Month: August 2013

“Phenomenal,” was how Susan Le Clair, manager of customer service and corporate communications, described the first Food Lovers Field Days event that took place, at Upper Canada Village, August 17 and 18.

“We exceeded expectations,” said Le Clair, who reported that almost 6,000 people attended over the two days.

Saturday, those who organized the event were already talking about next year’s event.

“We have already been talking about how we can make it even bigger and better,” said Le Clair, who is sure they will be able to make some improvements for next year, now that they have a year’s experience under their belts.

While the food lovers who attended were pleased to learn so much about what is available in their own backyards, so too were the 30 vendors who participated.

By Sunday afternoon, some of the vendors started to run out of product, indicating that their expectations were also exceeded.

Because Upper Canada Village appeals to such a large demographic, the vendors gained exposure to a larger demographic that they may not get at a regular food show, explained Le Clair. “The vendors were very happy,” she said.

The venue has room for even more vendors next year.

Le Clair acknowledged that they were lucky to get such perfect weather, and hopes that will happen again for next year’s event.

Ninth annual picnic hosted

On Sunday, August 11th, my wife Frances and I had the pleasure of hosting our 9th Annual Constituency Picnic. Thanks to a wonderful staff and some great volunteers, the event went off without a hitch. After being so well received by the many constituents throughout SDSG it is very gratifying for Frances and I to return the favour and welcome people to our home.

The picnic has become a bit of a tradition for us. We have been feeding our guests the same menu, providing the same entertainment and everyone seems to enjoy themselves year after year. We even have bouncy castles for the kids.

Speaking of entertainment, Lucien “Smokey” Leger and his family have been our entertainment since our first event in 2005. 87 year old Smokey, his sons Alan and Brian, along with son-in-law Rick, keep everyone tapping their toes and sometimes even singing along to the many “old favourites” they play. I feel truly fortunate that our Constituency Picnic is the only “gig” these very professional and accomplished musicians play at all year. They have already been booked for next year’s special 10th Anniversary Picnic.

Certainly one of the highlights of the afternoon is when Frances sang a few numbers.

As some of you know, Frances has a beautiful voice and she is always a fan favourite when she sings her traditional three numbers.

Many of our guests are most complimentary of the beautiful flower gardens Frances works so hard at preparing for our special event.

I do cut the grass, however this year I didn’t get the weeding done, although I don’t think anyone noticed.

In all sincerity this day is very special to me. It is very humbling to welcome all the great friends we have made over the past years to a very simple happy family event.

Our BBQ gives all of us a chance to catch up with each other, see old friends, and just be grateful for the wonderful country we live in. For me it is a wonderful reminder of just how fortunate I am to be blessed with being the Member of Parliament for Stormont, Dundas & South Glengarry.

Ten year housing plan for Cornwall and SD&G

Public input is key to a new 10-year housing plan, now in the works.

Community members will have a chance to help shape a new vision for housing in the City of Cornwall and the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry for the next decade and beyond.

The City of Cornwall’s Social Housing Division is in the midst of creating a new 10-year Housing Plan for Cornwall and SDG that will focus on the entire spectrum of housing, from homelessness to affordable home ownership.

The plan will include an assessment of current and future housing needs as well as targets and objectives to meet those needs.

“This is a high-level strategic plan,” said Debora Daigle, Manager, Social and Housing Services. “It will identify needs and respond to local challenges with innovative community-based solutions.”

Public consultation is a key element in the process, and officials are reaching out to the public and community stakeholders to provide input during the preparation of the plan.

Residents and interested stakeholders are invited to share their thoughts through a short online survey that is available on the City website (www.Cornwall.ca). The survey will be available until the end of August.

“The survey will help us identify gaps in service and priorities to improve access to quality and affordable housing,” said Daigle. “We’re hoping to get input from a wide cross-section of the community, including members of the public, community agencies, planners, developers, builders and housing providers.”

As the Consolidated Municipal Service Manager for Cornwall and SDG, the City of Cornwall has a mandate to develop a plan covering the entire region.

Liberal crowd at barbecue event

Local members and supporters of the Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry Federal Liberal Association enjoyed an afternoon of family entertainment at the Lost Villages Museum on Saturday, August 17th.

“The weather was perfect; it was a great day for Liberals”, said Del Jones, President.

The only challenge for the association was feeding the large crowd.

Organizers had planned on an attendance of 150-200 but the caterers estimated that close to 400 were served.

“We were a little overwhelmed by the numbers and realized early that we were going to have to shop for more food. That was a problem that we did not mind having.” said Jones.

Liberals had the opportunity to hear encouraging words from Ottawa-Vanier MP, Mauril Bélanger, former Kingston and the Islands MP and long-serving Speaker of the House, Peter Milliken as well as former SDSG MPP, Jim Brownell.

Belanger reinforced the importance of Liberal supporters getting involved as volunteers and making regular financial contributions. He pointed out that between April and June more Canadians donated to the Liberal Party than any other party, but the Conservative Party raised almost twice as much.

Jones challenged local Liberals to get involved as volunteers and sign up for the Victory Fund. “There is a 75 percent tax credit for contributions on donations of $10/month which means it only costs donors $2.50/month – less than ten cents per day to support the Liberal Party.

“Justin Trudeau has strong support across Canada but it will take hard work and financial support in every riding to restore a progressive Liberal government in Ottawa,” he said.

The barbecue was free to members, supporters and their friends.

Anyone interested in becoming a member, or donating to the Liberal Party should go to the Liberal Party website www.liberal.ca or contact Del Jones at del_jones@sympatico.ca.

Correction

Correction: The August 14 issue of the Leader incorrectly identified Joe Groeneveld as the Dixon's Corners youth director. He is in fact the Williamsburg youth pastor. Dan Ponsen is the Dixon's youth director. We apologize for the error.

Susanna Engwerda

A resident of Rosebridge Manor in Easton’s Corners for the past four months, Susanna Engwerda passed away there on Tuesday, July 30, 2013. She was 90.

Susanna was born in Emmer-Compascum, The Netherlands, on July 26, 1923, to her parents Johan Rudolf Tholen (1967) and Maria Wilhelmina Wessels (1946). She was the second of seven daughters who were followed, to the immense relief of her father, by twin boys.

Susanna, or Leida as she was known to her family, married Gerben Engwerda in January of 1954, and they immigrated to Canada to join two of Susanna’s sisters and their families in Calgary. It was here they started their family, became Canadian citizens and were proud Albertans for 13 years. In July of 1967, they moved east and settled on the farm at RR # 2 Chesterville where the love of the land was instilled into their children.

Upon retirement Susanna and Gerben travelled extensively to Holland, the prairies and enjoyed a three month stay in Australia.

In 1993, Morrisburg became their home, and Susanna lived in this close knit community longer than she had lived anywhere since coming to Canada.

Following Gerben’s death in 2000, Susanna continued to cross the pond almost annually and made many memories with her dear friends as they enjoyed countless bus trips exploring both in Canada and the U.S.

In 2011, Susanna successfully conquered cancer, and it was shortly afterwards in January of 2012, that she made the move the few blocks to The Hartford Retirement Centre where she resided until April of this year.

The last months saw her at Rosebridge Manor in Easton’s Corners, where she was surrounded by the compassion and laughter of caregivers who treated her as family, they are second to none

Susanna is survived by her children Mary-Anne and John Gibson and their children Virginia (Ian) and Allison (Shawn), Susanna and John Cayer and their children Jason, Curtis, J.J., Bobby, Matthew, Louise and Luc and Gerald and his children Nathan and Alexis.

Susanna also leaves behind her great-grandchildren Aurora, Peyton, Kai and Marie-Eve, who brought endless delight to their “Moma”.

She was predeceased by her husband Gerben, her granddaughter Christina Gibson, her sisters Marietje and Elisabeth and her brother Gerard who have welcomed her to Heaven with loving arms.

Susanna is also survived by her sisters Wilhelmina of Calgary, Lenie (Jan), Greta (Willy), Graddy and her brother Hennie (Lenie) all of Holland and sisters-in-law Maria of Australia and Marietje of Holland.

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

A C.W.L. service was held on Friday evening at 6:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Morrisburg on Saturday, August 3, at 10 a.m., with Father Chisholm officiating. Interment followed at St. Francis de Sales Cemetery, Smiths Falls where Susanna was laid to rest with Gerben and Christina.

Pallbearers were John Gibson, John Cayer, Gerald Engwerda, Nathan Engwerda, Ian Larochelle and Shawn Caron.

Donations to The Alzheimer’s Society or St. Mary’s Church would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

Emma Mustard

Emma Mustard (nee Hodgson) passed away peacefully at the Bayfield Manor, Kemptville, on Monday July 29, 2013. She was 81.

Emma was wife of the late Robert (Bob) Mustard, dear mother of Jim (Jan) Mustard and John (Debbie) Mustard, all of Iroquois.

She was the cherished grandmother of Benjamin, Kristan, Robert, Shawn (Brooke) and Andrew, and great-grandmother of Michaela, Jayden, Taelyn, Quinnlan and Remington.

Sister to Freida Coughlar, and sister-in-law to Donelda Hodgson, Hilda Banford and Betty Thompson, Emma was predeceased by her brothers Stan, Harold, Charlie and Hepburn.

A longtime resident of Iroquois, Emma was born February 23, 1932. She was the daughter of Roy and Myrtle Hodgson (nee Droppo). Bob and Emma married in July of 1951.

Emma worked for Pyramid Paper Morrisburg, Caldwell Linen Mills Iroquois and RCA Prescott, where she retired from on April 1, 1977.

Emma loved garage sales, collecting dolls and cup and saucers, bingo, fishing, baking with her grandkids, watching television, country music, visiting and trips to “Timmies” with friends.

Emma’s real passion in life was her children, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and children in general.

Gerdina Hedda Agatha Cassell

A longtime resident of the Morrisburg community, Gerdina “Hedda” Agatha Cassell passed away peacefully at the St. Lawrence Lodge in Brockville, on Thursday, May 30, 2013. She was in her 87th year.

Gerdina “Hedda” Agatha Cassell (nee Pothaar) was born July 30, 1926, in Deventer, The Netherlands to Egbert Pothaar and Augustina van Putten. She had three older brothers Egbert, Anthony and Gerard (Gerry).

Growing up during the war years, dark curtains were put on the windows and pulled tightly at night; food was a precious item but Hedda often said they did not do without.

One night at a dance she met, and fell in love with, a man by the name of Walter, a Canadian soldier, who was full of life and loved to dance. They were married on May 23, 1946, in Deventer, Holland.

Walt returned to Canada a few months later on the Nieuw Amsterdam. Hedda was then transported to Rotterdam, to wait for the boat’s departure. The Aquitania landed at Pier 21 in Halifax, in October of 1946.

This was not a luxurious trip by any means as the women were crowded in their quarters. Upon arrival in Canada, Hedda travelled by train to Morrisburg where Walt was there to meet her. They returned to live with his parents and his seven brothers and sisters, who were lined up on the back stairs when she came in.

Within three months Walt and Hedda moved to their own place, an apartment on Locke Street in old Morrisburg. There she met two lifetime friends Joyce Henophy and Myra Eamon.

During the Seaway years at the house in Mariatown, Walt and Hedda took in boarders from a company originating from Niagara Falls, and they all became family. After the Seaway years, Walt and Hedda moved to the house they had built in Morrisburg, where they lived until Walt’s death in 2007.

Hedda worked at the knitting mill in Morrisburg then at Upper Canada Village, beginning shortly after it opened as a seamstress designing and making the costumes of the era. Her friend Phyllis Dawley eventually worked with her at this job.

Hedda and Phyllis attended church regularly, sitting in the same pew, working for church events and becoming like sisters. They enjoyed their evening walks along the St. Lawrence River, going to Cornwall every Saturday morning to shop and look for bargains. They died twenty-seven days apart from one another.

When Walt had cancer, it was son Danny and his wife Louise who took on the job of checking on Walt and Hedda’s daily needs.

Louise, along with working, prepared their meals and did extra cleaning duties. Danny kept the exterior of their home tidy and went nightly to help put his mom to bed so his parents could stay together.

Daughter Yvonne and son-in-law Dale had it easier during this time with twice weekly trips to Morrisburg to take Walt to Ottawa for treatment or to stay with Hedda who could not be left alone due to her dementia.

Walt kept Hedda at home with him until two days before he went to the hospital himself. He would not let her go.

Hedda was the loving mother of Yvonne (Dale) Hess of Brockville and the late Daniel Cassell (Louise) of Morrisburg.

She was the cherished grandmother of Jennifer Hess (Randy Croke) of Whitby, Stephanie (Phillip) Crowell of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Marc Hess of Ottawa and Cory (Jenna) Cassell of Morrisburg.

She was the beloved great-grandmother of Sarah and Adam Croke, Nathan and Ryan Crowell and Jace Cassell and loving sister-in-law of Mitchell (Deanna) of Morrisburg, John of Brockville, Harry (Marjorie) of Winchester, Betty (late Carl) Daw of Ajax, Shirley Scott of Whitby, Anna Pothaar-van der Werf of the Netherlands and Shirley Cassell of Morrisburg.

She will be sadly missed by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Hedda was predeceased by her son Daniel (2009), by her brothers Gerard Pothaar, Egbert (Rita) Pothaar, Antonie (Anke) Pothaar, sisters and by her brothers-in-law Junior (Joyce) Cassell, Charles Cassell, Dawn Cassell and Harold Scott.

A Memorial Service was held at the St. James Anglican Church, Morrisburg on Friday, August 2, 2013 at 3 p.m. Inurnment followed at the St. James Anglican Cemetery in Morrisburg.

Memorial donations may be made to either the Mary Jane Hawkins Fund of St. Lawrence Lodge or St. James Anglican Church Memorial Fund.

Parker Funeral Home (613 543-2271) was entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be made at www.parkerofmorrisburg.com

Her family was everything and she never missed an opportunity to tell the younger generation how fortunate they were to be born in Canada.

Her pallbearers were her four grandchildren Jennifer Hess, Stephanie Crowell, Marc Hess and Cory Cassell.

Now Walt and Hedda can rest together, at peace, with the Lord as they have been reunited at the St. James Anglican Cemetery in the Morrisburg they so loved.

Where there’s smoke…

I want to assure the SD&G Fire and Emergency services that all my smoke detectors are in great working order. They have recently been tested under realistic conditions. I was cooking.

After decades of trying, I am now pretty certain that my talents, whatever they are, do not lie in the area of the culinary arts.

This is unfortunate, as the one thing I take great delight in doing is eating. Italian, French, Asian, Southern…well, I have yet to meet a style of cooking that I couldn’t love. And think home made bread, think butter tarts and squares, flaky crusted pies and cakes with exotic names like Black Forest and Rum Baba. All of them lovingly made – by other people.

Actually, I think about food like that all the time. I never think raw broccoli.

I honestly mean well in the kitchen. I have several cook books given to me by friends who have experienced dinner at my house. I have two pots. I have a meat thermometer, just as soon as I remember where I put it four Christmases ago. (Might still be attached to that unfortunate turkey that got left in a 500 degree oven.). I have a single roasting pan, lid missing, and one glass pie plate with something stuck around the edges that resists all known cleansers. I have a knife, but it’s broken.

So, all the essentials. I also keep a quick list right beside the stove with helpful hints such as the phone number for Poison Control and the 800 number for Ask-A-Nurse/Practitioner.

Honestly, things just seem to go wrong when I cook.

Who knew yeast had a life span? You could have anchored a yacht to that particular loaf of bread.

Who knew that you don’t pour an entire mickey of rum into a single Christmas cake just because the batter still appears to be absorbing it? (You don’t want to know the condition of my guests following dessert.)

And apparently there is considerable difference between four tablespoons of soy sauce and four tablespoons of tabasco sauce. Just ask the people invited for that particular tuna casserole.

Back to the smoke detectors.

I wasn’t actually in the kitchen. Instead I was out on the patio, directly under the open kitchen window learning to use my new barbecue. As it was cool out, with a fairly stiff breeze, all other windows and doors in the house were firmly shut.

I gather, now, that burgers may be slightly over done if there are huge columns of smoke pouring from them, and they have become the size of briquets. The other thing that didn’t register was the wind was blowing all that black smoke from the grill through the open window. It was quite a lot of billowing smoke.

I finally got all the smoke detectors turned off. However, I’m told the odour of charred beef is going to take somewhat longer to disappear. (We went out for dinner.)

Plans falling into place for senior games

Plans are falling into place for District 8 (Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, Prescott-Russell and Akwesasne) to host the 55+ Eastern Regional games on August 20, in Cornwall and area.

Games chair George Baker, said “preparations are nearing completion to host a total of 12 games comprising bid euchre, cribbage, contract bridge, darts, euchre, floor shuffleboard, golf, five-pin bowling, carpet bowling, tennis, pickleball and prediction walking.”

The Eastern Region of the Ontario Senior Games Association comprises seven districts stretching from the Québec border in the east to Kingston and Frontenac, and Renfrew in the west. Its northern and southern borders are the Ottawa and St. Lawrence rivers respectively.

Over 400 participants from the eastern region are registered for the games, said Baker.

Additionally, 68 people are involved as convenors, non-participants, volunteers and officials.

The most popular game is bowling, singles and team, whose participants number close to 100. Following bowling are golf with 45 players and floor shuffleboard with 41 players.

District 8 has the distinction of fielding three teams in men’s doubles tennis in the 75+ age category.

The day ends with a closing banquet in Cornwall’s Civic Centre.

During the banquet, the participants will be entertained by a slide show of the day’s activities and by Glengarry’s Celtic musical group, the Brigadoons.

The games will be played at the following venues, with their respective start times:

Benson Centre–Bid Euchre 10 a.m; Euchre 10 a.m; Women’s Tennis 9:30 a.m; Prediction Walking 9 a.m.

La Citadelle High School–Pickleball 9 a.m.

General Vanier School–Carpet Bowling 10 a.m.

Chateau Cornwall–Contract Bridge 10 a.m.

Centre Charles-Émile Claude–Cribbage 10 a.m.

Royal Canadian Legion–Darts 10 a.m.

Olympia Bowling Lanes–Bowling 10:30 a.m.

Summer Heights Golf Links–Golf 10:30 a.m.

Alexandria, Tim Horton’s Dome–Men’s Tennis 9:30 a.m.

Long Sault Arena–Shuffleboard 9 a.m.