News

 

Due to its success the first time around, Kraft Food for Families will be running their program once again, giving people another opportunity to help their local food banks win money each and every week!

The second phase of the program began on December 2nd. It will last for 10 weeks, ending February 10th. To help your local registered food bank win, go to www.kraftassists.ca and add your name. Mountain’s House of Lazarus is the local food bank registered in the program for this area.  

Each name added will equal one vote for the House of Lazarus. Every week, the food bank that receives the most names of support for that week will receive a $1,000 donation from the Kraft Food for Families program.

Note that each week the totals reset to zero. So,  please remember to revisit the site, add your name, and help your local food bank win the money for that week.

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In early November, local Morrisburg resident, Gail Hamilton, held a dinner at her home in honour of Bishop Winnie Owiti of Kenya, Africa.

Owiti’s Canadian visit was sponsored by Prescott-based charity, Canadians for the Children of Africa, to which Hamilton is a contributing member.

Hamilton first met Owiti in 2009 during a “working vacation” to Kenya. Hamilton, along with others in the charity, visited Owiti’s Ebenezer Life Center, a home for about 300 orphaned children.

In talking about her time in Africa, Hamilton said, “there’s a lot of beauty, but a lot of sadness too.”

Owiti and her husband, Archbishop Silas Owiti founded the Kenyan orphanage in 1993 in response to the growing number of orphans living on the streets without food or shelter. 

Their ministry, Voice of Salvation, was founded by Silas in the 1960s and is also stationed in Kenya.

Canadians for the Children of Africa was founded by Lorraine and Paul Casselman of Prescott after Lorraine heard Winnie Owiti’s story at an Ottawa church many years ago. 

So far they have raised over $100,000 for the orphanage and its children in Kenya.

The charity hosted an evening in honour of Owiti on November 12th at the Prescott Legion where Owiti was able to show, through slides and stories, the rewards of the charity’s many donations.

Hamilton is looking forward to joining others in the charity on their next trek to the Ebenezer Life Center in 2013.

For those interested in joining the group in their efforts, contact Paul or Lorraine at 613-925-2252. For those wishing to donate to the cause, the charity promises that every dollar raised goes directly to the orphanage and its children.

On her return from Africa, Hamilton brought back letters from the children at the orphanage. She then distributed the letters to schools in the area. She asked that they include an envelope with a return address and sufficient postage.

For those interested in writing: Ebenezer Life Center, P.O. Box 410, Ahero, Kenya, Africa. 

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Seaway Intermediate and District High School’s shop class has become a “dust-free” zone. Well, as close to “dust-free” as possible at this point.

The sawdust collector was a summer addition and, as UCDSB Manager of Design and Construction, Peter Bosch, explained, part of the Ministry of Education’s Regular School Renewal Capital program.

Seaway was chosen for the project because of the need. The old system was, in fact, “really old” and, in addition, it “wasn’t working well.”

The sawdust collector – (yes, they really do call it that) – is a vacuum that draws in the sawdust and wood bits, sending them directly to an enclosed bin outside the school. In addition to being attached to the machines directly, there are also loose vacuum hoses. The machines will not run unless the vacuum has been turned on.

Seaway Principal Terry Gardiner explained that it “modernizes the wood-shop construction classroom.”

In addition to keeping the room relatively clean, it provides a safer and more air-friendly environment for students. “Not only is it a newer one, but it’s much safer,” said Bosch.

Bosch told the Leader that the sawdust collector cost approximately $194,000 in total from removing the old unit to completing the installation of this newer unit.

According to Gardiner, the sawdust collector “fits well with Seaway’s direction to encourage students for all pathways.”

“All students benefit: (those interested in) architecture, design, engineering, or hands on programming.”

In addition to the new dust-collector, Bosch also revealed that in 2010 Seaway was one of the schools retrofitted to “reduce carbon footprint.” The T12 fluorescent lights were replaced with T8’s, which provide a more natural light. This change alone reduces energy consumption and prevents toxic chemicals.

UCDSB received a rebate cheque through the Ministry of Education’s Energy Efficiency – Small Equipment Grant for replacing the T12 lighting.

[…]

 

If you’ve entered through the front doors of the school recently, you may have been wondering why there’s a television mounted above the gymnasium doors.

Well, Seaway Intermediate and District High School was home to some major additions this year. One of these additions is a power generating unit of solar photovoltaic panels on the roof and the monitor above the gymnasium keeps everyone up-to-date on the energy being produced.

The solar panels are a new wave sweeping across the region, thanks to the Ontario Government. Seaway’s solar addition came by way of the Renewable Energy Funding for Schools.

Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) received a grant for the total of the Seaway solar project, which cost $193,494.

UCDSB Manager of Design and Construction, Peter Bosch, began preparing the application for the grant two years ago. He applied for funding for three separate schools and all three were accepted.

According to Bosch, selling the electricity produced by Seaway’s solar panels back to the grid will allow UCDSB to earn approximately $9,000 to $11,000 per year in revenue.

Other than start-up cost, which was funded by the provincial government, the panels will need very little by way of ongoing financial upkeep.

Seaway Principal Terry Gardiner explained that the panels do not require “battery back-up.” Also, the school is not “storing” as the power “goes directly to the grid.”

Gardiner explained that Seaway was chosen because it was an “ideal candidate” meeting the required conditions: direct sunlight, free space, and a roof that will allow for the load.

Bosch confirmed this saying that Seaway offers an unobstructed view with major sun exposure in the southeastern direction.

The 10 by 100 foot long structure consists of 52 panels, which are “set to maximum exposure.” Industrial Electrical Contractors Limited (IEC) from Brockville installed the panels.

While they “haven’t been back for briefing on” seasonal maintenance, Gardiner believes, in terms of snow and ice, that the panels are mostly “maintenance free.” 

According to Gardiner, the solar unit “will become more of an educational tool,” but, for now, “we are just getting used to it.”

[…]

Media Release – Nov 28, 2011

WINCHESTER – Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) is leading the way in rural health and education, and recently two members of the WDMH team – Lynn Hall and Joanne Leclair – were recognized for their expertise. 

As part of Patient Safety Week in November, Lynn Hall, Senior Vice President of Clinical Services, was featured on the Canadian Patient Safety Institute’s first virtual webcast. 

She fielded questions from delegates as far away as Germany and Saudi Arabia regarding WDMH’s excellent processes for ensuring that the medication each patient is taking is carefully monitored. WDMH’s successful medication reconciliation process has resulted in improved safety and decreased readmission and length of stay rates for patients.

“WDMH is pleased to share its expertise with health care colleagues provincially, nationally and even internationally,” notes Cholly Boland, CEO. “We have an excellent team with expert knowledge.” 

Congratulations as well to pharmacy manager Joanne Leclair who recently received the Canadian Association of Pharmacy in Oncology (CAPHO) Merit Award. 

Joanne’s initiatives and leadership have helped develop the future of the profession. Her dedication to safe medication practice and risk reduction has helped improve the oncology practice in the rural setting.  

“Joanne is to be commended,” says Lynn Hall, Senior Vice President of Clinical Services. “Joanne is an enthusiastic role model and is very deserving of this merit award. WDMH is proud and pleased to have Joanne as part of our leadership team.” 

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SD&G – The Ontario Provincial Police (SD&G OPP Detachment) would like to remind all residents that now that winter is upon us, people parking their vehicles must obey all signs indicating where vehicles can and cannot be parked.

Vehicles that interfere with traffic and snow removal are subject to a $110 fines. As well, Police and by-law enforcement officers have the authority to have the vehicle towed with the owner being responsible for costs that are incurred.

Please be responsible and help us keep our roads clear this winter season.

[…]

 

Media release – Nov 23, 2011

SOUTH DUNDAS – On November 16th, members of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB), Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) – Project Paradigm, OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit (PWEU), Stormont Street Crime Unit, a Canine Officer and members of the SD&G OPP detachment executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (C.D.S.A.) warrant on Marcellus Road, Twp of South Dundas, Ontario. 

The following seizures were made: approximately 1.2 kilograms of cannabis marihuana plants; approximately 70 grams of packaged cannabis marihuana bud; methamphetamine; and, a loaded sawed off .22 calibre rifle with ammunition.

The street value of the seized drugs and rifle is estimated at approximately $2500.

Two adults were arrested and subsequently charged. Michael Parman and Paul Sabourin were both arrested and charged and are due to appear on the 6th of December, 2011 at the Morrisburg Provincial court. 

Parman is charged with:

1)Possession of Cannabis Marihuana for the Purpose of Trafficking 

2)Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

3)Possession of a Prohibited Firearm

4)Possession of a Firearm, no licence

5)Possession of a Firearm, Careless Storage

6)Possession of a Firearm, Improper Storage

7)Possession of a Firearm with an Altered Serial Number

8)Breach Officer Undertaking 

Sabourin is charged with:

1)Possession of Cannabis Marihuana for the Purpose of Trafficking 

2)Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

3)Possession of a Prohibited Firearm

4)Possession of a Firearm, no licence

5)Possession of a Firearm, Careless Storage

6)Possession of a Firearm, Improper Storage

7)Possession of a Firearm with an Altered Serial Number

[…]

 

Several local people are out hundreds of dollars thanks to a recent cold call scam involving non-existent computer viruses.

Recently, local computer technician, Michael Prunner of MP Computer Services reported several incidents to the local police involving clients who had received calls.

In fact, Constable Peter Robertson, Media Relations Officer for the SD&G OPP, said this will be Crime Stoppers “Crime of the Week.”

Prunner said the people calling most often say they are from Microsoft and “they tell you that you have a serious problem with your Windows. One even told the customer that their Windows had expired.”

Here is an example of a typical cold call: “Hello, I’m calling on behalf of Microsoft Support Team. Your computer is sending error messages to us, which tells us that you have viruses and some corrupted files. I can help you fix that now.”

“They sit you down in front of your computer telling you that you have bad stuff on your computer and they need to work on it. Basically, they use all free cleaners and they charge you 10 times more than it’s worth,” informed Prunner.

According to Royal Canadian Mounted Police Inspector Kerry Petryshyn, this is what is called “deceptive marketing.”

What this means is that the person calling is from a “legitimate” company of sorts, but has nefarious intentions in terms of charging you for something you could have gotten for free, charging you for something you don’t need, or charging you much more than necessary for something that may or may not be useful.

The best option for dealing with this sort of scammer is to contact the Competition Bureau of Canada. Petryshyn said, “they deal with companies that are deceiving clients.”

As with other “viruses,” the “computer scam virus” has many different strains. Petryshyn said, “there’s a few potential possibilities that can occur as there’s a variety of anti-virus scams coming out.”

According to a release from the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre (CAFC), “the virus scam has grown to epidemic proportions in Canada, now accounting for between 70 and 80 per cent of frauds reported daily to the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre.”

“This dramatic increase means the scam is working – more and more Canadians are being targeted by the virus scam.”

“Allowing a third party to download software or remotely access your computer carries a number of serious risks.”

“Malicious software can be installed to capture sensitive data such as your online banking user names and passwords, bank account information and your personal identity information.”

“Your computer can also be converted to a bot-net, which means criminals can use it without your knowledge or participation. It can then be used to spam other people, spread viruses to your friends or overload computer networks.”

“Getting your credit card information is the second important part of the virus scam. Once a criminal has that information it can be used to make purchases without your consent.”

The CAFC also warns that “not all virus scams are conducted over the phone. Many CAFC callers report being scammed after responding to internet pop-up ads for anti-virus software.”

As for Microsoft, they do not cold call customers. An employee of Microsoft Ottawa pointed out that it would be almost impossible to do so because of the immense number of users all over the world.

For those who may have already given a scammer access to their computer, Petryshyn has some advice: “If you think somebody’s had access to your computer, I wouldn’t be going back on the Internet until I’ve gotten the problem solved. It’s like opening the door again.”

He advised that anti-virus and anti-spy programs do not check for peer-to-peer applications. For this, “you may need a technician to check your system.”

Peer-to-peer applications are those that give someone else remote access to your computer and files. 

Petryshyn uses a house metaphor to explain the situation more clearly: allowing someone to install peer-to-peer software, giving them remote access to your computer, is basically the same as giving “the bad guy” a key to your back door. They can come in whenever they like, invited or not. 

As for credit cards, Petryshyn advises checking with your bank or credit card company right away.

For questions, or to report a scam incident, contact the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre via email at info@antifraudcentre.ca or via the telephone at 1-888-495-8501.

[…]

November 25th was a day of celebration for the Williamsburg Non-Profit Housing Corporation.

The morning’s events began with the unveiling of the Tolley Place sign. The Tolley Place townhomes opened in 2009, offering quality housing to younger seniors.

James Kooistra, Chair of the Board of Directors for the corporation, said, “the idea of this started long ago. I was told it was Trevor (Tolley, former Chair of Board) who had this idea.”

Tolley reminded everyone present that he did not do this alone. He listed all of the people and organizations that worked hard to make Tolley Place a reality.

From the unveiling of the sign, the group moved to one of two new sheds recently erected. Here Kooistra informed everyone that the corporation had received a $15,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which financed the two sheds, two dedication trees, as well as the walkway between Tolley Place and J. W. MacIntosh Seniors Support Centre.

According to a press release from the corporation, due to a 2010 gardening project started by Tolley Place residents, “a garden shed has been placed at Tolley Place and will be available for tool storage. A second shed was placed at the east end of the walkway and will store maintenance equipment.”

As for the trees, Kooistra said, “some years ago the Board said farewell to three board members: Trevor Tolley, Joan Findlay, and Barbara Phifer. They served on the board for many, many years.”

“They were promised that we would plant some trees, one for Trevor and one for the two ladies.”

He then thanked the three again, for their “years of commitment and dedication to the Board.”

A sign dedicating the trees to the three former board members will be affixed to the garden shed.

The walkway, which was completed this fall, finally “links two projects that should always be linked,” said South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds.

As Kooistra pointed out, “the walkway was constructed to provide easier access to the services of the Community Support Centre. These services include exercise classes, hot meal programs, health and wellness clinics and educational presentations. The sidewalk encourages regular walking which is great exercise in itself.”

Jim McDonell, MPP for SD&SG, concurred, saying, “the constructed walkway will provide easy access while promoting a healthier lifestyle.”

“We have a plaque here from the Trillium Foundation to commemorate the volunteers,” who, as he later pointed out, “come out and make a difference.”

Catherine MacLaine, representative for the Ontario Trillium Foundation, said “in October of last year the grant review team was happy to support their efforts with a $15,000 grant.”

She said, “we see a group of dedicated staff and volunteers.”

With that said, Mary Salmon, tenant of Tolley Place, cut the ribbon, officially opening the walkway between Tolley Place and the support centre.

Kooistra then said, “you’re now invited to walk the walk.”

Williamsburg Non-Profit Housing Corporation oversees the operation of Tolley Place, Park Drive Villa, County Road 18 Group Home, Schell Street Group Home, as well as the J. W. MacIntosh Seniors Support Centre.

It also provides community support in the way of meals on wheels, adult day services, transportation, respite, foot care, assisted living services, and diners club. 

For more information, contact them at 613-535-2924 or at 613-535-2470. They also have a website: www.wnphc.ca.

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The results of Iroquois Pubic School’s annual food drive for the Dundas County Food Bank are in, and once again the students, their families and the teaching staff have achieved a passing grade. 

Actually, it was more like first class honours with 419 items added to the Food Bank shelves.

The drive was run by the student council under Prime Minister, Alyssa Grant who announced the success of the drive at the school’s regular monthly assembly on Friday morning. 

“This is the last day of our food drive, and we are having a pyjama day to celebrate,” said Grant. “I am very proud of our school for doing this. Everyone did a great job.” 

Following the assembly, the council reps met with Food Bank chair Brenda Millard. 

Thanks to the fine record keeping of Margaret Phifer’s grade 5-6 class, Millard was told the collection resulted in 294 canned goods, 117 dry goods and eight other. 

“I see some soups, some beans and lasagna,” said Millard as she checked out the wonderful pile of donations. “We don’t often get things like cereal and baby food, so they are important too.” 

With the school’s food drive following on the heels of the recent Stuff a Cruiser and before that the Halloween, door to door, collection,  Millard says the Food Bank is in fairly good shape. 

Although the Bank never has too much food, “we are in good shape now and should have enough to get through to February. Our three main food drives all happen in November, which is good because we need the food in December. And they help us get through the winter.” 

At the schools’ monthly assembly, a number of achievements were recognized beginning with the success of the fund-raising (bracelet sales) effort for the annual Ecole de Neige trip. The top fund raisers were recognized and Shelby Martineau was named top sales lady. 

Named as artists of the month and having their framed artwork on display in the school’s front showcase were Hannah Rolfe at the junior level, SheeAnne Hunter at the primary level and Anthony Walsh in kindergarten. 

Thirteen students were awarded for various accomplishments including enthusiasm, attentive  listening, being a good friend, showing kindness to a friend in need, for being a great mentor etc. 

It was also announced that the school’s Cookie Dough fund raiser resulted in some $15,000 worth of dough being sold for a profit of $4,000 for the school.

The money raised from this project is used to enhance technology and expand the selection of books in the school’s book room.  

Travis Walters was the top salesman with $778 in sales,  and he was presented a pair of Sens hockey tickets and a family movie pass. 

Draws were made for prizes donated by the school’s staff. The students received tickets for their sales and then placed them in the draw for the prizes they most desired. This is the major fund raiser of the year, done by the school. 

The parents council runs other events to raise money for playground equipment.

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