News

 

Local members and supporters of the Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry Federal Liberal Association enjoyed an afternoon of family entertainment at the Lost Villages Museum on Saturday, August 17th.  

“The weather was perfect; it was a great day for Liberals”, said Del Jones, President. 

The only challenge for the association was feeding the large crowd. 

Organizers had planned on an attendance of 150-200 but the caterers estimated that close to 400 were served.  

“We were a little overwhelmed by the numbers and realized early that we were going to have to shop for more food. That was a problem that we did not mind having.” said Jones.

 Liberals had the opportunity to hear encouraging words from Ottawa-Vanier MP, Mauril Bélanger, former Kingston and the Islands MP and long-serving Speaker of the House, Peter Milliken as well as former SDSG MPP, Jim Brownell.

Belanger reinforced the importance of Liberal supporters getting involved as volunteers and making regular financial contributions. He pointed out that between April and June more Canadians donated to the Liberal Party than any other party, but the Conservative Party raised almost twice as much. 

Jones challenged local Liberals to get involved as volunteers and sign up for the Victory Fund. “There is a 75 percent tax credit for contributions on donations of $10/month which means it only costs donors $2.50/month – less than ten cents per day to support the Liberal Party.  

“Justin Trudeau has strong support across Canada but it will take hard work and financial support in every riding to restore a progressive Liberal government in Ottawa,” he said.

The barbecue was free to members, supporters and their friends. 

Anyone interested in becoming a member, or donating to the Liberal Party should go to the Liberal Party website www.liberal.ca or contact Del Jones at del_jones@sympatico.ca.

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Public input is key to a new 10-year housing plan, now in the works. 

Community members will have a chance to help shape a new vision for housing in the City of Cornwall and the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry for the next decade and beyond.

The City of Cornwall’s Social Housing Division is in the midst of creating a new 10-year Housing Plan for Cornwall and SDG that will focus on the entire spectrum of housing, from homelessness to affordable home ownership. 

The plan will include an assessment of current and future housing needs as well as targets and objectives to meet those needs.

“This is a high-level strategic plan,” said Debora Daigle, Manager, Social and Housing Services. “It will identify needs and respond to local challenges with innovative community-based solutions.”

Public consultation is a key element in the process, and officials are reaching out to the public and community stakeholders to provide input during the preparation of the plan. 

Residents and interested stakeholders are invited to share their thoughts through a short online survey that is available on the City website (www.Cornwall.ca). The survey will be available until the end of August.

“The survey will help us identify gaps in service and priorities to improve access to quality and affordable housing,” said Daigle. “We’re hoping to get input from a wide cross-section of the community, including members of the public, community agencies, planners, developers, builders and housing providers.”

As the Consolidated Municipal Service Manager for Cornwall and SDG, the City of Cornwall has a mandate to develop a plan covering the entire region.

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On Sunday, August 11th, my wife Frances and I had the pleasure of hosting our 9th Annual Constituency Picnic. Thanks to a wonderful staff and some great volunteers, the event went off without a hitch. After being so well received by the many constituents throughout SDSG it is very gratifying for Frances and I to return the favour and welcome people to our home. 

The picnic has become a bit of a tradition for us. We have been feeding our guests the same menu, providing the same entertainment and everyone seems to enjoy themselves year after year. We even have bouncy castles for the kids. 

Speaking of entertainment, Lucien “Smokey” Leger and his family have been our entertainment since our first event in 2005. 87 year old Smokey, his sons Alan and Brian, along with son-in-law Rick, keep everyone tapping their toes and sometimes even singing along to the many “old favourites” they play. I feel truly fortunate that our Constituency Picnic is the only “gig” these very professional and accomplished musicians play at all year. They have already been booked for next year’s special 10th Anniversary Picnic.

Certainly one of the highlights of the afternoon is when Frances sang a few numbers. 

As some of you know, Frances has a beautiful voice and she is always a fan favourite when she sings her traditional three numbers. 

Many of our guests are most complimentary of the beautiful flower gardens Frances works so hard at preparing for our special event. 

I do cut the grass, however this year I didn’t get the weeding done, although I don’t think anyone noticed.

In all sincerity this day is very special to me. It is very humbling to welcome all the great friends we have made over the past years to a very simple happy family event. 

Our BBQ gives all of us a chance to catch up with each other, see old friends, and just be grateful for the wonderful country we live in. For me it is a wonderful reminder of just how fortunate I am to be blessed with being the Member of Parliament for Stormont, Dundas & South Glengarry.

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“Phenomenal,” was how Susan Le Clair, manager of customer service and corporate communications, described the first Food Lovers Field Days event that took place, at Upper Canada Village, August 17 and 18.

“We exceeded expectations,” said Le Clair, who reported that almost 6,000 people attended over the two days.

Saturday, those who organized the event were already talking about next year’s event. 

“We have already been talking about how we can make it even bigger and better,” said Le Clair, who is sure they will be able to make some improvements for next year, now that they have a year’s experience under their belts.

While the food lovers who attended were pleased to learn so much about what is available in their own backyards, so too were the 30 vendors who participated.

By Sunday afternoon, some of the vendors started to run out of product, indicating that their expectations were also exceeded.

Because Upper Canada Village appeals to such a large demographic, the vendors gained exposure to a larger demographic that they may not get at a regular food show, explained Le Clair. “The vendors were very happy,” she said.

The venue has room for even more vendors next year.

Le Clair acknowledged that they were lucky to get such perfect weather, and hopes that will happen again for next year’s event.

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It’s fair time!

The 121st edition of the South Mountain Fair runs August 15-18, and this year features a new, enhanced children’s program as one of the most exciting additions to the festivities.

“The Kids Mountain of Fun”, made possible through a Celebrate Ontario grant, will take place on the fair grounds in a brand new entertainment tent.

Lil John and  Stretch the Clown, with car and scooter will have two shows Saturday and Sunday and Cindy Cook from Polka Dot Door will have two stage shows on Sunday.

Little Ray’s Reptiles, Vanderlaand’s Barnyard Zoo and Tribek Inflatables will provide fun activities for kids of all ages.

Sunday will feature a parade of International/Farmall tractors and equipment at noon.

Sam Simm’s was the first IH dealer in this area and the South Mountain Fair is dedicating this parade to the Simm’s Family.

Top notch entertainment featured this year includes Georgette Jones, the only daughter of the late George Jones and Tammy Wynette, performing with Fred Ducharme and Ninth Line on Friday night. 

Saturday’s entertainment includes Country Roots in the afternoon and High Valley taking the stage at 8 p.m. Landmark will keep the music going until closing at 1 a.m. 

Fred Ducharme and Ninth Line will return Sunday along with some special guests to entertain until Texas native Mark Chesnutt takes the stage at 4 p.m.

The Western Horse Show is back with their NBHA show on Saturday and Western Games fair show on Sunday.

Other events such as the poultry, heavy horse, miniature horse and saddle, plus Farmers Olympics, Jr. Farmers Olympics, Greasy Pig, Wife Carrying Competition, as well as Simmental and Angus cattle show will be sure the entertain spectators of all ages.

Don’t miss the renowned demolition derby Friday evening, as well as all the other agricultural exhibits that continue to make South Mountain Fair “The Best Fair Deal Around.”

Tickets are $20 each day with Thursday half price day.

The $20 admission is an all-inclusive price including midway rides and entertainment in the big tent.

New this year, is a $10 admission ticket which does not give you access to the rides or the entertainment tent. Weekend passes are available for $50.

Free rough camping is available.

Check out the website at www.southmountainfair.ca

[…]

 

Time travel is very possible for children aged 8-17.

Every year, children travel from across the region, across the province, across the country, across the continent and even across the globe, to attend one of the most unique summer camp experiences available anywhere. 

Upper Canada Village’s Time Travellers Historical Discovery Camp has been offered since the 1990s. Nine week-long camps take place every summer with room to accommodate 30 campers per week. Time Travellers is for boys and girls ages 9 to 14.

“This camp really appeals to a wider geographic range than just the local region,” says Bruce Henbest, coordinator for interpretation at Upper Canada Village, who recently spoke with The Leader about this popular and long-running youth program offered annually at Upper Canada Village.

The program started in the 1990s, has grown in popularity since its inception and has a high rate of return for those children who attend the camp. The bulk of the campers come from Ontario, and particularly the Ottawa area, but they do draw a significant number from Toronto, Montreal, and have had campers come from the U.S., even Hawaii, and from Europe (France).

“A lot of our campers have come back year after year for five years,” said Henbest. “I think that recurring appeal says a lot about the program.”

“This is such a unique program, that we are fortunate to be able to offer,” he said, explaining that other living history museums in the U.S., no longer offer this type of opportunity.

“Upper Canada Village is such a magical setting, particularly in the evenings,” said Henbest, explaining that the campers have the opportunity to enjoy the village after closing. The setting and the unique 1860s experiences offered along with the camaraderie of a week-long camp make the Time Travellers experience unforgettable and unlike anything else out there.

Throughout the six day, five night camp, children stay in historic buildings that are set up as residences that are not open to the public. The buildings are outfitted with period furnishings, but have modern washroom and shower facilities. During orientation they are fitted with period clothing that they wear throughout the day when they are led through a range of activities in large or small groups that may include helping out in the kitchens of the homes or in the barns. 

The authentic 1860s experiences could have the campers helping prepare a meal, milking a cow, feeding farm animals, or helping out the various tradespeople within the village. They too could participate in leisure activities such as painting or scroll working, which would have been popular 1860s leisure activities. The campers even attend school, 1860s style. “The hands-on opportunities we provide here are pretty unique,” said Henbest. The days are structured, but the evenings are filled with fun and games and campfires. 

There are a few spaces available in the Time Travellers program this month. (Anyone interested should call 1-800-437-2233 or 613-543-4328 as soon as possible for details.)

Time Travellers is one a number of youth programs offered at Upper Canada Village.

This year, for younger children, aged 8-11 is the new “Time Travellers Try-a-camp”. It is a three day version of Time Travellers, running from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. 

Like Time Travellers participants wear authentic costumes and take on the role of a child in the 19th century community.

Young Interpreters, another of the youth programs offered, provides more of a day-camp experience. For those ages 10-15, they come to Upper Canada Village for six days over two consecutive weekends to help portray life in the 1860s. For those 15-17 there is a senior youth interpreter program.

[…]

 

What may have been a barrier to participation in the Winchester District Memorial Hospital Foundation Heel n’ Wheel Fundraiser has been removed.

The event had featured mandatory minimum fundraising amounts for participants but Friday it was announced that those mandatory minimums have been removed.

“The minimum is deterring people who want to participate from signing up. So, we removed it,” said Christina Enright, WDMH Foundation Manager of Community Engagement.

“Our hope is that people will sign up to walk or cycle from one of the seven starting locations and se their own fundraising goal at their comfort level,” she said.

The registration fees of $25 per adult and $10 per child still apply, but they can be applied to go towards your fundraising goal.

The event will be held on September 7, 2013, with walkers leaving each of the seven starting locations (Greely, Osgoode, Russell, Crysler, Finch, Morrisburg, South Mountain) at 8 a.m., and cyclists leaving between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. 

This event is open to all ages to participate, and families are encouraged. 

The Heel ’n Wheel will wrap up with a celebration BBQ in front of WDMH, complete with musical entertainment, children’s activities, and a presentation of awards. To find out more, visit heelnwheel.ca

[…]

 

Upper Canada Village will host over 30 food vendors at a new culinary event Saturday and Sunday, August 17 and 18 to showcase some of the best of the region’s local food and beverage producers.

Food lovers will have a “Field Day” sampling and shopping in an outdoor farmers’ market, all located in the fairground field found in the heart of Upper Canada Village.  

This eclectic collection of over 30 food, wine & beer artisans and producers will be serving up the flavours, aromas and medleys of nature’s bounty from across Ontario.  

Visitors to the Village will want to bring along a thirsty appetite, to not only sample and enjoy Ontario wines, local craft beer as well as other non-alcoholic beverages, but also to savour the flavours of regional foods such as artisan cheese, signature pizzas, Scottish shortbreads, brick-oven baked bread, home-style baked goods, health foods and mixes, seasonal apples and berries, market-fresh greens, herbs and vegetables, smoked meats, syrup and honey products, pickles, preserves and sauces, chocolate specialties, gourmet popcorn, peanuts and fudge, oils, garlic products, as well as a variety of ethnic foods such as Indian, Thai, Ukrainian, Greek, Mexican and more. 

Upper Canada Village invited Cornwall’s Schnitzel’s European Flavours Restaurant Chef Troy Paquette to create a signature “Upper Canada Village” pizza in a 19th century beehive oven located in the yard of Cook’s Tavern.  The individual size thin-crust “Heritage Wheel” pizzas will be made right before your eyes using Upper Canada Village flour, Village-made cheese, and heirloom ingredients as found in the Village gardens.

Two local food experts – Dwight Saunders a Raw Gourmet Chef, Teacher and Wellness Consultant for Aura Culinary Arts of Iroquois will be presenting demonstrations on ‘Pumpkins Impossible’; ‘Preserving Today for Tomorrow’; ‘Wild Edibles’ and ‘Non-Dairy Cheese Making at Home’.

Lynda Turner a Scientist with Health Canada and also the owner/founder of Zengarry Vegetarian Cuisine of Alexandria will deliver a session ‘All About Greens’ and ‘Cooking with Kids’. They are all timely topics with families starting to think about ‘back to school’ and the challenge of incorporating healthy meals into hectic daily routines.

All in all it will be a great representation of all the region has to offer – right in our own backyard.

How does this fit with historic Upper Canada Village?  

The Village with its wonderful gardens, heirloom varieties of vegetables, operating 19th century kitchens using authentic recipes and methods, cheesemaking and bakery really represents the original ‘100 Mile Diet’.  

For the Food Lovers’ weekend Upper Canada Village will have special sampling with a 19th century flavor at three of the kitchens. 

The Louck’s Farm kitchen represents a typical well-to-do pre-Confederation farm family and will serve up delectable samplings of chocolate delicacies.  Chocolate caramel, Chocolate Sweet Meats, Spiced Chocolate (like hot chocolate) and Chocolate Comfits will be served to visitors looking to taste test the sweeter side of 19th century living.

At the Tenant Farm, or the ‘hired hands’ home, sample a selection of Village-made jams, jellies and preserves – all made using special 19th century recipes. You can sample Cucumber Preserves, Carrot Jam, Citron Preserve, and Apple or Rosehip Jelly served up on your choice of homemade crackers, bread or oat cakes. Visitors will be able to take a recipe home with them or ask the ladies for some preserving tips.

At Cook’s Tavern guests can taste authentic 19th century beverages.  Lemon Syrup, Rhubarb Cordial, Rhubarb Shrub, Gingerbeer, Mead and Raspberry Shrub are a few of the drinks to be sampled at the tavern.  Cordials and Shrubs used vinegar to put some zip in the drink resulting in a very refreshing summer beverage.  Rather exotic sounding concoctions by today’s standards.

Expert Village staff will also provide garden tours led by head gardener Brian Henderson and offer samples of Upper Canada Village’s heirloom vegetables (over 50 varieties of tomatoes are grown onsite) and herbs straight from the garden.  There will also be a special feature on horseradish – how to grow it and prepare this ‘root with roots’ which has been cultivated since antiquity.

Live 19th century music throughout the day will provide the perfect ambience for a food event in this historic setting.

“Developing this event has been a real eye-opener to the depth of talented and unique food producers we have in our region,” said Geoff Waycik, manager, Upper Canada Village. “The world truly is represented right in our backyard.  As more and more people are becoming conscious about using the best quality and freshest ingredients to make healthy meal choices, the more relevant we found 19th century cuisine. We think it is a great way to promote local food and local food producers against the backdrop of Upper Canada Village.  It is a perfect match.” 

Visit www.UpperCanadaVillage.com for a complete list and description of all vendors participating.  Food Lover’s Field Days is sponsored by Smart Serve, the Township of South Dundas, Foodland Ontario and Cornwall & the Counties Tourism.

Admission to Food Lover’s Field Days is Adult (13-64 yrs) $17, Seniors (65 + yrs) $14 and Youth (6-12 yrs) $12.  Children 5 years and younger are free.  The price of admission includes a reciprocal ticket for a return visit to Upper Canada Village or Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada day program or to a Parks of the St. Lawrence beach / day-use area.  For more information visit www.UpperCanadaVillage.com or call 800-437-2233 or locally 613-543-4328.

[…]

 

Dr. Paul Simoncic joined the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic Group this month.

The McGill educated doctor will work out of the Morrisburg office three days a week, the Ingleside office two days a week and has a regular rotation at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital.

Simoncic, who has lived his whole life in Toronto and then Montreal, was looking to come back to Ontario to practise family medicine. He said that he is a little older than most new doctors because he first completed his Ph.D. at McGill in Biochemistry and Immunology, and worked in the research field for a couple of years before going to medical school. 

It was during his time in research that he worked with a rheumatologist who sparked Simoncic’s interest in medicine. So, he decided to go back to McGill for medical school. 

Simoncic did a couple of rotations at Montreal hospitals, which he enjoyed. But, what he enjoyed most was his time at a small rural hospital, Cotes des Neiges, in Quebec. 

“I wanted to come back to Ontario and I wanted to work in a smaller community,” said Simoncic. “I really like the large variety of patients you get to see in a small community,” he said explaining that as a doctor here you see patients in the clinic, in the hospital and in long term care facilities.

“You really get to build relationships with your patients as you follow them through the years,” said Simoncic. “When we talk about continuity of care, this is it.”

“I really like that we are so close to major centres like Ottawa here,” said Simoncic. “That’s really good for referrals.”

When Simoncic started looking for a practice to join he met with Doctors Coolican and Domanko and learned about the SLMC and the communities it serves through them. He visited several places but decided on the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic. His first visit here was in February and this month the joined the SLMC group.

“This place had all the characteristics I was looking for,” said Simoncic. “I really like that it’s on the river, has such a relaxed lifestyle, offers all kinds of unique and outdoor activities and is close to all the major centres.” He plans to move into the area once he is settled into the practice.

Of the SLMC Group, Simoncic says that all the other doctors have been very supportive and welcoming. “It’s great as a new doctor to be part of a group. There’s always advice available close by to ensure that patients receive the best care possible in a timely manner.”

Simoncic. who is 38 years old, has a great interest in emergency at the hospital, and said that the Winchester District Memorial Hospital is beautiful and provides a great environment with wonderful personalized care that results in a great level of patient satisfaction. 

Simoncic is accepting new patients.

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 I first learned of Pastor John Noordhof’s  bike journey on behalf of those trapped in the cycle of poverty from Joe Groeneveld, Dixon’s youth leader. Pastor John, from the Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church, is involved in an extraordinary nine week  biking adventure, crossing North America with Sea to Sea.

Pastor John Noordhof is part of a group of nearly 200 people of all ages who are biking in order to raise funds for the national struggle to end poverty. Sea to Sea is sponsored by World Renew, Partners Worldwide and the Reformed Church of America. When he left on his bike journey Pastor John had been pledged well over $10,000 by members of the Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church, and other community supporters.

On June 22, Pastor John dipped the wheel of his bike into the Pacific Ocean at Los Angeles. By August 24, he and fellow bikers hope to be in New York City to dip their wheels into the Atlantic.

Friday, August 16, around 7 a.m., following the night in Brockville, Pastor John Noordhof and other riders should be passing through Morrisburg, stopping at Upper Canada Playhouse for a brief reception. Members of his Williamsburg Church family and other interested people in the community are very welcome to come out and greet John and the Sea to Sea riders.  

Sea to Sea recognizes that there are, of course, no quick fixes for poverty. The non-profit Bike Tour, whose motto is “cycling to end poverty”, is part of a multi-pronged approach to the issue.  The 2008 Bike tour brought in $1.5 million for the cause. Organizers of the 2013 tour are hopeful that this year the donations may reach $3 million. The funds go toward organizations combatting poverty world wide.

Pastor John has had a full, and often exciting journey, peddling at least 70 miles every day. Mac Vandemaheen, of the Williamsburg Church, said that he spent part of the winter practicing for the trip on a stationary bike, but “he was ready to be out on the road.” On a blog, which he updates regularly, he has kept his supporters informed about the journey across North America.

Camping out in tents, staying in auditoriums, gyms in schools and community halls, the bikers have made new friends in the communities they passed through.  In Colorado, Pastor John wrote that he stayed in a dorm, in a “real bed, the first since Vanguard nearly three weeks ago.” In Iowa, contending with rainy weather and two flat tires, he was thrilled by an unexpected visit from church members Ralph and Marge Norg, very much a “bright spot” on the journey. He describes beautiful scenery, the wonder of experiencing mountains, valleys and desert terrain. 

There have been challenges. Temperatures along the way sometimes climbed to over 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cyclists had to travel by truck: it was too risky to bike. Outside Colorado Springs, one cyclist fell and broke her leg. Crossing the Continental Divide, Pastor John wrote “There was one short, steep climb that I had to stop three times because I was totally out of breath. The elevation got me.”

However, all along the route, the bikers have met with hundreds of supportive and welcoming officials and ordinary people. Following their crossing back into Canada, the group was able to relax at Redeemer College, and attend a celebration service, where nearly 1,000 people filled the hall. They recently crossed over Toronto, detours, construction and all, a experience Pastor John recalls as “remarkable.” He also celebrated a birthday on the road.

Cyclists with Sea to Sea have described the tour as a “life-changing experience where they got to depend on God for his protection and had the opportunity to join others in collectively seeking to glorify God by raising money to aid those who are caught in the cycle of poverty.”

Donations to Pastor John’s cause can still be made by going to the Sea to Sea website.

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