Heritage

The Knights of Columbus organization in L'Orignal is asking Champlain Township to consider assuming control and in essence, ownership, of the village's community hall.

Twenty-one members and residents of L'Orignal presented themselves at a special council meeting held last Thursday, January 5 to discuss the proposal.

Council members decided to meet in a closed meeting to discuss the options. They emerged about 40 minutes later and approved a motion for Mayor Gary Barton and chief administrative officer Jean Thériault to open negotiations with the Knight of Columbus.

Christmas parades and visits with Santa took place across the local area this month, beginning with the Vankleek Hill Parade of Lights on Friday, December 2 and a visit with Santa at The Review's office.

See below for a slideshow of our favourite photos of 2011.

Just when Ontario Algonquins thought their land claim settlement with the provincial and federal governments would soon be coming to an end, the whole deal could be derailed by Algonquins living on the Kitigan Zibi reserve in western Quebec.

At the centre of what could be a messy battle pitting Algonquin against Algonquin is one of the most complex, and geographically largest, native land claims under active negotiation in Ontario.

The Vankleek Hill Junior C Cougars will host an "old-timers" alumni game on Saturday, December 17 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the team.

Hockey fans and local residents are invited to come and see former players Marc and Claude Berniqué, Mike Horner, Eric Poulin, Steve Barton and others in action.

"I'm one of the old guys that were on that championship team (20 years ago)," said Barton. "Hopefully, we can get all the old players back."

After months of hard work and dedication, the St-Bernardin Centennial Book is about to celebrate its official release.

While the book won't be officially launched until May 20, 2012, people are being advised to reserve their copy of the commemorative book as soon as possible. Those wishing to order ahead will be eligible for the special prepaid price of $60 until January 31.

Those who wait until after January 31 will pay $70 for the 450-page book.

Winnifred "Winnie" Maclennan, a resident at Heritage Lodge, remembers her time spent as nurse during World War II as vividly as if it were yesterday.

Maclennan recently celebrated her 95th birthday and shared some of her recollections as a nurse from 1945 to 1946. She told her story to Bronwen Kathy Williams, of L'Orignal, who volunteers with the Reading Group at Heritage Lodge.

Williams said Maclennan provided her with a hand-written copy of her memories, which Williams then typed out and went over with her, to ensure there weren't any errors.

The members of the Dalkeith History Club aren't sure what to make of the Diocese of Alexandria-Conrwall's plan to host an auction to sell the contents of St. Paul's Chapel.

Club spokesperson Frances Fraser told The Review the club recently met with the diocese and was told the contents of the community's last remaining historical building are set to be auctioned off on Saturday, November 12.

The International Plowing Match and Rural Expo officially began on Tuesday, September 20, with organizers, participants and vendors welcoming the thousands of guests to the Kirby, Connors and Lachaine farms in Chute-à-Blondeau.

The opening ceremonies were held on Tuesday morning, in the presence of the Queen of the Furrow contestants, dignitaries, organizers and local politicians.

See below for a slideshow of photos from opening day, taken by Review photographer Marie-Noel Shank.

Champlain Township Mayor Gary Barton has spent the last three years of his life gearing up for the big day and he can't quite believe it's only two weeks away now.

Barton is serving as the Chair for the 2011 International Plowing Match and Farm Machinery Show (IPM), which will run from September 20 to 24 in Chute-a-Blondeau.