News

 

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. 

[…]

 

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.” 

[…]

 

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

[…]

And you thought you had trouble getting ready for Christmas this year!

In Upper Canada Playhouse’s delightful Christmas production, Dear Santa, Santa is an Elf on the Edge with Christmas eve just around the corner.

His work shop elves are complaining, a pushy sleigh salesman is touting the virtues of rocket power over reindeer, his house keeper is in a tizzy, the chief of staff is in a pickle and the choir cannot sing! To say nothing of a stowaway on the North Pole Express, and a special Christmas wish that Santa desperately wants to fulfill. 

With only three days left until Christmas eve, why it’s enough to turn a man’s beard white! 

Dear Santa, by renowned Canadian playwright, Norm Foster, opens at Upper Canada Playhouse on November 24, with several school matinees and evening shows.  “It’s a show filled with tons of laughs, wonderful live music, a really good story, and lots of Christmas cheer for children and adults alike,” says director Donnie Bowes. 

Bowes has put together a stellar cast of performers for this final production of the 2011 season at the Playhouse. And joining the professional actors on the Playhouse stage will be 30 local elementary students from Morrisburg and Iroquois, who will perform as the choir and take on the roles of four of the elves. 

“We are right in the thick of things getting the show ready,” says Bowes. “It’s working out well having local kids in the cast. We have two separate choirs which means everything has to be rehearsed twice, but the kids are on top of it and enjoying the experience.”

Dear Santa welcomes back some familiar and favourite performers to the Playhouse. 

Doug Tangney is playing Santa Claus in the production and looking forward to the role. 

“Santa has the joy of life in him,” Tangney said at a recent press conference. “But in this play, we also get a chance to see him as vulnerable with all the wonderful chaos going on all around him. He’s a magical person, yet filled with humanity. Santa is forever and I am playing in the spirit of this special being.”

Tangney’s Santa will have a lot to cope with. 

Susan Greenfield, Santa’s housekeeper is suffering from “unrequited love” and it’s seriously disrupting her duties. The object of her affections is Algernon, North Pole Chief of Staff, who “never notices her of course,” says Jamie Williams who plays the harried Algernon. 

Timm Hughes, as Lou Flapdoodle, has landed at the North Pole determined to drag Santa into the 23rd century with a new rocket powered sleigh: Lou simply can’t take no for an answer. 

Richard Bauer, as Bozidar, is a mad cap Russian, whose confusion over English is not helping the elf production lines operate any more efficiently. And even less so now that glue supplies have “dried up.” 

Meredith Zwicker is both Piffle the Elf and musical consultant for this song and dance filled production. “There was music in the play orginally,” Swicker says, “but Liz (Gilroy) and I have added some extra songs, ones we think really highlight the outstanding skills of people in this cast. The music is such a lot of fun.”

Liz Gilroy, besides working on the music, also has the key role of Kitt, a young stowaway, who has come to the North Pole for reasons of her own with a very special letter to deliver to Santa. Her arrival just makes the chaos at Santa’s workshop even worse.

New to the cast and the Playhouse is Travis Seetoo, an accomplished singer, dancer and musician. “It’s great to be in this play as YeGads, a sort of elf wrangler. Foster has created such a wonderful realistic, imaginary world in this play,” says Seetoo, “and music is a big part of it. I am loving it here at Upper Canada Playhouse.”

Audiences will love the energy, the humour, the excitement of this Norm Foster Christmas classic. 

“There is much in this show that demonstrates Norm’s real understanding of kids, of what it is to want to be part of a group, yet also needing to be proud of being different. There is so much variety in Dear Santa,” says Donnie Bowes. 

A bright, imaginative and wondrous set helps bring Santa’s Workshop to life (even to files marked Elves Pensions and Naughty and Nice).  No matter what your age, Dear Santa is guaranteed to bring the joy of the season to your heart. 

Dear Santa runs until December 18 at Upper Canada Playhouse with evening shows and a number of matinees. For ticket information call 613-543-3713 or contact uppercanadaplayhouse.com

[…]

On November 16th, SD&G OPP officers responded to a disturbance at an establishment on Main Street in the Village of Morrisburg. 

Investigation revealed that an intoxicated male had caused damage to two vehicles in the parking area.

Casey Eyegetok, age 19, of Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, was arrested and is charged with: Mischief to Property Under $5,000 (2 counts); and, Being Intoxicated in a Public Place.

He is scheduled to appear in Morrisburg court on January 10, 2012.

[…]

The annual three day Christmas Show staged by the Morrisburg and District Arts and Crafts Association in the Legion Hall in Morrisburg, Friday, November 18 to Sunday, November 20, saw attendance down this year, but feedback from those who did attend was very encouraging. 

“We thought it was a pretty good show, and a lot of the people who visited thought it was a great show,” says association president Linda Schenck. 

“I had a lot of positive feedback. Our visitors told us they thought we had a great assortment of crafts. Unfortunately, we didn’t have as many people go through as we would have liked. Some of our artists reported good sales while others could have done better.” 

With some 20 plus participants in the show, the Association was once again very pleased to be able to give back to the community with donations to Winchester District Memorial Hospital and the Dundas County Hospice.

[…]

On December 4, at 7:00 p.m., step back in time to the gas lit, snow-covered cobblestone streets of Charles Dickens’ London as Lakeshore Drive United Church, in collaboration with Upper Canada Playhouse, presents a dramatic reading of the wondrous tale, A Christmas Carol.

Bring the entire family out to enjoy again the classic story of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, the Cratchit family and the Ghosts of Christmases  Past, Present and Future. Five performers in full Victorian costumes will re-tell the much loved Yule tale complete with music and Christmas songs.

Proceeds from the presentation will benefit this community. 

“All the funds raised from this event will go towards the purchase of four cardiac monitors for WDMH’s recovery room (where patients go following surgery),” said Chelsea McIntyre, Fund Development Associate for the WDMH Foundation. “These will be an update to the current cardiac monitors and will benefit the patients who need them greatly, as monitors allow caregivers to more closely watch the healing process during recovery.”

McIntyre was thrilled when Lakeshore Drive United Church, and Gail McCooeye, approached the Foundation with the idea of staging a dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol as a fund raiser. As part of their Third Party Event, the Foundation has helped out with posters, tickets and programs for the fund raiser. 

McIntyre is also delighted that WDMH doctors Wayne Domanko and Paul Coolican have joined the cast of A Christmas Carol. “I think it is wonderful to see our family doctors and hospital staff take part in fund raisers, but,” she added, “I must give Gail credit for getting them involved in this instance.”

“I had heard a dramatic reading of the Christmas Carol done before in a church, and thought it was a wonderful experience,” McCooeye said. “I took the idea to the Lakeshore Drive United Church Outreach Program, and they said they would be glad to host the event. The Church has wanted to become more involved in the community, and this seemed a perfect way.”

McCooeye approached Donnie Bowes, artistic director of Upper Canada Playhouse, and he offered his enthusiastic support. Not only is he going to be one of the readers, but he will rehearse the performers and publicize the event during the run of Dear Santa at the Playhouse. 

“I’m reading the first stave of the adaptation,” Bowes laughed. “I get to be Scrooge at his meanest, venting all my frustrations.”

While Dr. Coolican will act as emcee for the evening, Dr. Domanko and Bowes will be joined on stage as readers by Doug Grenkie, who has been an active and dedicated advocate of the Hospital; by Joan Farlinger, who has just completed a two year term as chair of the Hospital Auxiliaries Association of Ontario; and by Wendy Gibb, former drama teacher at Seaway District High School. 

Victorian costumes for the event will come from Upper Canada Playhouse. Diane Crummy, of the Hospital Foundation, will be heading up refreshments, to be served in a 19th century like setting in the church.

A major supporter of the festive fund raiser has been the Scotiabank. 

“Kim Butler, manager of the Morrisburg Scotiabank, has just been an enormous help to me,” said McCooeye.  “Scotiabank branches in Morrisburg, South Mountain and Avonmore have all agreed to sell tickets to the fund raiser. 

And what is so incredible is that Scotiabank has agreed to be our corporate sponsor and to match dollar for dollar every ticket sold at these area bank branches. That is incredibly generous of them and we are very grateful.”

Tickets to this wonderful, one night only, dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol are $15 each and are available at Scotiabank  branches. 

[…]