200th Anniversary draws Canadian Prime Minister to Crysler Farm

 

Thanks to the Christmas Exchange and the generosity of the South Dundas community, some 666 people living in South Dundas sat down to a Christmas dinner this year who, due to tough times, might not have been able to afford one.

According to Exchange coordinator, Carol Richer, the 170 boxes provided food for 428 adults, 191 children and 10 infants. An additional 37 boxes were distributed to singles through the Dundas County Food Bank.

“We are actually down about eight baskets this year,” said Richer on Thursday, December 20, as the boxes were being picked up at the Morrisburg Legion.

In addition to the food, just over 200 children received gifts through the local Angel Tree programs along with mittens, toques pyjamas and books donated through various individuals and events in the community.

Once again the Exchange and the Angel Tree programs were generously supported by the community although, Richer said “early indications are that we are done a bit in monetary donations. However, some of our donations come in a bit later, so we are hoping that will put us on track.”

The Christmas Exchange counts heavily on financial donations as much of the food that goes into the boxes is purchased.

“We buy the turkey or hams, along with the fresh vegetables, potatoes and fresh fruit,” said Richer. “Much of the canned vegetable requirements are donated, but the Exchange purchases the large cans of fruit juice, bags of cookies, some of the canned cranberries requirements and occasionally, we have to top up the canned vegetables.”

The Exchange and the Dundas County Food Bank work very closely so that any non-perishable food that is donated, and is not included in an Exchange Food Box, is directed to the Food Bank.

Nothing is wasted.

Richer says that some people may not be aware of just how much food is purchased by the Exchange for the boxes. That is why financial donations and programs like the Top Up program at Valu-mart are indeed very necessary to the Exchange.

[…]

 

Although it has experienced a solid test run since July of 2011, Upper Canada Playhouse’s new addition, containing an attractive and versatile box office and new administrative offices for Playhouse staff, was officially opened on Friday, February 17, 2012.

“We decided to wait until now to officially open it,” said artistic director, Donnie Bowes, “to coincide with the opening of our first show of the 2012 season, the hilarious comedy, The Foursome.”

Upper Canada Playhouse is one of Ontario’s most successful theatres. To accommodate its growing audience and the increasing number of shows the Playhouse is presenting in a season, the theatre had to expand its facilities.

“The box office is a separate part of the theatre at the west end, conveniently connected to the main lobby where audiences enter the theatre at show time,” Bowes explained. “The box office is a spacious, customer-friendly area with plenty of seating and three efficient areas to book tickets. It also provides new offices for our administrative staff. They appreciate the increased space.”

This new facility has drawn rave reviews from the public and the staff.

The original box office, located at the east side of the Playhouse, was directly attached to back stage and production zones. As Bowes joked with his guests, “people waiting to buy tickets might have to dodge stage crew carrying planks and sets through the area.”

The Playhouse addition was built by Swank Construction.

Following this new addition, the Playhouse is preparing to enter phase II of its expansion project: development of the production department’s storage space which the theatre’s increased programming demands. 

South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds, on hand with other dignitaries to help cut the official ribbon, said that the new addition was a real asset to the theatre.

“It’s great that we were here to celebrate the opening of this box office,” he said. “Upper Canada Playhouse has experienced phenomenal growth and is a vital part of the South Dundas community. We look forward to continuing to work with the Playhouse.”

Following a brief reception, Bowes invited members of the South Dundas recreation and economic development committees, as well as Playhouse board members and councillors back stage for a quick look at the outstanding sets  under construction for the March 16 opening of the riotous Norm Foster golf “classic,” The Foursome. 

“March is a new time slot for us, and we can’t think of a better show to start the season and  officially open our new box office than this  comedy production,” said Bowes. 

[…]

Before heading out to the Tubie races on Sunday, August 4, drop by the Morrisburg beach to watch one of the most unique duck race experiences around.

At 10 a.m. five dogs will take to the water, one at a time, to retrieve a duck from the pool of 1200 floating in the water, and return it to their owner.

The five ducks retrieved by the pooches will be the five prize winners of the Morrisburg and District Lions Club Duck Race.

One thousand dollars worth of prizes will be handed out, with top prize being $500 cash, second is $200 cash, third is $100 cash, fourth is a $100 Riley’s Valumart gift card, and fifth is a $100 Canadian Tire gift card.

This year the canine retrievers include Finnegan, Katie, Floyd, Cocoa and one dog yet to be determined.

Finnegan is a 3.5 year old black lab, who likes to dress up. 

He was a Tootsie Roll for Halloween.

He is the canine companion of Sunnie Cantin-Locke, Robin Cantin-Locke and Dominic Worthington.

Finnegan came to live with this family when he was one. “He loves attention and hands everyone his big paw for love,” said his owner. 

Katie, a two year old German Shepherd Alsatian, live with Leanne Casselman. Katie has service dog lineage, so she is definitely up to the task of helping out the Lions Club, because they too ‘serve’. “She’s a super all round dog! Intelligent loyal and great with kids,” said Casselman. 

Hopefully, Katie will be good with ducks too.

Floyd is a friendly nine year old Labradoodle, who is still a puppy at heart. 

“He is an all around good sport when called upon to render a service,” said his owners. Floyd comes from Montreal with Jean, Wendy, Nelson and Myles Landry but is here visiting his summer home, the Graham’s on Lakeshore Drive.

Floyd is obsessed with balls, but may give the ball a break for long enough to fetch a winning rubber duck from the St. Lawrence, Sunday.

Cocoa is described as a charming, flirtatious and stubborn six year old Shih-Tzu Cavalier Spaniel mix. He is a veteran of the duck races, returning to the task for the third time. “What he lacks in swimming speed is made up with his precise retrieving skills, some of the time,” said Juli Strader of Cocoa. “If you want to get his attention, all you have to do is say any of the following words: peanut butter, chicken, cheese, car ride or nap.”

Like all Morrisburg and District Lions Club fundraisers, the proceeds benefit the community. 

[…]