email: southdundasinbox@gmail.com
Fill-a-Bag campaign . . .
Annual Food Drive ready to roll . . .
Tuesday, April 16th - Community Food Share’s Fill-a-Bag food drive is ready to roll.
To help fulfil their vision that 'no person or family in our community goes hungry', Community Food Share is heading for their biggest food drive of the year with the Fill-a-Bag campaign. Organizers are hoping to collect enough food to help the food bank through the summer months and into the fall.
Volunteer drivers and their teams are lined up for routes in communities throughout Dundas and Stormont Counties. On Saturday, May 4th, re-useable grocery bags will be delivered by teams of drivers and volunteers to most households in the villages throughout those counties. [Due to previous commitments, some bags might be delivered over that weekend.]
Then on Saturday, May 11th, those same teams will return between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. to pick up the bags - which hopefully will be filled with non-perishable food for the CFS food banks.
As in the past, Community Food Share is hoping for donations of canned and dry goods – no glass bottles, please, for safety reasons – with emphasis on canned fruit, cereals, baking supplies and almost any non-perishable imaginable.
We urge you to check the shopping list attached to your bag. Thanks to a generous donation from Feed Ontario, we have ample supplies of pasta products.
The annual Fill-a-Bag food drive is the major event that stocks the food bank shelves. If you can offer your services for a couple of hours on those two Saturdays, either as a driver or a person to deliver the bags to each home, we would like to hear from you. Please call our team leader, Jane Schoones at 613 898-0781 or leave a message at either of our CFS food banks in Morrisburg and Winchester.
We are unable to deliver to apartments or seniors’ buildings; however, those residents are invited to purchase a pre-made bag at a local grocery store. Those bags will be counted in the Fill-a-Bag numbers the week of May 4 - 11.
Anyone is also welcome to send a monetary donation indicating that it’s for the Fill-a-Bag 2024 campaign.
Iroquois Public School's Public Speaking competition . . .
Grade 4's Dean Phifer wins podium . . .
Dean Phifer, one of the youngest competitors in Public Speaking at Iroquois Public School
walked away with the biggest prize among 14-participants on Tuesday . . .
Tuesday, Apr. 23rd - Fourteen students representing Iroquois Public School Grades 4, 5 and 6 classes entered the annual Public Speaking competition on Tuesday, Apr. 23rd. Although all were celebrated as victory worthy, three individuals were introduced as the leaders in the art of organizing interesting information and delivering it in spoken words that kept the audience’s interest and attention throughout.
Iroquois Lion’s Club Past President and Lion’s 41S Zone Chair Evonne Delegarde sat in on the judge’s panel with retired school principal Scott Corden, both of whom spoke of the somewhat brave, confidence building exercise the 14-participants had taken part in. Lion Delegarde also made presentations on behalf of the Iroquois Matilda Lions including certificates and cash vouchers.
Elise Urquhart, Andrew Clayton, Arthena Johnston, Corbine Henderson, Audrey Shaver, Dean Phifer, Ella Sikkenk,Jaxon Martel, Chase Thompson, Julia Meilleur, Sloane McMillan, Jack Stone, Olivia Evans, and Clara Robinson braved the steps to the stage to speak. On announcing the judges scores Grade 5’s Andrew Clayton was awarded the Bronze Medal and 3rd-Place for his informative delivery on the top aspects of his visit to Niagara Falls. And Grade 6’s Olivia Evans scored a 2nd-Place Silver Medal for her topic on a family visit to Cuba.
The top prize of the day, the Gold Medal 1st-Place, and the Iroquois Public School Junior Division Public Speaking trophy went to Grade 4’s Dean Phifer for his perfectly entertaining paper entitled “My Chickens”.
All of the participating students received an enthusiastic round of applause from an attentive student body and a number of attending parents, grand parents, aunts and uncles and family members following the presentation, followed by their return to class.
4th pick in the 7th round . . .
Jordan Elliott drafted by Kemptville 73's . . .
Friday, Apr. 19th - South Dundas’ (Morrisburg’s) Jordan Elliott has been selected by the Kemptville 73’s Junior A Hockey Club in the recent 2024 CCHL Hockey draft. Elliott, who does not turn 16 years of age for several months, played his minor hockey within the South Dundas Minor Hockey Association, winning League Championships at both the Bantam Rep and Novice Rep levels. He played two years ago with the North Dundas Demons U15-Rep squad winning the league title.
Earlier this week Jordan Elliott said he had . . . “Received an email from the Kemptville 73’s organization, ". . . letting me know they were inviting me as a guest to their draft event. That brought a lot of excitement to our dinner table. For sure!”
“I sat with the guys I knew from our team” Elliott said, adding, “And when my name was called I couldn’t believe it had happened. I was really excited”
Jordan Elliott, since he began playing hockey, is the kind of individual who never gives up. He’s a great skater, strong on defensive play and a keen scorer.
Playing for the Rideau St. Lawrence Kings over the past season Jordan Elliott notched 15 goals and added another 13 assists over 30-games, proving himself a hard-working talent.
The 73’s open their training camp in the very near future and Jordan says he “ . . . will be working as hard as I possibly can to make the team!”
Players who don’t make the organization’s top squad do get an opportunity to play at several levels, Triple AAA through Junior C. And that, according to Seaway District High School’s Grade 10, 15-year-old Elliott, “Is fine with me!”
“Right now I’m going to increase my daily workload of physical activity,” he told us on Friday evening, and then “I’’ll go from there.”
A loner enjoying a gentile afternoon . . .
Dr. Francis LeBrun, new Medical Director . . .
Wednesday, April 17th - Dr. Francis LeBrun is quickly becoming a familiar figure in Winchester's greater community. He is a family physician at Nation River Health Clinic, cares for patients in the Emergency Department at Winchester District Memorial Hospital – and most recently, has accepted the role as the new Medical Director at Dundas Manor Long-Term Care Home.
“Winchester is unique,” he says. “There are not many places where you can do all these things. I’m happy to be here.”
As Dundas Manor’s Medical Director, Dr. LeBrun visits the home regularly and provides emergency coverage. He also works with other family doctors who care for residents.
Dr. LeBrun says he is excited about the new Dundas Manor and what it will mean for residents and staff.
“I’ve seen the plans and construction is underway. It’s going to be great. I even get my own office,” he laughs.
Dr. LeBrun completed his medical training at the University of Ottawa and did electives in Winchester. He worked closely with Dr. Bart Steele, visiting Dundas Manor and working in the family medicine clinic.
“This opportunity kind of fell into my lap and I’m grateful and excited for what lies ahead.”
Born and raised in Winchester, Dr. LeBrun now lives in Winchester Springs with his wife, one-year-old daughter, a dog and a cat. His family still live in the area too.
“They say it’s a small world and it’s true,” he says. “I have met patients who know my parents and even my grandparents. With my different responsibilities, I might see a 95-year-old resident who had just been hospitalized and then care for a newborn baby in the clinic. I like the fact that there is a little bit of everything in my practice.”
Dr. LeBrun takes over for Dr. John Burke who has served as Medical Director for the past nine years.
Investing in South Dundas . . .
Tesla's Super Station officially opened . . .
Mayor Jason Broad (centre), Municipal CAO Tim Mills (rear right) and Economic Development
Officer Tia Fraser-Dupuis meet with the Tesla Supercharging
Station team at McEwan's in Morrisburg . . .
Tuesday, Apr. 17th - Representatives of Tesla Canada's vehicle fast charging network visited their newest installation located in Morrisburg on Tuesday afternoon making official their recent opening of the area's latest Supercharger station. Tesla representatives from Toronto (Diego and Brandon, (Ontario division) and Montreal (Audrey, Quebec Divison) were on hand for a meet and greet with South Dundas Mayor Jason Broad; Municipal CAO Tim Mills; and Tia Fraser-Dupuis, Economic Development & Communications Officer; and to share an information discussion.
Mayor Broad announced that the municipality was in a win-win situation with the newest municipal investor in that South Dundas is in partnership with the owners of Rideau St. Lawrence Distribution, the providers of the electricity that feeds the Superchargers at the McEwan property along Morrisburg's Highway 2 and Bank Street property. Every fill-up becomes an additional 'hard currency' investment in South Dundas.
"The investment Tesla has made is perfect for our community," Broad added, "They've modernized and improved the location, added another reason to turn off Highway 401 and come into South Dundas, and they purchase their product from
our municipality."
"It's a great location for our product too," added one of the Tesla group spokespersons, "People are coming off the highway, this Supercharger station is a location at which people can enjoy a quick eating stop, a 15-to-20 minute recharge, a car wash and very close access to the community at large."
South Dundas' 6-unit Supercharger station adds a state-of-the-art appearance
to the McEwan property at Morrisburg's Highway, 2 and Bank Street . . .
The Supercharger stations will charge a vehicle in the aforementioned times according to two customers who had admitted to following their vehicle's station charging maps. One customer stated he was stopping to recharge for 15-minutes, grab a sandwich and continue on to Napanee for his next charge. He offered that the recharges are quick if driver's are satisfied to run on a 75 per-cent charge. He was returning from an Eastern Canada grandchild visiting trip to Toronto.
"When I look at that sign up there," he said, pointing to the fuel price signage, "I know I'm about $7,000 in my pocket so far with these regular trips. Gasoline wouldn't have allowed me this luxury!"
"Charging definitely slows down once the battery reaches 75-per cent and above," he pointed out, "But the fuel savings and periodic rest stops are a bonus I welcome at my age."
A second driver who said he was driving from Vaudreuil, QC, to Toronto more than once-a-week, explained he was more than satisfied with both the Supercharging stations and his electric vehicle. He just happened to be driving a mid-model Tesla.
"There is no comparison to a combustion vehicle and associated costs," he said, adding, "My fuel costs alone have been reduced by more than $450 a month. And this more futuristic way of transportation is comfortable, provides more efficient direction and mapping routes that often provide me a break while travelling long distances on busy highways. Another bonus is that many of the stations tend to be located in areas like this."
"What else can be said," Mayor Broad added as the meeting wound down, "This location has been opened just a few weeks and the business seems brisk. It's a win-win for our municipality."
Viking's heading for summer season . . .
Ship watcher enjoyed a somewhat rare close-up along South Dundas' waterfront
as the beautiful Viking Polaris cruised by on her way to Toronto.
The cruise ship will be starting her summer season on the Great Lakes,
offering a variety of cruise packages around the shipping circuit.
A hearty breakfast was once the most important meal of the day . . .
We share an accommodation where-in everyone (all two of us) enjoys a good breakfast. Rarely heavy,
most times with fruit and vegetables, at least one egg, and almost never with meat.
We had been scanning a few sites recently and saw a plate we thought was interesting.
So. this morning, when someone special said she would like a nice breakfast, we prepared this.
An English muffin, sliced of very ripe tomato with a swipe of Hellman's mayonnaise,
a thinly-sliced half-avocado with salt and pepper, and a single, free-range egg, soft-poached,
and gifted strawberry jelly topped the toasted muffins . . .
Photographed 2:45 pm, sunny eclipse day . . .
We were easily as taken by the changing light as with the moon moving across
the sun on the day of the recent eclipse. This photo was captured before 3:00 pm,
minutes earlier all was bright, we we sitting in the sun by the river,
and quietly, the contrast simply melted melted away to darkness.
The sunshine remains, almost incredibly, brilliant well south of us,
along the edge of the moon's sweeping shadow cast . . .
Somebody said "She's a beaut Clarke!!!!" . . .
Standing along Lakeshore Drive early on Saturday morning we watched this 'salty' slip past
one of South Dundas' newest homes. She's framed by the tree-line along the shore.
Truly one of the most perfect scenes along the river in our community . . .
Click on this link:
seawayvalleysingers.ca - 613-643-2090 - seawayvalleysingers@gmail.ca
Clear skies, full moons & bright stars . . .
While returning home from the season closing Morrisburg Junior Lions Awards Night
on Saturday we couldn't help but pull over and snap a few of these two locations highlighted
by a long awaited spring evening of a full moon and starlight brightness . . .
Under the leadership of Grade 7 teacher Blair Fitzsimons, St. Mary - St. Cecilia's group of eight
competing inventor-scientists, above, includes (back row), Will Millward, Liam Qusnel, Emily Morris,
Owen Markell, Evelyn McClafferty; (front row) Tessa Laurin, Payshence Sheldrick and Georgia Elliott.
Friday, Mar. 22nd - Eight students at St. Mary St. Cecilia Catholic School in Morrisburg have mastered their way into the final five contestant groups from across Canada who are taking part in Samsung’s ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ contest.
Samsung’s contest encourages the use of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to create solutions around issues that can impact a community. The submissions for the contest are sponsored and submitted by a teacher (Blair Fitzsimons).
From Samsung’s web site describing the various aspects of the ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ competition, “We consider energy efficiency and resource circularity for our products throughout their entire life cycle - sourcing, production, distribution, use and recycling - to strive towards reducing our impact on the environment, including efforts to increase water reuse and advance carbon capture technology.’
The web page further explains the contest rules, including the requirement of a team produced video summarizing their entry that will be used by the panel of judges in selecting the order of finish for the five finalists.
In being selected one of the Top Five entrants in Samsung’s ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ contest, the St. Mary St. Cecilia group of developing solution specialists has already won a $5000 Samsung Cash Voucher intended to purchase new technology for their school. A second or third place finish will garner St. Mary St. Cecilia an additional $10,000. Should the St. Mary St. Cecilia entry continue on the path to 1st Place and win top approval, they are eligible for a $50,000 Cash Prize for their school, and will become owners of ‘The School for Tomorrow’ title for a year.
In addition to the prizes handed out by Samsung’s panel of judges there is too a “People’s Choice” presentation of $5000 available for their favourite Solve for Tomorrow finalist entry.
When asked if there were plans in the making for any monies the student team is awarded Coach Fitzsimons said, "We see an opportunity to enhance our digital equipment so that in future school years the students can create and develop ideas on a leading edge scale. They will be able to deliver presentations in which they created all of the components, such as instructional images and artwork, right here in the class room."
St. Mary-St. Cecilia’s eight student competing team is excitedly awaiting Samsung’s final announcement, expected in the next few days, concerning the overall order of finish.
