email: southdundasinbox@gmail.com

The last of the fall colors captured while on a road trip thru

Williamstown and the Long Sault Parkway . . .   . . .

Wednesday, Oct. 22nd - The 100 Men Who Care South Dundas initiative held their 2025 fundraising evening at the Morrisburg Legion hosting seven charities presenting proposals for funding. Following the presentations, those in attendance voted to support charities they believed most deserving in their efforts to improve South Dundas.

        The hosting organization was able to raise $9,500 on this night, meaning two charities would share in the proceeds. These top two charities garnering the most votes were Dundas County Hospice and the Winchester District Memorial Hospital.

        Dundas County Hospice, recipients of $5,000, offered a proposal for a  Hospice Day Program, which is described by participants as "the highlight of their week—a place where those in need feel safe, cared for, and connected. For some, it is the only hot, home-cooked meal they share with others in a week. For others, it is laughter around the table, a break from nagging thoughts of illness, or simply the comfort of being with people who understand. For caregivers, it is a precious break and the reassurance that their loved one is not only cared for, but truly enjoying themselves."

        The hospice group added, "We are seeking the support of 100 Men of South Dundas to keep this vital program strong. With your gift of $5,000, we can present a full year of programming. The total annual cost is $14,000, which covers nutritious meals, supplies, and transportation for those in need. Each year, we plan to offer approximately 50 program days, resulting in more than 250 attendances and 1500 hours of respite for local caregivers."

        Winchester District Memorial Hospital was chosen to receive $4,500 following their proposal for a new cardiac monitor. "This monitor allows the Emergency Department to keep an eye on more patients, ensuring that anyone in urgent need can be monitored without delay. This equipment also supports staff by giving them confidence that every patient can receive the observation and care they require, even on the busiest days."

        "The cost of a new monitor is about $10,000." explained the hospital spokesperson, adding, "We are asking the 100 Men Who Care About South Dundas to consider a gift of $5,000 through the WDMH Foundation’s General Equipment Fund. With your support, we will be one step closer to making this purchase a reality."

        Others presenting a pitch for funding included Food Share, Historical Society of South Dundas, The Legion, Iroquois Marine Rescue and Centre 105.

        The 100 Men Who Care About South Dundas is continuing their campaign to increase membership. The needed and more appreciated organization meets just one night a year, an evening at which everyone throws in $100 to donate to various organizations and causes.

        All supporters then hear from and about all nominated recipient possibilities and vote for the ones they believe most in need. All the while knowing that every penny of their $100 donation goes to the winning presenters on the night.

        All interested in talking part are urged to check out the !00 Men of South Dundas at 

https://100southdundas.ca/?page_id=564 or contact any of the 100 Men comittee members, who include Scott Corden, Nick Lee, Mark Lewis, Chuck Irvine, Wally Baker, Miles Harrison, Doug Jarvis and Jack Barkley.

Wednesday, Oct. 22nd - St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC), which operates Parks of the St. Lawrence, is pleased to announce the completion of infrastructure upgrades at Glengarry Campground, aimed at improving the overall guest camping experience while supporting SLPC’s commitment to sustainability and accessibility goals.

Tuesday, Oct. 21st - Students at Vanier Public School are proving that meaningful environmental change can start right in the schoolyard. Through their leadership, collaboration, and commitment to sustainability, the school community is transforming the property into a thriving outdoor learning space that supports biodiversity and climate resilience.

        Over the past two years, students have not only helped plant more than 100 trees, shrubs, and seedlings representing 23-native species, but they also played a key role in revising the Upper Canada District School Board’s (UCDSB) approved planting —strengthening biodiversity efforts across UCDSB schools.

        On Wednesday, Oct. 15th, four students from Vanier’s Early Act Eco-Warriors Club proudly shared the school’s journey at a joint Rotary Club meeting, explaining how their class project has evolved.

        “We’ve learned that even small actions can create big change,” says Eco-Warrior Georgia Sherstone in the presentation.    

"By planting native trees and caring for our schoolyard, we’re helping the environment and creating a better place to learn.”

        The project began in Tracey Notman’s Grade 4/5 class as a Real-World Learning initiative to add shade trees to the schoolyard. Through their research, students discovered that the board’s planting list included few native species. With guidance from UCDSB staff, they successfully proposed updates that now allow for a greater variety of native and Carolinian trees.

        “This project has become so much more than adding shade to the schoolyard,” says Notman. “Our students are learning that they already have the power to create positive change. They’ve developed leadership skills, environmental awareness, and a deep respect for the land.”

Since that time the Vanier community has come together in the following remarkable ways:

          •  Spring 2024: Two Autumn Maple trees were planted by UCDSB and Green Things Nursery.

          •  May 2025: Students planted 44-native seedlings in new No Mow Zones at the back of the property to promote natural regeneration.

          •  June 2025: Vanier students and Thousand Islands Watershed Land Trust staff planted eight Sycamore trees along the schoolyard perimeter.

          •  Summer 2025: Green Things Nursery, supported by a $20,000 UCDSB investment, planted and maintained 35-young trees.

          •  October 2025: Kindergarten students, guided by TIWLT staff, planted 20 native shrubs and seedlings, which they will nurture through to their Grade Six graduation in 2031.

        Together, these plantings include Sycamore, White Birch, Tulip, Red Maple, Sugar Maple, Dogwood, Grey Birch, White Pine, Sumac, and others.

        The Rotary Club of Brockville raised $6,500 and pledged an additional $3,000 toward the project. Meanwhile, TIWLT, Green Things Nursery, and numerous community volunteers have contributed expertise, materials, and hours of hands-on support to bring the students’ vision to life.

        “Our partnership with the Thousand Islands Watershed Land Trust has, and continues to be, instrumental in guiding our project through tree species selection, biodiversity, planting, and aftercare,” says Tracey Notman. “They have devoted countless hours as advisors and have been active in most of our planting initiatives.”

        The next phase of Vanier’s initiative will focus on developing an outdoor sensory learning space designed to support student well-being through nature-based mindfulness and regulation strategies.

SGDHS Grade 8 students and Giants Ink founders Gracie Foreman, Sophie Pope, Mikaella Bellefeuille,

Lyla Morrison, and Erica McDonald pose with shirts they printed for the Spencerville Kraft Hockeyville campaign. Grade 8 student Sophie Pope operates the heat press in the Giants Ink dedicated workspace.

Monday, Oct. 20th - What began as a classroom project has turned into a thriving student-led business at South Grenville District High School (SGDHS). During the 2024–25 school year, Grade 7 students launched an ambitious Real-World Learning  initiative - a custom apparel venture they named Giants Ink.

        With guidance from their teacher, Andrew Carson, students began designing and producing items such as clothing, decals, and stickers. Their creativity quickly gained the attention of local organizations and businesses, leading to real contracts and hands-on business experience.

        As the year progressed, students realized that higher-quality production required professional-grade equipment, so they took their learning one step further — by crafting a detailed business plan and pitching it to the UCDSB’s RWL Team in the spring. Impressed by their professionalism and vision, the RWL Team approved funding for a state-of-the-art direct to film printer that has helped them take Giants Ink to the next level.

        With this new equipment on hand, the 2025-26 school year is seeing Giants Ink produce custom apparel for a range of community groups, local businesses, and neighbouring elementary schools. Most recently, the team created shirts for the Spencerville Kraft Hockeyville campaign, helping celebrate local hockey pride and community spirit in the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal.

        Now in Grade 8, Giants Ink founding students continue to operate the business outside of school time, spending a few hours a week after school preparing designs and running the heat press.

        Through this work, students are developing valuable skills in design, marketing, budgeting, customer service, and entrepreneurship — all while giving back. Ten per cent of all Giants Ink profits are donated to Connect Youth, a local organization that provides resources, programming, and advocacy for young people in Leeds and Grenville.

        “It's fun to help out, especially when we're giving some to Connect Youth,” said Giants Ink founder and current Grade 8 student Gracie Foreman.

        Student Sophie Pope spoke about the advantages of the RWL approach. “Instead of sitting down in a classroom you actually get to do it and you learn a lot more. Some people would want to do this in their job, so it gives you more opportunities.”

        The next task on the teams’ to-do list is to step into their teachers’ shoes and help train the incoming Grade 7 students in all aspects of the business, so they too can benefit from this unique, hands-on learning experience and push the business forward.

Kanata Kings Marco Peloso slips the puck in behind Lions netminder Spencer McCann on Saturday evening

at Morrisburg Arena. The Lions gave up the first of two 5-0 weekend losses.

Monday, Oct. 20th - What could be worse than a week of inside turmoil?

        For starters, meeting the league's top two teams! And the league's top two net minders! Both games recorded as a pair of shut-out losses on identical 5-0 scores.

        Last week changes in the Morrisburg Junior Lions team bench management took place. Coach Jamie Smith has been replaced following a poor regular season start during which the Lions have recorded a single win and six losses in seven games. The Lions are in the basement of the National Capital Junior Hockey League regular season standings.

       On Saturdayday evening at Morrisburg the visiting league leaders, the Kanata Kings, backed by the league's top netminder, Ethan Dinsdale, scored a trio of goals in the opening period and added singles in the following two frames for a 5-0 victory. Dinsdale faced and stopped all 35 shots the Lions threw at him, maintaining his 1.33 goals-against average.

        On Sunday afternoon the Lions travelled to St. Isidore to play the Eagles where netminder Noah Allard, boasting a goals against average of 1.50, shut out the visitors on a 5-0 score. The Eagles fired single counters in each of the opening two periods and added three more in the final frame, two of them on power plays.

        That's a weekend score of 10-0 leaving South Dundas' Junior team with the league's fewest number of 'goals for' and highest number of 'goals against'. And that spells change in any organization. Smith was not on the Lions bench for either of the two latest losses.

        Ryan Cooper and Connor Manderson have been named Coaches according to the team's web page roster. Justin Elliott is in as the Lions' Video Coach. Sound choices in keeping a "local" presence in the group. 

        The Lions will host the 3rd-place Vankleek Hill Cougars on Saturday, Oct. 25th at Morrisburg Arena in a 7:15 p.m. puck drop before travelling to the Sensplex on Sunday, Oct. 26th for another round with the Kanata Kings.

        The Morrisburg team has ample time to recreate their presence over the 2025/26 regular season schedule. And the team does have talent enough to improve their current place in league standings. A pair of victories and as many losses to certain other teams could just as easily and just as quickly move the Lions within the top five positions.

        Morrisburg Arena can accommodate many hundreds of fans for a single game. Encouragement in any sport is an important aspect of any game. And the Junior Lions could use encouragement to bring out the best this team could be. 

        How about, we plan on going out to the arena on Saturday, Oct. 25th and cheering on the Junior Lions. That would most probably help ignite the needed push for improvement.

Saturday, October. 4th - Fraser Hall was packed for the 75th Anniversary celebration honouring the Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Morrisburg Branch 48 on Saturday evening. The local Auxiliary members welcomed friends from various area branch Auxiliary's, distinguished guests and friends of the organization to an evening of recognition highlighted by presentations, words of recognition, thank you from various levels of government and a wonderful dinner.

        The Branch 48 Legion Ladies Auxiliary has carved a path of generosity and commitment over the past 75-years. Providing support, investing in local community organizations and projects, all the while providing and serving countless dinners to community gatherings guests.

        The Auxiliary received their 'Charter' in the fall of 1950 and the 25-members of the day led by Mabel Vipond as the organizations 1st President. immediately initiated a habit of supporting Legion activities and events. 

        Minor hockey and baseball to the skating club, the waterfront park to the playground development, municipal beautification projects to weekly bingo, dart leagues, dinners for the Canadian Club crowd, and more have all received the considerable support of this organization. And the details and numbers were mentioned throughout the speeches on the evening.

        MP Eric Duncan and MPP Nolan Quinn and South Dundas Mayor Jason Broad were in attendance to thank the Ladies Auxiliary on behalf of the greater community, all mentioning how their tasks are made easier knowing they will enjoy great meals before the evening is out. Marsden/McLaughlin's David Lapier mentioned the commitment the Auxiliary has provided his many 'Celebrations of Life' gatherings held at the Legion's Fraser Hall. Lapier, explaining himself further, in saying he had been informed that Auxiliary member Inez Bilmer will have been serving with the organization for 65-years on this date in 2026.

        The  current executive of the Branch 48 Legion Ladies Auxiliary includes President Debbie Shaver; 1st-Vice President Carol Armstrong, 2nd-Vice President Candace Jamieson; Secretary Catherine Lortie; Treasurer Rosie Stitt; Sergeant at Arms Michelle Liddy-Brooks; and Sports Officer Donna Dillabough.

Thursday, Oct. 2nd - It’s been a terrific 2025 Season for Upper Canada Playhouse and for the impact its constantly full parking lot is having on the area’s economy and tourist trade.

        "We’re two-thirds through our season or as they say in baseball 'the 7th inning stretch’" recently remarked Artistic Director Donnie Bowes.  An ardent Blue Jays fan, he can’t resist the comparison.

       "Each one of this season’s concerts and comedies have been a hit for The Playhouse. Now, again like the Jays, we’re launching into our exciting post summer season. We have a hilarious comedy in October, our new 2026 Season announcement in November and a sensational family Christmas show in December."

        Hot on the heels of our final summer comedy, Hurry Hard, Lucien and Jimmy the Janitor will star in their new comedy, Senior Moments, Tuesday, Oct. 14th thru Sunday, Oct. 19th. Audiences will be treated to more East Coast hilarity from everyone’s favourite Maritime comic duo as they probe the mysteries and wonders of aging. An added performance has already added been scheduled.

        The Playhouse releases its 2026 Season soon following, on Tuesday, Nov. 17th, when the box office will be inundated with patrons, groups and bus tours booking tickets and flex passes for the theatre’s new 43rd-season of live professional theatre and music.

        The current Season concludes following Thursday, Dec. 4th thru Sunday, Dec. 21st with The Playhouse’s popular family production of A Christmas Carol. Scrooge’s adventure discovering the true meaning of Christmas comes alive in a musical and magical journey performed on an exciting revolving stage filled with song, dance, special effects and a large cast of Dickens’ legendary characters.

        The 2022 production of this classic show sold out its shortened run due to the pandemic. The Playhouse is excited to bring it back by popular demand for those who didn’t get an opportunity to see it and those excited to experience it again.    

        Special school performances of the show are almost sold out including an additional school performance recently added to the schedule. Schools interested in attending are advised to contact the theatre for these remaining seats.

        In addition to the regular season, The Playhouse treated audiences to performances from students in their annual 'Playhouse Summer Theatre School' class and also from participants from the theatre’s community outreach program 'Community Living Onstage'.

        The Playhouse is in constant contact with its professional colleagues in the industry and share some of their successes and challenges. Audiences everywhere are returning to live performances which is great news. There are also some challenges The Playhouse shares with other live theatre companies. Most of the actors and production team are not from the area and live in Morrisburg for the duration of their contracts. Finding accommodations for these artists to rent has become increasingly difficult.

        Another universal problem in the industry is cell phones. Even after reminding audiences to silence their phones during the show, some fail to do so affecting the actors’ concentration and the enjoyment of their fellow audience members. Hope springs eternal that this problem will diminish eventually.

        The Playhouse continues to attract some of the most talented actors, musicians, designers, directors, stage managers and technicians in the country. It prides itself on an experienced and dedicated core staff who work hard to ensure that the theatre maintains its high quality of service and product. The Theatre also enjoys the support of its Board of Directors, sponsors and an impressive group of loyal volunteers who give of their time, talent and support to ensure audiences have an enjoyable experience.

        2025 has been a home run so far for The Playhouse. The intend is to continue to 'hit it out of the park' til the end of the year. Then do it all over again next Season!

For Flex Passes, single tickets and more information contact:

613-543-3713 / 877-550-3650/uppercanadaplayhouse.com

It is indeed a spectacular stroke of good fortune that our community can so shout out such

natural appeal.  Last evening at 6:59pm the Captain Henry Jackman moved into the spotlight

that was the setting sun, around the point at Mariatown. I had just set our dinner plates

on the table when she passed our frontage, excused myself, grabbed the camera

and raced to the waterfront a bit west of our place. We've seen this set-up

every fall since we moved to our current home. These sunsets and these

ships will recreate this scene time and again before the St. Lawrence

Seaway closes for the season. And you're welcome to visit anytime!

Bring your camera, take in our updated restaurant scene, and

chase the big gals climbing the waterway to inland ports . . . 

There are few  locations in Eastern Ontario that can provide exposure to the natural beauty

and diversity as well as does the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary . . .