News

 

“I pretty much believe the blues chose me,” said Doug MacLeod, in his slightly drawling, mellow voice, at the outset of an interview with the Morrisburg Leader. “To sing the blues, you’ve got to be singing from the heart.”

MacLeod, who is reckoned one of the finest blues singer-songwriters in North America, is coming to Morrisburg for a one night only concert on Friday, November 11. Blues by the Lakeshore will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the United Church of Morrisburg. 

From California MacLeod shared insights into his life and music and why, for over 28 years, he’s been a blues man.

Born in New York City, MacLeod grew up in the 60’s. 

“I had a turbulent childhood,” he laughed, “and the result was I had a big chip on my shoulder. Then my family took a trip to St. Louis, and I heard people singing the blues for the first time. I was stunned. I couldn’t believe the sheer joy those singers had.”

Blues has its roots in the black experience of the American South. 

From the outset, MacLeod found himself drawn to these black musicians who, despite facing widespread prejudice (so much part of the 60’s scene) and often all the drawbacks of poverty, none-the-less expressed themselves in rich and soulful music. 

“I thought to myself, I want to be around this joy,” MacLeod said. 

He began to play and to sing with some of these Old Masters, gradually absorbing their culture,  and living their lives, making the blues his own. 

“What I learned is singing the blues really means making a negative life positive. Maybe you don’t have control over every thing that happens to you in life, but you can survive. I find that I am comfortable with this music. It speaks to my soul. And,” MacLeod added, laughing, “you gotta be what you are, not what you ain’t.” 

A born story teller, whose warm and witty songs reflect his own experiences and his out look on life, MacLeod has been given the title Master of Original Acoustic Blues. He’s played gigs with some of the greatest blues men, performers like Big Joe Turner, George Smith, Pee Wee Crayton, and Joe Louis Walker. 

MacLeod’s songs have been featured in TV movies and on the show In the Heat of the Night. Two of his songs are on Grammy nominated albums by Albert King and Albert Collins. 

He hosted Nothin’ But the Blues on Los Angeles’ KLON-KKJZ radio for five years and is a noted authority on finger style acoustic guitar. 

MacLeod has released 18 studio albums, several live records and a live performance DVD. During his Morrisburg concert he will be performing some numbers from his March 2011 release, Brand New Eyes.

MacLeod said that his blues inspirations are definitely varied and often anchored in his own experiences.

“I’m honest about my life and honest in my music when I sing about love and hard times,” he explained. 

“Truth be told, although I have a wonderful life now and I’ve been happily married for years, let’s just say there’s a lot of girls out there in my past who may not have a lot of kind things to say about me,” he laughed. “Ernest Banks once told me never write or sing about what you don’t know about.”

He hasn’t ignored so-called ‘issues’: he penned the Outspoken Politician Blues and he’s written about lies and liars. However, blues, MacLeod said, “make a mighty big canvas. You can write love songs, sad songs, protest songs.  I think Willie Dixon put it this way, ‘blues is the true facts of life.’”

Doug MacLeod will be performing solo during his Morrisburg concert. While he has worked with bands, especially in his first four albums, he admits that he is more comfortable performing alone.

“I often change my songs somewhat from performance to performance. The way I sing a song on Friday isn’t exactly the way I sing it on Saturday. It can drive a band crazy when you do that: they don’t know where you’re going to start or go.”

Audiences attending Doug MacLeod’s concert on November 11, at The United Church of Morrisburg, can look forward to a memorable evening with a colourful, multi-talented and charming musician. 

“I love telling stories around my songs. I tell stories from my life, some poignant, some humorous, all true. When I sing, I invite the audience into the song. I invite them to become part of the music.”

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. concert are on sale for $25 each at the Basket Case in Morrisburg,   by calling 613-887-9210, or by booking online at www.troubadourstudio.ca.

[…]

 

Time to step out in style with a little help from Sears and River Rat Treasures. 

On Sunday, November 6,  beginning at 1 p.m., Seaway District High School parents council is joining Sears, Iroquois, in putting together a bold, bright show of the latest Sears fashions as part of a school fund raiser. 

“Every year, Sears and River Rat Treasures stages a fashion fund raiser,” said Candace Menges, co-owner of Sears and River Rat Treasures in Iroquois, “and chooses a local charity or organization as the recipient. This year we were approached by the Seaway District High School parents’ council. Chair Leslie Disheau explained the school is raising funds for classroom equipment and learning materials, such as SmartBoards,  We were glad to help: Seaway will be this year’s recipient of proceeds from our annual fashion show.”

Also lending their support in the community will be Scotia Bank, Morrisburg, which has agreed to match any funds raised by the fashion show. 

With the backing of corporate Sears, Menges has arranged for over 16 volunteer models, ages seven to 70, to walk the runway at the afternoon show. 

“Our models are a wide variety of ages, shapes and sizes,” she said, “because Sears offers a wide variety of stylish clothing in all shapes and sizes. Among the models for the show will be Seaway principal Terry Gardiner and guidance head, Mark Lewis.”

With a Mardi Gras theme, and all the colour and fun of Carnival, this fashion show is sure to thrill guests. 

Local vendors will have displays around the Seaway gymnasium, (where the fashion show will take place). They will be offering some great deals, discounts and specials to visitors. Look for outstanding door prizes and enjoy some delicious refreshments served by the parents council. 

As an additional bonus, the first 100 ticket holders who arrive at the show will receive a very special gift. 

With the Christmas party season nearing, and, for some lucky travellers, upcoming cruises, this timely fashion event will show off great clothing ideas from Sears.

“We’ll be showing every day wear, evening, party and cruise wear for both men and women,” Menges said. “There will be some wonderful fashions for guests to enjoy.”

Tickets for the Carnival of Fashion are $10 for adults, $5 for youth and children under four, free. 

Advance tickets can be purchased at Sears Iroquois and Morrisburg and from the Seaway parents council.

Don’t miss the Carnival of Fashion Fund Raiser on November 6 at Seaway High School. 

[…]

 

 Quick, answer this question: How many hiking trails are within close distance to where you live?

Thanks to South Nation Conservation (SNC) you can add a new one to the short list. Two Creeks Conservation Area, just off County Road 2 between Morrisburg and Iroquois, is free and open for visitors.

At the October 18th South Dundas council meeting, SNC Assistant Works Superintendents David Fitch and Mike Leger gave a presentation on the progress made and the plans that remain. SNC Board Chair Lawrence Levere was also present.

The 400 acres of property previously owned by Domtar became available for purchase when Domtar closed. 

SNC took the opportunity to purchase the land and credits Don Graham for the find: “he was a great help to us to get this thing started.”

Graham, a member of DIAMONDS Conservation Land Trust (DCLT), had an agreement with Domtar whereby the land was used for trails and open to the public.

Graham explained that when Domtar began “to pull out of things locally, we (DCLT) had to get out too because we didn’t have an agreement” with anyone else for use of the land.

DCLT and Graham talked with SNC and left information about the area and the situation in the hope that they would pick up the land, and with it the project.

“Their purposes are exactly what Diamonds were,” said Graham. “I supplied background information” to help SNC.

“The future now looks rosy; looks like it could be fun for Morrisburg, Iroquois and South Dundas,” he said. Two Creeks is “a real boon to the township.”

Fitch reported to council that local contractors, Lloyd McMillan Equipment Ltd. of Iroquois and Cruikshank Construction of Morrisburg, have been helping out on the park.

It’s been “very good for us and for the township, working together on this,” said Fitch.

He told council that one of the first steps, “getting the parking lot back in order and usable,” is now completed.

In addition, the first trail section is “about 99 per cent completed.” The second and third trail sections will take longer, probably  years, to complete. The “time frame depends on usage of the park.”

As for the trail that’s completed, Fitch reported: “Right now we have about four and a half kilometers of trail that’s been reestablished.”

“We’ve had to put a lot of hard work into this (as there was) quite a lot of bush hogging in there to get it cleared out.”

“Approximately 150 tons of gravel” was used due to wet and low areas. Fitch estimates that by the time SNC is done they’ll have used “half a million tons of gravel.”

“Because of the length of the trail, we can’t do it all in one shot,” he explained. Also, due to the “creek that runs through the property, (SNC) had to build a bridge across.”

Building the bridge required a permit and an on site inspection. The trails are five feet wide and the bridge, which has been “heavily constructed to hold vehicles (is) 52 feet long with ramps down both sides.”

The “possibilities are endless with this park,” Fitch said, predicting: “You’ll find there’s going to be a lot of use in this park.”

He showed council a picture of  the “Two Creeks Conservation Area” sign that SNC plans to erect on County Road 2, saying, “this should bring a lot more people to the park.”

South Dundas Deputy Mayor Jim Locke complimented SNC saying, it “looks like a job well done. (There’s) a lot of potential.”

“This is going to get used quite a bit,”  he predicted.

While motorized vehicles are prohibited on the trails, bicycles are welcomed.

In terms of money spent on the project, Fitch told council that so far SNC has spent “about $6,000 to $7,000 in materials.”

“We didn’t waste anything,” he continued. It was “all planned out; we knew what we needed.”

The “parking lot was the biggest expense, “ he explained. It “might have been under $10,000 total.”

“Over the years there will be quite a bit of money put into it. Eventually there will be over ten kilometers of trails.”

Councillor Evonne Delegarde inquired as to whether the trails would be open in winter. Fitch replied, “most are closed in the winter time, but are used year round, 24/7.”

He further explained “closed” meant that the trails are not groomed during winter, but the area is still “open” and accessible to the public.

SNC’s Levere added, “we’re not in the business of keeping people out of our parks for legitimate uses.”

Many people use SNC trails for hiking, bird watching, cross-country skiing, biking and more.

According to their website, SNC “encourage all watershed residents to become familiar with the unique beauty of your natural surroundings and understand the importance of maintaining our local environment.”

They ask that visitors “take only pictures and leave only footprints.”

South Dundas Mayor, Steven Byvelds said, “I hope we can promote this together.”

Levere responded with a slightly altered quote from the movie Field of Dreams: “If you build it, they will come.”

[…]

 

Eastern Ontario businesses and communities will benefit from a renewed investment in the region announced today by Guy Lauzon, Member of Parliament for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).  

A Government of Canada investment of $30 million over the next three years will support the renewal of the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP), resulting in a greater number of economic development initiatives and improved partnerships throughout Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. 

“I am happy that the Minister has made the decision to approve funding for a three year period,” said Lauzon, “this will permit EODP to develop a multiyear strategic plan.”

“I am proud today to announce that our government is moving forward with its commitment to create jobs and economic growth here in eastern Ontario,” said Minister Goodyear. “This additional investment in the Eastern Ontario Development Program will offer new opportunities for the people, businesses and communities in this region.” 

 The Program is managed by FedDev Ontario and funding will be delivered by 15 Community Futures Development Corporations located throughout rural Eastern Ontario.

“This announcement is welcome news for SD & SG,” said Carma Williams, Vice Chair SD & G Community Futures Development Corporation, “it will allow us to do multi-year planning.”

Press Release

“The Eastern Ontario Development Program has been a catalyst for business and community development across eastern Ontario for a number of years,” said Dan Stanford, Chair of the Eastern Ontario CFDC Network. “We are pleased to continue our partnership with the Government of Canada so that Community Futures Development Corporations can support projects that will grow and diversify the regional economy.” 

To find out more about the Eastern Ontario Development Program and how to access program funding, please refer to the backgrounder or visit the FedDev Ontario website at www.feddevontario.gc.ca. 

[…]

 

Tayler Pilon was just two years old when her grandfather, Les Bilmer, was left a quadriplegic after an accident in the fall of 2000 injured his spinal cord.

After the injury from a fall, and a year in hospital, her ‘poppy’ was brought home, where he was cared for, round the clock by Grandma Inez and the entire Bilmer family including young Tayler, the only tiny tot in the family at the time.

“I helped Grandma crush up his pills, and there were pockets in his wheelchair where there were always treats for me.”

“It was hard. It was 24-7 care,” says Tayler’s mother, Laury. “I am sure Dad lived as long as he did because of her. She would crawl up in bed with him and have her naps. There were always little treats under his pillow.”

Les passed away in May of 2004, and Tayler, now 13, has fond memories of the days she spent with him.

That’s why, when her Aunt Debbie learned of the Rick Hansen 25th anniversary Man in Motion Relay, Tayler was eager to apply to be part of it. 

She was one of 8,000 Ontarians who applied and one of 2,000 who were successful.

This Saturday, October 29, Tayler with Grandma Inez and a large number of the Bilmer family will be in Smiths Falls where Tayler will run her 250m of the relay that started in Cape Spear, Newfoundland, on August 24, and will end May 22, 2012, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

 

Twenty-five years ago, Rick Hansen wheeled through 34 countries in 26 months to complete his now-famous Man in Motion World Tour.

His mission was to inspire the world and realize the dream of raising millions of dollars for spinal cord injury research, making communities more accessible and inclusive and changing the way people looked at the potential of people with disabilities.

In March of 2010, the 25th anniversary campaign began with the official launch of the Rick Hansen Institute, founded in 2009. This independent institute is a Canada-wide collaboration dedicated to accelerating progress toward a cure and improving the quality of life for people who live with spinal cord injuries and related disabilities.

One of the key events of the 25th Anniversary of the Man in Motion World Tour is the current nine month Rick Hansen Relay which Tayler Pilon of Morrisburg is participating in, in memory of her grandfather, Les Bilmer, this Saturday, October 29 in Smiths Falls.

Tayler has set a goal of raising $1,000 for the Relay.

“We are trying to raise $1,000, and we are at $700 now,” she said last Wednesday. “We have donations from my aunts and uncles and the Legion, the  Legion Ladies Auxiliary and friends.”

“We didn’t have to make a donation, but I wanted to.”

Although Tayler was not yet born when the original Man in Motion Tour took place, she has since studied and learned about the effort.

“I looked up information on Rick Hansen, because I really didn’t know much about him. He wheeled for 26 months and has raised $26 million.”

“He became like a national hero, just like Terry Fox did.” 

Tayler says she is excited about running her leg of the relay and is proud to have the opportunity to carry the 25th anniversary commemorative medal with 16 other medal bearers in Smiths Falls.

The event is sponsored by Nike and McDonald’s, and Tayler will run in a uniform provided by Nike and will receive a replica of the commemorative medal.

For those who wish to travel to Smiths Falls, Tayler will be running at about 3:54 p.m. She is scheduled to attend a briefing at the Smith Falls Memorial Community Centre at 2:15 before being taken by bus to her segment of the relay.

Family and friends are advised to look for the relay segment with Tayler’s Medal Bearer # MB067-025.

For those who can’t make the trip, but would like to help Tayler reach her $1,000 donation goal, you can donate online. Information on the link can be obtained by emailing Laury and Tayler at lktpilon@hotmail.com. For more information you can call them at 613-543-3961.

[…]

 

Congratulations to Jim McDonnell! Jim was successful in winning the position of MPP for Stormont Dundas and South Glengarry following the retirement of Jim Brownell.

I will miss Jim Brownell. Jim and I worked well together. Although we represented different political parties we were able to cooperate and collaborate in a non partisan way for the good of SD&SG. 

Jim and I both felt that the needs of the constituents of SD&SG came before political loyalties. We had much success on projects like the Benson Sportsplex, the Emergency Services building, the O.P.P. station in Long Sault, the sewage disposal upgrade in South Dundas, the Belmeade Road in North Dundas and countless others. 

We often reminisce and chuckle about a project vital to Cornwall that we had both worked very hard on. We both happened to be at a church supper in Finch when we simultaneously received a blackberry message telling us that the funding was being rejected. We quickly huddled in the corner, devised a strategy to each call our own party’s Minister responsible for the decision and had the project back on track before leaving the hall.

I am very much looking forward to working with Jim’s successor, Jim McDonnell. I have known the new MPP elect for 14 years. As MP I have worked closely with Jim in his former capacity as Mayor of South Glengarry. Jim is a consummate professional. He is a man of integrity, hard working and a tireless advocate for his constituents. 

I am confident Jim McDonnell will be a great MPP for the riding of SD&SG. I am looking forward to working closely with him to ensure SD&SG realizes its full potential.

Guy Lauzon 

Member of Parliament

Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry

[…]

 

“In 1991, the three United Counties and the province of Ontario united to build this seniors’ support centre. In 20 years, it has grown beyond all expectations. It has played a vital part in senior health and home care. It has made a real difference for seniors in our community,” said Janet Levere, executive director of the Williamsburg Non-Profit Housing Corporation.

She welcomed well over 100 dignitaries, volunteers and friends to a 20th anniversary celebration of the J.W.MacIntosh Seniors’ Support Centre in Williamsburg on Tuesday, October 18. 

Board members, past and present, members of the South Dundas council and J.W.MacIntosh Support Centre staff also joined in the festivities. Guests and visitors were able to see displays and posters highlighting the activities and services available to the community. 

The event ended with the celebratory cutting of a cake. 

On October 23, 1991, The Morrisburg Leader did a feature about the Park Lane Senior Support Centre describing it as “part of a pilot project for the province of Ontario, with sister projects in Stormont and Glengarry counties.” 

The article went on to say that the project was “69 per cent funded by the Ministry of Social and Community Services, covering the cost of the Outreach Centre and 31 per cent funded by the Ministry of Housing. The Williamsburg Non-Profit Housing is the sponsoring agent, who applies for the grants and handles the administrative aspect.”

In 2006, the building was officially named the J.W. MacIntosh Seniors’ Support Centre in honour of John MacIntosh. 

The Centre is a key focus for area seniors and their families. It currently offers Meals-on-Wheels, the Diners Club, respite care, foot clinics, supportive housing and assisted living. “In 2007, we began to offer the Going Home program to assist seniors who were leaving the hospital,” Levere said.

Chair of the board of directors of the Williamsburg Non-Profit Housing Corporation, Jim Kooistra, offered his anniversary congratulations. 

“I am very glad that in 1991, a group of people decided to build this facility. It was the first of its kind, a real pilot project for the province,” said Kooistra. 

“In the past 20 years we have served 70,000 meals (through Meals-on-Wheels and the Diners’ Club) and provided people in our community with a little help or a lot of help depending on the need.” 

Seniors Dwight Gilmer and his wife, Marian, both of Iroquois, began as volunteers for Meals-on-Wheels, and now take advantage of that service and others offered by the Centre. “It is so wonderful to know that a great facility like this is here to help us, and to help us stay in our homes,” Gilmer said.

Senior Helen Gill of Morrisburg said that the staff and volunteers of the Centre are “loving and kind and so supportive.”

The hard work of area volunteers drew praise from speakers at the celebration.

“Our volunteers have done so much for the Centre. They serve from the heart and have dedicated themselves to helping others,” chairman Kooistra said. 

In 2010, volunteers logged over 6,000 hours of recorded volunteer time.

Mary Osborne and Winnie Gorman shared why they devote time to the Support Centre.   

“I believe that if you are able to do something of benefit to others, then you should do it,” Osborne said. 

“I go home from (volunteering) here feeling rejuvenated and happy,” said Gorman. “I recommend taking the time to offer a helping hand.”

Mayor Steven Byvelds joined councillors Jim Locke, Evonne Delegarde and Archie Mellan, in honouring the 20th anniverary of the J.W. MacIntosh Seniors’ Support Centre. 

“It is a great pleasure to see how a service like this is used in our community,” mayor Byvelds said, then added, “In 20 years, I expect that I will be looking to use these great facilities.” 

[…]

 

by Janice Banford

I’ve worked at WDMH for 37 years and every day is different. That’s what I love about my job. 

As the Infection Control Coordinator for the past eight years, my responsibilities are very varied as I work with health care professionals and patients to ensure that everyone is aware of important infection control practices and guidelines that keep us all safe. My work includes promotion, policy development, data collection and education. We want to ensure that all patient care activities put safety first. 

This fall, our focus is on preventing the spread of illness through good hand hygiene. Washing your hands is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infection and everyone has a role to play.  

At WDMH, we want to get people talking and reminding each other about the importance of washing their hands. In fact, staff, physicians and volunteers are wearing bright blue “Ask Me If I Washed My Hand” buttons as a great reminder. Don’t be shy – speak up!

We are also encouraging everyone to get a flu shot. It’s the best way to stay healthy – for you, your family and those who might be at greater risk around you. You can’t get the flu (or any other illness) from the flu shot and the benefits far outweigh a sore arm for a couple of days.

I love what I do and could not do it without the outstanding support of my colleagues.   Their commitment to patient safety is invaluable to the success of the program. 

Everyone at WDMH – including our patients – has a role and responsibility in Infection Prevention and Control. 

[…]

 

What is the best solution when beaver dams begin to negatively impact the lives of those around them?

Looking back to the October 17th South Dundas Public Meeting, it was requested by local farmers that council give an update as to the status of Hosaic Creek’s beaver overpopulation and the resulting drainage issue for surrounding agricultural interests.

Coincidentally, at the October 18th council meeting, Don Lewis, Manager of Planning and Enforcement for South Dundas, came forward with an update on that very subject.

He reported: “I have gone in and removed quite a few dams.”

He went on to say that doing so “depleted our capital budget for that plan (and he) would like to put more in the budget for 2012, to stay on top of it.” 

Several council members inquired as to the existence of an alternative solution to the drainage issue, specifically the installation of a municipal drain.

Lewis reported that there are many issues with that solution, the most daunting being cost. He reminded council about the South Branch municipal drain, which was constructed in 1992-93 to a cost of about $7 million.

Deputy Mayor Jim Locke pointed out that it “takes a group of land owners to be serious about it.” 

Councillor Archie Mellan asked Lewis if there is “any funding options out there.”

Lewis responded saying that there were possibly some grants and that the South Branch project did, in fact, receive some grant money.

Lewis will be revisiting this issue, giving a more detailed report to council in the near future.

[…]