News

 

SD&G–Starting  Monday, October 21, the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) will begin holding free seasonal flu immunization clinics throughout the five Eastern Counties.

 In addition to the drop-in clinics that have been offered in the past, the health unit will also hold clinics by appointment this year for families with young children, and for people with physical limitations, medical conditions or special needs.

A pamphlet announcing clinic dates, times and locations has been mailed out to every household. The pamphlet can also be found on the EOHU’s website at  HYPERLINK “http://www.eohu.ca” www.eohu.ca.

“You need to get the flu shot every year to be protected because the viruses that cause the flu do change frequently,” explains Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health. “The flu can cause serious illness and even death for some people. The vaccine is safe and your best protection against the flu. It’s free and available for everyone aged six months and older.”

Of course, certain groups of people are at higher risk of complications from the flu, and are strongly encouraged to get the flu shot. These include: children 6 months to less than 5 years of age, people aged 65 and older and people with chronic medical conditions

Those who live with or provide care to someone who falls under one of the groups listed are also highly recommended to get the flu shot. This simple step could help protect you and those around you.

The EOHU reminds residents to bring a piece of identification to the immunization clinics. 

For clinic dates and locations, check your mailbox or visit  HYPERLINK “http://www.eohu.ca” www.eohu.ca. You can also call the EOHU at 613-933-1375 or at 1 800 267-7120 and ask for Health Line.

Influenza immunization is also available through your healthcare provider, at community health centres and participating pharmacies.

Locally a clinic is planned for Wednesday, October 30 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Morrisburg Royal Canadian Legion Branch 48.

 

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It is never too early or too late to learn about fire safety. 

On Saturday, October 5, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., the fire stations of South Dundas opened their doors to the public, showing visitors what fire fighters do, how they are equipped and the vehicles they use to stop fires and rescue fire victims. The stations in both Morrisburg and Iroquois welcomed a steady stream of children, parents, grandparents and friends throughout the event.

The South Dundas open houses mark the start of 2013’s Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 6-12. 

Fire Prevention Week is designed to increase public awareness about the dangers of fire and to teach ways to protect families, homes and property from fire. The special theme of this year’s activities is focussed on preventing kitchen fires.

Accidents in the kitchen are among the most common causes of residential fires. 

Deputy chief Marc St. Pierre, of the South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services, introduced visitors to the Morrisburg Fire Hall to the hazards of stoves and other fast heating objects common in most homes. “It’s not a bad thing to get kids used to stoves,” he said, “but adults must be there to supervise and teach at all times.”

Children in particular enjoyed games of “hot” and “cold” with local firefighters. They were invited to put objects like play toasters, play irons or ice cube trays on to red or blue mats indicating whether these objects could hurt, or start fires. 

It may have been a game, but the objectives were serious: teaching little ones to stay away from appliances which can harm them.

There were free hand outs, colouring books and fire helmets for the young crowd.

Children visiting South Dundas fire halls also gathered around fire fighters like Morrisburg’s Chris Sachs or Iroquois’ Todd Tysick, to watch them put on all their distinctive protective gear, including tanks and masks.

“Many kids are really afraid in a fire,” Sachs explained. “The problem is that if they see a fire fighter in full gear come out of the smoke, they could be just as frightened of us: sometimes they will actually hide from us. That’s just what we don’t want them to do. We want them to recognize that we are friends and always come to us.” 

“Part of our purpose today is to help educate the public,” said Iroquois fire fighter Justin Vanhecke.

Visitors could check out, and climb into, rescue equipment, pumper trucks and vans, including the pumper rescue vehicle recently added to the South Dundas fleet. Sounding sirens and testing smoke detectors were very popular with young visitors. Free barbecues at both local stations were served up by the volunteers. 

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In his address to 175 guests at the 4th annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, held on Friday, October 4, South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds chose to quote from Erma Bombeck, an American columnist and humourist.

“Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience and just plain love for each other.”

“I believe this quote says it all,” mayor Byvelds said, praising those receiving the community’s thanks for their unending dedication, their hours of hard work, and the spirit they bring to South Dundas. “Please continue to work for your community, and always appreciate a warm thank you from those you help.”

The dinner, organized by the municipality, was held at the Matilda Hall in Dixons Corners. The special guest speaker was Christina Judd Campbell, a gold medal winner at the Special Olympics. “She described how volunteers had had a great impact on her life,” said Brenda Brunt, South Dundas municipal clerk, “and pointed out that she herself was now a volunteer.”

Presented with two special certificates this year were Mike Zeron and Kirk Hunter, for their successful efforts to save the life of Iroquois neighbour, Walter Reid, when he was gravely injured.

“This dinner is our celebration of the spirit of volunteerism in South Dundas,” Brunt said.

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Saturday, October 5, Allen Hall at Lakeshore  Drive United Church, was a sea of bright embroidery, wood sculptures, knitting, special gifts  and unique art works. On screen photos of the beautiful nation of Madagascar, and particularly of its children, ran during the  festive evening. 

Guests attending the charitable, sold out Nite in Madagascar dinner, sampling traditional foods, enjoyed a real ‘taste’ of that nation’s cuisine, and had the opportunity to help a very worthwhile project.

A Nite in Madagascar was organized to support the Madagascar School Project, founded by Kathy Lucking, which seeks to continue to educate and support some of Madagascar’s neediest young people and their  struggling families.

With funds still coming in, organizers are pleased to report that $5,200 was raised.

The special fund raising event was a joint Outreach effort of the Anglican parishes of St. James, Morrisburg, and St. John’s, Iroquois. “When we decided to help Kathy’s project,” said Gord Lane, one of the organizers, “we had two purposes. We wanted to find a cause we could really believe in, and we wanted to lift people’s spirits, and get them involved with this program.” Many, many volunteers came out to help the organizers, to work on the food, promotion and the educational aspects of the event. Also on hand were a group of teen volunteers from Seaway District High School, who helped serve the authentic Malagasy dinner.

“This Morrisburg fund raiser is just terrific,” said Kathy Lucking, who was the featured speaker at the charitable event. “Our project in Madagascar is growing, and we are grateful to be broadening our support base.”

“All the money we raise goes to where it is really needed,” added Gord Lane.

The Madagascar School Project (MSP) is a SDG-based charity established in 2008. Its mission hopes to provide excellent schooling for the poorest of the poor in the African island nation. The MSP aims to create problem-solving, community-spirited, entrepreneurial-minded students, who will have the skills, and the abilities needed to break the mold of the poverty into which they were born. 

“We now operate two schools,” Lucking said. “Currently there are 415 elementary students registered, 75 secondary students and 30 trades students who are learning carpentry, embroidery, sewing and knitting. We also have 35 teachers and support staff.”

The schools are located in the central highlands of Madagascar near the capital city of Tana. Lucking said the project has grown to include large gardens, new buildings and a full time doctor at the clinic the project also supports. Volunteers from Eastern Ontario have joined the project over the last years.

“The MSP is completely independent,” Lucking explained. “We do not receive government support. All our funds are raised solely by donations. And we are a registered Canadian charitable organization.”

Under Jane Lee, volunteers served up a Malagasy meal which included such staples as lasopy, a pureed soup and Akoko Sy Voanio, chicken in coconut milk.

The need for support is on going. Those interested in helping the Madagascar School Project can learn more about needs, wish lists and activities at www.madagascarschoolproject.com 

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 Hanna Rycroft and Carl MacIntyre were almost overwhelmed by the numbers of people who came out to attend the official opening of their new business venture, Gallery 59, in the Morrisburg Plaza, on Saturday, October 5. 

“There are a gazillion people to thank, really,” Hanna Rycroft laughed. “We have over 600 items on our floor, and we could never have been ready to open without all the help we received. There’s been a big response to our open house today. We are very proud of this store, and we also thank the vendors for their trust.” 

Gallery 59 deals in antiques and collectibles. It is a multi vendor market, with four local vendors and one Montreal vendor showing in the store.

“We would like Morrisburg to become a destination for antiques seekers,” Rycroft said. “Based on the response to Antiquefest, we feel there is a real market out there. Morrisburg is close to Ottawa and Montreal, and on a major route. With the Playhouse, and our other business, the Basket Case Café, drawing visitors to town, we think there are real possibilities.”

Rycroft and MacIntrye had been thinking about an antiques venture, but credit the local and visitors’ response to the Antiquefest held in the Plaza for the first time this summer as the final “push” they needed. With the financial assistance and support of Doug Grenkie, the co-owners began setting up the store in August. 

Beautiful objects of art, furniture, glass ware, china, toys and other collectibles are now all on display at the re-furbished site. Visitors are always welcome at Gallery 59, for “today’s visitor may be tomorrow’s buyer,” Rycroft said.

The reverend Janet Evans of Williamsburg United Church offered a special prayer for the new business. Eric Duncan, representing MP Guy Lauzon brought congratulations to a “dedicated and hard-working couple” as they celebrate “a new milestone, a new business.”

South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds, joined by a number of council members, offered the municipality’s best wishes on the “newest addition to our plaza.”

Chuck Barkley, president of the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce, called Gallery 59 a “total asset to our business community. Carl and Hanna offer great customer service and great products. They are an inspiration to us all.”

“We are totally excited about our venture,” the owners said.

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GANANOQUE – What better way to celebrate your 80th birthday, than to roll out of an airplane at 9,000 feet, free fall for about 3,000 feet and then take in a little scenery below as you parachute the remainder of the way to the ground?

“Someone asked me why I did it,” says Bill Tupper of Morrisburg, of his recent skydiving experience to celebrate his upcoming 80th birthday on Wednesday, October 16. The answer was easy. “Because I can.”

Tupper’s appreciation for adventure in the sky began 12 years ago when he joined his sister, Anna, for a hot air balloon ride.

Then last year, while on an Alaskan Cruise vacation, he headed for the treetops for a little zip lining.

“That was a blast. I did five lines, three suspension bridges. “They just put you in a harness and away you go. I saw eagles and down below, bears and deer.”

With hot air ballooning and zip lining under his belt, Bill then  looked around for yet a better thrill.

“So for my 80th birthday, I said, ‘I’m gonna sky dive’.” 

Research led him to Skydive Gananoque and off he went to Gananoque with son Derek who also experienced the jump. “We tried to get three generations, but my grandson had to work,”  says Bill.

As for other members of the Tupper family, sons “Doug and Dale wouldn’t go. We even offered to pay for Douglas.”

Tupper explained there was a pre-jump briefing and for the jump he was strapped to fully qualified, experienced and certified tandem instructor, Ed Miller. “There were six of us in the plane, along with Ed, who I was fastened to and the cameraman.”

“We went up to 9,000 feet and then rolled out of the plane. I wasn’t nervous and there was no hesitation. We free fell for about 3,000 feet, and then we released the chute. Ed was strapped right tight to me. He told me to keep my arms out and my head up. The guy with the camera was floating backwards right in front of us. He was making a video and taking pictures. To take a picture, he bit down on a thing he had in his mouth.”

“It was great. Ed asked me if I wanted to go straight down or to go for a ride and I chose a ride, so off we went. It was beautiful. You could look down and see all of the 1000 Islands.”

“I marvelled how everyone landed in the same 12 foot square.”

Asked what is next, Bill says he isn’t sure. “Well, maybe on my 85th, I’ll do it again.”

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WILLIAMSBURG–Carefor/Nor-Dun Seniors and J.W. MacIntosh Seniors, the two Support Centres who sponsored Thursday’s Dundas County Fall Wellness Day at the Centre in Williamsburg, were extremely pleased with the 90 plus people who attended the day to collect information from the 24 information booths and 11 presenters.

“The comments from the individuals who attended were very positive,” said Janet Levere, executive Director of the Williamsburg Non-Profit Housing Corporation. “They were glad they came, and they spoke about how much they had learned.” 

In addition, Levere said, the presenters were very happy with the attendance. The day also provided the presenters the opportunity to network and make contacts with other organizations and agencies that serve the residents of Dundas County. Fall Wellness Day brought together 24 organizations that provide programs and services in Dundas County. 

 “There is so much to know about diabetes,” said WDMH Diabetes Nurse Educator, Nancy Graham. “People can have diabetes and not know it. Sometimes there are no symptoms.” 

According to Graham, the classic symptoms for diabetes, increased thirst and urination, often become apparent when the disease is advanced.

 The Diabetes program is about education, about teaching people how to manage the disease and about preventing complications. Diabetes presentations are given monthly at WDMH and the educators’ team travels to local senior centers and community events such as Thursday’s Wellness Day. 

Also delighted to be among Thursday’s presenters were Joyce Blackburn and Patty Paterson, members of an “Ovarian Cancer: Knowledge is Power” team. Both are cancer survivors. 

“We will talk to any group. It’s all about awareness,” said Blackburn. “We found that when we were diagnosed with ovarian cancer, we were speechless. We met at a cancer support group, but it was mostly about breast cancer.”

Trained by Ovarian Cancer Canada, Blackburn, along with Paterson and a third team member, Sandra Sloan, they have made it their mission to provide information about Ovarian Cancer  out to women in the Ottawa valley. 

Those who attended Thursday’s Wellness Day found a plethora of information at their disposal, everything from estate planning to funeral planning to elder abuse prevention and future housing needs.

Prior to the Wellness Day, Levere explained that with the ever changing makeup of Dundas County, people moving in and people aging, it is important to let the community know what services are available and how to access them.

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The Friends of the Sanctuary’s, Nature and Wildlife Day, Sunday, was the victim of wet, rainy weather. Although visitors were out and about for the first couple of hours, the heavy rain that started just after 1 p.m. took its toll. Despite the weather, the shows did go on with The Falcon Environmental’s Birds of Prey, the Muskoka Wildlife Centre’s Native Animals and Drogheda Manor’s Horsemanship all carrying on as best they could. Ministry of Natural Resources Enforcement Officer Garry Rupert and his wife Karen worked with much smaller than usual crowds for the duck banding. Protected from the weather were the silent auction, children’s face painting, bird house building, and the arts and crafts show. Top left, Marta Wasiak of Ottawa prepares to release a wild duck. Jennie with the Falcon Environmental’s Birds of Prey Show holds an American Kestrel (Falcon) above, while the Great Horned Owl keeps an eye on the crowd.

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Royal Bank Bake Sale, Bakes up a Big Day for Breast Cancer

It takes a lotta’ sweets to satisfy a whole community and that was no problem on Friday, when clients and staff of the Royal Bank in Iroquois, opened their oven doors to a giant Bake Sale that raised a whopping $1,744 for Breast Cancer. Now an annual affair since 2007, Royal Bank Accounts Manager Marie Prosser said, “October is breast cancer month, and we like to host our bake sale before Thanksgiving. We couldn’t do this without the support of the entire Iroquois community,” she added as she looked over the incredible amount of baked goods provided for the sale. Joining the Royal Bank Breast Cancer fundraiser are the Royal Bank branches in Prescott and Spencerville. With Prescott raising $672 and Spencerville adding another $370 to the baking pot that brought the fundraiser total to $2,786. Pictured above left is Prosser with volunteers Bea Smith and Anna Smail who were kept busy stocking the tables and assisting the customers.

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South Dundas council was not prepared to declare the Municipality of South Dundas as ‘not a willing host’ to industrial wind turbines, when a local wind opposition group pressured them to pass such a motion less than three months ago, but on October 1, South Dundas did take a stand regarding wind power.

Council agreed to support a resolution drafted and tabled by South Dundas deputy mayor Jim Locke, which declares that the Municipality of South Dundas will not support any future proposals for wind power generating until the supply and demand for electricity generation demonstrates a need.

Council, with the exception of South Dundas councillor Archie Mellan, who did not vote on the resolution due to a declared conflict of interest, unanimously supported the resolution presented by Locke.

“I will support anything that might slow things down and make them (the province) take a look at the energy situation in this province,” said South Dundas councilor Jim Graham.

“I support this. I am, not a willing host, at this time,” said councillor Evonne Delegarde.

“This is not, a not a willing host designation, this is somewhat different,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds. “I can stand behind this,” he said, suggesting that the council supported resolution be forwarded to the Premier and Minister of Energy. 

“We need to tell the Province to take a look at the energy mix, and make it work better,” said Byvleds. 

While Byvelds says this is not a ‘not a willing host’ designation, the coalition of unwilling host municipalities is now counting South Dundas as one of 71 communities who are unwilling hosts, according to an October 6 press statement.

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