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Seaway’s new vice principal, Ann Blackburn, is already impressed.

“Everyone has been very warm, very friendly,” she said. “Seaway has a very welcoming staff, dedicated and professional, but also very welcoming.”

While she has not yet had the opportunity to meet many Seaway students, she is definitely looking forward to it. “I plan to attend the grade seven orientation event, and hopefully, I may even get to meet some parents and members of the school council. So far, I have gained a great impression of this school.”

Ann Blackburn has assumed the role of vice principal in the administration of Seaway, but she will also be doing some classroom teaching. Her extensive educational background in the classroom, in administration and in board related assignments, gives her a unique perspective on all levels of education.

Blackburn, who grew up in Ottawa, is no stranger to the Upper Canada Board. When she began her career in education in 1989, her first jobs were with the old SD&G board. A graduate of Queen’s University with a B.A., and a B.Ed. from the University of Ottawa, she served a year in Cornwall, then was two years at Stampville School and five years at Dixon’s Corners. Her field was special education.

“When I first began, we used to have more self-contained special education classes than is common now,” Blackburn explained. “When I came to Seaway, I was delighted to find that Nicole Hummel, who was my first EA at Dixon’s, is now an Educational Assistant at Seaway. It was great to see a familiar, welcome face at my new school.”

Following her time at Dixon’s, Blackburn accepted a position at the board as a Special Education Resource teacher. Her job was to go to all schools, providing support in programming and assessment for teachers, as well as professional development.

“I worked with autistic, and learning difference students, anyone with special needs,” Blackburn explained. “Since this was my job for six years, I feel that I gained much practical training, and gained a wider perspective ahout how schools were coping and working with these students.”

She further increased her experience in special education when she returned to teaching, this time in a Section 23 school. 

Section 23 schools, which are operated in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Services, are designed for students with strong behavioural needs. Their emotional issues, sometimes coupled with learning problems, make it impossible for these children to function in traditional classrooms. Again, Blackburn views the experience as broadening, an opportunity to learn about often challenging children. 

She spent time at Winchester Public School as an LRC (Learning Resource Coach), a consultant to other educators. This was followed by a position as vice principal at Morewood, twinned with Chesterville Public School. In 2010-11, Blackburn served as VP at South Grenville High School, and from January to June in 2012, became principal of all five Section 23 programs. 

“Now I’m at Seaway,” Blackburn said, laughing. “You could say I have been around, bouncing to many places. However, I enjoy the challenges, and not being stuck in an educational rut. Mixing it up, for me, really works.”

The mother of a 16-year-old daughter and a 19-year-old son  ensures, Blackburn said, that “you really stay current with the teenage world.”

While she will take some time to immerse herself in Seaway’s culture, Blackburn does have some projects in mind.

“My background in Special Education keeps me interested in programs in that field. I also have a deep interest in visual arts, and I hope we might get some new murals here at Seaway, art that is both a source of beauty and pride, but also serves an educational purpose. I must let Heather Lauder, the art teacher, know about that one,” she added, laughing.

Also interested in environmental issues, the new vice principal was impressed with the greenhouse at Seaway, and looks forward to the next school “Farm Day.”

“With my background, I truly believe all students need the opportunity to become successful. Success can assume many forms, but we need to create the ideal conditions for learning to occur,” said Seaway’s new vice principal, Ann Blackburn.

“We have to start by building a positive relationship with our students. When we know them well, we can better meet their needs. It is also critical to involve families and the community to build the future of our students.”

[…]

It was a weekend to celebrate all things “horse” at Upper Canada Village, August 24-26. The Village invited visitors to see horses as people of the 19th century saw them, as faithful companions,  hard workers and keen sports contenders.

Popular Valley entertainer Wayne Rostad was grand marshall for the parade held on Saturday. He put on a lively, fun filled concert on the steps of Cook’s Tavern treating the crowd to familiar and funny songs as well as stories of old-time Morrisburg, Iroquois and Williamsburg. Following his performance, Rostad served as celebrity auctioneer at a horse auction, a popular activity which would have been very familiar to the residents of Upper Canada in the 1860’s.

Throughout the Village grounds, there were many events to take in for the visitors who came out for the late summer event.

They could watch field work across from Crysler Hall and the Loucks farm, then see how horses created “power” to operate a drag saw at Ross Farm or run a threshing machine. Numerous carriages and wagons pulled by Percherons and Clydesdales offered visitors the chance to see these beautiful animals in action or to take a ride themselves. 

The ‘gentry’ also made their appearance on Village streets, on expensive thoroughbreds, the men in top hats and jackets, the women riding elegantly sidesaddle. 

The Natural Horsemanship group put on demonstrations in the fairground. The Team of North American Equine Trainers also demonstrated their skills for the visitors.

With so many interesting and exciting activities, the 2012 Village Horse Lovers’ Weekend proved to be a great success.

However, with horses of all sizes everywhere, there was one practical suggestion given to all visitors during the three days:  they really needed to be very careful to look where they stepped!

[…]

Last weekend, fire fighters were out in Iroquois with the familiar boot asking people to help in the fight against muscular dystrophy. On Friday, August 24, representatives of the South Dundas Fire Emergency crews were out collecting in Morrisburg for the national charity. Jason Denio (l) and Kent Nugent said they “hoped to raise as much as we can” for the cause. Eight to ten local firefighters took part in the “boot drive” at different locations in and around the plaza inviting people to help in the fight. 

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“I remember being very nervous in grade nine,” said 17-year-old Brodey Casselman. “I wasn’t from the area and I didn’t know many people at Seaway. I remember how scary it was not to know people, and how I would have liked some one to turn to.” 

Brodey, along with 15 other senior students at Seaway, has chosen to join the new board-wide Link program that will be introduced at Seaway this September.

When Seaway District High School opens its doors on September 4, the 2012 grade nines will find that there is definitely someone they can turn to, to help ease the transition from elementary to high school. 

“The Link program is based on a big project developed by California educators known as the Boomerang Project,” said Heather Thompson, the teacher who is heading up Seaway’s new program, with the support of fellow teacher Lilace McIntyre and guidance councillor Mark Lewis. 

“The focus of the Boomerang Project is to create a positive transition for grade nines into high school. That is also the focus of the Link program of the Board.”

Teachers introducing Link programs to their schools (known as Link co-ordinators) themselves take part in three days of intensive training with professionals, the “best training experience I’ve ever had,” Thompson said.

The one credit Interdisciplinary Course on Leadership that is now set up at Seaway High School (the Link program) has been developed for grade 12 students who will act throughout the school year as mentors, friends and role models to the grade nines with whom they are matched.

These Link leaders, as the grade 12 students are described, “we hope can begin to build strong relationships with our grade nines,” Thompson said. “They become people to whom grade nines can safely turn to ask questions, to seek help, to share worries and concerns as they adapt to a new high school environment. There are two link leaders for every grade nine ‘crew’ of 8-10 students.”

Grade 12 students get into the Link program by applying. Some Seaway seniors have had their names put forward by teachers who have seen qualities in them of which even they may be unaware.

“I was recommended to the program,” said Sierra Stone, 17, who has also opted to join Link. “When I came to Seaway in grade nine, I did know some people, but it was easy to be intimidated by kids older than me.”

The students who have been selected to join the Link program must make a personal commitment in terms of time and effort, and not just in a classroom. They must involve themselves in all aspects of the nines’ school life. Outside regular school hours training is mandatory.

The Leader attended an intensive work shop held at Seaway on Monday, August 27, where the 16 seniors, all chosen for different strengths and unique qualities during the June screening process, were undergoing training. 

The seniors were, in a number of organized activities, learning how to lead their student groups, how to break the ice and how to set up comfortable dialogues. The training they were undergoing teaches them leadership and communication skills, works with them in learning to cope with unexpected or challenging situations, helps them explore ways to reach younger students who need support.

“The Boomerang program is strongly organized and purposeful,” Thompson said. “and it’s been proven to have a positive impact on a whole school. It sends a strong message that we are not only supporting our nines, but teaching leadership qualities to our 12s. I think this program will start the school year off in a positive, energetic way that will make this the best year at Seaway.”

The newly trained grade 12s will have the chance to put their knowledge to good use on Thursday, August 30, when all grade nines are invited to attend their high school orientation, starting at 8 a.m. 

[…]

The re-enactment of the Battle of Crysler’s Farm will be the largest War of 1812 event in Eastern Ontario next year with the announcement last week by Heritage Minister James Moore that his department will be supplying a grant of up to $171,400 for the two-day event, to be held July 13 and 14, 2013.

The military heritage weekend has been organized each year since 2000 by the Friends of Crysler’s Farm, chartered in Ontario as a not-for profit, charitable organization and recognized as a charitable body by Canada Revenue Agency, under whose authority the Friends can issue tax receipts. The Friends are a cooperating body with the Parks of the St. Lawrence but they are an independent organization with their own executive and bylaws.

The grant is being provided under Heritage Canada’s Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program and will be used for advertising, increased food costs for the greater than usual number of re-enactors expected in 2013, underwriting travel costs for those coming from great distances and for specialized groups like cavalry units and heavy artillery pieces. Money is also being set aside to pay for floating docks for the small boat flotilla se to take part in the battle demonstrations in 2013.

Organizers are also planning a larger civilian component for the 2013 show. Chief among these will be a larger English country-dance program, both for practiced dancers and first-time visitors.

The Friends are also applying  for a grant for a service of remembrance at the site on Mon., Nov. 11, 2013. It will be held during the afternoon of the actual anniversary date so as not to interfere with area Remembrance Day services.

Grades seven and eight students from South Dundas and South Stormont schools are being invited to the service, which we feature a prominent guest speaker.

The Battle of Crysler’s Farm was fought on Nov. 11, 1813 between a 1200-man Anglo-Canadian “corps of observation” commanded by Joseph Wanton Morrison and an 8,000 man American army commanded by General James Wilkinson on their say to attack Montreal. Wilkinson had sent 4,000 of his men down river to occupy Cornwall while he turned with the remainder to rid himself of the nuisance Morrison presented.

But in a pitched battle on the Crysler, Van Allen and Fetterly farms the superior discipline of the outnumbered Anglo-Canada regiments and native allies proved too much for the invaders and after absorbing heavy losses they withdrew to the U.S. side of the  St. Lawrence, ending the  threat of U.S. invasion in this theatre of the war for the remainder of the conflict.

[…]

Although it’s not unheard of, it is a rare occurrence.

Last week, from Tuesday through Thursday the Iroquois beach was posted as unsafe for swimming, while the Morrisburg beach remained open.

“Usually it’s the other way around,” said Ben McPherson, South Dundas recreation coordinator.

It was the last week for the lifeguards at the two area beaches so those in Iroquois were left to inform those wanting to use the beach that the water had been deemed unsafe, cleaning up the area and some, who were able, finished up some ongoing swimming lessons at the Morrisburg beach instead.

“It is strange to have the Iroquois beach posted and Morrisburg not posted,” agreed Don Lewis, long time manager of South Dundas parks and recreation. “But, it has happened once before,” he said, recalling one other similar circumstance in more than a dozen years.

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit samples the swimming water at all local public beaches throughout the operating season to ensure it does not exceed the established bacteria levels. If bacteria levels exceed the safe swimming limit of 100 E. coli per 100 ml of water, a sign is posted advising people not to swim. Beaches are re-opened after E. coli levels return to acceptable levels.

[…]

Among the teams who will be Heeling and Wheeling for local cancer care, September 8, will be a number of local teams, one of which recently spoke about the event.

Team BMO Bikers is captained by Sharon Whitteker of Williamsburg. Her team will be starting at Morrisburg.

“We’re biking from Morrisburg, in our blue team shirts, and have asked a few people across the BMO region to join us or cheer us on!” said Whitteker. “A few of us have participated in the Children’s Treatment Centre walk for the last few years, but we’re excited to be biking this year!”

“This event is close to our hearts as several members of our team have lost family or friends or are currently battling cancer.  To raise funds, we’ve sent out numerous emails and have printed some pledge sheets in the bank for clients that may want to give.  We also have a book sale going on in the Branch, to try to help us meet our goal of $2,500.”

The Heel ’n Wheel for Local Cancer Care event will be held on Sept. 8, 2012, with walkers leaving the seven starting locations (Greely, Osgoode, Russell, Crysler, Finch, Morrisburg, South Mountain) at 8 a.m., and cyclists leaving at 2 p.m.  

This event is open to all ages to participate, and families are encouraged, as there are lower fundraising minimums for registered children/families.  

The Heel ’n Wheel will then wrap up with a celebration BBQ in front of WDMH, complete with musical entertainment, children’s activities, and a presentation of awards.

To find out more, online visit heelnwheel.ca

[…]

 

The tenders for the rehabilitation of the Morrisburg Collegiate Institute building left municipal officials with  sticker shock when the bids came in about a million dollars higher than they had expected, so much so that have not yet decided how they will proceed with the project.

Since the bids to convert the historic building into a new clinic and administrative facility were opened about a month ago, municipal staff, project managers and the design team have undertaken much analysis and research to prepare a report for council which was presented at the Aug. 14 meeting.

Municipal officials had expected to see bids in the range of $3 million, but instead the prices submitted by the pre-qualified contractors were in the $4 million range, with the lowest coming it at almost $3.9 million.

“It became apparent, as the project evolved, that it was a very complex project – maintaining the heritage aspects of the building while upgrading it to current standards,” reported Stephen McDonald, South Dundas chief administrative officer. “And, it can be assumed that the complexity of the project is reflected in the prices.”

The renovation project will consist of removing everything but the shell and will cost about $150 per square foot. The 20 year borrowing costs to finance the large scale project are equivalent to a tax increase of 2 to 3.5 percent, depending on the success of South Dundas’ Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund application. 

“The township has applied for $1 million funding under the CIIF,” reported McDonald. “This program is for existing infrastructure only and a new building would not be eligible to receive funding.”

According to the report presented to council the financial cost to construct a new building will be at least $6 million, not to mention the cost of lost time in getting such a project underway. 

South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds asked council to state their preferred direction for staff offering up the options of; doing nothing, going with the project as presented, starting over with a new building or deferring the decision until September to allow them time to gauge the public’s reaction. 

“I don’t think doing nothing is a good option,” said the mayor.

Only South Dundas councillor Jim Graham was willing to make a decision to get the project moving. 

“Everybody was surprised by the cost, that’s for sure,” he said. “But if we don’t go ahead there’s a ripple effect to a lot of other plans. I think the time has come that we have to present an image that we are open for business. I am ready to support this, as is.”

“Going to the public, we won’t get a consensus,” said Graham. “This is a decision we, as a council will have to make. That’s what we’re here for.”

“We obviously can’t afford a new building, so it’s the old building or nothing. I definitely don’t think doing nothing is an option,” said Graham.

Every member of council agreed that doing nothing is not an option. 

South Dundas councillor Evonne Delegarde is supporting starting over and pursuing a new building. “With the rehabilitation, we’ll still have an old building,” she said. “It’s hard to believe it will cost that much more to build a new building.”

CAO McDonald pointed out that a similar new building project now taking place in Winchester shows that  the numbers presented in the report are accurate and valid.

Delegarde also suggested going back to the doctors of the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic to contribute more money to the project, now that the actual costs have come in higher than anticipated.

“It is a tough decision,” said South Dundas deputy mayor Jim Locke, who was not yet willing to make a final decision. However he did say, “If we do nothing with that building, I feel it will have to come down. We can’t leave it sit there with snow fence around it.”

South Dundas councillor Archie Mellan, like Locke, was not willing to make a decision. “I’m not prepared tonight to say one way or another,” he said, later adding that he will be prepared to make a decision at the next council meeting. “I’ll tell you then, which side of the fence I’m jumping to.”

Mayor Byvelds said, “My leaning is to go ahead and bring this project to fruition.” However, he was willing to respect his fellow councillors who have not yet decided and support deferral until the next meeting.

“We’ll let this settle out within the public sphere,” he said. “As a council, it’s our responsibility to listen. Listen well, but filter through it,” he told council. 

The decision will be made at the September 4 council meeting.

[…]

 

 It was a great day for pirates when Ontario Early Years and South Dundas Recreation teamed up to present a day of buccaneering at the Iroquois beach on Thursday afternoon, August 16. Area youngsters joined Fiona Carr, Family Resource co-ordinator of Early Years and Ben Macpherson, SD Recreation director, to make hats and swords, eye patches and sailing ships and to join in fun-filled games.

“We do this every year to promote community and getting kids active,” said Macpherson. “We encourage kids to have fun in the sun.” “There is also an educational element,” Carr added, “as the kids have fun doing crafts.” The Eastern Ontario Health Unit also offered workbooks on sun safety for children.

 Left, ‘Captain’ Callam Larocque and ‘Mate’ Ethan Boucher sword fight as the ‘ghost’ of pirate Captain Anne Bonney (Ashleigh Jackson) watches. Below, left, Katie Barkley (visiting grandparents Jack and Anne) gets her face painted by Abby Trizisky, while Lawrence McClafferty shows his ship. 

[…]

 Family reunions are always memorable. However, when the Lundeen family gets together for Thanksgiving dinner in The Playhouse’s upcoming  show, A Nice Family Gathering, by Phil Olson, the meal won’t be the main event. 

It’ll be the hilarious and heart-warming chaos that erupts when conflicting family members try to cope with each other’s differences and a ghost! The play is set just months after Dad has died, and the usual tensions among family members are higher than ever before the meal is even served. 

Brothers Michael and Carl have never seen eye to eye, the former a successful doctor, the latter an easy-going would-be writer working odd jobs. 

Then there’s Stacy, the younger daughter, who is always ignored and feels left out of the picture. Add to that Michael’s wife, Jill, who’s going through an emotional time because she can’t get pregnant. And Mom is struggling with the pressures of trying to hold the family together long enough to enjoy a civil dinner. 

There’s an elephant in the room, so to speak. 

The chances of this nice family gathering succeeding are blown out of the water when Dad’s ghost decides to make an appearance, not to haunt anyone, but to try to direct the proceedings and settle some old scores. 

To complicate matters, he only appears to one of the family members, son Carl, who’s charged with the task of helping him get his wish. Dad and Carl’s battle of wits, as they attempt to accomplish this, makes for an hilarious and touching experience for all, especially after the arrival of another guest that Mom has told no one about. 

“This show has everything: comedy, conflict, a great story and very strong characters,” says Artistic Director Donnie Bowes. “I think the comedy comes from the pressure that the characters are under to get along. There’s also the ghost of Dad who is, himself, a very funny character. And there are some touching family moments that the audience will relate to and enjoy.”

Ensuring that Dad’s ghost gets a star appearance is Doug Tangney, in a role that Bowes says the Playhouse favourite was born to play. 

Tangney was earlier seen in Hotbed Hotel and has been enjoyed by audiences in shows ranging from the hilarious grand-dad in Having Hope at Home to starring roles in The Sensuous Senator, Weekend Comedy and many more. His character of Dad’s ghost will square off with another popular Playhouse actor, Richard Bauer, who plays son Carl. 

Bauer recently directed Wife Begins at Forty and earlier in the season starred in The Foursome. 

Sparks will also fly between Bauer and Jamie Williams who plays brother Michael. Williams was recently seen in Here on the Flight Path and has starred in such hits as Run For Your Wife and There Goes The Bride.

The role of Mom is in the talented hands of veteran actress Linda Goranson seen in such Playhouse shows as Not Now, Darling and The Christmas Express. Goranson is currently commuting to rehearsal from Belleville where she is starring in Calendar Girls.

Sister Stacy is played by another familiar Playhouse face, Liz Gilroy, who joins the cast after a busy summer acting, directing and choreographing at various Ontario Summer Theatres. Last seen here in Dear Santa, Gilroy will star in Elf: The Musical at Halifax’s Neptune Theatre later this year. 

Rounding out the cast is Kate Gordon, who returns to UCP from last year’s Not Now, Darling, to play Jill, and Don Ciaschini, last seen in Maggie’s Getting Married, who will play special guest Jerry. 

John Thompson, who has designed several Playhouse productions including Wife Begins at Forty and On Golden Pond to name just a few, created the set. 

Donnie Bowes will be directing this production. 

A Nice Family Gathering runs September 6 to September 30. The shows are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., with matinees Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.  For tickets and information call 613-543-3713, or 1-877-550-3650 or go to www.uppercanadaplayhouse.com

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