News

It’s a chance every musician hopes for: a nomination at the prestigious Los Angeles Music Awards, scheduled for September 25, 2014.

However, well-known and very talented independent artist Cory Coons has learned that he has two reasons to be pretty excited about this year’s Music Awards.

Coons has just been notified of his nomination in two categories at the ceremony: Male singer/songwriter and Record of the Year for his Share a Little Time. He will be flying out to L.A., to take the stage on Nomination Night at the Whiskey A Go-Go September 25, during the gala 2014 Los Angeles Music Awards. This will be followed by the actual Awards night on November 12.

It’s a pivotal moment in the hard-working young artist’s career.

“I know that in the end, it’s where the road takes us,” Coons said, “and I’m trying to stay grounded. But I’m pretty excited. The nominations are a big step for me. These awards are a kind of spring board into the professional industry and the Grammies. I would really love the support of my community in this endeavour. Fan support really does keep artists doing what they do.” 

Joining Cory on the L.A. journey will be his long time friend and associate, a noted musician himself, Kevin Eamon, owner/operator of Rock My House. Eamon will be Coons’ official sponsor at the first of two red carpet events. 

The road to L.A. is the latest result of years of hard work and dedication on the part of Cory Coons. He has honed his talent, his voice and his writing skills through effort and persistence.

This year, he flew out to Los Angeles in January for two intensive weeks working directly with famed producer Ron Nevison. 

Nevison is one of the top producers in North America. He has worked with mainstream rock groups like Heart, Meat Loaf, Chicago, Led Zeppelin, Ozzy Osbourne, Bad Company, Night Rangers and many others. “I submitted music to Ron over the last two years, and when I reached out to him about producing some material, he readily agreed to it. This was hugely significant to me because Ron can work with any artist he wants to in the music business.” 

Ron oversaw Cory’s time in Los Angeles, setting him up in the studio with back up artists Jeff Bova and Tim Pierce. 

Bova is a producer/arranger who’s already won a Grammy. Pierce was the original session guitar player on Bon Jovi’s Runaway, and Rick Springfield’s guitar player. Cory described it as “an honour” to work with these artists. In fact, Bova created a beautiful string arrangement  for Cory’s Remember Me, a cherished song that he wrote as a tribute to his late parents. 

In the L.A. studio, the musicians laid down tracks for a new EP Cory is releasing to jibe with the September trip stateside. Coons felt that “Ron helped me a lot, especially on vocals. He took the time to get the best out of my voice. And he’s an advisory panel member (with other producers like Eddie Kramer) with the L.A. Music Awards. He was both a connection and a help to me.”

There is a voting ballot system in place on the L.A. Music Awards website. Cory needs the support of voters in this community to help him score well in his two categories. By going on line, and voting (more than once is acceptable!), local fans could really help Cory make his dreams come true.

“If things go well on nomination night, I will need the support of voters and fans all over Canada and world wide. Should I win in one or both of the categories, then the sky’s the limit. Things could go in many directions.”

Again, the young South Dundas musician remains grounded. “Even if I don’t win, the experience of taking part, the media exposure, the publicity is immense. It’s all going to be really exciting to me.”

People can vote for Cory Coons right now, with the polls closing on November 12, just before the Music Awards broadcast. Fan support can make a big difference. The link is http://www.lamusicawards.net/nominees.html.

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SDG – In North Glengarry, August 25, 2014, SD&G OPP began an investigation into a report of a stolen motorcycle and trailer on Highway 417. 

August 24, at approximately 2 pm, a 2012 flatbed motorcycle trailer containing a white 2013 Ducati Panigale motorcycle had been left on the roadside to a flat tire on the trailer. Upon returning a short time later with resources for repair, the owner (from Quebec) observed the unit had been stolen.

Here in South Dundas, August 26, 2014 SD&G OPP began an investigation into a report of a stolen vehicle which occurred on Safford Road. A 2009 Pontiac G5T, 4 door Grey had been left on the roadside due to mechanical failure on the evening of August 24, 2014. Upon returning to retrieve the vehicle on August 25, 2014, the owner (from South Dundas) observed it had been stolen.

Investigations continue on the above incidents

[…]

 

 Among the horses to be showcased at Upper Canada Village’s Horse Lover Weekend (August 30-September 1) are the Village’s very own Canadian horses, now recognized as Canada’s National Horse. 

“They [the Canadians] are indispensable to our programs, and they play a key role in bringing the essence of the 1860s to life.  I can’t imagine Upper Canada Village without our horses! ” says Bruce Henbest.  

This special Labour Day weekend event features three days packed with activities showcasing riding, driving and working horses.  

Natural horsemanship demonstrations and a mock 1860’s horse auction will be part of the weekend’s activities.  

It is a great opportunity to watch, learn and improve your understanding of all things equine, with demonstrations and performances by notable horse experts.

Farrah Green who states her mission as “helping horses with their people, as well as furthering my own horsemanship skills,” has an extensive background as both a rider and teacher. Green, a 3 Star Parelli Natural Horsemanship Instructor will share her knowledge about how to communicate more effectively with horses and will give multiple performances and demonstrations throughout the weekend.  

Joining Green will be Gary Meek and the Spirit in Unity team from Drogheda Manor in Lunenburg, Ontario.  

This team will demonstrate the principles of natural horsemanship in an educational and entertaining presentation that is fun for the whole family.  You will never look at horses in the same way again!  Free horseback rides will also be offered.

CTV Ottawa’s News at Noon Anchor Michael O’Byrne will be the honourary Parade Marshall on Saturday. 

The Parade of Horses takes place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday & Monday in front of Cook’s Tavern and will feature Ken Reid’s six horse hitch of giant Percherons and Upper Canada Village’s six horse hitch of black Canadians along with a number of other breeds.  

Following the parade O’Byrne will help with auctioneering duties at the Mock Horse Auction 1860’s style at 1:30 p.m.  

To join in the bidding at the auction “horse lovers’” dollars must be purchased in advance along with an auction number.  

The lucky bidder will receive a photo with the horse and Farrah Green.  

Other unique items made by Village artisans will be sold in a real auction. Registration and purchase of horse lovers’ dollars takes place at the wooden booth in the fairgrounds.   

Upper Canada Village will proudly feature the versatile Canadian Horse – now officially recognized as Canada’s National Horse – and the many different ways Canadians are used on site.  

The Village has played an important role in the preservation of the Canadian Horse.

In the late 1970’s, when the Village began its breeding program, there were few pureblood Canadian horses outside of the province of Quebec and their numbers were dwindling.  

The Village has continued to promote this historic breed and is now the owner of 25 registered Canadians.  

Traditional horse-related skills will be demonstrated by Village staff and the ingenious ways horses were used in the 19th century.  

This includes field work, drag saw and tow scow operation, horse-powered threshing, making deliveries and driving carriages.  

“We are very excited to welcome 3 star Parelli Natural Horsemanship Instructor Farrah Green to Horse Lovers’ weekend,” says Henbest.  “We also are appreciative for the support from the local horse community.”

“Upper Canada Village has a very special relationship to horses and for our visitors the horses are a seamless part of the Village experience.  We rely on our Canadian horses to pull the carryalls with visitors, they are the power behind our Tow Scow in the canal and they pull the wagon to pick-up the bread from the Bakery every day just to name a few tasks they perform.”  

The weekend will include musical performances by fiddler Robyn Howes on Sunday, and a special Celtic music performance by A. J. Benoit and The Blarney Show Band from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, September 1.

Visitors are cautioned to be careful around horses.  Horses may cause injury.  Always ask the driver or rider, first before touching the horse or riding in a vehicle.

 

 

[…]

Starting in the 2014/2015 school year, students heading to school in Ontario will have to meet the new immunization requirements for school attendance.

The new regulations will make three vaccines that were recommended in the past mandatory. Students between the ages of 4 and 17 will therefore need to have proof of immunization against the following diseases in order to attend school:

meningococcal disease (if students did not receive the vaccine in grade 7, they can receive it at school in grades 8 to 12);

pertussis (whooping cough);

varicella (chickenpox), for children born in 2010 or later.

The new regulations have also changed the number of shots (doses) of vaccines that students must receive to be protected from tetanus, diphtheria, polio and mumps. 

However, no changes have been made to the measles and rubella immunization requirements.

As was the case in the past, the new regulations state that parents of children attending an elementary or secondary school in the province must provide proof of their child’s immunization against the diseases mentioned above. 

Children who do not have the required immunization records or valid exemptions may be temporarily suspended from school. 

Parents must therefore inform the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) every time their child receives a vaccine. 

The health unit can help parents keep their children’s immunization records up-to-date.

Vaccines are safe and protect children by causing their body to produce antibodies, which fight off disease. Immunizations play a vital role in children’s health as they protect them from a number of serious diseases. 

For information, or to notify the health unit that your child has received a vaccine, call 613-933-1375 or 1 800 267-7120.

[…]

Representatives from the United Counties of Stormont Dundas Glengarry (SDG) returned last Wednesday, August 20 from the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference in London. 

The AMO Conference is one of the largest municipal conferences held in Ontario each year.

SDG continues to participate in this annual conference largely through the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), raising awareness on issues facing municipalities throughout the region. 

The EOWC was successful in securing delegations with several high profile representatives from the province including municipal affairs minister Ted McMeekin, community safety minister Yasir Naqvi, and the Official Opposition. These opportunities were used to release the EOWC’s Economic Development Strategy for Eastern Ontario, and raise concerns regarding policing costs and infrastructure renewal.

“The AMO conference is another important opportunity for municipalities to lobby the provincial government. It is a forum for us to put forward – with one voice – what our policy and operational challenges are,” stated Warden Eric Duncan. “It is also an opportunity to say thank you, and SDG certainly does not lose sight of that.”

Representatives from the Counties were also on hand for a delegation with infrastructure minister Brad Duguid to promote the Glengarry Regional Water Project. While no formal decision has been made on funding from the province, both North and South Glengarry townships remain optimistic as they continue to pursue this important initiative.

Premier Kathleen Wynne was in attendance at this year’s conference, providing the keynote address to delegates on Tuesday. 

The provincial government announced earlier this week that it would be moving forward with a new $100 million per year infrastructure fund for municipalities. 

The province also announced that it would not be pursuing any further action on joint and several liability – and important file that municipalities have lobbied strongly for action on in past.

[…]

With eight years experience as a member of South Dundas council, the last four years as mayor, Steven Byvelds says he has a good feel for this community, and what needs to be done to keep South Dundas moving forward at a reasonable rate. 

“Another four years is the right thing to do,” South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds told The Leader shortly after filing his nomination papers Monday, and officially announcing that he is seeking a second term at the head of the South Dundas council table.

Byvelds took a while to make his intentions known, making his announcement with less than three weeks to the September 12 nomination deadline.

“I really had to have a good feeling that this decision was right for me and my family, and right for South Dundas,” said Byvelds. 

He further explained that, as a sitting mayor, he felt that it was important to keep his focus his work as mayor before shifting that focus to the coming election, which to him, is what filing nomination papers does.

For months people have been asking him his intentions, and he says he never really minded anyone asking. “People asking is a good thing. It means they’re interested.”

“I believe steady leadership is required for our path forward,” said Byvelds, who is proud of the many accomplishments over the last four years.

“During those years, we have moved South Dundas forward in a direction that was guided by our strategic plan. We have implemented a new economic development plan which has allowed us to retain and foster new business,” said Byvelds. 

“We have received funding for the Iroquois Wastewater Treatment Plant and it is now complete, within budget. We have done significant rehabilitation work on the sewer systems in all our villages.”  

“I am especially proud of working with our previous MPP Jim Brownell for the $3.2M funding which allowed South Dundas to finally upgrade the Lakeshore Drive Sewer Line which had been plagued with undersizing issues for a long time.” 

“We built the South Dundas Municipal Centre which provides a new home for not only ourselves but the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic and the SDG Library. We have maintained our rural roads and we still can claim to have the best rural road system in Ontario.”

Throughout his eight years on South Dundas council and six years on the council of the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, Byvelds has built many good connections with colleagues locally and further afield, which Byvelds believes is another benefit of steady leadership.

“As Mayor, I have worked with your council to ensure they voiced their opinion at the council table.  Our decisions were based on factual information and in the end, I ensured that council’s decision was reflected in how staff proceeded with policy and work assignments.  We have kept budgets within reason knowing how our decisions affect those who live in South Dundas.”

Good leadership, a strong knowledge of municipal finances, an understanding of what the community can afford, along with the willingness to spend time researching issues, is what Byvelds says he brings to the South Dundas council table.

“The next four years can be an exciting time for South Dundas.  We live in one of the most picturesque parts of Ontario with the St. Lawrence on the south and many beautiful farm and rural lands in the north.  If elected, I will work closely with Council and staff to grow and improve our community and continue to make it a great place to live, work and play,” says Byvelds.

“Over the next nine weeks, please let me know your comments and concerns.  I will have a website up soon (stevenbyvelds.com) and you can contact me directly by email (bycrest@persona.ca) or phone (613-652-2271).  I will also be ‘out and about’, so stop me and let’s have a discussion of the future of South Dundas.  Remember, if we all pull the rope in the same direction, we will move forward.”

Municipal elections take place October 27. So far, in South Dundas, the mayor’s race is between South Dundas councillor Evonne Delegarde and South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds. 

The list of municipal election candidates is not finalized until the September 12 nomination deadline passes.

[…]

As of Monday, all seats of South Dundas council are being contested. 

Monday afternoon, Bert Geertsma filed his nomination papers to seek election as a South Dundas councillor in the upcoming municipal election.

Geertsma has never been an elected councillor, although he did once run once, unsuccessfully, for council in Williamsburg.

Geertsma is a longtime resident of the Dunbar area of South Dundas. 

He retired from Nestlé and had a hobby farm that he has since sold. He now works at a dairy and cash crop farm.

“I have the time to spare, and I’m sure I can fit the job well,” he said. “I am willing to make the commitment to council, and to serve all the public interests in South Dundas.”

He sees the council position as the right place to start. “I would prefer to start there, to get the experience, and to work with council and the mayor,” said Geertsma.

“I think its time for a change,” he said, adding that he would like to see more public input into decisions being made.

With Geertsma’s nomination, the number of candidates for councillor now outnumber the available seats. 

Geertsma will be competing with sitting councillors Archie Mellan and Jim Graham and former councillor Bill Ewing for the three available seats at the council table.

So far, the mayor’s race and deputy mayor’s races are two person contests with mayor Steven Byvelds and councillor Evonne Delegarde seeking the mayor’s seat and deputy mayor Jim Locke and first time candidate Leslie Disheau seeking the deputy mayor’s seat.

The nomination deadline is September 12, after which the list of candidates is finalized.

[…]

Numerous agencies providing services to children and youth in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry gathered on Wednesday to brief MPPs Jim Wilson and Jim McDonell regarding their programs and ways the provincial government can assist them in delivering those services efficiently and broadly.

 

“Our young people are the future of this province,” said Ontario PC Interim Leader Jim Wilson. “Today, we heard from people committed to making this the best place in Canada to grow, and to start a career.”

 

The province offers support programs in fields such as health, skills training, mental health support, and education for children and youth in Ontario.

 

“We must focus our resources on delivering the best opportunities for our local children and youth” – MPP McDonell commented. “Directing provincial funding wisely in helping young Ontarians achieve their full potential will enhance their futures and help our province rebuild its competitiveness and attractiveness to families. Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry is a wonderful place to call home – the community’s generous spirit and volunteer resources are a significant factor in this. Today’s consultation highlighted the importance of consistent and reliable provincial funding, and for the government to tailor programs to meet local needs. We will bring their concerns to Queen’s Park and continue working for all residents of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry.”

 

[…]

Morrisburg and Iroquois residents hooked in to the municipal water and sewer system are going to see a substantial increase in their water and sewer bills this fall. 

Municipal officials have been warning that an increase is necessary to cover the operational cost of the municipality’s waterworks since budget time. Last week, staff presented council with the numbers showing just how big an increase is needed. 

Staff told council that the monthly base water rate would have to jump to $30.26 from the current $21.99 to sufficiently fund current operating and capital requirements.

Council was not willing to commit to that big of an increase at this point, and opted for an alternative sufficient to meet the 2014 budget needs, which is a monthly base water rate of $27.52. 

Once the water consumption charges, capital levy and sewer charges are factored in to the equation, the average Morrisburg water/sewer user will pay just over $96 a month and the average Iroquois user will pay just over $106 a month. Currently, Morrisburg users paying about $85 monthly and Iroquois users $94.

South Dundas chief administrative officer Steve McDonald explained that a huge decrease in water consumption has made it more and more difficult for the municipality to cover the operational costs of the water plant, which within the next few years will need a significant investment of funds as the plant’s costly Xenon filters are nearing the end of their expected lifespan. Meters are also reaching the end of their lifespan, and a replacement program with smart meters will be needed in the near future.

From 2007 to 2013 water consumption dropped by almost 22 per cent here in South Dundas. This trend is similar to that seen across the province, which has seen a 19 per cent decrease in consumption.

Declining water use is related to changes in plumbing codes, higher water rates prompting consumers to cut back, and changes in consumer attitudes which have brought more efficient appliances into their homes. (For example, a high efficiency clothes washing machine uses about 100 litres of water less per load than a traditional washer.) Formerly common practices like lawn watering and car washing have also been reduced. 

Despite the fact that bringing water and sewer operations in house has saved South Dundas $65,000 in payroll costs from the previous contract, South Dundas is still needing to dip into water reserves to cover 2014 operational and capital costs.

Last year, almost $400,000 had to be drawn from the water reserve, and the treasury is estimating that almost $300,000 will need to be drawn from the reserve in 2014, depleting it to less than $50,000.

While the water reserve is being depleted, the sewer reserve remains healthy, at about $1 million between the Morrisburg ($700,000) and Iroquois ($300,000) reserves.

Council and staff, at this point, agreed that those sewer reserves should not be touched until the new Iroquois waste water treatment plant has been operating at least a year. 

From experience they know that the cost of operating a new secondary treatment plant, especially the hydro cost, is much higher than the former primary treatment plant.

“There’s no magic. It’s user pay, and it’s got to be dealt with,” said South Dundas deputy mayor Jim Locke. 

“For this year we have to increase it to what we need, and then do it again next year,” said councillor Jim Graham.

“We’re going to have to do annual increases. We’re not meeting what’s needed in the budget,” said councillor Evonne Delegarde. “We need to increase the rates every year until we are caught up, so we don’t fall further and further behind.”

“We have to have the money to run the plant,” said councillor Archie Mellan. “We are in a predicament because we are trying to play catch up.”

“We can’t let it go,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds. “That would not be fair to the next council. We can’t ignore this.”

The bylaw to approve the rate increase will go to council in September, and staff are expecting to implement the change October 1, 2014.

[…]

Ontario East British Home Child Family working in conjunction with the Chesterville & District Historical Society is pleased to present “British Home Children in Eastern Ontario” on September 5 at 7pm at the Chesterville Heritage Centre, Victoria Street Chesterville.   

OEBHCF member Tom Brownell of Lombardy will speak on how the discovery of a British Home Child in his family was a catalyst for the increased awareness and recognition of this subject throughout Ontario and beyond.

Tom’s grandmother, Mary Pearson, was a young girl when she and her sister became wards of Quarrier’s Homes in Scotland.  Within a few years she was sent to Canada, eventually settling in Eastern Ontario.   She worked, married and raised her family, but like many of her fellow British Home Children did not speak in any great detail of her part in the Child Migration Scheme of the British Government. 

Brownell will speak on his grandmother, how her grandson Jim Brownell discovered her story, which became  the  catalyst for increased awareness of the British Home Children and the resultant adoption of September 28 as “British Home Child Day in Ontario by the Ontario Legislative Assembly which led to subsequent events being held at Upper Canada Village and other locations in Eastern Ontario.  Their sister, Judy Neville, has been instrumental in the organizing of various events, facilitating the organization of volunteers which has led to the formation of the Ontario East British Home Child Family group.

Like many families who have a British Home Child in their family tree, the members of the Brownell family have worked tirelessly to promote, preserve and educate the public about this most important aspect of our Canadian culture.  Come join these two historical groups to hear the stories and break the silence that has existed about this subject for decades.  Who knows – perhaps you will find out that you have a connection to these children yourself!

There is no cost for attending this event, but donations will be shared between the two organizations and light refreshments will be served.  For more information please contact carol.goddard@sympatico.ca or jneville0@gmail.com.

 

 

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