2014 – Page 10 – Morrisburg Leader

Novice Cs drop pair on the road

October 29, 2014 Editor

The South Dundas Novice C Lions failed to notch a win this past weekend as they faced a strong team from North Dundas on Saturday, October 25, and finished the weekend on the road against Kemptville.

North Dundas scored early and often as the young Lions just couldn’t seem to get things going.

Quinten Barrie, fresh off a battle with the flu, attempted to put the host team on the board late in the game but was thwarted by the Demons’ goaltender.

Despite the score, Kimberly Brooks shone defensively and earned the honour of “Lion of the Game”.

Although the scoreboard stated otherwise, Sunday’s matchup in Kemptville was filled with highlight reel moments.

Down by two, early in the second period, power-forward Owen MacDonald squirted through the defence on a breakaway only to be hauled down from behind in his attempt to score.

Fans from the visiting side were irate with the officials as they figured young MacDonald should have been awarded a penalty shot.

It didn’t take long for Jordan Lowe to bring the near sellout crowd to its feet when he beat the Panther goalie shortly after the penalty had expired.

Even though Lowe’s goal was unassisted, credit needs to go to the feisty winger’s line mates. Jack Croteau and Kade Van Beilen were tenacious on the forecheck, confusing the Panther defence and allowing Lowe to put home the tally.

Brogan Kyle, who was far busier in the crease than his counterpart, earned “Lion of the Game”.

“Like a true number one goalie after a tough loss, he applied his SPF 45 and came back Sunday with a solid effort,” stated the coaching staff during the post game media scrum.

The Lions take the week off before a home and away weekend series with Kemptville.

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Carolyn Weegar is elected president of the Morrisburg Golf Club

October 29, 2014 Editor

For only the second time in the history of the Morrisburg Golf Club, a woman will be sitting in the president’s chair.

The membership-owned club held its annual general meeting this past Sunday, October 26, at which Morrisburg resident and long-time club member Carolyn Weegar was elected president.

Weegar will take over the president’s duties in the next few weeks from outgoing president Jason Broad who moves to past-president.

The only other woman to hold the office of president was the late Nora Markell.

Lori-Ann Davies was re-elected vice-president in charge of the clubhouse, and Mick Mabo was elected vice-president in charge of the clubhouse property.

Returned as secretary was Candace Jamieson, and Scott Robinson was re-elected greens chair. Linda Henderson remained as the senior representative to the board and Monique Patenaude is returning as ladies club captain.

One of two positions not filled was that of treasurer which was made vacant by the retirement of longtime club treasurer Sean Boulerice.

Boulerice, who has been handling the club’s finances for 13 years, has been instrumental in its success having carefully managed it through lean times and times of plenty.

Sunday, he presented the membership with the 2014, financial report that showed the club in a reasonably good position despite the current down turn in the golf industry.

Tops on the agenda at Sunday’s meeting was the repayment of $6,500 of interest free loans made by members during the 2013 golf season to pay for the rebuild of the third hole green and some reconstruction to the second green.

In 2013, the membership stepped in with loans in increments of $500 totalling $33,000 for the work. The payback plan was based over five years with a pre-determined number of draws for $500 to be carried out each year and one draw to be made for a free membership.

The membership draw was won by Nick Lee who was also one of the members whose name was drawn for a $500 repayment.

As a membership owned club, each fall the members approve the next year’s membership fees based on recommendations of the treasurer and board of directors.

Sunday, the members approved an increase of about five percent per membership category for memberships paid before April 1, 2015. Members who pay their membership fee by December 1 of this year, will pay the 2014 rate which was $563.87 per adult woman or man.

That individual rate for men and women goes to $592.12 until April 1, 2015.

Sunday’s meeting was attended by about 70 club members. It marks the final club event of the 2014 season, and the Morrisburg Golf Course will be closed to play at the end of October.

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$5M Chesterville SynAgri project

October 29, 2014 Editor

Synagri is investing $5 million in a new, state-of-th-art fertilizer pant in Chesterville.

Synagri and North Dundas officials held a press conference last week in Chesterville regarding the project that will see the company hire 10 new employees.

Construction began in late September 2014 in Chesterville, and the new site will be fully operational by the spring 2015.

“An investment of more than $5 million was needed to address the needs of our current and future clients in Eastern Ontario,” said Sylvain Lavoie, general manager of Synagri in a media release.

The new facilities will handle all products sold by Synagri; fertilizers, seed and crop protection products. “Benefiting from the railway system nearby, we will reduce our cost of product manufacturing, storage and transfer to benefit our clients.”

New systems, and increased warehousing space are marquees of this major project. Involved in the agricultural crop inputs for nearly 50 years, Synagri’s team includes 160 full time employees and 400 workers in peak periods across the Synagri network, which includes 30 service outlets in Ontario and Quebec, including one in South Dundas, near Iroquois.

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A fitting “gold” finale for Piccolini in Quebec

October 29, 2014 Editor

The end to the summer equestrian season was bittersweet for Rayanna Marcellus and her “large” pony Piccolini.

The two have been riding competitively for five years, and now with Rayanna about to turn 18, she must graduate to ride horses.

“It’s really amazing how far he has come over the years,” says Rayanna. “He has turned out to be a really great pony.”

Knowing it was her last season with Pico, Rayanna decided she would return him to the Quebec AERSO Circuit where they first showed in the 2010 season. It was his trial year, and he surprised everyone when he finished fourth overall for the season and won a bronze medal in the Quebec B Circuit Championship.

A rescue pony purchased two years earlier in the U.S., he was selected by the championship judges back in 2010 as “the pony they would most like to take home.”

“I wanted to take him back to Quebec where he started,” says Rayanna of her decision to return to the Quebec AERSO cirucit this summer. Her mission was a gold medal for Picco and together they accomplished their mission and then some.

Picco finished the regular season first overall in the Large Pony Division and first overall in Pony Medal.

That put him in the Quebec championship at Bromont which ran from September 19-21 and where he showed against (up to) 28 horses and riders representing the seven regions in Quebec.

“I had hopes for him, but I had been away at school and hadn’t been riding him, so he was kind of excited,” says Rayanna. “It was also a cold, windy, rainy day. He was excited and kind of funny, but he did really well.”

Together Rayanna and Picco finished their season, and their five years together, by winning gold medals in both Large Pony and Pony Medal.

Rayanna says it is definitely hard knowing she and Picco won’t be riding competitively anymore. “It’s been a long time with him.”

The Quebec Championship proved to be a big event for Rayanna, her pony Picco (two gold medals), her horse Keepsake (two gold medals), along with the local Sarabeau stables.

According to her coach, Cheryl Levere…to my knowledge it is unheard of for one rider to get so many gold medals.

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Bill Ewing recognized with OPP Commissioner’s Commendation

October 29, 2014 Editor

Ontario Provincial Police held the East Region Annual Awards Ceremony in Kingston, October 19, and among those receiving the awards was a well known local – Bill Ewing.

Ewing, who lives in Iroquois and operates his business, Bill’s Towing, in South Dundas was the recipient of a Commissioner’s Commendation from the OPP. Also receiving a commendation was towing operator Duncan Cooper of Cornwall Towing.

“This was totally unexpected,” said Ewing. “I was just out there doing what I had to do. But, it is nice to be recognized.”

The commendation stemmed from Ewing’s actions during difficult circumstances, at the scene of a fatal collision along Highway 401 in South Dundas, August 27, 2012. The collision of a van with a tractor trailer and ensuing fire claimed the life of three family members including a two month old infant, the infant’s 22 year old mother and the mother’s 78 year old grandmother. Three other occupants of the van, also members of the Quebec family, were taken to hospital seriously injured.

The commendation was in recognition of Ewing’s outstanding assistance to the OPP at the scene of that collision where the two vehicles had become fused together, requiring Ewing’s expertise to prepare the vehicles for removal.

Ewing’s expertise comes from 35 years with the Iroquois station of the South Dundas Fire and Emergency Service, where he has received extrication training, and from eight years of owning and operating a towing business.

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Success for Sarabeau Equestrian teams

October 29, 2014 Editor

Following an exceptionally good summer season, and several weeks to settle in to her school requirements at that University of Ottawa, local equestrian, Rayanna Marcellus will be back in the saddle on her horse “Keepsake” to prepare to ride at the prestigious Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and Horse Show in Toronto, November 7-16.

Marcellus has been riding competitively for about six years. This will be her second trip to the Royal, having experienced it in at the age of 13 years when she rode the pony, Skip the Frosty.

However, while Marcellus herself has experienced the thrill and excitement of riding at the Royal, this will be a whole new experience for Keepsake (stable name) Louis.

Keepsake is an off the track thoroughbred horse, explains, mom Sandi who operates the Sarabeau Stable on Pigeon Island Road east of Morrisburg, where Rayanna rides. Three years ago, he was enjoying success on the track. “Last year was his first year to show,” explains Sandi. “From race track to the Royal in three years is amazing, and he is only seven years old.”

Keepsake ran six races during his race career and had one win, two seconds and three thirds when purchased by the Marcellus family. “He is actually a really lazy horse, but he is absolutely beautiful to watch,” says Sandi. “And he is like a sponge, he soaks everything up, and he is just going to keep getting better and better.”

During the summer riding season, Rayanna and Keepsake competed in both the AERSO A and B circuits which meant two schedules and a very busy season. It is the A circuit that has the opportunity to qualify for the Royal, and Rayanna and Keepsake finished the season fourth overall for a qualifying spot.

In the AERSO B Curcuit, Keepsake finished the season, second overall in Children’s Hunter, third overall in Sandridge Medal and third overall in A Equitation.

At the AERSO B championship September 19-21, he and Rayanna won gold medals for firsts in Children’s Hunter and A Equitation.

“All summer Louis has done really well,” says Rayanna. “I have competed in Toronto before, so I think I should do well. But it is so scary up there for the horse. It’s indoors, and they have been riding outdoors all summer. There is so much going on, the noise and the music. I think he will be okay, and I am really looking forward to the trip.”

Cheryl Levere, who has been coaching Rayanna since she began riding competitively, is extremely proud of her student and also impressed with Keepsake.

“This was Keepsake’s first real year of showing,” says Levere. “He showed last year, but he was still learning. He is much less experienced than the horses he shows against, but you would never know it by watching him in the ring.”

Levere explained that in trying to earn a spot at the Royal, Rayanna also rode Keepsake in some Ontario shows in the Toronto area this past summer. “Showing there is tough with the best of the best showing, and Rayanna proved she belonged by winning a class and always bringing home some ribbons. She also did all this while getting ready for her first year in University. Rayanna is a very talented and dedicated rider which shows in everything she did over the summer. She proved that hard work pays off.”

The Royal Agricultural Horse Fair is the number one ranked horse show in North America. Over 900 entries will compete in their respective divisions.

In addition to preparing horse and rider, Sarabeau stables is lining up sponsorships to assist with the many cost which comes with being part of the show including horse transport costs, stabling, entry fee, etc.

“People are certainly welcome to sponsor,” says Sandi. “We have the McIntosh Inn and some friends. Any little bit helps as it’s very expensive. This is just such an amazing opportunity for a young rider. Just to get Keepsake there is absolutely amazing.”

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Delayed results could bring paper ballot back for next election

October 29, 2014 Editor

Elections results for South Dundas and 43 other municipalities in Ontario were delayed on election night, and that delay could change things for the next South Dundas election in four years time.

With the use of technology, results are expected within about an hour of polls closing, but in South Dundas, it took almost 3.5 hours for election results to be delivered by South Dundas’ clerk and returning officer Brenda Brunt to a small crowd only a few candidates their supporters who remained at the South Dundas Municipal Centre in council chambers.

This is the second consecutive election that South Dundas and other municipalities have experienced significant delays and difficulties in getting results delivered on election night.

Although the results were delivered at 11:20 p.m., Brunt still had no explanation for the delay from Scytl, the company hired to handle the process.

Tuesday morning the returning officers of 44 municipalities in Ontario, including all of those in SDG, were working hard to get answers from Scytl Canada about the unexpected delay.

By noon the returning officers of SDG had received a letter from Brian O’Connor, Scytl general manager, North America.

“We can now confirm that our quality assurance process detected an inconsistency in the naming of certain election results files. Upon the detection of an anomaly, Scytl reran the tabulation and conducted a thorough manual audit,” reads the letter.

“While these additional measures required extra time to deliver the elections results, our first priority is to ensure the integrity of the election and deliver results to our clients of unquestionable accuracy.”

“Scytl sincerely apologizes for the delay in the distribution of the results from yesterday’s municipal election and we thank the municipalities, local candidates, media, and voters for their patience and understanding,” concludes the letter.

With the three hour delay in getting election results delivered to South Dundas from the contractor hired to collect, compile and tabulate the results of the 2014 municipal election, most of the candidates on the eve of the election were eager to support a return to paper ballot voting for the next election. This is the second consecutive election where South Dundas has had to deal with technical difficulties from a service provider on election night, even though after the trouble in the last election, when the system was overwhelmed by last minute voting, a new company with a proven track record was contracted to provide the service.

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Typical start to an atypical day on Parliament Hill

October 29, 2014 Editor

Last Wednesday morning started as a typical morning. I travelled to Ottawa from my home in St. Andrew’s West, attended our Eastern and Northern Ontario Regional Caucus meeting, and then began to Chair our regular National Conservative Caucus meeting in Centre Block at 9:30 a.m.

With the meeting just underway, things changed instantly when the sound of gunshots rang through the Hall of Honour and our adjacent meeting room. I won’t recall the minute by minute moments of the day, but it was certainly an experience that was tense, saddening, and emotional for many colleagues, and Canadians across the country.

I have been overwhelmed by the caring emails, calls, and messages of concern from friends and neighbours throughout Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry in the aftermath of the tragedy. It means a lot as your federal representative that so many of you took the time to check on the well-being of both my staff and I. We are grateful for the security team on Parliament Hill that did a great job on Wednesday morning.

Most importantly, our sympathies and condolences continue to be with the families of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent during this difficult time. Our country suffered the loss of two brave men who were dedicated in their service to making our country a better and safer place. Their lives and their contributions will not be forgotten. My Cornwall constituency office has a book of condolences where local residents can offer their sympathies to the families.

I was very supportive of ensuring that the House of Commons and activity on the Hill returned to normal the following day. My staff and I returned to our office and went back to work. As the Prime Minister said last week, we will not be intimidated by those who attempt to instill fear in our lives.

Canadians can be assured our government will expedite legislation to ensure our military, police, and security forces have the necessary resources to combat extremism in all forms. We have committed to bringing these enhancements and changes to the House of Commons in the very near future.

In the meantime, from a grateful Member of Parliament, please accept my thanks again for your concern last week. More importantly, thank you for your strong and patriotic outpouring to commemorate the lives of Cpl. Cirillo and W.O. Vincent this past week. Particularly, I know many constituents from the area joined Canadians along Highway 416 and the Highway of Heroes Friday to wave flags and pay tribute to Cpl. Cirillo. I’ve never been more proud of my constituents and our country.

Let’s commit to remember their lives and service to Canada by continuing to stand for what they did: freedom, democracy, and a great quality of life here at home. Together we can show our profound respect to our veterans on Remembrance Day by attending a local ceremony.

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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.

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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.

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