News

 

Members of the Morrisburg & District Lions Club and the Iroquois-Matilda Lions Club are expressing their gratitude to MacEwen Petroleum of Morrisburg for their generosity in once again sponsoring the 7th South Dundas Senior Christmas Concert coming up at Matilda Hall in Dixon’s Corners on Saturday, November 24th. 

Karen Ouderkirk, Morrisburg MacEwen C Store owner, who has championed this event for several years, explains the South Dundas Seniors Concert is an opportunity to thank the community for their support in a meaningful and significant way. 

In lending her support and endorsement, Ouderkirk points out that the two Lions clubs have put together a comprehensive package for South Dundas seniors, by pooling their resources to decorate Matilda Hall, provide transportation, and ensure a joyful afternoon which includes festive Christmas music, exceptional refreshments and the fellowship of friends. And it is all free of charge to concert goers.  

The doors at Matilda Hall will open at 1:30 p.m. and the concert will run from 2-4 p.m. 

Back by popular demand are Ron Whitteker and his band, “Good Time Country” who will provide toe tapping and traditional Christmas tunes! Once the concert concludes, members of both Lions Clubs will serve refreshments while Santa Claus and friends make an appearance!  

This event is offered at no cost to the Seniors of south Dundas Township. 

Whitteker Bus Lines are again providing transportation to the concert from: Iroma Apartments, Iroquois at 12:20 p.m.; Hartford Retirement Centre, Morrisburg at 12:40 p.m.; Morris Glen, Morrisburg at 12:50 p.m.; Park Drive Villa, Williamsburg at 1:05 p.m.

For additional concert information or transportation needs seniors are asked to contact Bill MacDonald (613) 652-2307 (Iroquois-Matilda Lions Club) or Earl Wood (613) 543-3292 (Morrisburg and District Lions Club). 

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Upper Canada Village’s new fall event Pumpkinferno has proven its status as the largest, boldest and definitely most unique event in Eastern Ontario.  Just ask the 35,000 visitors, who passed through the gates.  

With performance exceeding even the St. Lawrence Parks Commission’s expectations (approximately 20,000 forecasted), Pumpkinferno will return in 2013 with even more improvements and visual features. 

To say investing in the event required a leap of faith by the SLPC’s leadership would be an understatement.  The concept was actually a few years in development.  

And as the vision and concept was fine-tuned, so to was a business plan and market analysis.  

Investment in the range of $600,000 over three years has been allocated for the event.

The Product and Development Team presented a plan to purchase thousands of artificial pumpkins and carving equipment, hire a team of talented local artists and carvers and a supervisor to bring the concept of Pumpkinferno to life.  

“It definitely was a calculated risk on our part to support the development of this new event,” said general manager and CEO Darren Dalgleish. “But as leaders in event development, the event business plan really fit with our strategic objectives of product mix enrichment.”

The SLPC has led the way in the region with the introduction of special events both during the regular season at Upper Canada Village, Fort Henry and their other recreational properties as well as during what is traditionally the ‘off-season’.”  

“Our experience with Upper Canada Village’s Alight at Night and Fort Henry’s Fort Fright events proved to us that there is interest amongst consumers to visit our sites for a non-traditional product offering,” says Dagleish. “In fact, we find that our audiences for the off season are quite different than for the regular core season.  Often visitors have never been to the sites during the main season, so these events offer us a unique opportunity to broaden our appeal and to connect with market segments we previously may have overlooked to be our guests.” 

“We attracted guests from Montreal, Ottawa, Kingston, Belleville, Northern New York State and some even from Toronto!”

Dalgleish went on to say: “Development of these very successful off season events is critical to our overall business objective to improve our net performance and by doing so, strengthen our sustainability and tourism brands throughout the Great Waterway Region.”

Next up for Upper Canada Village is the winter lights festival Alight at Night which opens its twelfth year on Friday, November 30 at 5 p.m. and operates on select nights through until Saturday, January 5, 2013.  

Admission to Alight at Night is $13 adults (13 to 64 years of age) and $10 for seniors (65+ years of age) and youth (six to 12 years of age.).  

Entry, wagon ride and train ride are all included in the admission price.  Parking is free.  Advance tickets are recommended and can be purchased online at www.AlightatNight.ca

 

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Once again it is time for some Christmas shopping as the Morrisburg and District Arts and Crafts Association presents its annual Christmas Craft Show and Sale at the Morrisburg Legion this weekend (Friday, November 16-Sunday, November 18).

Over the years, shoppers have delighted in finding those special, lovingly made gifts at the show and says association chair Linda Schenck, it  won’t be any different this year.

“We of course have the work of our talented members, plus some really interesting gift ideas from our guest exhibitors.”

One of those exhibitors who has been a guest at the show for the past two years, and is now a member is jewellery maker Rejeanne Wozny,  of Kemptville, who says, she is really looking forward to the show.

“I really enjoy doing the Morrisburg show,” says Wozny who has been crafting for 40 years. “It is nice to meet the other crafters and also all the nice people who come to have a look and buy some of our work.”

Wozny started crafting because her husband was in the military. “So when he was away for six months at a time, this helped me pass the time. I started with flower arrangements and then, about 20 year ago, I took a stained glass course.”

“I really enjoy doing the stained glass, and I still do windows and lamps for friends, but now, I mostly do jewellery.”

Wozny says she got started on jewellery about seven years ago and over those years she has perfected her skills.

“I used to do a lot of fused glass pendants. I am lucky to have a kiln in my home, so it is a lot of fun to work with glass.”

“I now do different types of jewellery. I like working with seed beads, but also do other things such as the Viking Knit chains. This is very time consuming, but a lot of fun to do.”

Because Wozny still works, the time she can find to craft her jewellery is limited. The Morrisburg Arts and Craft show is also the only show she attends, but “eventually, when I retire, I would like to do more shows.”

The Morrisburg and District Arts and Crafts show opens at noon this Friday, November 16 and runs until 7 p.m. in the James Fraser Hall at the Morrisburg Legion. It will be open on both Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

There is no charge for admission.

“We have a full house for this year’s show,” says Schenck. “We have several new crafters coming in who will feature a number of different products.”

“We will have soaps and skin care products, bees wax candles and both maple syrup and honey products.”

“I also have a lady coming who will have her husband’s wood carved toys in addition to the pieces she makes using photographs.”

“She will be available to do caricatures on the spot, so that will be something different. I have seen her work, and it is really good.”

“Also new is a young man who crafts outdoor metal art.”

I am really excited. I think we have a really good show, and now we just need the people to come out and enjoy it.”

On a sadder note, Schenck will have some pieces of the late Carol Smith for sale. “Carol was a phenomenal tole painter and passed away last January. We have a few of her pieces that we are be selling for the family.”

At 4 p.m. on Friday afternoon, the Association will make their annual presentations to Winchester District Memorial Hospital and Hospice. These presentations are in addition to a bursary presented annual to a  Seaway District High School graduate who is continuing in the arts program. This year’s recipient was Jill Vander Poel.

The 2012 show will be the last three-day show for the Morrisburg District Arts and Crafts Association. Starting next year it will run on Saturday and Sunday only.

In addition, beginning in 2013 there will be an admission charge. “We have decided to ask our visitors to donate either a toonie or a canned food item for the Dundas County Food Bank.”

“Helping out in the community along with allowing our crafters to get together and sell their products is what it is all about,” says Schenck. 

[…]

 

As we head into the Christmas season, traditionally a season of giving, South Dundas council has been offered a rather unique gift.

A strong proponent for public washrooms in the Morrisburg Plaza has offered to gift a property to the municipality for that purpose.South Dundas council discussed the offer made by Douglas Grenkie at the November 6 council meeting.

Grenkie, who owns a property in the Morrisburg Plaza, south of Bo’s Barber Shop, is prepared to donate the property to the township for the main purpose of public washrooms in return for a receipt for income tax purposes for the appraised value of the property taking into account monies paid out for the ongoing interior renovations to the building.

“Although there is one bathroom facility now, the township or its agents would be responsible for the installation and costs of more toilet facilities including wheelchair accessibility,” wrote Grenkie.

“There’s a desire for a public washroom. Mr. Grenkie has offered the property, so we should pursue this opportunity if it’s a suitable location,” said South Dundas councillor Evonne Delegarde.

“I’d like to see a lot of documentation to see how we would operate a public washroom,” said South Dundas deputy mayor Jim Locke.

“A public washroom for the Morrisburg Plaza has always been an issue since I’ve been on council,” said South Dundas councillor Jim Graham. “I think we should explore this proposal a little more.”

“There are still some unknowns, so I would need to see some more information,” said South Dundas councillor Archie Mellan.

“It’s a generous offer,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds, saying that the municipality should at least entertain it as an option. 

Staff will do some research and provide input before council makes a decision.

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WILLIAMSBURG – A funding request from the Morrisburg Business Improvement Area has been turned down by South Dundas council.

The BIA requested just over $11,000 to help fund the installation of an electronic sign on the north face of the clock tower, in the Morrisburg Plaza.

The sign would be used to promote area businesses and community events.

The funding request was made through the Dollar for Dollar matching funds program. However, staff and council agreed that this application did not fit the criteria of this program which is intended to match community fund raising efforts for capital recreation projects on township-owned lands.

South Dundas chief administrative officer Steve McDonald characterized this as a “quasi-commercial” endeavour.

“This is definitely not in the true spirit or intent of the program,” said South Dundas councillor Archie Mellan.

“The project does have merit, but the businesses are the best funders of this project,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds.

South Dundas councillor Jim Graham, who is the council appointed member to the BIA, asked on behalf of the organization if council would instead consider short term financing of the project, for which the BIA has already set aside some of the funds.

Council will explore the idea of instead providing a loan to the project once a formal request is made to council. 

In the past, council has provided loans for capital projects to other committees of council, such as the marina committee.

[…]

The doom and gloom being predicted for area farmers at the height of this summer’s drought, has not come to fruition locally and most area farmers are now wrapping up an early harvest season.

Archie Mellan, local councillor and Hulbert cash crop farmer, spoke with The Leader Monday about this year’s harvest. “Generally, I think most are pleasantly surprised,” said Mellan.

This year the soybean crop was about average on his farm. “The beans came through amazingly well,” said Mellan, explaining that they are more resilient to the drought conditions experienced this summer.

On his farm, the corn yield was about half a tonne per acre below the normal average. 

Mellan said the corn yields this year are very sporadic and directly reflect the amount and timing of the rain, explaining that those farms a little to the north of his farm seem to have even lower yields, while those to the south seem to have slightly higher yields.

“Those sporadic rains really made a difference,” said Mellan.

Although the corn harvest was below average, Mellan said, “We are satisfied with what we got. It’s a lot better than the doom and gloom they were forecasting back in July and August.”

The dry weather did allow the corn to mature and dry down quickly.

This year, his corn harvest was finished by the end of October, which is two or three weeks ahead of schedule for an average year.

Because prices are driven by the US market, droughts in that country mean that prices have been driven up. 

“So, the price makes up for the yield lost,” said Mellan.

“In this area, everybody’s down a bit, but we’re not too bad off. In other areas yields are down, 1-1.5 tonnes per acre, and it’s hard to recoup that.”

The farmers most affected by this year’s drought locally are dairy farmers, as there is a real shortage of forage. 

“The second cut of hay this year, was basically non-existent,” said Mellan. “I’ve seen them taking off hay into October, because they simply need the tonnage of feed. Maybe they can make up the difference with corn silage.” 

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Iroquois holds its Remembrance Day ceremony

It was cold, almost bitter, and the skies were grey in Iroquois on Sunday, November 4, as Iroquois held its Remembrance Day ceremony.

That did not stop people, all ages, from coming out to honour and remember the young men who laid down their lives for Canada in the great World Wars. Also remembered at the ceremony were the veterans of Korea, of many Canadian peace keeping missions and of Afghanistan.

The Iroquois Fire Department joined the Legion Colour Party and members of Branch #370 in the parade to the cenotaph, as did the scouts and many others.

During the services at the Legion and at the monument, the pipes and drums of the Kemptville Legion Branch #212 Pipe Band, directed by Pipe Major Mike Durant, played hymns and airs that would have been very familiar to the soldiers who served Canada’s colours. Everyone sang “O Canada” before the memorial.

Wreaths were presented on behalf of local organizations, businesses, churches, families and individuals. The young people of the community were also part of the service. MP Guy Lauzon laid a wreath on behalf of the federal government while MPP Jim McDonell placed one for the government of Ontario. Councillor Evonne Delegarde represented the Township of South Dundas. Two minutes of silence was observed.

Legion chaplain the Reverend Janet Evans led those present in prayer, finishing with the words, “We give You thanks for all who served their nation in time of trial, and for those who made the supreme sacrifice.” 

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One of the first signs of the holiday season for many in the community is Upper Canada Playhouse’s Annual Christmas Gift Auction. 

This year’s 19th Christmas Auction is being held on Saturday, November 17th at the Morrisburg Meeting Centre. 

The Auction is The Playhouse’s only fund-raising event and it’s also a win-win for everyone in attendance.  Proceeds from the Auction are used to maintain both the ongoing repairs and renovations required on an annual basis to keep the building a safe and comfortable venue for the audience. 

It also ensures that the theatre can continue to produce the highest quality of professional theatre for which it is known locally and provincially. 

This year’s Auction proceeds will go towards the installation of new seats in 2013 to celebrate the Playhouse’s 30th Anniversary. 

In addition, the Auction is a unique and fun evening that gives friends and colleagues the opportunity to socialize, share a fantastic meal, enjoy some entertainment and bid on some truly unique and practical items in the famous Silent and Live Auctions. These items include products and services generously donated by many businesses, individuals and organizations within the community. 

The Auction is a great way for The Playhouse to showcase these products and services for its donors by proudly displaying them in their Auction Catalogue and at the Auction itself. 

The Playhouse has enjoyed a great deal of success over the years and revenue from the Auction has helped to ensure that the theatre is able to sustain this level of success through its extensive marketing, production and administrative operations. The theatre is also proud to support many community charitable organizations through the Annual Charity Fund raising Event and also by contributing tickets to the many local groups who also hold fund raisers. 

This year’s Auction will begin with a social hour between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. where people can mingle, enjoy complimentary wine and cheese and be entertained by a fabulous Barbershop Quartette  who will perform everyone’s favourite Christmas songs. 

Following that will be a scrumptious buffet meal prepared by the renowned AJ Catering. 

During the whole evening people can browse and bid on the many Silent Auction items with the flagship Live Auction beginning at 8 p.m.  

Those interested in purchasing tickets, private tables or donating a product or service for the Auction can contact The Playhouse at 613-543-3713 or drop by the theatre. 

Start your Christmas season with a fun holiday event and find that unique gift for that special person—or yourself!

 

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Following three generous donations to Meal on Wheels (headquartered in Morrisburg) on Wednesday, October 31, chair Glenn Beckstead said, “We are so appreciative of the support that has come from the community since our call for help went out.” The call for help involved the need for funding to purchase pricey insulated trays/tray liners and carry bags used in the delivery of meals. Meals on Wheels needed to replace some trays and increase the quantity to accommodates the program expansion in Iroquois which means meals are now available five days per week, up from the previous three days. Last Wednesday, Meals on Wheels received a $500 donation from Morrisburg Branch 48 of the Royal Canadian Legion (which tops up a previous $500 donation), a $1,000 donation from the Morrisburg and District Lions Club and a $400 donation from Robert Jordan Construction. Two weeks ago, the Iroquois/Matilda Lions dropped off a cheque for $1,000. Beckstead, said that in addition to the special projects (tray purchases and Iroquois expansion) the generous donations will help with the everyday expenses of purchasing containers and utensils needed by the program. “The donations will also help us to maintain the high quality of our meals which we are so proud of,” said Beckstead. In the photo top, Meals on Wheels vice chair Joyce Millard (centre left) and cook Ruth Doesburg accept the Legion donation from past president Maurice Praine (left) and Legion Poppy Chair Tom Fisher. Bottom, Millard is joined by cook Brenda Bradley to accept the donations from Morrisburg and District Lion Susan Hubert and Robert Jordan.

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On Friday, November 2, Ken Hasson, left, and Jamie Thompson, right, owners of Thompson Tim-Br Mart in Iroquois, recognized 20-year employee Mike Deschamps. “We want to thank you for your many years of service,” said Jamie Thompson who made the presentation in the store with Deschamps’ fellow workers and several customers in attendance. “We really appreciate it.”  Deschamps started working in the yard at Tim-Br Mart 20 years ago, and worked his way up to deliveries. He is now the operator of the company’s 20-ton Crane delivery truck. “I enjoy being on the truck,” said Deschamps. “It’s nice to be out and about. You meet some nice people.” “Thompson Tim-Br Mart prides itself on loyal, long-term employees,” said Hasson. “Mike is our fourth  member to reach the 20 year service level. Our customers and our contractors are always glad to see Mike.” 

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