email: southdundasinbox@gmail.com


Live concert Memphis to Motown hits Playhouse stage . . .

May explode with magic of live music . . .

Memphis to Motown -  Thursday, Oct. 17th - Sunday, Oct. 27th

Shows 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm

613-543-3713/877-550-3650

uppercanadaplayhouse.com

       Morrisburg’s Upper Canada Playhouse will explode with the magic of live music when the blockbuster concert Memphis to Motown takes to the stage Thursday, Oct. 17th thru Sunday, Oct. 27th with one of the largest group of musicians The Playhouse has assembled in recent memory.  From the producers of recent Playhouse concerts Glory Days, Summer of Love, Johnny and June and Blue Suede Shoes, Memphis to Motown features the music of those legendary artists whose music exploded on the charts when Motown made them instant hits that have stood the test of time and remain on everyone’s play list even to this day.

        The concert features music from The Supremes, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Isaac Hayes, The Staple Singers, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and more. It’s a cavalcade of hits like Sittin’ On the Dock of the Bay, Dancing in the Street, Midnight Train to Georgia, My Girl, You Can’t Hurry Love, I Heard It Through the Grapevine to name a few - all performed by fabulous singers backed by a dynamite live band. ‘Treating our audience to some of the finest musicians in the country is something we’re very proud of,’ remarks Artistic Director Donnie Bowes. ‘The level of talent, range and experience these artists bring to our stage is incredible. That’s what makes our concerts so popular and a fitting complement to our regular theatre season.’

        On saxophone is Gord Aichele who has performed with such artists as Paul Shaffer, The Guess Who, Anne Murray and Dan Aykroyd. On trumpet is Andy Gravitis who has also worked with a star-studded roster of artists including Wayne Newton, Dick Clark and Chubby Checker. Bass player Lew Mele has extensive experience playing for musical theatre productions and has also worked with such stars as Roger Whittaker and Frankie Avalon. He also performed at Sean Connery’s 80th birthday party! Joining them on vocals is Toronto performer and vocal teacher Justin Bacchus. The Playhouse also welcomes back from recent hit concerts Glory Days and Summer of Love drummer Kevin Dempsey, guitarist Peter Mueller, vocalist and keyboardist Stephen Ingram and vocalist Imogen Wasse.

        Creator of Memphis to Motown is producer and stage director Chris McHarge, whose popular concerts have inspired and entertained audiences all over the world including Morrisburg’s Upper Canada Playhouse where several of them were created for The Playhouse and had their first performances on their stage. He also directed this season’s hit comedy Leaving Marjorie Bliss.                                          


Thursday morning along our waterway . . .


Coach Smith hoping his injury list soon turns around . . .

Morrisburg chalks 6th straight loss . . .

Sunday, Oct. 13th - South Dundas’ Morrisburg Junior Lions opened their 2024-25 NCJHL pre-season on Saturday, Sept. 14th at home, hosting the North Dundas Rockets. That game offered all the promise of a great hockey season for local fans. Neither the Rockets or the Lions managed to put the puck in the net over the opening 20-minutes, And two like periods followed. No score after 60 minutes.

        For 69-minutes that evening goaltenders Matt Saari and Owen Villeneuve (Rockets), Nick Lyons and Bailee Bois (Morrisburg) battled to keep their teams in a scoreless tie. Then eight-and-a-half minutes into a 10-minute overtime period the Rockets Parker Lefebrve beat the Lions Bailee Bois on a semi-screened shot over the net minder’s out-stretched glove for the 1-0 victory. And the home-team Lions chalked up their 1st loss of 2024-25.

        Morrisburg posted their second loss the following day, this time a 4-1 score gave the Rockets a 2-0 pre-season record. 

        The following week the regular season opened with Morrisburg hosting the Almonte Inferno. The Lions scored a lopsided 8-3 win in front of a full house of cheering fans. All of who were convinced ‘this could be our year!’

        Unfortunately, several of the Lion’s key players were injured in that opening game. And several of the injuries were serious enough that those players have yet to dress for a second game this year.

        Lions Coach Jamie Smith however remains positive in that his team is going to turn things around. Smith readily admits problems that need attention but also points out that the team, inspite of playing under the pressure of extra-long shifts to accommodate those injuries and short benches, is improving.

        “We’ve cut well down on penalties and over-reacting on the ice,” the Coach said earlier this week, adding,  “And we’re hopefully getting at least one of our guys back for the next home game!” Smith added.

        That being said, the Lions have not quit in any game they’ve played this season. The team leaders on the ice continue to set a strong example of how to take part in a game through the entire three periods. And that’s a good thing, because the last six games have been consecutive losses.

        This coming weekend brings the first and last place teams from Division B to Morrisburg on Saturday (7:15 p.m.) and Sunday (4:30 p.m.). The last place Vankleek Hill Cougars bring three victories against two losses with a 23 goals-for over 17 goals-against record for the Saturday evening game. 

        Coach Smith suggested his charges will be prepared as best they can be for the weekend’s action, pointing out, “I give credit to the players for busting their butts but we still have to bring it up a few notches in games, Smith said, adding, “We’re working toward making better on-ice decisions and capitalizing on our opportunities and winning will come!”  

        On Saturday at Morrisburg Arena the Metcalfe Jets jumped into a 3-0 lead in the opening period then traded three more goals over the final 40-minutes with the Lions for a 6-3 victory. James Martens notched a pair for Morrisburg while Ben Lapier added the single.

        Travelling to St-Isidore for a Sunday evening game with the Eagles the Lions Callum Stevenson scored a goal in each of the second and third periods while the home team scored two in the first frame, added four counters in the middle period and closed the game with another two markers in the final 20-minutes.


Evening takes over the view on the river . . .

The Gia Desgagnes moves west on the up-side of Border Island at South Dundas as the

afternoon light fades slowly to black over the St. Lawrence River . . .

 


Season closing on quality freshness . . .

The close of our growing season, both in home gardens and area greenhouses, is always a downer.

Although the brighter side is that in five months all will return to smiles. We managed to nab a few

heritage tomatoes at Rutabaga Ranch on the weekend and made what will probably be our last

French taste of the 2024 season. Butter crust generously painted with Dijon mustard, a

healthy cover of shaved Gruyere cheese, a layer of Jaymie Thurler's best tomatoes. Baked, sprinkled

with chopped chives and roasted (slightly crispy) leeks. Finished with a side of salad, cold, sliced

roasted beets, goat cheese and candied pecan halves. And a glass of Spanish red . . .

A perfect, healthy lunch that guarantees smiles all around . . .

 


Colors of South Dundas, Fall 2024 . . .

Our favourite time of year for getting around and snapping our shutter. There is no other season

like the Fall of the year. Color. Dramatic color! All natural . . . awaiting your turn . . .


Applauded for 'outstanding leadership' over past 10-years . . .

Foundation Director moving on Nov. 29th . . .

WDMH Foundation Managing Director Kristen Casselman . . .
WDMH Foundation Managing Director Kristen Casselman . . .

Tuesday, Oct. 13th - The WDMH Foundation is expressing its appreciation to WDMH Foundation Managing Director Kristen Casselman for her outstanding leadership over the past ten years. Kristen recently shared she is stepping down from the role effective November 29th.

        Over the past decade, Kristen has effectively led the Foundation team and fostered a strong sense of giving in our community.

        “The Foundation Board is deeply grateful for Kristen’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to our community. Her dedication has been a true gift, and she will be greatly missed,” notes Trisha Elliott, WMDH Foundation Board Chair. 

        “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Kristen for the last ten years. Under her leadership, the Foundation has grown more than it ever has in its history. During her tenure, she earned the respect of her staff, colleagues, the community and the donors who so faithfully support health care close to home.” agrees WDMH CEO Cholly Boland.

        “Together, an incredible group of people did something amazing in the last ten years,” Kristen said., adding, “They have purchased hundreds of pieces of medical equipment among many other things at Winchester District Memorial Hospital. They have also raised millions of dollars for the new Dundas Manor. That group of people is made up of donors, volunteers, and the Foundation team.  It’s been incredible to be a part of that. I’ve worked with and met so many wonderful people – and I learned a lot!” Kristen pointed out in sharing successes with the donors and the Foundation team: 

         “It’s the memories of celebrating staff and donors that I am most proud of and will cherish the most,” Kristen added, “I am very grateful to have had this opportunity. There is a great team at the Foundation. This decision was not an easy one, but it’s the right one for me.”


Empowering Caregivers . . .

Essential Caregiver Pilot Program . . .

      The Great River Ontario Health Team, with support from the Ontario Caregiver Organization, is excited to announce a pilot program to expand the Essential Caregiver Program. Beginning on Monday, Oct. 7th, 2024, Carefor and St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre will refer caregivers to the Essential Caregiver Program offered through the Cornwall Community Hospital.

        Through this program, caregivers will participate in education on various topics, such as infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices and how to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Each caregiver will be issued a personalized ID badge featuring their photo. This badge will be recognized across participating facilities, including Carefor, St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre, Cornwall Community Hospital, Hôpital Glengarry Memorial Hospital and Winchester District Memorial Hospital.

Who is an Essential Caregiver?

        Many people help to take care of others, like their parents, spouse, family members, neighbours, or friends. Essential Caregivers provide emotional, physical, and practical help to the person they support. They may also have insights that can be incredibly valuable to the healthcare team. Not everyone who provides care might see themselves as a caregiver, however, being recognized as an Essential Caregiver can improve the caregiver’s experience and help ensure that the person being cared for is fully supported in their healthcare journey.

Why Participate in the Essential Caregiver Program?

        The Essential Caregiver Program recognizes caregivers as important partners in providing care. Unlike traditional visitors, Essential Caregivers provide crucial support and advocate for the overall well-being of patients. Benefits of participation include being recognized and included by healthcare providers as an essential member of the healthcare team, being able to be closer to the person being supported during care, and receiving education and resources to support someone in their role as a caregiver. 

For more information about the Essential Caregiver Program, please contact:

Telephone: 613-938-4240 ext. 3519

Email: cch.communications@cornwallhospital.ca 

 


Lay Impaired Driving charges . . .

OPP recover stolen vehicle on Hwy. 401 . . .

Monday, Oct. 7th - Members of the Stormont, Dundas Ontario Provincial Police recovered a stolen vehicle on highway 401, South Dundas township. On, Monday, Oct. 7th, shortly before 2:00 a.m., officers from SD&G, received information regarding a stolen vehicle traveling eastbound on highway 401 in the South Dundas Township. The vehicle was later observed and subsequently stopped without incident. The 2023 Corvette was stolen from the GTA.

       Yakoud Nedjmeddine BENBELKACEM, 21-years-old from Montreal Quebec and Younes JADOIL, 18-years-old from Longueuil Quebec, were charged with:

          •  Theft of Motor Vehicle

          •  Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

         Both accused remains in custody and are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall on a later date.   

 

Cornwall, ON - The Stormont Dundas & Glengarry Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police has charged three motorists with impaired driving.  On September 6th, 2024, shortly after 3:00 a.m., SD&G officers stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on Vincent Massey Crescent in the city of Cornwall. Further Investigation led to the driver being arrested.       

        Meagan HAMILL, aged 34, of South Stormont, was charged with:

          •  Operation while impaired - alcohol

          •  Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

          •  Speeding 1 - 49 Km/h over posted limit

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall on Tuesday, Oct. 22nd, 2024.

 

On Sunday, Oct. 6th, 2024, shortly after 3:00 a.m., SD&G officers observed a vehicle being driven erratically on County Road 2 in South Glengarry Township.     

        Evelyn, LINDHORST aged 72, of South Glengarry, was charged with:

          •  Operation while impaired - alcohol

          •  Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Alexandria on Wednesday, Nov. 6th, 2024.

 

On Sunday, Oct. 6th, 2024, shortly before 3:30 a.m., SD&G officers responded to a single vehicle collision vehicle on County Road 22 in North Stormont Township. 

        Owen MEKKER aged 18, of North Stormont, was charged with:

          •  Operation while impaired - alcohol

          •  Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

          •  Failure to stop after accident

        The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall on Thursday,  Oct. 31st, 2024.