2013 – Page 73 – Morrisburg Leader

eReader, tablet training available

January 23, 2013 Editor

Got an eReader or a tablet for Christmas, and don’t know how to use it? Head on over to your local branch of the SD&G County Library for a computer training session.

The Library’s training sessions are tailored to each individual or small group’s needs, and include training with eReaders and tablets, online resources and the public library catalogue. “Providing resources for education and learning is an important part of what the Library does” said Erika Heesen, Communications and Marketing Librarian. “These training sessions are but one example of the many services the Library offers.”

These services include lending eBooks as well as print books. Using the Library’s OverDrive app or website at www.sdglibrary.ca, Library cardholders can borrow eBooks from the comfort of their own home. “The library is all about reading and learning, whatever format that might be in”, said Heesen.

Training sessions are a part of the Library’s regular programming, or can be booked by contacting any SD&G County Library branch.

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South Dundas is already planning for next Christmas

January 23, 2013 Editor

This past Christmas holiday season may well have been the last time that the South Dundas municipal office will be open between the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

South Dundas council passed a resolution at the January 15 council meeting to close the office from noon on Christmas eve day, 2013 and re-open January 2, 2014 with regular hours.

The extra 2.5 days that the office is closed, staff will be off without pay unless they choose to use vacation time or banked hours.

Over the past couple of years, council has been adamant that the office be open for some time between the two holidays to allow ratepayers the opportunity to have access to staff to do things like pay taxes or get information. South Dundas has always ensured that the office stay open, albeit with a skeleton staff.

“We have to have some line of communication with the public. We have to be user friendly,” said South Dundas deputy mayor Jim Locke.

“I would prefer we remain open,” said South Dundas councillor Evonne Delegarde.

“I realize that people have ample opportunities for information, and such, but people still like to be able to come in and see a face. I would like them to have the opportunity to come in,” said South Dundas councillor Archie Mellan.

“I was always of the opinion that we should have someone here (between Christmas and New Year’s), but we have to make sure it’s worthwhile,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds, who this past holiday made a point to spend a little time at the office.

“I was here, I saw the abuse that our staff member had to take, here on her own. It was incomprehensible,” said the Mayor, who suggested that they try closing the office for one year to see how it works out.

The majority of council agreed.

In 2012, between the Christmas and New Year’s holidays 33 people visited the municipal office in Williamsburg in person: 20 people were paying taxes, one was getting a building permit, two were getting burn permits and the remainder were dropping off invoices or needed information that could have been accessed on the township website, phone system, newsletter or in the local paper.

The staffer on duty handled 103 phone calls: 41 for road conditions and the remainder for information that again could have been accessed through other sources, such as the webite or newspaper.

South Glengarry is the only other municipality in SD&G that is open between the two holidays.

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Watch me grow is back in Morrisburg with Ontario Early Years at St. James

January 23, 2013 Editor

A place to play and more is what’s offered by Ontario Early Years, when it holds play and learn time at St. James Anglican Church basement in Morrisburg every Tuesday from 9 a.m. until noon.

Just before the program took a break over the holidays, play and learn was moved to Tuesdays.

With this small change, they were able to bring the Eastern Ontario Health Unit nurse back every week for the Watch Me Grow program which weighs babies, gives health advice for young children and can even do immunizations, if you call ahead first.

It has been two years since Watch me Grow has been available, in Morrisburg, and Fiona Carr, program coordinator of OEY is happy to welcome the EOHU back and is pleased with the success of the recent changes.

“Our first day after the move, we had 21 kids here representing 14 families. That’s wonderful for any drop in program,” she said.

OEY, which offers programming in both Iroquois and Morrisburg, is a ‘one stop shop’ for anyone with children 0-6 years of age.

The play and learn time in Morrisburg features some great toys, and a fleet of ride on toys, with ample space for the kids to enjoy them.

This time to play and socialize with each other is an invaluable resource for young minds, and Carr said that she can see the positive affect it has on kids as they return again and again.

“Social skills are learned like crazy, just by playing with the other kids,” said Carr. “They learn how to share and to sit and listen, all in a friendly environment.”

“This is great,” said one of the caregivers who brought two young boys to Play and Learn just before Christmas. “There’s a lot of different toys here and the kids love that, especially the ride on toys. They really love the crafts too.”

While the kids are playing, learning and having fun, the time also provides their caregivers with the opportunity to talk to other parents and the child care professionals on site.

“Everyday I see new people come to the centre with their kids and leave with friends,” said Carr explaining that it’s a great place for both the parents and the kids to meet new people.

Carr encourages anyone with children aged 0-6 to drop by one of the play and learn sessions to learn about the OEY and all it has to offer. Play and Learn is offered from 9 a.m until noon, Mondays and Thursdays at Iroquois Public School and Tuesdays at St. James Anglican Church in Morrisburg.

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Blanket support for rooftop solar

January 23, 2013 Editor

South Dundas council granted its support to another small rooftop solar project in South Dundas at the January 15 council meeting.

A handful of similar projects were supported at the December meeting.

This month the support is for a project on the property of Glenn and Margaret Swerdfeger, located along Carman Road.

The support or non-support of the municipality truly has no bearing on whether or not a project will proceed, according to municipal officials.

Council is firmly divided on the issue. Out of protest against the program which has a negative impact on the rates paid by hydro users, Mayor Steven Byvelds and Councillor Jim Graham refuse to support any of these projects.

However, they are the minority, so in the end council is supportive of all of the applicants seeking similar support.

Rather than waste time at council meetings having the same discussion over and over again, council has asked staff to prepare a policy that will provide blanket support for these small rooftop solar projects taking place on private property.

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Farmers now paying more for extra garbage, council approves bylaw

January 23, 2013 Editor

South Dundas council gave final approval to a new garbage collection and waste disposal bylaw at the January 15 council meeting.

The biggest change in the bylaw: Farm waste is now being considered commercial waste and therefore subject to larger tipping fees at the township’s waste disposal sites.

“We should be treated like a business. We are a business,” said South Dundas councillor Archie Mellan.

As a result of this change, farmers, as always, will be allowed to put two bags at the roadside for collection for their dwelling, but will now be allowed another two bags for their commercial establishment, if they are at the same location.

The bylaw also contains a provision for home health care waste.

Those South Dundas residents with medical conditions that result in the creation of additional waste that exceeds the municipality’s two bag limit, are now eligible to receive up to 26 bags for additional waste, free of charge. Those interested and eligible can apply at the Township office in Williamsburg.

All residents are required to obey the bylaw, to recycle and are encouraged to actively reduce garbage.

South Dundas’ two bag limit remains in tact. Any additional garbage for roadside pickup must be in special bags purchased from the municipality. The new version of the bylaw is now in effect.

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South Nation Conservation takes away local control of provincially significant wetlands

January 23, 2013 Editor

Anyone who owns land in or around a provincially significant wetland will now have a new regulating authority.

South Nation Conservation will take over the duties after their board voted resoundingly in favour of a staff motion, tabled at the January 17 meeting.

South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds tried, in vain, to gain enough support from his fellow board members to allow local municipalities within the conservation authority, like South Dundas, to maintain some local control over any projects happening in and around these provincially significant wetlands.

South Dundas council supported Byvelds’ efforts to maintain local control, by providing a resolution of support. However, even with that resolution, Byvelds was unable to sway any of the other board members which include representatives from the City of Ottawa, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, Prescott-Russell, and Leeds and Grenville.

“I emphasized that our (South Dundas) staff could do the work of looking after wetlands from a local perspective,” said Byvelds.

“It has always worked fine. I don’t understand why they want to change it,” said Donald Lewis, South Dundas manager of planning and enforcement, head of the department which has looked after regulating the wetlands here.

“I’m a bit concerned,” he said explaining that with a new authority comes a new interpretation of the regulations used to govern the land. With that new interpretation comes the potential to stymie development. South Dundas council shared his concern.

After a long, lively debate, the SNC board decided to support the staff motion to take over regulation of provincially significant wetlands in all of South Nation Conservation’s jurisdictions.

South Dundas will respect the board’s decision.

“In the end somebody has to regulate PSWs. South Dundas was just looking at a more local way of dealing with local property owners and their plans,” said Byvelds.

Any work in or around a PSW will need permission from SNC which will have permit fees and a set of rules which must be followed.

As of yet, the Morrisburg Industrial land that has the potential to be declared a provincially significant wetland, is still designated as a local wetland, so it is not yet subject to the new regulation changes.

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Family home destroyed by fire

January 23, 2013 Editor

Trying to warm a back bedroom on a very cold night had drastic consequences for a local family.

January 20, firefighters from the Iroquois station were called to 10781 County Road 40, at 9:10 p.m.

When they arrived, they found a two storey single family dwelling, fully involved. Firefighters from the Williamsburg Station were called to assist.

“With the extreme cold temperatures and strong winds it was very difficult for firefighters to contain the flames to the two storey structure and not have exposure travel to the adjacent properties on both sides,” said Fire Chief Chris McDonough of South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services.

They did manage to contain the damage to the house, but it was a total loss.

The family, including two children under four years of age, was home at the time of the fire.

They managed to escape and were safely at a neighbour’s home when firefighters arrived. The father suffered minor injuries to his hands when he tried to extinguish the flames. His injuries were treated by EMS workers on-scene.

A space heater was left running in the back bedroom, while the family was in the front living room. They smelled smoke and when the mother investigated she discovered the wall and dresser adjacent to the heater on fire.

Fire crews cleared the scene at 3:30 a.m. Damage is estimated at $160,000.

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Junior B Lions looking to the future

January 23, 2013 Editor

Looking to the future of the team, as well as the interests of key players who have been major contributors over the past few years, the Morrisburg Junior B Lions management made some decisions prior to the January 10 deadline to benefit everyone involved.

“Most of our moves included our overage players, which provided the players with the opportunity to play in the playoffs in their last year of junior eligibility,” explained general manager Kevin Casselman.

Casselman was speaking of the release of goaltender Mikael Dion to the Winchester Hawks, the release of top scorer Chris Rutley to the Perth Blue Wings, Sylvester Bzdyl (second in team scoring) to the Akwesasne Wolves and Dylan Casselman to Brockville.

“Dylan Casselman’s move to Brockville was to put closure on the previous deal made in bringing in 18-year-old Nicholas Pilon, and it also provided Dylan with an opportunity to play in the playoffs with his brother Tanner in Brockville.”

In addition, Casselman explained that Michel Lefebvre went to the Char-Lan Rebels on December 22, in a deal that sees his playing rights returned to the Lions next year.

“Michel has played with us for three seasons and has only played in one playoff series. This opportunity not only brings back some tangibles for next season, but also enables him to gain some valuable experience in a playoff run…which he will bring back to our organization next year.”

Also moved was midget-aged Ty Hodgson who went back to the Upper Canada Cyclones AAA Major Midgets. “This will provide Ty with an opportunity to play in the AAA branch championships in Brockville in the spring. Ty is affiliated with us and can play in five games after the January 10th deadline. It was a great opportunity for him to play with his age group at a very high level.”

Also in a five game affiliation situation is Nicholas Pilon who was moved back to a Smiths Falls juvenile card to allow him more hockey after February 9.

Although the Lions were hanging in, in most of their pre-January 10 games, they weren’t able to put any marks in the win column and they were guaranteed not to make the St. Lawrence Division playoffs.

So with a good look at their situation, Casselman says “Why not move in a direction to provide some valuable in-game teaching and development of our future with a start towards next season.

“We have 19 affiliated midget aged players that we felt could benefit by playing in our last 10 games or so. While the decision to move the overage players was for them to play…it was equally important for our organization to move in a youthful direction.”

In making the changes, 16-year-old Grant Cooper was named team captain.

“Grant has demonstrated a remarkable leadership level, well beyond his age, game in game out, every practice and every shift,” says Casselman.

So basically, what we have done is to play out the season “with the young players, teaching them with patience, while providing valuable in-game experience. Combined with our affiliated players and our signed players, we have 36 players eligible to play, 18 of which are 17 years of age and younger.”

This past Friday night, the young Lions were at home to the St. Lawrence Division’s first place Casselman Vikings.

The Vikings struck early and struck hard for a 3-1 first period lead as they worked their way to a 9-3 victory.

Eric Evans with help from Taylor Eamon and Steven Savage counted for the Lions in the first period.

Early in the second, Dylan Dejong (from Zach Sequin and Alex Primeau), cut the Vikings lead to 3-2.

But then it was back in the Vikings court for six consecutive goals, (three more in the second).

Grant Cooper (from Peter Ketcheson and Dylan Dejong) finished it off for the Lions at 12:04 of the third period.

The Lions sat out five minor penalties, and the Vikings were nabbed for six.

Ryan Cooper was in the Lions net for the loss. He faced 60 Vikings shots, while the Lions managed just 28 against Vikings goaltender Philippe Quesnel.

Sunday, the Lions were on the road to Gananoque, where they lost to the Islanders, 9-0.

Islanders goaltender Drew Lawson stopped 24 Lions shots for his shutout while Ryan Cooper gave up the nine goals on 54 shots.

The Islanders led 4-0 after the first period and 6-0 after two. They scored one power-play goal in six opportunities.

Coming up this Friday, January 25, the Lions head to Winchester to take on the fourth place Hawks. Sunday, January 27 they host the Alexandria Glens. Game time is 2:30 p.m.

The Lions players and management are counting on the continued support of the hockey community as they work towards next year with this young squad.

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Dogs Looking for Love

January 23, 2013 Editor

Trained and ready to go (Adopted)

Thought to be a Shepherd Husky mix due to its brown/red/tan colouring this two year old male (neutered) would make a wonderful pet. Mid-sized, he is house trained, and as friendly as can be. Just call the South Dundas Animal Shelter to meet him 613-543-2980

Calm, cool, lady…Please help (Adopted)

Yes, the beautiful shepherd mix is still at the Shelter. It is a concern when an older dog is rescued, but most times, after they are adopted their new families report the wonderful out-pouring of love they receive from these sad animals who suffer so from being removed from longtime homes. This dog is a female, (4-5 years old maybe, no noticeable greying so not that old). She is so calm, so very friendly and so needs a loving home. She is house-trained is either up with tail waggin’ for a treat or lying down despite our best efforts to get her to sit for a photo.

Nice, friendly…ready to be worked with-Adopted early February

This yellow lab mix is a male (not neuteured), beautiful golden in colour. Needs some manners training. Very nice, and friendly…and ate nicely from our hands. Mid-size dog, he would benefit from some tender loving care and some training-a couple of years old.

Included are some of the photos taken of the dogs showing their appreciation of the treats the South Dundas Pet Rescue group provides them with when trying to get their photos. Just shows how much fun these pups can bring to one's life. In the final photo the yellow lab mix really shows his appreciation…as he is all shook up…

A 'South Dundas Pet Rescue' Facebook page has now been launched. Please check it out and if you have the time and would like to assist in the adoption of these dogs please add it to your timeline…getting the information and the dog's pictures out there is a big part of this effort.

Expected to be ready for adoption, hopefully by next week are a white Shepherd (traumatized by the death of its elderly owner and the loss of its forever home) and two Huskies (both now homeless due to unpreventable circumstances of their family-if they could be adopted together, that would probably be fantastic).

Nine dogs at the Shelter.

Three dogs were adopted the over the weekend, including the bull mastiff and the puppy with the spotted feet featured last week. Still looking for homes are special needs American bulldog and the wonderful hound mix. To see this week’s featured dogs or any of the dogs at the South Dundas Animal Shelter please call Kevin at 613-543-2980. There are no set adoption fees, but food/cash donations are expected and determined by the size of the dog and its length of stay.

Donations of blankets, towells, dog dishes, collars and beds can be dropped off at the Morrisburg Animal Hospital. Cleaning supplies and equipment are also appreciated. Cash donations to assist in the purchase of food and/or a soon to be launched South Dundas Pet Adoptions committee project to enlarge the current eight bed (indoor) kennel can be made to the municipality of South Dundas. Cheques must be made out to the municipality and clearly marked for the South Dundas Animal Shelter.

This is a public service column. The Leader accepts no responsibility for the dogs or the adoption process.

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Curling Chatter

January 23, 2013 Editor

Morrisburg Welcomes Scots

It was a great day at the Morrisburg Curling Club last Tuesday with the Scots in town!

Between travelling across Canada, playing two games a day, and being feted each night by their Canadian cousins, it’s a wonder they’re still standing.

There were a large number of tied games that day, but maybe the Scots were just being kind to us. The Strathcona Cup is a huge operation, with 61 members in three sets of teams competing all across Canada from Jan. 9 to Feb. 1.

Our teams were unchanged from the line-up announced last week, but special mention for our two groups of local fellows is well-deserved. Sid Morrell’s foursome defeated the Cornwall ace, Bill Dickie, in a thrilling match, and ditto for Mahlon Locke, whose team bested their Scottish opponents in another tight one.

President Mahlon Locke welcomed our visitors on their arrival, and Jack Barkley, master of ceremonies, handled things after the matches with humour and grace, making presentations to our Winchester and Cornwall visitors, and to the Scots.

The head of the Scottish delegation responded in kind, and the mementoes the curlers received will be treasured for a very long time. It was a wonderful event, and our volunteers, especially the kitchen staff, helped make the day the success it was.

The presidents of the Morrisburg and Prescott clubs were given special presentations at the banquet in Prescott, climaxing with a number of lively Scottish songs. Can’t wait until the next tour!

Three of our daytime mixed teams were in Russell last week for their return “friendly” match. In a change from members announced last week, Gretta McGann filled in for Len Bellamy on Andy Patenaude’s team, and David McIntosh replaced Grahame Hardy on Sue McIntosh’s foursome. Andy’s team lost on the last rock, Sue’s foursome did as well, and Sam Locke’s won their match. It was another pleasurable event.

The inaugural Alzheimers bonspiel was held at the club on Saturday. The organizers provided door prizes from local businesses, and the Lions’ Club donated $300 to the cause. Our club waived the charity’s fee for this first bonspiel.

The curlers played two eight-end games, with the winning foursome, Andy Patenaude, Arnold Barkley, Rick McKenzie and Peter Byvelds defeating the Lions team in the morning, and Paul St. Pierre’s foursome in the afternoon. Keith Robinson was late in the morning, and he was replaced on the Lions team. He just wanted everyone to know that he joined another group in the afternoon and defeated Boomer’s Lions!

Susan McIntosh, Kathy Norg, Leanne McCooeye and Claire Locke defeated a Russell foursome in their first match in the Broder in Russell, but lost in a tie-breaker to Metcalfe in the “A” semi-final. Metcalfe went on to win the “A” title.

Greta McGann, Ruth Kelly, Kathy Hardy and Betty Locke lost to Russell in their morning game, but won their afternoon match in the “B” semi-final against Russell. They faced the other Russell foursome in the “B” final, but came out on the losing end. Well done anyway, ladies!

Finally, in the Dominion Senior Women’s Regionals in Napanee, Janet Lapierre, Janet Levere, Janet Thompson, and Morrisburg’s Wendy Casselman won the women’s “A” side, and are going to the Provincial finals in Ajax Feb. 20-24. Well done, folks!

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