March 2013 – Morrisburg Leader

Sterling Kelly

March 27, 2013 Editor

A lifetime resident of the area, Sterling Kelly passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Saturday, March 16, 2013. He was 77.

Sterling was born in Farran’s Point, on April 23, 1935, the eldest of eight children born to his parents William and Carrie Kelly (nee Sheets). He was an obedient and helpful son and dearly loved by all his siblings.

At age 19, he met Edna Beaupre and in June of 1959, they were married. Edna remained his companion and devoted wife for the next 53 years.

The next chapter of Sterling’s life was his greatest joy, the arrival of his cherished baby girl Carol-Ann. He adored her, and he embraced his role as a father with pride with his little girl often by his side.

Carol-Ann brought so much joy to his life and through her he gained his designated driver and sidekick Rambo (Carol-Ann’s husband Steve).

Steve and Carol-Ann then provided Sterling with two grandchildren and these kids completed his life. They were the two most precious jewels in his crown. He was so proud of them both. His legacy will surely live on through his devotion to them and their memory of him.

Sterling began working with the Village of Morrisburg crew in 1966, on the garbage truck, and he eventually learned to operate a backhoe. He was usually way ahead of what others were thinking, already planning a solution to problems or situations in need of an intervention.

He worked for the township for the 40 years, and he was well liked and respected by his fellow employees.

Sterling was also very good to his nieces and nephews who all knew if they were hanging out with Uncle Sterling, they were going to have fun whether it involved going to the movies, getting their bike fixed, going fishing or just getting an ice cream.

To the younger great-nieces and nephews who lived nearby he was affectionately known as “Grandpa Candy” because he always provided the children with candy.

Sterling will be remembered as a man who had a bright and radiant spirit, a great sense of humour and a sincere ability to light up a room.

He enjoyed having a Labatt’s 50, and he was always full of enthusiasm–ready and willing to lend a hand. He was clever, yet humble.

Able to fix almost anything, from lawn mowers to plumbing disasters, Sterling would go to the rescue of anyone in crisis. He would offer wise counsel or just sit and listen–he seemed to know just what to do or say.

Regardless of his attire; coat and hat or slippers and suspenders, Sterling could converse in any social circle, and he offered his input with charm and ease.

Sterling is survived by his wife Edna, his daughter Carol (Steve) Skerry of Morrisburg, his grandchildren Justin and Katie and his siblings Earl (Rose) of Simcoe, Ed (Roseann) of Morrisburg, Dale (Pat) of Morrisburg, Betty (Lloyd) McMillan of Iroquois and Wayne (Marie) of Iroquois.

He was predeceased by his parents Bill and Carrie Kelly (nee Sheets) and his brothers Ronnie and Lee. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.

Funeral service was held at the funeral home on Wednesday, March 20th at 11 a.m., with Rev. Sue McCullough officiating.

Interment followed at Fairview Cemetery in Mariatown. Pallbearers were Jeff Kelly, Travis Kelly, Tom McMillan, Troy McMillan, Colleen Merkley and Scott Carswell.

Donations to Winchester District Memorial Hospital or the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

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Perspectives by Rev. Norine Gullons

March 27, 2013 Editor

Blessed Easter Season

In four more days we will be hunting for “Easter eggs” probably hidden outside in the snow this year! Maybe we will be having Easter breakfast of hot chocolate and hot cross buns with our sweaters on, as opposed to spring clothes.

Whatever the weather brings the traditional celebrations of Easter will be as it always has been.

Most of us have traditions for certain celebrations during the year. Customs, information or beliefs that we pass on to our next generation that aren’t necessarily written down anywhere but that are passed on by thought, action, or word of mouth.

What are your traditional celebrations of Easter? We don’t always know where these traditions have started, but we know that we always do them.

Our communities of faith all have traditions too. There are 11 churches in Morrisburg inviting you to come along and be a part of the spiritual and religious celebrations of Holy Week and of Easter Sunday. Easter comes every year to make sure that we don’t forget that all we are is transformed in and through God. The only thing that limits our Easter joy is our reluctance to believe in the risen Christ.

I personally invite you to join us by coming to church with us to celebrate.

May God bless your Easter Season!

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Impressions

March 27, 2013 Editor

First impressions really do matter. Ask anyone. And flubbed first impressions can come back to haunt you. Forever.

In my extreme youth, I decided to travel to an all inclusive resort in Jamaica for a vacation. By myself. What a great opportunity to meet new friends, especially, the agent told me, since most of the resort visitors would be German tourists! First morning, first day, I approached the crowded pool ready to make that crucial entrance. Didn’t notice the sign which said “slippery when wet.” Rolled head over heels down a shallow flight of stairs, in my bathing suit, and flopped (unhurt), butt in the air, to the cement, before dozens of suddenly quiet German guests. I impressed. Oh yes.

“Tragic” first impressions can even happen to one’s nearest and dearest.

My parents and their friends, Wes and Marian, attended a party hosted by a dignified and formal couple they barely knew. As they were saying good night, Wes, prodded to compliment the hosts, floundered around, then finally loudly announced, “All kidding aside, cheese sandwiches do make a real good cheap lunch.”

They were not invited back.

Two weeks later, the four attended yet another party. My parents had been at this home once before, (and apparently my father hadn’t found the occasion memorable). This was different. As he vigorously shook the hostess’ hand, he said, with deep conviction, “Gee, I really had a good time, this time.”

They were not invited back.

Of course, no first impression could be as traumatic as that of my friend’s friend, a woman who had been seriously dating a certain young man and had finally been invited home to meet his parents. Dressed in her best, wearing a pair of high, high heels, she nervously made small talk with the parents, while standing at the top of the stairs in their split level.

She turned, promptly caught one of those heels, tripped, and then rolled violently down the steps – landing directly on top of the family’s beloved chihuahua.

They did not get married.

Just to prove that lightning can strike twice where first impressions are concerned, two years ago I went to the Dominican, this time travelling with friends.

First day, very first public appearance, I wandered (in that inevitable bathing suit) among the lounge chairs and guests, looking for the place by the pool_where my group had set up.

Missed noticing the “slippery when wet” sign. Again.

Shortly thereafter, found myself, with my ‘better side’ in the air, face down and sprawled before holidaying strangers.

A large man in a tight t-shirt reading “Beer’s my Bud,” actually helped me up, then genially remarked to the crowd, “Wow, that usually doesn’t happen to me until late afternoon, after lots of brewskis.”

Another grand first impression. Sigh.

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Skaters Edge

March 27, 2013 Editor

As March break comes and goes I’m sure you’ve been dreaming of swimsuits and tropical beaches and really, they’re not so far in the future. The days may be getting longer and the temperature may be skyrocketing but in the rink winter isn’t over yet.

With our annual year-end carnival just around the corner MDSC skaters are working as hard as ever to bring you a show you’ll never forget. With performances from everyone from our little future Olympians to our dedicated star-skaters it’s sure to be a night of enjoyment.

If interested you can find tickets at the door, Friday March 29, or you can purchase them ahead through any of our skating club members. The canteen will be open and seating is available in both the heated lobby and stands.

Just because the year is coming to a close doesn’t mean the competitive season is finished. Competitions include the much anticipated all Ontario championships, which Ali Vanhoof competed in this past weekend of March 24th in Fort Erie. We all had our fingers crossed for great results from Ali. And we’re not finished yet, Morrisburg is proud to say we have many Starskaters travelling to Ottawa for the annual Gloucester Spring Fest. We wish everybody luck in their events and hope they can end their season with a bang!

Just as the carnival is a MDSC ritual our annual banquet is a yearly tradition that we aren’t planning to break. This year the awards ceremony will take place the evening of April 7th at the Morrisburg Legion. Tickets can be purchased at the skating office and will include a dinner with dessert and an evening of awards and memories.

A new tradition for our club began last year with the Ice Cream party for our Canskaters. It continued this year at the MacIntosh Inn and was a large success. Each of our skaters was treated to a homemade sundae and a medal of accomplishment. Way to go Canskaters! In addition, we would like to remind all of our Canskate parents and skaters that they to can attend the banquet.

Speaking of new traditions, many may remember the Fun Fair from last year. Families could come and enjoy a day of games, bouncy castles and petting zoos all while supporting our club. It was such a success we are hosting another one this year. Watch for further details this spring.

As you can see, the skating season may be winding down but this last month will be the busiest of all! So, remember, skate great, and have fun!

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Curling season winding down

March 27, 2013 Editor

Three senior men’s teams travelled to Cornwall last Wednesday for their last friendly bonspiel of the season.

Unfortunately, our Cornwall hosts were not as friendly as they might have been on the ice. Refreshments before the game were great, (love that syrup for the coffee) and the lunch was superb, but our fellows had trouble getting the points they needed during their matches.

For the record, Martin Schneckenburger, Sam Locke, Bud Perry and Larry Ware, Al Harriman, Ron Beaupre, Keith Robinson and Eric Johnson, as well as Wally McDonald, Rick MacKenzie, Fred “Boomer” Langlotz and Earl Jeacle were able to claim free drinks from their opposite numbers in their games.

It was a very pleasant day, however, ending with heart-felt good wishes, and the usual humorous anecdotes prior to the drive west. We look forward to more of these friendly matches next season.

There were also three senior mixed teams in Kemptville on Friday. This was a 222 bonspiel, with Mahlon Locke, Kathy Norg, and Sam and Claire Locke being our top team. They lost their first match against North Grenville, had a very good lunch, and then went out in the afternoon to triumph over one of the Navan foursomes.

Wally McDonald, Ruth Kelly, “Boomer” Langlotz and Joanne Baker tied their first match against Lynne Stacey’s Navan team but dropped their afternoon game against Richmond.

The ice was problematic for all, but a couple of the rocks were “cutters” (I’ve been watching curling on television and heard about TSN’s “secret word”) and this threw off our athletes. I’m told that in one game, nobody on either team got a rock over the hog line in an early end. We really love what our ice technician has done for our curling.

Our final team, Keith Robinson, Alice Thompson, Rick MacKenzie and Sandra Beckstead, dropped tight matches to old friends from Manotick, the Froats team, and also lost to Lynne Stacey from Navan. Lynn finished third on the day behind Alexandria.

All in all, it was a good day for our teams, with sunshine outside, pleasant hospitality inside, and modest prizes for all.

By the way, the final two-person bonspiel last Sunday featured Wally McDonald in the ‘A’ final rather than Wally Baker. Sorry for the error, fellows.

As to our little rockers, they had their windup night last week, and have come a long way this year, finishing in the middle of the pack in their zone playdowns with Ottawa, Cornwall and Perth. They also did extremely well in their first play down experience. Next season they’ll be a year older, and we look forward to great curling for them.

There are still a few openings for the early draw in our closing bonspiel on April 6, and for those not curling but wanting to come for the closing banquet around 6 p.m., don’t forget to sign up on the sheet in the lounge.

We’ll have a summary of the year’s events, and a final look at what to expect at our club over the summer. The club championship will be competed for after the closing banquet, and we’ll look forward to events in the fall.

Good curling to all!

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Little Rockers celebrate good season

March 27, 2013 Editor

The Little Rocks program at the Morrisburg Curling Club officially wrapped up the 2012-13 season Monday, March 18 with few fun ends of curling and a dinner. “This year was awesome with a great bunch of supportive parents and wonderful kids,” said Ian Wilson who co-runs the program with his wife Kathi. “The level of improvement was immense as the kids really enjoyed this sport. A lot of them are planning on coming back next year, and we will see the program develop to where Morrisburg will be a force to be reckoned with in the curling community.” This year’s Little Rocks program provided activity for 17 young curlers, seven of them out for their first season. Of the other 10, one is a fourth year curler, four have been playing for three years and five were curling their second season. Two of the curlers will move up to Bantam curling (13 years) next year. “Our program is growing and will continue to improve immensely as long as the kids stick with it,” said Wilson. Pictured above at their season ending curling party, are Little Rocks curlers, front l-r, Kyra Lewis, Arrieanna Brown, Annaka Gibbons, Markus Szuky, Erin Gibbons, Christian Meuller, James Szuky and Jonathan Charette. In the middle row are Abby Trizisky, Cameron Brown, Tommy Derikz, Hannah Gibbons, and Ewan Wilson. Back, l-r, are Ian Wilson, Mackenzie
Whyte (volunteer helper), Aiden White, Nick Goupil, Kristi Charette, Martina Lewis and Kathi Wilson.

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Peewee B House teams even, game four to decide

March 27, 2013 Editor

With the South Dundas Peewee B House 1s and the Peewee B House Lion 2s heading into the fourth game of the five point Upper Canada Minor Hockey League series last night (Tuesday, March 26) a win by either team was needed to end it…and a tie to extend it to a fifth match.

The two evenly matched Lions teams played to an opening game 1-1 tie, Friday March 22, leaving the Mark Froats family the winner of the night with $1,000 raised through the Pack the Rink night.

Saturday, coach Rob Casselman’s #1 Lions turned it up a notch to claim a 4-2 victory and that was followed by a rebound from David Lapier’s #2 Lions on Sunday afternoon with a 7-3 win.

The community has been out in high numbers to support the two young teams with close to 300 fans, some cheering for both teams, attending each of the three games. And those 300 cheering fans have been entertained with some top notch hockey, offensively and defensively.

Both teams have been receiving solid goaltending and in each of the games, each of the two goaltenders Wes Alexander for the B1s and Sam Waytowich for the B2s have come up with some spectacular and very timely saves.

Friday night neither of the two teams could get an edge.

All even after series opener

After a scoreless first period, Lapier’s B2s went up 1-0 on an unassisted Dean Lapier goal, when he jumped on a turnover just inside the blue line and scored on a wrist shot from the high slot area.

Then midway through the third period, the B1s Kasper Furo set the Bennis brothers up for a two on one, and a beautiful passing play goal from Lucas to the stick of Jonah tied the game 1-1.

And that was it until Saturday afternoon, when the two teams skated onto the ice for game number two.

B1s take series lead

This time out Casselman’s B1s took charge early. Devin Dumoulin got it started with an unassisted first period goal and that held until early in the second when the B1s went up 2-0 on their power play.

This time it started when Jonah Bennis won the face off in the B2s end. He dropped it back to Connor Dumoulin who slid it to an unguarded Lucas Bennis at the corner of the B2s net and just 27 seconds into the second period the B1s were up 2-0.

But Lapier’s B2s came charging right back when Oakley Beavers slammed home a lose puck just over a minute later to tighten the count to 2-1.

The score held until late in the second period when Lucas Bennis counted his second of the game with help from line mate Connor Dumoulin.

Midway into the third period, while the B1s were again on their power play, another winning face off set the stage for a Connor Dumoulin goal when he picked off a rebound from a Brady Smith shot.

Lapier’s B2s got one back, a short-handed goal from the stick of Brody Smail assisted by Austin Robinson.

That left the BS with a 4-2 win and a three points to one lead in the five point series.

B2s Get Back Into It

In game three, Lapier’s B2s hit the ice looking to stay alive in the series, but quickly fell behind 2-0 in the first three minutes of the first period.

Devin Dumoulin got it rolling for the B1s with a power-play goal, assisted by Jonah Bennis at 2:52 of the frame. Then at 3:04, the B1S went up 2-0, this time with Connor Dumoulin counting, and Jonah Bennis and Noah Keeler providing the setup.

At 7:21 of the first period, Lapier’s B 2s got one back with Trinity Hanes and Austin Robinson providing the setup up for a Julenea Barnhartd counter.

Then early in the second period, Adam Lapier (from Robinson and Smail) evened it 2-2.

The tie lasted less than a minute when, Jonah Bennis made it 3-2 for Casselman’s B2s with help from Kendrew Byers and Brady Smith.

At 7:07 of the second period, Lapier’s B2s again battled back this time with a power-play goal scored by Barnhartd and assisted by Adam Lapier and Brooke Lapier.

From then on it was a back and forth battle as the two Lions teams tried to gain an edge. No headway was made in the second period, and they skated into the third period still tied 3-3.

With 7:34 left in the game, Adam Lapier gave the B2s a 4-3 lead with help from Grant Wells and Colin Minish, and just over four minutes later, Brooke Lapier added the insurance, unassisted.

The Bs got their next goal from Grant Wells assisted by Bryce Bradford and they finished it off for the 7-3 victory with an empty net counter from Minish with 1:04 left in the game.

Lapier’s B2 win Sunday, evened the series at three points apiece and pushed it to a fourth game played last night, Tuesday, March 26, starting at 6 p.m.

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Bantam C Lions are UCMHL champions

March 27, 2013 Editor

Five three, five three, five three. Those were the winning numbers for the South Dundas Bantam C House Lions who swept their five point Upper Canada Minor Hockey League playoff championship series against the Kemptville Panther C2s with three consecutive 5-3 victories.

The Lions claimed the 2012-13 UCMHL championship on Kemptville ice, Monday night with their third, 5-3 win. They took game one in Kemptville on Saturday, and won on home ice on Sunday to go up four points to zero.

Kody Arsenault led the Lions to their opening game, 5-3 win, with a hat-trick performance, which was key in a Lions comeback, after they trailed the Panthers 3-2 at the end of the first period.

Matt Backes (from Logan Hummel and Teisha Mullin) opened the Lions first period scoring and Arsenault (from Jonathan Mayhew and Logan Hummel) counted his first of three to keep it close.

Then late in the second period Arsenault, unassisted, tied the game 3-3. He got the winner early in the third period with help from Logan Hummel.

Jane van Moorsel (from Tyler Nelson and Backes) finished it off for the 5-3 win, and the first two points of the series.

Back home on Morrisburg ice Sunday, the Lions came out strong, scoring two goals in the first two minutes of the game.

Mitchell Woodward got it rolling, unassisted, and Arsenault made it 2-0 with help from Logan Hummel.

The Lions held on to their 2-0 lead until early in the second when Thomas Bares put one past Lions’ goaltender Sam Waytowich to cut the gap to 2-1. In the last minutes of the second period, they evened it with a Matthew Lacelle goal.

Tyler Nelson put the Lions back into the lead with help from Backes early in the third, and then the two went to work to finish it off.

Backes counted the next two Lions goals at 12:04 and 14:41 of the third period, with Nelson assisting on both, for the second consecutive 5-3 Lions win and a four points to zero series lead.

Game three returned to Kemptville, Monday night.

Jean Guy Kronstal started the Lions on the road to the championship with an unassisted first period goal.

Nelson counted twice in the second period, and Logan Hummel (from Arsenault) and Nick Wolley (from Tyler Rae and Ben Byvelds) counted singles in the third for the 5-3 win and the final two points of the championship series.

Win east division in two straight

The Lions advanced to the UCMHL championship against the Panthers after claiming the East Division championship last Wednesday, March 20 in Morrisburg with a 5-2 victory against the NGS Braves.

The Lions opened the four point East Division championship series in Maxville on Sunday, March 17 with a 4-2 win, thanks to a three goal, third period comeback effort.

Scoring for the Lions were Backes, with two goals, and Jane van Moorsel and Kody Arsenault with singles. Nelson, Backes, Tyler Rae and van Moorsel all picked up individual assists.

Tyler Nelson led the Lions to the 5-2 game-two win and the east division championship on Morrisburg ice last Wednesday with two goals. Backing his effort were Arsenault, Rae and Mitchell Woodward.

Picking up assists in the game were Jonathan Mayhew, Logan Hummel, Nick Woolley, Ewen Baril (two), Backes, Tyler Rae, and Ben Byvelds.

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Girl Guide Cookie Launch

March 27, 2013 Editor

Good numbers turned out at the Lutheran Church hall Monday night for the Williamsburg Girl Guide’s official launch of their Cookie Campaign and an open house. “The girls will be taking their cookies home tonight,” said Sparks leader Melissa Ringler explaining that the combination Cookie Launch/ Open House was an effort for the Guide’s to get more exposure during a current Try Now. Join Later recruitment program. “I have seen four families here who aren’t part of our group, so that is very encouraging,” said Ringler. The Try Now. Join Later campaign encourages girls as young as five (Sparks) to give Guiding a try for the months of April, May and June without paying a membership fee. The Williamsburg groups meet every Monday night at the Lutheran Church in Williamsburg, where they work on crafts, play games and get involved in various activities. “The girls do a lot of their own planning for the things they want to do,” says Ringler. “We are a small group, but we have a great time.” Anyone interested in the Try Now. Join Later Girl Guides recruitment campaign can contact Ringler by e-mail at melissaringler@sympatico.ca. The local Guides groups will be out and about selling their cookies over the next couple of weeks. Pictured above, front l-r, are Brownie Maeryn Gilmour and Guide Hailey Guerin. Back, left is Spark Jesse Vezina, with Pathfinder Sierra Swindells.

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No Antiquefest 2013

March 27, 2013 Editor

Antiquefest 2013 is cancelled.

“The members of the Morrisburg and District Lions Club regret that we will not be hosting Antiquefest 2013,” noted Bob Bechard, Lion President on the club’s website. “This decision was not taken lightly, and there remains the possibility it could return in the future.”

The Club is currently working to ensure that its vendors, business supporters and the community understand the complexity of the difficult decision. However, they were not prepared to go into those details at this time.

“Our members have enjoyed hosting Antiquefest and, as a result, this was a difficult decision for the Club,” said Judy Charette, the club’s communications officer.

“Although we have determined it is necessary to step back from the festival this summer, we will re-assess for future years and advise if a decision is made to resurrect Antiquefest,” she added in a prepared statement.

This year, would have been the 15th year for the event, which had always taken place the last weekend in July.

Antiquefest started in 1998 as a South Dundas event at the Morrisburg waterfront. In its fourth year, it was moved to the Matilda Hall. The Morrisburg and District Lions Club took over the event from the township in 2006, and moved it back to the Morrisburg waterfront, where it had been ever since.

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