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Halloween Food Drive

Many members of the Iroquois community have come to expect more than just ‘trick-or-treators’ knocking at their doors on Halloween.  

For the past 14 years, a group of teenagers gr. 9-12 from Dixon’s Corners Community and Williamsburg Christian Reformed Churches have organized a food drive between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on October 31st.

They simply walk in small groups, door-to-door collecting non-perishable items for the Dundas County Food Bank in South Dundas. 

The group chose this specific date to collect food because it is an evening when most families are home and already expect people knocking on their doors.   

This drive has become one of the largest the food bank relies on each year.  

With increased interest and a few new groups who have joined the youth groups, the food drive expanded into Morrisburg and last year, when over 2900 food items were collected. 

That’s 700 more items than the previous year.  

They hope to beat the amount this year.  

Much like the ‘rules’ of trick-or-treating, the teens will only knock on doors where the lights are on.  

The goal is to eventually have enough help to cover all roads in both Iroquois and Morrisburg but given the volunteer numbers for this year, not every road will be covered.  

If your road is missed, you can still donate by bringing your food items directly to the food bank, which is located in Morrisburg.  

The DC youth group is thankful for the support they experience each year and looks forward to another fun and successful night helping their local communities.

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Tour of The Princess Royal will bring Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence to Cryslers Farm

Details of the 2014 Royal Tour of The Princess Royal were announced October 17, and that tour will bring a member of the Royal Family to South Dundas.

The Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages announced that Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence will tour the National Capital Region on November 10 and 11, 2014.

To highlight the War of 1812, Vice Admiral Laurence will visit the Crysler’s Farm Battlefield Memorial. 

The Battle of Crysler’s Farm—fought on November 11, 1813, in Morrisburg, Ontario—was a key battle that saw Aboriginal, Canadian and British forces work together to repel a large invading American army and win the field, despite being outnumbered. The victory at Crysler’s Farm turned the tide of the war.

The theme for this tour is “Canada’s Heroes: A Celebration of Accomplishment and Pride,” and Her Royal Highness will join Canadians and the world in marking the anniversaries of the start of both World Wars. 

During the two-day tour, The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Laurence will participate in the National Remembrance Day Ceremony activities at the National War Memorial. 

The Memorial, originally built as a tribute to those Canadians who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the First World War, was unveiled 75 years ago by Her Royal Highness’s grandparents, Their Majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother).

In addition, Her Royal Highness will also meet those individuals many Canadians would consider to be everyday heroes, who do outstanding work in and for their communities and country. 

Her Royal Highness will meet with members of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association, an organization that uses riding to empower children and adults with disabilities. 

An expert horsewoman and Olympian, Her Royal Highness is patron of the organization.

The full itinerary has not yet been released.

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Homestead Organics running, ready to grow

Last week, Homestead Organics shipped out its first test batches of grain from its Morrisburg location. 

The Berwick based businesses last December bought a Morrisburg facility to expand its operations.

Operations at the Morrisburg site have started at the Allison Avenue building where they are currently focused on organic grain cleaning for human consumption, especially soyabeans.

Homestead Organics buys grain from farmers in the region and puts it through a five stage cleaning process. The cleaned grain is bagged and shipped to customers which include La Soyarie, which manufactures tofu sold in Eastern Ontario and Quebec. “We ship them 20 tonnes in bags every three weeks,” said Homestead Organics owner Tom Manley, who with his son Yannick, plant engineer, showed The Leader through the operational plant and described the process. 

Their cleaned grains are also shipped to leading U.S. and Canadian suppliers including Vita Soy,  weekly, and So Nice which is another of Homestead Organics’ main customers. Other grains including rye, wheat and corn are also cleaned and shipped to food processors, such as flour mills.

Getting the facility operational for grain cleaning involved some renovations, which took a little longer than anticipated, but the Manleys are happy to have started commissioning and testing.

Part of the renovation was the replacement of existing liquid storage tanks with new grain bins capable of holding 45 tonnes, with the larger bin having a 100 tonne capacity. “These bins are for short term processing needs, not storage,” said Tom.

Up until now, the testing has been done with produce from last year’s harvest, and they are looking forward to the new crops which should be coming in next week.

Homestead Organics currently has 2-3 people working at the Morrisburg location daily. For now, the rest of the business, which encompasses feed manufacturing and administration and sales, remains in Berwick.

Tom explains that the second phase of the move will take place when financially feasible. He suggests that the rest of the move may even be able to take place this coming year.

Homestead Organics currently has a total of 14 employees, and is growing with new growth opportunities.

Homestead Organics also has a future plan for a factory outlet at the Morrisburg site for consumer traffic.

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In early 2014, the Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, and Prescott-Russell areas united in a monumental way to support a young mother and teacher, Stephanie Grady, in her battle against a rare and aggressive form of cancer called NUT Midline Carcinoma (NMC); through the, “We’re NUT Givin’ Up” campaign.

At the time, Stephanie’s only hope in overcoming this often fatal form of cancer came from an experimental drug called BET Inhibitor. This drug, known to slow and sometimes even stop tumour growth, was discovered through the International NUT Midline Carcinoma Registry; and is being administered at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA.

Recognizing OHIP doesn’t cover the cost of such trials, and the astronomical expense of health care costs in the USA, friends and family members rapidly formed “Team Grady”, organizing a variety of diverse and engaging fundraising activities to support the family; both emotionally and financially.

“It was the genuine, giving, and humble nature of Stephanie’s character which saw the campaign garner so much momentum,” said Heather Lisney, campaign coordinator.

Individuals and communities from across Ontario and the Maritimes organized a variety of fundraising events – all of which reflected the virtues of Stephanie and her family. Activities included: Breakfasts, brunches and dinners; silent and live auctions; dodgeball, hockey, volleyball and basketball tournaments; pub nights with live entertainment; and Zumba, scrapbooking, painting and gymnastics opportunities. 

Over 28 public and catholic schools from the region were involved, with teachers and students organizing events from dress-down days, to pancake breakfasts, dances and hockey pools.

Due to the urgent need for treatment, and the incredibly overwhelming generosity of those involved, in just 12 weeks the campaign raised more than $200,000.

“Stephanie was an inspiration to so many,” said Lisney. “Her fighting spirit, combined with her cheeky humour and humility throughout the battle, were qualities to be admired. She didn’t want to ask for help, but she knew she would need support. Her family meant everything to her, and she wanted to know she did everything she could to fight – and she did.”

While the support from the community allowed Stephanie to get to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for preliminary testing in early May, the rapid progression of the disease following her return prevented her from starting treatment. 

Just hours before the scheduled flight to return to Boston, Stephanie and her family received information from doctors; who suggested pursuing treatment would not be in her best interests.

“Many people wondered why Stephanie didn’t go earlier. It really wasn’t up to her. If it was, she would have been there in a heartbeat. It was the unfortunate reality of experimental treatment which prevented an earlier start. Doctors in Boston were waiting to clear different potency-dose-ratio levels for the clinical trial, and suggested Stephanie wait until the stronger drug was approved and available for her to take.”

Stephanie passed away peacefully at her home just four days later.

In addition to establishing educational savings plans for the Grady children; Stephanie’s husband, Nick Grady, in consultation with Stephanie’s parents and those affiliated with the campaign; has decided to donate funds back to the community, in ways that honour Stephanie’s legacy.

“It is our honour to give back and to provide inspiration for others, in ways that reflected the strength of the campaign as well as Stephanie’s character,” said Grady. “The community was so generous, and we can’t thank them enough for giving us the courage, and opportunity, to fight. It’s our hope that we can thank those who contributed, and support others who may be enduring similar challenges.”

In addition to establishing a Memorial Educational Pavilion in Stephanie’s honour at Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary (UCMBS); funds will also be used to support the Canadian Cancer Society’s Wheels of Hope program in the SDG & Prescott-Russell areas, to fund new equipment for the Cornwall Community Hospital’s new chemotherapy wing, to support Winchester District Memorial and Ottawa General Hospitals, and to establish an employee illness relief program for UCDSB staff members.

Annual bursaries will also be established at Rothwell-Osnabruck High School and Charlottetown Rural High School in PEI, and through some of the local churches that contributed so much. 

Grady is also working with local hockey organizations to facilitate opportunities for more children to participate, and is considering other options to “pay it forward” in Stephanie’s memory.

Stephanie’s family, along with Team Grady members, would like to thank all those who contributed by inviting them to join the Memorial Pavilion Dedication and Thank-You BBQ, at Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary (UCMBS), on Sunday, October 26th from 2 – 4 p.m.

For more information about Stephanie’s story, the campaign, the Pavilion Dedication & Thank You BBQ, or about ways the Grady family is giving back; please visit www.gradyfund.com, www.facebook.com/werenutgivinup, @NUTGivinUp or contact Heather Lisney at 343-264-6197.

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Quality Manufacturing moving to Ingleside

Just over 30 jobs are leaving South Dundas, but not going far.

South Stormont Township recently announced that the former Norceram facility in Ingleside is being renovated and will be the new home of Quality Manufacturing, the plastics processing and packaging plant, which has been a longtime tenant of an Allison Avenue building in Morrisburg.

Mayor Bryan McGillis said, “We are pleased to announce the relocation of Quality Manufacturing to South Stormont; another welcome addition to our industrial sector. The township continues with job growth in this community. This business relocation has now put us in the fortunate position of having filled all available major industrial buildings. Welcome to South Stormont, our door is always open.”

October 17, the Municipality of South Dundas issued a statement regarding the manufacturing company’s move. “While the municipality regrets that the company is leaving South Dundas, we are happy that the company’s success has put them in a position to enhance their business operations and that they have found an opportunity to grow within our region,” reads the statement.

“We were able to purchase a building in Ingleside, and we expect to be moving in the spring/summer of next year,” said Gordon Carvell, Quality Manufacturing general manager.

The main reason for the move is that the building purchase is that it allows the company to reduce its occupancy cost. “We would have been happy to stay here in Morrisburg, if the reduced occupancy cost could have been matched, but this opportunity came along, and we took advantage of it,” said Carvell.

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Ontario PC Leadership race gets started in Morrisburg

The next leader of the Ontario PC party dined at the Morrisburg Legion last week, but as of yet, who the leader of the province’s official opposition party will be has not yet been decided.

This leadership bid is to replace Tim Hudak, who resigned when the Ontario Liberals won a majority government in the June election.

October 8, the Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry riding association hosted a harvest supper fundraiser, here in Morrisburg and all five leadership candidates were in attendance including Monte McNaughton, MP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, Barrie MP Patrick Brown, former North Bay mayor Vic Fedeli, MPP for Whitby-Oshawa Christine Elliott and Nepean-Carleton MPP Lisa MacLeod.

This was the first event where all five were in attendance.

“It all starts right here in Morrisburg,” said Eric Duncan, who emceed the evening’s event.

 

Each of the candidates wasgiven five minutes to address the crowd packed with party supporters and area dignitaries.

All spoke about the great need to re-build the party, which now has only 10,000 members, but at one time had as many as 105,000 members.

McNaughton, spoke about how the party is “too top down, explaining that during the last two elections, a few party insiders have come up with disastrous election planks. “It’s killing us,” he said. He would like to see the party membership have much more say by way of voting on an election platform. “That will help us win government in 2018.”

“I have seen us lose elections we should have won,” said Brown. “There is nothing more frustrating than watching us shoot our own feet. We need to play as a team in this party. The fact that our membership is at an historic low speaks volumes.” 

“I’m tired of losing elections too,” said Fedeli. “We need to restore our pride in being Progressive Conservatives. He called June’s election, a disaster. His bid for party leadership is based on putting Ontario first, and being open to all ideas, no matter which party they come from.

Elliott spoke about the need to rebuild the party from the outside in and from the inside out. Newcomers, young people and women need to be encouraged to join the party. “We need to reach out to all members,” she said. 

McLeod, who has the support of local MPP Jim McDonnell in her leadership bid, said that the months following the June election have been the most difficult in her political career. With the PC loss, she felt  that she let a lot of people down.

“We built Ontario,” said MacLeod. “We need  a strong PC party so we can have a strong Ontario.” She encourages all party members to be active in this leadership race.

The leadership campaign officially starts November 8, 2014. Voting will take place May 3 and 7, 2015. 

In order to vote, party membership needs to be purchased by February 28, 2015, and be in good standing. 

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Policy change could mean loss of rural high speed internet service

South Dundas council added their voice to the list of those concerned with the Industry Canada proposal. The proposal will force Internet providers like Xplornet Communications to give up their 3500 MHz spectrum, which is being used to bring high speed internet services to about 11,000 residents and businesses across Eastern Ontario.

According to a briefing note provided to Eastern Ontario Municipalities by the Rural Ontario Municipalities Association, this spectrum will be transfered  to wireless cell companies to support services for urban customers.

Those affected are only those licenced and served by the 3500 MHz spectrum which is a more reliable higher speed service, generally used in rural commercial applications.

“In our view, this short sighted proposal appears only to benefit the major telecommunication companies and is contrary to the Federal government’s priority of providing high speed internet service to rural communities throughout Canada,” said Ron Eddy, chair of the Rural Ontario Municipalities Association.

South Dundas council agreed that it strongly supports the views expressed by the chairs of the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus and the Eastern Ontario Regional Network.

“Should you proceed along this path we know that more than 11,000 customers across a large part of eastern Ontario face the spectre of losing their connections to high-speed services. This cannot be allowed to happen,” reads the letter signed by Steven Byvelds on behalf of South Dundas council. 

“The Government along with its partners in EORN have just connected these homes and businesses at a considerable cost the public and to its private sector partner. Millions of dollars would be wasted and the good work of the EORN damaged. This must be avoided.”

The Government of Canada contributed $55 million to the EORN project, as did the Government of Ontario. The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Inc., and private sector partners contributed the remaining funding of the $170 million project.

“It’s ludicrous after the millions that have been spent on rural broadband in this part of the province,” said South Dundas councillor Jim Graham, who brought the issued to the South Dundas council table at the October 7 council meeting.

“It defies logic,” agreed South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds.

South Dundas council sent off a letter expressing their displeasure, and passed a resolution requesting that Industry Canada modify its policy proposals to permit current 3500MHz licence holders who are party to the Eastern Ontario Regional Network and delivering high speed fixed wireless internet services by exempt from any requirement to depart this spectrum.

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Union Gas supports fire safety awareness

 

The “Alarm for Life” program, promoted by the South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services, received some much appreciated financial support during the Saturday, October 4, 2014, open house at the Morrisburg fire hall.

Jake Lapierre, Union Gas utility service construction manager for Cornwall, was on hand to present South Dundas chief, Chris McDonough, and fire fighter, Matt Snyder, the fire prevention officer for South Dundas, the Morrisburg station, with a grant cheque for $2,500.

“Safety is a major priority for our company,” Lapierre said. “At Union Gas we are committed to the safety of our employees and communities. We show that by investing in local fire departments whose fire prevention, education and fire suppression programs help us all to stay safer.”

During this national Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11, chief McDonough explained that the generosity of Union Gas meant a lot to local safety programmes. “We will be using these funds from Union Gas for our smoke alarm program, for our carbon monoxide awareness program and for our door to door campaign to check smoke detectors in area homes.”

Pictured outside the Morrisburg fire hall are, left to right, chief Chris McDonough, Jake Lapierre and fire fighter, Matt Snyder.

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Bikers battle MS with world tour

 

They have already been on the road for one year. And before the tour ends where it began, in France, in July of 2015,  this six man bike team from L’Odyssée de L’Espoir hopes to have drawn world wide attention to a pervasive and insidious disease, multiple sclerosis.

“We are on a world tour to speak about and raise awareness of multiple sclerosis in every country we visit,” said Yvan Guillovzic, one of the six volunteer bike riders who pulled into Morrisburg on Friday, October 3, 2014. “We personally do not collect money along the way, but we let people know that our website accepts donations. We will visit 23 countries in our journey, before we return home to France.”

The trip is very personal to Gerard Guillovzic, who travels with the team in a specially designed bike chair. He has MS. 

“We also want people to see that this disease doesn’t have to limit the people who have it. They are capable of doing just about everything anyone can do,” said Yvan.

MS disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to communicate. It can occur in isolated attacks or build up over a period of time. While symptoms may disappear completely between attacks, permanent neurological problems often occur as the disease advances. As of 2008, between 2 and 3 million people have been affected. 

The causes of MS are still unclear. There is no known cure.

The point of the Odyssey of Hope is to make people aware of the spread of the disease and to push for the research which will finally find the cure. 

The riders were en route to Brockville, and from there, were making their way to Toronto and Niagara Falls. They planned to cross into Rochester, New York, continuing their ride across the States. They expect to be in South America by the winter. The team is also filming their epic journey for a documentary. 

“We have thoroughly enjoyed our time in Canada,” said Yvan Guillovzic, “although,” he added with a smile, “we don’t really want to be here in winter”.

Pictured are (l-r) Yvan Guillovzic, Benoit Le quentrec, Youhen Le quintrec, Thomas Balloy, Nicholas Lefevre and, in front, Gerard Guillovzic. 

To get additional information or to make a donation to L’Odyssée de l’Espoir, go to www.worldtour-ms.com. 

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Get on Board

 

 On Sunday, October 5, the Friends of the Sanctuary held a special day to welcome visitors from South Dundas and regions far outside the local area to the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary near Ingleside, Ontario.

What many of the visitors found they could not do this year was use the open water board walks along the Blue Heron Trail and the popular Redwing Trail. The serious structural deterioration of those walks has forced the Sanctuary to post them.

Unfortunately, these walks are also the access routes to marshland areas where special educational programs often take place.

Hundreds of people, many of them families with small children, take advantage of opportunities to come out and support the Friends and the work they do to build wildlife education, maintain trails, and ensure that birds and animals in this area have a safe year round sanctuary. On Sunday, there were displays, exhibits, and special shows featuring both birds of prey and mammals. Audiences could see first hand how vital the Sanctuary is to this region.

The Friends of the Sanctuary have launched a programme, the Get On Board Project, to try and raise the funds to rebuild the park’s vital walkways, and to restore them to the use of all visitors to the preserve.

“We want to re-build the board walks, yes, but we also want to construct them with educational platforms so that we will be able to provide educational classes  for students,” said Sue Clavet, treasurer for the Friends of the Sanctuary. “We also want to make the new boardwalks wheelchair accessible. This is a huge endeavour to raise enough funds to carry this out. We need volunteers to help us in this project, and to also come up with ideas that will help the project.”

It is estimated that the cost of restoring/replacing and enhancing the boardwalks at the Sanctuary will cost over $400,000.

Some local businesses, including Morrisburg Home Hardware, which donated bird seed for sale October 5, profits to the Project, are already trying to help. The support of the public will be desperately needed to improve the park which draws 60,000 visitors yearly. 

Go to friendsofthesanctuary.org to Get On Board and help restore the park trails. 

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