Year: 2014

The next leader of the Ontario PC party dined at the Morrisburg Legion last week, but as of yet, who the leader of the province’s official opposition party will be has not yet been decided.

This leadership bid is to replace Tim Hudak, who resigned when the Ontario Liberals won a majority government in the June election.

October 8, the Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry riding association hosted a harvest supper fundraiser, here in Morrisburg and all five leadership candidates were in attendance including Monte McNaughton, MP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, Barrie MP Patrick Brown, former North Bay mayor Vic Fedeli, MPP for Whitby-Oshawa Christine Elliott and Nepean-Carleton MPP Lisa MacLeod.

This was the first event where all five were in attendance.

“It all starts right here in Morrisburg,” said Eric Duncan, who emceed the evening’s event.

Each of the candidates wasgiven five minutes to address the crowd packed with party supporters and area dignitaries.

All spoke about the great need to re-build the party, which now has only 10,000 members, but at one time had as many as 105,000 members.

McNaughton, spoke about how the party is “too top down, explaining that during the last two elections, a few party insiders have come up with disastrous election planks. “It’s killing us,” he said. He would like to see the party membership have much more say by way of voting on an election platform. “That will help us win government in 2018.”

“I have seen us lose elections we should have won,” said Brown. “There is nothing more frustrating than watching us shoot our own feet. We need to play as a team in this party. The fact that our membership is at an historic low speaks volumes.”

“I’m tired of losing elections too,” said Fedeli. “We need to restore our pride in being Progressive Conservatives. He called June’s election, a disaster. His bid for party leadership is based on putting Ontario first, and being open to all ideas, no matter which party they come from.

Elliott spoke about the need to rebuild the party from the outside in and from the inside out. Newcomers, young people and women need to be encouraged to join the party. “We need to reach out to all members,” she said.

McLeod, who has the support of local MPP Jim McDonnell in her leadership bid, said that the months following the June election have been the most difficult in her political career. With the PC loss, she felt that she let a lot of people down.

“We built Ontario,” said MacLeod. “We need a strong PC party so we can have a strong Ontario.” She encourages all party members to be active in this leadership race.

The leadership campaign officially starts November 8, 2014. Voting will take place May 3 and 7, 2015.

In order to vote, party membership needs to be purchased by February 28, 2015, and be in good standing.

Bears over Novice Cs

A strong second period by the visiting Smiths Falls Bears proved too much for the South Dundas Novice C Lions.

The veteran Bears scored three times in the middle frame to skate away with the victory.

Fans certainly got to see an entertaining game. It was standing room only and even if they could sit, the excitement was certainly too much for anyone to use their seats.

The Lions’ “Legion of Doom” line of Emily Swerdfeger, Shayna Markell, and Lanie Verhey nearly turned things around when trailing 2-0.

Verhey fought off two for checkers before young Swerdfeger sprung Markell on a lone breakaway. The Bears’ goalie stood tall and stymied the scoring opportunity.

Brogan Kyle started in nets for the home opener and stood on his head.

“He did everything we asked of him but score,” Coach Martens said in a post game interview. “He really played great!”

The Lions take a couple weeks off, allowing key players to recover from the turkey flu.

Coach Dickson expects with a full line-up this Novice C club could be unstoppable.

“We’re looking forward to what we can do when firing on all cylinders. We have a nice break before we face off against county rivals, North Dundas on October 25th.”

Novice B Lions open with a win

The South Dundas Novice B Lions opened their 2014/15 season on the road and on a winning note.

On Wednesday night, October 8, the Lions travelled to Kemptville where they collected a close 4-3 win from the Kemptville B2 Panthers.

The Lions Nick Connors was on top of his game and ready to roar for the Lions as he connected for all four of their goals.

The Panthers were first on the scoreboard with a goal from Cameron McNulty with 5:49 left in the first period. Their advantage lasted just 16 seconds when Connors answered with help from Mason Hummel.

The 1-1 tie held until late in the second period when Connors struck for goals two and three, both assisted by Ben Radley.

The Panthers got one back before the end of the second period from Nate Thompson to narrow the gap to 3-2.

Midway into the third period Graeme Laverance scored, unassisted, for the Panthers to again tie the game, now at 3-3.

With the minutes ticking away, Connors, with help from Drew Laperle and Radley scored his fourth goal to put the Lions up 4-3, and that’s the way it stayed.

Hutt was unbeatable in the net for the remaining 3:49 minutes, and the Lions collected their first win of the new season.

In this year’s Novice B Lions lineup, along with goaltender Hutt, Connors, Hummel, Radley and Laperle are Cooper McCooeye, Addyson Lalonde-Thompson, Logan Tait, Terrence Mudde, Luke Byvelds, Noelle Hatherall, Caleb Machan, Travis Faulkner and Devon Honders.

Matt McCooeye is the coach and the assistant coaches are Shawn Hummel and Dan Byvelds. Also on the coaching staff are Mike Hutt, John Connors and Shellie Spencer.

In exhibition action in Long Sault, the Lions and the Selects played to a 1-1 tie. Both goals were scored in the second period.

Mason Hummel counted for the Lions with help from Cooper McCooeye and John McLeod provided the Selects goal.

Tough weekend for Junior B Lions

The Morrisburg Junior B Lions slipped to the bottom of the St. Lawrence Division standings with a pair of losses this past weekend.

Saturday night, October 11, the Lions travelled to the Char-Lan Rec Centre where they lost 6-3 to the Rebels. Back home on Sunday, they lost a close one, 7-6 to the first place Casselman Vikings.

The Vikings are now sitting atop a seven-win record for 14 points, five up on the Winchester Hawks and the Alexandria Glens who are tied with nine apiece.

The Akwesasne Wolves are fourth with eight points, while the Rebels and the Lions are tied with four points each.

Saturday night in Char-Lan, the Lions fell behind early and were never able to catch up.

John Gilmer, who was in net for the Lions, gave up the six goals on 39 Rebels shots.

Ryan Cooper earned the Rebels win.

The Rebels took a 2-0 first period lead on goals by Brian Landry and Quinlin MacDonell. They went up 3-0 at 10:47 of the second period with Landry’s second counter.

It wasn’t until the final minute of the second that Jacob Kendrick, on the Lions power play, found the Rebels net with help from Justin Rutley and Michael Paquette.

The Lions put up a big effort to collect two more in the early minutes of the third period to cut the gap to 3-2.

Cole Blanchard (from Rutley) and Kendrick (from Isaac Brownlee and Dylan Nixon) did the counting, both scoring on the Lions power play.

But then it was back to the Rebels. Brennan Markell added a pair at 5:23 and 7:18, both on the Rebels power play, and David Poirier upped it to 6-3 at 12:15 of the third period, again on the Rebels power-play.

Both teams had great success with their power-plays. The Lions scored their three goals on the power play, and the Rebels scored four of their six goals on their power play.

The Lions sat out 54 minutes on 15 infractions, and the Rebels were assessed 35 minutes on 16 infractions.

Sunday in Morrisburg, both the Vikings and the Lions counted heavily on penalties. The Vikings were three for three on power play and the Lions connected for three power-play goals in 10 opportunities

The Lions were first on the scoreboard when Ryan Griffin struck unassisted at 8:07 of the first period.

The Vikings turned it up a notch to come back for three in a row to end the first period, 3-1.

The second period was a seesaw battle, but the closest the Lions were able to get was to within one goal of a tie.

Justin Rutley (from Jacob Guillot and Brodie Barkley), Michael Paquette (short-handed from Barkley and Isaac Brownlee), Dallas Blacksmith (power play from Barkley) and Blacksmith (power play from Lefevbre and Barkley) counted the four second period Lions goals.

Sebastien Plante, Taylor Widenmaier, Maxime Choquette and Nicolas Brazeau counted the four Vikings goals in the second period.

The high scoring second period sent the game into the third period with the Vikings still ahead 7-5

Fifteen seconds into the third, Vikings Yannik Bertrand drew a roughing penalty, and that set the stage for Balcksmith to complete his hat trick and to close the gap to 7-6.

Junstin Lefebvre provided the set up.

That would be it however. The remainder of the third period was scoreless, and the Vikings hung on for the 7-6 win.

Coming up, the Lions host the Westport Rideaus, Saturday night, October 18. (7:30 p.m.)

Pauline Robertson

Pauline Lois Robertson, of Morrisburg and formerly of Brockville and Finch passed away peacefully at Cornwall Hospice on Tuesday, September 30, 2014.

Pauline was the beloved wife of the late Campbell Robertson (2010) and dear mother of Gregg (Debbie) of Morrisburg. She was cherished grandmother of Chad (Neysa), Sara and Christine (Blake) and great-grandmother of Cory and Colin. She was grand mother-in-law of Michelle St. Pierre.

Pauline was predeceased by her parents Catherine and Harold Ouderkirk, sister Melva MacIntosh and grandson Stuart.

A graveside funeral service was held at the Finch Community Cemetery on Friday, October 3, 2014, at 2 p.m. Memorial donations to Lakeshore Drive United Church or Carefor Hospice will be gratefully acknowledged. Condolences may be made at parkerfh@personainternet.co

Parker Funeral Home, in Morrisburg was entrusted with the arrangements.

Lynn Lewis

A resident of Williamsburg for the past five years, Lynn Lewis passed away at the Hospice at May Court in Ottawa, on Monday, September 22, 2014, following a lengthy illness. She was 62.

Lynn was born in Ottawa on October 30, 1951, to her parents Keith and Raymonde Tucker (nee Proulx).

Lynn is survived by her husband Brian, her children Keri Lewis (Thomas Sherratt) of Ottawa, Keith Lewis (Lisa) of Ottawa and Alex Lewis (Matthew Champagne) of Ottawa and her brothers Wayne Tucker (Ann) of Peterborough and Ron Tucker of Ottawa.

She will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Kaelan, Nathan, Kyah and Jakob. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Friends called at the Harmony Community Church, Ormond, on Saturday, September 27th from 9 a.m. until time of the funeral service at 11 a.m., which was conducted by Rev. Bruce North.

Jean Claude and Valeria Joyal sang two of Lynn’s favorite songs, (In the Garden and The Old Rugged Cross) as well as sharing about their friendship with her.

Cathy Albert did the Eulogy. She shared her memories of Lynn including how they met, what a great mother, loving grandmother and faithful friend she was to so many.

Alex Lewis shared memories about his mom and how she will be missed. Kyah Lewis-Harvey shared about her Nanny, with a little help from uncle Alex,

Interment was at Pinecrest Cemetery, Ottawa. Pallbearers were Keith, Alex, Al, Luke. Doug and Brensley.

Donations to the Hospice at May Court would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

Gladys Burton

A lifetime resident of the area, Gladys Burton passed away peacefully at the Ottawa Civic Hospital on Sunday September 21, 2014, at the age of 73.

Born in Cornwall, on January 4, 1941, to her parents, George and Roselba Moss (nee Mondoux) Gladys was placed in foster care at the age of three.

She was lovingly raised by Ken and Ada Gallinger of Gallingertown. Gladys attended Gallingertown Public School and later Aultsville High School.

Upon graduation, she trained at Cornwall General Hospital. Her career as an R.N. led her to work in various hospitals and nursing homes.

On June 16, 1962, Gladys fulfilled her yearbook ambition to become wife of Carl Burton. Their married life took them to Kingston for a time, but their love of farming brought them back to their roots.

This also afforded Gladys the opportunity to realize a childhood dream of being a teacher. It was her incredible proficiency as a student that led St. Lawrence College administration to offer her a faculty position.

Her attention to detail also prompted her to conduct extensive research on her genealogy and collect a vast amount of information on the various branches of her family tree.

Gladys was a spiritual person who believed it was greater to give than to receive; she devoted much of her time and accounting skills to various church and non-profit organizations.

Gladys’ tremendous faith served her well in times of difficulty. She was diagnosed with Lupus at an early age and was presented with numerous health challenges yet she never complained.

She was proud to be a part of the congregation of the Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church where she made very cherished friendships.

Gladys and Carl’s home was always a welcoming place to friends and family alike; many a story and chuckle were shared in their living room. She enjoyed countless family holidays and trips and time spent with those she loved.

Gladys is survived by her husband Carl Burton and her her siblings Keatha Brayton of Addison, Sheila Morrow (Bruce) of Arnprior, Lorraine Moss-Beaudry of Montreal and Francis Gallinger of British Columbia

She will be fondly remembered by her sister-in-law Glenda Lafortune (Richard) of R.R.# 1 Morrisburg and her brother-in-law Kent Burton of Lancaster. She is also survived by four nieces, two nephews and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held at the Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church on Thursday, September 25th at 11 a.m., with Rev. John Noordhof officiating.

Interment followed at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg. Pallbearers were Tabitha Marshall, Jessica Lafortune, Cassidy Lafortune, John Burton, James Burton and Melanie Burton. Honorary pallbearers were Peter Van Veen, Theo ter Horst and Clarence Haayema.

Donations to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation or Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

Jr. Lions down Wolves in exciting shoot out

The Morrisburg Junior B Lions treated their fans to an exciting finish in St. Lawrence Division Hockey on Sunday afternoon, when they claimed a 5-4 shoot-out win against the Akwesasne Wolves.

For the Lions, it was a good ending to an otherwise not so good three-game weekend.

Friday night they were in Winchester, where they were handed a tough 8-2 loss by the Hawks.

Game two saw them back on home ice Saturday night, against the Alexandria Glens, who were able to break the game open late in the second period as they headed for a 6-2 win.

Friday night in Winchester, the Hawks went up 2-0 in the first period before Eric Evans, at 16:07, put the Lions on the scoreboard. The Hawks got one more, late in the frame, to carry a 3-1 advantage into the second period.

A four goal Hawks’ scoring outburst in the second period finished off the Lions.

The Lions did get one more goal from Zach Belaire with help for Jordan St. Louis and Justin Rutley 3:42 into the third period.

Justin Lefevbre and Jordan Smail provided the assists on the Eric Evans power play goal in the first period..

Keiran Weir gave up the six goals on 45 Hawks shots. Brandon Lowry handled the net duties for the Hawks.

The Lions sat out 50 minutes in penalties on 17 infractions and the Hawks drew 58 minutes on 17 infractions.

Saturday night, the Glens were first on the scoreboard 5:58 into the first period. But the Lions, Dallas Blacksmith got that back at 9:13 with help from Eric Evans and Dakota Blacksmith.

Jeffrey Rhainds made it 2-1 Glens late in the first.

The one goal Glens advantage held until 9:39 of the second period when Dallas Blacksmith (from Tanner Hummel and Justin Lefevbre) evened the game 2-2.

A late second period Glens rally resulted in two goals against Weir and allowed the visitors to carry a 4-2 advantage into the third period.

Good tight action was the highlight of the third period, but the Lions were unable to get anything more past Glens goaltender Callum Cassidy-Matthews.

The Glens scored their fifth goal in the empty Lions net at 18:14 and added their sixth with the less than one minute to go for the 6-2 win.

Sunday afternoon against the Wolves, the Lions hit the ice for two first period goals to go up 2-0.

Dallas Blacksmith got it going on the Lions power play from Justin Lefevbre and Dylan Nixon just 6:17 in.

Jordan St. Louis followed up the effort at 11:18 with help from Ryan Griffin and Jacob Guillott for the 2-0 Lions advantage.

But the Wolves came charging back with Nicholas Talarico scoring against Lions goaltender John Gilmer at 11:44 and Victor Bisson (power play) at 18:34 to even the field at 2-2.

In the second period, the Lions again skated into the lead with goals from Lefevbre (from Dallas Blacksmith and Eric Evans) at 1:27 and Evans, unassisted, at 5:40.

The Wolves, Nicholas Talarico got one back to cut the gap to 4-3 heading into the third period.

Just 1:08 into the third period, Derik Dionne, on the Wolves power play struck to tie the game, 4-4, and that’s the way it remained through regulation time to force the overtime.

The scoreless overtime play then pushed the game to the shoot out.

Justin Rutley (the Lions second shooter) was first to score for the Lions but his effort was cancelled by Alex Conroy Terrance.

Justin Lefevbre and Dallas Blacksmith were both not successful for the Lions and finally after the Wolves sixth shooter missed, Lion veteran Michael Paquette found the spot to lift the Lions to the 5-4 shoot out win.

Eric Evans was unsuccessful as the Lions first shooter.

Coming up this weekend the Lions are at home to the Alexandria Glens, Sunday afternoon.

Iroquois Golf Club members call it a day

Although they have their hopes up that there is still plenty of fall golf ahead, members of the Iroquois Golf Club wrapped up their 2014 program with a final scramble tournament and awards banquet on Sunday.

Pro shop manager, Kathy Hardy acted as master of ceremony for the awards banquet which kicked off with a delicious turkey dinner prepared by the club’s food service provider Ida Donnelly.

After that Hardy provided an overview of the season and its winners, and the corresponding trophies were presented.

Presented the Fred Brouse Memorial trophy by Carol Brouse were ladies champs Nancy Barkley (A flight) and Mary Jean Craig (C flight).

Julie Bennett presented the Dale Simms Memorial trophy to men’s club champs Ed Orlicky (C flight) and Les Craig (D flight). Club champ Mike Tobin and B flight champ Doug Blad were not in attendance.

The Leslie Wright Memorial trophy for the senior nine hole scramble, played August 12, was won by Liz Asselin, Don Poland, Shirley MacLeod and Jamie MacLeod.

This year’s net club champions were: Sue Sloan and Eric Brawberger (A flight, women’s and men’s), Maurice Kolff (Men’s B flight); Rick MacKenzie and Kathy Pederson (C flight) and Jacques Asselin (Men’s D flight).

Recognized for their holes-in -ones were Sarah Smith and Mike Tobin both on the par three 11th hole and David Thompson on the 13th.

Sunday’s 18 hole closing scramble tournament was won by the team of David Cherry, Ted Styles, Nellie Lightizer and Kathy Hardy.

The scoring format resulted in a predetermined nine of the 18 holes not used in the scoring. The winning team shot a 66 before the nine holes were eliminated.

The winning low net team of the day consisted of Mike Tobin, Betty McDermid, Allie Cameron and Richard Martel.

Following the presentations, Iroquois Golf Course/Club director Stan Brigham thanked the members for their continued support.

“Every year we try to do better,” he said. “Our goal is to keep our golfers happy, and lately we seem to be turning the table.”

Brigham commended Hardy on the great job she does. “I really appreciate Cathy’s efforts. Her leadership is very important to us.”

Brigham also congratulated food service operator Ida Donnelly on her retirement at the end of the season and wished the best to her daughter Susan who will be taking over and keeping the food operation open throughout the winter.

With the apparent down turn of golf everywhere, Brigham encouraged all members to “keep bugging your friends and your neighbours, telling them how wonderful it is to play here.”

Managing director and grounds superintendent, Chris Brigham also thanked everyone for their cooperation during the 2014 season.

“I think the golf course was great this year,” he said. “I had a really great team this year, and I really enjoyed working with them.”

The Iroquois Golf Course will remain open for play until the end of October. Bookings for holiday banquets are now being accepted by the food management group.

Food bank project delayed, move may wait until spring

While the Dundas County Food Bank board of directors had hoped to have their renovation project at the former Morrisburg Library location well underway by now, that is not the case.

The plan was to have the renovation of a portion of the former library completed and for the food bank’s Morrisburg location to be in its new home early in the new year.

“There have been delays, so the food bank has been unable to get the project started,” said Dundas County Food Bank administrator Ian McKelvie, following last week’s board meeting. “The move may have to wait until spring.”

While the board is planning for the renovation and the move, the focus of the food and client coordinators remains on the needs of those being served.

“Donations have been slow,” said Amy Jamieson coordinator for the South Dundas location in Morrisburg.”The summer months are always rough, but through the support of our regular donors, we have been able to make it though and continue to meet the need.”

The Morrisburg location of the Dundas County Food Bank regularly feeds between 85 and 100 families a month, which represents 280-330 people.

McKelvie reports that across Dundas County, the number of people being served by the food bank is up about 15 per cent, year over year.

Jamieson is looking forward to a few timely food drives to help replenish the Dundas County Food Bank shelves here in Morrisburg.

The most immediate needs of the local food bank are pasta, both canned and dried. “I’ve had to buy pasta lately, and that’s unusual, it’s usually one of the first things people tend to donate. Dry cereal is also needed to replenish the shelves.

Regarding the food bank’s relocation project, McKelvie reports that the Dundas County Food Bank is applying for funds from various sources to help offset some of the cost of the project estimated to cost about $46,000. The Municipality of South Dundas has offered the food bank an interest free loan of up to $46,200 to help with the re-location project.

South Dundas will allow the food bank to use the municipally-owned space, rent-free and will continue to cover utility costs, as it does in the present location.

Once the food bank has taken advantage of the municipal loan, they will need to find a way to pay back those funds to the muncipality, while continuing to meet the food needs of those using the food bank.

McKelvie, who is new to the Dundas County Food Bank, is impressed with how supportive this community is of its food bank.

McKelvie has spent most of his career in magazine publishing and has significant experience fund raising for not for profit organizations. He is excited about the encore career opportunity which that will allow him to put his skills to work locally in this important community-based organization.

Here at the Dundas County Food Bank , McKelvie plans to actively work on raising awareness of the organization and its needs.