News

From May 2nd to 9th, food banks across Canada are coming together to participate in the Every Plate Full Food Drive. 

The goal of the campaign is to fill the empty plates of Canadians in need this summer.

As part of this campaign, the Dundas County Food Bank is organizing a county-wide community food drive.

“It’s always difficult for us at this time of year to keep up with demand for our services,” said Ian McKelvie, DCFB Administrator. 

“By participating in this national campaign, we’re hoping the community will come together to make a difference and help us stock our shelves so that none of our neighbours go hungry this summer.”

The Every Plate Full Food Drive will take place on Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Andy’s Foodland in Winchester, Giant Tiger in Morrisburg and Iroquois Foodland. 

Another food drive will take place on Saturday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Riley’s Valu-mart in Morrisburg. 

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With over 100 volunteers providing nearly 7,000 hours of volunteer service, there was plenty to celebrate at the J.W. MacIntosh Senior Support Centre’s Volunteer Appreciation Night, held at the centre last Tuesday night, April 21.

The evening theme was puzzles, and the pieces that make up the pictures. Each volunteer, upon arrival, was presented with a puzzle piece by Corry Martens, vice-chair of the Senior Support Centre’s board of directors.

“I want to say welcome to all our essential pieces,” said the Centre’s executive director, Janet Levere. “Isn’t it a wonderful thing that we are all different? Each of us has strengths and skills to share. And when we link our individual strengths, we are an amazing community picture.”

“I can’t imagine us without you. So thank you. Thank you for achieving greater results, thank you for bringing excitement to every day, thank you for helping those in need, thank you for making an impact in the community and thank you for being an essential piece of someone’s everyday life.”

Marten, who spoke on behalf of board chair, Duane Locke said, “I want to thank all of our volunteers. There is hardly anything that gets done in any community without volunteers. I want to thank all of you who bring sunshine to the lives of others.”

According to Levere, the Centre experienced an increase in the number of individuals served over the past year. She said that clients and their needs are changing, but their desire to stay at home in their own communities continues to be their greatest wish. “Your commitment to support them with this challenge is heartwarming.”

Levere thanked the transportation and meals on wheels drivers who had a long snowy winter, and the volunteers at the centre who assisted with foot care, diner’s club, exercise clubs, fundraising, adult day program, decorating and the craft group.

This past year, the J.W. MacIntosh Senior Support Centre, supported 629 persons which was an increase of almost 50. For every client supported, there were 1-3 caregivers who also benefitted. The care accounted for just under 7,000 volunteer hours.

Forty three clients of Meals on Wheels were served 2,831 meals (an increase of just under 1,300 meals).

Another 287 people enjoyed 5,509 dinners/social activities, and 135 clients were supported with 3,022 one way trips.  One hundred and three individuals benefitted from 514 foot care appointments, 32 clients enjoyed 715 units of adult day programming, 107 clients benefitted from 16,072 hours of respite and 89 persons benefitted from 17,058 units of assisted living/supportive housing.

Prior to welcoming guest speaker Maggie Wheeler, a very well known and successful local mystery writer, Levere thanked and introduced the centre’s staff which included Theresa Zandbergen (Administration Assistant), Cathy Tupper (Team Leader), Taryn Hoogeveen (Operations Assistant) and Kerri Seabrook (Adult Day Coordinator).

Levere then introduced Wheeler, a “wonderful story teller and local author.”

“Years ago when I was here, I believe I said something about the value of volunteers,” said Wheeler. “Ten years later I’m back. The needs keep growing and the programs that need these things keep growing. Thank you all so much for all that you give.”

Wheeler who is now planning a fifth book, introduced herself as “one of the few people who you can say I plan murders for a living.” 

She then delighted the audience with her knowledge of the St. Lawrence Seaway and Power Project before talking about her writing career, her four-book, Farran Mackenzie murder mystery series and her next book which she expects to begin writing this coming fall.

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–Barely 10 minutes into the Friday night performance of Upper Canada Playhouse’s production of Leisa Way’s Oh, Canada, We Sing For Thee, audience members, of all ages, were spontaneously applauding and cheering. 

That initial level of enthusiasm and delight never let up for the entire two hours. 

When Leisa Way, Nathan Smith, Bobby Prochaska, Fred Smith, Bruce Ley and Sam Cino took their final bows, for many in the audience, the only disappointing thing about this exhilarating premiere was that they weren’t going to be able to buy new tickets at the Playhouse and see it again. 

It was a memorable production, running April 21-25, opening the Playhouse summer season.

Leisa Way, who has gained popular and critical celebrity for her shows such as Sweet Dreams, Rhinestone Cowgirl and Country Jukebox, described the inspiration for this, her newest production, in an April 15 interview with the Leader. “We are the greatest country in the world. This is simply a fantastic place to live. With all the celebrations coming up in 2017, everyone is going to be incredibly proud to be a Canadian, and we are excited to be part of that energy with this new show.”

The appeal of this show is patriotic, yes, but that alone wouldn’t be enough to capture audiences so completely. It’s the music that inspires them: that terrific music. Canadians tend to forget sometimes just how good our composers and singers really are, and how much they have influenced music world wide. Oh, Canada, We Sing For Thee, exuberantly reminds them.

From the 50s songs, Little Darlin’, and a boisterous Life Could Be a Dream, to the breath-taking modern duet between Way and Prochaska of David Foster’s Let This Be Our Prayer, the production showcased an extraordinary range of music. Toes tapped to classic Habitant fiddle pieces and modern French-Canadian chansons, hands clapped to a heavy metal, rock medley that included Takin’ Care of Business and Born to Be Wild, and there was more than one misty pair of eyes during the singers’ beautiful rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.

Leisa Way is a dynamic, versatile singer. Able to country swing in Shania Twain’s comic Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under? move us with Buffy Sainte-Marie’s Until It’s Time for You To Go, and cheerily channel Anne Murray, Way’s vocal range is exceptional. Along the way the artist shared anecdotes and side stories with the audience about some of the artists and the music they wrote. “Music,” she pointed out, “is the most popular language in the world.”

The Wayward Wind Band and the musicians joining Way in this production were outstanding. Sam Cino, Nathan Smith, Bobby Prochaska, Fred Smith and Bruce Ley were unquestioned instrumental masters. And their vocal work, singly, but especially in a cappella numbers like Northwest Passage and The Lion Sleeps Tonight, elated every listener.

Quick comic asides throughout the show, (“Canada is the only nation where you can wear shorts and a parka at the same time!”), a reprise of the classic “Canadian Rant,’ and Stompin’ Tom Connors’ ever popular Good Old Hockey Game continually reminded the crowd that yes, Canadians do have a great sense of humour along with their gift of music.

Oh, Canada, We Sing For Thee’s powerful finale which began with Gordon Lightfoot’s wonderful Railroad Trilogy and ended with everyone on their feet for O Canada, was breath-taking. 

This show is a terrific musical celebration of the Great White North, one that audiences will love.

After attending this production, did people leave Upper Canada Playhouse proud to be Canadians? You can bet your maple leaves they did.

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Spring has definitely arrived because the Seaway Valley Singers are holding their spring concert at the Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church on Friday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m. Their programme of beautiful and exciting music will help set the mood for sunny days and blue skies. 

Margaret Whisselle, an accomplished soprano and pianist, will accompany the 44 voice choir, which is under the  talented direction of conductor Robert Jones.  The Singers will be presenting a concert entitled The Best of Broadway & More. Wendy Gibb will act as the MC for the evening.

The Seaway Valley Singers present two concerts annually, one just before Christmas, and one in the early spring. Months of preparation and practice go into their shows, which are led by noted conductor, arranger and musician, Robert Jones. Over the years, the Singers have presented selections from all genres, folk to sacred, jazz and gospel to the great songs of Broadway.

A concert by the Seaway Valley Singers is a “must” on the calendars of audiences in the community.

The selections for The Best of Broadway & More are wide-ranging. From a medley taken from the great Rogers and Hammerstein’s The King and I, to the drama of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera and Evita, there will be much to look forward to on May 1.

And for those who loved the Vicar of Dibley, the choir is performing Howard Goodall’s arrangement of The Lord’s Prayer with sensational young singer, Benjamin Vreman soloing. Look for additional pieces during the evening which will showcase the talents of this outstanding community choir.

Advance tickets are $10, available at PharmaChoice in Morrisburg, Chesterville and Winchester. Tickets at the door are $12. 

The Best of Broadway & More is set for Friday, May 1, 7:30 p.m., at the Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church.  

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The Right Reverend John H. Chapman, Bishop of Ottawa, has announced that the reverend Jonathon Martin has been named the new incumbent for the Morrisburg-Iroquois-Riverside Heights parish of the Anglican Church.

The appointment is effective June 1, 2015.

Jonathon Martin was ordained in 2006 by Bishop Peter Coffin, and has served as assistant curate at Christ Church, Bells Corners, and as incumbent at the parish of North Dundas, now known as St. Clare’s Church. He has also served as Regional Dean of Stormont, a facilitator for Fresh Start, a member of the Parish Growth & Renewal Consultants Advisor Panel and was instrumental in the development and building of St. Clare’s Church in Winchester.

Martin, who holds a B.A., M.P.Th, is currently completing his D.Min.

“Jonathon is a skilled and competent pastor, and I believe he will quickly gain your trust and love,” said Bishop Chapman in his letter to the South Dundas parish. 

The reverend Martin knows the Morrisburg-Iroquois-Riverside Heights parish well, as he grew up here. His mother, the reverend Pat Martin, was one of the parish’s previous curates.

[…]

 

Get ready, members of Canada’s Dragons’ Den. Derrick Jansen, Brett Fodey, Liam Adams and T.J. Barnhardt may only be in grade six at Iroquois Public School, but they already have serious entrepreneurial plans, and an eye to saving the environment at the same time.

The four students of Madame Chantal Lacroix have entered the Innovation, Creativity, Entrepreneurship competition sponsored by the Upper Canada District School Board which will take place on May 1, 2015. They could take home a $500 prize in the junior category should they win.

The challenge set by ICE: How Can You Change the World?

Working on computers, paper,  and the classroom SmartBoard, Derrick, T.J., Liam and Brett have designed a unique web page. Every Monday, following research and planning, the site posts a new environmental challenge. By accepting and acting on the challenge, consumers could actively affect their community.

“Something like global warning is just too big for us to deal with directly,” explained Derrick. “We decided to centre on our own community.”

“As part of our page, we put up quotes which show people how they can change their own environment one step at a time,” said Liam.

For example, the challenge issued two weeks ago on the page had to do with shopping habits. “When you go to the grocery store,” Brett explained, “pick up at least one thing to put in the Food Bank Bin. That directly helps people in this area.”

“Another week, we challenged people to choose a different way to go to work,” said Derrick. “The point is to find a new way to look at the scenery and to rediscover our local area. That will make you happier, and nicer to be around, and you will get more done at work.”

“Brain storming, problem solving, this whole project is student driven,” said Mme. Lacroix. “All the teacher can do is assist the students.” 

To win the May 1 competition, the four students must go on stage alone before a judging panel. On stage they must “make a (personal) pitch.” While they have access to a projector for PowerPoint, a microphone, and the right to bring in prototypes or product samples, the boys must directly address  the audience, and the judges. 

They have two minutes to set up on stage, and 10 minutes to present. Following their presentation, they must respond to questions from the judges, just like the format in Dragons’s Den. Later, they will learn if their pitch has been successful.

“We are really nervous,” T.J. said, “but we are working on our script and we will practice a lot.What we want is to get noticed, to get people to pay more attention to their environment. We’ll really have to know our stuff.”

The four boys and their teacher travelled to a special planning day, on March 26, held at Kemptville Municipal Centre where they took part in an ICE workshop involving inspirational videos, planning and presentation, and goal setting. 

“We really focussed on the different parts of making a pitch,” said Derrick.

The students have already gone themselves into the community to connect with local businesses and with the media to develop awareness of their project.

At this point, the IPS website is only on FaceBook and Twitter.

“We want to create an Application,” said Brett. “The junior prize would allow us to launch an App.”

These young Iroquois  student entrepreneurs are definitely planning to be noticed in the board competition on May 1.

[…]

 

The Thousands Islanders, a vibrant a cappella chorus, centred in Brockville, held two days of dynamic vocal workshops in facilities arranged at the McIntosh Inn and Conference Centre in Morrisburg, April 17-18. Flown in as guest instructor was Steve Scott. Scott, a noted American voice and musical coach, is a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Kansas, and currently working on his Phd. in vocal pedagogy. The Islanders choir, led by director Stuart McMartin, front row left, includes two South Dundas residents, Wendy Gibb, second row, right end, and Karen Koivumaki, second row, third from the right. The choir is currently in final rehearsals for the 2015 Area Contest and Convention held in Alliston on May 23. At this event, choirs from all over Ontario will compete for musical gold. Instructor Scott, who worked extensively over two days with the choir, quartettes and individual singers, feels that “people are natural born musicians: to be human is to be a musician. I have the opportunity to coach and encourage that unique inner singer.”

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With all the exhibition spaces sold out in advance, and hundreds coming out to visit the annual show, the organizers of this year’s Home & Trade Show, held at the Morrisburg Arena April 17-18, count it a real success. 

There were 80 booths set up in the arena, the largest number of business and community entrants ever. The show was organized by the Chamber of Commerce. Tracey Veinotte chaired the 2015 Trade show committee made up of Chantal Burke, Canadian Tire, Grace McDonough, BIA  co-ordinator, Geraldine Fitzsimmons, general manager of the Chamber of Commerce and Clark Perry, Season Plus. Donnie Bowes of Upper Canada Playhouse, a member of the Chamber, chaired the Friday night opening ceremonies.

“There were a lot of new people at this year’s show,” said Geraldine Fitzsimmons. “I think the free admission, and the fact that exhibitors give out great gifts and prizes really have an effect on attendance. The feed back from the exhibitors was all positive. And I think that numbers of visitors were up from last year.”

“This is a great event,” said Tracey Veinotte, “and a new record of 80 booths set up: there was even a waiting list. Everyone involved worked very hard.”

Carl McIntryre, South Dundas Chamber of Commerce president, thanked the township, the council and all the exhibitors for their support of the Trade Show.  

Evonne Delegarde, mayor of South Dundas and all the members of the South Dundas Council joined the crowds in visiting the wide variety of services and businesses available in this area.

MPP Jim McDonell described the show as a “great job by the organizers,” while Eric Duncan, aide to MP Guy Lauzon said that “every year the Morrisburg Home & Trade Show just gets better and better.”

Singers from Timothy Christian School, led by principal Gary Postma, sang the national anthem to officially open the Trade Show. Visitors could also find a wide variety of food and beverages to sample throughout the event.

[…]

Over the last few years, local businessperson Kim Hutt has been on a journey that has led her to turn a longtime hobby and a passion for knowledge into a home based business. 

Her aim is for every person who comes through the door of her home to feel better when they leave.

Relocated just north of Iroquois, along County Road 40 (Stampville Road), through Souly Reconnected, Hutt offers a wide variety of self care and energy awareness techniques that she now shares with over 100 clients.

Kim is a certified relaxation therapist, natural health care consultant and self created health facilitator. The main floor of her farmhouse has been transformed into a holistic health therapy room, complete with an associated lending library and a fitness studio.

One of the latest programs being offered by Hutt is BellyFit , an ‘aerobics’ class which incorporates a holistic approach that calms the mind, inspires the spirit and gives participants a phenomenal full body workout.

“The saying no pain, no gain, doesn’t apply here,” said Hutt. “What you get here is a really good workout in a safe environment, and we have so much fun.” 

Hutt is proud to be the only place offering these BellyFit classes around the whole region. This workout offers a creative combination of cardio inspired by belly dance, Bollywood and African dance infused with aspects of yoga and pilates conditioning all major muscle groups.

She is offering special rates to anyone who wants to try one of these classes if they mention this article.

BellyFit is only one of many therapies offered by Hutt. 

Although she offers many therapies, the focus of all of them is to help people find balance in between their mental, physical and spiritual elements.

For Hutt, these therapies have helped her decrease her stress levels, reduce the need for some medications and feel more positive about life, even through some very stressful times.

She recommends that anyone interested in any of the therapies she offers sit down with her for a one-on-one assessment so she can recommend what best suits the client’s needs.

“I am not a healer, I help guide people through self-healing,” she says.

Through energy therapy including Reiki, where she is a Master in Usui Reiki and Quantum Touch Therapy, she is able to share hands on healing and comfort techniques with clients and people wanting to connect to their own healing abilities through love.

Hutt offers movement and sound therapy through classes such as Qi Gong and Bellyfit  and use of tuning forks – chanting and toning.   She also offers transformation meditation and breathwork classes through the WDMH oncology department to patients.       

Hutt offers art therapy through spirit painting which she shares with students and faculty of Carleton University each semester in workshops. 

She will be offering some of these  spirit painting workshops at her home location in the near future, and encourages anyone interested to contact her directly (soulyreconnected@gmail.com), as space is limited. She is offering special rates with mention of this article. 

Spirit painting involves calling on spiritual energy to guide a client through a creative process and then working with Hutt to analyze the resulting painting.

Hutt has been practicing many of these offerings personally for about 15 years, and loves that she is now able to share them with so many people through her business. “I get to see miracles everyday,” she says.

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Local talent is taking centre stage at St. Joseph’s Secondary School in Cornwall.

Several area cast members are among the 40 featured in the production the two hour musical, Little Shop of Horrors. 

William Wallace, a grade 12 student at St. Joe’s, plays Mr. Mushnik, the miserable owner of a failing downtown New York flower shop.

“Opening night was great,” said Wallace. “The cast is really energetic.”

Opening night took place in the school auditorium, located along Cumberland Street in Cornwall April 17, at 8 p.m. and another public performance  took place April 18.

With two shows in the books, these student actors are looking forward to the final two public shows which will take place April 24 and 25 at the Cornwall school. She show is about two hours long.

“This is such a funny show. We have a really great cast,” said Wallace, who is from Morrisburg. “We have really pulled together and become great friends.” The group met with The Leader Monday after school to talk about the musical and to encourage the local community to come to one of the two remaining shows.

Maiko Button, of Long Sault, who plays Audrey, is a grade 12 students at St. Joe’s.  Audrey is one of Mr. Mushnik’s two shop assistants, along with Seymour Krelborn.

“This show is maybe not as well known, but it’s a really great show, It is fast-paced and witty,” said Button. It is directed by Mr. Gilles Levac, who all of the actors agree, does a fantasic job.

Seymour is played by Brett Weegar of Morrisburg, a grade 12 student at St. Joe’s. “This character was made for me,” said Weegar. “Ya, awkward around women, and kind of dorky,” the ladies of the cast chime in quickly.

“This is a really great show,” says Weegar. “We have a really good teacher. The amount of effort he puts into this is astounding. Actually, we put a lot of work into it too.”

Kamryn Frank, another grade 12 student at St. Joe’s is the voice of Audrey II, the villanous carnivorous plant. Frank, who is quite a vocal talent according to those who attended Friday’s show, says that she “loves that she actually gets to use her rock voice.”

She said that St. Joe’s puts on an awesome, full production musical. “We work on it from October until now. For only $10 a ticket it’s a great night out,” says Frank. The puppeteer for the Audrey II plant is Alexandra Lauzon, of the Long Sault area. Her fellow cast members agreee that she does a great job.

Three St. Joe’s grade nines from Morrisburg are part of the ensemble that sings and dances throughout the show.

“We make the show lively,” says Mallory Trizisky. 

“It’s a really fun show. I love the music,” says Abby Trizisky.

“Mainly, people don’t know how much work everyone puts into this,” says Jaxon Weegar. “For a school show, this show is really awesome.” Tickets are available at the St. Joseph’s school office or at the door.   

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