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 It took 11 days, over a distance of 500 kilometres, but Marshall Barkley finally brought his “I’m coming home, Mama,” tour to a successful conclusion, November 4, at the home of his mother, Marie, outside Morrisburg.

It was a sometimes gruelling journey, made in every kind of weather. The former South Dundas resident, a graduate of Riverside Heights Public School, Seaway District High School, Guelph University and George Brown College, was determined to go the distance. The run also provided him with an opportunity to raise money for a cause in which he firmly believes.

As an athlete and a runner, Marshall has long been interested in healthy life styles and life choices. When he was deciding on a charity to support, he got very interested in the Movember organization.

Movember is an official global charity, whose vision is to have a lasting impact on the face of men’s health. The charity began in Australia in 2003, and has now spread to 21 nations world-wide. In 2012, supporters succeeded in raising 147 million dollars.

“The goal of Movember is to bring increased awareness to issues directly affecting men,” Marshall explained. “The charity targets illnesses like prostate and testicular cancer, and encourages men to have proper and regular testing done. It also targets issues of mental health that seem to affect males in particular.”

“I’ve  been a runner for six years,” Marshall said. “This year was also my 50th birthday, and the 25th anniversary of my marriage to Conchita. All these things came together, and I simply decided to do something very special to recognize these milestones. My biggest supporters right from the start of the run have been my family members, including my 19-year-old son, Sebastian, who attends McMaster University.”

Once he decided to support Movember, Marshall found that people were more than willing to sponsor him on his run. 

“I kept an album and a journal on Facebook during the entire run,” he said. “Messages like Go Marshall Go, and many, many generous donations really motivated me to keep going.” 

How did he come up with the name, the “I’m coming home, Mama, tour?”

“It’s kind of a joke, I guess,” Marshall explained. “Mom always has been one of my greatest supporters. One time, after a marathon (running tends to give you a natural high), I said ‘I feel like I could run all the way home.’  The idea of running home to Mama stuck, and became a kind of mantra for me.”

Marshall’s run began in Oakville, Ontario, (where he and his family live) on October 25, 2013.

He aimed to try and make 50 kilometres a day. Some days this was not easy.

“The weather along the route has alternated between beautiful and definitely challenging. Today (his last day, November 4) was a long day. I was running against an east wind pretty well the entire last stretch. (Earlier in the run I was hit with 100 kilometre an hour wind gusts) which were not my friends, even when they were at my back. But I saw some spectacular scenery along the route. I ran through many small towns and travelled along the river trails. There was always something new to see.”

With his brother-in-law, Ponciano Padua, serving as his wing-man and official photographer and web site designer for the journey, he avoided major highways.

“We followed the Waterfront Trail, which is also called in places The Loyalist Parkway, the Apple Route and the King’s Highway. It wasn’t the most direct route, but it was an interesting one.”

He encountered many fascinating people along the road, including the elderly gentleman who was absolutely convinced Marshall had been sent by his township to take photos of  a defective ditch. “The city did it wrong. Water just floods in.” After it was all straightened out, the man cheerfully took a sticker and wristband.

He also found time to talk to the children at his brother Clayton’s school, Benson’s, in Cardinal, and to do a short run with some of them.

“I just want to make sure that men stay healthy,” Marshall Barkley said. “Go to the doctor. Stay fit. Keep moving, and find a balance in your life.”

What was he going to do on his first free night following 500 kilometres of running?

“Well,” he laughed, “I’ve actually got a ‘horse race’ scheduled in Iroquois. A group of us men are going to run from the river to a restaurant in the plaza. It’s for a good cause, after all.”  

[…]

 “I am really going to miss the students and staff at Seaway District High School,” said Terry Gardiner, who has left the high school after five and a half years as its principal. “I have been really touched by the student comments that have been posted on FaceBook and Twitter.”

Gardiner has moved to the Upper Canada District School Board offices in Brockville to assume the duties of Principal of Continuous School Improvement. The position became effective on Monday, November 11, 2013.

While Gardiner knew that he was being considered for the position at the Board, the final call came quite suddenly. He informed the staff of his appointment on Friday morning, November 8, and told the student body during MSIP. New principal, Derek Cole, and new vice principal Laura Oliver, were in place on Monday. 

Seaway’s vice principal, Ann Blackburn, has also left, to assume VP duties at North Dundas District High School.

As Principal of Continuous School Improvement, Gardiner will be responsible for all schools in UCDSB, some 23 high schools, and over 80 elementary schools. 

“I will be helping principals and teachers use data to improve student instruction. I am directly in charge of a student voice project, Tell Them From Me, a major survey/questionnaire that must be completed by all grades 7-12 students two times a year.” 

(There is a separate survey which focuses on the kindergarten to grade six students in the board.)

During the survey, students speak and write candidly about an extensive range of educational issues, standards of learning and perceived long term goals, health and mental health issues, finding a functioning balance between the demands of jobs and of school. The survey amasses an enormous amount of information which must be analysed and interpreted.

“I provide information to school administrators and staff, and then assist them in deciphering it to determine what changes may have to be made, what programs are working, generally what actions are needed.”

Gardiner is also the leader for the board wide LINK project. He has already taken part in specialized training with program leaders, and in major student conferences.

As Seaway’s principal, Gardiner has left a legacy  at the high school. He feels that key programs were put in place, with the help of the staff and community, which are growing in effectiveness.

“The introduction of the grades 7-8 program as part of the high school was just getting started when I arrived. I worked extensively with principal Guy Lamarche in that first year of implementation,” he said.

He is also very proud of the Pathways program established at Seaway, which supports students in three key divisions: Students to Work, Students to Apprenticeships, Students to College/University.

“Seaway was a leader in this program, and, with the work of guidance teacher, Mark Lewis, and a new software program, My Blue Print, we can help students select the future courses best suited to their interests and needs.”

The Apprenticeship Pathway, especially, led to innovative programs at Seaway, in Ag-riculture and Transportation. These in turn, linked the school more closely to interests within the community. 

“The Dual Credits system instituted at Seaway has allowed students to earn both a high school and a college credit in certain of our courses as we are partnered with colleges. Students can get a real understanding of a subject and a possible career route in the Dual Credit program.”

What will Gardiner miss? 

“I think the culture of care I found at Seaway. Teachers and the community stepped in to see what students needed without being asked. There are students out there who never knew who paid for skates, or sports equipment so they could take part in activities.

I will also miss the obvious care that the students have for each other. Seaway students let others be who they are, and operate in a respectful culture.

Over my five years, I’ve always maintained high expectations for the character of our students, and I’ve steadily seen those expectations met. The hard work of our parents council and the involvement of our community have been tremendous.”

“I am also going to miss Oskar Night, our wonderful Terry Fox Rally and Sports Day,” Terry Gardiner laughed, “and I definitely plan to attend prom and the spring graduation.”

[…]

B. McNairn-Leader staff

IROQUOIS – The hallowed halls of learning became the hallowed halls of stacking at Iroquois Public School last Thursday, November 14, as the Iroquois students became part of a Stack Up! group determined to set a new Guinness World Record for “Most People Sport Stacking at Multiple Locations in One Day.” 

And it was mission accomplished as the record of 483,658 was passed quickly when the counts began to come into Stack Up! headquarters. 

The number of people stacking at multiple locations in one day has now topped 500,000 with some groups yet to report in. 

Once all numbers are in and the Guinness paperwork is completed, Iroquois Public School ‘stacking’ organizer/teacher Pamela MacIntyre-McAlear (Mrs. Mac) will apply for the school’s customized STACK UP! Stamp of Approval to document Iroquois Public School’s participation in this year’s world record setting event. 

Just after 1 p.m. last Thursday, every student at Iroquois Public School could be found stacking one thing or another; the kindergarten classes stacking away in the gymnasium and the remaining classes stretching out in the hallways. 

This was the fourth year Iroquois Public, under the stacking organizational skills of Mrs. Mac has participated in the event. 

“We stack anything,” said Mrs. Mac. “From pots from the garden, to books to Frisbees, you name it and we’ll stack it. We have over 300 stackers stacking here today for one half hour.” 

Pictured above is some of the ‘sport stacking action, beginning with a stacking lineup down the school’s main hallway; picture two shows Benjamin Lewis stacking wood blocks; picture three includes stackers Peyton Fitzgerald and Logan Garlough, with stacking helper Jacob Garlough (behind); and right is Jacob White, stacking some mighty big cups.

[…]

The winning streak for Pumpkinferno continued last Thursday night, November 14 in Toronto when the hugely popular fall event was named Ontario’s Tourism Event of the Year at the Ontario Tourism Summit.

This is the second provincial award for Upper Canada Village’s Pumpkinferno in just it’s second year.

The Ontario Tourism Summit is an annual event that brings together hundreds of tourism professionals from across Ontario to learn the latest in industry trends and forecasts, share best practices, network with colleagues, and recognize industry leaders at the Tourism Awards.  

The award for Tourism Event of the Year is presented to ‘an event or festival that exemplifies industry best practices in all aspects of its operation and serves as an example of excellence.’  

Consideration is given to criteria such as visitor satisfaction, how the event stimulates economic activity for the community, region or province and the growth in visitation, visitor spending, innovation or product development attributable to the event. 

 Pumpkinferno is without a doubt one of the most innovative and creative events in Ontario and has captured the imaginations of thousands of visitors.  In its first year, over 35,000 people visited; in 2013 over 38,000 visitors took in the event, an almost nine per cent increase year over year. 

The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario is the umbrella organization for leading associations, destination marketing organizations and regional tourism organizations serving Ontario’s diverse tourism industry. 

TIAO collectively represents 147,000 businesses and the 608,000 employees that are dedicated to promoting and operating the Province’s tourism infrastructure. 

“Receiving Provincial recognition from our industry peers for Pumpkinferno is a huge vote of confidence in the creativity and innovation shown by our team in the development of this event,” says Darren Dalgleish, GM and CEO of the St. Lawrence Parks. “We set an attendance record in our first year and this year we broke that record!  Ontario’s tourism sector is very competitive and we are honoured to be recognized for Pumpkinferno in this category.”

Earlier this year Pumpkinferno was honoured by Festivals & Events Ontario when it was named 2012 Best New Event in Ontario.  It was also a finalist in the 2012 Ottawa Tourism Awards for Tourism Event of the Year.  

Product enrichment is a key part of the SLPC’s strategic direction to serve the community in a thoughtful and entrepreneurial manner by making its vast array of attractions and experiences more economically accessible and collaborative while at the same time ensuring future growth and fiscal improvement.

[…]

Prime Minister Stephen Harper joined area residents to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Crysler's Farm on Monday, November 11. 

[…]

Under cold and wet skies, the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, arrived at the Memorial to the Battle of Crysler’s Farm, at Upper Canada Village, on Monday afternoon, November 11, 2013. 

Greeted by nearly 700 school children and many local people and dignitaries, the prime minister was in Morrisburg to honour the 200th anniversary of the Battle. 

The defeat of US General  Wilkinson’s army at Morrisburg in 1813 is widely celebrated as the “battle which saved Canada.”

Joining in the commemoration were 100 members of the Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Highlanders under the command of their Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Rob Duda.

Representatives of historic 1812 regiments, the First Nations peoples, the Voltigeurs de Quebec and the Royal 22nd Regiment (the Van Doos), also participated in the ceremonial laying of wreaths to honour those who fell 200 years ago in the defence of our nation.

The Prime Minister used this historical occasion to announce that the Glens regiment has just received an additional honour. 

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11, Queen of Canada, has graciously consented to serve as the first Colonel-in-Chief of the Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Highlanders.”

In his address to the crowd, the prime minister praised all members of the armed forces for their courage and dedication to Canada. 

He drew attention to the events of two centuries ago, and their significance in the history of our country.

“Today the Americans are our great friends and allies. But 200 years ago, Canadians stood here against an invasion from the United States…Although outnumbered three to one, Crysler’s Farm Battle was a decisive victory for our forces. This proved again that it is not the size of the army in the fight, but the size of the fight in the army which makes the final difference…And today, it is part of what makes Canada the best country in the world.”

[…]

Iroquois honoured a key battle in the War of 1812 during a day long re-enactment and commemoration at the Point on Saturday, November 9. November 7, 1813, 200 members of the Dundas Militia took on 1,200 American troops on route to Montreal. The Canadians were unable to attack in force at Point Iroquois, but they kept up sniper fire until the American troops halted their march and attempted to wipe out the Canadian defenders under the command of Captain Michael Ault. 

[…]

B. McNairn-Leader staff

MORRISBURG–With the holiday season once again just around the corner, artists and crafters are putting the finishing touches on their work for the annual Morrisburg and District Arts and Crafts Association Show coming up at the Morrisburg Legion, November 16 and 17.

Busy preparing her pieces for the show is artist Sally Munnings of Cardinal, formerly of New Zealand.

Over the years, Munnings has created a huge number of paintings many of them capturing the beauty of her adopted New Zealand where she and her husband Ron lived for 37 years. Her portfolio shows her versatility as an artist and her dramatic use of colour, sometimes bold and vibrant, sometimes soft and subtle.

“I grew up in Brockville,” says Sally recalling how her and husband Ron packed up their family of three youngsters all under the age of 10 years and headed off for life in New Zealand.

“It’s a lovely country,” says Sally. “It is small but you see such a variety of scenery.”

Sally and Ron remained in New Zealand for 37 years until the earthquake of February 2011, which severely damaged Christchurch, the second largest city in New Zealand.

“Christchurch suffered badly with the earthquake,” says Sally. “Our home was okay, but we lost a lot of our belongings. It just felt that it was time to come back home. My daughter (Mary Kate Munnings) had been here for 20 years.”

Sally worked in a hospital occupational therapy department while in New Zealand. Although she always dabbled in her art, it was when she  retired that she really took it up.

“I started in oils, but now I work in acrylics. I find the acrylics, very versatile and easy. You can leave it for ages and go back to it.”

“In New Zealand, when I was near retirement, I did a night school course and the instructor asked me if I was interested in enrolling in a school certification course. Because I had never done anything in high school, I had nothing to measure my work  by. I did university entrances as well.”

“I also began to cast around for groups to join, and there were groups in Christchurch that worked indoors and outdoors. I met a lot of friends.”

Of her work, Sally says “I like to try different things. If I see something that looks interesting, then I will try it. I probably don’t have any particular style.”

“Most of my work has been done since I retired. Eventually, I joined quite a few groups, and eventually it took over my life.”

“I would often start a piece at home and work at it in a group. One group tudor was a high school art teacher. He was really good at critiquing; pointing out what would make your painting better. He was wonderful.”

Upon her return to Canada, Sally again searched out art groups. She is currently involved with a group in South Grenville. We meet once a week in Prescott. It’s very social and it provides me with incentive. We help one another and learn from each other.”

Sally’s portfolio includes everything, paintings that depict the landscape and buildings in New Zealand to portraits and animals and abstracts. Her fun personality is evident in many of the pieces, for example her painting of a shoe tree made of stylish and colourful shoes. Later she added Christmas gifts under the colourful shoe tree and this became the cover for her Christmas greeting cards. Each of the pieces in her portfolio is marked to indicate those she has sold, those she has given away and those available for sale. 

“The grey dots are the ones I destroyed, because I didn’t like them,” she says with a laugh.

Sally says she has found plenty of scenes and landscapes in and around the Cardinal-Prescott area to keep her brushes busy. “I’ve also done a series of old barns between Belleville and Kingston, and behind the Cardinal to Ingleside communities.”

For the upcoming Morrisburg and District Arts and Crafts Association show, Sally will have much of her regular work on display, along with an assortment of miniature paintings. She shares a booth with her daughter, Mary Kate who is a seamstress.

This year’s Arts and Crafts Show has been shortened to two days, Saturday and Sunday from its previous three day event at the Morrisburg Legion. In addition, the Association this year is accepting donations of a loonie or non-perishable food item at the door which will be donated to the local Dundas County Food Bank.

A loonie donation will also enter the donor into a door prize draw.

Association chair, Linda Schenck says it is a full house for this year’s show with over 24 vendors and artists planning to attend. “We have some new faces and some old faces. I am very excited.”

Schenck is also happy to welcome a friend from Nova Scotia who is bringing along her thrummed mittens. For those not in the know, a thrum is a piece of unspun fleece that is knit into the mittens, making their insides soft and fuzzy, and very warm. It is a technique associated with our East Coast Provinces.

The Presbyterian Church women will be offering up their popular luncheon food services and there here will also be baked goods tables.  The show will run from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on both days.

[…]

The road expansion project in the Morrisburg Industrial Park is 45 per cent complete, but remains at a standstill.

Eight butternut trees, which are endangered and are in the path of the roadway expansion, put a stop to construction this summer.

The location of these trees meant that the municipality had to undergo a necessary application process. Now, the process has moved forward enough that the municipality is in a position to remove seven of those trees.

However, one of those trees, has been assessed as a category three tree, meaning that it does not have the butternut canker, which has devastated the butternut population. 

This rating means that the tree could be useful in determining how to prevent or resist butternut canker.

For the municipality it means now that they have to undergo another application process, which is more onerous than the last. This process includes a mandatory 30 day comment period.

“Regardless, the project won’t be done until next spring,” said South Dundas chief administrative officer Steve McDonald.

[…]

Council, for a time, at the November 5, meeting got bogged down in the details of a plan to expand the Williamsburg recreation building to include library space. 

But in the end, regardless of the details, they all agreed to a motion that moves the Williamsburg libary project forward. 

Design work will be completed to get the project ready for tender. 

In that design work, the lowest cost option that will achieve the library board’s required minimum of 800 square feet for the library branch, will be the option pursued.

The consensus of council is that the job needs to get done and get done properly, but as inexpensively as possible.

CAO Steve McDonald, pointed out that normally, construction costs are estimated at about $150 per square foot, but added that the Dunbar recreation building cost about $118 a square foot.

The net revenue from the rental of the old municipal building to TR Leger School is about $25,000 annually and will be used to offset the cost of the addition.

It was pointed out that this project will bring a library back to Williamsburg, but also provide community space for the village.

At the end of council’s discussions on the matter, South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds turned his attention to the audience, many of whom have been actively working towards bringing a library back to Williamsburg, and said, “We are trying to get you a library.” 

He pointed out that council is committed to making this happen and asked for patience in the process.

The audience applauded.

[…]