Home stretch for municipal budget 2016

The opening September 24th concert, which featured Juno-award winning, outstanding Canadian talent, Serena Ryder, was completely sold out. 

The St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage has started off its 2011-12 performance series on a very high note.

The all volunteer board of the not-for-profit St. Lawrence Stage feels this may herald a new era for the company now entering its sixth year in the South Dundas community. 

“When we began, in 2007, to run a full concert season, we were drawing smaller crowds,” said board member, Sandra Whitworth, during an interview with The Leader.

“But the core of a dedicated audience also began building. Since then, we’ve seen a 30-35 per cent overall growth in our audience size. The more people are exposed to our concert series and to the stage, the more energy builds and the more people come out. We still need our dedicated core of enthusiasts, but we’re also working to attract new audience members.”

This year the St. Lawrence Stage has also received significant funding from a number of sources. 

The Stage has received funding from the Canadian Arts Presentation Fund, through Heritage Canada, for the last two years in the development category. This year, however, the company has qualified for the federal government’s established grant. 

“Essentially, the government studies a company like ours for two years to determine if we are viable and working, and if we are following our mandate,” Whitworth explained. “They look for an artistic vision, and examine our governance and management practices in detail. 

By moving the St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage from development to more mainstream, established funding, the government is essentially saying, I hope, that we are here to stay.

We ensure our visiting artists have a positive experience of us as a venue, and of Morrisburg as a welcoming community.”

The Stage has received its third Ontario Trillium grant. These provincial funds are restricted to capital purchases in areas like sound and lighting, and cannot be used for operations. This year, a new, professional digital sound board  was purchased.

The South Dundas council has also continued to help fund the St. Lawrence Stage. 

However, two new and key sources of funding have brightened plans for the future.

“We have our very first Platinum sponsor,” Whitworth said. “ We are delighted that Coffey’s Coffee of Ingleside has signed on with us.” 

Also new in 2011 is a grant from the Eric Baker Family Foundation in Long Sault. 

“The Eric Baker Foundation is a private foundation which supports the arts, education and health,” Whitworth explained. “I found them when I was researching funding opportunities and the St. Lawrence Stage contacted them. We put together a package about the Stage, and their directors responded favourably. That support really allowed us to put on the Serena Ryder show. 

Bringing in the Ryder show was a bit of a calculated risk on  the board’s part. We wanted to test the waters, to bring in someone with definite name recognition, to see if new people would come to our venue.” 

A growing audience base is essential for the Stage’s hope of one day becoming self sustaining. 

Whitworth stressed that grants, especially from the government, will only continue to support an organization if it can prove that other sources of revenue like ticket sales and donations are in place. 

However, if the incredible line up of artists coming to Morrisburg’s St. Lawrence Stage this 2011-12 season is any indication, then the future should be a bright one. 

Appearing in October is  renowned artist Del Barber, a critically acclaimed, Juno nominated singer/songwriter. Opening for him will be Brea Lawrenson, who is building a name in country music. 

Coming in December is the Ben Henriques Jazz Quartet, whose fusion style is delighting fans across Canada. 

2012 starts off with a bang with the appearance of two time US Finger Style guitar champion, musician Don Ross. Opening for him will be Cornwall’s own Graham Greer. 

February will see the return to Morrisburg of noted award winning artist Lynn Miles. 

New and emerging talents will also find a showcase at the St. Lawrence Stage.

“The St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage is becoming a vital part of South Dundas,” Whitworth said. “Our mandate is to expose audiences to different talents and different styles of music. I think our volunteer board and supporters are creating something amazing here. It’s exciting to bring this level of talent to our community.” 

[…]

One of the summer’s biggest events along the Seaway is set to take place on Sunday, August 24, as the Golden Gears Car Club hosts its third annual Car Show and Concert at the Iroquois Locks.  

This Show can attract up to 300 vehicles of all types from eastern Ontario  as well as northern New York. When you add the sounds of good-time rock and roll featuring the popular group, Eddy & the Stingrays, you have the makings of a memorable summer afternoon. 

This is an opportunity for everyone to take in both an exciting car show and some outstanding music. 

Admission to the event is free for all spectators. Visitors to the Locks will be encouraged to make a donation to help defray costs, if they wish. 

The Car Show runs from 9 a.m.  until 3 p.m. Eddy & the Stingrays will swing into musical action on the Locks stage from noon until 2:30 p.m. 

For those who arrive early, the Iroquois members of the South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services will be presenting a vehicle rescue demonstration at 10:30 a.m., using the Jaws of Life. This promises to be a fascinating exhibition for the youngsters.

This year, the date of the annual Car Show and Concert has been moved from September to late August.

The day’s many activities have also been moved ahead to take advantage of a bit more daylight, and to allow drivers to get home before dusk.  

Car owners coming out for this Show will be eligible for a variety of prizes and trophies in various categories of vehicles. As well,  everyone can take part in the  50-50 draw. 

Again this year there will be vendors on site offering vehicle accessories and all things automotive to visitors. And there’s no need to pack a lunch. The food concession will be operated by Terry Palmer of the South Mountain area.  His crew can handle a crowd with speed and precision, offering delicious beef, or pork on a bun, sausages and much more wonderful food.  

In the event of rain, the Golden Gears have arranged for large tents to be put in place: the band will be playing on the covered stage. 

There’s no need for a little damp weather to spoil any of the concert fun. Just  remember to bring your lawn chair.

The Golden Gears Car Club, revived in early 2012, now boasts over 80 members made up of classic car owners and car enthusiasts. Its mission is twofold: the preservation and restoration of classic cars, and the desire to help our community.  

The Gears operated the annual car show at the Canada Day celebration at the Iroquois Locks on behalf of the local Lions Club. The club also held a food drive in Morrisburg in early August with proceeds going to the Dundas County Food Bank, and was instrumental in a car show and food drive held in Cardinal on August 10th.

Don’t miss the Golden Gears Car Show and Concert, featuring  Eddie & the Stingrays, Sunday, August 24, at the Locks. What a great way to wind up the summer.

  

[…]

 

 Several local residents celebrated some significant membership milestones this past weekend.

Legion Branch 48 held their annual awards night dinner on Friday, November 4th in Morrisburg.

The evening got underway with a delicious meal prepared and served by the Ladies Auxiliary.

Speeches and awards presentations followed immediately on the heals of dessert.

Ladies Auxiliary Zone Commander Rose Phillips began saying, “we’re all proud of you and the work you do on behalf of our veterans.”

South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds said, “on behalf of the township, thank you for all the work you do. Thank you for all your efforts and congratulations to all the winners tonight.”

After a brief “Poppy Push” from Legion President Maurice Praine, awards were given to women of the Ladies Auxiliary. Member Michelle Brooks took the podium to announce the awards while President Rita Fowler handed over pins and medals.

Ladies Auxiliary – 10 Years

Receiving 10-year pins were Elaine Baker, Brenda Fyke, Florence Merkley, Diane Trudeau, and Loretta Kennedy.

Ladies Auxiliary – 25 Years

Kim Murphy was the lone recipient of the 25-year pin.

Ladies Auxiliary – 35 Years

 Donna Dowson was the sole recipient in the 35-year pin category.

Ladies Auxiliary – 50 Years

The sole 50-year pin went to Ruth Rice.

Ladies Auxiliary-Life Member

Inez Bilmer received her Life Membership pin while a congratulatory card from Barbara McIsaac was read aloud.

2011 Branch Service Pins

Following the LA presentations, Praine retook the podium to single out the “Years of Service.”

5 Years of Service

Recipients included: John Hitsman. Marcel Hubert, Mary Ellen Merkley, Donald Nesbitt, Geoffrey Peters, Susan Peters, Maurice Praine,  and Kevin Spencer.

10 Years of Service

David Baldwin, Philip Jamieson,  and Lewis Tomlinson earned their “10 Year” pins.

15 Years of Service

Recipients included Lawrence Belmore, Eleanore Belmore, Jeff Cassell, Melanie Cassell, Arlene Darrach, Robert Darrach, Lori-Anne Davies, Nancy Davies, Michele Dumaresq-Watt, Jeffery Lowe, and Elwin Woolsey. 

20 Years of Service

James Caldwell, Kevin Keyes and Michael Robertson achieved twenty years of service.

25 Years of Service

“25 Years of Service” pins were given to Gord Dillabough, Mark MacDonald, Anna Nicolier, and Sydney Smith.

30 Years of Service

Recipients included John Falardeau, Jane Gale, E. Hamilton, Brian Howald, Glen Howald, Mary Meher, and Gwen Phelan.

35 Years of Service

Recipients included Larry Jardine, Cecile Millar, Anne Carruthers, and Bob Henophy.

50 Years of Service

George Dowson was the lone recipient in this category.

55 Years of Service

Sydney George was the sole recipient. Unable to attend, Ray Boucher accepted on his behalf saying George and his wife “hope to make it for the 60th.”

65 Years of Service

Charlie Eamon was on hand to receive his pin for 65 years of service. Keeping it short, he said, “I’ve really enjoyed my 65 years being here. It’s been a long time and it’s been worth it. Thank you very much.”

Life Members

Barry Holmes, from Branch 108 in Winchester, introduced the two life member award recipients, Beverly Beck and Tom Beck. 

The Becks were former members of the Winchester branch before transferring to Morrisburg, where they now live. 

Before their transfer, Branch 108 had been planning to bestow the honour on the couple, but were unable to make it happen in time. 

Branch 48 worked in conjunction with Branch 108 to make the awards for the couple a reality with the former making the recommendation and the latter offering the financial backing. 

The award is given to those who have put in a substantial amount of volunteer service, both inside and outside the Legion, over a significant number of years. 

Holmes was accompanied by 11 other Winchester members.

Service Bar Medals

Branch Service Medals and Ladies Auxiliary Service Medals were introduced in 2010 “to recognize the significant volunteer and service work accomplished by members.” 

This year the recipients included Steven Coligan, Donna Dillabough, Rita Fowler, Elsie Guindon, Anna Nicolier, and Bill Shearing.

[…]