News

 

Summer’s gone, winter is fast approaching, the ghosts and goblins have been laid to rest for another year, and the count down for Christmas has begun.  Sadly, for some members of our community, this is not necessarily a joyful time. 

The current economic climate, with many out of work and others working fewer hours, will no doubt lead to many families requiring assistance this Christmas. 

For the 24th consecutive year, the South Dundas Christmas Exchange is making plans to bring a spot of joy to those in need, and hopefully make their Christmas a little brighter. 

The mandate of the Christmas Exchange is “to ensure that families in need are provided with the making of a nice Christmas Dinner with some of the traditional trimmings”. 

Again this year, the Exchange will work closely with the South Dundas Food Bank to more efficiently get Christmas Baskets to those who require them.  All Christmas Baskets will be provided by the Christmas Exchange. 

Because of the large number of baskets to be prepared, it is impossible to do all of them at the Legion Hall. 

The co-operation of the Food Bank in distributing those for singles has made this a more manageable task for the past few year, and will continue this year.  

Singles are reminded that they must register through the Food Bank, 543-0065,  and not through the published Hot Line number.  Only family registrations will be accepted through the Hot Line. 

The Hot Line will be in operation from 1 to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, from November 12th to November 23rd. 

As this is a private line donated by one of our local Churches, those registering are asked not to call other than the days and times specified. The Hot Line number is 543-2005. 

Although the Christmas Exchange will be providing a well stocked Christmas Dinner Basket, we know that some families will require additional assistance. Those who do can contact the Food Bank to discuss their special needs with the coordinator.  

Receiving a Christmas Basket does not disqualify any Food Bank client from receiving their regular assistance, but is simply meant to make Christmas a bit special for them and their family. 

The Morrisburg Lions Club is again sponsoring Angel Trees, which will be located at the Scotiabank and the Bank of Montreal in Morrisburg, and at SDS Kerr/Beaver Dental.  

In Iroquois, Sandra Johnston will be coordinate the Angel Tree at the Bank of Montreal.  

Watch for the Angel Trees later in November, and remember to return all gifts by the dates specified.  

The gifts and toys collected are distributed through the Christmas Exchange, along with the Dinner Baskets.  

Those wishing to make financial donations, for which Tax Receipts will be issued, may send cheques to: The South Dundas Christmas Exchange, P.O. Box 450, Morrisburg, ON   K0C 1X0.

Donations may also be made at Valu-mart in Morrisburg, through the “Top-up Program” which will get under way later in November and is as simple as asking the cashier to adding a dollar or two to your grocery bill.

Financial donations enable organizers to purchase turkeys, hams and other perishable food items for the Dinner Baskets and are critical to the success of the Christmas Exchange.

Volunteers are also needed, particularly people interested in taking on organizational roles. 

Some volunteers have been working with the Christmas Exchange for many years, and there is a need for some younger folk to come forward to take over. 

Call Carol Richer to discuss how you can help.  

Organizers are counting on the support and assistance of everyone in South Dundas to make this 24th year as successful as those of the past 23 years.   

Make helping others part of your Christmas plans.

[…]

 

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.” 

[…]

 

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!

 

[…]

 

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.

[…]

 

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.” 

[…]

Saturday, November 10 at 10 a.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 48 in Morrisburg

Sunday, November 11 at 9 a.m. at the Crysler's Farm Battlefield Monument

Sunday, November 11 at 2 p.m. at Matilda Hall in Dixon's Corners

Sunday, November 11 at 10:30 a.m. at The Hartford Retirement Centre, Fifth Street in Morrisburg

[…]

“I believe that Hospice care is an extremely important part of any community,” said Hanna Rycroft, who turned the Basket Case, a Morrisburg business she co-owns, into a live radio satellite station on Saturday, November 3. 

“People can freely go to the hospice when they have the need. And families can be with their loved ones day and night, not in a hospital setting, but instead in a caring and home-like environment.”

Rycroft volunteered her business to be a local focus for the 4th Annual Telethon for Hospice on November 3. She also offered  people who dropped in to the Basket Case, and made a donation of at least $5, soup and cake.

The Telethon was organized by TVCogeco in conjunction with Variety 104.5 The goal set for the November 3 Telethon was $80,000. Rycroft hoped that area residents would help the Telethon make that goal.

“Hospices receive very limited provincial and federal funding,” Rycroft said. “Most of their funding comes from events like this one.”

“Many people may not know this,” said Angie Baker, general sales manager of Corus Entertainment, the parent company of Variety 104.5, 101.9 CJSS and the CornwallDaily.com, “but the Cornwall Hospice actually supports the people in this area. Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, as well as Russell, are served by this hospice. It is really a vital part of this community as it is the only hospice that is near to local people. The next closest hospice is actually in Ottawa.”

This is the first time since the Telethon began that organizers have set up a satellite location during the fund raiser. 

“Because many local people cannot get TVCogeco, where the fundraiser is broadcast live, we decided to set up a radio connection here in Morrisburg. We hope people turn out to support us.”

On hand, broadcasting from the Basket Case was Courtney Chambers, the midday announcer of Variety 104.5.

Also on site were volunteers from Scotiabank.

“Scotiabank has made a $5,000 donation to the Hospice cause,” Hanna Rycroft said. 

The volunteers were on hand to greet the public and to help people complete donations forms. 

Rycroft hopes that awareness and understanding about the importance of Hospices is raised during the Telethon. 

“We had one lady visit today whose husband passed his last days in the Cornwall hopice. She told me that he said that hospice was like paradise. The people who work in hospice care are kind and good. They welcome those who need them.”

Rycroft particularly hopes that young people educate themselves about how important quality hospice care is for any community. 

She has also has a challenge for area businesses and individuals.

The Basket Case has pledged to donate $100 a month for the next 12 months to the Cornwall Hospice. She hopes that others will also make pledges so that the work of hospice care can continue. The telethon surpassed their goal, raising over $107,000, with the Morrisburg location contributing $5,000 to the total. 

[…]

Friday, Jim Whelan of Sun Life Financial invited, customers, community officials, friends and neighbours to join him for an open house celebrating the relocation of his business from a home office to a storefront in the Morrisburg Plaza.

“I have always wanted a storefront and here I am,” said Whelan of his Main Street plaza location (in the former Allan Bell office) that he has now occupied since October 1. 

Whelan has 10 years experience with Sun Life offering life and health insurance, mutual funds and estate planning.

Friday, Bill Ewing, president of the Morrisburg Business Improvement Area (BIA) welcomed Whelan to the Morrisburg Plaza, saying that it is always positive to see the storefronts filling up.

South Dundas councillors Evonne Delegarde and Archie Mellan were on hand to offer their congratulations. “Congratulations and best wishes to Jim,” said Councillor Delegarde. “We are glad to see another business in the Morrisburg Plaza. “I’m glad to see Suds (Jim) in his new digs. It’s great to have him here,” added Councillor Mellan.

Mayor Steven Byvelds welcomed Whelan to the Morrisburg Plaza and said, “This gives Jim an opportunity to put his name out there is an accessible location, while becoming part of the BIA community, where he can help them work together to promote the plaza.”

“Small businesses are important to our local economy,” said Nicole Sullivan, South Dundas’ economic development officer. “Small business represents about half of the businesses in the area, so we are thrilled to see small businesses and entrepreneurs starting new ventures.”

[…]

The first major review of South Dundas’ personnel policy since amalgamation, 14 years ago, has revealed a number of quirks that council is planning to change.

“I’ve never been anywhere else that I’ve gotten paid to go to a council meeting,” said Steve McDonald, South Dundas’ chief administrative officer at a special council meeting. McDonald’s career in municipal administration spans 30 years.

The day-long session, held October 31, gave council the opportunity to conduct a lengthy, line-by-line review of this and other policies.

Once council approves a bylaw change to the existing policy, the practice of paying managers to attend council meetings will come to an end in South Dundas.

When the new policy comes into effect, township heads of department will, instead of receiving $100 per meeting attended, be entitled to time in lieu.

Changes to the policy will also formalize the now informal system, require proper documentation and put a limit on the amount of time in lieu that can be accumulated and used in one year.

Another 14 year practice, fairly unique to South Dundas, is to pay more for overtime on Sundays than Saturdays. Currently, overtime on Saturdays is paid at the standard time and a half, but on Sundays the rate is double time.

When South Dundas councillor Jim Graham asked why Sundays are treated differently than Saturdays, the only answer was, “That’s the way it has always been done.”

“That doesn’t mean it’s right,” said Graham, who suggested that practices like this one that are fairly unique should be backed up with some documentation to explain why.

“While most of this policy is fairly standard,” said CAO McDonald, “some things in it are unique.” His only explanation of these quirks, that were put into place long before he arrived in South Dundas, was that they likely represent what municipal officials of the day decided to include, representing the ‘best of’ the four policies of the former municipalities.

“Some of these policies are still here, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be changed,” said McDonald.

When proposed changes come into effect staff will only receive a day off for Remembrance Day if it falls on a weekday. 

The practice of January 2 being considered a holiday will be gone. Instead staff will be granted a floating holiday to use at their discretion. 

The floating holiday was a concession to show council’s appreciation of staff their efforts to keep the township office open between Christmas and New Year’s. Most municipal offices shut down for the entire week.

South Dundas councillor Evonne Delegarde suggested eliminating the two half days off that staff get on New Year’s Eve and Christmas Eve, however the remainder of council did not agree.

The Township of South Dundas has 30 full time staffers, including nine department heads (managers), five part time employees and 15 seasonal employees.

[…]

 

 If a great meal, outstanding entertainment and approximately $4,000 raised for the Canadian Glaucoma Foundation equal a successful anniversary celebration, then the Iroquois-Matilda Lions outdid themselves. 

The club celebrated its 65th anniversary at the Matilda Hall on Saturday, October 27. It was quite a party.

Over 250 Iroquois Lions, members of the community and Lions from Morrisburg and other  clubs, attended the gala reception. The 2012-13 president of the Iroquois-Matilda Lions, Steve Wilson, acted as emcee.

“We thank you very much for coming out to celebrate with us tonight,” Wilson said. “I must tell you that this was a wonderful year to be president of this club. We had three goals for this evening. First, we wanted to celebrate the 65 years the Lions have served this community. The second goal was to offer our guests a delicious meal and some outstanding entertainment. And our third goal was to raise funds for the Glaucoma Foundation.” 

The silent auction brought in approximately $4,000 for Glaucoma research, according to Lion Paul Robertson (with Jim Mustard and Steve Wilson, a gala organizer). “We are very pleased with the generosity of people. We offer many thanks to those who donated to our cause, and to those who supported us by bidding.”

Greetings and honours were presented to the club following the dinner. 

MP Guy Lauzon will be delivering a formal plaque from the federal government to the Iroquois-Matilda Lions later this week. “Our government appreciates all that you Lions do in your communities. This is a remarkable achievement: without our Lions, what kind of community would we have?”

Jim Locke set aside his Lions’ colours and donned his deputy mayor’s hat to bring the congratulations and best wishes of mayor Steven Byvelds and the South Dundas council to the club.

Special guest at the gala was John Chilvers, Lions International District A-4 governor.

District A-4 is made up of 68 Lions clubs, with 1,710 active members. The Iroquois-Matilda Lions are part of A-4.

“I feel that it is a real privilege to be here tonight to celebrate with a club that is hitting such a milestone,” Chilvers said. “I want to emphasize that Lions do a lot in the world. There are currently 1.35 million Lions in 208 countries. You Lions support your local communities, but you also support the greater world.”

The governor brought a special commemorative plaque to the club as part of the celebration.

Bowser and Blue, who provided the entertainment for the gala evening, quite literally brought the house down. 

Rick Blue and George Bowser are a stellar Canadian musical and comedy act. Their witty on-stage patter, and the clever lyrics to their songs kept guests entertained and roaring with laughter. 

“We shall now sing a song in the Canadian key.

The Canadian key?

Yes. The key of ‘eh’!”

From the classic Colorectal Surgeons Song, to We’re All Canadians (“We’re all here/’cause we’re not all there!”), Bowser and Blue were outstanding showmen.

For many, though, the musical highlight of the evening may have been Bald is Beautiful, which the duo sang to Lions Phil Parry and Glenn Swerdfeger to thunderous laughter and applause. 

The Iroquois-Matilda Lions have had a great 65 years. They plan to continue to be of service to this community as they enter their next decade.

[…]