News

Members of the recently created Canada Day Committee met at the George Jowett Hall in Riverside Heights on August 30th.

Up for discussion was budget, evaluation of this year’s Canada Day celebration, and planning for next year’s celebration, including fundraising ventures.

This year’s Canada Day celebrations almost didn’t happen. Luckily for the community, this group decided to come together to save the day.

With a $200 starter donation from the Morrisburg and District Lions Club, the group began fundraising for the event with only a month and a half to the July 1st deadline.

With hard work and help from the community, including shop owners, the group was able to create a great day for everyone.

In order to move forward with next year’s plans, the group decided to sift through the events of 2011’s Canada Day festivities: what worked, what didn’t work, and what could be done differently for 2012.

Keith Robinson estimated that there were 3,500 to 4,000 people at this year’s Canada Day fireworks display. The turnout for all the events was phenomenal.

The agility games for dogs, the Bingo, the music, the barbecue – all the activities were reported to be successful and popular with the crowd.

What could have been done differently?

One member of the group reported hearing complaints of there not being rides for older children.

Linda Robinson addressed this concern pointing out that due to the late notice they were unable to secure the larger rides for 2011.  The supplier had already committed the rides for another location on that day.

She went on to report that the 2012 Canada Day festivities will include rides for everyone.

Kim Casselman pointed out that many in the community felt the fireworks display to have been too short; they were good, but short.

This observation seemed unanimous and it was determined that the  display should be at least 20 minutes long, which will of course increase the cost substantially.

Here enters the money talk. While the Canada Day event of this year did raise some money for next year, there is not enough to cover the costs for 2012’s proposed activities.

After a very fruitful discussion, it was decided that fundraising would begin this fall.

Working together as a community will, no doubt, guarantee the success of next year’s Canada Day celebrations.

[…]

Mosquitoes in our area have tested positive for the West Nile virus.  Although there have been no human cases in our region, there have been some reported cases in the province.

“The Eastern Ontario Health Unit has been actively monitoring mosquitoes for West Nile virus” says Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health. “This finding shows that West Nile virus remains a concern in our area, even as the summer comes to an end.”

The Health Unit would like to remind residents to take precautions against the virus and therefore against mosquitoes by taking the following steps:

Use federally registered personal insect repellents, such as those containing DEET. Use a light coating on exposed skin. Follow label instructions for proper application.

Wear light-coloured clothing, long sleeves, pants and socks when outside.

Avoid being outside at dusk and dawn, as mosquitoes are the most active at that time.

Ensure that all containers in or around the yard like tires, pool covers, saucers for flowerpots, wading pools and children’s toys are regularly emptied of standing water.

Ensure that screens, windows and doors are fully sealed to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house.  

For more information, please contact the Eastern Ontario Health Unit at 613-933-1375 or at 1 800 267-7120. Ask for Health Line.

[…]

SD&G OPP are looking for the public’s help in solving a mischief that occurred sometime during the night of September 3, 2011 on County Road #1in Iroquois.

The investigation has revealed that a vehicle attended the parking lot and lawn area near the locks where extensive damage was done by someone doing power turns on the property.

The description of the vehicle involved is: black Dodge Dakota pick-up truck (crew cab) with a loud exhaust system.

This type of action is not only dangerous to anyone using our roadways but also wastes resources that have to be used to repair the damage.

Anyone having information on the above crime or any crime is asked to call SD&G OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

[…]

Bingo September 1st saw 79 players in Fraser Hall, a return to Fall numbers.

The meat draw on the 4th was for strip sirloin steaks and was won by Sheila Holmes.

Ladies Auxiliary meetings will resume on Wednesday the 7th. Saturday the 10th will be Member appreciation night with hamburgers and hotdogs provided plus the music of our favourite, John Mason.

MEETING’s Executive meets on Monday the 12th due to the holiday on Monday 5th. General Meeting on Wednesday the 14th 2:30 p.m. in Fraser Hall. These meetings are important, if you want to be heard, attend!

Friday the 16th The Real Deal will be featured in the Pub.

Men’s dart league playing out of Branch #48 will begin Monday the 19th. Mixed darts will begin on Tuesday the 20th.

Senior euchre will be every Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the Pub. Players welcome or stop for coffee.

Terry Fox Run at Branch #48 on September 18th from 8 a.m. to 12, certainly a worthwhile fundraiser. Pledge sheets are available.

Membership cards for the year 2012 are now available in the Pub. Renew before November 30th and be entered for the Early-Bird Draw. As always there will be three names drawn for prizes.

Last week in the Thank-you’s to barbecue helpers I omitted some of the most important people – our salad providers. We are so grateful to those of you who make our salads time and time again. THANK YOU!

For meeting night, Get up, Dress up, Show up!

[…]

After more years of playing crib than anyone can remember, Comrade Willis Douglas was blessed with his first-ever perfect hand of 29 points! He was dealt the Jack of clubs and three 5’s, when the 5 of clubs was cut for his nibs. Willis was playing with Mike Lavery against Ted Grattan and partner Roger Coulter. Congratulations Willis.

Speaking of crib, the IL (Iroquois Legion) crib league is gearing up for play starting Saturday, September 10th at 1pm. All crib enthusiasts are welcome, and the afternoon’s play consists of nine games with partners or opponents drawn at random from those present. Call Roger Coulter for more information.

The monthly steak barbecue at the IL held its own, even considering there were a couple of other functions going on in the community. The barbecue crew was little, but those that were there pitched in and got the job done. You did a great job crew… the evening was a success, with 76 steak dinners being served.

The next steak barbecue will be held on September 17th. It is highly recommended to get your tickets early because a large crowd is expected, as the event is listed as part of Applefest.

I received a call last week from a very important project that is going on in our nation, dedicated to recording the stories of our war veterans. A project that is sponsored in part by Canadian Heritage and Historica-Dominion Instuitute, this is a project that is currently working against time to digitally record the stories of our World War II veterans. On their website you can listen to the stories of the veterans in their own voices, or you also have the option to read the interview verbatim. It is truly amazing.

The stories are interesting and informative, and as well, the classroom project is proving to be very successful. It is the foundation’s aim to someday have this project included in the education curriculum. Veteran speakers will also go into the classroom, college or other functions to tell their stories.  

In checking out their website, I was disappointed that I couldn’t find any veterans stories from our area at all. If you are a WWII veteran or have a family member or friend who served in the second great war, please call 1-866-701-1867 or email memory@historica-dominion.ca. This truly is a race against time as we are losing our veterans at an alarming rate now.

There were seven tables seated at August 9th euchre. In first was Cecil McDermott, followed by Martha Whitford in second. Betty Shaver was third.

On August 16th, there were nine tables, with Gladys Parks finishing first. In second place there was a three-way tie between Jean Dunbar, Sandra Julien and Jack Shaver.

This Friday’s hot lunch will be beef strips and sauce served with rice pilaf, with Mexican fruitcake for dessert.

Have a great week everyone! Cheers.

Thought of the Week: For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone. Audrey Hepburn 1929- 1993.

[…]

This summer, the Prime Minister took his sixth tour of the North. These visits have not been sightseeing tours. The Prime Minister is making a statement with these visits. They have been carried out to demonstrate to Canadians, and to the world, that Canada’s North is a priority for our administration. The Arctic is at the heart of our Canadian identity – from ancient Aboriginal cultures to famous explorers, to iconic Canadian artwork, literature, and landmarks.  

Our government under the leadership of Prime Minister Harper has made a commitment to the residents of Northern Canada that we will do everything possible to ensure the “land of the mid-night sun” realizes its full potential. Our Government is committed to promoting tourism and economic development in Canada`s North and invest in arctic infrastructure.

Since elected in January 2006, our government has realized the three Territories play a significant part in Canada’s future. If we are to maintain our position as a leading country on the world scene, we must develop and protect our north. The northern part of this great country has the potential to make Canada a leader in the world economy. Because of advances in technology and science, it is now possible to explore and develop the vast resources contained in our northern hemisphere to their full potential.

I am pleased the Prime Minister is taking a leadership role by actively demonstrating to the world that Canada’s north belongs to Canada and we are prepared to protect what is rightfully ours.  The North has not been a priority for previous governments. Other nations have made attempts to encroach on our sovereignty by making outlandish and false claims of ownership in the area. Countries like Russia and China have been trying to lay claim to parts of this vast area. We must be diligent in the defense of our assets.

I believe the words “True North Strong and Free” contained in our national anthem will mean more than they ever have as our country continues to grow and prosper in the years to come.

Guy Lauzon
Member of Parliament
Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry

[…]

September 10th has become World Suicide Prevention Day with communities around the world bringing attention to this tragic reality.
It is hoped that by discussing the topic, lives will be saved.

According to their recent press release, “This year the Suicide Prevention Coalition/Champlain East are urging our community to take time to learn about suicide, the warning signs and what to do.”

“Suicide is preventable and requires every person’s participation. Any one of us could play a part in helping to save a life.”

An article released by the same source pointed out: “The Eastern Ontario Health Unit released its Injury Report for Eastern Ontario in 2009 and suicide was found to be the highest in terms of mortality and intentional injury in most populations in our region for both men and women.”

Suicide is a real threat for communities at home, across the country, and around the world.

Communities all over Ontario and Canada are finding their own ways of bringing voice to suicide prevention with drum circles, butterfly release rituals, conferences, cycling and hiking tours – just to name a few.

Closer to home, in their recent press release, “LivingWorks Education Inc., the Ottawa Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Collateral Damage Project will host a concert on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at Ottawa’s Centrepointe Theatre headlining Inuk singer/songwriter, Susan Aglukark.”

“The event will celebrate the “Building Suicide Safer Communities” initiative, a Canadian campaign hosted by LivingWorks Education and the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention. The initiative advocates for nation-wide suicide prevention and saving lives lost through this highly ignored community health tragedy.”

This same release continues, saying that “this first time event held in Ottawa will be an opportunity to commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day in Canada and start the discussion about a National Strategy for Canada on Suicide Prevention which remains long overdue.”

So, what can you do?

The Champlain East Suicide Prevention Coalition  is encouraging open acknowledgement and education of suicide for everyone. Recognize the warning signs and know what to do.

Most importantly, ask for help.

[…]

The DC Community Center celebrated its first birthday on Saturday the 27th with an open house.

Fun, food, games, and information were readily available to all.

The center has recently partnered with the Optimist Club, an organization that focuses on helping youth.

The center offers many activities. Some have already started while others will begin soon.

Different nights equal different activities with different leaders.  These programs include activities for youth of all ages up to 18 years.

Some of the activities already underway include game night, sports, and general fun.

Activities to come soon include movie night, paint ball, hobby club, and more sports.

In addition to the youth programs, the center also rents out its facilities.

To join in the fun as a participant or as a volunteer, telephone 613-652-4025.

[…]

It is time for students to head back to school and for motorists to be on the lookout for school buses and students.

The OPP in East Region would like to remind everyone that some school buses will be back in service early next week, while others will be back on Tuesday, September 6, 2011.

The public is reminded that every driver while on a highway while meeting a stopped school bus that has its overhead red signal-lights flashing shall stop before reaching the bus and shall not proceed until the bus moves or the overhead red signal-lights have stopped flashing. (Section 175(11) of the Highway Traffic Act).

“Many of our children walk to school and motorist should also be aware of the increased pedestrian traffic around our local schools, as children make their way for their first exciting day.  Reduce your speed in school zone and be extra cautious. Let’s make it safe for our children!” says Sgt.Kristine Rae.

[…]

Sunday’s rain held off just long enough for the Park Pals and their four-legged friends to carry out the official leash cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the South Dundas ‘off leash’ dog park located in the Earl Baker Park in Morrisburg.

The Dog Park “is another enhancement in South Dundas we can certainly be proud up,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds as he prepared to cut the celebratory leash.

Byvelds recalled how he told the Park Pals committee, after council viewed the design concept prepared by landscape architect Wendy Graham, that “I am looking forward to seeing the best dog park in Ontario.”

“I think this committee has certainly done that job. It looks beautiful,” he said Sunday.

“When the project started, it was something that was novel, something new. We allowed the idea to keep on going, and I think it kept on going because a group of people worked hard to keep it going. I know there were a lot of issues on the location, but in the end we are here, and I haven’t heard anyone say this wasn’t the best thing to do.”

Joining Byvelds to bring congratulations from the municipality were councillors Evonne Delegarde and Jim Graham. Former councillor Delbert Jones, who provided valuable help to the Park Pals Committee to get their project off the ground, also joined the ceremony.

Park Pals chair Tracey Veinotte thanked former Mayor Rowdy Gillard for his support and mentioned the support initially given by the late Mayor Charles Barkley.

“A key in getting the Dog Park we have today was the support of our councils,” said Veinotte. “We thank both the past and present councils for being the visionaries they are. It took a lot of backbone to make the decisions. We respect that and thank you.”
“It is due to a bunch of tenacious ladies that we are finally here today,” said Veinotte.

“Janeen (Wagemans) was proably the first phone call I got, and she’s been a real trooper throughout.”

Other Park Pal committee members are Willie Harper, Eileen Johnston, Ree Graham, Sandra Van Allen, Barb O’Neil, Cole Veinotte and Christyn Veinotte.

Major sponsors thanked for their contributions to the park were Michel Proulx (Canadian Tire), Riley Hatherall (Valu-mart) and Kim Butler (Morrisburg Scotiabank).

“I also want to thank Wendy Graham, our landscape designer, who made a huge contribution. Wendy donated her time and effort and she’s created this park in a way that it integrates with the rest of the park.”

The Dog Park (two areas, one for small dogs and the other for large dogs) has been a popular and very busy spot for dogs and their owners since the gates opened earlier this summer.

It is enhanced by a beautiful flower garden in a central stoned greeting area with benches, a dog drinking fountain and a memorial-brick pathway.

Making Graham’s design a reality were Scott Hall (SBD Construction), Buster and Eric Sneath (Buster’s Backhoe), Danny McMahon (D&H Fencing) and Gerben Schaillee (landscape consultation).

Although the rain caused an early shutdown of Sunday’s planned activities, the event was attended by several special interest groups including the Cornwall SPCA and  Canadian Guide Dogs.

Dog handler Barry Keicks was on hand with his dog Gage, but rain cancelled their demonstration.

Rev. Noreen Gullons (South Dundas Lutheran Parish)  conducted a ‘Blessing of the Park’ and offered ‘Pet Blessings’ after the ceremony.

[…]