News

South Dundas council cost taxpayers less in 2012 than it has in the last five years.

According to the South Dundas council remuneration and expense report for 2012, released last week by South Dundas treasurer Shannon Geraghty, council cost taxpayers $91,510 in 2012. 

That number includes each council member’s honourarium, remuneration for meetings attended, mileage claims and conference/trade show expenses.  

That’s more than $16,000 less than 2011, and the lowest number since 2006, when it was $84,000.

Each member of council’s honouraium increased three percent from 2011, but they all claimed remuneration for fewer meetings than the previous year, and claimed fewer expenses from conferences and trade shows.

“Council only went to a maximum of two conferences in 2012,” said South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds of the savings. 

“In 2011, it was felt that since most of council was new, we all would have an opportunity to attend ROMA, AMO and OEMC and this added to the total cost.”

“Council is always aware of council remuneration and cost, however attending municipal conferences helps us to learn from others and have an opportunity to network with councillors from across Ontario,” he explained.

Byvelds and Locke have lower conference expenses as they can claim two conferences through SD&G as county council members.

Mayor Byvelds, who is paid the highest honourarium of all the council members ($20,617), was paid  a total of $25,217 in 2012. 

He reduced his meeting expenses by 22 per cent over the previous year and conference expenses by seven percent. 

Byvelds makes no mileage claims.

Although Deputy Mayor Jim Locke has the second highest honourarium ($14,434), two councillors were paid more in 2012 than he was. 

Locke was paid a total of $16,430 in 2012, $3,000 less than the year before. He claimed no mileage and no conference expenses in 2012, and reduced his meeting claims by 25 per cent.

Councillor Evonne Delegarde was paid $17,440 in 2012, almost $4,000 less than 2011. 

While her $11,340 honourarium was three percent higher than the previous year, like all council members, her remuneration for meetings was reduced by 20 per cent, her mileage by 38 per cent and her trade show expenses by almost 60 per cent.

Councillor Archie Mellan received over $4,000 less in 2012 than 2011. There was a six per cent decrease in his remuneration claims, 66 per cent reduction in mileage claims and 58 per cent reduction in conference expenses.

Councillor Jim Graham was paid $15,940 in 2012, more than $4,000 less than 2011. Hi remuneration for meetings decreased by three percent, mileage by 13 per cent and  conference expenses by almost 80 per cent.

[…]

“This is truly a very busy church,” interim pastor Lorna Casselman, of the Morrisburg Pentecostal Tabernacle Church, told The Leader. “There is a lot going on. It’s amazing how a smaller church like this one is so deeply involved in the community. We regularly have many events happening.” 

Following the retirement of long time pastor, the Reverend Duncan Perry, on December 30, 2012, the church selection committee is currently in the process of seeking the right candidate to become the new full time pastor.

In the meantime, the reverend Lorna Casselman has stepped in on a part time basis to minister to the congregation until that new pastor is named. 

“I am definitely following in some very big shoes after pastor Duncan,” Casselman said. “He’s left a big mark in the church and in the area.”

Pastor Lorna was born in Montreal (“I speak a little French,” she laughed, “but it was really the English side of the city.”). She said that she was at a church youth convention when, at age 12, “I felt the Lord’s call.”

Following high school, she attended the Eastern Pentecostal Bible College (now Masters College and Seminary) in Peterborough. She met her future husband, Robert ‘Bob’ Casselman, also a student there, and “never looked back.”

With Bob as the senior pastor and Lorna as associate pastor, particularly as their three children grew, the Casselmans served congregations in Quebec and Ontario. In later years, “we served side by side in our congregations.” 

Bob, who spent his teen years on a farm outside Morrisburg, loved this area: the two of them built a home in South Dundas about 30 years ago for their retirement. 

In 2003, they came to live in the area. 

Unfortunately, Bob passed away in 2005. The Casselman’s eldest daughter also passed away not long after her father.

Lorna continued to serve the church as senior pastor in Long Sault for the next 6.5 years. She retired and had “three months off from full time before I was called to Morrisburg to serve as interim pastor. 

I am officially part time, working three days a week, but the reality is that we are busy and there is a lot going on.”

She will continue to serve until  the church’s selection committee has had time to study the resumés and sermons of candidates, and has had the opportunity to bring potential pastors to the area to meet with the committee and the congregation.

“My job is to keep the church functioning and to prepare for the new pastor. I will definitely be here for as long as I am needed.”

As a member of the South Dundas community, pastor Casselman made a very special journey in September, 2012. 

She travelled with the SD&G Highlanders to Europe to trace the Glens’ actions during World War II, from the landing beaches all the way to Germany as the war ended. 

The regular padre of the Glens had been unable to make this trip, and pastor Casselman was asked to serve as the forces’ padre for the two week journey. “It was the trip of a life time, a fantastic time,” she said. 

Pastor Casselman sees a strong future ahead for the church. “The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada are still growing,” she said. “We follow a strict adherence to the word of God. People seem to respond.”

The Morrisburg Pentecostal Tabernacle Church will know “when the right candidate for full time pastor arrives,” the reverend Lorna Casselman said. “When that person comes, then I will go back to being a member of this church…if they haven’t kicked me out,” she added, with a definite twinkle in her eye.

[…]

United Counties Council wrapped up budget deliberations after settling on a 1.5 percent tax increase for the average residential property owner.

The increase will add about $16 to the county portion of the average residential property tax bill, reported South Dundas Mayor and County Councillor Steven Byvelds following the February 20 budget meeting in Cornwall.

In SD&G the average residential property is assessed for $171,250.

Last year, in South Dundas, the property taxes paid on that $171,250 home were $2,330. Of that amount, $1,118 went to the United Counties, $378 went to the province for education and $834 remained with South Dundas. 

The tax dollars collected through the county portion of the tax bill mainly support the road system (47%), policing (23%) and health and social services (23%).

South Dundas council will start South Dundas budget deliberations in early March.

[…]

 Dan Summers, son of the late Jack Summers and his wife, Christine (Blok) and stepson of the late Art Martell, has achieved a very significant honour. He has been named one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals. 

The announcement was made February 7, 2013, by the South Slave Divisional Education Council (SSDEC), where Summers is principal of Deninu School in the North West Territories.

He will travel to Toronto to receive the national award from The Learning Partnership at a formal ceremony.

A graduate of Timothy Christian Elementary School who also attended Seaway District High School in Iroquois, Summers completed high school, university and his teacher’s training in Alberta. 

The SSDEC stated that “We believe that Principal Summers was selected for this award because of his excellent leadership in improving learning outcomes at Deninu School. Since his arrival in 2009, he has implemented a variety of research-based strategies for maximizing achievement…that have been a great success.”

The SSDEC also said that Summers has shown himself from the outset to be “up to the challenge,” an educational leader who “embraced high expectations with vigor. The improved Deninu School results have also contributed to the success of the region in its efforts to close the achievement gap between aboriginal and non-aboriginal students.”

Notified of his award selection, Summers commented that he felt that his success was the result of the “strengths of each of my staff and the all hands on deck attitudes. I have never once felt we are eight separate schools, DEAs and a Central Office. Rather, it’s always seemed to be to be one big effort.”

As a further indication of his educational achievements as both teacher and principal, Dan Summers and his entire Deninu staff were also awarded the NWT 2012 Premier’s Award of Excellence.

[…]

 An important fund raiser is being held at the Matilda Hall on April 6 for Mark, Lisa, Brody and Brett Froats, whose lives changed dramatically last fall.

Brody, who recently celebrated his 17th birthday, was born with Prader-Willi Syndrome, a debilitating disease that has caused obesity, severe muscle atrophy and heart and respiratory problems. It is no longer possible for Brody to be cared for at home. His condition has deteriorated, and he must be hospitalized and cared for day-to-day.

Lisa, Brody’s mother, is fighting Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. She just completed six months of chemotherapy, and still faces a CT Scan, a PET Scan and Bone Marrow biopsy. She is with Brody on the days she feels well enough, staying over in the city. 

Brett Froats, nine, remains at home to attend school during the week.

Father Mark Froats is self-employed, but has been unable to work since Brody was admitted to the hospital. Mark must be involved in his son’s care 24/7, costing the family their sole provider, a situation that will continue for an unknown length of time. Family and friends help the Froats’ out as much as possible, but expenses keep mounting and are never-ending.

The Matilda Hall Fund Raiser on April 6, is an organized community event run through the combined efforts of the Morrisburg and District, Iroquois-Matilda, Finch, Chesterville and Winchester Lions clubs. 

The fund raiser will feature a Car Rally, and later a roast beef dinner prepared and catered by local caterer, Gayle Hart. (Dinners must be reserved in advance. Call Kelly deDekker at 613-535-1424 for tickets.)

Several local bands and a professional Elvis Impersonator will provide lots of entertainment  at the Hall during the afternoon and evening, with the cost of admission a donation of your choice to the cause. The day will end with an enjoyable dance. 

Master of Ceremonies for the special day will be small business owner, Oddfellow member and devoted community volunteer, David Lapier. The Williamsburg Independent Order of Oddfellows will operate the cash bar.

The Pulling Together Team has begun canvassing for donation items for both a silent and a live auction. Well known auctioneer, Hugh Fawcett, will auction the larger items. This should be a very exciting part of the day.

Mark Saturday, April 6, on your calendar, and support this important fund raiser for the entire Froats family. 

[…]

 New anniversary, new season, new shows, new seats! There’s a lot that’s new at the Playhouse this Season.

The Playhouse has kept its eye on the pulse of what audiences want: top-notch productions of popular and entertaining shows featuring some of the country’s best professional actors, singers, directors and designers. 

“We have an unwritten agreement with our audience to give them shows that are well-produced and shows that entertain them, make them laugh, make them tap their toes and sometimes make them think about life itself,” says artistic director, Donnie Bowes, “but always through a comic eye.”

The 30th anniversary season comes hot on the heels of last year’s record attendance of over 43,000. The Playhouse continues to be a significant contributor to the local economy and tourist trade, bringing hundreds of visitors to South Dundas.

 To celebrate its 30^th anniversary in 2013, UCP recently installed new seats for the comfort of its ever-growing audience. However, Bowes states, “The most important way we’re celebrating this landmark year is by continuing to give our audiences the shows they really want to see. ”

The 2013 season starts April 23 to May 5, with Wichita Lineman, featuring the music of Glen Campbell, a show created by Playhouse favourite Leisa Way and her band. It stars Aaron Solomon, who has wowed Playhouse audiences, along with co-stars Leisa Way and Randall Kempf. Songs range from Bobbie Gentry to The Beach Boys.

The Playhouse’s Summer Comedy Series follows with four brand new shows never before seen on the Playhouse stage.

 The hilarious Whose Wives Are They Anyway? runs June 6-30. Buddies John and David, enjoying a golfing weekend, are confronted with a boss who demands to meet their spouses: comic confusion quickly ensues. 

Next up, July 4-28, is the mad-cap comedy Murder at the Howard Johnsons. a production filled with thrills, suspense, surprises and a ton of laughs.  

The hysterical farce No Sex, Please, We’re British hits the stage August 1-25. A desperate couple sends away for some glassware and instead receives shipments of adult material they frantically try to hide. Naturally all goes hilariously wrong.

The summer series wraps up September 5-29 with the comic and touching production of The Cemetery Club.  Audiences will love Ida, Lucille and Doris, three widows who meet once a month to visit their husbands’ graves. 

The Playhouse also plans a busy fall featuring the return of Marshall Button’s wonderful creation, Lucien, October 3-6. 

Vegas Knights brings Big Band music alive when that spectacular production takes the stage by storm, October 18-23.  

The wonderful holiday family classic, Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, ends the Playhouse’s 2013 season, featuring a huge and multi-talented cast.

Flex Passes for the summer series are on sale until June 6: regular priced tickets are available all year. For information, tickets and brochures contact the Box Office at 543-3713, 1-877-550-3650 or www.uppercanadaplayhouse.com.

[…]

Actually, deputy chief of the South Dundas Fire Services, Philip Thompson (far left), didn’t really need the extinguisher as he took up his duties as one of the judges at the annual Iroquois Legion, Branch 370, Great Chili Taste-Off held Saturday, February 23, at the Legion. There were 13 different and exciting entries (all names hidden from the judges) contending for 2013 honours as best chili, with a delicious meal waiting for ticket holders once the judges made their decision. The judges looked for what they considered to be the “best-tasting chili” as there are no formal categories at the Taste-Off, organized by Hilda Barkley and Delaine Greenough, of the Legion Ways and Means Committee. “This is a fund raiser, and another fun happening in the busy schedule of our Legion,” they said. Bill Vanderspank, (second from the left), Iroquois president, popped in for a little preview taste, as judges Brian Clifford, vice president of Cardinal Legion, Branch 105 and Candace Menges, representing the Iroquois and District Business group, dug in.

[…]

Over $1,000 was raised at the annual Heart and Stroke Curling Bonspiel hosted by the Morrisburg Curling Club on Saturday. 

Organized for the fourth consecutive year by Greta McGann, the bonspiel in that time has raised over $5,500. 

This year’s event attracted 10 teams of curlers all of whom enjoyed a great day of curling and hospitality. 

“February is Heart Month, and we have our Core Fundraising Program underway,” said Cindy Rowe, area manager for Heart and Stroke in SD&G-Prescott Russell of the 1,495 canvassers involved in the local door-to-door campaign.

Rowe congratulated McGann on the great job she does with the annual bonspiel. In addition to accepting the Morrisburg Club/Bonspiel donation, Rowe was on hand to announce that Heart & Stroke would be providing a heart defibrillator to the club. 

“Heart and Stroke received money through a bequest from an area farmer and as a result, in partnership with SD&G Emergency Service, we are able to place some defibrillators throughout the area.” 

Rowe indicated that the curling club, with its activities and high senior membership population, is a good fit. 

Bonspiel organizer Greta McGann was happy with Saturday’s turnout and especially pleased with the generous response from the local business community and individuals who provided a fantastic assortment of gifts used for prizes and door prizes.

McGann expressed her thanks to everyone who donated. 

The Bonspiel featured two draws. Winning the first draw was the Toonders rink of John, John C. Jason and Candice. The second draw winners were Mahlon and Paula Locke and Carolyn and Garry Beckstead.

[…]

Dog # 1-Chocolate Lab mix is a female puppy, less than one year old. She is not spayed, but is house trained and good with people. She is an excellent choice for a family, as she is eager for some puppy training and fun!!! -Was adopted, Sunday February 24.

[…]