News

On Saturday, August 27, at approximately 12:15 a.m. SD&G OPP officers responded to a report of a robbery at the Mac’s Convenience Store in Iroquois.

The investigation revealed that a male armed with a weapon entered the store and demanded that the clerk hand over all the money in the cash.

The employee complied and an undisclosed amount of money was handed over to the male.

The employee was not injured and the male fled on foot.

An extensive search of the area was conducted with negative results.

The male whose face was covered is described as approximately 6’2 inches tall, with a slim build (white). He was wearing black pants, a black coat and his face was covered.

SD&G OPP officers, assisted by the OPP Crime Unit investigators continue the investigation.

Anyone having information on the above or any crime is asked to call SD&G Opp at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

The Iroquois convenience store was also the victim of an armed robbery on June 12. Two youth were later apprehended and charged for this incident.

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On the platform of Aultsville Station, where no doubt a British Home Child at one time sat with all their earthly belongings waiting for the stranger who was going to take them in, the British Home Child Day Committee of SD&G, announced plans for an event that will take place on the first ever British Home Child Day September 28.

The new organization, which has about 15 members mostly with ties to British Home Children, has been working at the planning the event which will take place at Upper Canada Village.

“Over 100,000 British Home Children came to our country to work in the homes and on the farms of Canadians. Overcoming incredible hardships, these children became contributing members of society,” said Carolyn Goddard, chairperson of the committee. “On September 28th, British Home Child Day in Ontario, we will have an opportunity to hear their stories and recognized the contributions they have made.”

This committee was inspired to organize this event after the British Home Child Day Act, a Private Members Bill brought forward in the Ontario Legislature by SDSG MPP Jim Brownell.

Brownell’s grandmother was a British Home Child.

“I am pleased that a group of locals have done the leg work to take this day and make is something special,” said Brownell at the Aug. 19 announcement. “I hope this day at Upper Canada Village will give Ontarians a sense of who these Home Children were and how they contributed to life in Ontario.”

“I foresee many people coming here to talk about their families’ stories, which were often stories not told,” said Brownell, adding that he hopes this will become an annual event.

Brownell will himself be donating a plaque and a tree that will be planted as part of the Sept. 28 event at Aultsville Station.

“This is a story that is just starting to be talked about,” said Judy Neville, a committee member descended from a British Home Child.

“Canada’s British Home Children are a part of our county’s history. They are part of our heritage. They represent a part of our past and their descendents represent a part of our future. Their stories need to be taught in our schools,” said Brownell.

Gabriele Thomas of Upper Canada Village said that they are pleased to have the collaboration with this committee for the upcoming event, hoping that in future it will expand.

Plans for the Sept. 28 event include the dedication of a maple tree at the Aultsville Station, displays from various Home Children organizations, an opportunity for friends and descendents to tell the story of their home child, and a specially planned British Home Child tour of Upper Canada Village. A theatre group from Metcalfe will perform a sampling of their upcoming production based on a Home Child story, and throughout the day, musicians will entertain. The day ends with a catered dinner at Willard’s Hotel.

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Margaret Webb attended her first Brister Group amphitheatre performance on Saturday afternoon in the Waterfront Park. She went away the winner of the grand prize after a well attended per-formance by Easy Pickins’, a local folk style group noted for per-forming their own titles and select covers.

Lead guitarist (acoustic) Claude Plumondon touched the hearts of many in the audience with several of his original compositions, then tugged the heartstrings of all of the mothers inroducing a more personal story about his ailing when he penned the words to “Song For Mom”.It is indeed a beautiful musical story of a family’s love and appreciation for one another.

“In My Heart”,  a song written by band member Jeanne Ward about knowing the love of one’s life is on his way, and “Misery Express”,  another song by Plumondon with bass player Claude Clement singing…about a bus ride on which two people who have been hurt then ponder if they will try another shot at love were just a few of the many tunes this talented foursome delivered.

“We’ve had a good summer,” said amphitheatre marketing volunteer Bill Laurin. “Over the four performances we’ve managed to brighten the Saturday afternoons of about 750 people.”  Laurin said the enormous contribution of The Brister Group and the many businesses (see www.cruickshankamphitheatre.com) that came forward to take part in the promotion is what really worked for the attendance boost this year.“That and the quality of music talent available so close to home make the task relatively easy.”

“South Dundas has to be one of the most positive communities when it comes to working together to get something done!” Laurin said.

“And frankly, I believe this rarely identified, hard working group of committed South Dundas volunteers is going to make a real difference especially in the Waterfront Park area.” Continuing, he explained he was referring to the emerging Let Them Be Kids project which, on September 24th, will construct a huge play-ground here. Everyone in the community is invited to take part. He mentioned the beautiful new Park Pals Dog Park, the popular dock area, the Park Street gardens, Old home Week and the Lions many endeavors held in the park.

“We hope to make improvements in the amphitheatre produc-tion in 2012,” he said, adding “with more strategically selected dates, bands and additions to both the promotional package, the web site and our advertising campaigns.”The amphitheatre committee plans to initiate a full 2011 opera-tional report for the municipality, including a plan for 2012 calen-dar as soon as possible at their next meeting.“

”Now that we have the momentum moving it’s time to kick’er up a notch!” he said, “And we’re going to attempt to keep the web site interesting through our off time, make it a place for people to go and see what’s going on in South Dundas and the area.” At www.cruickshankamphitheatre.com.

The committee hopes to receive feedback from everyone concerning the 2011 production, the web site, the individual bands, suggestions to be presented for 2012, etc. Contact is by email, billsonja@gmail.com.

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