South Branch Community Fund guidelines approved by South Dundas council

Many Rideau St. Lawrence Hydro customers have recently received letters with colourful graphs showcasing the price difference between the “old standard” and the “time-of-use” rates for their household electrical usage during the months of March and April.

According to chief executive officer John Walsh, “the purpose of the letter was just to give them another head’s up” that time-of-use rates will soon be in effect. 

“It was just to explain to people if they had been on time-of-use rates, what the difference would be so they can compare and make changes,” he said.

 He pointed out that the average change for March between the old rate and the time-of-use rate was an increase of $3.86 while the average change for April was an increase of $1.96. 

The difference “may have to do with the amount of electricity that’s used in heating the home,” he said.

Walsh pointed out that while the amount used for heating may not be compatible with time-of-use rates, customers can control when they use things like the dishwasher or clothes dryer.

“Some customers think they’re already on time-of-use rates,” said Walsh, but they first have to “finish the billing in the old method. Once that’s done, the next one is time-of-use rates. It depends on the billing cycle you’re in.” 

According to Walsh, some cycles may not start until July or August, however, customers “should be acting as if they’re on time-of-use rates now.”

[…]

 “As exciting as it was back in 1992, it is also exciting when reflecting on these last 20 years and the services Dundas County Hospice now offers,” said Jan Clapp, one of the founding members of the hospice and currently the palliative care course facilitator.

On May 24th, at the J.W. McIntosh Seniors’ Support Centre in Williamsburg, Dundas County Hospice celebrated their 20th anniversary while honouring their volunteers.

Dundas County Hospice, founded in 1992, “recognizes the uniqueness of individuals and their families, and how life-threatening illness affects them. Compassionate care is directed at improving their lives physically, emotionally and spiritually.”

According to board chair Bob Pitruniak, “20 plus years ago somebody came up with the idea for this. They worked hard and they created the framework for the organization that exists today for everybody in Dundas County.”

“I think we do an excellent job of running the hospice day to day. I’m humbled by what the founders had to do to go from zero.”

“We have been blessed for 20 years to be able to attract excellent caring staff,” he continued, listing the many ways people have generously volunteered over the years by helping out with visiting, respite care, office work, fundraising and so on.

“Without all of these people, we couldn’t have done it,” he said.

Following a very moving story, Clapp reminded guests that a person with the life-threatening illness may not remember what you did or said, but they’ll remember how you made them feel. 

Caregivers at the hospice, she said, ask themselves one important question: “What do I need to know about you as a person to give you the best care possible?”

Each year the Dundas County Hospice selects a volunteer of the year and this year’s volunteer of the year is Nelly Leightizer.

According to Bea Van Gilst, director of client services for Dundas County Hospice, Leightizer is a recently retired board member who was active on the board for over 10 years. She acted as treasurer for one year and was board chair for two.

“Members of the board said it’s been a great pleasure to work alongside Nelly,” said Van Gilst.

“She’s very supportive. She reflects the values, passion and dedication that are qualities of all our board members.”

Dr. Chuck Adamson, medical advisor to the Dundas County Hospice, spoke about the many services the hospice provides, all of which are free. Dr. Adamson has a practice in South Mountain.

Guy Lauzon, MP for Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry, took the podium following Adamson. 

Lauzon began by sharing his personal experience with hospice-like care, similar to the kind of caring service that Dundas County Hospice provides. Lauzon’s first wife battled breast cancer and passed on July 2, 1988.

“I want to acknowledge all the volunteers and I want to thank you for your dedicated service,” he said.

South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds also said a few words, commenting on the special kind of people it takes to volunteer in hospice care: “I’m certainly glad that those that have that gift, use it. It sounds like you’ve had a good active group dedicated to the needs of your community.” 

Eric Duncan, mayor for North Dundas was also on hand for the event and said, “I honestly can’t think of a volunteer service like this that is more compassionate and caring.”

Pointing to the Dundas County Hospice flyer, he said, “it’s amazing the diversity of what’s offered here. Dundas County Hospice is to be commended.”

In addition to the direct support they offer those experiencing life-threatening illnesses, the hospice also offers services in community education, training courses, library, equipment loans, day hospice, caregiver support, and more.

Duncan finished by pointing out that the type of services provided by the hospice are not “frontline”, but they are “so appreciated.”

Van Gilst concluded things, saying “we want to thank all of our volunteers again and all of our supporters.” 

Also recognized for their “generous support” was the J.W. McIntosh Seniors’ Support Centre. “This is a wonderful facility for us,” she said.

Those attending the Dundas County Hospice’s celebration on Thursday night were serenaded by the piano stylings of Winchester District Memorial Hospital CEO Cholly Boland.

The Dundas County Hospice offers free services. The organization is funded through donations and fundraising efforts.

For more information, to volunteer or to access the services of the Dundas County Hospice, phone 613-535-2215 or email at  info@dundascountyhospice.ca.

[…]

Friday was nomination day for the October 27 municipal election, and on that final day, South Dundas gained three more councillor candidates.

South Dundas voters will now have the opportunity from two mayoral candidates, three deputy mayoral candidates and nine councillor candidates.

The three new councillor candidates gained this week include Mahlon Locke, Marc St. Pierre and Robert Gillard.

“I have never been on council before, so I figured that a councillor seat would  be a good place to start,” said Locke.

“My election platform is that I don’t have a platform,” he said, explaining that he is submitted his name for councillor because he is a concerned citizen.

Locke has contemplated running for council in the past, but work and other commitments had put a damper on the idea at the time. Locke retired from Bell Canada in 2012. 

“I now have more time and energy to put towards things I am interested in, one of them being part of township council, if elected,” he said.

“There are events that have happened in the past that I, and others do not understand. I am hoping that be running for councillor, those answers and others will become readily available and I, in turn, will be able to pass this information on to other people,” said Locke.

“The money has already been spent. I believe we need to digest the debt we now hold and try to operate status quo.”

Locke wants to help others, and he believes being closer to the centre of activity will allow him to do just that.

Marc St. Pierre filed is nomination papers for councillor shortly after Locke.

St. Pierre has been thinking about running for South Dundas council for several years. He seriously contemplated a run in the last municipal election, but decided that then, his young daughter should be his focus. She is now 11, and St. Pierre believes that this time the position is a better fit for him and his family.

“Economic Development, fire services and waterfront planning are a few issues where I have an opinion,” said St. Pierre.  “I think I can offer some expertise,” said St. Pierre, who has experience with land development and municipal infrastructure. “I have also been a firefighter for years, so I can offer some additional viewpoints there,” he said.

Although St. Pierre works in Kanata, he plans to continue to live in South Dundas, long-term. “I like living in South Dundas. It’s a good place to live. “I think there’s always room for community improvement,” said St. Pierre, who wants to be part of those improvements.

St. Pierre believes that for a newcomer to municipal politics, being elected councillor is the right place to start. “I really think there’s a learning curve,” he said, adding that while he is learning about being a councillor, he can at the same time bring something to the decision-making process.

The final name added to the list of candidates was Robert (Rowdy) Gillard, one that is not new to the local political scene.

Gillard is a 30 year, plus, veteran of municipal council, having served in every position including councillor, deputy mayor and mayor.

He sees councillor as the best fit for him in this election.

“By being at the table, I can help those out there that need help,” said Gillard. “I think I can contribute.”

Gillard would like to find a way to pursue affordable housing opportunities. “The average person can’t afford things, the way it is now,” he said.

Gillard, who had some health issues, says he is now feeling very well, and he looks forward to getting back into municipal politics.

“Councillor is a great place to do that. It’s the position where you have the most time to listen to the concerns of local people,” said Gillard. “I like when people feel like they can come to you with their issues.”

Gillard will have a limited number of election signs, instead opting to donate those funds to local charities.

Incumbent mayor Steven Byvelds and councillor Evonne Delegarde are facing off for the top spot. The deputy mayors race is a three man race between incumbent Jim Locke, former councillor Del Jones and political newcomer Carl Matthews-McIntyre. The list of nine councillor candidates vying for the three available councillor seats includes Phillip Blancher, Bill Ewing, Bert Geertsma, Robert Gillard, Jim Graham, Mahlon Locke, Archie Mellan, Jim Mills and Marc St. Pierre.

Voters in South Dundas will have the opportunity to vote by phone or internet. A paper ballot polling station will also be available.

[…]