September 2014 – Page 2 – Morrisburg Leader

Jr. B Lions ready to roar

September 17, 2014 Editor

The Morrisburg Junior B Lions produced one win in three tries in exhibition action this past weekend, and coach Mark Evans says they are looking forward to the start of the season this coming weekend.

“It looked very good on the weekend,” says Evans. “We had a couple of break downs, but overall we are very happy with where the team is right now. We are more talented and have way more potential than last year. Things are really looking up.”

On the weekend, the Lions played in three exhibition games. They won Friday night against Akwesasne 3-0 and were handed two losses, 7-2 by the Brockville Tikis, Saturday and 5-1 by the Char-Lan Rebels, Sunday.

At this early stage Evans is not worried about the losses and says the Lions will be making good use of two practises on home ice (last night Tuesday, September 16 and tonight) to “go over our specialty teams. In Junior B hockey you can really make a difference when you successfully kill penalties, as well as being successful on your power plays.”

The Lions have now signed eight returning veteran players. They are running with upwards of 12 first year players and have signed overagers (and all former Lions) Dallas Blacksmith, Justin Lefebvre and Michael Paquette.

Also back on a card is veteran goaltender John Gilmour, who kept in shape this summer playing in the newly formed CDHL development league for the Nepean Jr. A Raiders.

Gilmour is joined by newcomer Kieran Weir, an 18 year old goaltender from Ottawa who came up through the Ottawa West Golden Knights Minor Hockey and Ottawa Sting AA programs. Last year, Weir played for the West End Wolverines Major Midget A team and this past summer he played CDHL development league for the Ottawa Jr. A Senators.

The Lions have signed four, 16-year-olds to cards including defenceman Brody Barkley and defence/forward Cole Fowler, both from the South Dundas Minor Hockey system, forward Landon Veenstra from the South Stormont system and Jacob Kendrick a forward who comes from Ottawa.

“We are going to be focussing on our systems and specialty teams this week, and see if we can’t start off the season on a good note,” says Evans.

The Lions open the 2014-15 season on the road this Friday night, September 19 when they travel to Alexandria to take on the Glens at 8 p.m.

They open their home season Saturday night, when their longtime rivals from the north, the Winchester Hawks come to town. Game time this Saturday night is 7:30 p.m.

“We are looking to be very competitive this year,” says Evans.

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Barkley, Boivin Club Champions at Morrisburg

September 17, 2014 Editor

Despite cold, heavy rain, and the decision to stop play on Saturday, Kirk Barkley and Vicki Boivin hung in to claim the 2014 Morrisburg Golf Club’s men’s and ladies’ championships on the weekend.

Barkley charged out of the men’s B flight for his win, while Boivin put together 18-hole rounds of 93-86 for her 11th club championship win, her ninth consecutive.

The heavy rains on Saturday were a big factor in this year’s club championship. The ladies had the early start and had to call it a day late in the round. They finished up their four holes Sunday morning, took a break and then headed out for the second 18 hole round.

For the men who had the late Saturday tee-off, the weather forced them to call it after nine holes. For the championship they counted their nine holes played Saturday, and the 18 hole round on Sunday.

A flight’s Blake Barry had the lead after Saturday’s nine with a 39, while Barkley was three strokes back in B flight with a 42. Barry posted a 78 in Sunday’s play for a 117 total, while Barkley added a 74, for a 116 which gave him the men’s championship.

Defending 2013 champ, Ron Lapier did not play.

The ladies B flight was highly contested with Linda Barclay claiming the win on retrogression.

Barclay, for her fourth consecutive B championship, posted rounds of 103-96 for a 199 total. Her effort was matched by Judy Laurin who posted 101-98, for a 199 total.

That forced a one-hole sudden death playoff between the two, and after three sudden deaths and still tied, the two agreed to go to retrogression to decide a winner. That gave Barclay, with her 48 front nine score, the win over Laurin, by one stroke.

The ladies section C flight, was not contested and the winner of the D flight championship was Candace Jamieson with 118-123.

In mens play, after Barkley at 116, and Barry at 117 the low shooters, both in B flight were Lee Beaupre at 120 and Don Mabo at 133.

Beaupre got the nod for the senior club champion with his nine hole 43 added to a 77 on Sunday, and Mabo won the B championship, for the second consecutive year (45-88).

In C flight, Bob Barclay and Doug Warner finished tied with 140s. Barclay shot a 48 Saturday and added a 92, while Warner posted a 50 Saturday and added a 90 on Sunday.

Using retrogression Barclay won the C flight championship for the second consecutive year.

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Phenomenal Great Lake Swimmers open St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage season

September 17, 2014 W. Gibb – Leader staff

The Great Lake Swimmers like to do things a little differently.

While other artists spend most of their time recording in closed, high tech studios, where the sound is strenuously manipulated, this innovative five man band chooses to record in some unusual settings. They put an album together in an empty grain silo. They taped deep in the woods. They’ve even recorded in an abandoned subway station.

“To me, playing and recording in unusual sites harnesses a certain energy and draws special performances from the musicians,” explained Tony Dekker, lead guitar and vocalist with the Swimmers. “When we first began recording like this I was surprised at the environmental sounds we picked up, the wind, crickets, and, instead of erasing them, we began to embrace them in our music. Our music became a kind of document about a certain place and time.”

Audiences at the St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage, the Morrisburg Meeting Centre, will have the opportunity to experience first hand the critically acclaimed Great Lake Swimmers when they kick off the SLAS season on Saturday, September 20, at 7 p.m. With the multi-talented Musettes opening for them, one thing is certain: this is going to be quite a concert, and a great start to the 2014-15 year at the Stage.

The Great Lake Swimmers is composed of Tony Dekker, Erik Arnesen, Bret Higgins Joshua Van Tassel and Miranda Mulholland.

“We’ve been a band now for about 11 years,” said Dekker, “with the cast evolving a bit over the years. But this group is, I guess you could say, the final cut. What draws us together is the music itself, and wanting to bring that music to life.”

The Swimmers are generating growing interest among fans and critics alike. Nominated for two Junos and other musical awards, their latest album (not yet named) is being developed right now, for release in early 2015.

The group resists being conveniently labelled.

“We come at some elements of folk in our work, but ours is, I think, a younger approach to that music. We have an acute respect for the folk tradition, but I believe we come at it with an “Indie” feel, maybe even a “neo-folk” approach, What we really create,” Dekker laughed, “is a unique Swimmers sound.”

Their bold, exciting melodies and vocal strengths have a deep appeal to audiences. They have performed everywhere from Massey Hall, to venues like a small night club in Gravenhurst. The intimacy of the St. Lawerence Stage setting is one they are looking forward to.

Tony Dekker is the chief lyricist of the group.

“The idea for songs can come from a melody, or a phrase or a rhythm which comes to me. But there has to be a good combination of words there. I go in to the band with a finished thought and we work together on the musical arrangements that make the finished piece.”

Not surprisingly (he was raised on a farm, and has strong rural roots) Dekker finds themes for his writing in the “natural world. Finding spirituality in nature inspires music. I like to draw metaphors from the environment: just feeling the silence of a forest can give me a unique perspective which I can bring to the lyrics I write.” The mythology of the Great Lakes (which inspired the band’s name) fascinates him as well.

He is pleased at the steady rise in the band’s career. “People are still learning about us, but that’s alright. We’d rather be a slow burn than a brief flash in the pan,” he laughed.

Opening for Great Lake Swimmers is a trio of young artists who literally exploded on to the stage during an Intimate Acoustics concert last season. The Musettes, made up of Meaghan LaGrandeur, Rachel Harrison and Brigit O’Reagan (sitting in for regular Lora Bidner, who is currently on a solo project) have a sound and a range that will astound audiences.

“Our songs are very eclectic, and all are quite different,” said Meaghan LaGrandeur. “We all write, although Rachel, who is a brilliant song writer, can create songs that range from Sea Shanties to love to high adventure. I tend more to story telling and history. I think we take my songs and ‘folksy/popify’ them,” she laughed.

Accomplished artists all, who have been singing together since they met at Ottawa’s Canterbury High School, they, like the Swimmers, don’t really label their musical style. “We love music old and new from Judy Garland to the Andrews Sisters, to modern folk singers,” LaGrandeur explained. “If I did pick an umbrella genre, it would be folk, with pop influences.”

The Musettes just had a huge CD launch party in June filling St. Luke’s Church in Ottawa. Their new album Wanderlust is garnering praise and a lot of fan attention. They have an extensive touring schedule arranged for next year.

With The Musettes as the opener, and the Great Lake Swimmers on stage, September 20, 7 p.m., is going to be a memorable opening concert at the Stage. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Contact www.st-lawrencestage.com

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Cadillac pulled from the St. Lawrence River

September 17, 2014 Editor

South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services’ Marine Rescue Unit was deployed to a submerged vehicle at 10:45 p.m., September 10, near Loyalist Park along Lakeshore Drive.

First on scene was Fire Chief Chris McDonough, who deployed the marine unit immediately, as he was unsure if there was anyone inside the car. It turned out there was not.

Also on scene was Bill’s Towing.

The six firefighters in the rescue boat, and six firefighters on shore were able to attach a rescue line to the vehicle and tether it to the tow truck at the scene to keep the car in place until a heavier tow truck arrived from Cornwall Towing to actually lift the vehicle out of the water.

“The strong winds and heavy current made maneuvering very difficult,” said McDonough. “They did a great job securing the car.”

SDFES remained on scene until 3 a.m. helping with the recovery effort.

The car recovered was a 2005 Cadillac sedan, dark blue in colour.

According to police, the Cadillac was travelling along Lakeshore Drive when it went out of control and collided with the guardrail just east of Loyalist Park, and a private dock.

When police arrived, the driver of the vehicle was not at the scene.

September 11, a 21 year old South Dundas man was identified as the driver of the car.

Police are reporting that the driver is safe and was not injured in the collision. September 16, the investigation was still ongoing.

Police have not yet laid any charges. According to OPP media relations officer, the name of the man involved will not be released unless charges are laid.

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Three councillor candidates join the race, 14 vying for South Dundas seats

September 17, 2014 Editor

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.

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Fall Harvest Festival at Upper Canada Village

September 17, 2014 Editor

Summer may be coming to an end but the vibrant colours of fall are right around the corner.

On Saturday and Sunday, September 20 and 21, Upper Canada Village will celebrate the bounty of harvest time with an amazing display of produce, art and artisan made works along with rare heritage breeds of livestock.

The public is invited to enter their fine art, preserves, handwork, vegetables and other items to see how they measure up against Village staff.

All entries must comply with 1860s guidelines which can be found and downloaded at www.uppercanadavillage.com and must be registered by 9 a.m. on Friday, September 19.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see a number of rare and unusual heritage breeds of poultry and sheep from Rare Breeds Canada and Upper Canada Village’s own Canadian horses, cows and other livestock will be on display.

Beautiful Victorian needlework and embroidery, delicious preserves, pickles and baked goods, heritage vegetables, watercolours and oil paintings, honey, cheese as well as articles showcasing early industry will be inside the Fall Fair tent recreating the atmosphere of an 1860’s Agricultural Exhibition.

Visitors won’t want to miss the Moss Motto, a large picture made from plant materials which has been carefully prepared by Village staff, and is a truly unique feature on display in the Fall Fair Tent.

Exhibits of agricultural and horticultural products, domestic manufactures and ladies’ work will be displayed throughout the day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and there will be special exhibits highlighting trades and industry in the 1860’s inside the Fall Fair tent.

A full schedule of performances will keep visitors entertained throughout the day: Music at Cook’s Tavern 11:15 a.m. until noon; Abracadabra Magic by Steve Baker (on stage starting at 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.-3:45 p.m.); President’s opening remarks and Brass Band performance 1 p.m.; Cattle and Horse Show (2 p.m.); Brass Band performance (Cooks Tavern 2:15 p.m.); Children’s Games (fairgrounds 2:45 p.m.)

The Village Fall Fair “fair” prices for treats: Apples, Village-baked bread, Village cheese, cider, lemonade and fudge will all be available at only 50 cents per serving.

Children can participate in several 19th century games taking place throughout the weekend. Ring toss, three-legged races, sack races, wheelbarrow races, and tug-of-war are being organized to provide young visitors with a taste of some good old-fashioned fun and tasty prizes.

Admission: Adult (13-64 yrs) $18; Senior (65 plus) $16; Youth (6-12) $12; children 5, and under free.

Upper Canada Village is open from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday until September 21. The Village’s Fall event, Pumpkinferno will run on select nights from Friday, October 3 through Saturday, November 1.

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Upper Canada District School Board continues tradition of fiscal responsibility

September 17, 2014 Editor

Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) continued a tradition of fiscal responsibility Wednesday night, September 10, by instituting an administrative hiring freeze and moving to better monitor spending in an age of fiscal constraint.

Members passed three motions during the first Board meeting of the new school year to ensure the UCDSB lives within the budget passed by trustees in June.

The motions were approved out of concern due to recent hints by the Ministry of Education that the province is tightening its belt, which may affect future funding for the board.

Director David Thomas welcomed the changes.

“At this board, we have created a legacy of compliant budgets and responsible use of resources and the board has simply asked us to continue in this manner to ensure budgetary needs are met,” said Thomas.

“These moves are consistent with the trustees’ focus on accountability as has been exemplified by the Accountability Framework,” added Chair Greg Pietersma.

Changes implemented to ensure accountability include:

•Trustees approved a hiring freeze on all administrative positions outside positions that have already been advertised. The freeze is in effect until March 11.

•Members called for a comprehensive review of service delivery that will have no impact on classroom activities.

•To better monitor spending, trustees requested financial reports any time a department budget is exceeded by three per cent or more. The motion also requires the department manager to propose a remedy.

This past June marked the 11th straight year that the board has passed a Ministry of Education-approved, compliant budget that meets all our students’ needs, said Thomas.

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Italian Food Experience at Auto Wonderland

September 17, 2014 Editor

If you are looking for some food to spice up your life, you can head on down to Auto Wonderland, east of Morrisburg, where partners Luigi Cerquozzi and Tony Crea are cooking up some authentic Italian dishes at their Pizza•Pasta•Panini concession stand.

“It’s a venture dealing with authentic homemade Italian cuisine,” says Crea of he and his brother-in-law’s concession stand located on the Auto Wonderland property. The property, in recent weeks, has been undergoing some landscaping which has unveiled a beautiful pond along with some attractive treed areas.

Canadians, Luigi and Tony each has roots in Italy. “We are from two different parts of Italy,” says Crea. “That’s what makes it so nice. I am from Southern Italy, and I specialize in the Italian Panini and sausages. Luigi is from middle Italy, and he is more into pizza, pastas and desserts.”

“What you will eat here is what I feed my kids,” explains Crea as he takes a moment to relax on one of several picnic tables available to diners. “Basically, everything is homemade, we even have homemade sausage.”

Cerquozzi and Crea live in Ottawa and have had their Italian cuisine concession stand on the Auto Wonderland property open for approximately one month. In addition to the on-site food service, Pizza•Pasta•Panini will cater on and off site for birthday parties, anniversaries, weddings, festivals etc.

“I am getting a good response,” says Crea. “People are telling me that finally they have something to look forward to other than fries. We are family owned and operated, and we are trying to give good food.”

The decision to open the Italian concession stand came about from the partners love of cooking and of course their love of their Italian food.

Cerquozzi has owned the Wonderland property for about 18 years, but has mainly used the building storage area.

Now with the addition of Pizza•Pasta•Panini, the Wonderland property is being enhanced to make it available to host events or festivals, such as car or boats shows, anything really that needs property for an event. The brothers-in-law also plan to host their own events.

“It’s a change of life and a change of work as well,” says Crea, whose background is in construction. “I adore people and like to see them smile. I look forward to that each day. And when I see the smiles, then I know I am doing something right.”

With the steady traffic on County Road 2, easy access to the site off the 401 and nearby Upper Canada Village the partners are hoping they have a winning combination.

Crea proudly points to the Pizza/Pasta/Panini menu which features Paninis (10 selections), Pasta (five selections), Pizza (eight inch round personal, nine selections), Salads, Snacks and Desserts of Tiramisu and Italian Ice Cream.

For catering information or to order, please call 613-543-4276.

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The 19th hole

September 10, 2014 Editor

Bingo, bango, bongo was the name of the game for the weekly ladies night on Wednesday, September 1.

There was no sponsor for the evening which was organized by Alice McNairn, Lydia Eamon and Betty Lou Casselman.

The evening was judged by the size of teams playing. Winning for most points were teams captained by Donne Dillabough, Gisele Hooles, Yvonne Mabo and Chris McNairn.

Least point wins went to Diane Gallinger, Denis Lebrun, Nelda Hickman and Vicki Boivin.

Coming up tonight, Wednesday, September 10, the ladies will participate in a skills competition.

The September 4 men’s night, was sponsored by Canadian Tire. Leading the field was Lance LePage who shot a 36 for the A flight win. Dave McClenaghan won B flight with a 41, and Ken Rundle won C with a 45.

Net wins went to Gord Dillabough in A flight, Mick Mabo in B flight and Gus Dickson in C flight.

Lance LePage dropped the closest to the pin shot on the par three 11th hole and Derick Casselman was closest on the par three 17th.

This weekend, September 13-14, the Club Championships will be played and the final men’s night is scheduled for Saturday, September 27.

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Junior B Lions looking for a good start

September 10, 2014 Editor

It’s early, but Morrisburg Junior Lions coach, Mark Evans says, “we have had a respectable showing and have some good potential.”

The Lions were on Finch ice this past weekend for their main camp which included ice time on both Friday and Sunday nights and a pre-season game against the Char-Lan Rebels, Saturday night. Although the Lions led the Rebels 2-0, the Rebels charged back for a 9-3 win.

Evans says he went with about 95 percent first year players and wasn’t disappointed with what he saw.

“I am very positive with what I have seen so far. We are hovering around eight to nine veterans, and everyone is excited about the season.”

With the mood very “upbeat”, Evans says the Lions will start the season where they left off last year, steadily improving and becoming more competitive in the St. Lawrence Division.

The Lions were to be on the ice two hours last night (Tuesday, September 9) in Finch, and Evans was expecting that Lions General manager Kevin Casselman would be signing some players by the end of this week.

Goaltending he says is looking good. “We had nine goaltenders in camp, and we have narrowed it down to four.”

Evans says John Gilmour is the familiar face from last year, and he is taking a serious look at the other three, some of whom have come to the Lions camp via A clubs.

In addition to talent in goal, Evans says the defensive line up is looking solid with a good mix of experienced veterans and new players.

“I am really happy with what I have seen so far. We have released some who were young that we felt would best benefit from playing midget for another year. We are pretty thick with defense actually. Cole Blanchard and Steven Savage are both back, and we have some defencemen in camp who played as affiliates last year.”

Evans says the defence lineup shows good mix of size and speed and “they all have good puck moving skills”.

Currently in the forward lineup, the coaching staff is looking at different line combinations, “to see what we can come up with, from the returning players and new players.”

“We haven’t signed any overage players yet, but Justin Lefevbre and Dallas Blacksmith are both in camp.”

Evans says the Lions are not in a hurry to fill the four overage cards. “The junior As are still going to manoeuvre, so there are still options, and we won’t fill all of our cards right now.”

Overall Evans says he is happy with the players currently in camp. “We are going to come up with a talented lineup,” certainly, “we are going to start higher than we finished last year. We have a good mix of young kids and veterans.”

Evans also points out there is a good crop of local players from the South Dundas and South Stormont Minor Hockey systems in camp.

The Lions have three exhibition games scheduled to be played in Finch this weekend. Friday night, September 12 they will meet the Akwesasne Wolves at 7 p.m., and on Saturday night they will play the Brockville Tikis. Game time is 5 p.m.

Their fifth pre-season game will be played Sunday night starting at 7 p.m. against Char-Lan.

They are scheduled for their first home-ice practise next Tuesday, September 16 beginning at 8 p.m.

The Lions will open the 2014-15 season on the road to Alexandria, Friday night, September 19 at 8:15 p.m. and will host the Winchester Hawks for their first home game on Saturday night, September 20 at 7:30 p.m.

With the exception of just one or two Friday nights, the Lions will be playing their home games on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons this year.

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