October 2014 – Page 2 – Morrisburg Leader

Junior Lions win three, stopped by Wolves

October 29, 2014 Editor

In the last week, the Morrisburg Junior B Lions have been giving their fans something to talk about as they went to work to win three in a row, one of which was against the undefeated St. Lawrence Division, first place Casselman Vikings.

The Lions kicked off their three-game streak, the first in many seasons, on home ice Saturday, October 18, when they disposed of the Westport Rideaus by a 13-6 score.

Then it was off to Casselman last Thursday, October 3, when the Lions did what no other team has managed so far this season…collect points from the Vikings in a 2-1 overtime, shoot-out victory.

They posted win number three on home ice Saturday night, when, with Keiran Weir unbeatable in net, they blanked the Brockville Tikis, 5-0.

They were stopped by a 4-3 loss from the Akwesasne Wolves Sunday, on Cornwall Island.

“It felt very exhilarating,” said coach Mark Evans of the win over Casselman last Thursday night. “The boys were ecstatic. They knew all their hard work had come down to that. They stuck to the game plan, blocked up the lanes, and when they got into trouble they played smart.”

“There was some really great goaltending at both ends of the ice (Gianmarco De Meis was in net for the Vikings), and it was a good game of hockey to watch. It was really good to see the kids rewarded for their hard work.”

All of the game scoring took place in the second period with Maxime Choquette putting the Vikings on the board just 3:25 in. At 5:09, Jacob Kendrick with help from Landon Veenstra, struck for the Lions to even it and that’s the way it stayed, tied 1-1 through regulation play.

After a scoreless overtime, the game went to a shootout for a decision.

Dallas Blacksmith was first up for the Lions, and his success was cancelled by Grant Hebert.

Michael Paquette then counted for the Lions and when Sebastien Plante was unsuccessful in his attempt against Keir, the Lions were in the driver’s seat.

However the goaltenders had it covered. Neither Jacob Kendrick for the Lions nor Taylor Widenmaier was successful, and the Lions picked up two points for the 2-1 shutout win.

Back home on Saturday night, with Weir again in net, the Lions pounced quickly on the visiting Westport Rideaus. They went up 2-0 in the first period, and led 4-0 after two as they worked their way to the 5-0 victory.

Michael Paquette (from Justin Rutley and Jordan Smail) and Cole Fowler (from Cole Beckstead) provided the Lions first period goals.

In the second period, it was Landon Veenstra (from Dallas Blacksmith) and Jacob Guillot (from Ryan Griffin and Dylan Nixon).

Their final goal was scored on their power play, by Dallas Blacksmith, with help from Cole Beckstead and Jacob Kendrick.

“Keiran played two stellar games,” said Evans. “It was good to see, and it was great for him to get back-to-back wins.”

Sunday, the Lions winning streak was ended by the Akwesasne Wolves, 4-3.

“We were asleep at the switch. We weren’t ready to go,” said Evans. “The effort and intensity wasn’t there, especially in the first period.”

In the first period, the Wolves went up 3-0 on two goals by Zack Seguin and one from Derik Dionne.

The Lions got one back on their power play at 16:36 of the second period from Brodie Barkley, assisted by Cole Blanchard and Jacob Kendrick.

Then just 1:18 into the third period they cut the gap to 3-2 with a Dallas Blacksmith counter assisted by Jacob Kendrick and Tanner Hummel.

Six seconds later, Isaac Barr beat Lions goaltender John Bilmer to again give the Wolves a two-goal edge.

Some intense play followed, but the Lions ran up against a hot Cory Garrow and managed only one more from Zack Renfrew, assisted by Curtis Evans and Ryan Griffin.

“It’s all about being ready to start,” said Evans. “We almost did it (recovered) but we ran into their hot goalie. He’s solid, and they had only 36 goals against going into the game. When they get three or four goals against you, you are going to have your work cut out against him to get back into it.”

Despite the loss, Evans says the Lions are “happy with the progress, but we are not resting on our laurels. We need to keep working and to tighten up our defence. Your offense will win you games, but your defence will win you championships. We should be looking at two to three goals against per game.”

The three win run, helps to pull the Lions up in the St. Lawrence Division standings. They remain in fifth place in the six team division with 10 points, just two back of the Winchester Hawks and Akwesasne Wolves tied with 12. Both the Hawks and Wolves have two games in hand over the Lions.

The Alexandria Glens are in the division’s second spot with 13 points, and the Casselman Vikings top the chart at 19 points with nine wins and the shoot out loss to the Lions.

Coming up the Lions are in Winchester against the Hawks Saturday night, November 1.

[…]

Resounding win for Delegarde

October 29, 2014 Editor

“I have worked really hard over the last four years to earn this position,” said Evonne Delegarde, who was at the Iroquois Legion when she learned that the people of South Dundas elected her mayor of South Dundas, and the first female mayor of this municipality.

Around 8 p.m., a crowd of about 60, including most of the South Dundas municipal election candidates had gathered at the South Dundas Municipal centre in council chambers to await the results of the 2014 election.

There they waited, and waited, and the crowd dwindled to about a dozen, when the clerk finally read the results at 11:20 p.m.

Archie Mellan, Bill Ewing and Marc St. Pierre were among those who stayed at SDMC to hear the results. Once the results were announced the men who where elected councillor received congratulations from defeated mayor Steven Byvelds and defeated councillor Jim Graham.

St. Pierre, led the polls for the councillor seats with 2104 votes.

“My feeling is one of excitement,” said St. Pierre, and, “I’m a little tired,” he said of the unexpectedly long wait for results.

“The last few weeks have been great, and the next four years will be a good adventure,” said the first time councillor, who lives in Mariatown. “We do have some issues to deal with, and I’m confident that those elected can deal with them.”

“It’s time for change,” said Bill Ewing. “We should have a good crew here, so let’s get at it.” Ewing lives in Iroquois, and has previously served as a member of South Dundas council when the ward system was still in place. He represented the Iroquois ward. Ewing received 1,813 votes in Monday’s election.

Archie Mellan was re-elected as councillor. “It was a tight race,” he said, looking at numbers between he and fourth place finisher Jim Mills. Mellan received 1,328 votes, only 15 more than Mills. Mellan is from Hulbert.

“It’s looking like I will be back, and I’m looking forward to another challenging and exciting four years,” said Mellan. “I’m sad to see Steven and Jim go,” said Mellan of Byvelds and Graham, both of whom have served two terms on South Dundas council. “They were both extremely hard-working and dedicated individuals. Losing them will be a loss for South Dundas, but the slack will be picked up by our new members.”

At the Iroquois Legion, Delegarde offered congratulations to all those elected and “kudos” to all the candidates.

“I am really pleased with the results,” she said. “Thanks to everyone who supported me.”

Of being elected the first female mayor of South Dundas, she said, “I hadn’t really thought of that, it certainly breaks with tradition, so I thank the people for the confidence they have in me.”

Delegarde is very excited that she will now be part of the SDG Counties council, and she will look to re-elected deputy mayor Jim Locke for his knowledge of counties and issues and procedures to guide her into the new venture.

Leading up to election day, Delegarde said she had a very positive feeling. From the verbal support she had been receiving she felt like she would win. “I didn’t think it would be by that much,” she said. She figured that she would win, expecting a 60:40 split. When the numbers finally came in, it was a 67:33 split, in her favour. Delegarde received 2,807 votes compared to Byvelds’ 1,388.

“I’m not surprised by the result,” said Jim Locke, who was re-elected to the deputy mayor’s seat with 1,900 voted compared to the 1,344 votes that Del Jones received.

“I thought the mayor’s race would be close. Evonne worked hard at it, and the people have spoken,” said Locke, who lives in Iroquois. “I look forward to working with her and the new council.”

As for his own win Locke said that he didn’t really work hard at campaigning. “I just let it be, and left it up to the people to decide.”

Of the 8,380 electors in South Dundas, 4,265 voted – a 51 per cent voter turnout. That’s down from the last election which saw a 53 per cent turnout, which was down from the 2006 election when 59 per cent exercised their right to vote.

In this election, 2,255 electors chose to vote by internet, 1,053 in person at the South Dundas Municipal Centre in Morrisburg and 957 by phone.

[…]

Michael DeJong

October 22, 2014 Editor

A lifetime resident of the area, Michael DeJong passed away peacefully at the Carefor Hospice in Cornwall, on Monday, October 13, 2014, following an eight month battle with cancer. He was 34.

Michael Daniel DeJong was born in Winchester, on June 28, 1980, to his parents Barrie Pemberton and Alice DeJong.

Michael grew up on a dairy farm. He enjoyed being outdoors, and, actually, he preferred it. He loved being around the animals – sheep, pot-bellied pigs, chickens, rabbits, goats and of course the cattle.

He was a good worker and enjoyed farm life.

He began driving a tractor and truck from an early age, which developed into his later skill fixing cars up for demolition derby – right up until last year.

Michael attended Elma Public School, Maple Ridge Public School and Seaway Secondary School. He went to Cubs and he loved sports. He started playing hockey in Morrisburg when he was five years old and he eventually played Junior B for the Morrisburg Lions. He also played baseball in Williamsburg.

Michael was very strong willed, and he never gave up. If you asked him to do anything, he’d do it. If you needed something, he would be there. He was very unselfish. He deeply appreciated his family and loved them, which says a lot about the way he was raised.

Michael and his loving wife Margaret whom he married on August 1, 2003, were blessed with three children: Madisyn, Montgomery and Maverick.

To help support his family, Michael worked for Norwell Dairy Systems. He was a “jack-of-all-trades” doing whatever he was called to do. He was smart–more than he let on. He would surprise people with what he was able to do. At home, he took pride in his lawn, his fishpond and his garden.

What was really amazing about Michael is how he came to accept each day and appreciate all he had in his loving family; his wife and children, his parents, his sisters and grandparents, aunts and uncles and friends.

His battle with cancer changed him. He became a stronger, even better man through it all. And in the end he came to accept the inevitability of his own death. “What will be, will be,” he said. He carried his courage and dignity to the end.

Michael is survived by his wife Margaret, his children Madisyn, Montgomery and Maverick, his parents Barrie and Alice Pemberton, his sisters Samantha Pemberton (Norman Merrifield) of Ottawa and Melissa Mitchell (Evan) of Glen Becker, his maternal grandparents Bill and Jean DeJong of R.R.# 1 Morrisburg and paternal grandparents Glenn and Carolyn Pemberton of Williamsburg and his paternal great-grandmother Gwynneth Pemberton.

He was a dear nephew of June DeJong (Brian Alexander) of Minden, Donald DeJong (Amy) of R.R.# 1 Morrisburg, Brian Pemberton (Violetta) of Williamsburg and Kathi Duff of Kanata. Michael will be sadly missed by cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Thursday from 7-9 p.m. A private family funeral service was held at the funeral home on Friday, October 17th at 11 a.m. with Rev. Jo Barkley-Probst officiating. Interment followed at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg.

Pallbearers were Dylan DeJong, Donald DeJong, Evan Mitchell, Rick Thompson, Daryl Disotell, Charlie Lewis Jr., Tony Barkley and Rick Hess. Honorary pallbearer was Tim Perry.

Donations to a fund for Michael’s children may be made by contacting the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

[…]

Freida O’Neil

October 22, 2014 Editor

A lifetime resident of the area, Freida O’Neil passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 7, 2014. She was 54.

Freida was born in Winchester, on September 27, 1960, to her parents George and Nellie Hitsman (nee Markell). She attended Dixons Corners Public School and Seaway District High School.

On December 24, 1981, Freida married Bob O’Neil and together they had two children, Wanda and Jeff.

Freida was a pleasant lady who was always smiling and who took care of anyone in her neighbourhood who needed help. Family was Freida’s number one priority, and she had a big influence on everyone in her inner circle.

Freida enjoyed crafts, painting, scrapbooking and crocheting. She was an avid poker player and, when they were younger, she and Bob enjoyed going to dances. Country music was her favourite kind of music, and Elvis Presley was her favourite entertainer.

When her children were small, the family enjoyed camping at the Delta campground, but in more recent years she enjoyed her trailer at the Upper Canada Campground.

Freida is survived by her husband Bob O’Neil, her children Wanda Thompson (Art) of Morrisburg and Jeff O’Neil (Linda) of Morrisburg, her parents George Hitsman (Eunice Bovin) of R.R. #1 Iroquois and the late Nellie Hitsman.

She was the dear sister of Gloria O’Neil (Dalton Gibbons) of Winchester, Joe Hitsman (Rose) of R.R.# 2 Brinston, Kim O’Neil (Allen) of R.R.# 2 Iroquois and John Hitsman (Bonnie) of Shanly.

Nanny will be sadly missed by her grandchildren Dylan and Cole Thompson and Brianna, Sierra and Aliesha O’Neil. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Freida was predeceased by her great-niece Lacie O’Neil, her great-nephew Brodie Hitsman, her brothers-in-law Rick and Ralph O’Neil and her father-in-law Richard O’Neil.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held at the Funeral Home on Friday, October 10th at 11 a.m., with Rev. Janet Evans officiating.

Interment followed at Spruce Haven Cemetery, Brinston. Pallbearers were Jeff O’Neil, Joe Hitsman, Dylan Thompson, Donald Barkley, Rick Shaver and Richard Sloan.

Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

[…]

Bill Tait

October 22, 2014 Editor

A resident of the Park Drive Villa in Williamsburg, for the past year, Bill Tait passed away at the Carefor Hospice in Cornwall, on Thursday, October 9, 2014, following a brief illness. He was 82.

Bill was born in Scott Township, Ontario, on September 11, 1932, to his parents Morris and Evelyn Tait (nee Carnegie).

On November 25, 1950, he married his longtime sweetheart Dorothy Cummings at her parents’ home in Uxbridge, Ontario. Together they had three daughters, Lynne, Cathy and Clara.

Bill and Dorothy raised their family in Toronto, where Bill worked as a labourer and maintained equipment at Canada Packers.

In 1967, they moved their family back to their home town of Zephyr, where Dorothy retired from her job and started raising veal calves while Bill continued to commute to Toronto.

In 1973, Bill and Dorothy decided to make farming a full-time career so they packed up their family once more and moved all of their animals and equipment to the farm on Barkley Road in Williamsburg Township.

There they ran a successful dairy operation for 16 years even through the hardship of losing their home in a devastating house fire in 1991.

Bill and Dorothy belonged to the Old Time Fiddlers, and they attended weekly dances without fail regardless of how tired they were or the weather conditions. They made numerous life-long friends.

Upon retirement, Bill and Dorothy took up their passion for travel. They hitched up their 5th wheel trailer and toured all through Canada going in all four directions, and to parts of the U.S.

Bill loved to play cards with his family, and he taught all of his girls how to count by showing them how to play cribbage. Many hours were passed playing Canasta and Rummy with his family.

In his leisure time, Bill loved being in his workshop where he built and constructed furniture, toys and lawn ornaments. His lawn was always adorned with seasonal decorations much to the delight of his grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his daughters Lynne Casselman (Graham) of R.R.# 1 Williamsburg, Cathy Tupper (Philip) of Boucks Hill and Clara Erdman (Blair Cooper) of Orleans, and by his sister Lorna Mills (Henry) of Cannington.

Bill will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Adele, James, Wendy, Adam, Chad, Leslie, Courtney, Ryan, Christian and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Dorothy, his brother Austin and his sisters Wilda Sinclair and Aldeen Esau.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of the funeral service at 11 a.m.. The service was conducted by Rev. Janet Evans. Interment followed at Maple Ridge Cemetery, Chesterville.

Pallbearers were James Garlough, Chad Garlough, Ryan Casselman, Adam Erdman, Christian Cooper and Dan Ramer.

Honorary pallbearers were Courtney Garlough, Leslie Erdman, Wendy Casselman and Adele Cowan.

Donations to the J.W. MacIntosh Senior Support Centre would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

[…]

Curlers on the Starting Line

October 22, 2014 Editor

The Morrisburg Club started league play last week, and we look forward to another successful year. As always, there are a few membership changes, and we wish well those unable to curl this year. Perhaps we’ll see you later in the season, and we welcome those new to the club.

To those who have not signed up yet, there may still be openings. Contact the league coordinators soon, though, to make sure you get in. At the very least, there are openings as spares in any of the leagues. Relative to other sports, curling is the least expensive of sporting activities.

Concerning league coordinators: Little Rock Curlers (Ian Wilson) ianwilson@ucdsb.on.ca, after school Monday; Afternoon, daytime ladies, Tuesday p.m., (Alice Thompson), 613-543-3134; Senior men, (Dave King), 613-652-4227; Tuesday night men, (Jack Barkley), 613-543-3908; Daytime mixed, our new president, Ruth Kelly, ruthkelly@explornet.com; Evening ladies, Wednesday, (Sue McIntosh), 613-543-3118; Competitive league, Thursday p.m., (Ian Wilson); Evening mixed, Friday night, (Mahlon Locke), 613-543-3104.

Ruth Kelly is organizing a Monday night league for curlers of five years experience or less. Hope to see some new folks out.

Saturday, we had our first bonspiel, an Oktoberfest. (The swing and sweep fell victim too often in the past to iffy weather.)

We thank Sandra Beckstead, owner of Smyth’s Orchards, for sponsoring. The hot apple cider, the prizes and the bushel basket full of apples and other treats, won in the draw by Greta McGann, were wonderful.

The lunch, soup, German sausage and sauerkraut, prepared by Claire Locke and her committee, combined with appropriate beverages, sent the curlers out happy for their afternoon games.

Thanks to those who organized the day, and to Bill Laurin, whose pictures are great, and who will continue to promote the club with them and in other ways this year.

The top team on the day was Sam Locke, Keith Robinson, Paula Locke and Don Lazenby. Finishing second were Mahlon Locke, Joanne Baker, Laurie Lazenby and Linda Murphy.

There are openings for teams in the Lions’ Bonspiel, Nov. 1, and the United Way Bonspiel Nov. 8 here at the club. The entry fee for each is $100 per team. Keith Robinson would be the contact for the former and Mahlon Locke for the latter.

At our general meeting last month, Ruth Kelly was accepted as the new president, and Mahlon Locke, our president, retired from the job, though he’ll still be active in club business. We owe a huge debt to Mahlon for his service to our club over the past several years.

Kathy Johnston, our long-time treasurer, presented her annual financial report, which showed another successful year for the club’s finances. There are still a few openings for the club board of directors, by the way.

[…]

Junior Lions collect big win from Rideaus

October 22, 2014 Editor

Last Wednesday, October 15, the Morrisburg Junior B Lions were in Brockville where the Tikis nabbed them for a 7-2 win.

Then on Friday, October 17, the Tikis lost to the Westport Rideaus, 6-1.

On Saturday night in Morrisburg, the Lions turned it completely around to defeat the Rideaus, 13-6.

The Brockville Tikis are in second place in the Rideau Division with 13 points, four points behind the Prescott Flyers. The Rideaus are in last place with nine points.

The Lions, thanks to the Saturday night win against the Rideaus, have moved into fifth place in the St. Lawrence Division, two points up on the Char-Lan Rebels.

A betting man might have difficulty deciding where to place his money. A junior B hockey coach might understand anything can happen in any given game.

Wednesday night in Brockville, the Tikis built a 2-0 first period lead and never looked back. They went up 4-0 in the first five minutes of the second period before Eric Evans counted for the Lions with help from Michael Paquette and Justin Lefevbre.

The Tikis got one more late in the frame to carry a 5-1 advantage into the third.

Early in the third period, Paquette counted the Lions third and final goal on a penalty shot.

John Gilmer started in net for the Lions, and was replaced in the second period by Keiran Weir.

The Lions sat out 22 minutes in penalties on seven infractions, and the Tikis were assessed 33 minutes, also on seven infraction. The Tikis scored only one goal on their power play, that at 12:53 of the third period from Ethan York.

Back home on Saturday night, the Lions got off to another shaky start and trailed the visiting Westport Rideaus 2-1 heading into the second period.

Just 3:46 into the second, Jacob Kendrick scored unassisted to tie the game 2-2, and spark the Lions to a scoring exhibition which saw them count five consecutive goals to go up 7-3. The Rideaus finally got them stopped with a Travis Marshall goal with 38 seconds left in the frame.

Peter McGahey got two back for the Rideaus early in the third period to tighten the count to 7-5, but again the Lions went on the offensive. This time they counted three goals for a 10-5 advantage before the Rideaus got them stopped with an Aaron Gregoire player-play goal at 10:10.

This sparked another Lions spree, which resulted in another three goals, and the 13-6 Lions victory.

Jacob Kendry and Eric Evans led the Lions scoring with three goals each, and Landon Veenstra added a pair.

Zach Belaire, Michael Paquette, Ryan Griffin, Jacob Guillot and Justin Rutley all scored single goals.

Veteran Lions, Paquette and Rutley both had big games. Paquette helped out on four goals and Rutley provided the assists on three.

John Gilmer was in net for the Lions win.

The Lions sat out 22 minutes on seven infractions, and the Rideaus were assessed 24 minutes on eight infractions. The Rideaus scored one power-play goal, while the Lions were not successful in their six power-play opportunities.

The Lions now move into the St. Lawrence Division’s fifth place spot with six points on three wins.

The Casselman Vikings remain in first place, undefeated in eight games, while the Alexandria Glens are in second place with 11 points on five wins and one shoot-out loss.

The Winchester Hawks and the Akwesasne Wolves are tied with 10 points.

Coming up this week, the Lions travel to Casselman to take on the Vikings, Thursday, October 23.

Saturday night, October 25, the Brockville Tikis will be in Morrisburg for a 7:30 p.m. start, and Sunday night, the Lions will be on the road for a game against the Wolves.

[…]

SDS Kerr adds to South Dundas Sports Lending Library

October 22, 2014 Editor

Wellness, and community involvement are both important issues for SDS Kerr/Beaver Dental and that’s why the early-summer purchase of a Stand Up Paddleboard for the South Dundas Sports Lending Library was a perfect fit.

The week of September 29 to October 3, the plant hosted a week-long Wellness Initiative where employees were given the opportunity to participate in and learn of a variety of activities that promote a healthy, active lifestyle.

To take advantage of the opportunity and make public the Paddleboard donation to the Library, South Dundas Recreation Program Coordinator Ben Macpherson, loaded up the board and transported it to the plant.

MacPherson explained the use of the board. “It is currently one of the fastest growing sports. You can take it out and just lay on it to relax, or you can use it for a good core workout. You can work your legs, core and arms. The river provides a really good workout.”

“We’ve had kids use it as young as 6-7 years, and the paddleboard was borrowed every weekend from the time we got it in mid-June to September. The same as the kayaks. With the success of the paddle board, we are going to purchase a second board.”

“We wanted to do something for the lending library,” said Isabella Farlinger. “I was aware of the stand up paddleboard and thought it would make a good addition to the lending library. We raised some money at a barbecue we held at our open house, and the company topped it up.”

Macpherson explained that the current board, at a cost of just under $800, is “middle of the road to high end in design. There are cheaper paddleboards and more expensive boards. This board is designed to be user friendly because it is wider.”

Stand up paddleboarding originated in Hawaii as an off-shoot of surfing. The paddles used to propel the board are similar to the traditional canoe paddles and used while the paddle boarder is standing on the board.

As part of the Wellness Initiative at the plant a two-day trade fair provided vendors the opportunity to display their products and service.

Attending were Great West Life, Encon, Canadian Cancer Society, Lakeshore Massage, Bayshore Workplace Health and Safety, South Dundas Recreation, Heart and Stroke and Natunola.

The employees sat in on retirement planning sessions, and lunch n’ learn sessions on topics such as healthy eating, how to quit smoking and online education programs offered through St. Lawrence College.

There was also a work day walking challenge.

The South Dundas Recreation display highlighted the many recreational activities available in South Dundas, including the Sports Lending Library.

With the summer now gone, Macpherson explained those seasonal items will now move to the back of the Library shelves and demand will be for snowshoes, cross-country skis and skates.

All of the equipment needed for each, in addition to helmets, are available in assorted sizes.

[…]

Quality Manufacturing moving to Ingleside

October 22, 2014 Editor

Just over 30 jobs are leaving South Dundas, but not going far.

South Stormont Township recently announced that the former Norceram facility in Ingleside is being renovated and will be the new home of Quality Manufacturing, the plastics processing and packaging plant, which has been a longtime tenant of an Allison Avenue building in Morrisburg.

Mayor Bryan McGillis said, “We are pleased to announce the relocation of Quality Manufacturing to South Stormont; another welcome addition to our industrial sector. The township continues with job growth in this community. This business relocation has now put us in the fortunate position of having filled all available major industrial buildings. Welcome to South Stormont, our door is always open.”

October 17, the Municipality of South Dundas issued a statement regarding the manufacturing company’s move. “While the municipality regrets that the company is leaving South Dundas, we are happy that the company’s success has put them in a position to enhance their business operations and that they have found an opportunity to grow within our region,” reads the statement.

“We were able to purchase a building in Ingleside, and we expect to be moving in the spring/summer of next year,” said Gordon Carvell, Quality Manufacturing general manager.

The main reason for the move is that the building purchase is that it allows the company to reduce its occupancy cost. “We would have been happy to stay here in Morrisburg, if the reduced occupancy cost could have been matched, but this opportunity came along, and we took advantage of it,” said Carvell.

[…]

October 22, 2014 Editor

In early 2014, the Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, and Prescott-Russell areas united in a monumental way to support a young mother and teacher, Stephanie Grady, in her battle against a rare and aggressive form of cancer called NUT Midline Carcinoma (NMC); through the, “We’re NUT Givin’ Up” campaign.

At the time, Stephanie’s only hope in overcoming this often fatal form of cancer came from an experimental drug called BET Inhibitor. This drug, known to slow and sometimes even stop tumour growth, was discovered through the International NUT Midline Carcinoma Registry; and is being administered at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA.

Recognizing OHIP doesn’t cover the cost of such trials, and the astronomical expense of health care costs in the USA, friends and family members rapidly formed “Team Grady”, organizing a variety of diverse and engaging fundraising activities to support the family; both emotionally and financially.

“It was the genuine, giving, and humble nature of Stephanie’s character which saw the campaign garner so much momentum,” said Heather Lisney, campaign coordinator.

Individuals and communities from across Ontario and the Maritimes organized a variety of fundraising events – all of which reflected the virtues of Stephanie and her family. Activities included: Breakfasts, brunches and dinners; silent and live auctions; dodgeball, hockey, volleyball and basketball tournaments; pub nights with live entertainment; and Zumba, scrapbooking, painting and gymnastics opportunities.

Over 28 public and catholic schools from the region were involved, with teachers and students organizing events from dress-down days, to pancake breakfasts, dances and hockey pools.

Due to the urgent need for treatment, and the incredibly overwhelming generosity of those involved, in just 12 weeks the campaign raised more than $200,000.

“Stephanie was an inspiration to so many,” said Lisney. “Her fighting spirit, combined with her cheeky humour and humility throughout the battle, were qualities to be admired. She didn’t want to ask for help, but she knew she would need support. Her family meant everything to her, and she wanted to know she did everything she could to fight – and she did.”

While the support from the community allowed Stephanie to get to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for preliminary testing in early May, the rapid progression of the disease following her return prevented her from starting treatment.

Just hours before the scheduled flight to return to Boston, Stephanie and her family received information from doctors; who suggested pursuing treatment would not be in her best interests.

“Many people wondered why Stephanie didn’t go earlier. It really wasn’t up to her. If it was, she would have been there in a heartbeat. It was the unfortunate reality of experimental treatment which prevented an earlier start. Doctors in Boston were waiting to clear different potency-dose-ratio levels for the clinical trial, and suggested Stephanie wait until the stronger drug was approved and available for her to take.”

Stephanie passed away peacefully at her home just four days later.

In addition to establishing educational savings plans for the Grady children; Stephanie’s husband, Nick Grady, in consultation with Stephanie’s parents and those affiliated with the campaign; has decided to donate funds back to the community, in ways that honour Stephanie’s legacy.

“It is our honour to give back and to provide inspiration for others, in ways that reflected the strength of the campaign as well as Stephanie’s character,” said Grady. “The community was so generous, and we can’t thank them enough for giving us the courage, and opportunity, to fight. It’s our hope that we can thank those who contributed, and support others who may be enduring similar challenges.”

In addition to establishing a Memorial Educational Pavilion in Stephanie’s honour at Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary (UCMBS); funds will also be used to support the Canadian Cancer Society’s Wheels of Hope program in the SDG & Prescott-Russell areas, to fund new equipment for the Cornwall Community Hospital’s new chemotherapy wing, to support Winchester District Memorial and Ottawa General Hospitals, and to establish an employee illness relief program for UCDSB staff members.

Annual bursaries will also be established at Rothwell-Osnabruck High School and Charlottetown Rural High School in PEI, and through some of the local churches that contributed so much.

Grady is also working with local hockey organizations to facilitate opportunities for more children to participate, and is considering other options to “pay it forward” in Stephanie’s memory.

Stephanie’s family, along with Team Grady members, would like to thank all those who contributed by inviting them to join the Memorial Pavilion Dedication and Thank-You BBQ, at Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary (UCMBS), on Sunday, October 26th from 2 – 4 p.m.

For more information about Stephanie’s story, the campaign, the Pavilion Dedication & Thank You BBQ, or about ways the Grady family is giving back; please visit www.gradyfund.com, www.facebook.com/werenutgivinup, @NUTGivinUp or contact Heather Lisney at 343-264-6197.

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