email: southdundasinbox@gmail.com
Hilarious Cottage Country Comedy at Upper Canada Playhouse . . .
Curtain rises this week thru July 27th . . .
Monday, June 30th - Hot on the heels of The Playhouse’s hit season opener A Woman’s Love List is the must-see comedy The Sweet Delilah Swim Club running Thursday, July 3rd thru Sunday, July 2727th. Five women who met years ago on their college swim team set aside a long weekend every August to recharge their friendships by getting together at a cottage called The Sweet Delilah.
Audiences will join these unforgettable ladies on four of these reunions spanning 33 years from 1992 to 2025 as they catch up, laugh and meddle in each other’s lives free from husbands, kids and jobs. Throughout the years they share the good times and the bad, their struggles and their victories and opinions on everything from parenting, marriage and divorce to men, sex and the challenges of aging. It’s a hilarious and touching comedy about friendships that last forever.
Director Donnie Bowes couldn’t be happier to have five dynamite actresses playing these very funny ladies and feels guilty having such a fun time at rehearsal.
"It almost doesn’t seem like work. It's so engaging and entertaining seeing these colourful characters come to life by these wonderful and talented actors." Bowes points out, adding, "The play was written by the team of Jones, Hope and Wooten and, considering they also wrote episodes of the TV hit The Golden Girls, audiences can expect lots of humour, heart and memorable characters."
The cast of The Sweet Delilah Swim Club features some familiar and new faces. Viviana Zarrillo plays Sheree Hollinger, the hyper-organized team leader with boundless energy who is never without her to-do list. Zarrillo was seen in such Playhouse productions as Moving In, Ethan Claymore’s Christmas, Same Time Next Year, Plaza Suite, Halfway There, I Do, I Do, Last of the Red Hot Lovers and Whose Wives Are They Anyway. She has also appeared at Port Stanley Festival Theatre, Orillia Opera House, Magnus Theatre, National Arts Centre and Shaw Festival.
AnnaMarie Lea plays Lexie Richards, a delightfully vain event planner who keeps her cosmetic surgeon on speed dial and can be counted on to share entertaining tales of her romantic exploits. Lea has been seen in several Playhouse comedies including Wally’s Café, Don’t Dress For Dinner, The Cemetery Club and Drinking Alone as well as last season’s Perfect Wedding. She is also the producer of Cow Patti Theatre in Alberta. Her film work includes Miracle in Texas, Root of the Problem, Me and Mr. Christmas and the soon to be released Reminders of Him for Universal Pictures.
Susan Greenfield plays Dinah Grayson, a wise-cracking and successful lawyer who excels at everything except romance. Greenfield has graced the Playhouse stage over many seasons including last season’s Bedtime Stories and previously in Lend Me A Tenor, Wally’s Café, Drinking Alone and Looking to name a few. She has also appeared at such theatres as Charlottetown Festival, Drayton Entertainment and Cow Patti Theatre Company.
Debra Hale is the perky and naïve Jeri Neal McFeeley who has been a nun for many years but always makes life choices that surprise her friends. Hale has appeared in several Playhouse productions over the years including Lunenburg and Halfway There and many hilarious farces. She has also been seen at Theatre Orangeville, 1000 Island Playhouse and Orillia Opera House. She can also soon be seen in This Child Is Mine for Lifetime and Something Very Bad Is Going To Happen for Netflix.
Playing school teacher Vernadette Simms is Playhouse newcomer Andrea Risk. Simms is a hard luck case who married early, has been followed by a dark cloud all her life but faces her bad luck with a wicked sense of humour. Risk has over eighty theatre credits to her name and has appeared at the Charlottetown Festival in over one thousand performances of Shear Madness. She also performed at Stage West Mississauga, Calgary’s Vertigo Theatre and Drayton Entertainment.
The Sweet Delilah Swim Club gets a clever and wonderful set design by Sean Free that really ‘sets the stage’ for this entertaining story to unfold.
"I’ve wanted to do this show for several years," says Bowes. "To be able to do it with such a talented cast is the icing on the cake. Can’t wait for audiences to enjoy the laughter and unforgettable characters! Our summer season has gotten off to a great start. This show will keep the comedy ball rolling big time!"
The Sweet Delilah Swim Club
Thursday, July 3rd - Sunday, July 27th
Shows TUE; WED; THU; FRI; SAT; SUN: 2:00 PM
THU; FRI: 7:30 PM
For Flex Passes, single tickets and more information contact:
613-543-3713 / 877-550-3650
Do you know the people in this photograph?
The original picture is black & white and was taken in the 1950's, possibly 1960's.
We have been told it was taken at Mariatown Bay (pre-1960) in front of Arlor Haven.
And we've been told it was taken in Cardinal, On., around the same time.
Please contact us @ southdundasinbox@gmail.com with any information you may have.
Morrisburg and District Skating Club . . .
Pizza, Ice Cream and Skating Awards . . .
Sunday, June 22nd - The award that recognizes a skater with emphasis on talent and skill, coupled with enthusiasm, dedication and a passion for the sport went to Grace Morrow on Sunday afternoon at the Morrisburg Legion. The Morrisburg and District Skating Club filled the Legion Hall with club members, parents and invited guests, presenting awards and acknowledging effort. Describing Grace Morrow as a club member who shows a desire to continue and succeed at skating Ms Morrow was crowned as the Star Skater of the Year.
PA of the Year . . .
Kerrington Kelly was presented the PA Award of the Year for her dedication and passion for the sport. Kerrington, the club announced, is an excellent role model, and has made a significant contribution to her club, showing commitment on the ice by providing support and assistance to the skaters and coaches.
Spirit of Skating . . .
Two Star Skaters, Alexandrea Asselin and Faith Robert, officially joined the Spirit of Skating group after demonstrating the qualities that embody the Spirit of Skating. These include: commitment, perseverance, dedication, passion, triumph and talent.
Morrisburg and District Skating Club
Tests Passed 2024 - 2025
Dance:
Star 1
Blakely Carbino; Cassidy Chretien; Olivia Darling; Eva Merkley; Marley Murphy; Kelsie Perreault
Star 2
Alexandrea Asselin; Blakely Carbino; Ellery Casselman; Olivia Evans; Tessa Laurin; Eva Merkley; Marley Murphy;Chase Thompson
Star 3
Alexandrea Asselin; Tessa Laurin
Star 4
Molly Henderson
Star 5
Jessica Bouwman; Karlee Buter; Tenley Hamilton; Emelia Westfall
Star 6
Jessica Bouwman; Grace Morrow; Faith Roberts; Grace Smail, Hailey Sullivan
Star 7
Kerrington Kelly; Lauren Scott
Star 8
Lauren Scott
Skills:
Star 1 Skills
Eva Merkley – Pass; Evelyn Lavelee – Pass; Marley Murphy – Pass; Kelsie Perreault – Pass; Blakely Carbino – Pass; Kassidy Chretien – Pass; Olivia Darling - Pass
Star 2 Skills
Tessa Laurin – Pass; Blakely Carbino – Pass; Chase Thompson – Pass; Eva Merkley – Pass; Kassidy Chretien – Pass; Hannah Henderson – Pass; Marley Murphy – Pass; Alyvia Thompson – Pass; Olivia Evans – Pass; Ellery Casselman – Pass
Star 3 Skills
Aexandrea Asselin – Pas; Ellery Casselman – Pass; Hannah Henderson – Pass; Molly Henderson – Pass; Olivia Evans – Pass; Tessa Laurin – Pass
Star 4 Skills
Emelia Westfall- Pass; Tenley Hamilton- Pass
Star 5 Skills
Emelia Westfall – Pass; Tenley Hamilton – Pass
Star 6 Skills
Lauren Scott – Pass; Emma Hess – Pass; Hailey Sullivan – Pass; Jessica Bouwman - Pass
Star 7 Skills
Faith Roberts – Pass; Lauren Scott – Pass
Star 8 Skills
Grace Smail – Pass; Kerri Kelly - Pass
Star 9 Skills
Grace Morrow – Pass; Kerri Kelly – Pass; Grace Smail – Pass
Star 10 Skills
Grace Morrow – Pass
Gold Skills
Grace Morrow – Pass
Freeskate:
Star 1 Free Skate
Ruth Mossman; Chase Thompson; Evelyn Lavellee; Kassidy Chretien; Kelsie Perreault; Blakely Carbino; Marley Murphy; Eva Merkley
Star 2 Free Skate
Alexandrea Asselin; Ellery Casselman; Olivia Evans; Tessa Laurin; Molly Henderson
Star 3 Free Skate
Emelia Westfall; Tenley Hamilton
Star 4 Free Skate
Emma Hess; Jessica Bouwman; Hailey Sullivan
Star 5 Free Skate
Faith Roberts; Lauren Scott
Artistic:
Star 5 Artistic
Emma Hess; Faith Roberts; Jessica Bouwman; Grace Smail
Star 7 Artistic
Faith Roberts
St. Mary St. Cecilia students cheer sparkly graduation . . .
Top Award winners at St. Mary St. Cecilia Graduation . . .
Mya McRae scores Outstanding Student . . .
Thursday, June 21st - Mya McRae topped off the Award presentations when she was handed the St. Mary-St. Cecilia Catholic School Outstanding Graduate at the year ending graduation ceremonies on Thursday evening. Earlier in the program Mya walked across the stage to accept the English and Science Awards in front of a packed gymnasium of family and well wishers.
Additionally, Lena Byvelds received the Math Award and shared the History/Geography Award with Dexter Fitzpatrick-Tessier. Claire Loucks received the French Award; Madison Smyth picked up the Arts Award; Jackson Dunning and Hope Gougeon won Top Male and Top Female Sports Awards; Riley Wereley and Olivia Hunter were presented the Sister Mary Jane Leonard Award; Sawyer Markell received the Catholic School Council Award; Tenley and William Hamilton and Noah McMahon were presented the Community Outreach Award; and Claire Loucks closed the program receiving the Peter VanMoorsel Award.
Leading the evening announcements through the program the graduating student's teacher on the year, Leanne McCooeye, was celebrated by her students in a surprise shower of sparkles that drew a lengthy applause. The students had requested that Mrs. McCooeye pose for a group photo with them, then showered her with the sparkly bits of paper.
Graduating students included Addisyn Blanchette, Benjamen Sayeau, Brylen Thompson, Claire Loucks, Dexter Fitzpatrick-Tessier, Farah Baldwin, Hope Gougeon, Jackson Dunning, Karlena Beckstead, Kyla Burns, Lena Byvelds, Maddison VanMorsel, Madison Smyth, Maxime Bazinet, Mya McRae, Noah McMahon, Olivia Hunter, Riley Wereley, Sawyer Markell, Tyler Stirling, Tenley Hamilton, William Hamilton.
Expanding innovative STEAM Studio . . .
NDDHS awarded $45,000 L.E.A.F. grant . . .
Wednesday, June 25th – This school year North Dundas District High School became the grateful recipient of a $45,000 grant through the Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group’s L.E.A.F. Initiative. The funding will support the expansion and enhancement of the school’s cutting-edge learning environment, Studio 138—a space dedicated to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math exploration.
The Commonwell L.E.A.F. Initiative is designed to strengthen communities by enhancing the spaces where people learn, gather, and grow, reinforcing a commitment to innovation, future-focused learning, and community impact. This grant will compliment investments and donations already made to this space at the school.
Studio 138 at NDDHS serves as a state-of-the-art learning hub where students can get hands-on experience in areas such as 3D modeling, digital design, product development, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship.
“By immersing them in real-world applications through STEAM, AI and design processes, we can empower these students to become future innovators, creative problem solvers who are truly skilled entrepreneurs that are ready for industry," pointed out Design Teacher Scott Currie.
In the fall of 2025, Studio 138 will expand its offerings to include new tools and resources in robotics, automation, software applications, and AI-enhanced design processes. The space also supports media production and ongoing mentorship from industry partners, giving students authentic connections to future careers.
“When I first started this class I had no idea what it was about and what I would learn,” said student Emma Poll. “But now I know so much — drawing on Krita to 3D modelling on Autodesk — this class has helped me expand on finding my career.”
“This studio has taught me so much, from drawing a cube to making 3D models and having fun in the process,” echoed student Lija Kiersons.
Results of this funding are already being realized with the launch of the student-run podcast. For the first episode, Studio 138 welcomed Township of North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser as its first guest. Fraser visited the studio to tour the space and sit down with students for an on-air interview covering a range of topics, including healthcare access, local parks and recreation, and extra-curricular opportunities for teens in the region. The episode is available to stream, free on Spotify.
Students within Studio 138 are exploring the direct applications of their learning, developing functional prototypes and connecting classroom concepts to real-world industries. With new investment in AI, coding, automation, and additive manufacturing, Studio 138 will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in a high school learning environment.
Fresh grown & harvested vegetables . . .
For all of us who enjoy preparing flavourful dishes there are few moments that compare
to the annual opening of the local vegetable stands and purveyors.
And to our good fortune, these operations seem to be growing in numbers.
Home grown and fresh charges your tastebuds, adds complexity and diversity,
and flavor boosts that simply refuse to take second place on any plate.
Our trip to Rutabaga Ranch on Tuesday afternoon provided the opportunity to
prepare chicken with guanciale and fennel, a favorite dinner around chez nous.
Support our local vendors, and feel free to use our recipe collection here . . .
OPP investigating . . .
Motorcycle fatalities continue to climb . . .
Paving scams on the rise . . .
Tuesday, June 26th - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is advising community members to be cautious of possible paving and repair scams across the province.
Individuals may offer to pave driveways, fix roofs, or do other home repairs, often claiming it's a "one-day-only deal." They may seem professional, with flyers and websites, but they often use fake names, false ID, and unmarked vehicles. They ask for cash up front, then leave behind poor-quality work, or never return at all.
The OPP would like the public to know that these scams usually happen between April and October and often go unreported. If someone shows up at your door offering services you didn't request, don't feel pressured. Take your time, talk to a trusted friend or family member, and report anything suspicious to police.
These types of Scams happen on a regular basis and can be avoided by these simple tips/reminders.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Proper businesses don't need to knock on doors-they're usually already busy.
• Always check out the company first and read the whole contract.
• If you think it might be a scam, call your local police.
The OPP urges residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious paving offers or contractor activity. If you believe you have been targeted by a paving scam, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or
One Person Deceased, Driver Arrested . . .
Saturday, June 21st - Charges have been laid in relation to a fatal collision involving a motorcycle and SUV that left one person deceased and another with serious injuries.
On Saturday, June 21st, 2025, at approximately 4:00 p.m., members of the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police responded to reports of a serious collision on Chapel Road near County Road 18 in South Glengarry Township.
A motorcycle carrying two people was struck by an SUV. The deceased has been identified as a 47-year-old male from Martintown in South Glengarry. His 14-year-old son sustained serious injuries and remains in hospital.
As a result of the investigation, Gabriel AUMAIS, age 30 from La Prairie, Quebec, has been charged with:
• Operation causing death
• Operation causing bodily harm
• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol (80 plus)
The accused was held in custody and is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing before the Ontario Provincial Court of Justice in Cornwall on Monday, June 23rd, 2025.
Motorcycle rider dies in collision with ATV . . .
Friday, June 20th - A motorcycle rider has died after colliding with an all-terrain vehicle that was parked on a roadway.
On Friday, June 20, 2025, just after 10:00 p.m., officers with the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Ontario Provincial Police responded the scene on County Road 11, southeast of Chesterville. The initial investigation has found that a motorcycle was eastbound when it collided with an ATV that had been parked on the roadway.
A passerby performed CPR on the motorcycle rider until Cornwall-SDG Paramedics arrived on the scene and began life-saving measures. The individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. The deceased has been identified as a 40-year-old male who had been staying in the North Grenville area. His family has been notified.
The investigation, by SD&G OPP and Technical Collision Investigators with the OPP's East Region Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement Team, is continuing.
Cocaine, Methamphetamine seized in South Dundas . . .
Two People Charged With Drug Trafficking . . .
Thursday, June 19th - Two people are facing drug trafficking and other charges after the seizure of dangerous, illegal drugs in South Dundas Township. Members of the Ontario Provincial Police East Region Community Street Crime Unit began an investigation in March into drug trafficking in the area.
On Thursday, June 19th, 2025, members of the Community Street Crime Unit, assisted by members of the OPP Emergency Response Team, the Canine Unit and the Tactics and Rescue Unit, as well as officers with the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Detachment, executed a search warrant at a residence and property on Hanesville Road.
Officers seized nearly 2.5-grams of suspected cocaine, more than nine grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine, more than 100 suspected methamphetamine (speed) tablets and over 50 codeine tablets. Officers also seized a 22-calibre rifle, various types of ammunition, a crossbow and arrows, as well as items typically associated with drug trafficking.
Eric O'NEIL, age 37 of South Dundas Township, has been charged with:
• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order - two counts
• Obstructing a peace officer
Jeffrey THOMAS, age 60 of South Dundas has been charged with:
• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
Both accused were held in custody with a bail hearing scheduled before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall on Friday, June 20th, 2025.
Investigators continue the investigation, and an additional arrest is anticipated.
Assault causing bodily harm . . .
Friday, June 6th - One person has been charged following a serious assault in South Dundas Township.
Officers with the Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police attended a field adjacent to Van Allen Road shortly before 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 6th, 2025.
It had been reported that a male had been assaulted with an edged weapon. When officers arrived, they found that a 37-year-old man had suffered stab wounds. He was transported to hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
As a result of the investigation by front-line officers the OPP Crime Unit, a 14-year-old male has been charged with:
• Assault causing bodily harm
• Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm
• Possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Assault
The name of the accused cannot be released under the terms of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. There was no risk to public safety, and the victim was known to the accused. The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall.
OPP supports and participates in Terry Fox Foundation Ride of Hope . . .
Thursday, Jun 19th - The Ontario Provincial Police is proud to support the Terry Fox National Ride of Hope cycling team as it makes its way through Ontario communities in June. The OPP will provide vehicle escort for Terry Fox's brother Darrell Fox and his cycling team for the Ontario leg of the cross-Canada journey Friday, June 20 thru Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025.
Cycling safety advocate OPP Provincial Constable Adam Belanger forms part of Darrell's core team of eight cyclists. PC Belanger will cycle with the team for the entire 32-day, 7,000-kilometer cross-Canada ride as they raise funds for cancer research and pay tribute to the 45th anniversary of the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope.
The OPP has been a longstanding supporter of the Terry Fox Foundation since the historic Terry Fox Marathon of Hope in 1980, when the OPP provided vehicle escort and assistance as Terry ran across Ontario as part of his Canada-wide run to raise funds for cancer research.
While there are no planned road closures as Darrell and his team cycle through Ontario, the OPP asks drivers to be extra vigilant when traveling on roads and in communities in which the team is present. Drivers should expect an increase in pedestrians and cyclists as they gather, walk and ride on the roadside to show their support for the team.
To track the location of Darrell and his team in real time, go to terryfox.org/terry-fox-national-ride-of-hope/ and click on the Track the Riders link.
The OPP thanks the motoring public and other road users for their support and cooperation while officers ensure safe traveling for the Ride of Hope cycling team and the safety of those who come out to support them.
UCDSB Music Programs Across the School District . . .
Invests $500K more in Music Programs . . .
Thursday, June 19th – The Upper Canada District School Board is investing an additional $500K into music education across the district so that more students can have access to quality music education and enriched musical experiences. This investment is in addition to the funding that is already allocated in school budgets to school music programs and initiatives.
In June, each school in the UCDSB received between $2,000 and $19,000, depending on the school population and types of programs already offered at the school.
Funds will be used to purchase or repair instruments, to purchase audio equipment, or to purchase other music-related resources to support music classes, choirs, musicals, plays, and other music-related clubs at the school.
“Music can have long-term positive impacts on cognitive abilities, academic success and overall well-being – all things we want for our students,” explains Trustee Michel LaBonte.
“Through this investment, all students will have greater access to music and music education at school, which will benefit them for years to come."
School staff will have the opportunity to allocate these funds directly, to best meet the needs of their schools, and maximize the impact on students.
“With so many pressures on school budgets, I’m proud that we are able to allocate this funding to our schools,” says Chair of the Board Jamie Schoular. “Music sparks creativity and connection, values which we encourage not just our students but our staff as well. I’m looking forward to hearing the results next year.”
Know before you go . . .
E-bikes and other alternatives . . . .
Wednesday, June 18th - The Ontario Provincial Police East Region is urging all operators of e-bikes, mobility devices, mopeds, electric scooters and other alternative forms of transportation, to know the laws before heading out on the roads. With the emerging popularity of these forms of transportation, it is vital that users understand the rules and regulations governing their use as well as all safety requirements.
The most common type, the e-bike, is defined under the Highway Traffic Act and the Motor Vehicle Safety Act Regulations as a power-assisted bicycle. Vehicles in this category must:
• Weigh 120 kg or less
• Have a label affixed by the manufacturer that the vehicle complies with these regulations
• Have steering handlebars
• Be fitted at all times with pedals that are operable to propel the bicycle
• Be designed to travel on no more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground
• Not be capable of providing further assistance when the bicycle attains a speed of 32 km/hr
• To operate an e-bike on a roadway, the following must apply:
• Operator and passengers must be 16 years of age or older
• Operator and passengers must wear a helmet (bicycle or motorcycle helmet)
• May carry a passenger if the e-bike is equipped with a seat and foot pedals
• Does not require driver's licence, permit, license plate or insurance
• Operator must follow all rules of the road that apply to any vehicle or bicycle
Many of the following means of transportation are similar in appearance and it may not be immediately obvious which category they fall under.
E-bikes (and e-scooters) and mopeds are equipped with pedals and a form of power assistance (an electric or gasoline-fueled motor). E-bikes/e-scooters (which can be equipped with two or three wheels) can be ridden on municipal roads (where permitted) but not provincial highways and they must be equipped with safety devices (e.g. bell; white front light; red rear light).
A moped is considered a motor vehicle under the HTA. Drivers and vehicles must both be licensed.
A motor scooter is not equipped with pedals, has a gasoline or electric-powered engine, and is considered a motorcycle under the HTA. Drivers and vehicles must both be licensed.
E-bikes/e-scooters, mopeds, and motor scooters are not permitted on controlled access highways in Ontario. Operators of e-bikes/e-scooters do not require an Ontario driver's licence, a license plate, or vehicle insurance.
Before purchasing or operating a new type of vehicle, the OPP recommends researching requirements for equipment and licensing under the Highway Traffic Act and permitted uses in the municipality where you intend to operate it.
Temporary changes in service at WDMH . . .
Hospital taking CT scanner delivery . . .
Location of mobile CT Scanner in WDMH's rear parking lot . . .
Several years ago, Dale and Lois Keyes made a very generous donation to the Winchester District Memorial Hospital Foundation so the hospital's CT scanner could be upgraded. The new CT scanner will soon be installed, and that project will require several weeks to complete.
During May and into June 2025 there will be changes to the CT service as the hospital will operate a mobile CT scanner while the new, permanent installation is being completed.
On Friday, May 2nd, the mobile unit will be delivered to WDMH, where it will be temporarily staged in the rear parking lot, requiring that a portion of the parking is required to accommodate the unit. Starting Friday, May 16th thru Monday, Jun. 16th, the hospital will use the mobile CT unit to operate on the same schedule as the current service. Limitations of this mobile unit may necessitate that it may be necessary to send some patients to other hospitals during this time frame.
“The process of acquiring a replacement CT scanner has been lengthy,” posted out Janie Desroches, Vice President of Clinical Services, adding, “However, we are very excited to be able to upgrade this crucial piece of equipment and continue to provide excellent patient care to our community.”
