Month: March 2014

At Wellington House Nursing Home on Monday, March 3, 2014, Lois Sheila (Prosser) Merkley passed away with her daughter by her side. She was 77.

Lois was born October 6, 1936, to Gilbert and Mae Prosser in Cardinal. She was the sixth child out of eight brothers and sisters. She attended public and high school in Cardinal.

At 16 years of age, Lois started her working career at Caldwell Linen Mill sewing towels in the Sewing Room. There love blossomed between her and Gerald and on October 6th, 1956, on her 20th birthday, they were married in the Morrisburg United Manse. She then became a dear sister-in-law to Dorothy Reddick.

They started out their married life living beside Gerald’s parents, then, in 1958, they moved their little house to Stampville Road north of Iroquois and over the years added to the size of it to become the house that Gerald still lives in today.

There they enjoyed many years living beside the Hodgson’s, Carkner’s, Gillard’s, Sypes’s and Perkins.

Lois became “Aunt Lois” to many neighbourhood kids with one of the Hodgson daughters being named after her.

In August of 1964, a special little boy was born to occupy Lois and Gerald’s time, her nephew Mark Prosser.

Lois’s career at Caldwell came to an end in May of 1970, for a very special reason. After 13 years of marriage, Gerald and Lois welcomed their daughter Laurie to their family.

Lois then started her career of babysitting. One of those kids was a very special little girl, Tricia (Gillard) Bilmer who she baby sat from infancy to the time Tricia went to school.

When Laurie was older, Lois returned to Caldwell for what was supposed to be only part time work, but ended up lasting approximately 10 years before she retired for good.

Lois was a talented seamstress. She loved watching television, reading newspapers and magazines, and her Sunday drives with Gerald. Every Saturday night you could find Lois and Gerald at the Iroquois Legion listening to Reg Reid.

In December of 1987, Lois and Gerald made their dream come true of travelling to Florida with Lois’s brother Marvin, sister-in-law Myrna and nephew Scott to visit Lois’s sisters Jean and Verla.

In September of 1996, Laurie and Pierre were married. Lois then became a step-grandmother to Stephane. She was also “grandma” to Laurie and Pierre’s cat “Tabatha” then “Abbey”.

In May of 2011, because of failing health, Lois moved to Wellington House Nursing Home in Prescott where she made many friends.

There she enjoyed regular bus trips to Walmart. Her shopping list was always for earrings and nail polish. Lois started playing bingo and horseshoes (similar to Snakes & Ladders). Everyone was dear or sweetie and she kept everyone laughing with her comical personality.

Lois is survived by her husband Gerald, her daughter Laurie (Pierre) Ouimet and step-grandson Stephane (Brittany).

She will be lovingly remembered by her brothers Stanley (Myrtle) Prosser of Brockville and Marvin (Myrna) Prosser of Cardinal and by her Sister Jean Salepakos of West Palm Beach, FL.

She will be sadly missed by her sister-in-law Dorothy Reddick and by her nieces and nephews.

Lois was predeceased by her brothers, Dwayne, Gerald and Dale and her sister Verla.

Family and Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Iroquois, on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held at the funeral home on Friday, March 7th at 10 a.m. with Rev. Janet Evans officiating.

Spring Internment will be at Dundela Cemetery.

Donations to Wellington House Activity Fund or Charity of Your Choice would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

Mary Jane Gale

A longtime resident of Morrisburg, Mary “Jane” Gale nee Denihan (formerly Sheasgreen) passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 8, 2014.

Jane will be greatly missed by her beloved husband William “Bo” Gale, by her sons Brian and Barry (Jeanette) and her daughter Carol Sheasgreen.

She will be lovingly remembered by her dear sister Jessica (Wayne) (Heather) Robinson, loving brother Michael (Barbara) Denihan, Keli (Scott) Pepin, Sue D’Amore, nieces and nephews Mary-Lynn (Doug) (Steacy) Huff, Blair (Daina) (Natali) (Matis) Robinson, grandchildren Scott and Garrett Sheasgreen, Lana (Cory) Moffatt and many family and friends.

Jane was an avid reader and enjoyed a good mystery. She had a keen interest in politics and was known for her great love of animals.

Home was very important to Jane. She had a smile and a warm welcome for anyone who came to her door.

Friends were received at the Parker Funeral Home, Morrisburg, on Monday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Morrisburg on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.

Spring burial will take place at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Morrisburg.

Pallbearers were Gary Gale, Robert Annable, Jim Annable, Scott Diegel, Ralph Duvall and Adam Hogan.

Memorial donations to the OSPCA or Canadian Cancer Society gratefully acknowledged. Condolences may be made at www.parkerofmorrisburg.com

Perspectives with Janet Evans

Today is my daughter’s birthday. I remember the day long ago when she entered the world at the Brockville General Hospital. Now she is 23 years old, and my husband and I continue to be proud parents.

While Hilary was growing up, she took swimming lessons and finished two gold level tests in figure skating. She loved music, and we spent many hours enjoying movies at the theatre.

Our family shared many moments of joy together, especially during our trips to Disney World. Yet illness arrived in our lives when Hilary was about 14 years old. It continues on to this day, and a lot of my daughter’s day to day living is a struggle because of poor health.

I’ve often thought of life as a journey. Our family seems to have hit so many bumps on the journey however. Sometimes it is difficult to put one foot in front of another.

I know many other people who face sick days, loneliness, rejection, hunger and bereavement. Happiness is often clouded by trial.

One thing that keeps me going is the assurance that God loves His people and travels with them on all of their journeys. Jesus can bring light out of darkness, comfort out of sorrow, resurrection out of death. Even when our days are shattered, God can shed hope and light upon us.

God loves us. We will never fall out of His caring embrace. In life, in death, in life beyond death our Lord is with us. We are never alone.

In this Lenten season, we are asked to place Jesus at the centre of our days. We can draw closer to Jesus and to one another. We can ask ourselves how we can care for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We can cherish others as God has first cherished us.

As we walk the journey to the Cross and ultimately, the empty tomb, we can be assured that God’s presence strengthens us, guides us and inspires us.

During this Lenten season may we remember to take to heart these words.

Lent is a time to take the time to let the power of our faith story take hold of us,

a time to let the events get up and walk around in us,

a time to intensify our living unto Christ,

a time to hover over the thoughts of our hearts,

a time to place our feet in the streets of Jerusalem or to walk along the sea and listen to his word,

a time to touch his robe and feel the healing surge through us, a time to ponder and a time to wonder. . .

Lent is a time to allow a fresh new taste of God!

(From Kneeling in Jerusalem, by Ann WeemsAnn Weems)

Rev. Janet Evans,

Williamsburg United Church,

Lakeshore Drive United

EDP eyes area for more wind projects

The blades are turning and power is being produced at the South Branch Wind Farm.

While waiting for weather to cooperate for site rehabilitation work to take place, Ken Little, project manager with EDP Renewables, is concentrating his efforts on community outreach.

With many windy days since commercial operations approval was granted, March 4, so far Little is pleased with the testing.

“We’ve already had the towers working at full power,” he said.

Peak production for this 10 turbine project is 30 MW.

The blades generally turn about 10-12 revolutions per minute but can turn a maximum of 14 rpm.

Little has been attending area farm shows, and one of the questions he is asked most often is ‘what do they sound like?’.

He encourages anyone who wants to know the answer to this question to take a drive to the South Branch wind farm, stop along a public roadway near any tower and to listen for themselves.

Last week, when reporters toured the site with Little, it was difficult to differentiate the sound of the rotating blades from the surrounding wind noise on what was a very windy day.

Anyone who wants to tour the site, or educators who may want to obtain information about wind power, can contact Little directly.

According to Little, later this year, the Ontario Power Authority will be accepting bids on new wind projects, on 300 megawatts province-wide.

EDP is hoping be successful in the bidding process, as they have their sights set on two local projects, one in South Dundas and one in North Stormont.

The size of those projects would depend on available capacity. Little would not discuss the exact location of either project.

“That 300 mw bid is a competitive bid process, no longer Feet-In-Tariff, which are set prices,” said Little. “That is a step in the right direction towards getting lower costs for energy production.”

In early April, Little will meet with South Dundas council to discuss the allocation dollars from the $30,000 per year, 20 year community fund associated with the South Branch project.

Pumpkinferno, Fort Fright receive $150,000 Celebrate Ontario Grant

Celebrate Ontario has announced it is awarding the St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) with $150,000 in event funding to support the investment in two amazing fall events, Fort Henry’s scare-attraction Fort Fright and Upper Canada Village’s Pumpkinferno.

The two will each receive $75,000 to fund the further development of the visitor experience.

At Pumpkinferno, new exhibits will be created for more than half of the event using new themes and their trademark intricate designs and artistry.

Fort Fright will see investments to augment the new projection and sound and light technology introduced in 2013. As well new sets will be developed to keep visitors guessing what’s around the corner.

The SLPC is no stranger to building and delivering award-winning and successful events.

Festivals and Events Ontario recently honoured Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada (Kingston) and Upper Canada Village (Morrisburg) naming two of their events – Sunset Ceremonies and Alight at Night – in Ontario’s Top 100 Events.

Last fall, the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario honoured Pumpkinferno as Ontario’s Best New Event.

The St. Lawrence Parks Commission is leading the way in event development with great success in shoulder season events that collectively draw over 75,000 into the Great Waterway region during a time that is often when attractions are winding down for the season.

Fort Fright named Ontario’s Top New Event in 2008 by Festivals and Events Ontario is now entering its seventh year and fills a niche in the fall market offering an experience with a blend of live scare actors, animatronics and stunning visual special effects all set against the limestone backdrop of the fortress of Fort Henry.

At Upper Canada Village, Pumpkinferno has also carved a niche for itself in the fall with an evening walking tour through artistically designed exhibits with over 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins. It is a mesmerizing display of creative ingenuity set against the night-time backdrop of Upper Canada Village.

“The development of quality special events is a high priority for the St. Lawrence Parks Commission,” said Darren Dalgleish, General Manager & CEO, St. Lawrence Parks Commission. “The consistent evaluation and monitoring of visitor feedback guides us to create experiences that are entertaining and appealing, and the positive results are clearly demonstrated with our attendance levels.”

“However in our event building processes, we are always mindful to preserve our core historic attractions. We appreciate the awards and accolades that our teams have received along with the positive feedback from our visitors.”

“This Celebrate Ontario funding is a great vote of confidence in the work we are doing, allowing our teams to continue to develop and grow these special events”

Upper Canada Village will open for the 2014 season on Wednesday, May 7, 2014.

March 19, 2014 W. Gibb – Leader staff

Laura Cortese and the Dance Cards at Stage

MORRISBURG – “Audience members will want to bring their toe-tapping shoes when Laura Cortese and the Dance Cards come to the St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage March 22,” said Bill Carriere. “It’s going to be a fabulous evening of American roots music. And with engaging, spunky and versatile musician Melanie Brulée opening for Laura, well, what a night.”

It was a challenge to catch Laura Cortese actually at home.

Since February, she and band members Valerie Thompson and Mariel Vandersteel have been on a tour that has taken them from India to Uzbekistan. They were chosen to be one of ten bands sent abroad as members of the State Department’s American Music Abroad Program.

“The tour took us to a lot of exotic places: what we learned is that music really is a language that every culture speaks. Music allows you to connect with people at a much deeper level. The experience made me want to continue to develop that connection.”

An extensive tour, Cortese pointed out, “reminds you of how much you really love your own home and community.”

Home for Cortese was originally San Francisco, and later, to study at Berklee School of Music, Boston. Her true American roots, are part of her band’s critical and popular appeal.

“We are Americans,” Cortese laughed, “and we do go back and forth between a one/two punch of introspection and asking people to clap along with us. Our music is cheerful and exuberant, but in another moment can reflect something deeper.”

Laura Cortese and the Dance Cards are noted for their American roots style, but she claims that there are “so many shades of American music” that labels are perhaps limiting.

Her band mates and she grew up “experiencing different styles of traditional music. Certainly Appalachian music has inspired all three of us: it’s the root of American music, particularly country and blue grass.”

Cortese began with the violin.

“But I quickly realized that I didn’t like standing staring at a music stand.” A performance camp experience introduced her to the fiddle. She found her musical love.

“I learned that you could create on the fiddle even with others all around you. The fiddle brought humanity to music for me, connecting me with many, many people. The genre is never as important to me as the people.”

The band’s widely acclaimed 2013 album, Into the Dark, reflects themes that seem to intrigue and inspire the band. “Relationships, love, heartbreak; the human connection is vital to me.” Out of an early album, Acoustic Project, “I brought musicians together to explore what I felt was a unique sound, what a string ensemble can do if there are not so many rules, if it is allowed to explore the fringes.”

Valerie and Mariel joined her and “the team energy was phenomenal.”

Connecting with her audiences is itself an energizing experience for Laura Cortese. “We plan to put Saturday’s audience to work clapping and singing,” she laughed. “We want to connect that electrical circuit”

Melanie Brulée, opening for Cortese, “has a special place in our hearts” according to Bill Carriere. The Stage is where she feels she truly got her professional start. “It was the bouncing board to where I am now.”

Brulée is an up and coming, versatile, exciting young artist. From rock (General Electryk) to blue grass to cabaret, to country, “all these genres reflect me. They are all parts of my personality that I can explore musically. I don’t fit in boxes.”

An artist in both french and english, Brulée can do “over the top cabaret, or folksy music, or my new works, perhaps more mature, a bit softer, a bit darker. But,” she laughed, “don’t get attached. My music can change in a minute.”

Studying and performing in Paris, she wrote poetry, and has found in her poems, and those of others, inspiration for her compositions. “My songs are about what I saw, experienced, felt. (She has recently released the EP Sucré/Salé). One of the joys of music is making a connection with others.”

Audiences can make their connection with Laura Cortese and the Dance Cards, and Melanie Brulée on Saturday, March 22, at 7 p.m. at the Morrisburg Meeting Centre. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door. Contact www.st-lawrencestage.com.

Seaway Spartans win OFSAA ‘A’ volleyball consolation gold

It’s been the most successful season ever, for the Seaway District High School Senior girls volleyball team, who, after winning the Eastern Ontario (EOSSAA) championship on their home court on Thursday, February 20, collected the Upper Canada Cup Championship and the OFSAA B Consolation Gold Championship.

The Spartans were at Richmond Hill, March 3-5 where they competed in the Ontario Championship. They played in the C Pool and were seeded 12th overall in the tournament.

“We didn’t have a great day on Monday, and we felt that we could have done better,” said coach Lindsay Waddell. “But we regrouped and played some really good ball Tuesday and Wednesday.

The C pool included Charles Garnier, Quinte Christian, King’s Christian and Cité des Jeunes.

Seaway’s shaky start began with losses to Charles Garnier (14-25, 20-25) and Quinte Christian (18-25, 18-25).

They then scraped past King’s Christian (16-25, 25-22 and 18-16) and had an easy time of it against Cité des Jeunes (25-8, 25-12).

They ended up third in the C pool and moved to the B side of OFSSA.

In the B, best-of-five, consolation quarter-final match, they met Marymount and produced 25-23, 25-21, 25-20 wins. Next up was Durham in the semi-final Consolation match with Seaway winning three sets to one (25-22, 25-9, 24-26 (loss), 25-13).

For the Consolation Gold Medal match, they met Xavier and won three straight (25-22, 25-23, 25-19).

“Once we went to the B side, we won every game after that. We were very strong defensively, the entire tournament, which is what I credit most of our success to.”

“The girls passed the ball really well and dug up everything that other teams threw at us.”

Casey McNairn, Allison Lee and Tiffany Roskell gave strong defensive efforts all tournament long, while Shannon van Moorsel and Kaitlyn Geurkink were very good at the net and blocked many of the other teams’ big hitters.”

Sophia Currier had a great tournament and set the ball extremely well.”

“We were very happy to win the Consolation Gold title. To be a small school from such a small town, we are extremely pleased to be one of the top 10 ‘A’ volleyball teams in the province.”

“I think going to OFSAA the last two years also really helped, as it allowed the girls to get over the shock of being there. This year they were more comfortable with their surroundings and with their opponents. They had the confidence that they not only belonged there, but that they could win. We didn’t win a single set at OFSAA last year, so to win five games and come home with some hardware is a huge accomplishment.”

“The girls should be very proud of themselves. It’s been an amazing season.”

Following their EOSSAA win, the Spartans competed for and won the Upper Canada Cup in Gananoque. They opened with a win over Athens in two straight sets, and defeated Smiths Falls in three. That put them first in their pool and got them a bye into the semi-final where they met and defeated South Grenville in two straight sets.

For the championship, the Spartans met Russell High School and claimed the Upper Canada Cup in two straight sets.

Members of the Spartans team are co-captains Sophia Currier and Casey McNairn, Shannon van Moorsel, Jessica Hartle, Katrina Geurkink, Allison Lee, Kaitlyn Geurkink Tiffany Roskell, Ali Van Hoof, and coach Lindsay Waddell.

Five of the Spartans graduate this spring.

NDP gets organized for 2014 at AGM, ready for spring election

The Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry Provincial and Federal NDP riding associations elected their executive members for 2014 at their joint annual general meetings on March 5, at the Navy Veterans Association in Cornwall.

Brian Lynch was re-elected as President of both the SDSG provincial and federal NDP riding associations.

Lynch told the crowd that the local NDP, as a result of their outreach activities in recent years, are in a good position to run a strong campaign in SDSG in the next provincial election with nominated candidate Elaine MacDonald.

MacDonald, a twice-elected Cornwall city councillor, was nominated as the provincial NDP candidate in SDSG at a nomination meeting last year on March 27, 2013.

A provincial election in Ontario could come as early as this spring.

“Across Ontario, people are coming to see the NDP as the party that gets results to create jobs, make life more affordable, strengthen healthcare, and make the government more accountable,” said Lynch.

“Ontarians deserve better than the tired, discredited Liberals and the ‘slash and burn’ Hudak Conservatives” who want to cut essential public services and make Ontario a low wage province.”

Candidate Elaine MacDonald praised the work of NDP leader Andrea Horwath and the Ontario NDP caucus at Queen’s Park to get results that make life better and more affordable for everyday people.

“If elected as MPP, my first responsibility will be to the people of SDSG. I will work for good-paying jobs, youth employment, access to post- secondary education and training, healthcare we can count on, and greater affordability for everyday people,” said MacDonald.

She also wants to see greater assistance to agriculture and rural communities and a fairer tax system that will pay for essential public services and help the province balance its books.

On the issue of skyrocketing hydro rates, MacDonald said, “The Ontario NDP will stop the expensive private power deals, cap hydro executive pay and cut down on waste and duplication by merging Ontario’s hydro agencies, and stop the $1 billion annual subsidy of electricity exports to jurisdictions like New York and Michigan.”

Also elected to serve on the 16 member local NDP riding associations’ executives were Elaine MacDonald as vice president; Paul Aubin, recording secretary; David Denneny, chief financial officer; Madeleine Lebrun, women’s representative; Carilyne Hebert, youth representative; Trevor Tolley, Darlene Jalbert, Marion Adams, Jason Setnyk, Ian Wilson, Jack St. Thomas, Patricia Sylvia, Alison Parker, David Mcilveen, Bonnie Lauzon as members-at-large.

Brian Lynch and Carilyne Hebert were also elected as the local NDP provincial councillors.

Jones asking for local support in SDSG Liberal nomination bid

Del Jones of Morrisburg says he’s the right person to get things done and the right person to represent the Stormont, Dundas, South Glengarry Liberals in the next provincial election.

That’s why he is seeking the nomination.

He is one of two candidates vying for the position. The other is John Earle of Cornwall.

Jones, grew up here in Morrisburg, has lived and worked throughout Ontario, Alberta, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, but chose to raise his family here in his hometown.

“I have the right experience to be effective,” he said.

With his background including hands on experience in business, industry, education and municipal affairs, Jones knows that this combination would serve him and the community well at Queen’s Park.

In addition to his work experience, Jones is a long time Liberal, who has always been heavily involved with the party. Presently, he is part of the Provincial Liberal executive and is president of the local Federal Liberal riding association.

Eager to put his knowledge into practice for the benefit of the community, Jones hopes that his efforts will be supported locally.

“What I need first is the nomination,” said Jones.

Those who wish to support Jones, who are not members of the Ontario Liberal Party, will need to join the party, in order to have a vote, to determine who the SDSG liberal candidate will be in the next provincial election.

This can be done online https://contribute.ontarioliberal.ca/home/join or by contacting Jones directly for those who prefer to complete a paper membership application.

“I am a strong voice. I am from this community, so I have a strong understanding of the local issues, while at the same time I have a firm grasp on provincial and national issues,” said Jones.

“I have a history of getting things done. I have a track record of finding creative solutions to complex problems, and a history of helping to make large organizations more efficient.”

His problem solving skills are something that he would like to have the opportunity to apply in a provincial governmental capacity.

“Problem solving motivates me. I am a numbers guy and a facts guy. I would like to get by all the rhetoric and get to the facts. We have big problems to solve, and I’d like to get on with it,” said Jones.

“Anyone wishing to support me should become a member of the party and plan to vote at the nomination meeting, Saturday, April 5th at Nav Canada in Cornwall.”

Heritage celebration at Hartford Residence

Chartwell Hartford Retirement Residence is preparing for an open house to celebrate area heritage.

They are inviting the community to join them for the special celebration March 30.

“The Town of Morrisburg and surrounding areas, has seen a lot of change and growth over the past few decades,” says Leisa Fawcell, sales consultant, in a media release.

“Join us as we transport you back to the good old days and celebrate our town’s history with a memorable open house event, complete with classic foods, great fun and live entertainment, all from our local community.”

“At Chartwell Hartford Retirement Residence, we strive to create a welcoming atmosphere that is safe, fun and rewarding for our residents,” says Julianne Swindells, Hartford general manager.

“Our vision of Making People’s Lives Better is deeply embedded into our culture, and our dedicated staff are focused every day on helping to make a difference. We not only offer top-quality care and services, but work hard to ensure our residents’ lives are healthier, happier and more meaningful.”

The Hartford Retirement Residence is located at Fifth Street West in Morrisburg. Everyone is welcome to attend this special event.