Summer’s End at Iroquois Beach and Canteen

 

Mosquitoes in the area have tested positive for the West Nile virus. 

Although there have been no human cases reported in our region, there have been cases in the province.

“The Eastern Ontario Health Unit has been actively monitoring mosquitoes for West Nile virus” says Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health. 

“This finding shows that West Nile virus remains a concern in our area, even towards the end of the summer.”

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit would like to remind residents to take precautions against the virus and therefore against mosquitoes by taking the following steps:

Use federally registered personal insect repellents, such as those containing DEET. Use a light coating on exposed skin. Follow label instructions for proper application.

Wear light-coloured clothing, long sleeves, pants and socks when outside.

Avoid being outside at dusk and dawn, as mosquitoes are the most active at that time.

Ensure that all containers in or around the yard like tires, pool covers, saucers for flowerpots, wading pools and children’s toys are regularly emptied of standing water.

Ensure that screens, windows and doors are fully sealed to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house.

For more information, visit the Eastern Ontario Health Unit’s website at www.eohu.ca and click on the Community Health section, or call 613-933-1375 or 1 800 267-7120 and ask for Health Line.

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The Cow Patti Theatre Company is offering up its last laughs in Eastern Ontario and after sitting down to another delicious dinner at the Ramada Inn in Cornwall last Thursday night, and then settling back into our seats for this year’s production, we can only say, “what a shame. We are sure gonna miss our annual February trip to Cornwall, the Ramada and the Cow Patti stage.”

Once again, Cow Patti and the Ramada Inn are delivering a wonderful evening of entertainment, from the delicious buffet supper, through the lip-smacking Cow Patti coffees to the delightful and hilariously funny production of Marc Camoletti’s Boeing-Boeing.

Directed by Richard Bauer, Boeing-Boeing is the farcical comedy involving Bernard, a smooth playboy, played by Garfield Andrews who has three fiancees, all flight attendants, whose schedules have always made it possible for him to “juggle the babes” so to speak.

But bad weather, faster planes and changes in flights, coinciding with a visit from long ago friend Robert, played by Jamie Williams, changes Bernard’s carefully scheduled life in a mere 24 hours.

We have seen Jamie Williams on stage a number of times, quite often as the unsuspecting character who gets caught up in the intricacies of the farce, and we have concluded that there is a reason. He is just so good at it.

Once again, Williams doesn’t disappoint as he skillfully keeps the characters, in this case the three flights attendants, separated and behind one of six doors on the Boeing-Boeing set. Robert, may be a long-ago friend, but you have to wonder at his sincerity as you laugh your way through a couple of his “kissing scenes” with not one but two of the ladies.

In contrast to Robert’s antics is the complete loyalty shown to Bernard from his faithful, albeit constantly complaining, maid Bertha played skillfully by AnnaMarie Lea. “There aren’t too many like monsieur. He’s in a class of his own,” says a sarcastic Bertha, as she tries to keep straight the menus required to feed the three financees…one an American from the deep south, another from Italy and the third a German.

“I do quite well with the three,” Bernard brags to an envious Robert. “You’ve all the pleasures of a harem right here in the middle of Paris. All you need is a time table. I don’t change women, I change diet. It’s like living in a restaurant.”

Enter the fun…Gloria the American played by Katie Lawson, Gabriella the Italian played by Susan Greenfield and Gretchen the German played by Kate Gordon.

All are hugely funny and each has her special moment in the play. 

It was the encounters between Kate Gordon’s German character and Robert that we couldn’t get enough of. Gordon’s German accent was something else, hilariously funny. We found ourselves looking forward to hearing what was going to come out of her mouth every time she stepped onto the stage.

The cast was great and this is a must-see show if you get the chance. Not only is it the final Cow Patti production in Cornwall, we feel it is one of the funniest in the 11 years they have been here. Our hat is off to director Richard Bauer and the cast who kept us laughing throughout the play.

Boeing-Boeing opened at the Ramada Inn in Cornwall last Thursday, February 2, and runs through Sunday, February 19. There are afternoon and evening cabaret shows, as well as dinner and brunch theatres.

For information or to book tickets, please call the Ramada at 1-877-552-9166.

[…]

With food bank usage reaching unprecedented levels, the cost of food rising, and the ongoing project to move the Morrisburg location of the Dundas County Food Bank, the new board of directors have turned their focus to increasing donations.

Food bank volunteers stepping down from the positions they held with the food bank, reiterated the fact that donations need to be the boards focus going forward, at the organization’s annual general meeting held March 9, at the Hartford Retirement Residence in Morrisburg.

“I have projected an increase in donations, as the board hopes to encourage more as they go forward,” said Dave King, who will be stepping away from his duties as treasurer.  

Last year, just over $96,000 worth of monetary donations were received by the Dundas County Food Bank.

“I must emphasize the importance of our donor base,” said Alvin Runnalls, in his last report as chair of the Dundas County Food Bank. He too will step away from the DCFB. “Everything hinges on donations of cash and food from corporations, business organizations, service clubs and many individuals. We are extremely thankful for the generosity.”

While the money donated amounted to $96,000, the value of the food that went out the door to families in need was $173,343. 

That food was included in 2,063 boxes of food that fed 6,231 people over the year, 40 per cent of whom are children. 

Of the families who received food items last year, 36 per cent receive disability income, 24 per cent Ontario Works income, and 18 per cent fall into the category of working poor.

According to Judy Hilson, coordinator for the Winchester location of the food bank, the value of food is up about three per cent over the previous year, while the total amount of food distributed was about 14 per cent more than last year.

About one-third of food in the food boxes distributed is purchased from the food budget. The other two-thirds are food items donated to the food bank.

Last year, $60,000 was budgeted for food purchasing, but $73,600 was spent on food. With the 14 per cent increase in food bank visits seen over the last year, the food purchasing budget was increased to $80,000 for 2015. 

The Morrisburg food bank location continues to see its numbers rise at a faster pace than Winchester. About 58 per cent of food boxes were distributed from the Morrisburg location.

Work is progressing on the renovation of the food bank space at the Morrisburg arena. According to Brian Cox, who delivered the building committee report, the move into the new space is likely to take place towards the end of May. The Municipality of South Dundas has arranged an interest free loan for the food bank for the renovations.

“Our client base has grown substantially over the past year and we project the same increase this year,” said Ian McKelvie, DCFB administrator. “If we are to overcome deficits in the future, we need to become more assertive in our fundraising efforts.”

Following the AGM, the 2015 board of directors was elected. The executive includes, Terry Triskle, chair, Jim Millard, vice chair, Celeste Guse, secretary, and Wendy Weagant, treasurer. Directors are Terry Green, Laura Harbers, Bill Steele, James Tripp, Arie Vandodewaard, Jim Wilson and Joanne Havekes.

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