Editor

Golden Gears Car Club holds first public event

May 30, 2012 Editor

From all accounts the inaugural event of the Golden Gears Car Club was a great success. On Friday evening, May 25, the Club held a Show and Shine beside Canadian Tire in Morrisburg. Members came out to show off 33 cars, drawing large numbers of car enthusiasts among the public.

“We are trying to get established, trying to let people know we are here, and who we are,” said Henry Swank, president of the newly re-formed club. “We held this event as a way for the public to see the cars, and to chat with the owners. We also had memorabilia, including the original club charter, for visitors to see. There was a great turn-out of club members (currently 55, with room for more). We know there is a lot of interest out there, and the club has a number of events planned, including the Canada Day Car show in Iroquois and a July 29 Golden Gears own car show.”

Tony Byvelds shows off his 1974 Triumph Spitfire 1500. Braden Lewis already has the “cruisin’ look” down, as he stands by his grandfather’s ‘62 Chrysler New Yorker. Garry Tracey displays his custom 2001 PT Cruiser Hemi.

[…]

Morrisburg Dock: unfit and unsafe

May 30, 2012 Editor

“Over the past week or so it’s come to our attention that the Morrisburg Dock is unfit,” said councillor Evonne Delegarde at the May 15th South Dundas council meeting.

“As a second part to this,” she continued, “there’s a boat tour that’s scheduled several different dates throughout the summer starting mid-June.”

Mayor Steven Byvelds acknowledged the situation, saying that chief administrative officer Stephen McDonald had already been in contact with the captain of the boat cruise.

“I made him aware that although it’s a public dock,” said McDonald, “it’s under the township and he shouldn’t be promoting its use without permission.”

“Captain Andy went on his own,” said Byvelds. “He didn’t inform anybody. The dock is now unsafe and there’s nothing to be done.”

“They need to realize it isn’t a free dock. We’re not here to stop commercial ventures, but they need to come work with us.”

Councillor Jim Graham said, “I think we should work with them. It’s a very good draw for tourism. I’d certainly support anything we could do.”

As for dock repairs, council is waiting on an engineer’s report before moving forward.

[…]

Loyalist Hotel sold

May 30, 2012 Editor

Ten years ago, Kris and Manu Sahota bought the Loyalist Hotel in Morrisburg with hopes and dreams of a bright future for their family.

Now, a decade later, the dream has come to an end. The Sahotas have sold the hotel and will hand over the keys to an unknown buyer at the end of May.

According to Kris Sahota, a numbered company bought the hotel “as is” and their identity and plans were not revealed at the time of the sale.

He revealed that there were several contributing factors in the decision to sell the hotel, including a recent car accident which has left him less able to handle the physical requirements of running a hotel this size.

Sahota also confirmed that he has no plans to purchase or start another business in the area.

In fact, the family of five is considering the possibility of selling their home in Morrisburg and leaving the area altogether in pursuit of a new dream elsewhere.

As for the future of the Loyalist Hotel, all that can be confirmed at this point is that the new owner will take possession of the building on June 1st.

[…]

Dundas County Hospice celebrating 20 years of service

May 30, 2012 Editor

“As exciting as it was back in 1992, it is also exciting when reflecting on these last 20 years and the services Dundas County Hospice now offers,” said Jan Clapp, one of the founding members of the hospice and currently the palliative care course facilitator.

On May 24th, at the J.W. McIntosh Seniors’ Support Centre in Williamsburg, Dundas County Hospice celebrated their 20th anniversary while honouring their volunteers.

Dundas County Hospice, founded in 1992, “recognizes the uniqueness of individuals and their families, and how life-threatening illness affects them. Compassionate care is directed at improving their lives physically, emotionally and spiritually.”

According to board chair Bob Pitruniak, “20 plus years ago somebody came up with the idea for this. They worked hard and they created the framework for the organization that exists today for everybody in Dundas County.”

“I think we do an excellent job of running the hospice day to day. I’m humbled by what the founders had to do to go from zero.”

“We have been blessed for 20 years to be able to attract excellent caring staff,” he continued, listing the many ways people have generously volunteered over the years by helping out with visiting, respite care, office work, fundraising and so on.

“Without all of these people, we couldn’t have done it,” he said.

Following a very moving story, Clapp reminded guests that a person with the life-threatening illness may not remember what you did or said, but they’ll remember how you made them feel.

Caregivers at the hospice, she said, ask themselves one important question: “What do I need to know about you as a person to give you the best care possible?”

Each year the Dundas County Hospice selects a volunteer of the year and this year’s volunteer of the year is Nelly Leightizer.

According to Bea Van Gilst, director of client services for Dundas County Hospice, Leightizer is a recently retired board member who was active on the board for over 10 years. She acted as treasurer for one year and was board chair for two.

“Members of the board said it’s been a great pleasure to work alongside Nelly,” said Van Gilst.

“She’s very supportive. She reflects the values, passion and dedication that are qualities of all our board members.”

Dr. Chuck Adamson, medical advisor to the Dundas County Hospice, spoke about the many services the hospice provides, all of which are free. Dr. Adamson has a practice in South Mountain.

Guy Lauzon, MP for Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry, took the podium following Adamson.

Lauzon began by sharing his personal experience with hospice-like care, similar to the kind of caring service that Dundas County Hospice provides. Lauzon’s first wife battled breast cancer and passed on July 2, 1988.

“I want to acknowledge all the volunteers and I want to thank you for your dedicated service,” he said.

South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds also said a few words, commenting on the special kind of people it takes to volunteer in hospice care: “I’m certainly glad that those that have that gift, use it. It sounds like you’ve had a good active group dedicated to the needs of your community.”

Eric Duncan, mayor for North Dundas was also on hand for the event and said, “I honestly can’t think of a volunteer service like this that is more compassionate and caring.”

Pointing to the Dundas County Hospice flyer, he said, “it’s amazing the diversity of what’s offered here. Dundas County Hospice is to be commended.”

In addition to the direct support they offer those experiencing life-threatening illnesses, the hospice also offers services in community education, training courses, library, equipment loans, day hospice, caregiver support, and more.

Duncan finished by pointing out that the type of services provided by the hospice are not “frontline”, but they are “so appreciated.”

Van Gilst concluded things, saying “we want to thank all of our volunteers again and all of our supporters.”

Also recognized for their “generous support” was the J.W. McIntosh Seniors’ Support Centre. “This is a wonderful facility for us,” she said.

Those attending the Dundas County Hospice’s celebration on Thursday night were serenaded by the piano stylings of Winchester District Memorial Hospital CEO Cholly Boland.

The Dundas County Hospice offers free services. The organization is funded through donations and fundraising efforts.

For more information, to volunteer or to access the services of the Dundas County Hospice, phone 613-535-2215 or email at info@dundascountyhospice.ca.

[…]

Hydro users should get ready for time of use

May 30, 2012 Editor

Many Rideau St. Lawrence Hydro customers have recently received letters with colourful graphs showcasing the price difference between the “old standard” and the “time-of-use” rates for their household electrical usage during the months of March and April.

According to chief executive officer John Walsh, “the purpose of the letter was just to give them another head’s up” that time-of-use rates will soon be in effect.

“It was just to explain to people if they had been on time-of-use rates, what the difference would be so they can compare and make changes,” he said.

He pointed out that the average change for March between the old rate and the time-of-use rate was an increase of $3.86 while the average change for April was an increase of $1.96.

The difference “may have to do with the amount of electricity that’s used in heating the home,” he said.

Walsh pointed out that while the amount used for heating may not be compatible with time-of-use rates, customers can control when they use things like the dishwasher or clothes dryer.

“Some customers think they’re already on time-of-use rates,” said Walsh, but they first have to “finish the billing in the old method. Once that’s done, the next one is time-of-use rates. It depends on the billing cycle you’re in.”

According to Walsh, some cycles may not start until July or August, however, customers “should be acting as if they’re on time-of-use rates now.”

[…]

Christopher “Chris” F. Gleeson

May 30, 2012 Editor

After a brief and valiant fight with cancer, Christopher (Chris) Gleeson PhD., P.Eng. passed away as he lived, with courage, dignity and grace.

Chris was born in Ottawa, August 13, 1931, to Denis and Norah Gleeson, (Tipperary, Ireland). The family moved to Montreal where he studied at Loyola High School and went on to receive his BSc from Loyola College in 1953.

Chris pursued postgraduate studies at McGill University. In 1956, he earned an MSc in Geology, and in 1960, he was awarded his PhD in Economic Geology and Applied Geochemistry.

This was the beginning of his remarkable 60-year career as a distinguished scientist, explorer, pioneer and innovator.

After working with the GSC, SOQUEM and privately held exploration companies, Chris formed C.F. Gleeson and Associates Ltd. In the following decades mineral exploration projects and international development work took him to Burkina Faso, Algeria, Cameroon, Botswana, Guinea, Jamaica, Zambia, Slovakia, Spain, Malaysia, Ireland, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Columbia and Brazil as well as Canada and the United States.

In 1984, he co-founded Kinbauri Gold Corporation. His extensive experience in applied heavy mineral studies of precious minerals have led to significant discoveries in gold and diamond deposits here in Canada, Spain and West Africa.

He was the recipient of two Barlow Gold Medals from the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

Chris was a founding member and Fellow of the Association of Exploration Geochemists; Life Member of: Society of Economic Geologists, Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, and Prospectors and Developers Association.

He aimed for excellence in all aspects of his life. This was evident in his passion for gardening. Each year his ‘plot’, the size of a small hobby farm, produced a cornucopia of vegetables, fruit from his carefully tended trees, and flowers. A harvest enjoyed by all.

With equal intensity, at 65, Chris rekindled his boyhood passion for golf. He walked the course at Upper Canada Golf Club rain or shine, and had an enviable handicap which he topped it off with two holes in one.

Chris is survived by Marion (Seagram), his loving wife and partner of 55 years. Together they had four children, Chris (Karen Urqhart), Timothy (Alice Beatson), Erin, and Darcy.

He will be greatly missed by grandchildren Tara-Lynn, Angela, Emily, Samantha, Ryan, Flint and Fiona and daughter-in-law Allison.

Chris was predeceased by his sister Johanna Marciniak and brother Dennis. Remaining and much saddened by their loss are brothers Danny (Monique Graham), Kevin (Patricia Truman), Monica Foley (Brian), sister-in-law Eleanor (Gleeson) and Chris’s many nieces and nephews.

Chris received superb care and much kindness from Dr. Wayne Domanko and the nursing staff at Winchester District Memorial Hospital.

Visitation was held Tuesday, May 22 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Iroquois.

Mass of the Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, May 23 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Morrisburg.

Donations to Winchester District Memorial Hospital would be welcome. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com

[…]

John Bernard “Bernie” Bucking

May 30, 2012 Editor

John Bernard “Bernie” Bucking died peacefully at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Friday, May 18, 2012, with his loving family by his side.

Born on July 28, 1944, in the Netherlands to the late Willem and Margaretha Bucking, Bernie was one of seven children. When Bernie was eight years old, he moved to Canada from Holland with his family.

The farming family reached the shores of Canada via the Halifax harbor. They moved through Valleyfield to Timmins, and then to Iroquois where they laid roots that have run deep.

The “farm” as the family called it, was not just where Bernie grew up, but a place that he loved to return to visit, and weekly trips were made back to the “farm” to get milk, and have a visit.

Even though Bernie moved to Canada at the tender age of eight, he was very proud of his roots and heritage. He loved to discuss the old days, and reminisce about life in Holland.

Bernie grew up farming, in a busy household of five sisters, and a brother. Bernie could be a bit of a tease so you can imagine the teasing his sisters’ received; apparently it started at a young age. He was also known on occasion to miss the morning wake up call for chores which meant his sisters had to fill in.

Even after a day of farming, he must have had some energy left because in 1965, he met Sharon Grue at a country dance at Algonquin Hall and on July 1st, 1967, they were married. To this day you can see the love Sharon has for Bernie.

Bernie and Sharon have enjoyed children, grandchildren, and many memories with friends and family that they both cherish dearly. This July first would have marked 45 years of marriage an incredible accomplishment, and a milestone representing a wonderful life together.

They have many friends that they have cherished memories with of dances, cards, trips, and car rallies.

Bernie has held many roles throughout his lifetime, driving transport was the foundation, even owning his own haulage company at one time. He was always proud of his big rigs, and as kids we were always excited to get to hop in for a ride. He worked hard, and was away a lot, leaving very early in the morning, and returning late at night.

Eventually, Bernie moved out of the driver’s seat and into a dispatcher position at Canada Starch. As tough as it was to leave the road behind, he really enjoyed the dispatcher role. He was a detailed man and could see a situation from many different angles, while at the same time always respecting what it is like in the shoes of the other person. This is what made him a great supervisor, or manager.

Bernie enjoyed the remainder of his time at Canada Starch moving into a production supervisor role.He constantly upgraded his skills and knowledge to be able to stay in the game with the young lads that were working with him. He was a manager that was firm but fair.

Ironically the skills and abilities that brought him success throughout his career, were the exact skills he would need to embark on his post retirement career of driving bus, which was one of his most rewarding jobs.

He managed the kids on his bus, as he did before at work. Be firm, but fair, respect the other person, and have fun. These simple attributes gained Bernie many young fans and he was selected driver of the year by the children. It was an award he was very proud of. Bernie truly cared about the kids on his bus.

Incredible as well for all of the parents, that when you know your children like their driver what a relief it is to know your child is safe and cared for, such a ripple effect.

Bernie was a good provider to his family. They never wanted for anything. He worked hard and strived for what he wanted. His words were the law in the family home.

The most important thing that he had was his family. Though he may never have said it out loud he was really proud of his children’s accomplishments, and they are who they are now because they had a father like him.

Bernie was also a responsible contributing member of the community. He served on the fire department, the Knights of Columbus and most recently the Iroquois-Matilda Lion’s club. He enjoyed volunteering and was always eager to give back to the community, and be involved.

Bernie’s hobbies included golf, fishing, Nascar, and of course camping at Pleasure Park. For the Nascar trips, apparently what went to the track stayed at the track. Bernie loved those trips with his Nascar buddies. A race was never just a race, it was a great time with great friends. Bernie loved camping and he and Sharon had recently purchased a new camper. The two had many great times around the camp fire singing laughing and joking with great friends.

Bernie enjoyed fishing, and often took the green machine out on stump lake, or the boat out trolling for perch, and with any luck Johnny will keep that love of fishing alive.

Bernie served as mentor, role model, and true friend. More than anything else he was a Dad. His son Bill stated it so well when he said: anyone can be a Father, it takes an incredible man to be a Dad.

The legacy Bernie leaves is value of family, hard work, and a love of life and community. Strength is sometimes defined as how well you hide the pain, but even when we carried him he was the strongest man I know.

Bernie leaves to mourn his loving wife of 45 years, the former Sharon Grue, and his children Bill of Belleville, Kim and her husband Justin Lavender of Wellington and Linda Testerink of Iroquois.

He is survived by his sisters Corrie Byvelds (Tony) of Williamsburg, Adelaide Lindsay (Al) of Stittsville and Mary Coreau (Dave) of Arnprior, by his brother Otto (Nancy) of Prescott and by his brothers-in-law Ben Albers and Pierre Blais.

He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Emma Bucking, Johnny Testerink, Chase and Cole Lavender and by his great-grandchildren Annabelle and Elizabeth along with many nieces and nephews.

Bernie was predeceased by two sisters Margaret Albers and Siny Blais.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home Iroquois on Monday, May 21, 2012, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Lions service was held at the funeral home on Monday evening at 6:45 p.m. Mass of the Christian Burial was at St. Cecilia’s R.C. Church on Tuesday, May 22, 2012, at 11a.m.

Donations to Winchester District Memorial Hospital or the Cancer Society would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.

Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

[…]

Cigars burned in final, but a great ball tournament

May 30, 2012 Editor

For fans who love good baseball and exciting games, there was no where better to be the weekend of May 25-27, 2012, than at the Williamsburg Ball Diamond taking in the Casey At Bat Memorial Fastpitch Tournament.

Organized by Lyle Schell and the Schell family, this was the 9th tournament held at Williamsburg.The Tournament (named for Casey Schell) this year honoured the memory of Lyle’s mother, Joanie Schell. The home team, the Williamsburg Cigars, wore shirts which proclaimed on the back, Joanie’s Way: All or Nothing.

The proceeds from the tournament, $1,000, are all going to Hospice Care.

The Cigars fielded 10 players. “I made the calls about two months ago,” Schell said, “and we basically all got together here on Friday night. Pretty great results for a team that didn’t actually practice,” he said of his team which made it to the championship final.

Eight teams entered this year. They included, in the Casey Division, the Barrhaven Blues, Quebec Midgets, Donnacona Bluesox, and the Napanee Midget Express, and in the Sib division the Cigars, the Cornwall Pickmeups, the Quebec Juniors and the Cree Nation Fireballs (who travelled for 17 hours from northern Quebec).

The Cigars’ Friday night opener turned out to be a nail biter.

The team was down 6-3 against the Cornwall Pickmeups in the bottom of the 7th inning. When Jamie Smith came up to bat for the Cigars, the bases were loaded with two out.

He hit a beautiful grand slam, and brought in four runs. The Cigars took their opener 7-6.

“Boy, was I excited,” Smith said. “It was just a great moment.”

“Never in our lives, in all the tournaments, have we seen a game end that way with a grand slam,” said team-mate and catcher Bobby Hart.

On Saturday afternoon, the Cigars dominated, handing the Cree Nation Fireballs a 7-0 loss. The outstanding pitching of Neil “Cookie” Cook was blisteringly effective, backed up by great fielding and hitting by the rest of the team.

Unfortunately the Cigars went down to defeat on Sunday morning against the Quebec Juniors, 8-4, which put them in second place in the Sib division and pitted them against Barrhaven, first in the Casey division, in the Sunday afternoon semi-final.

This was a hard fought game, with the teams remaining scoreless for several innings. There was consistently fine pitching by Cook. Then, at the top of the fourth inning, Hart belted a two base hit and brought Curtis Summers home putting the Cigars ahead 1-0.

At the top of the seventh, Cory Alkerton bunted, getting two runners on base. Dan Loney batted them home, and the Cigars took the game from the Barrhaven Blues, 3-0.

In the final and deciding game of the tournament, the Cigars were pitted against the Donnacona Bluesox, who had defeated the Quebec Juniors in their semi final game to advance to the finals.

Luck ran out in this game for the Cigars, and they were defeated by the Bluesox 6-1. They took home the 2012 Casey at Bat trophy.

Named the Tournament’s MVP was Mathieu Roy, Donnacona Bluesox. Steve Savard, also of the Bluesox, was named top hitter. Neil Cook of the Williamsburg Cigars was named top pitcher.

“It was a great turn out and great weather for Casey at Bat,” said Lyle Schell. “We received lots of compliments on the event, including the barbecue (run by the Morrisburg Pentecostal Church Women’s Ministry with proceeds going to the Food Bank) and the band, Reckless. And we met our fund raising goal. Thanks to all involved for making the Memorial Tournament another great success.”

[…]

Perspectives by Rev. Janet Evans

May 30, 2012 Editor

Love One Another, As I Have Loved You

This past weekend marked the second anniversary of “Run for Davi”. Friends and family ran, walked etc. in memory of David Freire, a fine young man who suffered from a mental illness and died at a young age.

Davi touched the lives of many people, and his family cherishes his memory by helping others who live with mental illness. Money raised as a result of “Run for Davi” goes directly to mental health research, care and support.

I had the privilege of presiding at David’s funeral service several years ago. I was struck by how much his mom and other relatives and friends loved him, how much they want to create a world where anyone suffering from a mental illness obtains proper help, is not stigmatized, is understood to be precious in God’s sight.

One of the best known lines in the Bible is “Love one another as I have loved you.” Perhaps we might reflect upon loving our neighbour in this month of May, this month which focuses on mental health awareness.

“Love one another as I have loved you.”

During my years in ministry, I have often had people show concern for those with cancer, heart disease, addictions…yet those ill with a mental disorder sometimes receive little care and may even be ridiculed. Even clergy, a few of them, will say, “no one in my congregation has ever had a mental illness. I doubt that is true!

One in 10 is affected but as times no cards, phone calls etc. come to someone dealing daily with depression, schizophrenia, manic etc.

Mental illness can rob people of their joy, their dignity, their ability to function. Men, women and children can act “out of character” while suffering from an acute mental illness, but even when they apologize later, there is no forgiveness.

Unfortunately, some who profess to be atheists often show more compassion than those who profess to walk in God’s ways.

I urge all of us in this community to be the hands and feet of Christ by respecting those who are ill and celebrating when they begin to feel better.

In the eyes of God, we all have value: Perhaps we all need to remember that to ostracize the mentally ill is surely not the will of the Lord.

“Love one another as I have loved you.”

Let us not blame any who are ill, but share of God’s love with our brothers and sisters everywhere. Know that you cannot possibly know how an individual with a mental illness feels–don’t presume to understand until you have walked a mile in his or her shoes.

Over the past months, I have been touched by the grace and light that has shone forth from David Freire’s dearest ones. May every one of us pass on God’s love in words and actions, as they do.

I believe that David is secure within God’s compassionate embrace. I believe that those who have gone before us are at peace and rest with God.

It is so comforting to know that whether we are healthy or ill, male or female, outgoing or reserved, God is with us. We are never alone. In life, in death, in life beyond death, we are never left desolate.

God sheds His love upon us–how blessed we are.

The goal of “Run for Davi” is to ensure he did not die in vain. His spirit lives on and can encourage all of us to raise awareness and money to fund treatment and research for Mental Health.

God calls us to be His faithful disciples–to minister to the ill, the hurting, the forgotten. God can bring joy out of sorrow, comfort out of pain, resurrection out of death.

In God we have our hope, our inspiration.

Amen.

Rev. Janet Evans,

Iroquois United Church

[…]

McNairn scores 7th ace

May 30, 2012 Editor

Not once, not twice, but seven times. That’s the number of holes-in-one, that Morrisburg golfer, Brian McNairn has achieved.

His latest was the par three fifth hole at the Morrisburg Golf Course on Saturday, May 19.

The hole was playing to 145 yards, and McNairn was golfing with buddies Mike Laurin, Lee Beaupre and Dave Myers.

He used a seven iron.

We knew it was going in from the time it landed said Laurin. “It hit on the front of the green, ran straight up the hill and dropped into the cup.”

Although McNairn has been playing golf for some 40 plus years, it wasn’t until 2000 that he recorded his first ace.

That was at the Upper Canada Golf Course on the tough par three 13th. It was full steam ahead after that.

He has now aced the par three fifth and 14th holes on the Morrisburg course twice and the par three second and eighth holes once each.

An A flight player, McNairn says it is “fun to see a shot go in like that. If only the game was that easy all of the time.”

[…]