News

“We have inherited a fantastic situation,” said Shaun Telfer, who with his wife Tracy took over ownership of the Morrisburg Canadian Tire Store nearly a month ago.

“Michel and Ninon (Proulx) did a fantastic job with this store,” said Telfer of the previous owners, who have moved on to a store in Niagara Falls.

With a modern store concept and a fantastic team who are very customer oriented and take great pride in their store, Telfer doesn’t see much need for change in the near future.

“I love it here. We’re very excited to be here and are very impressed with the community,” said Telfer. “We have great customers. They are warm and welcoming .”

Traditionally, the Canadian Tire Store owners in Morrisburg have established themselves as strong community supporters, jumping on board to support various charitable organizations.

That community support is something that the Telfers plan to continue.

“We want to carry on that legacy,” said Telfer.

Also continuing will be the customer-oriented philosophy. “We like to meet, greet and acknowledge our customers and ensure that we are meeting their needs,” he said.

Shaun and Tracy Telfer officially took over the Morrisburg Canadian Tire Store on February 22. This is their second store.

Their first store was a small 3,700 square foot store in Mount Forest Ontario. The Morrisburg Store is a 20,000 square foot store.

Tracy is originally from Espinola. She worked at the Canadian Tire Store there for 25 years and was manager there and ran the garden centre.

Shaun grew up in Manitoba. We worked for the Canadian Tire Store in Winnipeg. For the last 10 years he has been with Canadian Tire’s home office in Toronto, having most recently been a regional manager.

Shaun and Tracy purchased a home here, and are now living in South Dundas.

Message delivered to SD&G Library board

The approximately 80 Williamsburg library supporters who packed the Chesterville library March 21, will get another chance to show their support for the small town library.

The SD&G library board, which decided late last year that the Williamsburg and Morrisburg branches of the SD&G library will be consolidated at the new Morrisburg location, later this year, met in Chesterville last week. There, Lisa Vreman, one of many strong supporters of keeping the Williamsburg branch open, in Williamsburg, was allowed to make a presentation.

“One of the most frustrating things about this announcement is that there was no discussion or consultation with the Williamsburg community about this closure,” Vreman told the board.

After her presentation, which outlined the importance of the branch to the small community, which strongly supports the branch, board chairman Bill McGimpsey announced that the board will hold a public information meeting, including a question and answer session, in Williamsburg in late April or early May.

“We are not hiding anything. This is about the survival of the library system. No one at this table wants to do a disservice to the community. Libraries simply aren’t what they were,” said McGimpsey.

At the upcoming meeting he plans to release details about some alternatives they are working on to maintain some level of service within the community.

“I was really pleased with the turnout at the meeting,” said Vreman after the meeting. “I think the library board heard a lot about our Williamsburg library that they didn’t know before.”

At the meeting, board member Chris McDonell said that he is not in favour of closing the Williamsburg branch. “This board is here to promote the library, not to close it,” said McDonell.

When someone in the audience asked if there was any possibility that the branch could remain open until the building that houses the library is no longer available, McGimpsey re-iterated that the plan is to move in to the new location in Morrisburg as soon as it is ready.

No Antiquefest 2013

Antiquefest 2013 is cancelled.

“The members of the Morrisburg and District Lions Club regret that we will not be hosting Antiquefest 2013,” noted Bob Bechard, Lion President on the club’s website. “This decision was not taken lightly, and there remains the possibility it could return in the future.”

The Club is currently working to ensure that its vendors, business supporters and the community understand the complexity of the difficult decision. However, they were not prepared to go into those details at this time.

“Our members have enjoyed hosting Antiquefest and, as a result, this was a difficult decision for the Club,” said Judy Charette, the club’s communications officer.

“Although we have determined it is necessary to step back from the festival this summer, we will re-assess for future years and advise if a decision is made to resurrect Antiquefest,” she added in a prepared statement.

This year, would have been the 15th year for the event, which had always taken place the last weekend in July.

Antiquefest started in 1998 as a South Dundas event at the Morrisburg waterfront. In its fourth year, it was moved to the Matilda Hall. The Morrisburg and District Lions Club took over the event from the township in 2006, and moved it back to the Morrisburg waterfront, where it had been ever since.

Girl Guide Cookie Launch

Good numbers turned out at the Lutheran Church hall Monday night for the Williamsburg Girl Guide’s official launch of their Cookie Campaign and an open house. “The girls will be taking their cookies home tonight,” said Sparks leader Melissa Ringler explaining that the combination Cookie Launch/ Open House was an effort for the Guide’s to get more exposure during a current Try Now. Join Later recruitment program. “I have seen four families here who aren’t part of our group, so that is very encouraging,” said Ringler. The Try Now. Join Later campaign encourages girls as young as five (Sparks) to give Guiding a try for the months of April, May and June without paying a membership fee. The Williamsburg groups meet every Monday night at the Lutheran Church in Williamsburg, where they work on crafts, play games and get involved in various activities. “The girls do a lot of their own planning for the things they want to do,” says Ringler. “We are a small group, but we have a great time.” Anyone interested in the Try Now. Join Later Girl Guides recruitment campaign can contact Ringler by e-mail at melissaringler@sympatico.ca. The local Guides groups will be out and about selling their cookies over the next couple of weeks. Pictured above, front l-r, are Brownie Maeryn Gilmour and Guide Hailey Guerin. Back, left is Spark Jesse Vezina, with Pathfinder Sierra Swindells.

Begorrah, CWL St. Patrick’s Day Bazaar and Tea a hit

There’s an old saying that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.

Judging by the number of people who came out to support the Catholic Women’s League St. Patrick’s Day Tea and Bazaar, held at the Morrisburg Legion on Saturday, March 16, the saying is true.

“We’ve been running this event for many, many years,” said Trudi McGinn, president of the St. Mary-St. Cecilia’s CWL. “I can actually recall my dad helping out.”

The Legion hall was decorated in shamrocks and leprechauns, and set just the right mood for the fund raiser. There were crafts, spring plants, jams and jellies and baked goods (“They go fast,” Trudi McGinn laughed) for visitors to purchase. The CWL also sold tickets on a beautiful wall hanging, and a number of door prizes, donated by local businesses, went home with some lucky ticket holders.

“This bazaar is a major event in our community and people look forward to it,” McGinn explained.

“All the funds we raise go to support area charities such as the Food Bank and the Christmas Exchange. We also support a family in India.

This year, the CWL decided to make a donation to St. Joe’s student, Zack MacMillan, who travelled with a school group to the Dominican Republic over March break to help build two homes for needy people.”

The lottery tickets sold help provide three academic bursaries at Seaway District High School, St. Joseph’s and St. Michael’s.

The CWL has around 80 members and a large number were working at the bazaar assisting with the delicious lunch visitors could enjoy after they shopped.

“We also have six or seven students out to help us again this year,” McGinn said.

“And our Knights of Columbus were also here today, selling bright red shoe laces. Those funds go to the Special Olympics.”

Organizers of the 2013 St. Patrick’s Day Bazaar and Tea hope to realize $2,500 from the event.

Lookin’ for Forever Homes

Chance, looking for a chance. One-year-old Shepherd/Chow Mix, a real beauty. Black with sprinkles of grey & brindle. He is not neutered & weighs 90 pounds. He needs training & an experienced dog owner who will work with him. This guy is absolutely gorgeous, he has the Chow eyes and much of the Chow black/grey colouring, but here and there is a sprinkle of the Shepherd brown. He was a pet, but a pet that was pretty much given free reign and allowed to run at will. He will need a strong owner, prepared to work him and to become the leader of Chance's pack. He will need to be neutered upon adoption.

Two-year-old female black & white Lab mix, Missy, (40 pounds) is spayed and has all her shots. Few social skills and very timid, but very friendly and will have to learn to trust. Time and lots of patience will be required for Missy who has had a sad life and will need housetraining help. She has had at least one litter & really deserves a break with a kind & loving family. She is an easily frightened little girl and the shelter is most fortunate to have lined her up to be worked with by a professional in the hopes of helping her to adjust to a loving life.

One year old Hope is a brown/white Lab mix. She is spayed and has her shots. Because she had a litter of puppies at a very young age, she probably won’t grow much more than her current 40 pounds. She is very friendly, but will need puppy/manners training & house-training. Young Hope appears to be a most friendly pup. She eagerly ate treats from our hands, but of course was jumping up and was very excited. We got the impression these treat handouts might have been the first acts of kindness this little girl has ever seen from people…and frankly we think she was delighted.

Still at the South Dundas Animal is our darling hound/doberman mix, who has been with us for four months. This guy is not fixed and would make someone a devoted pet. He is very outgoing and likes to run so he would need an owner that can provide a safe environment where he can be contained. He is housetrained, however he has also been at the shelter for close to five months so some potty retraining would be necessary. This lad has never shown any kind of aggression and during his brief encounters with other dogs has been very friendly. He will mark his territory and should be neutered upon adoption, both to prevent unwanted puppies and to help to keep him at home.

For the past couple of months, we have had an older Boxer mix at the Shelter. We have been fortunate to have been able to relocate her to a rescue where we feel she will have more exposure and more opportunity to be adopted.

In the last two weeks, we have adopted out Keila (a spotted mix breed), our 1.5 year old Black Lab, the Husky with one blue and one brown eye and the Rottie puppy.

If you are interested in any of our featured dogs, or any other dogs currently at the shelter please call Kevin at 613-543-2980. For more information on our dogs you can also follow us on Facebook at South Dundas Pet Rescue or on our website straydogrescue.com

Donations of food, cash to purchase food, and dog supplies (collars, blankets, towells etc.) can be dropped off at the Morrisburg Veterinary Office on Highway 2 where our volunteers pick up.

We appreciate all help provided …

Help shape the future of Winchester Hospital

The Board of Directors of Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) is inviting interested individuals to consider applying to serve on the Board for a three-year term beginning in June 2013. People with a passion for health care and good governance practices, and an understanding of their local communities, are encouraged to apply.

“An energetic and dedicated Board of Directors is vital to a leading organization,” notes Cholly Boland, CEO. “We encourage everyone to consider this important volunteer opportunity.”

“Being involved with the WDMH Board has been a rewarding experience for me,” adds Lisa Little, Board Chair. “It is a privilege to work with the physicians, staff, volunteers and fellow community members to ensure the very best care is provided. I am honoured to be able to give back to my community in this meaningful way.”

The Board’s responsibilities include oversight and accountability for the hospital’s mission, vision and values; quality and performance monitoring; strategic planning; financial stewardship; and relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

In particular, this year WDMH is seeking applicants who have experience in accounting or financial management; quality improvement; a legal designation; or have worked in the health care system.

Anyone interested in the recruitment process can contact Chris Barkley at 613-774-2420, ext. 6350 or visit www.wdmh.on.ca and click on ‘About Us’ and ‘Governance’ to download an application. (http://www.wdmh.on.ca/AboutUs/Governance/tabid/59/Default.aspx)

The deadline for applications is March 29, 2013.

Friends of the South Mountain Library give back

The Friends of the South Mountain Library have donated $1100 to the SD&G County Library. Earmarked specifically for collections, this money will go towards book purchases that will benefit the entire SD&G County Library system.

“The Friends of the South Mountain Library are very pleased to partner with the SD&G Library on behalf of our community to enhance the collection and support local authors”, said Shelley Lyall, Chair of the Friends.

The Friends of the South Mountain Library is a registered charity dedicated to the enhancement of Library services, increasing community awareness of Library services and working with other community organizations. The Friends regularly fundraise in support of the Library through memberships, donations, and special events including an annual Canada Day Used Book Sale at the Agricultural Hall, the Fall Book Sale at Mountain Orchards, the Gingerbread Workshop every December and various Trivia Challenge Nights at Sandy Row Golf Club.

Each book purchased with this money will be recognized with an inscribed silver bookplate. “We’re pleased to be able to appropriately recognize this contribution to our Library collections”, said Karen Franklin. “We are very grateful to our community members for their generous gift”.

All monetary donations to the Library are used to further the mission and purposes of the Library, and may be designated for specific collections, equipment, furniture or Library programs.

Donations over $500 are recognized at bronze, silver, and gold levels.

If you would like to make a donation to the SD&G County Library, please contact your local branch or call 613-936-8777.

Fifty per cent increase in the cost of eating healthy in SD&G

The cost of eating healthy in the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry and Prescott-Russell (SDG & PR) has increased by 52% over the last 10 years.

In 2003, it cost a bit over $125 per week to feed a family of four consisting of two parents and two children.

By 2012, a survey on the cost of a nutritious food basket conducted by the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) determined that it cost about $190 a week, or $823 per month.

This amount does not include convenience food items, eating out, or the additional cost of inviting company to share a meal.

The results of the Nutritious Food Basket survey show that households with limited income struggle to pay rent, bills, and eat healthy.

Limited accessibility and insufficient income to purchase nutritious food is therefore threatening the health and well-being of many families and individuals in our communities.

In light of the rising cost of food, the EOHU is launching an online Directory of Local Food Programs and Services.

The resource, which can be found at www.eohu.ca, enables residents of the five counties to easily find resources and programs where they can access nutritious food in their neighbourhood.

Food banks, the Green Food Box program, Meals on Wheels and community kitchens are a few examples of programs and services listed in the directory.

The Green Food Box is a non-profit program available in the five counties that gives clients access to a box or bag of fresh fruits and vegetables at a fair price on a monthly basis.

To find out more about the Green Food Box program in your community, call 613-933-1375 or 1 800 267-7120 and ask for Health Line. You can also visit www.allthingsfoodbouffe360.ca or the Green Food Box page on the EOHU’s website at www.eohu.ca.

The page can be found by clicking on the Community Health tab on the homepage and then selecting the topic of Nutrition.

Every year, the EOHU completes the costing of 67 food items designed to reflect an eating pattern that meets the guidelines established in Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide.

The data collected in the Nutritious Food Basket survey helps to determine the average cost of eating healthy for families and individuals.

For more information about the directory and the Green Food Box program, visit the Community Health section of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit’s website at www.eohu.ca and click on the topic of Nutrition.

Nominate a County staffer

Has a County employee gone above and beyond to give you excellent service?

The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry is pleased to announce their new Staff Recognition Awards initiative – and is looking for nominations from both staff and the public.

Recognizing those that go “Above the Crowd”, the County Staff Recognition Awards provide an opportunity for County employees to be recognized for any actions or undertakings that are above and beyond the expectations of their regular job responsibilities.

“We sometimes receive letters and emails telling us about the good work that our employees are doing in the community,” said Counties CAO Tim Simpson.

“Our staff also recognize the achievements of their co-workers and colleagues. These awards give us the opportunity to recognize these employees for their dedication and leadership”.

Three new awards will be handed out on an annual basis: the Customer Service Excellence award, the Safety Smart award, and the Innovation, Sustainability and Leadership award.

Employees who are a recipient of a County Staff Recognition Award will be recognized at the June 17th County Council meeting.

County staff who have achieved specified years of service or are retiring in 2013 will also be recognized at this time.

To nominate a County employee for an award, the public is asked to fill out a nomination form, available online at www.sdgcounties.ca. Further details on these awards can also be found on the County website.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, May 24th, 2013.