April 2014 – Morrisburg Leader

David Barkley

April 30, 2014 Editor

A lifetime resident of the Dunbar area, David Barkley passed away suddenly on Wednesday, April 23, 2014. He was 55.

David Charles Barkley was born in Winchester on May 5, 1958, to his parents Lee and Edna Barkley (nee Colquhoun). He was baptized June 29th, 1958, and confirmed November 8th, 1970 – a life-long member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Dunbar.

He was educated at local schools, S.S.#8 Beckstead, Elma Public and North Dundas District High School. He attended Centennial College in Scarborough, where he completed a two year Automotive Technician program.

After graduation he worked at Steinberg’s Garage in Williamsburg.

David was always a hard worker. A lot of times he worked too hard. He loved to fix things and he loved working on cars. David was incredibly intelligent and he had one speed when he was working and it was fast. He always wanted to get chores done quickly so he could sit down and have a coffee and a smoke…with maybe a side order of ice cream and cheese.

The first 22 years of David’s life were pretty normal. He worked on the farm, then at the garage, had lots of friends and was always on the go.

After that David experienced many difficulties and life became a struggle for him and for those closest to him. However, during the last 10 years life became easier as he worked on the farm and enjoyed the company of his family.

David is survived by his parents Lee and Edna Barkley (nee Colquhoun) of R.R.# 2 Chesterville and his siblings Garry Barkley (Diane) of Vernon and Sandra Barkley-Probst (Rev. Jo) of R.R.# 2 Chesterville.

He was the dear uncle of Adam Barkley (Jen), Angela Barkley-Dallas (Nick), Meghan Barkley (Michael), and great-uncle of Evan and Aiden Barkley and Amelia Dallas. He is also survived by aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Friday April 25th from 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held at the funeral home on Saturday, April 26th at 11 a.m., with Rev. Jo Barkley-Probst officiating. Interment followed at Maple Ridge Cemetery, Chesterville.

Pallbearers were Adam Barkley, Nick Dallas, Michael Beaulne, Gordon Elliott, Garry Elliott and Wayne Dillabough.

Donations to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

[…]

Perspectives with Rev. Geoff Howard

April 30, 2014 Editor

If I Had A Hammer

Have you ever lost something? Back in the fall, I lost my hammer. Maybe misplaced is a better word. Last fall I was working on some stuff around the house in preparation for the coming winter and I misplaced my hammer.

All winter long I have been looking for my hammer. I know I had it. I know I used it in the fall. It has to be here somewhere. But it is not in my tool box, or any of the other normal places it would or should be. I misplaced my hammer. I knew it had to be around somewhere but it was lost.

In its place for the last five or six months I have been using my wife’s ‘pink trimmed in support of breast cancer research ladies toolkit’ hammer. And each time I had to work on something with this pink trimmed hammer I resolved to go out a buy a new one.

But I knew my hammer had to be around someone. Maybe someone borrowed it, and it did not get put back where I could find it. I hinted and suggested and almost accused others of hiding my hammer on me.

Can you guess where this is all going?

The other day I found my hammer! I found it.

Oh yeah…now I remember. It was right where I had left it back in the fall. I remember now. The hammer was on the shelf of the step ladder and when I folded up the ladder the hammer fell to the ground. No problem. I would put away the ladder and come back and get my hammer.

The only thing was I never went back to pick up the hammer. I don’t know if I got distracted or busy with something else, or maybe I just plain forgot to go back and get it.

And since I did not go back and get it, overnight, when the snow fell, the hammer disappeared underneath a blanket of the white stuff. And that’s where it was all winter long!

And it was only with the coming of the spring, the final melting of the snow and ice, that the hammer reappeared, right where I had left it.

Spring. Everything has a new start. Sure it takes some effort and work to clean up from the winter, deal with leftovers and forgotten bits and pieces in preparation of a new growing season. And of course that new planting and growing will take time and effort over the coming months, but if it was not worth it we wouldn’t do it.

I meaning planting and tending and fertilizing the lawn only so I will have to cut it on a regular basis…

And you know as I think about it the Christian faith is something like that.

God has given us so much, so freely in Jesus. And yet it does take some effort and work on our part. And maybe with the Spring comes a good opportunity to replant and grow that faith.

Maybe along with spring planting there is a place for God in your life. Maybe you might try finding your way back to church. No the roof won’t fall in.

And maybe it begins with us looking for and expecting to see God in our gardens and plantings, in our lives and in the lives of those we love, and yes, even in church.

Yes, I know sometimes the church messes up. Jesus sometimes gets lost. Maybe misplaced is the better word. It happens.

But usually it doesn’t go on for long before God breaks through. God remembers what it’s all about. Even if we sometimes don’t. Even if the church, sometimes doesn’t.

It is not about a hammer lost for a winter or something else frustratingly misplaced in our lives. It is all about Jesus. God’s love for us made real, in the flesh.

With spring comes new starts and it all makes me think…

But right now I see something that needs a little fixing up for spring and I know where my hammer is.

Blessings…

Rev. Geoff Howard, Knox

Presbyterian, Iroquois

[…]

Soccer and municipality on the same team

April 30, 2014 Editor

Although South Dundas Soccer Association chair Phillip Blancher would like to see better communication between the municipality and volunteers running various programs it appears that an issue between the municipality and the association has come to an amiable solution.

The municipality of South Dundas had dropped the ball, the soccer ball to be exact, and Blancher didn’t feel it should be the Association that served the penalty that came with a price tag of about $450.

In a letter dated March 5, to South Dundas Public Works Manager, Chris Bazinet, the Association made its annual request for the closure of Lakeview Drive in Iroquois, between College and Elizabeth Streets for the Saturday soccer mornings, beginning May 24 and running through July 25.

In a return e-mail dated Friday, April 11, Bazinet replies: “I am in receipt of your request road closures/parking restrictions in support of South Dundas Soccer Activities. The Municipality will require proof of Liability Insurance in the amount of 5 Million dollars with the Municipality identified as an addition to the policy. Once we receive this document we will proceed with your request.”

In year’s past, the liability amount was $2 million and so the increased amount came as a surprise to the soccer association. It also came with a cost of $450 more for the coverage.

“Our registrations are done,” Blancher told The Leader after the April 11 reply. “If this is a requirement then fine, it’s a requirement, but you have to let people know ahead of time. There was nothing anywhere that I can find that announced this change. The letter was a standard thing we do every year. And our request to close the road is for the safety of the kids, that is why we do it.”

“We purposely budget things down to the wire to keep this program as low cost to the community as possible,” says Blancher. “That is why we are one of the largest programs in the community. We provide a good, length of time program at a low cost.”

Blancher questioned what became of “all of the talk of cutting red tape and making things easier for volunteers working in the community. Last minute changes like this are counter-productive. Ever since we asked that the road be closed it’s been $2 million. The closure saves the municipality, otherwise they would have 400 kids and parents running across the road. It’s done for safety, and it’s done to lower liability.”

“I’m not complaining about the $5 million, but I am complaining about the total lack of communication in this municipality.”

Blancher says the Association is not in bad shape financially, but the money to pay for this unexpected cost will have to be found somewhere. “Registrations are done. Our supplies are ordered, our shirts are ordered, and we are just over a month away from starting.”

Since the soccer association paid the $450 insurance increase to obtain $5 million liability coverage, Blancher has been contacted by Bazinet who has asked for the financial impact the increase will have on the association. In an e-mail dated April 23, he wrote, “I can tell you that any liabilities related to Road Authorities has been moving towards the $5 million mark and our broker has advised us the same. We may be able to do something for this year given the timing of the request.”

And so with everyone apparently back on the same page and working together…it’s game on.

[…]

Pumpkinfero recognized by Ottawa Tourism

April 30, 2014 Editor

Upper Canada Village’s new fall event Pumpkinferno continued its winning ways in Ottawa April 24, when Ottawa Tourism named it New Company of the Year.

The award category recognizes an event or company two years or less in operation that through its success has stimulated the economy.

Pumpkinferno which was launched in 2012 has certainly done that.

In just two years of operation, not only has Pumpkinferno taken the region by storm hosting almost 75,000 people but it has contributed an estimated $8 million in economic impacts to the region’s economy.

“Over the past three years we have taken a close look at our business operations and have encouraged our staff to be innovative in their approach to developing new visitor experiences. Pumpkinferno is a great example of that type of thinking. Not only does it showcase amazing artistic and creative talents that go into making this such an amazing event, but our business strategy is really solid and surpassing our projections” commented Darren Dalgleish, General Manager & CEO, St. Lawrence Parks Commission.

Festival and Events Ontario recognized Pumpkinferno as Ontario’s Best New Event in 2012 and in November 2013 the Tourism Association of Ontario honoured it with the award for Ontario’s Tourism Event of the Year.

“The Pumpkinferno team exceeded expectations to deliver an event that attracted over 35,000 guests in our first year and then topped that number last fall with over 38,000 visits. We believe we have something special here and it is so gratifying to see this acknowledgement from the tourism community. It was an honour just to be named a finalist in the Ottawa Tourism awards. Our hats are off to the other excellent nominees.” said Geoff Waycik, Manager of Upper Canada Village.

Upper Canada Village gets an early start to the 2014 season opening on Wednesday, May 7.

[…]

Renovated port for Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, fish habitat for Municipality of South Dundas

April 30, 2014 Editor

The larger portion of a fisheries compensation project associated with the $35 million renovation at the Port of Johnstown, will be taking place at Riverside Heights later this summer.

Six years of collaboration by several stakeholders to complete renovations at the Port of Johnstown was celebrated at the port April 15.

The cost of the work was covered in a three-way federal, provincial, municipal split.

Started over the winter, the first fisheries compensation project included expansion of an existing Johnstown wetland into a larger habitat for fish and other aquatic life.

It will be completed in June with planting of the shoreline.

Starting in August, under the supervision of South Nation Conservation Authority, a larger fisheries compensation project will be undertaken on property owned by the St. Lawrence Parks Commission at Riverside Heights.

Both projects were required by Fisheries and Oceans Canada to compensate for fish habitat lost due to installation of a new wharf at the port.

Although outside the Port of Johnstown’s home municipality of Edwardsburgh / Cardinal, Riverside Heights was seen by all parties involved as a logical location for additional habitat compensation.

The project will involve creation of an embayment with channels cut into existing marshland.

South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds explained that the portion of the project that will take place in South Dundas, is located on Parks of the St. Lawrence land, on the east side of the old County Road 8 allowance, south of County Road 2, at Riverside Heights.

“It will not have any effect on land use, as it is protected now as a provincially significant wetland,” he said.

SNC chairman Bill Smirle said he’s proud and pleased that all parties – not to mention St. Lawrence aquatic species – will gain from the compensation projects.

[…]

Love is in the air: Playhouse celebrates the 60s

April 30, 2014 Editor

About 10 minutes into Memories of the Summer of Love, I suddenly found myself growing very nostalgic.

Where, I wondered, are my love beads, my fringed vest and flower headband, my button reading “Make Love Not War”, my white GoGo boots, my psychedelic tie-dyed India shirt, the iron with which I used to press my hair? Where did the 60s go?

Well, the answer is that the sounds and sights of that turbulent, game-changing decade are on stage at Upper Canada Playhouse in Morrisburg and playing until May 4. Judging by the constant applause at a recent performance of Memories of the Summer of Love, the Chris McHarge and Colin Stewart celebration of the music and the times is a hit.

The stage show takes audiences from the 60s roots in early Haight-Ashbury to the star-studded 1967 Monterey Folk Festival. Along the way Memories showcases music ranging from the Beach Boys (“They practically invented California Rock”) to the British Invasion starting in 1964. (“The British succeeded in recapturing their former colonies.” )

The production hi-lights duos like Sonny and Cher and celebrates the merger of rock and folk, the “good time music” characterized by the Lovin’ Spoonful.

The show is an exceptionally well rounded look, complete with computer screens, at all aspects of 60s culture.

The songs of Bob Dylan, the “guru for the growing counter culture” herald the days of protest against the once popular Vietnam War. The Association’s “Along Came Mary” secretly praises the properties of marijuana, as the 60s explored drugs and invited young people to “turn on, tune in, drop out.”

Memories of the Summer of Love builds to its crescendo with its salute to “heavy metal”. According to author Chris McHarge, no group epitomized the spirit of social and political change, with its fusion of rock and blues, better than the Jefferson Airplane. The audience clearly agreed as they joined in on the singers’ explosive Don’t You Want Somebody to Love?

This exciting, non-stop musical journey on stage at the Playhouse rests squarely on the shoulders of three versatile and uber-talented singers, Derek Marshall, Natalie Howard and Paul Wilson, and their four man live band that, I am quite certain, can literally play anything.

Switching vocal styles (and wonderful, outlandish, but very 60s’ costumes) with deceptive ease and speed, the three singers light up the stage. This is a show that demands stylistic flexibility and stamina from its performers.

From Natalie Howard’s powerful rendition of Janis Joplin’s serio-comic “Mercedes Benz”, to Paul Wilson and Derek Marshall’s extraordinary harmonies on heart-felt Simon & Garfunkel classics, this is a show that delivers.

My hair is short, the GoGo boots long since fell apart, my tie-dyed India shirt was bundled into a scrap bag years ago, but the music of that extraordinary decade, the 1960s, is alive and well, and just as fantastic as it ever was.

Don’t miss your chance to take in Memories of the Summer of Love. The production runs at Upper Canada Playhouse until May 4. For tickets, contact 613-543-3713 or 1-877-550-3650.

Peace and love, brothers and sisters.

[…]

Ontario Election On June 12, 2014

April 30, 2014 Editor

News Release
Ontario Election On June 12, 2014

May 2, 2014

Today, Premier Kathleen Wynne met with the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario who accepted her recommendation that Parliament be dissolved for a general election.

The official documents will be presented to his Honour later this afternoon, at which time the House will be officially dissolved.

The writs for the general election will be signed on Wednesday, May 7.

Under the Elections Act, the election would ordinarily take place on Thursday, June 5.

However, the Chief Electoral Officer has identified June 5 as a day of religious significance, and has recommended Thursday, June 12 as the alternate election day.

The recommendation has been accepted and the election for Ontario's 41st Parliament will take place on Thursday, June 12.

[…]

Bill Dillabough

April 23, 2014 Editor

It is with great sadness we regret to notify you that William (Bill) Dillabough passed away on April 9th, 2014.

Bill was born in Ottawa, on March 16th, 1930, to William and Maude Dillabough (nee Hayes). He lived the majority of his life in Morrisburg with his loving family.

Bill leaves behind many loved ones including his beautiful and loving wife Phyllis Dillabough (nee Lawlor), a brother Ron Dillabough (Monique) and his four amazing children: Bill Dillabough (Michelle), Gordie Dillabough, Penny MacKean (Allan) and Wendy Stewart (Paul).

For those of you who knew Bill you will know that family was his number one priority, and it was what brought him true happiness.

Amongst leaving behind a wife, a brother and four children he also leaves many loving memories in his grandchildren: Billy Dillabough (Jennifer), Amanda Woolsey (Kodey), Sheena Crowder, Christopher Osler, Travis Dillabough, Brittany Dillabough and Brooke Cooper (Greg).

He was predeceased by his parents William and Maude Dillabough, and by three sisters and seven brothers.

Bill lived an interesting and exciting life over the last 66 years with his beloved wife, Phyllis.

As many know of Bill’s political career, he was a member of council for four years and 16 years as Reeve of Morrisburg and the Warden of the United Counties.

Bill also served on the boards as president of the ODHA and on the board of the CAHA.

He also, ran a successful family business for 65 years with the assistance and support of his devoted wife.

Bill was a member of the Masonic Lodge since 1961, as well as a member of Morrisburg Legion Branch 48. He was also a member of Lakeshore Drive United Church.

Bill and “his bride” had a passion for travel. They travelled to Russia and Austria for the World Hockey Tournaments and enjoyed vacationing in the Caribbean. Always together, they enjoyed being with friends and family. They always enjoyed their company. Whether it was for dinner, vacations, functions or events, Bill loved seeing, talking and spending time with people.

Family meant everything to Bill. He always said that family came first and always showed how much he loved us all.

He told his family regularly how much he loved them and how much they meant to him.

Bill Dillabough was a remarkable friend, a loving and devoted husband, an extraordinary father, and an incredible grandfather.

Besides his family, Bill had one other love in his life…hockey, or more specifically the Detroit Red Wings. He was the most dedicated fan of 75 years, and his family will be cheering on the Red Wings during the 2014 playoff season.

Bill was a handsome, caring, funny, smart, affectionate and generous man throughout his life. He will be greatly missed., and he will be forever loved.

There will be no visitation or funeral service. Spring interment of cremated remains will be at Fairview Cemetery in Mariatown.

Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughin.com

[…]

Edna Kelly

April 23, 2014 Editor

A lifetime resident of Morrisburg, Edna Kelly passed away at the Ottawa General Hospital on Wednesday, April 9, 2014. She was 77.

Edna was born in Williamsburg Township, on November 11, 1936, to her parents George and Grace Beaupre (nee Loucks).

Edna was a quiet lady whose life revolved around her family. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Edna is survived by her daughter Carol (Steve) Skerry of Morrisburg, her grandchildren Justin and Katie and her brother Junior (Helen) Beaupre of Morrisburg. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Edna was predeceased by her husband Sterling and her sister Marjorie Hamilton.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 15th, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Sue McCullough officiating.

Interment followed at Fairview Cemetery, Mariatown.

Pallbearers were Dale Kelly, Jeff Kelly, Travis Kelly, Tom McMillan, Troy McMillan and Colleen Merkley.

Donations to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.

Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

[…]

Donnie Irven

April 23, 2014 Editor

A lifetime resident of the Chesterville area, Donnie Irven passed away at the Ottawa General Hospital on Tuesday, April 15, 2014. He was 74.

Donnie was born in Finch Township, on February 16, 1940, to his parents Lorne and Helen Irven (nee Armstrong).

He worked at Nestle’s in Chesterville, for many years before going to work at Rohm and Haas in Morrisburg, until he retired.

Donnie was an exceptional person – caring, loving, kind-hearted, honest to a fault and his life revolved around his work, his family and the community. He was a man of love, strength, integrity and courage.

Donnie loved sports – especially hockey and broomball. He loved fishing and hunting, and he was a crack shot. He loved growing flowers and vegetables, and he was an outstanding cook.

His all-time specialty was barbecue chicken – people would come from all around for that particular meal at the Irven household.

According to his children, Donnie was the best father ever.His strength was palpable, and so reassuring. He was patient and kind, even when Billy shot all of Donnie’s hunting arrows into the barn roof or left Donnie’s tools strewn all over the property.

There was no problem Donnie couldn’t find a solution to. He was such a good listener, and gave such sound advice to his children and grandchildren, always. There was also nothing he couldn’t fix.

Donnie was also the best grandfather, ever. He would get up at 5 a.m. on camping trips to spend special alone time with his grandchildren. He had the patience of Job when it came to explaining anything and everything to them.

He always advised his children to take the time to talk every day to their own children, and to never raise their voices.

He was the grampa who would pull bushes down (even though his fingers might get pricked way too often) so his grandchildren could pick berries more easily. He was the grampa who was always waiting at home to hear and celebrate any and all of his grandchildren’s accomplishments – at school, in sports, in hunting or fishing.

Donnie was fortunate to have found love twice in his life, for 50 years with his dear wife Marlene who passed away in 2009, and then again later in life with Millie. Their life together was not for very long, but it was a wonderful love story filled with joy, contentment and fulfillment.

Donnie is survived by his wife Mildred Stewart, his children Lisa Irven (Glenn Brousseau) of Dunbar and Bill (Tammy) of R.R.# 1 Chesterville and his grandchildren Kaitlin and Natalie, Matthew and Haylee.

Donnie will be fondly remembered by Mildred’s children Robby, Sharon and Roger.

He was a dear brother to Dorothy (Oscar) Godard of Brockville, Greta (Ken) Harrison of Stittsville, Marie Kinnear of Russell, Lorna (Bob) Lobb of Ottawa and David (Kim) of Chesterville and a dear brother-in-law of Betty Irven of Ottawa.

He was predeceased by his wife Marlene Barkley, his infant brother Dalton and his brothers Harold and John. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Chesterville, on Friday, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held at Christ Church United, Chesterville, on Saturday, April 19th, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Debbie Poirier officiating.

Interment followed at Morewood Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Gordon Elliott, Garry Elliott, Brian Waddell, Mike Barkley, Mark Barkley and Ralph Merkley.

Donations to the Ottawa General Hospital Palliative Care Unit would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

[…]