New nomination for Cory Coons

“I attend many meaningful occasions,” said MP Guy Lauzon, addressing the crowd gathered at Iroquois Point on Sunday, June 14, “but I can’t think of one where I have been more moved or emotional. We are celebrating Canada and 50 years of our proud flag. We live in a wonderful country.”

On February 15, 1965, Canada first raised the red Maple Leaf flag as the new symbol of this nation. In 2015, Canadians are celebrating the 50th anniversary of that flag.

The memorial service held at the Iroquois United Church Cemetery, Iroquois Point, was a special event both of remembrance and of flag recognition that drew a large crowd. 

Organized by Connie Brown and the United Church cemetery board chaired by Robert Thompson, the service centred around a presentation of a new song, “Canadian Pride” especially written to honour the red maple leaf ensign. 

 Guest speaker, Brockville poet and composer Darlene Burns explained the background to her  patriotic song.

She was driving home from work when she saw a tattered, and torn Canadian flag flapping in the wind.

“I don’t know about you, but it really bothered me to see our flag in that condition,” she said. She felt compelled to go home and compose a poem she called “Canadian Pride.” The chorus uses these words:

When you see me

Think of Freedom,

When you see me

Think of pride.

For I represent our great country,

For which many brave soldiers have died…

Burns took her song to Brockville tenor and producer Christopher  Coyea, who loved the concept, and organized singers of all ages into a choir to officially launch the song at the Brockville Arts Centre, February 10, 2015. 

“I was honoured to be asked to be part of this project, and very proud of what we accomplished,” said Coyea.

With the generous support of Proctor & Gamble, the team has been able to produce a dramatic DVD of “Canadian Pride.”  Burns and Proctor & Gamble have assigned all the proceeds from the sale of this DVD to the United Way of Leeds and Grenville.

As part of the Iroquois service, Burns and Coyea played “Canadian Pride” for the crowd. After the presentation, members of the audience praised the emotional impact of the song honouring the flag.

Following final prayers by the Rev. Valerie Vande Wiele, and musical selections from Faye McMillen, the Iroquois Legion, branch # 370 colour guard retired the Colours to end the special memorial service.

[…]

 “Two key people are leaving our staff,” said Seaway District High School principal, Don Lewis. “Eileen and Sharon worked tirelessly for their kids. Eileen has supported her students both in and out of the building, and Sharon constantly looked for new things to try with her students. Theirs will be tough shoes to fill.”

On Monday, June 15, the students and staff of the high school said good-bye to veteran teachers, Sharon Last and Eileen Johnston. Both are officially retiring at the end of the school year.

Between them, Sharon and Eileen have devoted 70 years of service to education. 

“I started in 1982 teaching at Timothy Christian,” said Sharon Last. “In my career, I’ve taught math, physical education, special education, even wood-working. I’ve taught almost everything,” she laughed.

“I was at Iroquois Public School, when I first started teaching in 1978,” said Eileen Johnston. “In elementary, of course, you teach everything. But for most of my career, I have been in special education, working with children with developmental disabilities. My last 15 years have been at Seaway.”

With over 30 years each as educators, they have seen a lot of  board and ministry of education programs and initiatives come and go. However, it is their students they remember most fondly. 

“There are just so many memories,” Sharon said. “One of my proudest moments was to see two of my DEPP (Destination Employment Preparation Pro-gram) students graduating with their diplomas. I was involved with students council, with all kinds of sports, and fundraising for area charities and good causes. I loved my job.”

“I remember the fun we had taking the kids camping,” said Eileen. “For many, it was the first time ever having such an experience. The trips, the arts projects, just exposing these kids to the wonders of the world: it’s been great helping them to reach their full potential.”

After retirement, what lies ahead?

“I’m going on a grand  adventure,” laughed Eileen. “I have relatives all over the world, and we’re going to do some travelling. We’ve also built a new home. And I want to get back into my art.”

“Other adventures are knocking at the door for me, too,” said Sharon. “I don’t have specific plans, except to support my family and get into volunteering in the community. And maybe I’ll be a grandmother one day.”

[…]

 If there’s anything better than a great holiday show, it’s a show that’s also filled with tons of great laughs, wonderful live music, a really good story, lots of Christmas cheer and lots of fun for children and adults alike! 

That’s what The Playhouse has in store for everyone in their upcoming Christmas comedy, Dear Santa, by Canada’s King of Comedy, Norm Foster. 

This entertaining show is set at Santa’s Office and Workshop at his North Pole Headquarters, just days before his yearly trip with a sleigh full of toys for all the girls and boys. 

A fun aspect of the show is getting a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at the hustle and bustle with Santa and his staff working round the clock as that magic time approaches. 

But this year is even more hectic as trouble brews and everything seems to go wrong leaving Santa to deal with a ton of problems before he sets out on his Christmas Eve journey. 

Heading up the professional cast of this Yuletide comedy are Doug Tangney who stars as Santa himself. 

Tangney is a favourite with Playhouse audiences, and he brings his popular brand of magic and comedy to this jolly old elf. 

Joining him are a high-powered cast of talented actors and singers including Richard Bauer, Jamie Williams, Susan Greenfield, Liz Gilroy, Timm Hughes, Travis Seetoo and  Meredith Zwicker who doubles as Musical Director for the show. 

As in past years, the show will also feature an extended musical scene filled with Christmas songs and dances to put everyone in the holiday spirit. 

There’s also a community aspect to The Playhouse’s holiday show this year with a choir comprised of local youth and also lively elves portrayed by some budding local actors. 

Ontario Power Generation is also a major sponsor of this family event. 

It’s truly a laughter and music filled Christmas experience for everyone and a wonderful way to end a terrific Season at The Playhouse. 

Dear Santa runs from November 24 through December 18 with matinee and evening performances. 

Call the Box Office at 613-543-3713 & 1-877-550-3650 or uppercanadaplayhouse.com for tickets. 

[…]