Spectacular summer line up for Cruickshank Amphitheatre

 

The count-down to Christmas has already begun! Chilly temperatures, stores displaying Christmas decorations, and some people even boasting that they have finished their Christmas Shopping!  

Sadly, some members of our community aren’t quite so fortunate. 

Time and time again, we in South Dundas have shown that we are a caring community. 

Through the combined efforts of local churches, church groups, community organizations, service clubs, businesses, schools and countless caring individuals, we have been able to help those in need, particularly during the Christmas Season. 

For the 23rd  consecutive year, the South Dundas Christmas Exchange is busy making plans to hopefully bring a bit of joy to those in need, and to make their Christmas a happier one. 

The mandate of the Christmas Exchange is, “to ensure that families in need are provided with the makings of a nice Christmas Dinner with some of the traditional trimmings”.

Again this year the Exchange will work closely with the South Dundas Food Bank to more  efficiently get Christmas Baskets to all those in need.

All of the Christmas Baskets will be supplied by the Christmas Exchange.  But because of the large number, it is impossible to do all of them at the Legion Hall. 

The co-operation of the local Food Bank in distributing those for singles has made this a more manageable task. Singles are reminded that they must register through the Food Bank.  Only family registrations will be accepted through the Hot Line 

The Hot Line will be in operation from 1 to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, from November 14th to 25th.   As this is a private line, donated by one of our local Churches, those registering are asked to please not call this number other than the times and days specified. The Hot Line number is 613-543-2005. 

For singles wishing to register with the Food Bank, the number there is 613-543-0065.

Although the Christmas Exchange will be providing a well stocked Christmas Dinner Basket, some families will require additional assistance. These families can contact the Food Bank to discuss their special needs with the co-ordinator.

Receiving a Christmas Basket will not disqualify any Food Bank client from receiving their regular assistance, but will simply try to make Christmas a bit special for them and their family. 

The Morrisburg Lions Club is again sponsoring Angel Trees, which will be located at the Bank of Nova Scotia and the Bank of Montreal in Morrisburg, and at SDS Kerr/Beaver Dental. 

In Iroquois, Sandra Johnston will co-ordinate the Angel Tree at the Bank of Montreal.  Watch for the Angel Trees later in November.  Remember to return all gifts by the date specified. 

The gifts and toys collected will be distributed through the Christmas Exchange, along with the Christmas Dinner Baskets, at the Morrisburg Legion on December 22nd, 2012, between 10 a.m. and noon. 

Those who wish to make financial donations, for which Tax Receipts will be issued,  may send cheques to: The South Dundas Christmas Exchange, P.O. Box 450, Morrisburg, ON.     K0C 1X0 

[…]

 

Chopper Thom, an eight-year-old Golden Retriever, who shares his home with Jimmy and Christine Thom and family, is making his hometown acting debut in Wife Begins At Forty opening August 6 at Upper Canada Playhouse.

On July 27, despite a busy rehearsal schedule, the star was graciously able to spare The Leader a few moments for an interview.

Chopper, with your debut at UCP in Wife Begins At Forty, you are following in the paw prints of such stars of stage and screen as Rin Tin Tin, Sandy, Nana and Asta. What drew you to acting?

All those dogs you mention had personal trainers and dog doubles. I prefer method acting. I do all stunts and scenes on my own. Early on in life, I recall watching Katts & Dog and the Littlest Hobo. I think that’s when I got the acting ‘bite.’

This is your first major role, starring as Chopper, the Harper family’s dog. What unique qualities do you feel you are bringing to this play?

Actually, this is NOT my first role. For the past seven years, I’ve been working as a greeter at Atel Air. As for the rest, I can pant, drool and wag my tail on cue. I am also very good at improvisation. I am, in fact, a dog: that is my unique quality.

How have rehearsals been going? Any special challenges?

Boring! The actors are mediocre, if not mundane. And the director’s a drip.

Fellow cast member Walter Learning, at an earlier press conference, described you as a… “joy. He loves everyone.” How do you react to this praise?

I wouldn’t believe anything Walter Learning says. Seriously, have you ever talked to the man?

How would you generally characterize your relationship with the other members of the cast? The crew?

I’ve only recently met the cast, but I’ve already become quite sociable with some of them. (pause) Actually, I ignore the cast! I prefer the company of the crew, especially the three lovely stage management females. Nice legs. I’m working on dinner and a date in Cornwall.

You’ve been working closely with director Richard Bauer. How have you helped him with staging and character motivation in your scenes?

In terms of motivation, well, it all comes down to treats. I’m a very active dog and I like to try new things at rehearsal. Because of that they’ve put me on a short leash. As I mentioned before, Richard is fairly clueless. I generally create my own blocking and motivation. In the end, I make him look good.

You’ll be making your acting debut in front of a home town crowd. Does this worry you at all?

No! As long as the check clears, I’m happy. Seriously though, as you probably know the people of South Dundas are the best audience anyone could play for. It will be a pleasure to tread the boards in front of them. And just to let local folks know, I’ll be signing autographs at the Dog Park at a yet to be confirmed date.

What lies ahead for you, Chopper, once you have this play under your collar?

I’m very excited. Once the show closes, my owner says he’s going to get me tutored. (He says it may calm me down). I also plan to take voice lessons. I hear they are making Lassie! The Musical!

Any final observations about life on the stage and/or the big screen, Chopper?

Alfred Hitchcock once said something like ‘Golden Retrievers are all heart and no brain’. 

If that’s the case, how come I have a group of people who feed me, bring me water and walk me? I also have my own driver and trainer. So who’s the fool?

 

(Many thanks to Playhouse artistic director Donnie Bowes and Wife Begins At Forty director Richard Bauer for assisting Chopper with this interview.)

[…]

 

According to a report submitted to South Dundas council, the township currently owns 109 properties.

On January 17th, council agreed with Clerk Brenda Brunt’s recommendation that seven of these properties should be declared surplus and then sold.

According to Brunt, “staff has done extensive research on our properties. These seven have been identified, that we feel are surplus at this point.” Brunt’s report pointed out that two of the properties have buildings, while the remaining five are vacant.

The seven properties include various locations throughout South Dundas. They are: 5680 Duncan Street in Mariatown; vacant land at the corner of County Roads 8 and 41; vacant land beside the outdoor rink in Dundela on County Road 18; vacant land on Hanesville Road; vacant land on Pleasant Valley Road;  vacant land on Caldwell Drive in Iroquois; and, 2 Miller Street in Iroquois.

According to the report, “proceeds from the sales will go to the Sale of Assets Reserve Account.”

[…]