Gathering for Cancer Care

If you’ve entered through the front doors of the school recently, you may have been wondering why there’s a television mounted above the gymnasium doors.

Well, Seaway Intermediate and District High School was home to some major additions this year. One of these additions is a power generating unit of solar photovoltaic panels on the roof and the monitor above the gymnasium keeps everyone up-to-date on the energy being produced.

The solar panels are a new wave sweeping across the region, thanks to the Ontario Government. Seaway’s solar addition came by way of the Renewable Energy Funding for Schools.

Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) received a grant for the total of the Seaway solar project, which cost $193,494.

UCDSB Manager of Design and Construction, Peter Bosch, began preparing the application for the grant two years ago. He applied for funding for three separate schools and all three were accepted.

According to Bosch, selling the electricity produced by Seaway’s solar panels back to the grid will allow UCDSB to earn approximately $9,000 to $11,000 per year in revenue.

Other than start-up cost, which was funded by the provincial government, the panels will need very little by way of ongoing financial upkeep.

Seaway Principal Terry Gardiner explained that the panels do not require “battery back-up.” Also, the school is not “storing” as the power “goes directly to the grid.”

Gardiner explained that Seaway was chosen because it was an “ideal candidate” meeting the required conditions: direct sunlight, free space, and a roof that will allow for the load.

Bosch confirmed this saying that Seaway offers an unobstructed view with major sun exposure in the southeastern direction.

The 10 by 100 foot long structure consists of 52 panels, which are “set to maximum exposure.” Industrial Electrical Contractors Limited (IEC) from Brockville installed the panels.

While they “haven’t been back for briefing on” seasonal maintenance, Gardiner believes, in terms of snow and ice, that the panels are mostly “maintenance free.” 

According to Gardiner, the solar unit “will become more of an educational tool,” but, for now, “we are just getting used to it.”

[…]

This week’s headlines in The Leader include: Arena entrance upgrades will exceed $890,000; Mixed use development proposed for Iroquois; SDFES recruitment efforts rewarded; Meet the Candidates – Interviews with the Green, Liberal, NDP, and PC […]

 For most of South Dundas, it just wouldn’t feel like Christmas without a concert by the Seaway Valley Singers. The 32-voice choir, which has been bringing the joy of music to the community for 18 years, traditionally welcomes the Christmas season with a concert that will delight the entire family.

This year, on December 16, Nutcracker Jingles (the choir’s laughing take on the Nutcracker Suite) will feature a program of both religious and secular music.

“We will feature some fun pieces, some happy and traditional Christmas music,” said long time musical director, Robert Jones, just before a rehearsal at the Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church. “But there will also be some beloved carols. One of these is “Twas in the Moon of Wintertime,” better known as the “Huron Carol.” We are also doing a bit of a light-hearted take-off on the Nutcracker, with some Jingle Bells worked in.” 

Among the outstanding additions to the evening program will be performances by the Junior Handbell Ringers from Winchester United Church, a multi-generational family of talented young musicians. 

“We will also feature Dan Edwards on violin,” Jones said, “and a quartet from within the Singers performing “I Stand Here at the Cradle Side”. Flautists Lorraine and Jennifer Howard will be joining us, as well as Colleen Howard on an African drum. And Margaret Whisselle (who is also our accompanist) will be singing a beautiful duet with Monique O’Rourke.”

The Seaway Valley Singers’ concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Iroquois United Church December 16. Tickets are $10, $5 for children, available from the choir, at the door or at Seaway Valley Pharmacies. Come and enjoy the gift of music.  

[…]