Opinion

 

Our trees, their importance and beauty, versus the $$$

Dear Editor, 

This week, on one of our sunny spring days, we took a drive through the country–a favourite pastime of ours.

That afternoon brought back one of my greatest concerns–the clear-cutting of lan d for crops, by farmers, who are receiving unusual cash rewards.

We hear and see how developers are using fertile farmland and orchards, especially around cities, to build subdivisions and shopping centres.

Trees that are considered weeds by some, certainly have an important purpose in nature’s scheme. Bushes and swamps keep water levels high. Trees and hedgerows keep soil from blowing away. They provide a habitat for birds and animals. Tree are a pleasure to every eye.

Of course some of these changes are necessary. However, it seems to me some common sense restrictions need to be put in plav to keep control of this land clearing.

We all have a voice–a voice to let our elected municipal leaders, our federal and provincial members of parliament, know our convictions. It is vital to keep nature in balance.

If we neglect this issue, our actions will bring about a requiem instead of a resurrection for our beautiful countryside.

June Herriman

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Jesus is Lord!

Are you a Christian? Is Jesus Christ the Lord of your life? Too many people say they are Christians without any consideration to the relationship they actually have to the Christ they are identifying with. 

Jesus is identified in the Bible as the Lord. This designation is not to be taken lightly as both the Father and the Son are very serious persons. The fact that even a word of idle talk is subject to judgment necessarily implies that God does not speak or write an idle word (Matthew 12:36), and that the biblical references to Jesus as Lord are not without grave significance. 

The Bible identifies Jesus as Lord in a very concrete and enduring way. Jesus’ designation as Lord is in no way like the often vacant titles we sometimes use in today’s society. Jesus Christ is Lord in fact and whether or not a person has respect for that fact has grave consequences. 

For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. – Romans 14:10-12

Notice that in the scripture quoted above Christ is identified as both the LORD and God being spoken of in the interpretive quote of Isaiah 45:23.  It is Christ the Lord’s judgment seat before which “every knee shall bow … and every tongue shall confess.” It is the Lord Jesus Christ to whom “each of us shall give account of himself.” 

The context of Romans 14 makes it clear that this scripture is referring to Christians in particular. 

As a Christian, Jesus is the Lord over your life, and how you responded to that reality will determine how He will judge your life. 

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. – 2 Corinthians 5:10

Have you ever said to someone, or had someone say to you, “who are you to judge me,” or “you have no right to judge me?” No Christian can say that to Jesus. Jesus has the right to judge you because He is your Lord and your God. (John 20:28) 

When you became a Christian you embraced the confession that Jesus is your Lord? Romans 10:9 says, “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” 

I once spoke to a small group of men about the promises they made to their brides on their wedding day. None of the men were sure about exactly what they promised, and all of them looked guilty because they were divorced and knew they had broken whatever promises they had made. They were all adulterers in the biblical sense violating the covenants they had made. 

I believe the problem began with the fact that not one of these men ever took the promises they made seriously, and from the very beginning they were willing to break those promises. 

How seriously do you take your relationship with Jesus your Lord? What did you say to Him when you became a Christian? Are you faithful to Jesus’ Lordship over your life?

Take time in prayer today to speak to your Lord, Jesus the Christ, and reaffirm your commitment to Him as your Lord.

Rev. George Frey

[…]

 

Who will save the South Dundas murals? At this point, three of the murals, all in Morrisburg, are at the end of their lifespan. The Township of South Dundas is responsible for either taking them down and refinishing the walls beneath OR making a fresh start and hiring someone to redo them.

From what I’ve heard so far, the second option doesn’t appear to be under consideration. Rather, it would appear that hope has been laid at the feet of residents who might consider stepping forward as ‘champions’… which, as I already said, has not yet happened and may not happen at all. Let’s face it, not everyone has $10,000 and change lying around for donation toward commissioning a replacement mural. (I’m lucky when I have $10 lying around that hasn’t already been spoken for…!)

Getting down to the ‘nitty gritty’… Why is saving the South Dundas murals important? Because they’re unique and they’re beautiful. They each depict a different part of the history of South Dundas. They generate interest from outsiders… perhaps even draw people into our township. I think they’re an asset to each of our communities within South Dundas and, as such, should be funded by and cared for by… our township. 

As for where the money would come from in the South Dundas budget… I don’t know, but I’m certain that it’s doable. These murals showcase our township… the beauty that surrounds South Dundas… the history… the story. Perhaps the budget for economic development should be raised to encompass the murals… for the probability that they serve to entice visitors to our area… visitors who shop here, eat here, stay here for the night… or for visitors who may decide to put down roots and set up shop in South Dundas.

Adding to that thought, should someone with power… council maybe… decide that murals are to remain in South Dundas indefinitely, perhaps there is an argument to be made for regular maintenance and upkeep, to preserve these murals for as long as possible. 

And, if I haven’t gone too far already, might I make another suggestion… why not add more murals? Not too many, just a few… maybe some with scenes from our recent history. (FYI: I hope to never see any murals with wind turbines in them!)   S. C.

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Life Discipline

Maybe you’ve seen the Dempster’s commercial in which two scenes are played simultaneously. One scene is of a farmer who rises early to prepare his fields to sew seed that will produce grain that in turn makes the very best bread. The other scene is of Sidney Crosby, who also rises early and is at the arena practicing while it’s still dark because he wants to be the very best hockey players.

Many today, despite his injuries, would say that he is, without a doubt, the best hockey player in the world, even better than “the great one”.

Truth is, whether your aim is to make the best loaf of bread or be the best hockey players, neither of these will just happen. Much work is involved in attaining anything that is of any great worth.

Discipline became not just a word to be talked about, but a life style to be lived.

I read that Patrick Chan, one of the world’s premier athletes, denies himself certain pleasures because of his passion to be the best. He takes a life of discipline very seriously. He watches everything he eats, how he sleeps, even the water he drinks.

Why do I refer to all of this? Well, I want to make a point.

In Christian circles, we have a word that means the same as discipline. It’s a word that no one seems to want to talk about anymore. It’s a word that conjures up all kinds of negative thoughts in people’s minds, maybe because it has never been rightly understood, or maybe because some people presented a false understanding of what it really is.

What is that word? Well, it’s “Holiness”. It is really having a passion  for Jesus, desiring to be like Him and Living a life that is pleasing to Him.

It’s not about a list of do’s or don’t’s, that only leads to a life of legalism, which God hates by the way.

So a Christian who wants to live a life that is pleasing to God is going to say “No” to some things because, like athletes, they are willing to discipline their lives to be true witnesses for the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Holiness is not a word that we should take out of the vocabulary if we are born again believers. It is really through living a life of discipline that we announce to the world that we have a passion to be like Jesus and to present Him to the world as the Hope for Humanity.

May I encourage you to pursue a life of Holiness for, “Without holiness no person shall see the Lord”. Heb. 12:14.

Rev. Duncan Perry,

Morrisburg Pentecostal Tabernacle

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Hospital Hiring

Friends,

My name is Christopher Cameron and I am a Registered Nurse employed full-time at The Ottawa Hospital and casual at Cornwall Community Hospital (CCH). On two separate occasions I was denied full-time employment at CCH because I did not speak advanced French. In addition, I had over seven years of experience and certification in the specialty. The nurses who were awarded the positions spoke advanced French; however had no training or experience in the specialty. The Hospital spent approximately $12,000 to $15,000 on each separate occasion to train both nurses in the specialty. Please take the time to view my You-Tube video: type “Language Discrimination”

Over the past several months, since Dr. Tombler wrote his infamous Letter to the Editor, “Loss of Good Nurses” (Standard Freeholder-Feb.2, 2012)-exposing CCH discriminatory hiring practices, I have been protesting in front of the Hospital.

On March 3, 2012, a rally was called and over 200 people came out to support Equality for All.

Many Hospital staff, over the last few months, have expressed their own stories of discrimination and the stories of others who are too afraid to speak up. One staff member was so distraught about the bullying and abuse she has encountered from administration that she broke down in tears.  How does a public entity condone bullying behaviour towards staff whose main objective is to care for others?

Since this peaceful protest started, I have met many wonderful and supportive people in our community, but it’s not all good. Hospital administration has called the police three times, complaining about me stopping traffic at the hospital entrance. When in fact, I was called over by drivers to sign our petition asking for the Provincial Government to assess CCH’s discriminatory hiring practices. 

I have been called many things, including–bigot, hillbilly, thug, KKK and Anglo-Saxon extremist…I have gotten many honks and a few “birds”. One retired nurse protester’s life was even threatened by a group of young men. Local media groups have even been approached by some groups to stop printing “Hospital Protest” stories. Furthermore, Francophone interest groups and associations have decided to get involved and divide our community.

The fact of the matter is all this never had to happen if CCH administration had really cared about the community it serves. When the two English Hospitals–Cornwall General and Hotel Dieu amalgamated in 2004, CCH applied for the FLSA (French Language Service Act). Since the FLSA’s implementation, countless people have been discriminated against either because they did not speak French or did not speak French well enough. 

The Administration has the ability to change the French requirement from mandatory to asset, but is unwilling to budge. This does not serve our community or our patients’ best interests when language trumps education and experience.

Chris Cameron RN

Long Sault, ON

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Saving the Woodlot

Dear Editor,

This is in reference to Tyler Mills’ letter April 11, referring to the 400 acre woodlot. I am writing about money saving for SD&G. My origin is Middlesex County, where Lake Huron Pipeline replaced dry wells from a low water table.

One cause of a low water tables is removal of woodlots, bush which act as a reservoir for water. Tree removal is now by permit only. Replanting and wood lot maintenance is ongoing.

Pipeline installations involve millions of dollars of taxpayer money. Plus land owners pay their own installation and for metered water.

Such water pipelines experience shut down, sometimes for day, endangering livestock and personal water use.

In order to pay for maintenance and repairs, metered water increases in price.

SD&G needs rules to stop clear cutting woodlots and thus save the water table by issuing and policing permits for woodlot maintenance only.

To paraphrase the song, “You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone: clear cut a soy bean plot.

Sincerely, Eileen Webb,

South Mountain.

[…]

 

“Due to our recent security updates and several fraud attempts in April (month of fraud prevention), we find it necessary that you should verify your account details that we have on file to ensure that your online banking service is not interrupted. We request you to confirm and update your information today by following the link below:”

This is an excerpt from an email that I received from “*Canadian.Imperial.Bank.of.Commerce*” and in case you haven’t figured it out yet… it wasn’t actually from the CIBC at all. In fact, this is just one of three emails I received in less than two days. The other two were “from” RBC and BMO. And, about five minutes ago, I received yet another warning email from Scotiabank.

Having seen these types of scams before and knowing that my bank – and I’m sure the ones listed here as well – does NOT ever ask you for you banking or personal information via email or the phone, I knew immediately this was a scam to gain access to funds.

The criminals who send the emails or make the phone calls try to trick unsuspecting victims into giving out key information by pretending they’re from reputable companies. The trick for the average would-be victim is to think first AND, more importantly, contact your bank or credit card company right away. Don’t be a victim. 

My intention for sharing this information with you is to ensure that no one in our readership falls prey to these scams.  The “BMO” email threatened deactivation of my account, however they didn’t have my name, contact information or account number… so just how were they planning on deactivating my account? As for my accounts with RBC, Scotiabank, and CIBC… I don’t have any.   

This banking scam is just one of the many ways these creative but lazy criminal types have thought up to try to “earn a living.” 

There are phone scams asking to help with credit card debt… this is a scam focussed on getting your credit card information so they can help create more credit card debt for you. There are phone scams about problems with your computer, which are basically an attempt to access your computer remotely or get you to buy unnecessary software at exorbitant prices. Don’t be fooled!

My advice to the lazy criminal types: Get a REAL job!   S.C.

[…]

 

A few short days ago, we celebrated Easter–one of the most glorious days of the Christian year

The resurrection of Jesus lit a flame in the hearts of men and women which has never been extinguished. It confirms forever the teachings of the man from Nazareth who said: “Because I live, you shall live also. I came that you might have life and have it more abundantly.”

Easter is a radiance, caught and passed on from believer to believer. It is the credential for that potent power which created the universe and the power by which human beings keep turning the world’s values upside down.

In this Easter season, may we indeed turn the world on its edge with the guidance of our Lord Jesus Christ and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

May we seek to do the will of God instead of conforming to the ways of the world. Let us uplift the downtrodden and care for the rejected.

As Christ’s faithful disciples, may we strive not for prestige or social status, but work for justice and mercy in our communities where so many are hungry or ill.

God has promised us resurrection, new life, new beginnings, in Jesus’ resurrection–what will we do as our part of keeping that promise/covenant?

We receive the new life God gives and asks us to share with others. We proclaim “Hallelujah–Christ is Risen. He is risen indeed.”

Jesus gives meaning to our often empty lives, and we can give thanks.

We are the blessed sons and daughters of the Saviour. We are to pass these blessings on to our sisters and brothers everywhere.

And if ever we feel drained and defeated, may we allow ourselves to be used by God.

We will then be renewed and revitalized.

Our interest and ability to create are reawakened.

We rise again!

Rev. Janet Evans, 

Iroquois United Church

[…]

Dear Editor,

I am writing this letter in regards to the South Dundas council’s decision to  liquidate our (the taxpayers) public recreational land. South Dundas Township has many large pieces of recreational land such as golf courses, beaches, outdoor rinks, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds, boat launches, dog parks, and parkland that line then northern shores of the St. Lawrence River.

 There is only one large piece of public land in this township, however, that is suitable for the activities in which it is currently used. This piece of land is what we call around here: “the 400”. I am writing this letter as a concerned citizen of this township and this country.

South Dundas stretches approximately 30 kilometres along the river. Now, a good portion of that is owned by the St. Lawrence Parks Commission (Ontario government) and is designated as a sanctuary. From the end of the sanctuary land just east of Morrisburg to the end of the township just west of Iroquois (which is 11.9 kilometres from Morrisburg) is approximately 15 to 20 kilometres. 

In this small stretch of waterfront there is a park in the Village of Morrisburg. There is also a dog park on this site. It is a fenced environment and is complete with tow large separate caged areas, interlock brick walkways, lighting, there is even a hose and water at the site to clean the… well, you know what I mean off your shoes. 

Across the road from the dog park is a beach. Further west, there is another waterfront park in the hamlet of Mariatown. Continue down Lakeshore Drive a couple kilometres and you will come upon Loyalist Park, which again is waterfront property.

A few kilometres later down County Road 2 you get to Iroquois. This town holds some large waterfront properties. These consist of: an 18 hole golf course, a beach and an airstrip. 

Recently, the Iroquois Gold Club came up for lease. It was a controversial issue. On one side, many wanted to sell the golf course and its property. The shared opinion was that the golf course did not generate enough revenue to justify keeping it open. It was felt that if we sold this land to a developer of sorts, we would benefit greatly from, first, the initial revenue generated from the sale of this mass waterfront property and, for the long term, that the construction and operations of whatever was built there would keep the money flowing for years to come. 

On the other side, were the citizens who felt that the land should remain public, and that development would ruin the natural beauty of the landscape in this village. In the end, the public’s opinion was heard. The township had asked the public’s opinion, and although there was much controversy, the final decision was to see the golf course remain in public hands. So, council made the decision, and a new 20 year lease was signed, case closed.

You’re probably wondering exactly where I’m going with this. What I’m getting at here is that last week I opened up the local paper, as my eyes scrolled their way down the front page, I suddenly stopped and swallowed hard as I read the title of an article. It stated: “Forested land and wetland declared surplus by council.” 

Immediately, I knew the location! A location very familiar to me. Coincidentally this “surplus” land, is but a few feet from forested land that has been in my family for two generations. This “surplus” land is a place where I’ve grown up, I’ve walked, rode, and hunted this land my entire life. It is a playground of a different kind, a playground without monkey bars, swings, or slides, but a playground none the less.

This property has provided recreation of a different variety to many outdoorsmen. ATV/dirt bike/skidoo riders, cross-country skiers, nature enthusiasts, and families from in and out of this township who prefer the serenity, seclusion, and natural beauty of this property to the other public parks and recreation areas in the township. Pretty much all of which are located in towns and villages close to roads, homes, and businesses. 

There is an unmaintained road that runs on the south side of this 397.31 acres of land, which has served as an absolutely amazing walk/ride through nothing but forest, for everything from ATV’s and snowmobiles to hunters or just someone out for a walk.

The impact on the folks who use this public property could be potentially devastating, for it is truly the last large piece of bush that exists in this township (as the satellite imagery will confirm). All that is left after this are small plots of bush scattered between vast plains of corn and soy and these small plots are disappearing more and more every year, cut away for expanding farms and the ever increasing demand for corn, essential for the production of ethanol fuel.

 But an even bigger concern than losing a favoured recreation spot, is the certain potential for the complete annihilation of a vast ecosystem that exists in our last standing forest. Articles stated that an environmental study will be done. However, this study is only in place to detect the presence of two fish, four birds, and three plants. Well you can be certain the fish will not be there. So what happens if none of these nine species are found? 

This forest is home to thousands upon thousands of mammals, birds, reptiles, and plant life. These lands are a safe haven for these animals. When winter comes, the mammals seek refuge deep in these thick cedar swamps, the only place that they really have to shelter themselves from the bitterness of winter. They feed off the buds of the coniferous trees to stay alive, as any other source of food (ex: grass, crops) is dead, frozen, and buried. 

So what do we expect those animals, who are not considered endangered, to do when their food and shelter is taken away from them? They will move to survive. Accidents caused by “road kills” will rise, the food source will be gone, eventually the smaller animals will die off and larger, predatory animals (like coyotes, which are very much present in this township) will move elsewhere to find food to survive, whether that be prey in another habitat or somebody’s house pet.

Now, I realize there’s potential for someone to buy the land and not clear cut the entire bush, however, myself and many other residents share the opinion that odds are, this bush will be non-existent in the not so distant future. If you need proof of that, I recommend that you go and visit Google Earth and take a look at this area for yourself. I can’t even count the number of forests I saw being clear cut in the last year there were so many, can you? 

I just find it very odd that all of this is happening so fast. When council was considering selling the Iroquois Golf Course, it was publicized from the very thought to the final decision. The 400 was not. A short article stating that this property has been deemed surplus and will be sold. Also, I was only able to find notification of this in the Morrisburg Leader and the Standard Freeholder. 

I have met regular visitors of the 400 during all my time spent at this public land. A lot of these people are not even from South Dundas. I have met people from Russell, Embrun, Ottawa, Montreal, Brockville, Cornwall, Alexandria, the list goes on and on. I’m sure that all of these people from those areas would be just as upset about the sale of this property as we are. In fact, I’m sure some of them would even make an offer on the property to have for sporting purposes. However, they will probably not find out about the sale of this property until long after it has been sold.

I’m not writing this to cause an issue, nor am I comparing town to country, but I have to say that it is extremely unfair that the decision to sell was already made before we were even informed that the land was deemed as surplus. 

This land is virtually maintenance free to this townhsip. The road that runs through it is unmaintained, it is overgrown, and tore up from years of riding and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m not a tree-hugger or environmentalist. I’m not a do-gooder or someone on a mission to save the planet. I’m an average citizen of this land just like anyone else born here. I’m defending this land so that my children and grandchildren can enjoy it for what it is, just as my generation and generations before that have enjoyed it just the same.

When the citizens of this township spoke out against the sale of their golf course and town waterfront, many who didn’t even use the golf course lent their support and signatures to keep the course in public hands. I support recreation of all kinds in this township, so I believe I speak for most users of the 400 land when I say… would you please support us in keeping this land the way it is, and in the hands of the citizens of this land. 

The final day for bids on this land is April the 16th. We don’t have a lot of time, I urge you to please voice your concerns to Mayor Steven Byvelds and Clerk Brenda Brunt as their names were the only two mentioned in the statement given to newspapers.

Mayor Steven Byvelds

613-652-2271

613-897-1617 (cell)

mayor@southdundas.com (email)

Brenda Brunt – clerk

613-535-2673 (township office)

1-800-265-0619 (toll free)

bbrunt@southdundas.com (email)

Southdundas.com

Facebook.com/southdundas

 

Sincerely,

Tyler Mills

[…]

 

When the Parade Is Over

We all know about mob mentality.  We know what has happened when people do not like the outcome of sports games.  We know what can happen when peaceful marches get sidetracked and become violent or destroy property.

Jesus and his followers did not have any idea what was ahead for him or them after the triumphal entry into Jerusalem on what we call Palm Sunday.  Disciples and the crowd joined in praise of God, and thought Jesus would be the one to save them from the oppression of the Romans.   Now that is a real celebration of Passover.  

They did not realize how soon all of that activity would change. But Jesus had set his face toward Jerusalem.

A few days later the same crowd would shout, “Crucify him, Crucify him!”

That is what convicts me. 

I can look pretty good on Sunday, but when Jesus examines my life, he likely is upset because he can find no fruit, like no repentance, no brokenness, no forgiveness, empty words seeking after God, no desire to grow in faith, and just the same old lukewarm worship practices.  

Would Jesus cast me aside just as the fig tree that bore no fruit?  Like honouring God with lip service but having a heart that is far from God’s heart of love?

I am thankful that this Holy Week engages me in that intentional time of naming and claiming the many ways that I have traded God’s love, compassion, mercy for the ways of the world.  The empty ways of the world that do not produce fruit or abundant life.  

I am also thankful that when the worst happens to me, like the tragic death of a loved one, or a broken relationship, I know that Jesus didn’t have to go to Jerusalem.  He goes there because he came to show us what real life is about.  

If that is true, then real life is about facing the difficult courageously and emerging from it a better person than you are now.

If that is true, then it means that God walks with us through all of life, and most closely through great suffering and great pain.

If that is true then it means that God triumphs over all the evil in the world, even death.  

Maybe that is what Jesus meant when he said, “You will find your life only by losing it.”  Losing it in service to others so that all may be fed, so that all the differently-abled may leap for joy, and so that all those oppressed by injustice and rigors of life may be freed to new life.  

“Just when I thought there would be no more light in the Jerusalem sky, the Bright and Morning Star appeared and the darkness has not overcome it.”  (Ann Weems, Kneeling in Jerusalem)  

Thank God that we can rise again to be the community of resurrection.  “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.  God’s steadfast love endures forever.” 

Blessings for Holy Week and Easter.

[…]