News

Police located the body of 69-year-old Ralph Dowdall of South Mountain.

Missing since December 18, police earlier this week had asked th public for their assistance in helping to locate the man.

He was found deceased the afternoon of December 30 in the South Mountain area.

SDG OPP officers and the SDG Crime Unit continue to investigate.

[…]

Margaret Williams is 88 years old and says she definitely sees the benefits of having a hospital close by. “I’ve been to Winchester Hospital several times since I moved to Iroquois three years ago and it’s been great. I have had wonderful treatment.”

Most recently, her family physician referred Mrs. Williams to Dr. Darren Tse, WDMH’s new ear, nose and throat specialist. “I was thrilled when I found out that I didn’t have to travel all the way to Ottawa to see him. Dr. Tse was very helpful,” she says.

Dr. Tse is the latest specialist to provide clinical services to local communities at Winchester District Memorial Hospital. 

His ear, nose and throat clinic is located in the Dillabough Builiding. Dr. Tse also does surgery at WDMH, with short wait times. And he partners with Robillard Hearing Centre, which has been offering specialized hearing services at WDMH for two years.

“I like the smaller, friendly atmosphere at WDMH,” says Dr. Tse. “When I came to visit, it seemed like a great town with a great hospital.”

Dr. Tse went to medical school in England and completed his specialty training in Canada. 

He has also worked in research. “I like the complex anatomy of the head and neck. It affects how people function every day.”

“Dr. Tse’s services are another example of how WDMH is continually looking for ways to better serve our communities close to home,” notes Cholly Boland, CEO. 

“We’re pleased to have him here in Winchester.”

Patients should speak to their family physician for a referral to Dr. Tse.

[…]

An elaborate plan, resulted in an unexpected Christmas gift for 11-year-old Cody Broadfoot of Winchester, here December 23.

Cody had his bike stolen from his Church Street residence weeks ago, reporting the theft to police December 11. Police, with the help of a tip, recently recovered the bicycle. 

They arrested and charged 20-year-old Jessie Quesnel of Morewood with the bicycle theft, along with other thefts in the Winchester area.

“People see that arrest as justice, but all too often the victims of the crimes don’t really get any justice. They still lost something,” said Teresa Lauzon, of the SDG OPP. 

When police recovered Cody’s bike, it was literally in pieces. Police tried to reassemble it, but found they could not, so they took it to the Morrisburg Canadian Tire Store, to have it reassembled, in hope that they could return Cody’s repaired bike to him in time for Christmas.

Canadian Tire staff tried to piece the bike back together, but instead decided to donate a new bike to Cody.

Learning of this good news story, Lauzon hatched an elaborate plan to surprise Cody with the new bike.

Lauzon, who teaches Cody as part of the in school VIP program at Winchester Public School, told Cody that they had found his bike, but that it couldn’t be repaired. She said he was really upset by the news, but tried to hide his disappointment. She told him that as consolation, she would take him on a ride along, hopefully to lift his spirits.

Cody and Lauzon went into the store, and Cody grabbed a jug of fluid. There he was met by Canadian Tire Store manager Brian Shaver and supervisor Adam Casselman, who showed Cody his old bike in pieces. They then surprised him with a new bike.

A shocked Cody, could only say, “Okay.” 

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Canadian Tire,” said Lauzon.

“It’s just nice to be able to help out, especially at this time of year,” said Shaver. “It’s sad to see something that someone has worked hard for just taken away from them.”

Before leaving the store, Lauzon purchased a bike lock for Cody’s new bike.

[…]

Paper ballots will return to South Dundas in the 2014 municipal election. 

The paper ballot will be in addition to the phone and internet methods that 

In Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, only South Dundas and South Stormont will be using the paper ballot.

South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds said, “going paper is going backwards, but it is wanted.”

Council agreed to the use of a paper ballot, even though it will add to election costs. Additional costs will be related to additional staffing of polling stations and the rental of tabulators for the paper ballots.

“Democracy doesn’t have to be cheap,” said Byvelds. 

According to the council report by clerk Brenda Brunt, the election will cost at least, $28,000, but that number is likely to increase. 

Although council all agreed to the return of the paper ballot, the did not agree with Brunt’s recommendation to offer only one polling station for paper ballots, election day, at the South Dundas Municipal Centre in  Morrisburg.

South Dundas deputy mayor wants a polling station to be offered at four locations, specifically mentioning Matilda Hall. 

Brunt explained that Matilda Hall cannot be offered, because of lack of a secure and reliable internet connection, which is needed to ensure that voters only vote once.

Councillor Evonne Delegarde, suggested a second polling station be set up in Iroquois. 

“If we’re going to do that, then we will do one at Williamsburg too,” said Byvelds.

With that information, Brunt will prepare a new report for council outlining the feasibility and costs of the added paper ballot polling stations.

The phone and internet voting service will be provided this year by SCYTL Canada Inc. This company had the lowest tender amount of $2.26 per elector. This tender was a joint tender with other SDG municipalities.

This is a different company than that used in the last election, which experienced technical difficulties during peak voting, forcing voting deadlines to be extended and creating much confusion. “Do we have a back up plan if the system crashes,” asked Locke. “Yes, it will be part of our procedures this time,” said Brunt.

SCYTL recently handled the Edmonton election without an issues, according to Brunt. 

Intellivote, the company which handled the last election in South Dundas did submit the second lowest bid on the recent tender.

[…]

Tuesday, December 10, dozens of donors, patients, staff, and visitors gathered to watch the 16th annual Christmas Wish Tree Lighting Ceremony, hosted by the Winchester District Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Prior to the Tree Lighting, children from Morrisburg Public School, escorted by Vice President Seniors’ Services, Joanne Sidorchuk, and volunteer, Elva Rutters, visited patients in the Complex Continuing Care, Medical/Surgical and Maternal Care units. 

They gave out hand-made “Empathy Cards” and sang Christmas carols together.

In addition to the traditional lighting of the Christmas Wish Tree, Foundation staff released a Chinese flying lantern, symbolic of the losses that everyone experiences.

Troy Cross, WDMH Foundation Executive Director, spoke to those in attendance, acknowledging that the individuals they chose to honour and remember played a large part in their lives. 

“Today we join together with you to pay tribute to them in a special way. Not only have they touched your lives, but through their lives, they have touched the lives of everyone who requires health care here at WDMH, since the gifts designated by family and friends in memory of your loved one will help shape the way that care is delivered in this hospital.”

More than $22,000 has been donated in memory and in honour of loved ones at this point, which includes more than $2,000, which has been given in honour of staff and cargivers at WDMH. 

 

Regional sponsors have really committed to doubling the impact of donors’ gifts this year, by providing $22,500 to match the first $22,500 given to the program. Last year, this program raised approximately $75,000 for the highest priority needs at the Hospital.

[…]

Beverly Gagnon of Morrisburg is living her dreams to the max as she won a $1 million Maxmillions prize in the December 13, 2013 Lotto Max draw. 

“Normally, I buy my tickets in the afternoon but that Friday, my husband didn’t feel well so I didn’t get out,” said Beverly, while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim her prize. “But I had that feeling . . . so my husband drove me to the store that evening so that I could get my tickets.” 

Beverly and her husband checked her tickets online the next morning. “We were so excited and couldn’t believe that I had a winner. Then we went to the store to validate the ticket and make sure we were right.” 

The retiree has been playing the lottery for the past 13 years. It is her second big win. She won $100,000 with LOTTO 6/49 in November 2012. 

The couple plans to purchase a new car, finish remodeling their house and put the rest into savings. 

The winning ticket was purchased at Mac’s on Ottawa Street in Morrisburg. 

[…]

 

Tee-Jay-Five year old, Rottie, not neutered, good health, house-trained. Friendly, happy boy. TeeJay is a ready made best friend. He is very friendly and loves to romp and play. Is in good health. A little bit older, he is a great companion for a familly who would like to skip the puppy training.

Brownie- 1.5 yrs, boxer mix, neutered house-trained. Friendly, good natured. Brownie is a beautiful boy. He is a calm dog and eager to please. He likes to play and has lots of energy.

 

Yeller– 1.5 yr old puppy, male not neutered, needs house and puppy training, very friendly. Yeller has a lot of energy and definitely is in need of training in the manners department. This is mainly due to his young age. He is a yellow Lab mix and would certainly learn quickly to earn his spot in any family scenario. Anyone interested in Yeller should be prepared to work with a dog that is a good sized but is still very puppy-like.

Ice-Mix possible Burmese Mt/Shepherd, not neutered, 8 month male. Ice is still a puppy and he is a puppy that is going to grow into a large-sized dog. He has a great loving attitude and is very happy go lucky. Due to his size and young age, he doesn't quite understand his own strength…so he does need puppy and manners training. With the right kind training and a loving family, Ice will grow into a gentle giant of a boy.

Suzy-Beautiful, mature (5-6 yrs) female Shepherd, good-natured, friendly, well-behaved, completely trained. Even anyone who has never considered a Shepher as a pet, would have a hard time walking away from Suzy. She is soooo affectionate and with her older years she is very calm and easy going. Suzy is in really good health, and like to run and play even with the young ones at the shelter. A great family companion for someon who isn't interested in getting into puppy training.

Jack… is a mixed breed dog possbly with some Golden Retriever/Australian Shepherd or Collie….he has the golden retriever colouring but not the retriever ears. A young dog, about 1.5 years old he is not neutered. He has a great temperament and we suspect he would be great in a family with children. Again, a dog that may need some puppy/manners training, but again a breed that learns very quickly and is eager to please.

 

Interested in adopting ? Call Kevin at the South Dundas 

Animal Shelter 613-543-2980 or 613-913-1476

 

This is a public service column. The Leader accepts no responsibility for the dogs or the adoption process.

[…]

Recent trends in extensive forest-cover loss aren’t going unnoticed by local residents who are calling attention to the issue in newspapers. 

According to South Nation Conservation, if left unchecked, this downturn in forest cover will directly impact the natural benefits that the watershed depends on.

Eastern Ontario’s forests help filter the air we breathe; protect the water we drink; provide habitat for abundant wildlife; and supply us with valuable wood products. 

“Our forests are being cut with an intensity that is permanently changing the countryside,” says SNC Chair, Bill Smirle. 

“If we don’t take urgent action to save what’s left, the opportunity will be lost.”

With this in mind, the South Nation Conservation Board of Directors has set aside funds in the 2014 budget to preserve local forests. 

“The board of directors decided to set aside a $250,000 special levy, earmarked for land purchases,” said Jim Hendry, SNC team lead for property management. 

SNC has a long history of acquiring land and to date, owns 11,000 acres of mostly forest cover. 

These properties provide nearby and natural areas for people and wildlife, including opportunities to hunt, hike, and picnic.

In most cases, SNC is able to double funds for forest acquisition through their partners in conservation, such as the Ontario Land Trust. 

SNC currently receives about 200 acres every year through land donations from families who want their forests protected beyond their lifetime.

“I am pleased to announce that SNC will be launching a legacy trust program in 2014,” says Smirle. “This will make it easier for ecological lands to be permanently protected.”

Acquiring priority forest tracts is one more tool SNC uses to create a legacy of healthy forests.

Each year, SNC plants 100,000 trees and visits over 50 woodlot owners to provide management advice. A multi-stakeholder Forestry Committee oversees forest programs and provides valuable feedback from rural landowners and the forestry sector.

[…]

“I really love doing this parade,” said George Davies, the organizer and marshall for the 2013 Santa Claus parade held in Morrisburg, Saturday, December 7. “It’s not just the little ones, it’s the seniors and everybody in between who make it all worthwhile.”

And judging from the smiles and applause, people who lined the parade route through the town were enchanted with the big parade.

“It was a great day, weather wise,” Davies said, “you couldn’t have asked for a nicer day. I think we had a good turn-out to see the parade, and lots of people taking part in it.” 

Riding a 4-wheeler on loan from Jim’s Performance Plus, George was everywhere along the route. “Everything went pretty smoothly,” he said, “and the OPP were on hand to control the traffic in town and along county road 2. (Floats marshalled in the Canadian Tire parking lot and the Upper Canada Playhouse lot.) We also had spotters in key positions along the  route equipped with radios loaned by the South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services.”

The 2013 Santa Claus parade boasted over 50 floats with five bands providing seasonal music: the Brockville Lions Steel Band, the Royal West Academy of Montreal Band, the Cornwall Air Cadets Band, the Kemptville Legion Pipe Band and the Maple Leaf Brass Band from Ottawa.

There were some first time local entries this year. “Both the BIA and the Fire Services had floats this year. And we had many return participants.”

Crowds enjoyed the four legged friends who also took part in this year’s parade. These ranged from Eddie the Service Dog (who turned up on the Morrisburg & District Duck Dynasty float) to several therapy dogs, in full costume, walking the whole route, while  miniature horses, wearing their Christmas finery, either rode on a float or pranced along with the parade.

Responsibility for contacting and securing  participants and bands, organizing every aspect of the parade itself, then dealing with clean up and costume retrievals falls yearly on Davies’ cheerful shoulders, with the help of his wife and daughter. However, if you ask George who his volunteers on the actual parade day were, he laughs and says, “Everybody.”

Service clubs, schools, civic groups, many area businesses and the OPP and South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services all came to help on December 7.

Santa and Mrs. Claus were a definite high point to the parade.

They waved to the crowds,  and happily pointed out children who had been especially good this year. Later, Santa took time at the Fire Hall to listen to some small people’s Christmas hopes and dreams. 

(The word is the couple headed back to the North Pole by Elf Airlines later in the day.)

By every account, the 2013 Morrisburg Santa Claus Parade was one of the best ones yet. 

And volunteer organizer George Davies has already started work on the 2014 event. 

[…]

“When I came here to interview for the Iroquois-Matilda pastoral charge, I just felt welcomed,” said the Reverend Valerie Vande Wiele, who took up her duties in her three point pastoral charge on September 22, 2013. We are sitting in her office in Iroquois United Church.

“When I met the people, heard their stories, learned who they were, I knew that I could walk with these people. It felt right.”

Reverend Valerie has been in Canada since 1996.

She was born in Belgium, “in the south, the French part,” (she is fully bilingual) and spent the first 29 years of her life there: then  she made the decision to immigrate. To come to Canada alone was an important, life-changing decision for her, and one that was not undertaken lightly.

“Immigrating to North America gave me the chance, I believe, to discover who I really was.”

For several years she had worked in a bank in Belgium, in the position of a debt collector.

“It was tough. I feel I was very green at that point in my life, and I needed to grow up. I needed to learn that the world could be a tough place. 

(In my position at the bank) I faced situations, and had to enter into people’s lives as part of dealing with their finances. Confronting the realities of divorce, mental illness, poverty, illiteracy, well, these all made me grow up in a hurry.”

Gradually, these experiences cultivated in her new feelings and attitudes.

“Cemented in my mind was the idea that I wanted to walk with people, to be there for them, rather than extracting money from them.”

She does not regret the time she spent in a difficult job.

“I feel I needed that experience to arrive at where I am today. It taught me compassion and caring and to see there are other points of view. But in that bank position I had to be someone I wasn’t, and that made me unhappy.”

Making a complete break with her old life, and undertaking the “adventure” of immigrating, gave her time to begin the process of finding herself. And as that process continued, what became louder and louder for her was a call to the ministry.

“I settled in Quebec City and studied to be a secretary, working for different companies for five years. But when my last secretarial job ended, I understood that I had just been hesitating, unwilling to make the leap of faith. Losing the job gave me the impetus to start studying for the ministry.”

She earned her bachelor of theology through McGill University, and her Master of Divinity in 2008, from the Montreal School of Theology.

How did the United Church of Canada become her spiritual home?

“I had been raised in the United Protestant Church of Belgium. In Quebec I tried several Protestant denominations, but I ultimately chose the United Church because it was the church, I felt, that allowed me to be who I was. It was the church I felt welcomed me with everything I am, and without judgement.”

She was ordained and served in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, and for five years in Richmond.

Although it was a hard decision to leave her Richmond church, she applied to the Iroquois-Matilda pastoral charge, interviewed and was invited by the congregations of Iroquois, Brinston and Hulbert Valley to become their spiritual leader. 

“I am the first minister of this new pastoral combination,” the Rev. Valerie said.

“My view of the ministry is that it is co-operative, minister and parishioners “walking together for the coming of the kingdom.”

I asked her about her hopes for the future.

“We need to cement the new pastoral charge, to build links among the three congregations. Through those links, we can celebrate who we are, respecting our differences. This is a primary goal for me. And we can have fun together,” she added with a laugh.

“A second goal for me is to help people discover and enjoy scripture, to see that scripture is still very relevant today.”

As the Reverend Valerie Vande Wiele settles into her new home, she is very much looking forward to her life in South Dundas.

“I hope to learn from my congregations as I am walking with them. Sometimes, I think, we will walk down some interesting side roads together.”

[…]