Month: May 2013

 

The Seaway Valley Presbytery is the first presbytery in Canada to complete an en-masse restructuring.

In 2011, hundreds of church delegates voted to support a process that would support and encourage dialogue concerning the future of local United Churches.

The presbytery includes United Churches in the Seaway Valley from Prescott to the Ontario-Quebec border. 

The results of those dialogues are now coming to fruition, with many of the ongoing changes set to take effect July 1, 2013.

The basis of the restructuring is the pressure that all churches are facing due to increasing costs and declining membership.

The bold moves that this region has taken to facilitate change have garnered the interest of many across the country and across faiths.

“We get calls from right across the country, from people who are interested in finding out how the process is going,” said Rev. Wendy Wright-MacKenzie. She chairs the vision and transformation committee of the Seaway Valley Presbytery. “Many, including those of other faiths, are monitoring our model,” she said.

The discussions have been left with the congregations, rather than the governing body (the presbytery), to allow each area to choose their own path forward, explained Wright-MacKenzie.

Some churches, like Morrisburg’s Lakeshore United Church, have opted to remain a stand alone church. 

Change for that church will be minimal, however, their minister is moving on, so they will be seeking a new minister.

Others like Iroquois United and Brinston (pictured) -Hulbert Valley United have decided to amalgamate. Through this new union, they will become the Iroquois-Matilda United Church. 

It will be a two point charge, under one minister. The Iroquois-Matilda United Church is seeking a minister.

Other models being explored across the presbytery are a regional model and cluster model. 

A cluster model involves sharing one new governance. Churches at the west end of the presbytery are in the process of determining if they would like to follow this new cluster model.  

A regional model is a fresh start. “In a regional model, churches disband and close, and a new ministry is started,” explained Wright-MacKenzie.

Only one regional church has been formed in the Seaway Valley Presbytery: Christ  Church United.

This new ministry is located in the Chesterville United Church building, but the building has been completely changed in order to make it a new space to those moving there from the former Morewood and Chesterville area churches. 

Christ Church United is still in discussions with other area congregations, including the Williamsburg congregation, which presently holds services at the former Elma School location after selling their church building. 

Wright-MacKenzie explains that this regional model is one that is generating much excitement among its parishioners.

“The difference between amalgamation and what is happening here, with a new ministry, is that people are encouraged to get rid of the tangibles and to embrace letting go. Church is not the building,” she said.

“Churches generally have key leaders. When you go to a regional model, this puts all of their energy together. And, when you do that, something exciting blossoms,” said Wright-MacKenzie.

In a regional church model, one minister does two services on Sunday. 

There is more lay-leadership, pastoral care is shared with the people in the congregation, study groups are led by trained lay-leaders, and a central youth group is formed. Resources, such as music are shared.

“We are looking at ways to meet the needs of the community,” she said while the congregation explores new ways of worshiping differently, together.

[…]

 

CJAM Fashion Boutique quietly opened its doors in the Iroquois Plaza almost a month ago, and already sales are exceeding expectations of owner Colin Jones.

Local dignitaries dropped by the Iroquois location May 4th to celebrate the store’s official opening.

CJAM offers new fashions, mostly for women, from fashion basics, to dress clothing to bridal and formal clothing. 

Jones plans to fulfill the fashion needs of the community by talking to his customers, learning what they want and need. 

“The community is telling me what they need. Now, I just have to listen to my customers,” he said.

So far, the store’s customers are mostly seeking conservative fashions and basics. “The people of this area are really starved for fashion,” said Jones.

While the store is already stocked with plenty of clothing and accessories, Jones is already planning to expand his offerings They sell sheepskin fashions including vests and jackets and will soon offer Dri-zabone Australian oilskin coats. He also plans to offer an alterations service.

Jones, who is originally from Australia was living in Ottawa when he found Iroquois.

He spent 30 years in the Australian Army where he flew an Iroquois Helicopter. So the community name really struck a chord with him.

After visiting the town many times he decided to retire here, but instead of retiring, he decided to open CJAM.

At Saturday’s official opening, South Dundas deputy mayor Jim Locke welcomed Jones to the Iroquois Plaza. “I wish you the greatest success,” he said.

Evonne Delegarde, speaking on behalf of the Iroquois Business Group pointed out that with this store opening, there is now only one storefront left to fill in the plaza. Jones worked closely with South Dundas’ economic development officer Nicole Sullivan to open this business in the Iroquois Plaza.

[…]

 

This year’s first local Masonichip child identification clinic was extremely successful.

Don Salt, reported that the program funded by the Masons that gathers important data for parents useful to police in the case of a missing child, was very well received.

They had a booth set up at the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce Trade Show and there they saw 75 children. 

They even had six teenaged girls and two teenaged boys participate in the clinic. 

Salt was especially pleased that the teenaged girls participated in the program, a target group that he would like to seem more of at the clinics. 

From his years as a law enforcement officer, he knows that they are the highest risk group. For those who missed the first clinic, the Iroquois-Cardinal Masons are hosting their next clinic at the Cardinal Firehall Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. No appointment is necessary. 

[…]

 

A whole new slate of directors has South Dundas Chamber of Commerce officials excited about the prospect of bringing new blood and new ideas to the organization that was founded in 1946.

The South Dundas Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting was held April 29 at the Upper Canada Playhouse. About 40 people attended.

“This is an exciting time to be in business in South Dundas,” said Chuck Barkley, who is returning for his second year of a two year term as president of the organization.

“Not only do we have one of the fastest growing trade shows in the area, last year was the first year that the Chamber of Commerce has been over the  150 member mark in its history.”

“It benefits the entire community to have a strong chamber of commerce. It’s a good time to be in business in South Dundas and I am looking forward to a strong year,” said Barkley.

The 2013 board members include president Chuck Barkley, first vice president Carl McIntyre, secretary Tracy Jones, treasurer Lauren Harriman, and directors Sue Jarvis, Joey VanKoppen, Stewart Cook, Brenda McIntosh, Donnie Bowes, Ralph Rick and Nicole Keicks.

Part of the AGM included a vote to re-affirm the general manager’s position, which they did.

Artistic director Donnie Bowes was guest speaker at the event, where he reflected on 30 years of the playhouse.

He spoke about its humble beginnings and its present successes.

He credits the longevity and success of the playhouse with a supportive community, professional actors and strong marketing.

“This playhouse has established itself as one of the most successful companies of its size in the province,” said Bowes.

That success translates into a great economic impact on the local community. “We really treat this like a business,” said Bowes. “Show business.”

“My greatest source of pride is seeing that parking lot full every night,” he said. “When I see that parking lot full, it means that people are choosing live theatre. They are supporting culture, but most of all they come here because they want to. We have really broken down a lot of barriers.”

[…]

 

Paul Harris will speak at the Lakeshore United Church, Morrisburg, Saturday, May 11. 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. 

His Theme is: Christian Meditation: Contemplative Prayer for a New Generation.

Paul  is a former journalist and public servant living in Ottawa. He is n internationally-renown speaker and retreat leader. he is author of eight books om Christian Meditation.

Christian meditation, recovered by Benedictine monk, John Main (1926-1982), is an ancient prayer of silence, stillness and simplicity that leads us on our spiritual journey to find a deeper experience of God.

The program consists of two talks by Paul on the teaching of John Main and a time of silent meditation.

There is no cost but please bring finger food to share. 

All interested are welcome.

[…]

 

CustomCarts.ca has opened a kiosk location in Williamsburg.

The grand opening was celebrated May 1, with community dignitaries on hand to offer their congratulations to the new business.

Custom Carts’ home store is in Trenton, but seeing so many of their customers making the trek from Eastern Ontario and western Quebec they decided to open this kiosk location in Williamsburg. They purchased the building that formerly housed Williamsburg bank, and quietly opened their doors about two weeks ago.

“This location is great,” said Mike Eden, store owner. “It gives us the ability to be here with a relatively small footprint.”

For now, Nickey Eden commutes from Trenton daily to run the location which is open Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They plan to open Saturdays starting in June.

As the name implies, Custom Carts sells new and used custom golf carts. Ninety-nine percent of their business is to individual people or businesses who oftentimes have various uses for the carts including improved mobility, industrial use and as originally intended for golf.

New or used carts are available and can be customized as much or as little as needed. “For every reason and every season is our slogan,” said Eden.

Pricing for a four person model generally starts around $2,500.

The Edens found this Williamsburg location using Google. They knew generally the area of the province they wanted to open a kiosk. They found Williamsburg and liked its proximity to Ottawa, and the Quebec border. They found the building advertised for sale on Kijiji.

The Williamsburg kiosk location has a small sample of what Custom Carts has to offer, with about half a dozen golf carts on site. Their Trenton location has an inventory of between 600 and 700 golf carts.

“We are so happy you’re here,” said Sue Dingwall, representing the office of MP Guy Lauzon. “It’s wonderful when any new business opens and we are glad you found us. Thank you for coming to us.”

Marilyn McMahon-Ayerst, representing the office of MPP Jim McDonell welcomed the new business to the area. “We hope you enjoy our region, we are proud of it.”

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our towns,” said South Dundas deputy mayor Jim Locke who welcomed the new business to the community. He estimated that this is one of seven new small businesses that have recently opened their doors in South Dundas.

“We are happy to have you join us,” said Chuck Barkley, president of the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce. “I love the product,” he added.

The Edens are committed to the product they offer and are excited to bring it to this area. “I think the community will be great for us,” said Mike.

[…]

 

Since 2002, the Township of South Dundas has had a bylaw requiring all dog owners to have their dogs leashed at all times when they are not on their own property.

“We need to make people aware that this bylaw exists. They’re still not getting it,” says Shirley Gillmor who has been advocating the use of leashes, especially in the Morrisburg waterfront park, where she and her dog fell victim to an attack last August.

Her leashed Yorkshire Terrier was attacked by an unleashed German Shepherd. Gillmor’s dog Bruiser was killed in the attack and Gillmor was injured. The owner of the Shepherd faced charges stemming from the attack.

The attack happened at the Morrisburg waterfront, near the Docksyde, which is a very busy place.

Gillmor now walks her newly adopted dog Daisy at the Morrisburg waterfront, and on a regular basis encounters unleashed dogs and oftentimes the owners tell her not to worry, their dog is “friendly”. 

Last week, one of those “friendly” dogs approached her and her dog and it was growling.  “My thoughts were, Oh God, not again! My nerves are pretty-well frayed at this point and I’m angry and frustrated. What do I have to do to be able to walk my dog without fear of being attacked?” says Gillmor.

Gillmor has been working with the township’s bylaw enforcement officers in an effort to ensure that people are aware that this bylaw exists for the protection of all who use the park.

Regardless of temperament, every dog that is in the waterfront park not on a leash is contravening the bylaw.

While South Dundas bylaw enforcement officials do try to have some presence along the waterfront to inform dog owners of the bylaw, it is generally enforced by complaint.

In an effort to raise awareness of the existing bylaw, according to Donald Lewis, manager of planning and enforcement, they plan to add six new signs to the waterfront area to make users aware that all dogs must be on a leash and that owners must pick up after their dogs. Gillmor also points out that, for those who wish to let their dogs run unleashed, there is a beautiful off leash dog park available, right across the road.

[…]