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 “These men cared nothing about what we thought. I know that there was not one of them in that unit who, if given the command, would not have immediately beheaded us.”

Former Special Envoy of the UN, Robert Fowler, kidnapped in December, 2008, in Niger, by an affiliate of al-Qaeda, was the guest of the Canadian Club of Morrisburg and District, on Wednesday, October 17, 2012. A large crowd was on hand.

The former diplomat was Canada’s longest-serving Am-bassador to the United Nations. He acted as foreign policy advisor to three prime ministers and, in 2011, was named Officer of the Order of Canada. 

At the time of his abduction, Fowler was posted to Niger as a Special Envoy to Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon. His task, in the increasingly unstable, desperately poor nation of 18 million, was to try and find a diplomatic resolution to the “low-grade” rebellion of the Taureg people. During three trips into the Taureg territory, he and his colleague, Louis Guay, had convinced the rebels to agree to sit down. What they could not move was the government of then president Mamadou Tandja. 

Fowler now believes that Tandja harboured private ambitions to continue to rule Niger, depending on an ongoing state of “civil unrest.” It is Fowler’s stated contention that the president “arranged to send our itinerary to al-Qaeda so that these people could come after us.”

They were ambushed by men  armed with Kalashnikovs on a highway well inside the capital region of Niger. 

This was the start of a terrifying off-road journey into the desert as the kidnappers fled back to their desolate campsite, ironically nicknamed Camp Canada.

“The commander of our kidnappers, called Omar One by Louis and me, demanded our papers (probably to be sure they had got the right men). Louis produced his passport, but I had absolutely no papers on me. Omar furiously exclaimed that it was illegal to travel in Niger without documents,” Fowler told the audience sardonically.

Every day, the captives lived with the very real fear of being beheaded on camera. Hauled into a tent on two occasions to make  videos, Fowler quietly recalled looking around “for plastic. The kidnappers don’t want blood getting on their few possessions.”

The gang ranged in size. But there were never fewer than three rifles aimed at the hostages.

“These were fundamentalists of the most extreme kind. Omar often told us, “We fight to die. You fight to go home to your families. How can we lose?” They were kidnappers and killers, but utterly dedicated to their cause. They absolutely believed in Jihad, absolutely believed that the moment they died, they would sit in paradise by rivers of milk and honey,” Fowler said. 

“They exist in a 7th century bubble, but are festooned with 21st century cell phones and weapons. They hate democracy, liberty, freedom. 

And any Muslim who espouses a view contrary to theirs is an apostate and should be assassinated.” 

Sweltering in 52 degree Celcius heat, deprived of even basic resources, Fowler and Guay struggled to keep up each other’s spirits. They had no idea if anyone was even looking for them.

Fowler later learned that president Blaise Campaoré of Burkina Faso, through his envoy Mustapha Chaffi, had agreed to take on the complex negotiations for their release. (“Ironic,” Fowler commented, “as I had, the year before, called Campaoré an ‘international criminal.’”). Also stepping in to help was Baba Ould Cheikh, envoy of Mali’s president Touré: Cheikh made 11 perilous journeys into the rebel region on behalf of the Canadians. 

“The government of Canada swears it did not pay any ransom for us,” Fowler said. “But al-Qaeda does not carry out humanitarian acts, such as releasing hostages. I truly do not know what was paid for us or to whom. Apparently it was ‘enough.’ In a way, I do not want to ever know.”

Finally turned over to the “good guys” after 138 days of captivity, Fowler said that he took five showers and still felt sandy. He also drank three cokes. “But I knew I was truly free when I asked for a beer, in a Moslem country, and eventually someone produced a room temperature LaBatts 50.”

Fowler, who is now with the University of Ottawa, was a riveting and thoughtful speaker. His address obviously struck a strong chord with the audience. 

He was asked, at the end, how he and Louis Guay, stayed sane.

“We had these rules,” Fowler explained quietly. “No “what ifs.” No talking about bad stuff after lunch. And, if one of us fell into despair, the other was to haul him out of that pit.”

[…]

 

Construction projects reportedly worth almost $17 million are taking place in South Dundas so far this year.

That’s about $7 million more than last year.

This year has been an especially busy year for residential construction in South Dundas.

South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds reported at the Oct. 9 open forum meeting in Iroquois that the municipality’s building permit department has been “extremely busy” issuing a much higher number than average so far in 2012.

Dan Tessier, South Dundas’ building inspector, agreed that this year has definitely been a lot busier than last.

By the end of August this year 104 building permits had been issued, compared to 86 last year.

In comparing the two years; industrial, institutional and agricultural permits have remained roughly the same. 

The number of commercial building permits issued has decreased slightly, dropping from 12 to nine.

All of the growth in South Dundas appears to be residential. 

By the end of August last year, 57 residential permits had been issued. This year, in that same time frame, 79 permits have been issued.

“Things are happening,” commented South Dundas deputy mayor Jim Locke about the building permits at last week’s public meeting.

This growth, if it continues through the end of this year, helps to improve the municipality’s financial situation in two ways. 

Firstly, the fees paid by the applicants are revenue for the municipality, and so far, about $27,000 more fees have been collected this year than in the same time period last year.

Secondly, the homes/buildings being constructed will share the property tax load in South Dundas.

“Growth equals additional tax revenue. Growth is our main goal, and the main goal of any townhsip,” says Shannon Geraghty, treasurer for South Dundas. “It has a domino effect, everyone benefits from it.”

[…]

 

“We serve” is the Lions International motto, established back in 1917 when the organization was first founded.

That same philosophy of service to the people and institutions of the community of South Dundas has been part of the spirit of the Iroquois-Matilda Lions club for 65 years. At a unique and very special evening, Saturday, October 27, at the Matilda Hall, the Lions are inviting the entire community to join them for a celebration of their more than six decades of service to South Dundas.

There are currently 36 active members of the Iroquois-Matilda Lions, led by 2012-13 president Steve Wilson. 

“We really have three objectives for our 65th Charter and International Night on October 27 at the Matilda Hall in Dixon’s Corners,” Wilson said. 

“First, is to celebrate the 65 years the Lions have served this community. Second, is to offer our guests a delicious meal and some outstanding entertainment from the comedy team of Bowser and Blue. And third, we hope to raise funds for the Glaucoma Society of Canada.”

Wilson explained that the gala is linked to the “sight mandate” of Lions International.

“Lions have always supported sight related causes. We felt that raising funds during our celebration for the Glaucoma Society was the perfect fit for us. Ruth, wife of Lion Paul Robertson, has glaucoma. She and Paul have become strong advocates of raising awareness about glaucoma, and helping in the search for a permanent cure.”

Quite aside from the good cause the Lions are supporting, guests at the gala can expect to enjoy a wonderful evening of great food and sparkling entertainment.

The Lions are definitely bringing in some stellar talent for their anniversary.

George Bowser and Ricky Blue, the team of Bowser and Blue, have been A-list entertainers since they first created a professional partnership in 1978. Musicians and comedians, they have performed in concert halls and theatres across Canada: since 2007, they have headlined in the Canadian Snowbird Extravaganza concert series across North America.

Regularly guests at the Just for Laughs comedy festival, Bowser and Blue can often be seen on CBC television and the Comedy Channel. Their Christmas CTV special, “Two Nuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” was nominated for a Gemini award. 

They have recorded for Supertramp’s Rick Davies, created  a number of sold-out musical comedies for Montreal’s Centaur Theatre, and collaborated on 12 CDs. 

For the Iroquois-Matilda Lions, Bowser and Blue have promised an evening of rip-roaring music and comedy that will leave gala guests “rolling in the aisles.”

The Lions hope that all members of their South Dundas community will come out to support their 65th anniversary celebration next week. 

“Groups like the Lions are a vital part of the community,” said president Steve Wilson. “In a time where membership in service groups is declining, and many groups have been forced to end their organizations, it is important that the community encourage and support the Lions, who truly are dedicated to serving those less fortunate than themselves.” 

There will be a silent auction, a dinner, catered by Ruth Wells, and a draw prize of three nights in Quebec City at the Fairmont Le Chateau, Frontenac. 

Tickets for the gala 65th Charter and International Night celebration on Saturday, October 27, at the Matilda Hall in Dixon’s Corners, starting at 5 p.m., are $50 each, and are available from Lions club members or from Mustard’s Variety in Iroquois.

[…]

 

 It will be a grand afternoon for anyone with a drop of Celtic blood in their veins (and also for those who simply love the wonderful Celtic sound) when the Williamsburg Community Association holds Celtic Unplugged on Sunday, October 28, at the Matilda Hall, Dixon’s Corners. 

This special concert is a first for Celtic music in this area.

Celtic Unplugged will be an afternoon of socializing and traditional Glengarry music performed by outstanding artists, who have performed all over North America.

Fiddler Ashley MacLeod is from the county of Glengarry, a multiple music award winner who was invited to play at the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship as a junior show case artist when she was only 14. 

She has performed her magic before thousands of fans, on stage with many outstanding musicians including the Celtic rock band, Hadrian’s Wall, the Brigadoons, the Paddys, and the Paperboys. 

South Dundas audiences will thrill to her jigs, reels, waltzes and beautiful airs. 

Joining  her  for  Celtic Unplugged will be Kelsey McDonell who also hails from Glengarry. A talented and renowned fiddler, Kelsey has performed on stage, with the Glengarry Pipe Band, and has toured with the folk group, Greenwich Meantime.

Denis Carr of the Brigadoons is no stranger to those who love Celtic music. Currently the leader of the Brigadoons, Carr has performed for diverse audiences  including the National Arts Centre and the military at CFB Alert. 

He and his group have been favourites in pubs, parades and concert halls, and are a high light of the Friday night Tattoo at the Glengarry Highland Games. 

Carr will deliver a stunning program which will certainly include many beloved and traditional songs like  “Glengarry My Home” and the “Martintown Song.” 

South Dundas audiences will also enjoy the Celtic stylings of Paddy Kelly and Paddy Maher at the Sunday afternoon concert.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the joy, the energy and the beautiful memories in a concert of outstanding music at Celtic Unplugged, coming to the Matilda Hall.   

Hosted by the Williamsburg Community Association, Celtic Unplugged will take place at the Matilda Hall on Sunday, October 28, beginning at 2 p.m. 

Tickets are only $10 and are available at the door, or at the Williamsburg Garage. There will be complimentary refreshments available at the concert.

[…]

 

They may not resemble conventional fliers, but this group of plane lovers are definitely ‘pilots’.

“We have jokingly called ourselves the Willyburg Fliers,” said Adam Hill, a remote control (RC) plane enthusiast. “Right now, we’re a small group, just the four of us, but we welcome others to come out and join us. We will teach people how to fly the planes, how to build them if they want. The whole experience is just a lot of fun. I guess you could call us plane addicts,” he laughed.

They can be seen out in the fields behind Williamsburg, at the waterfront in Morrisburg and even up at the point in Iroquois, piloting their graceful crafts. The group flies year round: they firmly believe that no one is too young or too old to enjoy flying remote controlled craft.

The planes the group flies are often striking looking replicas of real planes like the Pitts, the F4 Phantom or the Sbach 342. Among the four of them, they own some 17 planes.

Many people, thinking back to the heavy gasoline powered model planes from a few years ago, might believe that hobby flying is an expensive hobby.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. Dave Rae explained that “our planes are all electric now. New battery technology and the electric engines have dramatically reduced the costs of the planes from what they were a few years ago. Now, instead of needing $1,000 to get started, a person can start on about $200.”

“The planes are all electric and definitely environmentally friendly,” said Jerry Gibson.

The Willyburg Fliers also have experience in building models and would be glad to share their expertise. 

“Right now, I’m actually building a Cessna 182 with a wingspan of eight feet,” Adam Hill  said. “It’s still a hobby plane, but building your own flyer is really a big part of the fun.”

How did the four get drawn into the hobby of flying RC planes?

Michael Butler, 14, the youngest fly boy, said he “spotted the guys out flying, and I went over with my small plane. They let me join them. I listened and learned, and then Jerry let me fly his plane. I was hooked. They ordered the parts, and helped me build my own plane. Now I come out on a regular basis. I say planes before homework,” Michael added. 

“As a kid I drooled over RC magazines,” Dave Rae explained. “When I was growing up, it was still too expensive a hobby, but in May of 2011, I was able to get my first plane, and I’ve been flying since.”

Jerry Gibson began with RC helicopters, but he soon got into the planes. Despite a crash or two (“Crashing is actually part of the learning process,”), he, like the others, was quickly hooked. 

Adam Hill  flew once, the others laugh, and was immediately “addicted.” He is now a major plane collector, who has built a miniature landing strip outside his Williamsburg home.

The hobbyists gather a lot of attention from the public wherever they fly. 

“Our planes are equipped with lights,” Dave said, “and we often fly at night. Actually, some people spotted us night flying and called the police thinking we were UFOs. Fortunately,” he laughed, “Jerry’s brother-in-law is with the OPP and he realized it was just us out there.”

Jerry has also mounted a camera in the cockpit of one of his planes, and been able to record the river and the colours of fall.  “The videos were crystal clear,” he said, “and fairly dramatic. We loaded two inflight recordings on YouTube.”

 A hobby shop (RPM) recently opened at Dixon’s Corners makes getting supplies and kits locally much easier for people interested in flying.

The Willyburg Fliers are looking forward to sharing their love of flying remote controlled planes with anyone in the area who might be interested.

“You don’t need to have your own plane,” Adam said. “We can buddy box two planes hooked into a remote, and we would be glad to work with you, and teach you. We welcome everyone (over age 12) to our hobby flying group.”

Adam Hill can be reached at 1-613-330-7630 for questions, references or information.

[…]

 

Of the approximately 10,000 residents of South Dundas, one quarter of one percent of the population attended council’s open forum meeting at the Iroquois Civic Centre last Tuesday evening.

Asked if he was disappointed with the turnout, South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds said, “No. I think the turn out was good. It is always hard to anticipate how many will show, but it was as I expected.”

The main topic of discussion that evening was also exactly what the mayor expected.

The hottest topic of interest the 25 meeting attendees wanted council to discuss was the refurbishment of the former Morrisburg Collegiate Institute.

One third of the questions asked of council by area residents concerned the high school refurbishment project.

“What’s wrong with the old municipal building?” asked Bert Geertsma. “I can’t see the feasibility of going to Morrisburg,” he said, suggesting a referendum on the issue. Geertsma was the only person who suggested a referendum on the issue, but others did ask, why the move out of Williamsburg? 

Byvelds pointed out that, from the time of amalgamation, housing the municipal offices at Williamsburg was always meant to be temporary, and that the municipality has definitely outgrown that building.

“The issue of (renovating) the old high school has been debated for two years, so I don’t think people didn’t have a chance to tell us their stance,” said Mayor Byvelds. “Public opinion is likely as divided as council was the night we made the decision.”

“The (old high school) renovation was the most economical option. It’s $4 million,” said Byvelds. “Two engineering firms have told us that building is structurally sound or we wouldn’t have gone down that road. The decision was not made on a whim.”

“The high school renovation is a done deal, it’s not going to stop,” said South Dundas deputy mayor Jim Locke. “In a township with virtually no debt and reserves that are in good shape, it’s not that big a deal. The township can handle it.”

Clare Brown asked questions concerning the proportion of the cost of the project that will cover the medical and municipal portions of the building.

The medical portion of the building is about 25 percent of the total square footage, but the cost of the medical space is about 40 percent of the $4 million price tag.

“When you go to medical facilities they look expensive, because they are expensive,” said Mayor Byvelds. The doctors’ lease contribution agreement will only cover about 60-75 percent of the entire cost of the medical portion of the building, but Byvelds said that council decided that the municipality will cover the extra.

According to Byvelds, the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic felt strongly that with the township’s help, they would be able to use the new, much improved space, to help entice new doctors to the community in a time when some of the existing doctors are planning retirements.

“With a new building, I think that gives us an opportunity to bring medical services in South Dundas to a higher level,” said Byvelds. “We didn’t want to be known as the council that chased the doctors out of South Dundas.”

Liz Daoust asked about the cost of utilities for the building.

“The doctors will cover their own utilities and we (municipality) will cover ours,” said Byvelds.

She questioned the heat and hydro costs in such a large building.

“You are paying $16,000 per year already and there’s no one in it. Now, we are going to be much more efficient with spending your tax dollars,” said Byvelds.

Glenn Beckstead and Leslie Disheau both asked about the removal of asbestos from the building in such close proximity to a school.

“I hope you will be in communication with the Upper Canada District School Board as to when the cleanup of asbestos will happen, so that parents are well informed before any kind of emergency happens,” said Disheau. 

“That is not a bad suggestion,” said Byvelds. “It makes sense.”

[…]

 

Organizers Brian and Tracey Shaver couldn’t have imagined any better results as they set to work on their second decade of running their annual Ball Hockey Tournament in Support of the Dundas County District Council of Easter Seals in Williamsburg.

For their 11th event at the outdoor rink in Williamsburg this past Saturday, the Shavers were absolutely thrilled to see records set in the money raised, $6,020, and the number of teams (11) participating.

The only constant of the day was the third consecutive tournament win by team Morrell which included James Morrell, Ben and Jon Macpherson, Billy DeJong, Greg Millard, Colin Moran, Kelly Verhoeven, Lindsay Waddell, Laura McDonnell and Meghan Macpherson.

The Morrell team defeated Jamie McIntosh’s Delft Blue Veal in the A final.

For the first time ever, the event included a dance which was held at the Cedar Glen Golf Club with music by Wreckless.

The dance was sponsored by area businesses Wells and Son, Sevita International, Pioneer Winchester and Whitford Construction and added $518 to the day’s returns through ticket sales and another $156 when Wreckless passed the hat and collected another $156 to play another hour.

Through the community’s generous pledges to the ball hockey players and donations, the tournament raised a record $5,346, well up from last year’s $4,208.

“Brian and Tracey have done an amazing job getting this all in place,” said Easter Seals administrator Deanna MacKillican, who with Dundas County Easter Seals council chair Ian McLaughlin attended the event. “They organized and got all the sponsors. They do everything. They are amazing.”

In total, this year’s event received the support of 52 area businesses and individuals who put up prizes and/or made cash donations.

“It’s been a good year for businesses to donate,” said Brian Shaver. “This is really impressive for a small community. We had a handful of businesses step up and pay for the band so all of the ticket money is going to go back to Easter Seals. That is fantastic.”

“And as well, the prizes are very impressive, and for probably only the second time in 11 years, the weather is great.”

Coming in with the most pledges for the second consecutive year was Ben Henry at $700. Once again he was followed by Jason Rooney with $300. Jon MacPherson brought in $270, Janet Mackey $225, Scott Barkley $157, Bill Streng $145, Christine Carswell $140, Tammy Merkley $140, Greg VanBridger $124 and Adam Froats $105.

Each of the players is asked to raise a minimum of $25 in pledges.

“We have all set the bar high for next year, so we look forward to the challenge of beating it,” said Tracey Shaver.

The Easter Seals Society assists families who have children with physical disabilities.

Last year, the Dundas County District Council of Easter Seals counted on just under $20,000 raised at various local fund raisers which include the annual Ball Hockey Tournament, along with the Paper Eggs Initiative, Snowarama, a Curling Bonspiel and a Blooperball tournament.

There are approximately 11 families in Dundas County that are registered with Easter Seals Ontario.

[…]

 

While the local Meals on Wheels was packing up lunch on Friday for 41 area clients, Walter Reid, 1st vice-president of the Iroquois/Matilda Lions Club dropped in at the busy kitchen in Morrisburg to hand over a very appreciated cheque for $1,000. 

The Iroquois/Matilda Lions were answering the call to help Meals on Wheels purchase some needed insulated trays/tray liners which are used in the delivery of meals to clients in Morrisburg and Iroquois. 

With a cost of $700 for 10 trays and another $800 for 20 lines, Reid, who is also a volunteer driver with Meal on Wheels, pointed out, “you can see this donation won’t go very far. We (the Lions) heard that Meals on Wheels was in need and we wanted to help out.” 

On hand to accept the donation was Meals on Wheels Executive Director Glenn Beckstead and treasurer Bob Ruddock, along with Ruth Doesburg and Audrey Bruining who were busy packing up Friday’s lunch which consisted of pea soup, salmon loaf, scalloped potatoes, mixed vegetables and apple pie. 

“Our service is available, basically, to anyone who is unable to prepare his/her own meals,” said Ruddock.

For some clients the service is used on a fairly permanent basis, for others it may be short term, while recovering from an illness or hospital stay for example.

Beckstead said the local Meals on Wheels has become very busy of late. “The demand has gone crazy in the last three months. We’ve gone up 10 clients.”

Doesburg, who has been cooking for nine years, said it was the largest number she has seen since she started with the service.

Clients pay $4 for their meals.

The food is packed in the tray liners which are then set inside the covered trays, which in turn are packed in insulated covers. The 60 plus volunteer drivers then deliver to the Morrisburg/Iroquois area clients, leaving the day’s tray liner with the food, and picking up the liners left on previous days.

[…]

 

In recognition of School Bus Safety week, 28 drivers with Whitteker Bus Lines participated in a bus safety workshop last week which included bus evacuations, the use of fire extinguishers and knowing your mirrors.

“We try to do this every year with our drivers,” said Elaine Whitteker. “We get new drivers and we have longtime drivers who get in a routine.  Both can benefit from these workshops.”

This year’s workshop included first-hand bus evacuations and video training on the use of mirrors. It also included instruction on the use of fire extinguishers provided by a South Dundas Fire Prevention Team which included firefighters Trevor Riopelle, Justin Vanhecke and Chris Paulino.

After discussion on fire extinguishers and their proper use,  the drivers were provided the opportunity to extinguish a fire in a Fire Training Module which can be set up to replicate everything from a car fire to a trash can fire.

For the benefit of the Whitteker bus drivers last Wednesday, the module was set up to simulate a “fairly involved dash board fire”. 

Riopelle explained the PASS acronym for the use of fire extinguishers…pull, aim, squeeze, sweep. He discussed how to pull the pin, to aim at the base of a fire, to squeeze the lever and to use a sweeping motion.

“Be ready for the mess and be ready for the kickback,” he warned. He also warned everyone, “to never turn your back on a fire.”

“It (the fire extinguisher) is something you have on your bus that you hope you don’t ever have to use,” said Whitteker. “Think how much worse it would be to have it on your bus and not know how to use it.”

It addition to the annual fall workshop, Whitteker Bus Lines  runs several workshops throughout the driving season. Another, held a little later on, involves safe driving in winter conditions.

Riopelle stressed to the drivers that if there is an incident, “make the call. Let dispatch know what’s going on and to put Emergency Services on alert. You’ll never get in trouble for reporting a problem.”

Bus Safety Week 2012 runs from October 15-19.

[…]

 

The ladies of Dundas County love a good “Night Out”.

They proved it by once again filling the Matilda Hall at Dixon’s Corners for the fourth annual Community Living Dundas County Ladies’ Night Out fund raiser.

Event organizer Marlene Lewis was ecstatic to see the hall filled with over 200 people Thursday night.

Lewis who came up with the idea for this “Ladies Night Out” event four years ago, reports that every year they have managed to fill the building. The only difference now is that with four years of experience, it is getting easier to attract the large crowd. That bodes well for the event continuing annually.

“It’s tremendous to see such a great crowd. It is great to have the support of the community, after all, that’s what we’re all about,” said Lewis.

Debbie Boardman, executive director of Community Living Dundas County said, “It’s great to have a community that is so supportive. That’s what Community Living is all about. All of us supporting each other. Community Living Dundas County is more than just a service.”

The event featured shopping, snacks and plenty of socializing.

Twenty-two vendors displaying fashions, cosmetics, home decor, culinary products and more provided ample opportunity shop, especially when combined with the silent auction. The fashion show, with its new format was well received.

Proceeds from the evening’s event support the George Davidson Family Resource Fund, which helps families attend important conferences, the Snoezelen Room, which provides sensory stimulation especially helpful to those with autism and transportation costs.

Community Living Dundas County advocates for the inclusion of people with an intellectual disability, providing training and resources for families and self -advocates.  

It provides supports and services to adults with an intellectual disability to promote opportunities for personal growth within their community.

Funding comes from the provincial government as well as from the efforts of fund raisers like this one.

Community Living Dundas County’s Vision: Citizenship is the uniqueness of each person being accepted, supported and acknowledged within an inclusive community.

Their goal: That all persons live in a state of dignity, share in all elements of living in the community, and have the opportunity to participate effectively.

[…]