News

 

Thefts have been reported at two local golf courses in South Dundas.

Sometime between 7:30 p.m. on June 17th and 6:30 a.m. on June 18th, unknown suspects gained entry into the Iroquois Golf Course compound and took two golf carts.

One golf cart was later recovered from the St. Lawrence River by the Iroquois boathouse, but the other remains missing.

The missing golf cart has a number 10 on the side and a sign saying “maintenance” attached to the rear of the cart.

Damage is estimated at $2,000.

According to Constable Theresa Lauzon, sometime between the evening of June 22nd and 5 a.m. on June 23rd, unknown suspects “took two golf carts from the open area where the golf carts are stored” at Upper Canada Golf Course.

There was no other damage reported and one of the golf carts was later recovered from a residence in Morrisburg. 

There is no connection between the owner of the residence and the theft, said Lauzon.

The missing golf cart is a green club car with a white roof. It has the number 48 on the side.

Damage is estimated at $4,000.

At this point, said Lauzon, “we can’t say with certainty that the two incidents are related.”

The investigation is ongoing and the Ontario Provincial Police encourage anyone with information to call the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

[…]

 

“We made a commitment to these people,” said South Dundas deputy-mayor Jim Locke, “and I personally don’t want to go back on my word.”

Locke was one of many who spoke in favour of moving forward with the rebuilding of the Dunbar Recreation Centre at the June 26th South Dundas council meeting.

Since its fatal brush with fire on October 8, 2011, the recreation centre has been facing a slow-moving recovery process.

Demolition and removal of the charred remains were approved by council at their November 1, 2011 meeting.

A month later, on December 6th, the decision to rebuild was debated by council. While the vote wasn’t unanimous, it was decided that Dunbar Recreation Centre would be rebuilt.

Since December, at almost every council meeting, deputy-mayor Jim Locke has persistently requested updates on the progress of the recreation centre. Delays were reported due to various reasons, the last of which was the need for a status report on the present sewage system.

On June 26th, manager of planning and enforcement Don Lewis informed council that the status report on the requirements for upgrading the septic system was complete.

The report, prepared by Kollaard Associates, recommended the abandonment of the existing sewage tank and the installation of two new tanks, a 5,376 gallon tank and a 2,974 gallon balancing tank. The existing septic bed will be used.

According to Lewis, the report was sent to South Nation Conservation for approval. 

In response, “South Nation Conservation has reported that they will issue a ‘conditional permit’ with the condition that a water meter be installed and that our consultant monitors these readings from the well for one year to justify daily flows are accurate.”

Lewis estimated the cost of the changes to be in the range of $19,907 plus taxes.

Following Lewis’ report, councillor Evonne Delegarde said, “I would like to have staff give us a quote on the buy-out as opposed to the rebuild. It was only used about 10 times in 18 months.”

She then suggested that those residents who used the hall prior to the fire could, going forward, use the old Elma Public school instead. It has rooms available, she reported, and it’s an “alternative spot that’s not that far away.”

In response, councillor Archie Mellan said, “it’s an expense, but this is the deal you get when something burns.”

“The residents down there have supported the township,” he continued, “and it’s time to support them. The hall is worth it.”

“I think we should rebuild,” agreed mayor Steven Byvelds. “We committed earlier on that we were going to rebuild it.”

After reaffirming the commitment to rebuild, the discussion took another turn. 

The focus became a question of how to move forward with the actual build.

Staff had suggested hiring one firm to design and build the hall, but Locke objected: “Why would we not have a plan? I think we should have a plan.”

Byvelds, adding to Locke’s concern, asked if committee members from Dunbar Recreation Centre had been consulted for input on the design. They hadn’t.

The discussion ended with the following resolutions in place:

• Dunbar Recreation Centre will be rebuilt.

• Two new sewage tanks will be installed. First, a request for quotations will be posted. Second, council will approve the selection of a company to do the work. 

• Staff will return to council with procedural options concerning the planning and rebuilding of the recreation centre.

[…]

 

The “stop up and close” of Clinic Road in Morrisburg became official on June 26th with the passing of a by-law during the South Dundas council meeting.

Clerk Brenda Brunt told council that there would be an easement for Morrisburg Public School’s (MPS) snow removal.

The MPS crossing guard station at the corner of Clinic Road and Ottawa Street will be rerouted to Second Street for the coming school year in September.

Chief administrative officer Stephen McDonald said that “closing Clinic Road will have no impact on the parking area” for the clinic.

The road closure was just one of many necessary steps in remaking the old high school.

According to McDonald, “tenders on the high school project have been invited from six pre-qualified general contractors.”

“Tenders close in July and a recommendation will then go forward to council.”

Until that time, information on when and how construction will proceed is unavailable. 

[…]

 

“Norm Foster is a Canadian gem,” said actor Melanie Janzen, who will be starring in the Upper Canada Playhouse’s production of Here on the Flight Path, on stage at the Playhouse starting July 5. “His plays can be almost deceptive, light and hilarious, but there is real meat to them. Norm looks at the need for men and women to connect and to find meaning in their relationships.”

“The main reason that Norm gets laughs is no one writes battle of the sexes comedies like he does,”  said  Playhouse artistic director, Donnie Bowes. “He’s a funny, funny writer, and when you watch the audience, you can see that both men and women are totally enjoying the play. I think a real case can be made that Norm Foster should be recognized as Canada’s national playwright.”

Audiences should eagerly anticipate one of Foster’s most delightful plays, Here on the Flight Path, which opens at the Playhouse next week. As well as Janzen, the production stars Jamie Williams as John,  with direction by Walter Learning, both of them familiar names and familiar faces to area crowds.

This is, in fact, the third production of Flight Path Walter Learning has directed.  (“And I mean to keep doing it until I get it right,” he declared to much laughter at the press conference). He described the upcoming show as “a joy”, and “enormous fun” and is delighted to be working with Janzen and Williams again. The three previously shared the Playhouse stage in The Long Weekend and There Goes the Bride.

Here on the Flight Path takes place on two side by side fourth floor balconies, very near a major airport. John, played by  Jamie Williams, is a journalist with a “fantasy about writing a novel,” the actor explained. “He’s newly divorced and rather easily distracted by women. On a superficial level, he is interested in dating the three women who move into the apartment next to him, but with each woman, the relationship will go much deeper.”

Foster’s play presents an intriguing challenge for its female lead. All three of the women in the show are played by the same woman.

“It is incredibly exciting, bringing three characters to life,” Melanie Janzen said. “They are three very different women, with three very different personalities.  When you play a single role, you sort of ‘hack into’ the motivating factors. The challenge here is that each of these women has a different motivation. And I have to establish each woman with the audience right away.” 

Costuming (controlled by experienced stage manager Jackie McCormick) and the swift changes made on Sean Free’s innovative set during the show, help in the illusion that these are three different ladies.

“I have 14 costume changes,” Janzen laughed. “It’s lots of fun for the audience to see them. I think all those clothing changes will be fun for me too…eventually,” she added to laughter.

Melanie Janzen and Jamie Williams are husband and wife in real life. With their 10-year-old daughter, they make their home in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Both have worked extensively in theatres around Canada and at Stratford and the Shaw Festival. They describe Upper Canada Playhouse as a theatre that they love coming back to. 

“Actually, the Playhouse is as close to a repertory theatre as I’ve seen in regional theatre,” director Learning said. “We have actors working here over a period of time, developing a sense of ease with each other and a shorthand on stage. There is a real feeling of family here.”

“In a great show like Flight Path, people will laugh hysterically throughout the play, because Foster is simply so funny,” Donnie Bowes said. 

“Foster’s writing in Here on the Flight Path is so good, we actors just have to do our job,” Williams added. “His dialogue is wonderful and realistic and the laughter is right there in his words.”

 Norm Foster’s comedy Here on the Flight Path runs from July 5-29 at Upper Canada Playhouse. For information and tickets for evening shows and matinees, contact 613-543-3713.

[…]

 

Canada Day is fast approaching and the organizing committee for the Morrisburg celebration has lots of activities planned.

The July 1st festivities will take place, for the most part, at Earl Baker Park in Morrisburg. Kickoff to the day’s events  will begin at 11 a.m. with a special message from Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry MP Guy Lauzon. 

According to committee member Tracey Veinotte, “we’re trying to reinvent Canada Day by offering different activities for different interests.”

For the very young, there is an Ontario Early Years’ station from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. In addition, there will be a petting zoo and amusement rides. 

Keith Robinson, another committee member, pointed out that this year the petting zoo, sponsored by Riverside Recreation, will be bigger than last year.

This year’s amusement park will include rides for teens as well as for the younger children.

A new and exciting addition for teens is Mobile GamerZ, which features a mobile video game theatre that houses cutting-edge gaming consoles, 3D displays, and the most popular multi-player age-appropriate game titles. The plan for Canada Day is to set up a tournament for those interested in exercising their gaming capabilities.

Also new to the Canada Day celebration for 2012 is the Morrisburg Market, a farmers and artisans market with a little bit of everything. 

From 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., there will be vendors on hand selling a variety of products including the typical freshly grown fruits and vegetables, pickles, preserves, and freshly baked goods. Also available will be gluten-free baked goods, artwork, sewing, jewelry, assorted organic products, pottery, alpaca yarn-pillows-duvets along with artist James Bently who will be doing portraits on site.

The Morrisburg and District Lions and Leos are holding a bike decorating contest with judging to take place at 11 a.m. 

The Lions will host an all-day barbecue beginning at 11 a.m. that will include hamburgers, hotdogs and sausages.

Several local musicians will be sharing their talent with live music from 1 p.m. until 10 p.m.

The Junior B’s will be running an on-site BINGO tent from noon until 4 p.m. 

The Morrisburg Legion will be offering a barbecue and games from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. as well as karaoke from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the legion.

In addition, the St. Mary’s Church has organized a Lobsterfest.

For those interested in history, John Carruthers will be on site manning a War of 1812 display from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

For anyone interested in machines and equipment, there will be an equipment exhibition from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Dog lovers who enjoyed last year’s Hilltop K9 Agility demonstration are in luck as, once again, dogs of all kinds will be on site at 12:30 p.m. and again at 2:30 p.m. to showcase their talents.

Topping off the day’s festivities will be the annual fireworks display. The committee’s fundraising efforts have provided the money that is required to create a  longer, bigger and better fireworks display this year.

Currently, the group is selling tickets for a draw that is the final fundraiser for Canada Day 2012.

Tickets are still available for purchase at the Canadian Tire checkout counters daily. Also, a ticket sale table will be set up at Earl Baker Park on Canada Day where tickets will be available until the draw at 4 p.m. 

Draw prizes include gift certificates from: $750 from Canadian Tire; $500 from Valu-mart; $200 from Giant Tiger; $100 from Ultramar; and, $100 from Home Hardware.

[…]

 

On July 1st, Iroquois Point will once again provide the scenic backdrop for a fun and festive Canada Day celebration, thanks to the dedication and hard work of the Iroquois-Matilda Lions Club.

Beginning at 8:30 a.m., a local church group will be serving up a delicious breakfast followed by a community ecumenical church service.

Also in the morning, the South Dundas Soccer Association will be having a special Canada Day Tournament.

According to Lions Club member Stephen Law, the 2012 Iroquois Canada Day celebration will be characteristic of the celebrations of the last three to five years. 

The classic July 1st Iroquois Point festivities will get underway with the opening ceremonies sometime around noon.

Also beginning around noon are the children’s games and air rides.

There will be several games available for children ages 5 and up, said Law, including the popular Loonies for Lions. 

In addition, Tribeck Inflatables will be setting up several inflatable play structures and games.

For antique car lovers, there will be an Antique Car Show. According to Law, “this is the third year for the car show and it is growing.”

The car show will begin at 11 a.m. with prizes being handed out around 4 p.m. Those interested in registering a car for the show can do so from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. 

Also, the Golden Gears Car Club will be taking part in the Antique Car Show.

Once again there will be a variety of musical entertainment throughout the day. Musicians will get underway following the opening ceremonies at noon. 

Law explained that the daytime music will be geared more toward the older crowd, while the music played later in the evening will be geared toward teens and young adults.

The musical line-up for Iroquois’ Canada Day celebration includes the following: Mary Perry, The Howard Family, Ruckus Celtic Music, and the Cory Coons Band.

In addition to games, rides, cars and music, there will be lots of choices for refreshment. 

The Iroquois-Matilda Lions Club will have a food tent with the standard essentials and will  offer their famous Lions Chicken Barbecue from noon until 6 p.m. 

Tickets for the barbecue are available at Mustard’s Variety in Iroquois and will be available on-site on Canada Day.

Strawberry lovers will be happy to hear that a special dessert booth will be set up to provide guests with the option of some fresh strawberry shortcake.

The icing on the Canada Day cake, of course, is the fireworks display, which is expected to take place around 9:45 p.m.

On behalf of the Iroquois Canada Day organizers, Law invites everyone to “come out and enjoy!”

In addition to the Iroquois-Matilda Lions Club, several other groups and organizations joined together to help make the Iroquois Point Canada Day 2012 a reality.

Sponsors include the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority, the Township of South Dundas, the Iroquois detachment of the South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services as well as many local businesses and corporate sponsors.

[…]

 

The Moonlight Chapter #224 of the Eastern Star in Iroquois has a few things left on its to do list before it amalgamates with Prescott and last Thursday it took care of one of them with a donation to the Breakfast Program at Iroquois Public School.

Represented by Worthy Matron Gay Rust and Associate Matron Ruth Robertson, the Moonlight Chapter #224 dropped off a $400 donation to the school’s breakfast program which is organized by school secretary Phyllis Fisher and EA Christa St. Pierre. 

It is unfortunate, but “the Iroquois Chapter of the Eastern Star is closing, and we are consolidating with the Violet Chapter in Prescott,” explained Associate Matron, Ruth Robertson. 

“We have retired as a chapter and our consolidation will happen in July,” added Worthy Matron Gay Rust explaining that while the Iroquois chapter has a good sized membership, many of the members are elderly and unable to take an active role. 

As a result of their consolidation with Prescott, the Moonlight Chapter has found itself in a position of having some extra money. 

“We had a chance to give money, and I said let’s keep it here in Iroquois,” said Rust of the $400 to the school’s breakfast program. “Ruth thought that was a wonderful idea, so this is another good note that we are ending on.” 

Fisher and St. Pierre were extremely appreciative of the donation. “When I started the program several years ago, I didn’t want to single out any child,” said Fisher. “So every child has the availability of the food.” 

That means the program provides a nutritious starter to 270 kids daily.

“When I come in, I can see that the kids love it,” said Robertson, a retired Iroquois Public School teacher. “They love the veggies and dip. Some days they have fruit. It’s a lot of work, but it’s healthy and the kids like it.”

Iroquois Public School principal Kelty Grant also thanked the Moonlight chapter. Donations are welcome additions to the ministry funded Breakfast Program she said. 

Each year, in cooperation with the Friendly Brothers Iroquois Mason Lodge #143, the Eastern Star Chapter in Iroquois has been involved with ‘special projects’ selected by their Worthy Matron. This past April the Chapter donated $500 each to the Dundas County Hospice, the Winchester Hospital Heelers and the Mason Lodge #143 in memory of Master Mason Gary Richards.

[…]

 

Three members of the Morrisburg & District Lions Club were honoured with Ontario Volunteer Service Awards at a ceremony on June 5th, 2012 at the Best Western Parkway Inn in Cornwall. 

Presented by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship & Immigration, Lions Keith Robinson, Mike Domanko and Matt McCooeye each received a Volunteer Service Award certificate, a pin and a special pin depicting the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.   

Specifically, Lion Matt McCooeye was recognized for his vision that resulted in the building of a wonderful play park in the village of Morrisburg. 

McCooeye obtained a “Let Them Be Kids” grant; built a dedicated team to lead the project; and then with that team inspired and mobilized the South Dundas community. 

The effort resulted in the community coming together to raise almost $120,000 and more than 200 volunteers participating in a highly successful build day to erect the structures. It was all achieved in less than six months. 

Lion Michael Domanko was recognized for his ongoing leadership and inspiration for Morrisburg & District Lions Club projects dedicated to youth, young families and adults in our community. 

Domanko has been instrumental in introducing and conducting Vision Screening to all elementary schools in South Dundas as well as in Ingleside. He manages the annual Tubie Festival and he, along with Lion Matt, was a key organizer in the “Let Them Be Kids” playground project.

Lion Keith Robinson has served two consecutive terms as president of the Morrisburg & District Lions Club and is involved in every aspect of club activities.  

Well known in the South Dundas community, Robinson takes the lead in fund raising initiatives and is a key mover for change.  

He manages the Lions canteen at the Morrisburg arena, and the Lions Docksyde and Ice-cream and Snack bar from May to September.  He mentors the Leos Club, helping these youths understand and embody the “We Serve” motto of the Leos and Lions.

[…]

 

On Friday evening, around 7 p.m., fire broke out in one of the townhomes on Victoria Crescent in Morrisburg.

According to South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services chief Chris McDonough, both the Morrisburg and Williamsburg stations were dispatched to the call.

“Upon fire crews arrival, there were flames and heavy smoke coming from the rear of the home. The crew began an aggressive attack on the kitchen area.”

“The fire crews did a excellent job of extinguishing the fire and ensuring the damage did not spread to the adjoining units on either side,” said McDonough.

He also informed that there were no injuries reported and that damage is estimated at approximately $40,000.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

[…]

 

Those seniors with hopes of ‘becoming a star’ had an opportunity to showcase their talents on June 20th during the Hartford Retirement Centre’s Senior Star event.

The Hartford is just one of many Chartwell Seniors Housing homes that participated in the yearly talent competition that honours and celebrates seniors.

This year there were six seniors participating in the Hartford competition: Ross F. Blakely, Cecile Marie Daniels, Murray Haines, Beatrice Shaver, Lloyd Thompson and Allan Gene Ward.

Judging the event were Chuck Barkley of Thom Realty, Donnie Bowes of the Upper Canada Playhouse and Alison Hudson of Team Cornwall.

Eligibility to compete in the Senior Star event included two things: the contestant must be 65 years of age or older and a Canadian citizen. Residency at one of Chartwell’s centres was not a requirement.

The first place winner of the 2012 Hartford Senior Star was Allan Gene Ward of Iroquois. In second place was Cornwall’s Cecile Marie Daniels, while Murray Haines of Ingleside took third place.

The entire event was videotaped by Memories Video and will be sent to Chartwell’s Head Office. 

Once received, 10 finalists will be chosen from all of the Chartwell Seniors Housing centres. Each of the finalists will receive an all-expenses paid trip for one to the National Finale in Niagara Falls this fall.

The top three winners of the national competition will win monetary prizes of $5,000, $4,000 and $3,000 respectively.

[…]