December 2014 – Page 4 – Morrisburg Leader

Barb Levere, recognized by Hockey Canada

December 10, 2014 Editor

“I always felt if my son Anthony was involved in something, I should volunteer my time to help,” says Barb Levere of her interest and ongoing love of hockey.

That was 25 years ago, and while her son is long finished playing minor hockey, Barb is still volunteering.

On Thursday night, November 6,at a Sens hockey game, Barb was recognized for her commitment to minor hockey when she was presented a Hockey Canada Volunteer of the Year Award by Ottawa Senators president Cyril Leeder and Denis Dumais, president of the executive council of the Ottawa District Minor Hockey Association (ODMHA).

“It was quite a privilege,” said Levere during a recent interview in her home in Morrisburg. “I think the proudest person that night was Anthony who always understood, whether he liked it or not, when I was busy with paperwork or heading off to a hockey meeting.”

Barb is also extremely proud that, by example, she has instilled the value of volunteering to Anthony who is now a big brother.

For the last 14 years, Levere has been District 1 Chair for the Upper Canada Minor Hockey League which provides hockey for nine minor hockey associations (178 teams). It is a position that keeps her busy, seven days a week.

Looking back on her 25 year involvement in Minor Hockey, Levere says it was former Morrisburg and District (now South Dundas) Minor Hockey president Billy Donaldson who got her started as registrar in the local association.

While on the Morrisburg Minor executive under the late John Lortie, who was then president, Barb gained experience at the District Level. “It was John who let me go to the District meetings. I learned a lot from John. He was a good teacher, and I respected him and his hockey knowledge.”

At the District level, Barb first served as secretary and then moved to first vice president. She was mentored by Harry Jones of Brockville, “who taught me how to be a good District chair. And [the late] Clara Thompson, she was registrar when I became involved and she was a great help to me.”

In addition to handling the duties of District 1 Chair, Levere is currently the president of the Upper Canada Cyclones AAA Association and president of Zone 1 which is one of five AAA Zones.

“I spend at least 60 hours a week on hockey, some at home and some for travel. I usually take in at least two games per week and sometimes three meetings per week…sometimes more.”

Levere peruses about 75 game sheets daily. In total she receives about 4,200 game sheets every season. “I think I’m up to three file cabinets now as game sheets have to be kept for at least one year. There is a lot of organization.”

The District 1 chair handles and assists with problems that may come up, and sets down disciplinary action as required. Although this is something she doesn’t like doing, she says it is something that has to be done, and she prides herself in that she treats everyone equally and fairly.

“I don’t like to hand out the suspensions, but I am consistent. If someone gets suspended for something then the next guy that does the same thing, gets the same suspension.”

“Since AAA came in we don’t stop. We have meetings all summer. It never stops, and I love it. I’m there for the kids and that is what my main focus is.”

Levere says she has a very strong District 1 Executive, which includes, a registrar, secretary, treasurer and coach mentor and the presidents of each of the nine minor hockey associations, South Dundas among them.

“In District 1, in my opinion, we have a core group of really great referees and our associations are also well run.”

Over the years, Levere has received a number of awards including the prestigious Earl Steinburg Memorial Award for contributions to the community and minor sport, District 1 Volunteer Awards, the Clare Thompson Memorial Award, the ODMHA Volunteer of the Year Award, the HEO (formerly the ODHA) Appreciation Award and the recent Hockey Canada Award.

For the Hockey Canada Award, Barb and her family and friends were guests of the Ottawa Senators at a Sens game. In addition to the award, she was presented a Sens sweater with Levere embroidered on the back.

She says it was an honour to be recognized for her volunteering…to be recognized for something that she loves do…and it’s all for the kids.

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Hospital welcomes arrival of fourth obstetrician Dr. Roger Perron

December 10, 2014 Editor

For the first time ever, Winchester District Memorial Hospital will have four obstetricians, and that fourth obstetrician will be part of the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic group.

“That really reflects the growth in our maternal care program,” said Cholly Boland, WDMH CEO, when he announced that Dr. Roger Perron will join the hospital full time in the new year.

Dr. Perron says he has found the best kept secret in Ontario in discovering Winchester District Memorial Hospital and the surrounding region.

Dr. Perron is WDMH’s newest specialist in obstetrics and gynecology.

He will deliver babies and perform general gynecological surgery with a specialty in minimally-invasive procedures. He will practice at the St. Lawrence Medical Clinics in Morrisburg, Iroquois and Ingleside.

“I came to Winchester Hospital to provide summer coverage and my wife and I fell in love with the area,” he says. “We didn’t even know it existed.” He has equal praise for the hospital. “It’s the best kept secret around. The people here are great. And the operating rooms are magnificent. Any tertiary care centre would be happy to have them.”

With 25 years of experience, Dr. Perron says he knew early on that obstetrics was his passion. “It’s one area of medicine where people actually want to see you,” he smiles. “And if I’m going to be up in the middle of the night, I might as well deliver a baby and make everyone happy.”

When not delivering babies or performing surgery, Dr. Perron says he loves to hike, canoe, fish or do anything outdoors. “We seem to never spend any time in the house,” he laughs.

Because all of WDMHs other OBGYNs are focused in the north of the hospital’s catchment area, it was natural for Dr. Perron to come to the south, to the SLMC. He will be living in Morrisburg, which he very much looks forward to. He was looking for a retirement lifestyle, although he intends to fully practise medicine for about 10 years and then to assist for about six more. He takes referrals as he does not have a primary care practice.

Dr. Perron comes here from Guelph. He is the first OBGYN to join the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic team since Dr. Gerry Rosenquist, one of the SLMC founders.

Perron grew up in northern Ontario. He did his undergraduate schooling at Lakehead, Masters and PhD at University of Guelph, and med. school and residency at McMaster. He has three children and two grandchildren.

[…]

Donnie Wells

December 3, 2014 Editor

A lifetime resident of the Williamsburg area, Donnie Wells passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 25, 2014, following a brief illness. He was 76.

Donnie was born in Hoasic, on September 8, 1938, to John and Kezia Wells (nee Pemberton). His birth followed the birth of two sets of twins. When he was eight years old, his parents sold the farm and moved to a better farm on Strader Hill Road.

As a young boy, Donnie worked as a farmhand for neighbours Elgin and Olive McIntosh for 50 cents a week. Leaving work early one day meant having 25 cents docked from his pay.

During his teen years, Donnie worked for Miller’s Cheese factory until he obtained work with Ontario Hydro on the Seaway Project.

In the early hours of Christmas morning 1957, sadness hit the Wells family when Donnie’s brother Lyle was killed in a car accident. At this time, Donnie left Ontario Hydro to help on the family farm. As well as farming, Donnie drove a milk truck.

In 1961, Donnie’s life changed forever when he met and married a beautiful girl named Ellyn Casselman. She was the love of his life.

Shortly after their marriage, Donnie and Ellyn decided to start a family. Their first child Wesley was born too early on September 1, 1962 and lived only for a few hours.

Little Lloyd would be the second son, born in September 1963. Proud as could be, Donnie took Lloyd everywhere with him.

The family grew quickly with Garry arriving in 1966, Heather in 1967, David in 1969, and finally Kelly in 1972.

Donnie used to a joke that after he found out what was causing it, ‘we didn’t have any more kids’.

Donnie was incredibly proud of each addition to the family. As if having five kids of their own wasn’t challenging enough, Donnie and Ellyn opened their home to numerous foster children, at one time having a total of nine children in their home.

This made for a busy but fun homestead. Although having fun was important, being made to mind and having respect was something Donnie made sure he instilled in his children.

In 1981, Donnie and Ellyn sold the family farm. To keep busy, Donnie drove school bus, a job he enjoyed as he had a true love for children. By 1985, he moved on to work for the St. Lawrence Parks Commission where he drove a mower.

After retirement at 65 from the Parks, Donnie continue doing what he loved and starting working at Nationview Golf Course. Working a few days a week, he really took pleasure in his work and met many new people at the course. He continued to work there until July of this year when he was forced to stop due to his illness.

Some of Donnie’s favourite pastimes were to visit friends and tour the countryside. It didn’t matter if Donnie knew a person when they walked into the room, he would certainly know them when they left.

Garage parties were another of Donnie’s favourite occasions. Many family and friends gathered annually to help Donnie and Garnet Stata celebrate their birthdays. These parties were a way for neighbours, friends and family to gather and have a great time. Many of these Saturday night parties would end late on Sunday.

However, as every one knows, life doesn’t come without its ups and downs.

February 1987, was one of the hardest times of Donnie and Ellyn’s life when their son Garry was in a car accident and died a week later from his injuries.

Life again had changed, but the family grew stronger. Another difficult time came five years ago when Donnie and Ellyn downsized and sold the farmhouse that Donnie had called home for over 60 years.

A beautiful new home was built in Williamsburg, by their son Lloyd. Once settled in, Donnie was happy in his new surroundings, and it didn’t take him long to meet and become friends with many of his new neighbours. That was what Donnie was all about. Meeting new friends, keeping up with his old friends but most of all, just being a good friend.

Donnie is survived by his wife Ellyn, by his children Lloyd (Jackie) of R.R.# 2 Williamsburg, Heather Wells-Baker (Ron) of R.R.# 1 Iroquois, David (Ruth) of R.R.# 1 Morrisburg and Kelly DeDekker (Greg) of Williamsburg and by his sister Muriel Gow of Morrisburg.

Donnie will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Michael, Jessica, Bailey, Maggie, Nicole, Chase, Drew, Tyler and his great-grandson Jayden.

He was predeceased by his infant son Wesley, his son Garry, his brother Lyle and his parents John and Kezia Wells (nee Pemberton). He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. An Oddfellows service was held on Friday evening at 6:30 p.m.

The funeral service was held at the South Dundas Lutheran Community Church, Williamsburg, on Saturday, November 29 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Diane Raddatz officiating.

Interment followed at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg. Pallbearers were Glenn Pemberton, Gary Pemberton, Con Pemberton, Gordon Beckstead, Ronnie Hess and Lyal Kehoe.

Honorary pallbearers were John DeVries, Dale Casselman, Ralph Barkley, Scott Durant and Dave Baldwin.

Donations to the Williamsburg Oddfellows Lodge, South Dundas Lutheran Community Church or Dundas County Hospice would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

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Leo Lortie

December 3, 2014 Editor

A lifetime resident of Morrisburg, Leo Lortie passed away at the Ottawa General Hospital on Wednesday, November 19, 2014. He was 77.

Leo was born in Morrisburg, on March 19, 1937, to his parents Emerie and Yvonne Lortie (nee Ladouceur).

During the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway, he worked for the Canadian dredge and dock. In 1961, he started working at the Capital Concrete Block Plant and worked there until 1980, at which time he began work at Beavers Dental where he would remain until his retirement in 2002.

In addition to his work, Leo served on the Morrisburg Fire Department for 20 years and retired in 1990, as a Captain. Leo was also a member of the Morrisburg Legion for 18 years.

Active as long as he was able, Leo enjoyed time spent with family and friends and especially loved fishing any chance he got.

Leo is survived by his wife Catherine Lortie, his daughters Yvonne Lortie of Morrisburg and Elizabeth Lortie-Ross (Steven) of Morrisburg and by his brothers Claude (Helen) of St. Catharines and Robert (Margaret) of Morrisburg.

Leo will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Brandan, Bradley (Allison), Jessica (Chris), Brittany (Chris), Kyle (Haley), Jason (Laura) and great-grandchildren Ethan, William and Tenley. He was the dear father-in-law of Julie Lortie.

He was predeceased by his son John, his sister Theresa Sheldrick and his brothers Roger and Gerald. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Friends called at the Marsden & McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Morrisburg, on Monday, November 24th at 11 a.m., with Father Chisholm officiating. Cremation followed.

Pallbearers were Blake Barry, Scott Robinson, Jason Denio, Gary Jarvis, Rick Vaughan and Mike Van Allen.Honorary pallbearers were Brandan Lortie, Bradley Lortie and Ethan Hamilton.

Donations to the Morrisburg Fire Deptartment or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com

[…]

Mary Elizabeth Ace

December 3, 2014 Editor

A longtime resident of Iroquois, Mary Elizabeth Ace died peacefully at the Sherwood Park Manor, Brockville, on Monday, November 17, 2014. She was in her 91st year.

Mary was born in Swansea, Wales, to the late John and Sarah Ace (Wheale) and came to Canada with her family in 1926.

She attended Dundela Public School and Iroquois High School. Mary began her career, in the early 1940’s, with the Federal Government (Stats Can) and remained until she retired in the late seventies. In 1990, she moved to Iroquois.

Mary loved watching the river from her front porch, she loved animals and always had at least two cats. Mary travelled often until she retired, and loved be with family.

Due to ill health, she moved to Sherwood Park Manor in 2009, where she remained until her passing.

Mary is survived by her dear sister-in-law, Hazel Ace of Iroquois.

She was predeceased by her brothers Wallace, Dick, Clifford, Albert, her sister Eileen Merkley, her sister-in-law Lola Ace and her nephew Jack Ace.

Mary will be fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews; Wally Ace, David Ace, Debbie Ace, Linda Scrivens, Pat Ace, Nancy Ace and by several great nieces and nephews.

Friends called at the Marsden McLaughlin Funeral Home in Iroquois, on Thursday, November 20, 2014, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. The service was conducted by Rev Sue McCullough. Interment followed at St. John’s Anglican Cemetery in Iroquois.

Pallbearers were Wally Ace, David Ace, Jason Wagner, Jerry Wagner, Tom Holmes, Bryce Fournier, Andrew Hart and Paul Petersen.

Donations to St. John’s Anglican Church or the Sherwood Park Manor would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

[…]

Firearms Licensing

December 3, 2014 Editor

One of the legacies of the former Liberal Government we inherited when forming Government in 2006 was the infamous and wasteful ‘long gun registry’. On numerous occasions between 2006 and 2011, we tried to eliminate this horrible legislation. However, because we had a minority Government, the Opposition parties blocked us from doing so. I am happy to report our Government has not only scrapped the long gun registry, but we have now introduced legislation to bring common sense to our firearms licensing regime.

The Common Sense Firearms Licensing Act will build on the significant action we have already taken to combat the criminal use of firearms and ensure a strong licensing system. It also continues our balanced approach- one that is helping us protect the safety of Canadians, while at the same time, reducing the administrative burden for law-abiding hunters, farmers and sport shooters.

First, we are proposing changes to the licensing system to:

• Streamline the licensing system by eliminating the Possession Only Licence and convert all such existing licences to Possession and Acquisition Licences

• Allow licence holders to retain lawful possession of their firearms, up to a period of six months beyond the expiry date on their licence, without the possibility of criminal sanctions for simply possessing their firearms

• Make classroom participation in firearms safety training mandatory

• Make important changes to the Authorizations to Transport when engaged in the routine transport of firearms.

These are common-sense improvements to the licensing system that will provide additional clarity to law-abiding firearms owners — all the while protecting the safety of Canadians.

This proposed legislation would also amend the Criminal Code to ensure that the property rights of lawful firearms owners are protected. To this end, we would amend the Criminal Code so that it contains a definition of non-restricted firearms, which it currently does not. Moreover, we propose to give the Governor in Council the ability to make firearms non-restricted or restricted, in appropriate circumstances. We anticipate this authority being used in limited circumstances, such as if firearms are reclassified to be restricted or prohibited.

This Bill also proposes important changes to the broader firearms controls regime. It would allow for improved information-sharing between the Canada Border Services Agency and the RCMP with respect to the commercial importation of restricted and prohibited firearms into Canada. It would also clarify that the discretionary authority granted to Chief Firearms Officers under the Firearms Act can be limited by regulation. This will help ensure, as appropriate and as needed, that the firearms program is applied fairly across the country.

And finally, consistent with our Government’s strong commitment to support families and stand up for victims of crime, we have also proposed a meaningful change that will allow us to better protect victims of domestic violence.

Specifically, this Bill would amend the Criminal Code to strengthen the provisions prohibiting the possession of weapons, including firearms, when a person is sentenced for an offence involving domestic violence. In this way, we can ensure that the firearms regime is actually targeting those we need to target in the name of public safety – those who have demonstrated that they pose a threat to society, particularly aimed at women and children in their homes.

I believe that the measures proposed in this Bill are common-sense and balanced. Moreover, they will enable us to better protect public safety and, at the same time, alleviate administrative burdens on law-abiding gun owners across the country.

[…]

Atom B Lions explode for big win

December 3, 2014 Editor

The South Dundas Atom B Lions packed a powerful offensive punch here Saturday, November 29 when they connected for a 11-2 win over the hosting NGS Braves.

The Braves struck early, just 59 seconds into the first period with an unassisted goal by Mason Mekker.

Cam Shaver evened the score at 7:58, when he took a pass from Quade Mullin, head faked a defender then fired a wrist shot past Braves goaltender Jane McManus.

Just over a minute later, Spencer Barclay set up Sam Connors to give the Lions a 2-1 lead.

Braden McRae tied the game 2-2, after taking a feed from Matthew Lalonde at 3:24, and it appeared that the period would likely end that way until Dryden Buter, from James Martens, put the Lions in front for good with 1:16 left on the clock.

The Lions didn’t look back from that point on and scored four more times in the second.

Owen Patterson got it rolling when he finished off a pretty passing play by his linemates Buter and Martens and Monty Dejong got an unassisted marker to make it 5-2.

Buter made it 6-2, assisted by Patterson and with just 37 seconds left in the period, D-man Nate Paulino got his second of the season, unassisted.

The third period was similar to the second period, with the Lions putting up another four goals.

Dejong got his second of the game after taking a pass from Shaver to make it 8-2.

The Lions got more offence from their defence when Stefan Kronstal got his first goal of the year, unassisted, and Patterson made it 10-2 with help from Dejong.

Buter completed a three goal performance after being setup by his winger Martens to close out the scoring at 2:38 and give the Lions the 11-2 win.

Brayden Lalonde-Thomspon who was called up from the Atom C Lions to play goal, had a good effort in net.

This was the Lions fourth victory in a row.

Lions next action will see them on the road this Saturday in Perth tournament.

Sunday, the Lions will host South Grenville, and are hoping for a win to “leapfrog” them in the standings. The Lions currently sit third in the East, a point behind South Grenville with two games in hand.

[…]

Parnell Cup Excitement

December 3, 2014 Editor

Last week our senior men swept to the fore, with the Parnell competition starting up again, and a bonspiel in Winchester.

In the “Battle of the St. Lawrence”, Prescott, Cornwall and Lancaster came to Morrisburg, on Friday, for bragging rights in this first renewal.

Peter Zeran’s group of Sam Locke, Earl Jeacle and Bud Perry were in tough in their first match against the top Cornwall team in the morning match, while Cornwall #2 defeated the first Prescott foursome. Lancaster’s team defeated the other Prescott quartet before the usual delicious luncheon.

In Morrisburg’s second match, our fellows had a much better result against the other Cornwall team, but their one and one record was not enough for them to win the overall Parnell title.

Lancaster won both of their matches, but Cornwall’s Viau team claimed the Parnell trophy with a better total score. They will defend their title at the next Parnell match up in Cornwall, in January, where we are allowed two teams. It was exciting curling, with some great shots by the six teams involved.

The Parnell trophy was donated by Jack Parnell in honour of his father, Jack Parnell Sr., Morrisburg curlers both. After years of winners, there’s no more room on the trophy, and a shield is now in use.

Pete Zeran’s foursome defeated Jack Barkley’s team last Tuesday for the right to be our sole representative for Friday’s Parnell play. The Barkley team included Don McMillan, Jack Barkley, Doug Jarvis and Dave King. Peter’s team curled well and defeated their opposition handily to earn the right to represent Morrisburg, on Friday.

Back in Winchester, Don McMillan, Jack Barkley, Doug Jarvis and Dave King dropped a match to Metcalfe, but defeated a Russell quartet to finish third in their draw. Our other team, Peter Zeran, Mahlon Locke, Maurice Kolff and Larry Ware also won one game, against Cornwall, but lost against the Maxville competition.

Our teams noted that the ice was slower than when our Gamble foursomes competed there recently. It was a fine day, though, with good companionship, good food, and a chance to measure themselves against other eastern Ontario men.

A Grey Cup party and a friendly bonspiel were held at the club on Sunday. All three sheets were in use, and then our curlers settled in for a meal and an exciting Grey Cup game.

On Tuesday we enjoyed our annual ladies’ invitational bonspiel, and we’ll have those results next time.

December 10 is the date for our delayed Russell mixed invitational, and December 13 will see our Christmas bonspiel and banquet.

On December 20 and 21, Morrisburg hosts the senior men’s and women’s zone playdowns. For you young seniors (50 and over), why not put a team in? See Mahlon Locke or President Ruth Kelly for details.

We’re glad to see our little rockers doing so well in bonspiels. They’re having a busy year, and a few will be moving to the bantam ranks next year from our huge little rock numbers. Thanks again to the Wilsons, who work so hard with our young curlers.

That’s it for now. Good curling to all!

[…]

Jr. B Lions drop close one to Aeros

December 3, 2014 Editor

The Morrisburg Junior B Lions kept pace with the Athens Aeros, here Friday night, and twice recovered from a one goal deficit to tie the game. But a power-play goal at 12:22 of the third period was the deciding factor in the 5-3 Aeros win.

Parker Grant counted what would be the winner for the Aeros on their power play to break open a 3-3 tie, and the Aeros held on to the 4-3 advantage until the final minute of play, when Nathan Foster put the puck in the empty Lions net for the 5-3 Aeros win.

Ty Hannaford opened the Aeros scoring at 9:08 of the first period, and Cole Blanchard evened it on the Lions power play with help from Ryan Griffin at 10:46.

Nathan Foster allowed the Aeros to carry a 2-1 lead into the second period with his goal at 19:03 of the first period.

Zack Renfrew, (from Michael Paquette) tied the game, 2-2, at 2:06, but again the Aeros came charging back, this time with a Nathan Foster power-play goal at 4:56 of the second period.

The Aeros successfully guarded their 3-2 advantage until 11:01 of the third period when the Lions Jacob Kendrick counted from Dallas Blacksmith to even the game at 3-3.

Just over one minute later Parker Grant counted the winner.

John Gilmer was in net for the Lions loss and Greg Carre saw action for the Aeros. They both faced 33 shots on net.

The Aeros sat out 40 minutes of penalties on 16 infractions, and the Lions were assessed 38 minutes on 15 infractions.

The Aeros counted twice on their power play and the Lions once.

The Lions had just the one game on the weekend and that loss combined with a pair of Char-Lan Rebels wins results in the Lions dropping into the St. Lawrence Division’s bottom position with 12 points.

The Rebels have now pulled ahead into fifth place with 15 points and have one game in hand over the Lions.

At the top of the division, the Casselman Vikings lost their first game of the year to the Winchester Hawks, 8-3. They lead the division with 37 points, followed by the Hawks with 24.

The Alexandria Glens with 23 points and the Akwesasne Wolves with 21 are next up.

Coming up this weekend, the Lions have two home games.

The will host the Prescott Flyers Saturday night, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday afternoon, December 7, the Alexandria Glens will be in town for a 2:30 p.m. start.

[…]

South Dundas council sworn into office

December 3, 2014 Editor

December 2, members of South Dundas council were sworn into office at the South Dundas Municipal Centre in Morrisburg. South Dundas's first female mayor was sworn in along with re-elected deputy mayor Jim Locke, returning councillor Bill Ewing, re-elected councillor Archie Mellan and newly elected councillor Marc St. Pierre.

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