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During the May 15th South Dundas council meeting, councillor Evonne Delegarde submitted three requests from the Bluegrass Festival Committee.

The requests included the borrowing or renting of chairs as well as the use of the Iroquois Campsite showers and dumping station.

It was estimated that there would be 70 to 80 campers ‘rough camping’ at the Bluegrass Festival, which takes place June 15th to the 17th at the Iroquois Locks.

 Mayor Steven Byvelds reminded council that the committee had submitted a request at budget time for $10,000 and were granted $3,000 from the township.

He also pointed out that “we had this request last year and denied it.”

Chief administrative officer Stephen McDonald pointed out that there is a grants policy and “I don’t think this group just thought of this request today. I think it was purposefully not given to staff.”

In terms of the shower request, Councillor Jim Graham said, “people pay to camp there. It’s not fair.”

Delegarde suggested there might be a fee for showering.

Deputy-mayor Jim Locke said, “I don’t think we’re supporting our tourism by not allowing dumping. You’re not going to have them lined up.”

Clerk Brenda Brunt pointed out that there is no staff working on Sunday afternoons.

“I do see a line up,” said Byvelds. “I don’t like getting last minute requests. It’s not fair to council and it’s not fair to staff.”

As for the paying campers at the Iroquois Campsite, Byvelds said, “it’s not going to be an enjoyable experience for them.”

In the end, it was decided that there weren’t any chairs sufficient to the task. It was also decided that allowing the showers to be used would be too much of an inconvenience to campers at the Iroquois Campsite. The request to allow dumping, however, was approved.

[…]

 

“Council should recognize that their fire service has achieved significant progress under the guidance of Chief (Chris) McDonough,” wrote program specialist Chad Brown of the Office of the Fire Marshal in the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Service.

Early in May, South Dundas chief administrative officer Stephen McDonald received Brown’s letter confirming “that there are no outstanding items from the 2009 OFM Review and no further follow-up activities required.”

Brown advised that “as the South Dundas Fire Service continues to mature under a single fire department, continued success should include activities such as implementing a Fire Safety Inspection Program, Fire Response Pre-Planning, obtaining a Tanker Shuttle Accreditation, and finalizing Fire Protection Agreements with neighbouring municipalities.”

In reaction to the letter, councillor Jim Graham said, “this demonstrates that not only did we make the right decision to get a fire chief to look after all three stations, but that we chose the right man.”

“As far as I’m concerned,” he continued, “that’s a real feather in our cap.”

McDonough offered that “it’s really been a group effort. I didn’t do it on my own.”

Mayor Steven Byvelds said, “we do appreciate what he does along with the volunteers and everybody that’s connected with the fire service.”

“There is a list here that he still has to work on,” added Byvelds.

[…]

 

Adrian Harewood arrived a little late for his speaking engagement with the Canadian Club of Morrisburg and District on Wednesday, May 16.

However, this was understandable. 

He was still on air when the banquet began, anchoring CBC News Ottawa, before thousands of viewers. 

A renowned journalist, radio host (All in a Day) and respected news commentator, Harewood was the final speaker of the Club’s 2011-2012 series. A large crowd of members and guests was on hand to hear Harewood speak on topic about which he clearly has deep feelings, “Volunteers in the Community.”

Personable, outgoing and a gifted speaker, Harewood quickly won over the audience, with his sense of humour. However, there was a serious point to his address.

Canada, like the rest of the world, has changed, he explained, with traditional communities often lost in the new on-line ‘digital’ societies. This is a world made up of hundreds of “friends” that people have never met, will never meet.

“The digital world is, of course, a great creativity source,” Harwood said, “but one effect of this change is that we are in danger of losing the human touch in our lives. Research has found that more people feel disconnected from society than ever before. People seem to be craving the sense of community life,  of simple conversations,  of recognition. They share a wish that they actually knew their neighbours. Without reminders of what community can be, we may lose parts of our humanity.”

Harewood grew up in Ottawa, a member of a close-knit family where both parents were community activists. They instilled in their son the strong belief that he had a responsibility to people, even to people he would never know. Other people’s lives needed to matter to him. 

“Our home was a place where everyone was welcome. I remember my mother bringing  home a Tunisian woman, a woman struggling to gain an education and to leave behind the desperate circumstances of her old life. She was Tunisian, Arabic, a francophone, a Muslim, and a Canadian. She became part of our lives. She was a member of our community.”

Harewood’s parents emphasized the need to be involved with the people in one’s community, to work for justice and freedom. They always stressed that everyone has a responsibility to the community.

Years later, Harewood was interviewing former United States president Bill Clinton, and asked him what he saw as the biggest problem of the 21st century.

“The problem, Clinton told me, lies in the struggle to overcome the differences that divide us as a global community.”

Volunteering, actively and personally getting involved in the life of a community, is vital, Harewood stressed.

“The act of volunteering is the connective tissue that ties our communities together. Volunteers are the civil engineers who build a healthy community. They weave the webs of solidarity and compassion. We cannot survive without the support of others because we are the products of our communities.”

Harewood illustrated how  the power of volunteering can bring even the most unlikely people together. 

He cited the example, a few months ago, of a drought fund raising concert, arranged by young, educated Somalian activists at the Centre Point Theatre. 

“They asked me to volunteer to work with them. But what utterly surprized me, when I saw the entertainment bill, was the  highly unlikely presence on it of a country and western band made up of middle-aged, conservative, white men.  That’s when I came to understand that those young African men and those middle-aged white men shared in common a profound belief in a cause: they were determined to help their community.”

Volunteering, Harewood said, is a gift to our neighbours, and a gift to ourselves.  Volunteers often get back far more than they give in terms of new possibilities,  of new ways of looking at the world.

Caring about the community, and doing what one can to help and to work with neighbours, makes all of us “more ‘human,’ human beings.”

Adrian Harewood chose words from the reverend Martin Luther King to conclude his address.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

[…]

 

Fundraising for the Galop Canal Revitalization Project is moving full steam ahead this June beginning with a sightseeing cruise aboard the Sea Fox II on June 10th.

The two hour cruise, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. will depart from Morrisburg and cruise along the St. Lawrence River. Passengers will be treated to dinner from the Basket Case Café as well as a live auction, live entertainment, a cash bar and prize draws. 

 Owners of the Basket Case Café, Carl McIntyre and Hanna Rycroft, “try to set an example for the community to get involved,” said McIntyre. “I believe the whole community should benefit.”

Rycroft said she gets involved “because it’s a really good cause. It’s important that we do something to get the tourism.”

“It’s a great way to have two fun-filled hours and to do something good,” she said. “Our goal is to raise at least $4,000.” 

[…]

 

The fourth annual Jumpstart Day held at Morrisburg’s Canadian Tire on Saturday, May 26, has once again helped to ensure that no kids will miss out on organized sports in Canada.

This year the Morrisburg store, owned by Ninon and Michel Proulx, was able to raise $2,068.11 for the cause.

“All of the money we raise with the Jumpstart program comes back into North and South Dundas to help out our local kids,” said Ninon Proulx. “This year again our entire staff got behind the effort.”

The Jumpstart program, which was supported on May 26 by most Canadian Tire stores across Canada, is designed to help kids get involved in organized sports. Research indicates that one in three families cannot afford to enroll their children in organized sports and recreation in this country. 

With its One Million Red Balls  campaign, Canadian Tire asks shoppers to donate $2 for the purchase of a red ball, the national symbol of child’s play.

“This fund raiser really helps our local kids,” Proulx said. “Many sports cost more than many parents can afford on their own. Some kids would not have the opportunity to take part in sports without these funds.”

The store offered a raffle for a patio set valued at $470, and two beautiful planters. The furniture was won by J. Manneck, the planters by ticket holders Thompson and Adrian.

Tribeck Inflatables were set up to amuse small visitors while parents shopped. Fiona Carr of the Ontario Early Years operated a crafts and colouring area where children could make paper bag puppets, and  take part in other activities. The Morrisburg and District Leos club was also on hand to run a barbecue for shoppers. 

[…]

 

Many Rideau St. Lawrence Hydro customers have recently received letters with colourful graphs showcasing the price difference between the “old standard” and the “time-of-use” rates for their household electrical usage during the months of March and April.

According to chief executive officer John Walsh, “the purpose of the letter was just to give them another head’s up” that time-of-use rates will soon be in effect. 

“It was just to explain to people if they had been on time-of-use rates, what the difference would be so they can compare and make changes,” he said.

 He pointed out that the average change for March between the old rate and the time-of-use rate was an increase of $3.86 while the average change for April was an increase of $1.96. 

The difference “may have to do with the amount of electricity that’s used in heating the home,” he said.

Walsh pointed out that while the amount used for heating may not be compatible with time-of-use rates, customers can control when they use things like the dishwasher or clothes dryer.

“Some customers think they’re already on time-of-use rates,” said Walsh, but they first have to “finish the billing in the old method. Once that’s done, the next one is time-of-use rates. It depends on the billing cycle you’re in.” 

According to Walsh, some cycles may not start until July or August, however, customers “should be acting as if they’re on time-of-use rates now.”

[…]

 

 “As exciting as it was back in 1992, it is also exciting when reflecting on these last 20 years and the services Dundas County Hospice now offers,” said Jan Clapp, one of the founding members of the hospice and currently the palliative care course facilitator.

On May 24th, at the J.W. McIntosh Seniors’ Support Centre in Williamsburg, Dundas County Hospice celebrated their 20th anniversary while honouring their volunteers.

Dundas County Hospice, founded in 1992, “recognizes the uniqueness of individuals and their families, and how life-threatening illness affects them. Compassionate care is directed at improving their lives physically, emotionally and spiritually.”

According to board chair Bob Pitruniak, “20 plus years ago somebody came up with the idea for this. They worked hard and they created the framework for the organization that exists today for everybody in Dundas County.”

“I think we do an excellent job of running the hospice day to day. I’m humbled by what the founders had to do to go from zero.”

“We have been blessed for 20 years to be able to attract excellent caring staff,” he continued, listing the many ways people have generously volunteered over the years by helping out with visiting, respite care, office work, fundraising and so on.

“Without all of these people, we couldn’t have done it,” he said.

Following a very moving story, Clapp reminded guests that a person with the life-threatening illness may not remember what you did or said, but they’ll remember how you made them feel. 

Caregivers at the hospice, she said, ask themselves one important question: “What do I need to know about you as a person to give you the best care possible?”

Each year the Dundas County Hospice selects a volunteer of the year and this year’s volunteer of the year is Nelly Leightizer.

According to Bea Van Gilst, director of client services for Dundas County Hospice, Leightizer is a recently retired board member who was active on the board for over 10 years. She acted as treasurer for one year and was board chair for two.

“Members of the board said it’s been a great pleasure to work alongside Nelly,” said Van Gilst.

“She’s very supportive. She reflects the values, passion and dedication that are qualities of all our board members.”

Dr. Chuck Adamson, medical advisor to the Dundas County Hospice, spoke about the many services the hospice provides, all of which are free. Dr. Adamson has a practice in South Mountain.

Guy Lauzon, MP for Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry, took the podium following Adamson. 

Lauzon began by sharing his personal experience with hospice-like care, similar to the kind of caring service that Dundas County Hospice provides. Lauzon’s first wife battled breast cancer and passed on July 2, 1988.

“I want to acknowledge all the volunteers and I want to thank you for your dedicated service,” he said.

South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds also said a few words, commenting on the special kind of people it takes to volunteer in hospice care: “I’m certainly glad that those that have that gift, use it. It sounds like you’ve had a good active group dedicated to the needs of your community.” 

Eric Duncan, mayor for North Dundas was also on hand for the event and said, “I honestly can’t think of a volunteer service like this that is more compassionate and caring.”

Pointing to the Dundas County Hospice flyer, he said, “it’s amazing the diversity of what’s offered here. Dundas County Hospice is to be commended.”

In addition to the direct support they offer those experiencing life-threatening illnesses, the hospice also offers services in community education, training courses, library, equipment loans, day hospice, caregiver support, and more.

Duncan finished by pointing out that the type of services provided by the hospice are not “frontline”, but they are “so appreciated.”

Van Gilst concluded things, saying “we want to thank all of our volunteers again and all of our supporters.” 

Also recognized for their “generous support” was the J.W. McIntosh Seniors’ Support Centre. “This is a wonderful facility for us,” she said.

Those attending the Dundas County Hospice’s celebration on Thursday night were serenaded by the piano stylings of Winchester District Memorial Hospital CEO Cholly Boland.

The Dundas County Hospice offers free services. The organization is funded through donations and fundraising efforts.

For more information, to volunteer or to access the services of the Dundas County Hospice, phone 613-535-2215 or email at  info@dundascountyhospice.ca.

[…]

 

Ten years ago, Kris and Manu Sahota bought the Loyalist Hotel in Morrisburg with hopes and dreams of a bright future for their family.

Now, a decade later, the dream has come to an end. The Sahotas have sold the hotel and will hand over the keys to an unknown buyer at the end of May.

According to Kris Sahota, a numbered company bought the hotel “as is” and their identity and plans were not revealed at the time of the sale.

He revealed that there were several contributing factors in the decision to sell the hotel, including a recent car accident which has left him less able to handle the physical requirements of running a hotel this size.

Sahota also confirmed that he has no plans to purchase or start another business in the area. 

In fact, the family of five  is considering the possibility of selling their home in Morrisburg and leaving the area altogether in pursuit of a new dream elsewhere.

As for the future of the Loyalist Hotel, all that can be confirmed at this point is that the new owner will take possession of the building on June 1st.

[…]

 

“Over the past week or so it’s come to our attention that the Morrisburg Dock is unfit,” said councillor Evonne Delegarde at the May 15th South Dundas council meeting.

“As a second part to this,” she continued, “there’s a boat tour that’s scheduled several different dates throughout the summer starting mid-June.”

Mayor Steven Byvelds acknowledged the situation, saying that chief administrative officer Stephen McDonald had already been in contact with the captain of the boat cruise.

“I made him aware that although it’s a public dock,” said McDonald, “it’s under the township and he shouldn’t be promoting its use without permission.”

“Captain Andy went on his own,” said Byvelds. “He didn’t inform anybody. The dock is now unsafe and there’s nothing to be done.”

“They need to realize it isn’t a free dock. We’re not here to stop commercial ventures, but they need to come work with us.”

Councillor Jim Graham said, “I think we should work with them. It’s a very good draw for tourism. I’d certainly support anything we could do.”

As for dock repairs, council is waiting on an engineer’s report before moving forward.

[…]

 

From all accounts the inaugural event of the Golden Gears Car Club was a great success. On Friday evening, May 25, the Club held a Show and Shine beside Canadian Tire in Morrisburg. Members came out to show off 33 cars, drawing large numbers of car enthusiasts among the public.

“We are trying to get established, trying to let people know we are here, and who we are,” said Henry Swank, president of the newly re-formed club. “We held this event as a way for the public to see the cars, and to chat with the owners. We also had memorabilia, including the original club charter, for visitors to see. There was a great turn-out of club members (currently 55, with room for more). We know there is a lot of interest out there, and the club has a number of events planned, including the Canada Day Car show in Iroquois and a July 29 Golden Gears own car show.”

Tony Byvelds shows off his 1974 Triumph Spitfire 1500.  Braden Lewis already has the “cruisin’ look” down, as he stands by his grandfather’s ‘62 Chrysler New Yorker. Garry Tracey displays his custom 2001 PT Cruiser Hemi.

[…]