News

 

It’s almost that time of year as we prepare to welcome participants to Lamoureux Riverfront Park in Cornwall for Mopar Magic 2012.  

Last year 253 Mopars ascended on the Seaway City from across Quebec, Central and Eastern Ontario, and Upstate New York, which made this Canada’s largest, single day Mopar – only event. 

It’s the car show you and your family don’t want to miss. 

Sponsored by Notman Chrysler Dodge Jeep, in Cornwall it’s all free for spectators.

From Hot Rods of the 40’s and 50’s to the radical 1960’s styles, to the Hemis and 440 cars of the 70’s muscle car era, you will see it all.  

We also welcome the modern muscle cars of today, with the current generation of Challengers and Chargers, etc.  There will be something of interest for all automobile enthusiasts. 

As well the colour spectrum from Lime Light to Vitamin ‘ C’ Orange to Plum Crazy and Panther Pink will be displayed as high impact colours that were only available on certain Chrysler bodied cars of the day.

As you enjoy this walk down memory lane you will hear comments like “my dad had one like this” or “Aunt Mary drove one of these”, and in the end you will probably wish you could join the list of enthusiastic Mopar owners.

As a spectator you will be given a ballot to vote for your favorite Mopar (Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Desoto, etc.), and your votes will decide the 30 winners of People’s Choice trophies as well as other awards.  

Car registrations begin at 10 a.m., so you can leisurely enjoy the day as well as the barbecue sponsored by the local Girl Guides.  

The Guides will also offer 50/50 tickets as a further fund raiser.  

Fabulous 50’s/60’s/70’s music as always, is supplied by Johnny B. Good and for that automobile art collector, Michael Irvine returns with a great selection of original artwork and prints.

So mark your calendar for Saturday, June 30, and join us, rain or shine for Mopar Magic 2012.  

It’s a fun family time and it’s all free.

[…]

 

Join the Townships of North & South Dundas at the Dundas Drive-In!

The two townships in Dundas County have come together to organize two drive-in events for the season. The first ever Dundas Drive-In will take place on Saturday, July 7th and the second will arrive in the early fall on Saturday, September 15th.

Boasting a screen size of 46 feet by 36 feet wide, these events will not only include pre-release films, but will also feature concession stands, children’s activities including Tribeck Inflatables, and lots of fun for all ages! 

Admission for the drive-in is $5 per person. No advanced ticket sales will be available. 

All admission fees will be collected at the gates upon entry and parking spaces will be assigned. Please note that this is a cash only event. There is no ATM on site. 

The Dundas Drive-In will be hosted at the South Mountain Fair Grounds, located at 2967 Lough Road in South Mountain.

Gates will open at 5 p.m. and the movie will start at 9 p.m.

For more information on the Dundas Drive-In, please visit Recreation News at www.southdundas.com or call Ben Macpherson at 613-543-2937

[…]

 

“This should be a people place,” said Montreal-based landscape architect Wendy Graham, “a place for people to gather and get information.” 

The Morrisburg Waterfront Committee hosted a public information session on June 19th at the Morrisburg Legion.

South Dundas residents interested in hearing and discussing the proposed plans for the Morrisburg Waterfront came out in force with more than 120 people in attendance, including several members of the South Dundas council and the South Dundas Township staff.

The meeting got underway at 8 p.m. with a PowerPoint presentation by Wendy Graham, complete with handouts of colour blueprints showing the suggested changes to the Morrisburg Waterfront.

Graham, whose parents live on Lakeshore Drive, has been an active volunteer in several waterfront projects in recent years including the South Dundas Dog Park and the South Dundas Community Playground, both located in Earl Baker Park.

Graham explained that the Morrisburg Waterfront Committee began planning with some key questions in mind: “What are the values and what are the important things – objectives, goals – we want to achieve in the waterfront?”

They answered their own question with the following points:

• Accessible to everyone; 

• Connected – so that all the different attractions flow together;

•Beautiful, clean, natural and green; 

• Reminiscent of the area history; 

• Lively and loved – well-used by community and community groups year round; and,

• Sustainable

“South Dundas has a very long and interesting waterfront,” continued Graham. 

“I’m hoping there will be people from Iroquois here,” she said, explaining that the ideal is for the waterfront areas in Morrisburg and Iroquois to complement one another rather than compete with one another. “We need to bring out the strengths and differences on both sides.”

In developing plans for Morrisburg’s waterfront, the committee went back through the town’s history prior to the building of the Seaway. According to Graham, Morrisburg “had a ferry boat. It was a town that was quite oriented to the water. The town grew around the waterfront.”

She lamented that “for 50 years, from the time of the Seaway up until now, there hasn’t been development.”

In addition to the obvious lack of development along the waterfront, Graham pointed out some of the issues the committee found when they first began planning.

She pointed out that for people driving through Morrisburg along County Road 2 “it’s not evident that there’s a waterfront.”

She noted the traffic safety and congestion issues where Ottawa Street meets Lakeshore Drive. 

Another concern was the current location of the ball diamonds, which are “often in conflict with some of the major events taking place in the park.”

Also, there are problems with storm sewers and drainage, which in turn cause water quality issues at the beach, she said.

It was also mentioned that the golf course, admittedly a great attraction to the area, blocks access to that section of the waterfront for those who don’t play golf.

As for sidewalks, Graham expressed concern that they aren’t “walkable” due to size and, in some cases, their state of disrepair. The sidewalks are not accessible for the average walker, cyclist or person in a wheelchair. 

In addition, the sidewalks don’t bring people to the waterfront. She pointed out that there is no indication for those visiting the Morrisburg Plaza that there is a waterfront area.

Along those same lines, the current promenade running from the dock to the beach doesn’t “offer a lot of opportunity to sit and enjoy the river.”

Keeping the listed issues in mind, the Morrisburg Waterfront Committee drew up a plan with three phases, explained Graham.

The first phase of the plan covers the area around the Morrisburg Dock. The second phase focuses on the central park area, including Earl Baker Park and the Morrisburg Beach. The third phase involves part of the Morrisburg Golf Course and land bordering the St. Lawrence River and Hosaic Creek.

It was suggested that building a breakwater would be beneficial for all phases of the plan.

It was pointed out that these ideas are just that “ideas of what it could become.” Nothing is being set in stone and as committee member Doug Grenkie pointed out, this plan is meant to be fluid and open to changes.

Phase One

In addition to improving the current parking area in front of the Legion to increase the available parking spots, it was also suggested that the baseball diamonds might be relocated to make room for the many events that take place along the waterfront.

It was proposed that a tourist facility be erected complete with stores, restaurants, washrooms, showers, information, and more.

Another suggestion involved improving the boat launch as well as adding a series of smaller docks farther down, perhaps in front of the pavilion.

The walking path, said Graham, could be re-oriented to better utilize the space and to allow more access to the water for those who’d like to walk along or sit down by the river.

Phase Two

The plan indicated that the open space in Earl Baker Park between the children’s playground and the dog park could be better utilized with the addition of paths, trees and benches. This would allow the space to remain open, but would also create a usable space that is both beautiful and practical.

Graham pointed out that these paths might also be used in winter for skating.

The children’s play area could be enhanced, it was said, with the addition of a splash pad. On the end closer to the dog park, the idea arose for a soccer field with a backstop for those area children who want to play impromptu games of baseball and such. 

Moving to the other side of the road, plans for the amphitheatre include modifications that would improve seating comfort and access. Graham also pointed out that the amphitheatre might be a great spot for sledding in winter.

Plans for the beach include finding ways to improve the water quality and creating facilities for beach-goers including washrooms and rental options for things like paddle-boats and kayaks.

Graham suggested relocating the beach parking lot “to be less intrusive” and suggested erecting some volleyball courts as well as other beach-type activities instead.

Phase Three

The area affected by phase three plans include the southern part of the Morrisburg Golf Course running east along the river and up along Hosaic Creek.

It was suggested that part of the golf course might be repositioned to provide room for a road and/or pathway along the riverfront, allowing access to that portion of the river for everyone.

Another proposal included a housing development to be erected along Hosaic Creek, leaving a portion for the road and path open along the waterfront.

The housing development would have a view of the waterfront and a view of the golf course without inhibiting the enjoyment of the waterfront for the masses.

Feedback from the Public

The Morrisburg Waterfront Committee acknowledged the need for a multidisciplinary study for a lot of the suggested projects. For instance, a breakwater cannot be built without Ministry of Environment approval.

They also acknowledged the need for money to make the projects happen and for partnerships to allow for some of the ideas to be possible. A breakwater, for instance, would cost millions.

The first most obvious question asked was “who is going to pay for this?”

In response, Grenkie said, “this is only going to happen when there is money to do it.” He explained that the money would most likely come from federal or provincial grants or developer investments. 

Fellow committee member Phillip Blancher explained that oftentimes governments will find themselves with money for this or that and in order for municipalities to be eligible for the money, they need a plan. 

The township’s with the plan in place, said Blancher, are more likely to be given the grant money. 

Another question from the crowd: “Why move the ball diamonds? You’re moving things just to move things.”

“We’ve got to be ready for these things  when they come,” said Grenkie. 

“The statistics show that the ball diamonds aren’t really used that much,” he continued “it’s much better for our festive parties.”

“There are lots of things you can do in a park,” he continued, suggesting the possibility of a farmers’ market.

He also pointed out that there is a proposed backstop in the Earl Baker Park that would meet the current requirements of the baseball diamonds.

He did remind the crowd that “it’s a concept. Nobody’s saying it’s going to happen right away.”

Several questions arose in relation to the plan involving the golf course.

Grenkie suggested the golf club could “get a golf course expert to come in to see if they can put a plan in.” 

Graham suggested that with some creative thinking, it might be possible to reposition the golf course. 

As for why the committee chose to put that option in the plan, Grenkie said, then “everybody can use it.” 

He made it clear that “this can only be done if the golf course people agree to it.”

In addition to concerns about the baseball diamonds and the golf course, several people expressed concern over the present state of the Morrisburg Dock.

Grenkie pointed out that the reason for the meeting was not to discuss the current dock situation, but to focus on a plan for the future. 

He also made it clear that members of council present for the meeting were not there in an official capacity and would not be answering questions pertaining to the dock’s current state of disrepair.

With those points made, however, Grenkie also said, “I’d like to see this done quickly.”

“I’d rather have something than just the way it is.”

An additional concern was raised in connection with the current state of the beach and the fact that it isn’t addressed until phase two of the plan.

Grenkie agreed, “the pollution of the beach has to be dealt with.”

Additional concerns raised by the public included the need for wider paths for wheelchair access, the need for more winter activities, and the need for less vehicular traffic in key waterfront areas.

In addition to the issues that were raised, several members of the public had ideas to add to the plan.

Someone thought a skateboard park would be a good addition, suggesting that “we get kids to come up with the money to build the skateboard park. Young people are the future of this town.”

Another idea included the addition of a boardwalk stretching from the dock to the beach.

It was suggested that the boat launch be moved to an area separate from the actual docks, in an attempt to relieve traffic congestion and increase safety.

Someone else, applauding the committee’s plan, reminded everyone that they should “think of it as an investment.” She pointed to the possibility of increased tourism and money-making events that will bring people into the area.

Someone else expressed relief that there wasn’t going to be any residential issues in terms of possible housing developments. The plan, as it exists, targets the land next to Hosaic Creek rather than Earl Baker Park for residential development.

Overall, there seemed to be a lot of support for the committee’s plan with several comments like the following: “I like where you’re going with this.” 

There seemed to be universal agreement that the waterfront parks are an untapped resource that have been under-utilized since the building of the Seaway.

The final question of the night revolved around “when and if” these plans might be acted upon. 

One member of the crowd was concerned that politics might get in the way and block the progress.

To that, Grenkie said, “it’s up to the members of this community to remind whoever’s elected.”

“Most of us would like to see something happening or we wouldn’t be here,” said another voice in the crowd.

“We are only an advisory committee,” reminded Grenkie. 

He explained that the committee is having the public meeting for public input and then the group will take their plan to council where council will make the final decisions.

‘This is a very caring community,” said one audience member. “When push comes to shove, they always seem to blend together, come together and get things done one little piece at a time.”

The Morrisburg Waterfront Committee emphasized that if and when changes happen, there will be a need for continued stewardship of the waterfront. 

There will need to be advocates and champions on hand to protect and enhance the area and its facilities, said Grenkie.

He also reiterated that the committee’s plan is an overall plan, “it’s not a concrete plan. It can be changed and modified at any time.”

For those interested in seeing the plan first hand, the committee has set up a dedicated website (www.windowontheriver.com) where people can also leave comments and suggestions.

[…]

 

 High school can be very hard. The pressure to wear the right clothes, say the right things, go to the right parties, have the right friends is ever present, ever intense. 

As adults, people may look back on those high school years and wonder what all the fuss was about. But as teens, the majority of kids would privately admit that they want to feel that they “fit in.” 

The actions of the graduating class of Seaway District High School at their 2012 prom, held on June 1, at Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, gave one special young woman a memory of “fitting in” that she will be able to cherish the rest of her life.

Her peers chose Martina Gibson as the 2012 prom queen. She was crowned before all the senior class, along with the prom king Zach Lalonde.

On Tuesday, June 19, this graduating class of Seaway District High School in Iroquois was honoured with the presentation, by Martina’s parents, Ron and Lisa Gibson, of a beautiful, engraved granite bench for the school courtyard. “We want future classes to remember this class of 2012,” Lisa Gibson told the seniors gathered in the yard with principal Terry Gardiner, and Greg Pietersma, chair of the UCDSB.

“We want this bench to be a lasting legacy. You gave our daughter Martina a special moment to shine. When future generations of Seaway kids read the message on this bench, perhaps the spirit of caring you showed will be passed on. Caring and tolerance and acceptance are needed more now than ever.”

Martina Gibson, 17, was diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder when she was in senior kindergarten.

“This is a disorder which makes everything a struggle for a child,” her mother Lisa Gibson explained, “socially as well as academically. Standard learning techniques are rarely effective with this form of autism. Martina has a phenomenal memory, able to interpret ideas and details. But the precise skills,  mathematics for example, are very difficult. She can discuss an historical event, but struggles with making change.”

Lisa explained that it was always very hard for Martina to feel she truly fit in at school. She wanted to feel part of the lives and the work that other kids had: at the same time, she and her parents faced a constant struggle to find approaches to learning that would fit her special needs. 

“There have been times when she has withdrawn,” her mother said. “ It was never easy. She was often excluded from the parties, the shopping trips, and many of the things that all teens love.”

But Martina, with the support of her parents and family, persevered.

“I am so grateful that she has been at Seaway,” her mother Lisa said. 

“This is a phenomenal school for children with special needs. Everyone at that school has gone over and above to accommodate Martina’s exceptionalities. 

Teachers found ways to diversify the curriculum so that she could work at the same academic subjects as other students, but in a manner she could understand. It has still not been easy for her, but certain teachers have made a real difference to her progress and happiness.”

Martina’s sister and mother helped her with the excitement of getting ready for the big night with prom date Michael Richer: no one had any idea of what the evening would bring. 

At 10:40 the family received a text message that Martina had been chosen the prom queen.

“I was crying,” Lisa said. “I know what this meant to her, what an honour it was. 

We learned later that the entire senior class was on board to do this. She was the hands down winner. Her father and I talked this over, and we felt that the selflessness and kindness of those kids on prom night, this one act which had so deep an impact on another kid’s life, this needed to be recognized.”

Spontaneous applause burst out from the Seaway graduates when the stone bench was unveiled. Later they joined Martina (who had no idea of her parents’ plan to make the presentation, and was caught completely by surprise)  and her family around the bench.

This is the message it bears. This is the legacy of the 2012 graduating class of Seaway District High School.

“This bench is dedicated to the class of 2012. Their selflessness on prom night allowed a very special young lady to feel accepted and loved.” How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because some day in life, you will have been all of these. – George Washington Carver.

[…]

 

It may have been colder and wetter than organizers had hoped for the final day of the two week long Love South Dundas celebration, but the rain didn’t dampen spirits.

Wrap-up events took place on Sunday, June 24, in Earl Baker Park in Morrisburg with Tribeck Inflatables, juggler Bob Cates, face painting and fun tattoos and a big barbecue. In the evening the Howard family provided music for evangelist Chuck Price.

All the events were free. Organizers only asked that guests brought an item for the Dundas Food Bank. 

Love South Dundas grew out of the endeavour of local churches to let residents of South Dundas know “we’re there and we desire to minister to them any way we can,” Reverend Duncan Perry of the Morrisburg Pentecostal Church told the Leader in an earlier interview. 

This was the fourth year the Love South Dundas team has spearheaded positive events in local communities.

There were free car washes in both Morrisburg and Iroquois. Volunteers filled baskets with delicious baked goods (“Baked Blessings”) and delivered them to area service clubs.

People were also encouraged to do some small, random act of kindness for a neighbour or a stranger during the two weeks. 

The idea was to show love and caring for the community and the people who live here. 

On Sunday, juggler Bob Cates had everyone laughing and cheering as he put on an amazing show under the tent. 

Chefs Ivan Shearer and Dwayne Hummel braved the rain to  barbecue dogs and burgers for visitors. 

In the evening, evangelist Chuck Price, who has a background in youth education and works with inner-city housing and among the underprivileged shared his message with visitors. 

The cold, wet weather was disappointing, but Reverend Perry had nothing but praise for the generosity of the business community (which supported the day) and the hard work and dedication of the Love South Dundas team.

[…]

 

Members of Love South Dundas hosted a two-hour free car wash and free barbecue in the parking lot of the Iroquois Fire Hall on June 16th. The group, consisting of volunteers of all ages, was fast and efficient as a succession of cars made their way through the ‘hands-on’ car wash on Saturday morning. Love South Dundas is an annual two-week long event hosted by the churches of South Dundas. Members of the many congregations perform random acts of kindness throughout the event. This year, Love South Dundas kicked off on June 10th. It will end on June 24th with a large (and free) celebration at Earl Baker Park in Morrisburg.

[…]

 

“We’re looking at $2.5 million with this transfer,” said South Dundas treasurer Shannon Geraghty at the June 5th council meeting.

South Dundas saw a surplus of $642,503 in 2011, which was transferred to the working capital reserve. 

Geraghty requested council accept the 2011 financial statements as presented by Jamie Pollock of Craig Keen Despatie Markell LLP during the May 15th council meeting.

During his request to council, Geraghty also pointed toward the suggestions Pollock had made concerning some deficiencies.

“We’re currently working on these and over the summer we’ll be providing council with alternatives on how we’re going to deal with this.”

Two of the more recognizable issues noted in Pollock’s presentation are:

• Future landfill closures and lack of funds to cover costs associated with closure

• Water/sewer fund deficit and options to address the deficit, which may include an increase in user rates

Councillor Evonne Delegarde requested an update on where things stand with the water/sewer fund issue to which Geraghty replied, “we’ll be presenting council with plans over the summer,” followed by a public meeting in the fall and implementation in the new year.

Also, during the discussion, mayor Steven Byvelds relayed that the United Counties of SD&G had offered financial assistance with respect to the resolution approved a month prior concerning multi-residential taxes. 

“I don’t think we need any assistance from the counties,” said Byvelds. All agreed.

In terms of the $2.5 million, Geraghty asked, “does council have any desire to earmark any of that money now?”

Deputy-mayor Jim Locke said, “there’s no rush on it as far as I’m concerned.”

Byvelds agreed. He also suggested that “we should keep $2.2 million” in reserve.

[…]

 

“The truth is, if you come to South Dundas you’re going to want to come back every year because it’s such a welcoming place to come to,” said Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry MP Guy Lauzon.

Lauzon was one of several people invited to the official opening of the 2nd annual Galop-Canal Bluegrass Festival on June 15th at the Iroquois Locks.

According to organizing committee member Geraldine Fitzsimmons, this year’s festival, lasting from Friday, June 15th through Sunday, June 17th, saw a definite increase in guests.

“Gate admission was up from last year, which tells me that more people came,” she said.

In addition, there were 93 campers on site to enjoy the sunny weather and bluegrass music, also an increase from last year’s number.

“There were not a lot of local people,” said Fitzsimmons, who is hoping that next year the organizing committee is able to find ways to entice more locals to attend the weekend-long event.

As for those who did show up, “they all just loved it. Everybody really loves our community.”

Fitzsimmons pointed out that several of the campers had taken trips into Iroquois to go shopping. 

Several of these people, she explained, had never been to South Dundas before or had been here during last year’s festival and liked it so much that they decided to return.

This year’s event saw a few changes from last year, including the addition of local vendors on-site. 

The Ottawa Bluegrass Association and the Morrisburg and District Lions Club donated the use of tents to provide guests with a little shade while the Riverside Heights Snowmobile Association donated the use of some chairs for those who needed them.

Like last year, the Iroquois Matilda Lions Club hosted an on-site barbecue.

While this year was filled with “growing pains,” Fitzsimmons and the Bluegrass Festival’s organizing committee are taking note of what worked and what didn’t so that they can make next year’s event even better.

Members of the organizing committee include Fitzsimmons, Mike Anderson, Doris Clary, Dick Cropp, Barb and Jerry Gurnhill, Sharon and Dick Piche, Paul and Ruth Robertson as well as a representative from the Iroquois Matilda Lions Club.

The Bluegrass Festival is a major fundraiser for the Galop Canal Revitalization Project whose goal is to restore the Galop Canal, bringing life back to the Iroquois waterfront. The project is also an attempt to protect and preserve the history of the area.

[…]

 

Ready your lawn chairs and your sunshades because there are going to be some great times at the Cruickshank Amphitheatre this summer.

The Amphitheatre board has just announced that River City Junction, local group Ruckus and Ridin’ Shotgun are confirmed at the theatre. These talented musicians will be putting on some memorable concerts this summer for area audiences. 

And there is absolutely no admission price. The performances are all free.

River City Junction kicks off the summer series on Saturday, July 21. This Canadian Blues-Rock band is making a real reputation for itself, especially with the release in 2010 of their album Convergence. Caroline Addison, Jason Fryer and Tom Joanisse are talented and highly accomplished musicians who claim “music is a way of life.” They blend old school Chicago Blues, Funk, Motown and classic rock in a cocktail that is “raw, organic and uplifting.” Look for great songs like “Hold On,” “State of Grace’ and “Better Days.”

Ruckus steps on the stage on Saturday, July 28. Formed by some outstanding local musicians, Ruckus promise a rollicking and entertaining afternoon of Irish and East Coast music. There will be music for every taste.

The concert series winds up on Saturday, August 11, with the return of the popular country group, Ridin’ Shotgun. A hit with previous audiences, the band features Terry McClelland and Danika Ellson, and four back-up artists. With the motto, “not your Grandma’s country,” the band brings audiences some of country’s newest and most exciting sounds, including songs from stars like Carrie Underwood and Sugarland. Ridin’ Shotgun promises a foot-stomping, get up and dance performance. 

Every concert at the Amphitheatre this summer will feature draws for some very generous prizes. All concerts begin at 3 p.m., finishing at 5 p.m.

Bring your chairs, your blankets and your friends and take in some of the best entertainment of the summer at the Cruickshank Amphitheatre, down at the beautiful Morrisburg waterfront.

[…]

 

Every Monday, Molo gets ready for school, but Molo doesn’t get ready for any old dog school…no sir…Molo attends Morrisburg Public School with her best friend Delia Barkley. Together, the two read with the students from Nancy Beavers’ grade 1 class.

Molo, a seven year old mixed breed dog, is a registered therapy dog with Therapeutic Paws of Canada. In addition, she is registered in the Therapeutic Paws READ program; hence, her work with the children at MPS.

Molo got started on the road to therapeutic work after Delia and her son Denzil happened upon a Therapy Dog Evaluation taking place while they were vacationing in Toronto.

“We were watching an evaluation of the dogs and everything the dogs were required to do, my son and I were saying, “Molo can do that and Mola can do that.”

So upon returning home, Delia researched and found the Brockville chapter of Therapeutic Paws.

Delia and Mola (Denzil is also certified) were successful in the evaluation process, and the rest is history. For the past two years, they have been visiting seniors at The Hartford in Morrisburg, “and after we started doing that I wanted her to be part of the Therapy Dog Reading Program.”

“I contacted Nancy Beavers at the school to determine if there would be any interest in the program, and she said that she would be.”

MPS principal Beverley Bethune agreed that Molo could be evaluated in the school setting, “so my team leader came here to do the evaluation. If Mojo had shown any nervousness or agitation, or if she had been aggressive in any way, we wouldn’t have gotten the go ahead.”

The reading consists of one child who sits on a blanket with Delia and Molo in an otherwise empty classroom. While the child reads, Molo lies quietly on the blanket listening. She exudes calmness and is a very good listener.

According to the Therapeutic Paws website, “studies have shown that reading to dogs encourages confidence and builds self esteem in children who struggle to read aloud in class.”

“I’ve notice a huge improvement in the children’s reading over the year,” said Barkley who was with Molo at the school Friday morning. “Nancy’s original idea was to involve the children who were struggling with their reading, but all the children wanted to read to Molo, so now they take turns.”

Molo’s mixed breed includes Golden Retriever, Black Labrador and Burmese Mountain Dog. Her size is slightly larger than the Retriever and the Labrador but slightly smaller than the Burmese.

“I think her temperament is Burmese. She is very loyal, and we didn’t train her to be that way. But it makes her easy to train because she wants to please us.”

Delia explained that therapy dogs must have a very calm temperament and they have to like people. They cannot show any aggression, and must be calm during unexpected noise or movements. They also have to be comfortable around walkers and wheelchairs and not attracted to food.

Both the dog and the handler is evaluated in the process.

In addition to her contribution to the grade 1 reading program, Molo is a popular visitor at The Hartford and well-known at the Barkley family’s apple stand at McHaffie’s Flea Market where she is known as the ‘apple dog’.

“She is very well-received at The Hartford,” says Delia. “Some of the residents there had their own pets, and they enjoy her visits. We just walk around and she has her regular friends.”

“It’s a great thing to do with your dog, if you have the right dog,” says Delia. “If there are other people out there who think they could do this and they think their dog is suitable they can check out the Therapeutic Paws website or call me at 613-543-0162. The process takes a couple of months, and the evaluation is a couple of hours.”

“It’s a fun thing to do. I work a lot of the time, and I wanted to do some volunteering. And I just felt that I should share Molo. I have a wonderful dog who is suited to this sort of thing, so why not use her.”

When Molo is not wearing her Theraputic Paws vest and either visiting with seniors or reading with young students, she is like any other dog…she likes long walks and playing with her family.

[…]