Month: September 2013

South Dundas had a $623,515 surplus in 2012, and at the September 3, council meeting the treasurer recommended that the surplus be used to offset some of the cost of the ongoing South Dundas Municipal Centre project.

Immediately upon hearing the potential savings associated supporting the treasurer’s recommendation, council unanimously agreed to the allocation.

“Three hundred and four thousand dollars worth of interest would be saved over 20 years by using the surplus,” South Dundas treasurer Shannon Geraghty told council at the September 3 meeting.

“Well then, that’s the best place to use it,” said South Dundas councillor Archie Mellan. “Especially when you have a long-term investment in the South Dundas Municipal Centre.”

By using the surplus to offset SDMC costs, it would mean that South Dundas would only have to borrow $3.6 million, rather than the $4.4 million that they had originally planned.

“It really makes a significant difference,” added South Dundas councillor Evonne Delegarde.

South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds acknowledged that this surplus resulted from prudent budgeting, and that it would also be prudent to use these funds as an opportunity to save some dollars.

Butternut trees blocking road extension project

Yet another, obstacle is impacting South Dundas’ project to open up access to municipally-owned commercial property in the Morrisburg Industrial Park.

Unlike any potential planning obstacles, this roadblock is much more tangible.

Eight butternut trees will need to be cut down for the project, which is now at a standstill, to continue.

These eight trees are in the direct path of the new roadway.

Butternut trees are endangered, so work has been stopped while South Dundas officials follow the necessary Ministry of Natural Resources guidelines in place for the protection of the trees.

South Dundas chief administrative officer Steve McDonald told council at their September 3 meeting that they are in the process of applying for a permit to remove the trees.

He explained that removal of the trees requires a compensation plan to plant other butternut trees in a new location and that they be monitored.

According to information on the MNR website, it generally takes about three months, from the time an application is submitted, for a decision to be rendered.

“Obviously, we are hopeful this process will be expedited,” added McDonald.

With fall coming, any delay to the project is worrisome, confirmed South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds.

“It is an unfortunate delay and hopefully we can resume construction shortly,” he said.

According to McDonald, the financial implications of the delay, at this point, are minimal.

“The contractor has completed all the work they can,” he said, adding that South Nation Conservation is assisting South Dundas officials with the application process.

September 11, 2013 W. Gibb – Leader staff

Shane Koyczan explodes on to St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage

…“Canada is the ‘what’ in ‘what’s new’/We are the true North strong and free/ And what’s more/ We didn’t just say it…We made it be…”

Shane Koyczan exploded on to a world stage before 3.8 billion viewers when his poem, We Are More, brought audiences to their feet during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics’ opening ceremonies. His poem, laying raw the spirit of a nation, caught the public imagination, and fired Canadian pride.

“He is a phenomenal artist,” said Sandra Whitworth of the St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage. “He has the audience moving from laughter to tears in a few words. His pieces are very emotional and incredibly moving.”

Shane Koyczan will be in Morrisburg, at the Morrisburg Meeting Centre, on Saturday, September 14, at 7 p.m., to open the St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage 2013-14 season.

I had the opportunity to talk to Shane about his poetry and his upcoming show in Morrisburg. At the outset, I asked Shane about his inspiration for We Are More.

He had originally hesitated about participating with the poem, which had been commissioned by the Canadian Tourism Commission, but then he recalled what his grandmother once told him. “Once you say no to an opportunity, it’s gone, and so are all the opportunities that could have come with it.”

“I’d been away travelling for a long time,” Koyczan said. “I grew a bit reflective about Canada on the road. There are political aspects of this country I don’t feel so great about, sure, but I think deep down most Canadians take pride in this nation. The Olympics were kind of Canada’s house party, sort of ‘come on in and turn up the music!’”

Has life changed for him since 2010?

“Life really hasn’t changed for me. This was not a sudden earth-shaking event. But I think what the experience did do, was it shone a light on the spoken word, gave people a reference point.”

Shining a light on life, even its harsher aspects, is very much part of Shane Koyczan’s poetic philosophy. Words are a passion, an outlet, a force in his life. “I love language.”

Born in Yellowknife, moving to Penticton, British Columbia, he grew up facing the brutality and soul ache of bullying.

“I was not a social creature. Words became for me a way of dealing with people. Paper and ink don’t judge me. If you grow up being told that nothing you do or say is good or right, this affects you. A lot of times, you can be consumed by your feelings. They can be like a storm cloud following you around. Writing was a way to let me let go of what was weighing me down.”

“…and if you don’t see anything beautiful about yourself/get a better mirror/ look a little closer/stare a little longer…”

Shane was featured at TED Talks, a forum that deals with anti-bullying. His video containing the piece, To This Day, literally went viral, its impact strongly praised.

“I don’t really know the appeal of poetry,” Koyczan said. “I can’t explain it. But I believe that it’s an outlet for many, that poetry connects people. Poetry, I think, reminds people that it is okay to be emotional. Pet a puppy, or just cry if you want to.”

Clearly, his poetry has touched, and continues to touch, an extraordinary range of people.

“I am actually always really surprized at the age range at my shows. Kids will bring their grandparents.”

His Morrisburg show September 14?

“It will be a Shane Koyczan performance,” he laughed. “Lots of variation, an emotional roller coaster of highs and lows, emotional places, happy places,” despite some occasional rough language.

He has headlined in venues as large as the Vogue Theatre (1,100 seats) but, “I’m a small town kid, looking forward to coming to a small town to perform. Backstage, I disconnect with myself. I go back in time to remember why I wrote a poem, the moments, the feelings, so I can connect with an audience.”

Is poetry the centre of his life?

“I like to laugh, love film, reading and exploring water. I can’t restrict my interests and passions to just poetry. I believe that is too limiting. Don’t make your life around just one thing…you could end up hating the very thing you love.”

Opening for Shane Koyczan, with two songs, will be Tone Cluster, an exciting, talented Ottawa-based choir. “They recently did an entire show on bullying and acceptance and they seemed the perfect way to get things started for this show,” said Whitworth.

Tickets for the dynamic and passionate spoken virtuoso, Shane Koyczan, appearing for one evening only at the Morrisburg Meeting Centre September 7, 7 p.m., are available by contacting www.st-lawrencestage.com.

Be ready to fall in love with The Cemetery Club

“We were quite the threesome.”

Ida, Lucille and Doris are quite the threesome, and audiences will be forgiven for instantly entering into a love affair with them all. The Cemetery Club, now running at Upper Canada Playhouse until September 29, is a show that makes you very glad you chose to spend two hours sharing the lives of these marvellous women.

The title of Ivan Menchell’s play is deceptive. Far from being gloomy and dark, this production embraces life. Life is precious. Time is precious. Friends are precious. Ida, Lucille and Doris make that very clear.

Actors Linda Goranson, AnnaMarie Lea and Patti Kazmer are wonderful as colourful, outspoken widows, whose decades old friendship is now rounded by monthly visits to the grave sides of their late husbands. Each woman has her own particular reasons for the cemetery ritual, reasons the audience begins to understand in the course of the evening.

Not that these women are long-suffering, mournful saints. Not by any means.

One of the great pleasures of Menchell’s script is how incredibly funny it is.

From the moment Lucille bursts into Ida’s comfortable living room, draped in her latest outfit, a mink, the laughter never stops. “Do you really need a mink coat?” Ida asks. “A mink you buy because you want it. Support hose you buy because you need them!” Lucille retorts.

AnnaMarie’s Lucille might be described, in the kindest way, as a bit outré. Clothes and make up and attention matter to her. “Can I help it if men find me attractive?” “Lucille, you never stay with one man long enough for me to meet him,” Ida sighs.

Opinionated, outgoing, ready to say exactly what is on her mind, however outrageous, Lucille grabs at life with both hands…and generally gives it a good shake.

Linda Goranson, as Ida, is gentler, more introspective. She adored her late husband, Murray, but sometimes “it worries me that the memories are still so strong…sometimes it seems like (Murray’s) still right there.” Tentatively, however, she has begun to consider the idea that it may be time to get on with this life. “I need to be with someone…to give to someone…I’m not going to spend the rest of my life feeling guilty.”

The sudden, unexpected possibility of a new love leaves Ida almost giddy, and the audience rooting for her.

Doris, the third widow, memorably portrayed by Patti Kazmer, can be sharp even cantankerous. Her whole life revolved around her ‘Abe’, her one, her only, her forever love. Visits to talk to him at his grave are deeply and emotionally necessary. Indeed, these trips to the cemetery are “the high point of Doris’ month,” as Lucille puts it. “She prepares for them for two weeks ahead and thinks about them for two weeks after.”

To Doris, true love can happen once, and only once.

Then Sam, the widowed butcher, arrives, and stirs up this established threesome. Sparks fly in all directions. Doug Tangney brings warmth and humour, and a vulnerability to Sam that is deeply appealing. “Instead of looking at what a woman was like, I kept looking at how she wasn’t like Myrna,” he admits.

A strong cameo appearance by Brenda Quesnel creates a pivotal, and critical moment in the play.

Yet the laughter in The Cemetery Club is contagious.

This is a play of boisterous one liners, and of outrageously hilarious comments that only those who truly love each other can make. It is a play that shares with us wickedly funny situations (like the latest wedding of the much married Selma, where the threesome have all been summoned to be bridesmaids…again), or a post wine, spontaneous cha-cha by the women that brought Friday’s house down.

This is also a play that can deeply, very deeply, touch your heart. Trust me.

Staged on a versatile set by Sean Free, with lighting that seems to effortlessly take the action from the indoors to the outdoors, director Donnie Bowes’ production of The Cemetery Club is a wonderful end to the Playhouse’s summer season.

Ida, Lucille and Doris: quite the threesome indeed. And isn’t that lucky for audiences!

The Cemetery Club runs until September 29 at Upper Canada Playhouse.

Contact the box office at 613-543-3713 or on line at www.uppercanadaplayhouse.com.

Canadian Club season is here

There is nothing that prepares us for how quickly the summer will pass. This year was no exception. Where did it go?

All I know is what a wonderful season the Canadian Club had last year – and the local speakers rated very high on the chart. The largest crowd in recent years, came to hear Dr. Wayne Domanko speak on his involvement in our medical system over the last 40 or so years.

It is, once again, the pleasure of the Canadian Club membership committee to inform the public of the upcoming season.

Membership costs remain the same as last year at $95 per person, and that includes six meetings (dinner and speaker).

The executive invites member to come early and enjoy the pre-dinner reception – cheese, crackers, and juice – beginning around 6:30 p.m.

Our first speaker of the season – after a roast beef dinner – on September 18, will be Pamela MacDonald, who has been with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency since 2001. Pamela will provide a presentation on Canadian Food Safety.

On October 16, (roast pork dinner), Chris MacDonald, will speak on “Unions and Their Role in Canada”.

The final speaker of the fall season will be Tony Glen scheduled for just after Remembrance Day.

Tony, the Director of Collection at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, will provide insight into ‘Ensuring a Future for the Past: the Challenges of Museums.”

After the winter break, the Canadian Club will meet on March 19, when roast pork will be on the menu and the speaker will be Rev. Daniel Hayward –Pastor of the United Churches of South Stormont. Rev Hayward will provide a light-hearted look at life.

Roast turkey is on the menu for April, when Ron Bonnet, a local farmer, will speak about the “Canadian Agriculture’s Contribution to our Economy and the World”.

The final meeting will be on May 21, 2014, at which time the speaker will be the “Area Crime Prevention” officer from Long Sault, who will speak on what is happening in the real world and how people can protect ourselves.

The Canadian Club membership committee hopes everyone will them – either by way of membership – or as a visitor.

Tickets are available from Clara at 613-774-2407, or Doug at 613-543-2922. (Please give us a week’s notice.)

Clayton Casselman

A lifetime resident of the Williamsburg area, Clayton Casselman passed away suddenly at home on Friday, August 24, 2013. He was 84.

Clayton was born in Williamsburg Township, on March 12, 1929, to his parents Mahlon and Hilda Casselman.

During his lifetime, Clayton worked at several jobs including farming, merchant marine and at the Johnstown elevators.

Clayton enjoyed having a beer, hunting, playing solitaire and visiting with family and friends.

Clayton is survived by his children Lorne (Roseanne) Howden of Cortland, Gwen (Gary) Armstrong of Langton, Tom Casselman of Tillsonburg, Debbie (John) Thachuk of R.R.#3 Williamsburg and David Casselman of Tillsonburg.

He leaves his siblings Gwen Hess of Winchester Springs, Shirley Empey of R.R.#1 Iroquois and Clare (Judy) Casselman of Morrisburg.

Clayton will be fondly remembered by 17 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, and by his nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Emily “Betty”, his daughters Trudy Casselman and Darlene Berends, his sister Eleanor Swerdfeger and his brothers Keith “Mick”, Lloyd and Paul Casselman.

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, August 28th at 11 a.m., with Rev. Janet Evans officiating. Interment followed at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg.

Pallbearers were Johnny Thachuk Jr., Reg Scrivener, Chris Casselman, Tim Casselman, Tom Casselman and Steve Schwerdtfeger.

Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

Tax credits for students

Canada is one of the world’s best countries to live and do business in. Paying taxes is not fun, but as Canadians, we understand that taxes pay for the things we rely on day-to-day; health care, education, roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

As a Government, we really try to keep taxes as low as possible. We understand and appreciate how important it is for hardworking Canadian families to find savings wherever they can. This is especially true for students, who usually earn very little while they are focusing on education and training.

Since forming Government, we have introduced a number of important measures that have brought relief to Canadians’ wallets, including support and benefits for our students. Many people are aware that fifteen per cent of eligible tuition fees can be claimed as a tax credit.

All Canadian students can claim fees paid to a university, college, or other education institutions in Canada for courses taken at the post-secondary level. What some may not know is that eligible tuition fees include application, admission, and academic fees, as well as, charges for the use of library or laboratory facilities; mandatory computer service fees; examination fees; athletic and health services fees; and more.

In addition, students can claim what we call an education amount for each month – or part of a month – that they are enrolled in a qualifying educational program. That amount is $400 a month for full-time students and $120 per month for part-time students.

Even those who receive salaries or wages while they take a course related to their job can claim the education amount if they are enrolled in a qualifying education program.

Students can also claim a textbook amount for each month that they qualify for the education amount. That’s an additional $65 a month for full-time students and $20 for part-time students.

We think that is good news for students!

Post-secondary students enrolled in full-time programs who move at least 40 kilometers closer to their new school can deduct moving expenses paid through the year.

These allowances are in place so that all students have the opportunity to get all the credits and benefits they are entitled to.

Finally, when it comes time to repaying student loans, it is important to note that the interest on those loans may be claimed as a non-refundable tax credit.

There are many more tax credits available so please visit: www.cra.gc.ca/students for more information.

Our Government encourages students to report their income and pay their taxes – that’s their responsibility as citizens. And it’s my responsibility as MP to help make sure that students here in Stormont Dundas and South Glengarry are aware of the tax savings available to them.

Perspectives with Rev. Clarence Witten

Back to School

I still remember my first day of school even though it was 50 years ago. My mom took me on the city bus, and we walked from the bus stop with another mom and her daughter Irene. She was my sweetheart for years.

In class Matthew, who sat in front of me, turned around on that first day and asked, “Do you want to be my friend?” It was a friendship that lasted through my grade school. Little did I know that would be the first day of 16 years of school.

School is a huge part of all of our lives, whether we like it or not. At least for a time, our lives and schedules revolve around it. It affects the rest of our lives: the job we do, the house we live in, maybe the car we drive, and perhaps even the person we marry. School’s a pretty big deal.

The point of all this?

How about… kids, easy on the video games; buckle down and do your homework.

And I guess it’s: parents, encourage your kids in their school work; better yet, work with them (without doing too much of their projects and homework as I’ve been guilty of doing).

And it’s wishing all you teachers well: wisdom and perseverance for the task. And loads of thanks for all you do. You are the heart of the school.

And maybe (for peace in the family, my wife being one of them) I should also express my appreciation for all those bus drivers who get our kids to school safely and without harming each other.

Yes, school is important. Yet there’s yet another ‘school’ that’s as important, actually more so. It’s what we might call the ‘school of the soul.’

In our culture we emphasize and invest so much in learning information and skills for life. But how much do we consider learning that fills the soul.

The Bible tells us that there is a God who’s obvious to all who have their eyes open (see Romans 1:20). And it says that we’ve been created to know this God personally (Acts 17:27). In fact we’ll never be fulfilled or at peace until we do (John 6:35).

For me, learning about God and discovering that I could enter a relationship with him through Christ (John 1:12) affected me more than all my 16 years of formal education.

It gave me more than a job, a house, and a car. It gave me things like peace within (you can’t put a price on that) and a sense of purpose.

Getting to know God also transforms our morals. It gives power to overcome addictions. It blesses our relationships. And of course it promises us the most amazing life after this one.

The point of all this? Whether we’re young or older, it’s wise that we consider the ‘school of the soul.

There’s really only one textbook (written by God himself with the help of a bunch of writers), the Bible. There are schools around to help. We call them churches. The best way to learn is in the company of other learners to wrestle and discuss with. And the very best teacher is God himself, what we call the Holy Spirit.

Being the beginning of September, I wish you all a great school year as students, families, bus drivers, and teachers. I also encourage us all to not forget to enroll in the ‘school of the soul.’ There’s tons of good stuff to learn. Dig in and enjoy.

Pastor Clarence Witten

Community Christian

Reformed Church

Dixon’s Corners

The 19th Hole

Ladies nights at the Morrisburg Golf Club are winding down for another season with the final just two weeks away on the 18th.

The gals closed out the month of August with a two, three or four-person best ball (the best score on a hole used as the team score). Winning in the two-person category was the team of Judy Laurin and Lori Anne Davies with a 43. Adding a third golfer, the score dropped to a 38, with the winning team being Dianne Gallinger, Carolyn Weegar and Crystal Belanger. Winning in the four person team category were Betty Lou Casselman, Alice McNairn, Elsie Guindon and Lydia Eamon with a 44.

The evening was sponsored by Evonic Oil Additives Canada Inc. Coming up tonight, Wednesday, September 4, there is no sponsor, but each golfer is asked to bring a $10 gift certificate in a brown paper bag which will be used in a prize/gift exchange.

The September 11 Ladies Evening will be visited by CPGA pro Phil Rankin who will present a short game clinic after dinner. Participants are being asked to sign up.

As well the sign-up sheet for the Final Ladies Scramble on Saturday, September 21 has been posted. The cost for the event is $20 and participants can make up their team to play for the most valuable “bragging trophy”.

Last Thursday night, the men’s evening was sponsored by Giant Tiger.

Low shooters were Bob Mann, with a 36 in A flight (retro), Doug McNairn with a 36 in B flight and Terry Laurin with a 40 (retro) in C flight. Net winners were Lindsay Weegar A, Larry Gallinger B, and Ken Rundle C.

Keith Robinson won for closest to the pin on the par three 11th, and Al Graham had the closest on the 14th.

The final Seniors event is set for Sunday, September 15. The day will include golf and a roast beef dinner. The cost is $14 and registrations can be made by contacting Linda Henderson.

Monday, September 23 is the final Monday morning play. It will be followed by lunch. The contact is Candace Jamieson.

Junior B Lions are adding size and speed

With 11 goaltenders, 12 defenceman and 26 forwards in camp, Morrisburg Junior B Lions general manager Kevin Casselman, says the coaching staff has some tough decisions ahead.

The Lions opened their 2013 training camp in Spencerville, two weeks ago, on Sunday, August 18.

Their training camp schedule runs until this Sunday, September 8 and when it is ended they will have been on the ice 11 times, seven of them in pre-season games.

“We’ve had a great turn out with approximately 50 players,” says Casselman. “With all of the late season moves we made last year, it really left us with just eight veterans returning to camp, and another seven players attending who finished the season with us as late arrivals or affiliates. That puts our returning number at approximately 15 players.”

Also returning this year, for his second season is head coach Dan Frawley. New to the bench are associate coach Andrew Scott and assistant coach Mark Evans.

“We have been very pleased with the quality of the camp,” says Casselman. “The coaches were very busy in the recruitment stages, and now have some very difficult decision to be made within the next week.”

Casselman says Lions fans will certainly be seeing some added size and speed in the lineup this year.

Overagers in camp include Drew Veenstra and Michel Lefevbre, both of whom were with the Lions last season. (Lefevbre did get a late season release for playoff purposes, but remained Lions property.)

Riley Nicolaasen who was signed late last year is looking for a roster position as is Brandon Chaffe who was acquired in a trade with the Westport Rideaus.

A very welcome return as an overager is former Lion Christian Leger who now has three seasons of Junior A experience under his skates having played with both Ottawa and Gloucester.

Veteran goaltender Ryan Cooper is in camp along with John Gilmer who was affiliated to the Lions last season while playing AAA Major Midget with the Canadian International Hockey Academy in Rockland.

Goaltender Brandon Chilton from Moose Factory, Ontario has ‘looked good in camp’ along with Robert Weidman from Quebec and locals Zach Frawley (South Dundas Minor Hockey), Ryan Troutman, Liam O’Donahue and Eric Mantha.

Looking to reclaim their spots on the blueline are Sam Hodgson and Drew Veenstra.

Ty Hodgson from Morrisburg, who started last season with the Lions, before moving to play AAA with the Upper Canada Major Midget Cyclones is also on the ice.

New to the camp are Dan Fyckes (6’ 2” from Norwood, New York), Zach Belaire, 6’2” right-hander (played last year with AAA Major Midget Ottawa Sens), Evan Mantha (16-year-old Cornwall Colts draft pick) and local prospect Kristian Palmer (6’4”).

From Morrisburg comes 16-year-old Andrew Jarvis. Protected by the Brockville Braves, Jarvis has been returned from the Braves ‘for a season of development.’ A smooth skater, ‘Andrew brings a heads-up style of play’.

Looking for spots up front are returning players Clark Veenstra, Taylor Eamon, Nicholas Pilon, Michael Paquette, Ryan Dunbar and Zach Seguin.

Local player, Shane Woolsey (Iroquois area) is looking good. A 16-year-old, Woolsey was protected by the Kemptville 73s Jr. A and has been returned to the Lions for development.

The Lions are also looking at two Americans, Tyler Young from Massena and Robbie Scott from Potsdam.

Also still in camp are Isaac Brownlee and Peter Ketcheson who gained experience last year, Alex Kidd of Ottawa, Patrick Picard from Hearst, Ontario, Harry Wyss of Russell, Brian Landry of Cornwall, Kyle Adams of Morrisburg and Brandon Mullin.

The Junior B Hockey season is now just one week away from opening.

The Lions will kick off their schedule on the road, when they take on the Alexandria Glens in their barn on Friday, September 13 at 8 p.m.

For their home opener, the Lions will host the Winchester Hawks on Saturday, September 14. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

The Lions coaching staff will be looking at the players in pre-season game tonight (Wednesday) September 4 against the Brockville Tikis at the Brockville Memorial Centre, and again this Saturday, September 7 at the Benson Center in Cornwall, when they host the Stittsville Royals at 3 p.m.