it’s winter rates or summer rates.

In any case, it looks like electricity will be at its lowest price on weekends, holidays, and between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

The activation delay, Walsh explained, is due to “a provincial delay with the MDM/R (Meter Data Management and Repository). They need to implement some new software to comply with Measurement Canada regulations. It’s all up to the government.”

For those wondering what will happen when time-of-use rates do go into effect, Walsh said that Rideau St. Lawrence will be sending out comparative bills for two billing periods prior to time-of-use activation.

The comparative bill will show the customer what their consumption and billing rates are for that time period using the present system’s set-up. In addition, the bill will also show what it would look like ‘if’ the time-use-rates had been activated for that particular bill.

In terms of when customers will actually start paying time-of-use rates, Walsh stated that Rideau St. Lawrence bills “won’t be pro-rated.”

If, for example, the time-of-use system goes into effect beginning May 1st, customers won’t pay those rates on the first bill they receive in May. In this scenario, Walsh explained, they won’t start paying time-of-use rates until their June 1st bill.

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HVAC Annual Inspection job to Neal’s Heating and Cooling

February 29, 2012 Editor

Funds to cover the cost of HVAC annual inspections of South Dundas water treatment plants will come from the 2012 Water Budget.

At the February 21st South Dundas council meeting, Manager of Public Works Hugh Garlough recommended that council accept a bid from Neal’s Heating & Cooling for the job. The winning bid came in at $1,190 plus HST.

The other two companies invited to bid on the project were Morrisburg Plumbing & Heating and Atel Air, both of which were outbid by more than $1,000.

Garlough assured the concerned Deputy-Mayor Jim Locke that “protocol with tenders” was being adhered to during the process.

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Hartford hosts first Chili Cook-off

February 29, 2012 Editor

On the afternoon of February 24th, the Hartford Retirement Centre in Morrisburg hosted their first annual Chili Cook-off to great success.

The event, organized by Hartford’s Community Services Manager, Tracy Jones, got underway with a short presentation by Deirdre Cooke RD, CDE. The presentation, Heart Disease: Diet Can Make a Difference, was well-received with a packed audience in the chapel.

Following the presentation, the chili cook-off got underway accompanied by some live entertainment.

According to Jones, while there had been 10 chili contestants registered, only seven were able to make it due to Friday’s storm.

Judges included South Stormont Mayor Bryan McGillis, North Dundas Mayor Eric Duncan, Upper Canada Playhouse Artistic Director Donnie Bowes, Iroquois Fire Department’s Phil Thompson, and Chartwell’s Regional Marketing Director Patricia Courtney.

The live entertainment was provided by what the Hartford called “the singing policemen.” The group, which has no name, normally performs at Christmastime as the Coppertones. For the chili cook-off they were able to pull together a mix of “country and oldies” as well as a few jokes. The group performed to a very receptive crowd.

Money was raised through chili entries as well as through direct donations. Lise Koslowski, a volunteer with Heart and Stroke, was on-hand to accept donations and write receipts.

In the end, the Hartford was able to raise $354 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Chili cook-off winners included: Reg Anderson in first place; Shirley Lalonde in second place; and, Sue Jarvis in third place. Cash prizes were given.

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