Record-breaking wish tally

 

On June 26th, at the South Dundas council meeting, councillor Jim Graham introduced an issue with lighting at the ball diamonds in Riverside Heights.

According to Graham, there are some lights that are not working and others that require the safety glass surrounding the bulbs.

“There’s a major ball tournament coming up  in the next week or so and it would be nice if lights were working,” he said.

Graham reminded council that Riverside Heights was meant to receive a transfer of lights from the Brinston ball diamonds. This, he said, hasn’t happened yet.

Deputy-mayor Jim Locke agreed, saying that “it’s been promised and promised.”

The matter was referred to the parks and recreation department.

[…]

Progressive Conservative MPP candidate for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry,  Jim McDonell “enjoys working with people.”

During a phone interview with the Leader on September 16th, McDonell said that he’s “been involved in community for many years (and he’s) talked to a lot of people.” He admitted that it’s “exciting to get out there.”

He went on to reveal, that people are “not asking (government) to do a lot, just for a fair deal.”

McDonell would like to “encourage people to follow basic principles. It’s the whole basis of Canada – work hard, play by the rules.”

He credits the lack of this attitude in government for pushing him into running for MPP.

It “bothers me that I see things misrepresented (and) things that are not good for the community happening.”

McDonell shared that he  comes from a small town and  he sees that what the government has been doing is “not a smart way of doing things.”

Among other issues, he refers to the decreased service in rural areas, the loss of businesses in rural small town areas, and the migration of rural population to bigger cities in the hunt for work.

McDonell believes that  the main issue  in this area of Ontario is “unaffordability.”

He recognizes that “income is much less in this area. Things are a little tougher around here.”

“There’s a higher percentage of seniors  on fixed incomes. The majority have no pensions.”

“Their children and grandchildren are not getting work locally. Schools are closing because there are no kids to put into them.”

McDonell also sees the apprenticeship program’s current restrictions as an issue for voters in this riding. He believes there will be “a huge shortage of labour in the future but (the current government) is not looking at a program that allows (for the need.)”

McDonell said that the ratio for apprenticeships should be   “1:1 instead of 3:1” for craftsmanship jobs such as electricians, plumbers and brick layers.

He maintains that , for example, most brick layers today are around the 65 year age range.

Discussing how he would make things better for the local constituents, McDonell referred to his party’s plan to remove HST from  home heating. He also mentioned the debt retirement charge, lowering income tax, and income splitting for couples.

In addition to these money saving plans, he also stated that his party plans to “remove a lot of the red tape” from government services. He stated that there is a “target of 30 per cent” and if the party doesn’t meet the target, then “ministers will take a cut in pay.”

McDonell wants to “make government less complicated.” He is “committed to making government more open to the public.”

When asked what makes him the right choice for voters in South Dundas, McDonell stated, “I’m dedicated and committed to our community.”
Also, he “has a practical sense on how to do things.” He refers to his farming background and rural roots, saying that he is “someone who can relate back” to the people in the rural areas of his riding as well as those in the urban areas.

McDonell says that he wants to “stop the withdrawal” from the rural small town communities.

When asked about the issue of poverty, he replied  that he would “focus on getting jobs for a good portion of the population.”

When asked about character, in terms of integrity, responsibility, and accountability, McDonell stated: “I don’t make promises I can’t maintain.”

Tim Hudak joined McDonell for a campaign rally on September 19th at the Ramada Inn in Cornwall.

[…]

From 50-cent treats, old-fashioned kids’ games and family entertainment, to heritage horse and cattle shows, there will be something for everyone to enjoy at Upper Canada Village at the much anticipated 1860s fall fair coming up at Upper Canada Village September 15-16. 

Visitors are invited to admire the top-prized heritage products, crops and vegetable classes.

“From one end of the Village to the other there’ll be no shortage of things to see and do,” says Gabriele Thomas, UCV Site Supervisor. “The Fall Fair provides a perfect opportunity for enjoying a beautiful natural setting while getting immersed in living history. What’s more, it includes the Discovery Centre, boisterous period entertainment, children’s games, and tasty treats.”

All the best things made and grown at Upper Canada Village will be exhibited under the big tent in the fairgrounds.  

Beautiful Victorian needlework and embroidery, delicious preserves, pickles and baked goods, heritage vegetables, watercolours and oil paintings, honey, cheese as well as articles showcasing early industry will be on display. 

The public is invited to enter their vegetables, flowers, food items and other products to see how they measure up against Village staff.  All entries must comply with 1860s guidelines which can be found and downloaded at www.uppercanadavillage.com under Activities, Special Events, Fall Fair and all must be registered by noon on Friday, September 14.

What fair would be complete without fun and laughter?  

Village performers are tuning up their instruments and voices to entertain the crowd with a lively program of singing and instrumental music.  The Upper Canada Village Brass Band is slated to perform at Cook’s Tavern from 1:30-3 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, September 16.

The wonder-filled world of the Mental Floss Sideshow, a new act at this year’s fair, will present two shows daily – noon to 12:30 p.m. and 3-3:30 p.m. Meet Professor Archibald Floss, carnival impresario and human oddity and his partner Dr. Charlotte Tann, snake oil peddler of some renown. 

Visitors are invited to witness feats of derring-do and exhibits garnered from the five corners of the globe. 

Other performances and displays running both Saturday and Sunday are: Village musicians and entertainment 11:15-11:45 a.m.; Opening Ceremonies in the fairgrounds including poetry reading, music and dancing by the Young Interpreters 1-1:30 p.m.; Horse & Cattle Show 2-3 p.m.; Children’s Games & Races 2:30-3:15 p.m.

On Saturday only, from 4-4:30 p.m. there will be music at Cook’s Tavern.

One of the highlights of the event is the more-than-“fair” prices for treats.  Apples, UCV-baked bread, UCV cheese, cider, lemonade and fudge will all be available at only 50 cents per serving.

Children can burn off steam by participating in several 19th century games taking place throughout the weekend.  

Ring toss, three-legged races, sack races, wheelbarrow races, and tug-of-war are being organized to provide young visitors with a taste of some good old-fashioned fun and tasty prizes.

Admission includes the Discovery Centre:  Adult (13-64 yrs) $17; Senior (65 yrs+) $14; Youth (6-12 yrs) $14; children 5 yrs and under are free.  

Upper Canada Village is open from 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Coming up next a Upper Canada Village is A World of Glass  beinging featured the weekend of September 22 and 23

From the pop bottle to the chandelier, glass is imminently practical as well as exquisitely extravagant. 

Discover the magic of glass blowing, painted and stained glass, mirrors, kaleidoscopes as well as industrial applications.  

Special feature of the weekend will be the remarkable stained glass windows painted in the 1880s by Harry Horwood for the Prescott home of distillery owner J.P. Wiser.

[…]