Bike-A-Thon Plus taking place in Dundas County for 7th year

Cruickshank is proud to named one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada, ranking 38th, based on a study conducted by Aon Hewitt, a global human resources consulting and outsourcing solutions organization. The competitive study, now in its 14th year, measures employee engagement through employee surveys and attracted over 150 submissions from organizations across the country.

“I’m thrilled and proud of our employees, who are the reason we’ve been honoured with this recognition, says company CEO Steve Cruickshank. “Their dedication and drive are vital to our success, and they make our company a wonderful place to work.”

The Best Employers in Canada study recognizes companies who demonstrate their commitment to employees through a number of factors, including company environment, leadership qualities and opportunities for growth. Results of the survey are provided to each organization to help them continue to improve programs, recruit leaders and grow the company.

Steve Cruickshank notes that the Best Employers in Canada program offers an excellent opportunity to better understand what employees need to thrive. “Our success lies in our commitment to a safe, healthy work environment that allows our team to fully demonstrate their expertise,” he says. “The Best Employers program is a critical tool that helps us continue to develop that environment for mutual benefit and success.”

Founded in 1956, Cruickshank is a leading road, bridge and infrastructure construction services firm. The company, which operates in both Canada and the U.S., has significant experience in both the private and public sectors, and has developed a strong reputation for getting the job done right – every time.

Along with being ranked as one the Best Employers in Canada, Cruickshank is a 2011 winner of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies program, a national award that recognizes Canadian companies that have implemented world-class business practices and created value in innovative ways. Cruickshank has also been ranked on the top 50 Best Small and Medium Employers for the past three years and was named one of Canada’s Green 30 employers by Maclean’s magazine in 2011 and 2012.

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An unexpected find has led to an unexpected expenditure for the Township of South Dundas.

At the June 5th council meeting, South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services chief Chris McDonough requested council’s permission to proceed with the purchase of a “super tanker.”

The tanker, he admitted, wasn’t due to be purchased in this year’s budget, but “it’s good for our accreditation for water shuttle,” he said.

McDonough was referring to “being recognized by the Underwriters Insurance for Alternative Water Supplies for Fire Protection accreditation.”

The new 2004 Western Star 3,000 gallon tanker from Eastway Emergency Vehicles will replace Williamsburg’s current 1985 Ford 1,500 gallon tanker.

The new tanker “is being retrofitted with a new tank,” said McDonough, and when all is said and done, he estimated the final cost to be in the vicinity of $130,000. 

He pointed out that the cost savings of buying this particular tanker at this time, rather than buying a brand new tanker in future, is approximately $120,000.

“I think it’s a good opportunity,” said deputy-mayor Jim Locke. 

Councillor Archie Mellan said, “I like the fact that we’re going to get accreditation.”

All in agreement, council approved McDonough’s request to proceed with the purchase.

[…]

Local talent is taking centre stage at St. Joseph’s Secondary School in Cornwall.

Several area cast members are among the 40 featured in the production the two hour musical, Little Shop of Horrors. 

William Wallace, a grade 12 student at St. Joe’s, plays Mr. Mushnik, the miserable owner of a failing downtown New York flower shop.

“Opening night was great,” said Wallace. “The cast is really energetic.”

Opening night took place in the school auditorium, located along Cumberland Street in Cornwall April 17, at 8 p.m. and another public performance  took place April 18.

With two shows in the books, these student actors are looking forward to the final two public shows which will take place April 24 and 25 at the Cornwall school. She show is about two hours long.

“This is such a funny show. We have a really great cast,” said Wallace, who is from Morrisburg. “We have really pulled together and become great friends.” The group met with The Leader Monday after school to talk about the musical and to encourage the local community to come to one of the two remaining shows.

Maiko Button, of Long Sault, who plays Audrey, is a grade 12 students at St. Joe’s.  Audrey is one of Mr. Mushnik’s two shop assistants, along with Seymour Krelborn.

“This show is maybe not as well known, but it’s a really great show, It is fast-paced and witty,” said Button. It is directed by Mr. Gilles Levac, who all of the actors agree, does a fantasic job.

Seymour is played by Brett Weegar of Morrisburg, a grade 12 student at St. Joe’s. “This character was made for me,” said Weegar. “Ya, awkward around women, and kind of dorky,” the ladies of the cast chime in quickly.

“This is a really great show,” says Weegar. “We have a really good teacher. The amount of effort he puts into this is astounding. Actually, we put a lot of work into it too.”

Kamryn Frank, another grade 12 student at St. Joe’s is the voice of Audrey II, the villanous carnivorous plant. Frank, who is quite a vocal talent according to those who attended Friday’s show, says that she “loves that she actually gets to use her rock voice.”

She said that St. Joe’s puts on an awesome, full production musical. “We work on it from October until now. For only $10 a ticket it’s a great night out,” says Frank. The puppeteer for the Audrey II plant is Alexandra Lauzon, of the Long Sault area. Her fellow cast members agreee that she does a great job.

Three St. Joe’s grade nines from Morrisburg are part of the ensemble that sings and dances throughout the show.

“We make the show lively,” says Mallory Trizisky. 

“It’s a really fun show. I love the music,” says Abby Trizisky.

“Mainly, people don’t know how much work everyone puts into this,” says Jaxon Weegar. “For a school show, this show is really awesome.” Tickets are available at the St. Joseph’s school office or at the door.   

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