Pre-budget roundtable in Morrisburg

 

Organizers are busy planning another fun-filled event to mark their seventh year hosting the Scott Van’t Foort Memorial Golf Tournament and dinner.  

Scott was a popular and kind-hearted individual who was an inspiration to others. 

“In September 2010, in connection with Free The Children, a primary school was built in Kenya with the help of our generous community members,” says Amanda Ball, a member of the organizing committee.  “This year, we continue to support the Scott Van’t Foort Memorial School through maintenance funds (school supplies, teacher salary, etc.,) and will also provide our regular donation to Scott’s former high school, Seaway D.H.S., for their graduation.” 

New this year will be a special donation to a project being completed with The Stephen Lewis Foundation.

“We will contribute funds for the completion of a Maternity Ward in Uganda,” says Ball.  

This project is being spearheaded by Morrisburg native Christopher Marshall who was one of Scott’s best friends.  Marshall was recently in Uganda where he volunteered at St. Francis Health Care Services, a locally run HIV clinic where the Maternity Ward is being built.  

“As you can see, we use all funds raised to make as much of a difference as possible – both locally and as global citizens,” says Ball. “We hope that you will mark August 25th 2012, in your calendar.”  

“This is the day that our friends and supporters will take to the links at Nationview Golf Course for the 7th Annual Scott Van’t Foort Memorial Golf Tournament.”  

The Golf Tournament will kick off at noon with a four-person scramble followed by a chicken dinner.  

The event is promising to be much more than just golf: lots of fun games, a Big Ball Drop sponsored by Lloyd McMillan Equipment, a Dunk Tank and a Live Auction!

In a show of support the community is invited to:

•Participate in the tournament and/or dinner

•Donate a prize for the prize table/live auction.  

•Sponsor a hole.  

•Make a cash contribution.

For more information, to register, make a donation, or buy raffle tickets please contact: Samantha Ball Co-organizer at 613-806-6520.

[…]

There’s going to be a 44th annual Tubie weekend.

The 43 year old event, was in jeopardy when two weeks ago the Morrisburg and District Lions Club’s Tubie Committee announced that they would no longer organize and host the event.

The announcement was a challenge to the community as the outgoing organizers asked that anyone interested in keeping this community’s longest continuously running festival alive, come forward. When they made the announcement, they were confident that someone would come forward to continue the popular event.

Last week, the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce board of directors approved the undertaking and February 14, issued a press release outlining their intentions.

“The community can breathe a sigh of relief. Tubie Fest will not fade away but will continue as strong as ever thanks to The South Dundas Chamber of Commerce stepping up to the plate,” reads the release. 

Chamber President Chuck Barkley is delighted that this signature event will continue. 

“This event is a major economic generator for our Community and the Board of Directors felt strongly that is was much too important to let it disappear,” said Barkley.

In preparation for the 2014 Tubie Fest, the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce will be consulting with the event’s past organizers who have done such an outstanding job over the years.  

“We certainly appreciate their countless volunteer hours and all the challenges they have faced during the past years,” said Chamber of Commerce vice president Carl McIntyre. “We are glad to hear that the previous organizers are willing to guide us through organizing this event.” In the coming months the Chamber will also be looking to the community for volunteers and support as they organize Tubie Fest 2014. 

“Tubie Fest has been one of the community’s most important events for decades and certainly has had a positive effect on the area’s economy over the years. Probably most important, however, is how Tubie Fest brings the community together every summer with friends from near and far enjoying this special week in August. The Chamber feels this is something that should continue and encourages all of those Tubie Racers, hometown folks who live away and the entire community to look forward to making Tubie Fest 2014 one of the best ever,” concludes the media release.

“We are thrilled to learn that the Chamber of Commerce has elected to pick up the torch and ensure that South Dundas will celebrate Tubie Weekend in 2014,” said Michael Domako, who along with Matt McCooeye co-chaired the outgoing organizing committee.

“The Chamber has experience organizing different types of events and by virtue of their mandate have an established network and support in the business community,” he added. “We will work with the Chamber to provide a smooth transition and look forward to the next step in the evolution of the Tubie Festival.

Details about the 44th Tubie weekend event will be up to a new committee, which the Chamber of Commerce directors hope to have in place within the next couple of weeks.

Asked what the community can expect from this year’s event, South Dundas Chamber of Commerce manager Geraldine Fitzsimmons said, “In my own personal opinion – I would think the Chamber will be keeping the event much the same as what the people are accustomed to – it’s been working great so far, so why change it?” 

The event takes a great number of volunteer resources, and the Chamber believes they will have enough help to make it work. 

“Our community is known for all the competent volunteers we have, and everyone knows how important Tubie Festival is for us,” said Fitzsimmons.

“I am glad to see the Chamber pick up the responsibility to run the Tubies,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds. “The community had told me they would have missed them and this proves that, in the end, if the event is worth doing, someone will.”

[…]

Members of the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees Women’s Volleyball team were at Seaway District High School on Sunday, where they worked with local players (grades 8-12) who are participating in the second annual Spikes Volleyball program organized by Andy Lee. 

The Spikes program, this year, has attracted 26 local volleyball players intent on improving their skills.

Sunday’s number for the Gee-Gees clinic, presented by GeeGees Myriam English, Stephanie Theiler, Kira Tome and Katherine Weihrer, grew to 31 girls from South and North Dundas, Brockville and Cornwall. 

“The Gee-Gees were able to send us out the best of the best in university volleyball,” said Lee. “The girls did a marvelous job instructing both our kids and the numerous coaches who attended. I hope the girls realized the skilled company they were in.”

 Stephanie Theiler is the Gee-Gees co-captain with Myriam English. She is currently ninth in Ontario for digs while English is the highest point getter in Canada University ball. Kira Tome is the Gee-Gees starting setter, currently fifth in Ontario in assists, and Katherine Weihrer was last year’s captain and starting middle player.  

The Gee-Gees are currently in first place in the OUA East with nine wins and one loss. They are ranked eighth in Canada.

The eight week Spikes Volleyball program, developed by the Ontario Volleyball Association, began at Seaway in early November and runs every Thursday night. 

“We will continue to build our core skills,” said Lee following Sunday’s clinic. “Clinics like these go a long way to achieving that.”

“Our Spikes group took in a game at Ottawa U a few weeks ago, and it was nice to be on the courts with these same players today. They were excellent ambassadors for both their school and their sport. We hope to build on this relationship in the years to come.”

[…]