2012 – Page 99 – Morrisburg Leader

What a night! What a show!

January 25, 2012 Editor

The stars were certainly out in force at the St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage Saturday, January 21.

Renowned guitarist Don Ross, with Graham Greer opening for him, performed to a packed and cheering house.

“What a great night,” said Sandra Whitworth, a member of the St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage board of directors. “We had a sold-out audience, our second this year. Don and Graham were just terrific.”

Don Ross’ diffidence and self-effacing sense of humour won Saturday’s audience over before he even picked up his guitar.

“Morrisburg at last! Yes!” He laughed. “I’ve arrived! Now that my family and I are relocating to Montreal from Halifax, why I’ll be able to come here by car instead of flying into the Morrisburg International Airport!”

When Ross picked up one of his on-stage guitars and started to play, the Morrisburg audience was thunderstruck.

Don Ross is simply that good.

Two time winner of the prestigious U.S. National Finger-style Guitar Competition (he is still the only player to have ever won the competition twice), Ross literally created magic on the St. Lawrence stage.

His music is fluid, complex and often wonderfully exuberant. Though he performs alone on the stage, his seemingly effortless artistry makes you believe that a whole group of musicians is backing him.

Although he would describe himself as primarily a composer, Ross (who laughingly suggested that his voice “isn’t much”) is actually a very talented singer and song-writer as well. He sang a love song, “If I Could” (included in his album Any Colour), that he wrote when he was just 19.

“All I ever needed was just a glance/If I could only see inside you/If I could only be beside you…”

Later he also delivered a powerful arrangement of an old John Martyn song “Head and Heart”.

During the concert Ross used three different guitars on stage, as well as a digital effects processor. One of his more unusual instruments is a specially designed baritone guitar, tuned somewhere between a regular pitched and a bass guitar. Ross, who loves the instrument’s “throaty, feet planted sound,” employed it for many of his numbers.

Performing compositions ranging from a new, still untitled piece with strong blues undertones, to the jaunty “Dracula and Friends, Part 1” and the romantic and exotic “From France to India,” Ross gave ample proof that he is a true Canadian virtuoso.

His incredible artistic talent, his humour and grace on stage, and his strong connection with the audience won Ross deserved ovations Saturday evening.

Graham Greer is also an artist who makes a powerful connection with his audience.

“Graham is a phenomenon in this area,” said board member Bill Carriere. “He’s an accomplished, award-winning artist whose music speaks for itself.”

Like Don Ross, Greer is a natural on stage, easily sharing anecdotes about his songs and his life as a performer.

A musician to whom intelligent lyrics matter, Greer’s work is thoughtful, humourous, and, occasionally, pointed, as in “May You Never Know” which describes the “sharks” that constantly circle young artists trying to break into the industry.

Greer’s “I Know a Pigeon Toed Girl,” written for and about his wife, Laurie, (“the constant good thing in my life”) was both gently teasing and loving. “I found out the things that she dislikes about herself are often the things about her I love the most.”

His voice warm and strong and clear, Greer points out the upside of life in his music.

“I’m on a lucky streak/To hell with the blues/ I’m rolling out sevens now/when it used to be twos…”

Much of his material on Saturday came from songs he has been developing. The Cornwall performer clearly struck a chord with the audience.

In fact, as he laughed from the stage, “I’m going to have to do another record now. You’re making me feel good about my new songs.”

Passionate about his music, and just as passionate in his support of the arts in this area, Greer was a delight to hear again in concert.

The St. Lawrence Stage will welcome the multi-talented Lynn Miles to the Morrisburg Meeting Centre on February 25 for a performance. Check www.st-lawrencestage.com for information.

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Luke Whitteker keeping busy, Race 101 wrap up in February

January 25, 2012 Editor

It is not hard not to look back into the past year for Luke Whitteker and the Whitteker Motorsports team and see the improvement from the beginning of the year to the end.

Just one year ago, Whitteker stepped into the Race 101 program in North Carolina with a strong desire to learn. A year later, he is set to graduate and will take the valuable experience that he gained and continue to apply that to his racing career.

He has met and worked with some great people in the program, shared some great times with fellow students and has made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Whitteker will wrap up his year with Race 101 in a graduation ceremony next month in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Luke and his fellow classmates will learn who was named Race 101’s ‘premier driver’ for 2012.

The winner will be offered a ride in a Race 101 prepared Late Model for the 2012 season.

At the ceremony Luke’s 2011 class of 13 will graduate and the upcoming Race 101 year’s 18 racers will be introduced including racers from five states and two Canadian provinces.

“I am really excited to graduate from the Race 101 program, and see who will be named the premier driver for 2012,” says Whitteker. “It has been an amazing experience so far, and winning the premier driver would be icing on the cake.”

Whitteker Motorsports has been working hard over the off-season on their racing program and again this year will race weekly at Cornwall Motor Speedway on Sunday nights, and following the Mr. DIRTcar 358 Modified tour.

In addition, Whitteker will compete Friday nights in Quebec, at Autodrome Granby, and competing in the 10 race Quebec Series that will see all 10 events televised on the French RDS Channel.

“Having these races shown on TV will be a huge deal for everyone involved,” says Whitteker. “Anytime we can get our sponsors that kind of exposure is great. I look forward to being a part of that this coming season.”

Autodrome Granby is currently utilizing social media site Facebook by having a vote amongst several drivers. The driver with the most votes will have the opportunity to host their sponsors and have a special section in the stands for their fans for a night during the 2012 season.

At the start of the 2011 season, Luke and the Whitteker Motorsports team announced that they would be working to raise money for the CHEO Foundation in Ottawa through Whitteker Motorpsorts T-shirts and merchandise.

The results of the effort will be soon be realized when Whitteker Motorsports makes a $1,000 donation to CHEO.

During the weekend of March 10th and 11th, Whitteker will take part in the Gater Racing News Motorsports Expo at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. There he will have the race car on display representing Finish Line Web Design, and fans and friends are encouraged to stop by the booth.

By Craig Revelle-Finish Line Web Design

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Counties present brand options

January 25, 2012 Editor

At the January 17th South Dundas council meeting, council members were treated with a presentation of the proposed new branding options for the Untied Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.

South Dundas Economic Development Officer Nicole Sullivan presented council with a report outlining the creation process behind the proposed brands. The presentation came complete with visuals and detailed explanations.

Both branding options incorporate SD&G’s geographic location in their proposed catchphrase. Each option is being considered for its wording, not for the accompanying picture. That will be decided on at a later date.

Option one, The Counties @ 45, was chosen because “the Counties of SD&G are located at the 45th parallel, halfway between the Equator and the North Pole – @ the juncture of balanced living, adventure and business opportunity.”

Option two, Gateway Counties, was chosen because “the Counties of SD&G lie on the doorstep of Ontario, near major Canadian cities and the United States – opening up new opportunities for business, tourism, and balanced living.”

“To enhance its economic development activities, the United Counties wish to: position the region as an attractive location for business and tourism; present a unified and consistent brand message to strengthen recognition and become more effective; and, help locate Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry on the map.”

“A new logo mark has been developed that aims to convey key attributes to a wide range of target audiences spanning from business relocation consultants to tourists to local residents through a fresh look and feel.”

Following the presentation, council members were advised of an anonymous online survey to evaluate the two options. Mayor Steven Byvelds encouraged council members to complete the survey to “give the Counties something to go on when trying to make the decision in February.”

The Counties council is expected to make a decision in late February.

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South Dundas Novice B Lions back in the win column

January 25, 2012 Editor

The South Dundas “Parcoll Products” Novice B Lions got back into the win column Thursday night with a 4-1 victory over the visiting South Grenville Rangers.

Through the first three months of the season the Rangers were atop the East Division standings, and with this loss to the Lions, the Rangers are now in fourth place, behind the Brockville #2 Braves, Kemptville #2 Panthers and the Lions.

The Lions didn’t show any rust in the first period jumping out to a 2-0 lead, as they were coming off a two week layoff after winning the “A” Championship in the North Dundas Tournament in late December.

Ben Lapier opened the scoring at 6:35 by grabbing a puck at the offensive blue line. Lapier broke into the zone on the right wing and let a shot go that after hitting the goalie’s stick, went up and over him and into the net.

Three minutes later Lapier struck again.

The play started when Cassidy Bilmer made a defensive zone pass to Emytt Fetterly who made a breakout pass to Nolan Henry who moved the puck ahead to Lapier so that he could break in alone and bury a shot into the net.

The Rangers struck back on the power play with 35 seconds left in the period.

They teams played a scoreless second thanks to some big saves by Lions net minder Brendan Shaver.

The Line of Lapier, Nolan Henry and Kolby Latulippe scored twice more in the third period giving the Lions a 4-1 lead they would not relinquish.

Emytt Fetterly gave a pass to Lapier who worked a give and go with Henry to free him up into the Rangers zone for Lapier to net his third of the game.

A few minutes later, Lapier struck again from Spencer Barclay and Trent assisted on his fourth goal of the game.

Assists on the day went to Nolan Henry (3), Emytt Fetterly (2), and Kolby Latulippe, Spencer Barclay, Trent Rae.

Saturday morning the Lions travelled to Cornwall to take on the Colts B1 team in exhibition play.

After a well played game left the Lions down by a goal late, the line of Kayne McCadden, Lapier and Owen Fetterly combined to score the tying goal.

McCadden gained possession of the puck and broke into the offensive zone before passing to Ben Lapier who got a shot away. The Colts goaltender left a rebound for Owen Fetterly to shoot into the open net.

The Lions battled back from a 2-0 deficit thanks to the stick of Kayne McCadden who scored a natural hat-trick in the second period. He scored three straight times on three consecutive shifts, including a shorthanded goal.

The Colts battled back with two of their own goals for a 4-3 lead before the Lion’s tying goal.

Assists in the game went to, Emytt Fetterly (2), Joshua Broad (2), Cassidy Bilmer, Ben Lapier and Kayne McCadden.

The South Dundas “Parcoll Products” Novice B Lions next home game is Thursday, February 2nd at 7 p.m.vs. the Brockville #2 Braves.

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New recreation logo

January 25, 2012 Editor

“My recommendation is to brand South Dundas Recreation,” said Ben Macpherson, Recreation Program Coordinator for South Dundas, at the January 17th council meeting.

Council agreed to the recommendation and Macpherson will soon be introducing a logo design contest to South Dundas residents of all ages.

Macpherson suggested that “the winning design would be launched on the cover of the upcoming Spring/Summer Recreation Guide.”

According to Macpherson, both North Dundas Recreation and North Grenville Recreation have created their own logo and branding. “I felt that this was a very good way to improve the visibility of programming in the township,” he said.

“Branding will, over time, help develop an instant recognition of any program or activity run by or in partnership with South Dundas Recreation and the township,” suggested Macpherson.

“The underlying goal,” he continued, “is to foster community ownership through continued efforts, partnerships and cross-promotion of events involving residents, community groups and local businesses.”

Macpherson believes that “the symbol can be recognized as one of commitment, by the Township of South Dundas, to improving the quality of life of its residents.”

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Locke team brings home the…mushrooms

January 25, 2012 Editor

It’s been a busy week for curlers from the Morrisburg Curling Club.

Mahlon Locke, Kathy Norg, and Wendy and Jim Casselman competed in the Metcalfe Mushroom Bonspiel recently. There were 24 teams entered, 22 of which were from Ottawa. In their three games, our folks played three Navy teams. They played well, and came home with mushroom prizes.

Our day ladies entered a team in a Navan bonspiel last week, and came home victorious. Alice Thompson, Susan McIntosh, Betty Locke and Sharon Van Allen defeated a foursome from Carleton Heights in the morning, enjoyed a delicious lunch and went onto the ice for a match against the R.A. Centre representatives. As in the morning, the Morrisburg team dominated, and came home with the championship and the prize money.

On Saturday, the Morrisburg women hosted the Broder, a two-team, four club competition, featuring Morrisburg, Metcalfe, Winchester and Russell. Our Morrisburg team of Greta McGann, Jenna Harrington, Kathy Hardy and Rachelle Eves won their first game against a Metcalfe foursome, and their second against a team from Russell. This put them in the ‘A’ final in the evening against the top Winchester team. Our Morrisburg people played well in the eight-end match, but the skilful Winchester quartet were able to eke out a win for the trophy and prizes.

Our second Morrisburg team of Susan McIntosh, Kathy Norg, Leanne McCooeye and Wendy Casselman won their first match against the other Metcalfe team, but dropped their second in a tight game with the other Winchester squad. Winchester went on to play Russell, and Russell shook hands before the 8th end. It was an enjoyable day, with a fine lunch, and a delicious evening meal catered by Bill Laurin and his committee. The other volunteers, including our ice technician and his committee, kept the day running smoothly and on time.

Sunday, January 22 saw our Little Rockers hosting their Big Four Bonspiel, with the same format. Morrisburg #1, Keaghan Lowson, Kendrew Byers, Ewan Wilson and Nolan Belanger dropped their first game to a Metcalfe foursome. Next they lost to Russell and were eliminated from further play.

Our other team, Morrisburg #2, consisted of Calvin Scott, Emily Poirier, Wyatt Jones and Jonathan Charette. They lost their first match to Winchester #2. Next they played Russell #2, who went on to the playoff with Winchester and defeated them in the ‘B’ final. The two Metcalfe teams met in the A final, and they took home the ‘A’ shield.

The third of four Parnell competitions will be held in Prescott, Friday, with two Morrisburg teams attempting to wrest the Parnell Trophy back. Again this time, four local teams vied for the privilege, with the playoff games last Friday. Sid Morrell, Raymond Benoit, Neil Williams and Al Harriman did battle with Peter Zeran, Jack Dikland, Karl Duncan and Earl Jeacle. It was an exciting, seesaw match, with the winner decided on the final rock in the last end. The Morrell team will attend the Prescott competition. In the other game, Martin Schneckenburger, Ron Beaupre, George Rutley and Bud Perry played Jack Barkley, Dave King, Doug Jarvis and Andy Patenaude. Jack Barkley’s foursome was victorious there.

The mixed invitational bonspiel had to be cancelled because of low numbers. Instead, the Hugh Hutchinson funspiel will be on today, with 10 teams of senior men in competition for the Hutchinson Trophy, and the stick bonspiel is tomorrow.

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South Dundas attractions get new signs

January 25, 2012 Editor

Nicole Sullivan, South Dundas Economic Development Officer, recommended to council at the January 17th meeting that directional signage be purchased for both the South Dundas Dog Park and the Iroquois Locks.

After hearing Sullivan’s recommendation and reasoning, council agreed to the purchase of six signs.

The South Dundas Dog Park in Morrisburg will have three signs in the following locations: County Road 2 directing West bound traffic; County Road 2 directing East bound traffic; and, County Road 31 directing South bound traffic.

The Iroquois Locks will also have three signs. The locations for these are: County Road 2 directing West bound traffic; County Road 2 directing East bound traffic; and, County Road 1 (Carman Road) directing South bound traffic.

Each sign comes at a cost of $335. In addition, the township will need to rent the sign space. This is done through a membership fee of $75 per year in the County Tourism Signage Program administered by Seaway Valley Tourism.

In total, the cost of the new directional signage will be $2,085 for 2012.

Sullivan’s recommendation, she said, “comes out of discussions with the Park Pals committee and feedback from the community about directing people to the Iroquois Locks.”

In her report, she referred to the township’s 2005 Strategic Economic Development Plan and two of it’s recommendations. “Both of these recommendations,” she reported, “aim to enrich the experience of visitors to South Dundas. This will result in extended stays, repeat visits and ultimately, greater benefits to the local economy.”

“I fully support signs for the Iroquois Locks,” said Councillor Evonne Delegarde. She was concerned, however, in the many other attractions at the waterfront that could benefit from directional signage, other than the dog park.

During an interview on January 23rd, Sullivan told The Leader that “signage is imperative when people are in your community.” In addition to making the experience more pleasurable, it “also grabs people who might not have been aware” of the attractions in the first place.

“We’re always looking for ways to enrich the visitor’s trip. We’re looking for things to add on to their visit,” she explained. “The longer someone is in the community, the bigger the contribution to the local economy.”

“Recognizing that,” she continued, “one of my goals is a signage review.” The review will begin by compiling a list of all the attractions South Dundas has to offer.

“It won’t be something we can do in one year,” said Sullivan. “Once we look at the whole scope of attractions, that’s when we can start prioritizing.”

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Mabel Swerdfeger

January 25, 2012 Editor

A longtime resident of the Iroquois/Matilda area, Mabel Swerdfeger passed away peacefully on Jan. 12, 2011, at the Bayfield Manor in Kemptville. She was in her 99th year.

Mabel was born in Williamsburg Township, on July 27, 1913, to her parents Charles and Viola Stata (nee Servage).

Mabel was involved in farming her entire life. She began working for her cousins George and Luella Beckstead when she was in her teens. It was at that time that she met her future husband, Ernie Swerdfeger. They married and started their life together farming in shares at Morewood.

It was at the Morewood farm that their eldest daughter, Shirley was born. Soon they rented a farm in the Dixon’s area, and there they had Betty.

In 1946, they bought a farm at Haddo, and Glenn came along a couple of years later.

It was at Haddo that Mabel and Ernie spent the rest of their lives together, farming and raising their family, until Ernie passed away in 1971. Mabel continued to live on the farm with Glenn and his family, until the fall of 2008.

Mabel lived for her family, farming, and gardening. She especially enjoyed cooking for her family. She always had after school treats for her children, grandchildren and their friends. Mabel was an outstanding cook and could make a delicious meal on the spur of the moment.

She enjoyed cheating at euchre, dancing, laughing, and travelling with her sisters and special friend Walter Ouderkirk.

Mabel is survived by her children Shirley (Arnold Foster), Betty (Jim Locke) and Glenn (Margaret Waddell). She will be lovingly remember by seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

She was predeceased by her husband Ernie in 1971, as well as her siblings Ernie, Lyle, Grant, Ruby (Hall), and Gladys (Hutt) and a great-grandson David McGill.

Her work ethic, family values, along with her sense of humour and outstanding memory made it a pleasure and honour for anyone who was fortunate enough to have known her.

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Perspectives with Rev. George Frey

January 25, 2012 Editor

They shall never hold their peace day or night.

You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent,

– Isaiah 62:6

How refreshing to hear a Christian speak appropriately and freely about their faith, not as a challenge or imposition but as the true expression of their beliefs and commitments.

We live in a world that encourages the silence of the believer, seeking to establish and maintain a barrier against the faithful words of the one who cares about people and has genuine faith in Jesus Christ; which is a combination that always results in telling people about the salvation that is in Christ.

Through tacit social pressures Christians are often intimidated by an unbelieving world; bullied into silence and disobedience, not speaking appropriately and freely as our Lord requires of us.

We are all missionaries…Wherever we go, we either bring people nearer to Christ, or we repel them from Christ. – Eric Liddell Jesus desires and requires that we confess Him before people. (Matthew 10:32-38) We confirm Jesus when we acknowledge the reality of His person, the quality of the life He lived, and the eternal value of His accomplishments. (John 10:10)

We confess our Lord when we proclaim to sinners the salvation that may only be found in Him. We confess Jesus when we believe in His testimony of the quality of His teaching and the bible, and therefore govern our lives by them. (John 8:31-36; Matthew 22:29)

How do you feel when someone whom you have loved and made great sacrifices for does not acknowledge you before others? We do not cause Jesus to feel that way after the things He’s suffered for us? (1 Corinthians 11:23-25)

As believers we are uniquely enabled witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ, born of the Spirit and having new life in Him, (John 3:5-8; Acts 5:20; Romans 6:3-4) and filled with the Spirit to be witnesses for Him. (Acts 1:8 > 2:38-39)

Of course a faithful witness must live a qualified life, but also by definition a witness must speak. As freely as you speak about the accomplishments of family, friends or a favorite hero, even initiating the subject unrequested; so freely we must speak of Jesus’ accomplishments, their meaning, value and hope. Freely must we tell the truth of the salvation that may only be found in Him. Freely must we lift Him up each day that all people may be drawn to Him, and that those drawn may become genuine disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us who have put our trust in Jesus, persist always in “turning new acquaintances into lasting friends in Christ!”

Rev. George Frey

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You didn’t ask, but

January 25, 2012 Editor

“The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatever that it is not utterly absurd; indeed, in view of the silliness of the majority of mankind, a wide-spread belief is more likely to be foolish than sensible.” – Bertrand Russell

I’ve found myself faced with a blank page and too many thoughts to count. And, so, I’ve decided to share some opinions and beliefs, which I should confess up front, may be rather unpopular. In any case, whatever I choose to say will come down to my own experience and thoughts on the subject. So, here it goes…

I believe that money is not the barometer for success. Although I do agree it has its uses. Happiness, contentment, love, self-respect… these are the things that predict true success. When all else is lost, what do you have left? Your thoughts, beliefs, and the choices you’ve made.

I believe that life isn’t supposed to be fair or easy. It’s supposed to be a challenge, which by definition is probably going to be stressful at times and more than a wee bit difficult. Several years ago, I kept hearing “it is what it is” and it drove me crazy! Until… I finally understood that it’s true! Life happens. Things happen. Our role in life is to take things as they come; meet the challenges head on, do our best, and move forward. (I finally stopped saying, “but it’s not fair; it’s not right” and accepted things as they were, moving ever forward from there.)

In keeping with that line of thought, I also believe that our parents are not responsible for who we turn out to be. While they set the foundation, we still remain the captains of our own fate through our own attitudes and choices. We alone choose who we become.

I believe that we as parents have one purpose: to do the best that we can with what we have to give and to always ensure that our children know that they are loved, valued and respected. Without a ‘rule’ book, I believe that parents have to trust their instincts and use empathy when dealing with the hard or sensitive issues that will inevitably arise… probably during those stormy adolescent years.

In a related belief… I strongly believe that a person’s character can best be shown through how they treat those they have ‘power’ over, like children, pets, employees and so on. Kindness and compassion, I believe, are the keys to a good character.

-SC

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