Email: southdundasinbox@gmail.com

        The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 48 and the Branch 48 Legion Ladies Auxiliary pooled resources today in an effort to boost support for the Morrisburg & District Lions Club’s Angel Tree project, turning over monies ensuring that every child in our community celebrates Christmas with a gift. Lions representative Wayne Domanko pointed out “The Legion’s generosity and hard work with so many causes in South Dundas is just remarkable. These ladies never stop working and their efforts do so much for so many. We certainly appreciate their help every year.”

        The Lions Angel Trees are located in Scotiabank and BMO (Bank of Montreal) in the Morrisburg Plaza, where community supporters can pick out an Angel to help in celebrating Christmas the way every child should be celebrating Christmas. Details can be found by scrolling down on this page.

        In the above photo Debbie Shaver, 1st Vice President, Branch 48 Ladies Auxiliary; Inez Bilmer, President, Branch 48, Ladies Auxiliary; Wayne Domanko representing the Morrisburg & District Lions Club; and Elsie Guindon, Secretary, Branch 48, Royal Canadian Legion, all sporting great Santa smiles. And all urge South Dundas supporters to drop by either of the banks for an Angel.

A little more Christmas-ie . . . and now that it's here to stay . . . Baby, it's cold outside . . .

photo: various poster and news outlet sources

Rockin’ Round The Christmas Tree. . .

Thursday, Nov. 25th - Music has always been one of the most popular ways to celebrate the Yuletide season.  Upper Canada Playhouse’s Rockin’ Round the Christmas Tree, running Tuesday, Nov. 30th and running thru Sunday, Dec. 19th, promises to deliver just that. Fresh off their recent Patsy Cline concert, Leisa Way and the Wayward Wind Band return with a cavalcade of everyone’s favourite traditional and contemporary holiday hits.

       This time around is a brand new live Christmas concert guaranteed to bring the joys of the season to you, your friends and family. Sprinkled with a dose of comedy, stories and visits from some popular Christmas characters, Rockin’ Round the Christmas Tree guarantees to put everyone in the Christmas spirit and makes the perfect start to everyone’s holiday season.

        The concert was initially created and filmed last season for people to purchase and enjoy at home. But Playhouse audiences will be the first to actually enjoy the concert live.

        "There’s nothing like experiencing live theatre and music," comments Artistic Director Donnie Bowes, pointing out, "We’re so pleased to be able to offer our audiences the opportunity to have the concert performed right there in front of them. It harkens back to the time when families gathered around the television to watch their favourite artists perform their Christmas Specials. Only instead of gathering around the television, Playhouse audiences will gather around the stage to experience this magical live concert."

        Rockin’ Round the Christmas Tree is the third Christmas concert that Way and her band have created for Playhouse audiences. It follows hot on the heels of Have Yourself a Swinging Little Country Christmas and Mistletoe Magic, both hit concerts premiered here at The Playhouse. In addition to Way herself, the concert features come of the finest musicians in the country including Don Reid on drums, Fred Smith on guitars, Doug Eyre on bass, Bruce Ley on keyboard and Nathan Smith on violin, mandolin and acoustic guitar.

Rockin’ Round The Christmas Tree - Tuesday, Nov. 30th - Sunday, Dec. 19th

2pm matinees: Tue; Wed; Thu; Sat; Sun 2:00 pm & 8:00pm shows Thu./Fri./Sat.

Tickets: 613-543-3713/877-550-3650

uppercanadaplayhouse.com

U18-B Rep Lion Jordan Heuff cleanly beats Kaden McCrimmon for the tying goal on Thursday evening at Morrisburg. Heuff returned less than a minute later to score the wining marker in the 3-1 victory . . . 

Thursday, Nov. 25th - There’s always a good hockey game promised when the Upper Canada Minor Hockey League schedule posts a date to meet the Charlan Rebels. And that’s just what the smattering of fans enjoyed on Thursday night at Morrisburg Arena when the over-performing and under-achieving Rebels visited to challenge the South Dundas U18-B Rep Lions.

        The Rebels, year in and year out, ice teams that play hard. They take the game seriously, they skate fast, they check hard. They aren’t always the biggest, or the strongest, or the top talent, but they are always one of those “always” teams. And Thursday evening was no different.      

        Opening the 1st-period on the attack the Rebels exercised speed and checking to keep the Lions off their game. They checked relentlessly, charging at the opposing players to capture and control the puck, and they intercepted passes and jumped on quick break-outs putting the South Dundas defence on their heels a number of times. And they held a 1-0 lead on an Addison MacDonell/Sean Marasa play that saw Jack Chisolm beat Lions’ netminder Gavin Kirkham close-in on the 3-way play.

        The Lions, at the same time, were getting out-checked in the opening period. But their somewhat greater skill level was taking the wind out of their opponents. So too was the attention to detail being exercised by the Lions defensive unit and it showed in the middle frame. A few solid hits on visiting players oblivious to the outcome of skating between 15-year-old Marty McLeod and the boards was an effective way to slow Charlan’s attack on whatever side McLeod was patrolling. And that advantage saw the home team quickly jump on an opportunity. Particularly in the combination of Jordan Heuff, Cole Eikelboom and Sam Hart. 

        Eikelboom and Hart moved the puck into the Rebels zone early in the 2nd-period, handed off to Heuff who swung around the defence and snapped a shot over goaltender Kaden McCrimmon’s right pad to tie the game. Less than a minute later Monty DeJong and Colin Verbruggen swooped over center ice, again handed the puck off to Heuff, who unleashed a perfect rising shot from the top of the right circle, over MacCrimmon’s shoulder and buried in the netting before the netminder could get prepared. To add a bit of a rub the Lions topped off the period with a 3-1 lead, this time with Eikelboom registering the goal from Heuff and Hart.

        Third period play kept the fans in the game with lots of speed and borderline hits. Winding down to the final few minutes the ‘never say die’ Rebels mounted a last ditch assault on the Lions zone, trading their netminder for a 6th-shooter, cutting the Lions lead to a single counter when Jack Chisolm beat Kirkham for the second time. Unfortunately for the Rebels that goal proved too little too late, leaving only 12 seconds on the game clock.

        The Lions next home game is slated for Thursday, Dec. 2nd when the Cornwall Colts come to Morrisburg Arena for an 8:00 p.m. start.

Thursday, Nov. 25th - The Ontario government is unlocking the expertise of the private sector to accelerate Ontario’s digital future with the Digital and Data Innovation Fellowship Program. The government is now accepting applications to bring some of Ontario’s best digital and data talent into government to help build Ontario’s digital future. Fellows, nominated by their organizations, will be private-sector digital and data professionals — senior backend developers, product managers, user experience designers, service designers and data specialists — operating within Ontario to help solve the government’s most pressing design, data and technology challenges. They will begin their provincial ministry placements in February 2022 for approximently six months.

        “We’re building a strong foundation for a digital Ontario and working with the private sector to make that happen,” said Kaleed Rasheed, Associate Minister of Digital Government. “Leveraging the expertise of the private sector will help us deliver simpler, faster and better services to the people of Ontario.”

        Placements will each include one to two fellows to join a multidisciplinary team embedded within a ministry. Six to 10 fellows will be onboarded across four ministries. Fellows can expect to work on the following projects:

   •  The Courts Digital Transformation Initiative at the Ministry of the Attorney General, which will deliver digital access to courts.

   •  The Service Modernization Project at the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry will create new digital services for permits, licenses and authorizations.

   •  The Digital Identity Program at the Ontario Digital Service that will enable easier, more secure access to online services.

   •  The Compliance Modernization Project at Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs will further enhance the Ministry’s inspection and compliance programs, making them more client-focused and digital/data-driven.

        The deadline for applications is December 10, 2021. Information on the application process for organizations is available at Ontario.ca/digitalfellows

        “The Digital and Data Innovation Fellowship Program is an example of how we’re making digital transformation a priority,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “We’re building a digital economy for the social and economic benefit of the people of Ontario.”

Power Up Program Pilot Project Reviewed . . .

Staff reported that a two-year-old pilot program centered on special education services is now in high demand across the school board.

        The Power Up Program pilot project was launched in 2019 as a response to meet increased student needs. Special education teachers in 13 schools across the school district were provided with a supported learning space – usually a classroom – that was flexible, responsive and accessible to all students where they acquired learning strategies. The participating schools reported increased literacy and numeracy results, reduced suspensions and positive parent feedback. 

        Based on the pilot’s initial results, schools continue to request being considered for a Power Up classroom. The school board recognizes there is a need to grow the program in order to serve a wider range of schools within the district. Next steps include growing the capacity in Power Up to become the UCDSB foundational model for the delivery of special education services; exploring more specialized programming focused on learning strategies and community living and life skills, and; offering further professional learning opportunities. 

Update on Vaccine Clincs in UCDSB Schools and COVI-19 Testing Options for Students  . . .

        The Eastern Ontario Public Health unit will be holding four clinics in schools within the UCDSB offering the Pfizer vaccine throughout December. The four schools include Seaway District High School, Russell High School, Char Lan District High School and St. Lawrence Secondary School. More details will be released in the coming weeks. 

The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Public Health will be holding vaccination clinics throughout their region in the coming weeks, also offering the Pfizer vaccine. More details will be released in the coming weeks. 

        Trustees also learned the province will provide free rapid antigen tests for students where there are heightened risks of COVID-19 spread. Staff outlined the public health units will provide these tests are needed. As well, PCR Self-Collection has expanded to all elementary and secondary schools. Students and staff will be able to access PCR self-collection kits at school and drop them off at a convenient location within their community, such as a pharmacy.  The Ministry of Education is working with school boards on the implementation process. Test kits are expected to arrive within the next three weeks. 

Staff Vaccination Protocols Reviewed . . .

Staff provided an update to trustees on the new school board requirements from the provincial government for employees who have not provided proof of immunization against COVID-19.  

         As of Nov. 10, 2021, individuals who have not provided proof of vaccination must now provide verification of negative test results three times per week as an added measure to protect schools from the risk of COVID-19. Currently, 90.66 per of UCDSB staff and trustees have completed the attestation form and attested to being fully vaccinated. 

        As per the instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, which requires all publicly funded school boards to have a COVID-19 vaccination disclosure policy in place, all staff who have not attested to being fully vaccinated now must complete regular, rapid, antigen testing three times per week. 

UCDSB Set to Open Schools Up for Community Use . . .

        After a 20-month hiatus due to the pandemic, the UCDSB will re-open the schools for community use. Past community user organizers have been notified they can now register with the expectation to begin using UCDSB facilities as of Dec.6.  

        When the school closures first occurred at the pandemic’s onset in March 2020, community use of schools programming was suspended. Since then, the UCDSB has been working with legal professionals and the Ontario School Boards' Insurance Exchange (OSBIE) to adapt existing contracts and procedures to ensure community use may proceed while ensuring the Board is able to meet its health and safety requirements without undue risk. Past community user organizers have been notified they can now register with the expectation to begin use in early December. 

Thursday, Nov. 25th - The Ontario Provincial Police Festive RIDE campaign kicks off this week and the OPP are reminding Ontarians that keeping impaired drivers off our roads includes important preventative measures taken by citizens. The population in Ontario has stepped up significantly this current year, placing more than 21,000 calls to the OPP to report suspected impaired drivers. While these calls may not always lead to an impaired driving charge, the OPP does take every report of a suspected impaired driver seriously.

        In spite of efforts by the police and members of the public to keep these dangerous drivers off our roads, OPP officers have responded to close to 2,000 alcohol/drug-involved collisions this year. The incidents resulted in 29 people losing their lives and hundreds of others sustaining serious injuries.  

        "Losing a loved one in a collision involving an impaired driving is among the most preventable tragedies on our roads," pointed out Provincial Police Commissioner Thomas Carrique, adding "Making a commitment to never drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs and to report anyone you suspect of doing so to the police is most important."

        "During the Festive RIDE campaign, OPP officers will make full use of their expertise, tools and authority to detect and charge impaired drivers," Carrique continued, "Together, we have the ability to keep our roads safe, not only over the holidays, but throughout the year." 

        Ontario Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, stated "Impaired driving is a criminal offence that can have deadly consequences. No one should get behind the wheel if they are impaired, whether by drugs or alcohol."

        "This holiday season make a plan to get home safely for yourself and others by arranging a designated driver, ordering a taxi or rideshare, or taking public transit," the Solicitor General continued, "Remember, we all have a role to play when it comes to staying safe. A life lost to impaired driving is completely preventable."

        The OPP points out that under Mandatory Alcohol Screening laws, an officer can demand a breath sample from any driver they lawfully pull over, without having reasonable suspicion that they have alcohol in their body. An officer can also demand that a driver submit to a Standardized Field Sobriety Test and a Drug Recognition Expert Evaluation. SFST-trained officers and DREs have the expertise to detect impairment by alcohol, drugs or both in a driver. Young, novice and commercial drivers are reminded the OPP enforces the zero tolerance sanctions that apply to these driver classes.

        The OPP has laid more than 8,000 alcohol/drug impaired driving charges so far this year. The police have conducted close to 6,700 "Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere" - RIDE - initiatives, charged 611 drivers with impaired driving and issued 199 Warn Range Suspensions during the 2020-2021 Festive RIDE campaign.

Friday, Nov. 19th - The Ontario government is investing an additional $157,960 to increase mental health supports for postsecondary students at St. Lawrence College. This funding is part of an additional $8.7 million for Ontario postsecondary institutions announced on November 4th of this year. This additional funding will support postsecondary students and will help to address the increased need for mental health services due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. It also includes new funding for the nine Indigenous Institutes in Ontario and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and l'Université de l'Ontario français.

         “Ontario’s publicly-assisted colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes play an important role in supporting the mental health needs of Ontario’s postsecondary students, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “Ontario’s additional investment will help to promote campus wellness and create the right conditions for our students to succeed in their studies.”

         “Over the last several years the mental health needs of postsecondary students have increased dramatically,” said Jim McDonell, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry.

“This investment in the mental health of our students will ensure we’re supporting them

in their studies and future career goals, because when they succeed, we all succeed.”

         The province’s investments in mental health are part of the Roadmap to Wellness,  the government's plan to build a connected and comprehensive mental health and addictions system that ensures children, youth, and adults in Ontario receive appropriate services where and when they need them.

          Royals netminder Seth Getz covers the low right side of his net as the Lions charge to add

     another goal in the middle period on Wednesday night . . .

Wednesday, Nov. 24th - The U18-B House Lions added another two points to their 2nd-place South Dundas standing in the Upper Canada Minor Hockey League. The locals, hosting the winless Kemptville Royals U18-B1's at Morrisburg Arena closed the third period in a 6-1 lead. putting five points between themselves and 3rd-place Kemptville-2.

        South Dundas grabbed a 3-0 lead in the opening period, added a pair of counters in the second frame and finished with a single goal in the final 20-minutes. Kemptville scored their only goal, stealing what appeared to be a sure shutout in the final half of the 3rd-period from Lions goaltender Brogan Kyle.

        Paul Theos led the points parade with 3 assists in the game while Cameron Stewart and Wyatt Rivet each had a pair of goals. Terrance Mudde and Cam Shaver scored single counters. Gwyneth Watson picked up the single goal for the Royals.

        The home team Lions were called on nine minor penalties over the three periods and the visiting Royals sat out eight calls.

        South Dundas' next home game is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 1st when the 3rd-place Kemptville 2 U18-B House Royals come to Morrisburg for an 8:00 pm. start.

        The North Dundas Rockets constantly swarmed the Morrisburg net on Sunday afternoon, scoring 11 goals over three periods, taking their hold on 4th-place in league standings to seven victories in 13 games . . .

Friday, Nov. 20th - The Morrisburg Junior C Lions gave fans all they paid for and then some on Saturday evening in a home game hosting the Almonte Inferno. The 8th-place Lions came from behind to tie the game in the final minute of regulation play and the team’s leading scorer, Justice Brownlee, netted the winning counter with one minute remaining in the overtime period for the victory.

        Chris Martin and Alex Rumdin each scored singles in the latter half of the opening period to give the visitors a 2-0 lead.

Early in the middle period Brownlee started what turned out to be for him an exceptional night against the Inferno. Brownlee scored the first goal of the middle period on a Dean Lapierre/Wade Moak play. The same trio put the Lions in a tie when just 23 seconds later Lapier beat Almonte netminder Nathan Cheung with Brownlee and Moak providing the support. Almonte took the lead for the second time in the game when Will Meabry beat the Lions powerplay and netminder Cherkas on an unassisted, short-handed score for a 3-2 lead. Jonah Bennis got that one back to preserve the tie going into the final period when he combined with josh Broad to tie the game at three apiece.

        In the final period Ethan Gauthier drew a roar from the visiting fans when he put the inferno up by a single with Alex Rumdin and Wyatt Munro drawing assists. As the clock moved into the final minute of play and the Inferno’s Wyatt Munro sitting in the penalty box for cross-checking, Lion’s coach Lance Hodson pulled his goaltender in favor of a sixth shooter. The move reralized immediate rewards as Dean Lapier and Jonah Bennis combined to set-up Noelan Spink for the tying counter, pushing the game to an overtime period.

        Following nine minutes of heated action and outshooting their opponents on a 7-2 count, Brownlee, with one minute remaining in the game, won the opportunity and made good on the Lion's winning goal for his third point of the night. Dean Lapier also notched three points while Wade Moak and Jonah Bennis each recorded a pair. The Lions outshot their visitors on a 50-34 margin over the four periods.

Overwhelmed by Rocket's speed and  power-play . . .

Sunday, Nov. 21st - Two games in two days can be tough on some hockey teams. In fact, on some teams more than others.

On Sunday afternoon at Morrisburg Arena the Junior Lions were hosting the North Dundas Rockets. The 4th-place Rockets were intent from the opening whistle onward to rebound following an 8-4 loss to the 2nd-place Clarence Creek Castors at Chesterville on the previous evening.  The 7th-place Lions were riding a victory over the Almonte Inerno and hoping to move on to a second win in as many days.

        What can best be described as a crash and burn on the part of the home team, who were called on 16 penalty infractions including a pair of game misconducts, the visiting Rockets bombarded the Lion’s netminding duo of Dawson Irving and Andrew Brooks for 11 goals. Irving left the Morrisburg net late in the 1st period with a knee injury.

        The visitors took a 4-1 lead in the opening period, added five goals in the middle frame  and closed out the final 20 minutes with two more counters. Lions captain Wade Moak scored in the 1st and 3rd periods and Rielly Tessier added a single late in the game. Four of the North Dundas goals were scored on power-play efforts.

        The Lions next home game will see the local favorites host the league leading South Grenville Rangers at Morrisburg Arena for a 7:15 start. The Rangers have lost one game to date this season. On Sunday afternoon the Lions will host the 5th-place Vankleek Hill Cougars in a 2:15 start.

        Almost got that one! Midget Rep Gavin Kirkham was so close to snapping up this shot from in close, unfortunately it slipped under his glove but fortunately did not make it into the Lions net . . .

Thursday, Nov. 18th - Always a great evening at Morrisburg Arena when crowds gather to cheer on their favorite players in a  Midget Hockey game. And such was the case on Thursday evening when the 5th-place South Dundas Lions hosted the 10th-place Smiths Falls Bears. The locals went into the game possibly expecting an easy victory over an easy opponent. And that’s not exactly what they got. 

        It was the visiting Bears that took command early and held it over the Lions for all but a few moments over the opening two periods. It wasn't that the visitors were capable of superior play, but it was that they were getting the luck of the puck bounces. Yet it was the Lions who maintained a strong work ethic, got exceptional goaltending from Gavin Kirkham, failed to get a single bounce save their second period, last minute goal, and then delivered a strikingly beautiful knock-out blow to the Smiths Falls team in the final five minutes of a game the Bears won’t soon forget.

        “It ain’t over till it’s over!” somebody once said . . .

        Loui Peladeau gave the Bears the lead in this game when he relayed a Braydon Brown pass into a goal behind netminder Kirkham midway through the 1st period. That opener came off a rush from deep in their own zone following a Lions challenge during which the South Dundas defence got caught a bit far inside the Smiths Falls blue line.   

        Cole Eikelboom tied the game when he intercepted a bouncing puck from a tight check and raced in on Bears netminder Cooper Bradley for the unassisted counter with just 45 seconds remaining in the middle period.

        The visitors came out charging in the final frame and the two teams went back and forth throughout the period. The Lions had stuck to their game plan and the puck seemed finally to be moving their way. At least half of the time. But it was the Bears whe went up 2-1 just three minutes in when Gabe Size beat Kirkham. And it was Smiths Falls’ Carter Hughes who stunned the Lions fans to silence and drew a resounding cheer from their own visiting contingent when he put the visitors up 3-1 with six minutes remaining in the game. 

        Moving to the edge of their seats as Jordan Heuff flashed across the Bears blue line Lions fans leaned far to their right in anticipation of an opportunity and Heuff didn’t disappoint. Sam Hart snared the pass and goaltender Bradley was beaten to bring the South Dundas team within striking distance. Three minutes following it was Heuff again, this time combining with Colin VerBruggen to set up Hart for the tying goal, as the game clock showed 2:33 remaining in the contest.

        The pièce de résistance was delivered a mere 20 seconds later, Heuff for the third time in less than four minutes, setting up the Lions attack, moving the puck to Hart who in turn handed off to Cole Eikelboom. This Lions' sniper’s shot settled the game score at 4-3 South Dundas. And the final buzzer sounded seconds later.

        It had taken this talented Lions crew just three minutes and forty-one seconds to turn a 3-1 deficit into a 4-3 victory, proving the South Dundas Midget Rep team displays a lot of promise for a great upcoming season. It's the delivery that may need a good bit of polish.

        The Lions next home game is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 25th when the yet to win Charlan Rebels come to Morrisburg Arena for an 8:00 p.m. start and a promise of exciting action.  The Rebels never disappoint . . .       

Tuesday, Nov. 16th - It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and hearts will be glowing – and so will over one million lights as Upper Canada Village brings back Alight At Night for its 21st annual edition! Starting Friday, November 26, guests can tour the 19th century village turned enchanted winter wonderland for a spectacular fully outdoor experience. Tickets go on sale for this festive family favourite on Tuesday, November 16 at 10:00 a.m. 

        The 21st season of Alight at Night features Victorian Saint Nick preparing for Christmas in his winter workshop every night until 9 p.m. through December 23, with opportunities for safe and physically distanced photos. Returning this season are Miniature Toy Train rides, the popular Sound and Light Show at Crysler Hall, freshly baked bread in the store, and a visual storytelling experience at the Storybook Nook.

        With the holiday season being one of reconnecting with family and friends, Upper Canada Village is committed to prioritizing safety, with the assistance of public health, while ensuring an unforgettable experience. Alight at Night tickets will be pre-booked and entry-time-specific from a capped inventory so that guests can maintain physical distancing protocols.

        Tickets for this spectacular event go on sale Tuesday, November 16th, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., and are available to purchase online only at www.alightatnight.ca.  

Santa Claus Parade gets a thumbs up for Christmas 2021!!

Saturday, Dec 4th at 11:00 am - Parade route as in past years.

Seeking Float Entries

Information: Contact George Davies @ 613-360-5877

or on facebook, leave a message  (https://www.facebook.com/lorianne.davies)