News

 

At the April 17th South Dundas council meeting, recreation program coordinator Ben Macpherson recommended that council “vote to implement a smoke-free by-law for all playing fields and parks in South Dundas.” 

Council, following a lengthy discussion, agreed to the implementation of a smoke-free policy rather than a by-law.

Macpherson’s presentation to council included support from Melanie Fournier, health educator and promoter for the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) who handed out “Play, Live, Be… Tobacco-Free” booklets to each council member.

The booklets described the meaning behind the movement: “everyone taking part in a sport or recreational activity does not use tobacco industry products. It means participants, parents, coaches, spectators and leaders do not smoke, snuff, dip, or chew tobacco while engaged in sport and recreation.”

According to Fournier, “smoke-free outdoor spaces have been implemented in several places in Ontario.”

“In 2011, the Township of North Dundas implemented a Tobacco-free Sports and Recreation Spaces policy where tobacco-use is prohibited within nine meters of playing or recreation fields,” Macpherson reported to council.

Fournier, in agreement with Macpherson’s report, told council that “we believe this would be a great initiative to go with the charter that was just passed.”

“The Smoke-free Ontario Act covers 100 per cent indoors,” she continued, “but it doesn’t cover outdoors. This would push the envelope for us… everywhere is smoke-free. Once people see it, often it becomes normalized.”

“Removing that negative influence will really decrease the number of future smokers.”

Keeping it simple, Macpherson pointed out that “what we’re trying to do here is reduce second hand smoke inhallation.”

He told council that “there are approximately 1,812 children under the age of 14 living in the Township of South Dundas,” which he pointed out is 17.2 per cent of the population. 

“All children using the parks and recreation fields, along with the hundreds of children from visiting teams would benefit greatly from this protection,” he reported.

Re-iterating what Fournier said, Macpherson’s report stated that “the by-law would reflect the vision and goals of the recently adopted Charter for Active Living.”

“The Charter,” he continued, “is a commitment to the health and well being of the residents of the Township of South Dundas.”

“Reducing the risk of second-hand smoke inhalation as well as the exposure of children to smoking would echo the commitment of the township.”

“As a reformed smoker of 25 years,” said councillor Jim Graham, “I support it wholeheartedly. I support it 100 per cent.”

Councillor Evonne Delegarde had several questions concerning the geographic parameters involved as well as the issue of policing the by-law.

She was concerned about areas like the Iroquois campsite where some people ‘live’ in the summer. 

Councillor Archie Mellan,  an admitted smoker, said “I want to commend you Ben. It’s a great idea.” He did, however, have  questions concerning the scope of the smoke-free zone and how it might be policed.

Mellan pointed out that “in some cases, you could be on a public road and still be within 25 meters” of a smoke-free park.

He also inquired about allowances for the “festivals and events in the parks that are adult-oriented, like Antiquefest, Harvestfest, or the Tubies.”

Macpherson assured both councillors that “we can look at how we write the policy.”

Also, he told Mellan that the “minimum is nine meters.”

Both Fournier and Macpherson assured council members that policing of the by-law wasn’t usually necessary. As Fournier pointed out, “it’s self-regulated. People are very respectful. It doesn’t require much work.”

Graham agreed saying that council should “allow a period of time for people to get used to the idea.”

After hearing everyone’s comments, mayor Steven Byvelds weighed in on the debate: “I had some reservations when Ottawa put theirs in place. I thought it was pretty high-handed.”

“I’m sensing a policy rather than a by-law,” he added.

Addressing an earlier comment about changing regulations for events without children, Byvelds said, “I really don’t want to sit beside (someone) when he’s having a cigarette. Consider the adults too.”

In opening the discussion of a by-law versus a policy, Graham pointed out that “creating a by-law infers that we have to enforce it.”

Together, and with Macpherson’s agreement, council decided to change the original recommendation from a smoke-free by-law to a smoke-free policy for all playing fields and parks in South Dundas. The vote for the policy was unanimous.

“I think it’s a good start,” said Byvelds, “I think there’s going to be some challenges.”

In terms of how this might affect council’s budget, Macpherson reported that the sole cost would be the purchasing of signs for the relevant outdoor sites, which could “come out of my budget or the Park Reserve Fund.”

He also pointed out, however,  that free signs are available through the province provided council has no issue with them being bilingual.

On April 23rd, Macpherson provided the following: “Nothing has been set in stone at this point. There will eventually be a policy put in place that will set distinct guidelines for playing fields and public areas that prohibit smoking.”

“What happens now is that I write up a draft policy outlining all of the locations affected as well as the distances for signage and limits to how close smokers can stand,” explained Macpherson. “The draft will then go to council where we will work on these points and pass a policy that we are all happy with.”     

   “Once this is all settled then I, along with Melanie Fournier of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, will begin to educate and create awareness of the policy within South Dundas,” he continued.

“We are hoping that the policy and signage will be in place before July and that the public will be aware of the restrictions at the same time.”

[…]

 

The Cornwall office of the Heart and Stroke Foundation is currently recruiting teams to participate in Morrisburg’s annual Big Bike event taking place at the Canadian Tire parking lot on Monday April 30th.

Local organizations are invited to help ‘Take a Seat to Extend a Life’ by getting a team of 29 together to ride a 2km route in their community on Canada’s only 30 seat bike! 

“This fun, team-building event is a great opportunity to increase employee morale and your organization’s visibility in the community!”

“Each participating organization’s name will be prominently displayed on the front of the Big Bike during their head-turning ride. Teams can choose a ride time that works best for their organization, during or after business hours,” said Lynne Groulx, area coordinator of the Cornwall office of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. 

The 15 to 20 minute ride is open to all fitness levels ages 14 and up. Canadian Tire, who has supported this event for the last two years, will once again be our host site. Each rider is asked to raise a minimum pledge of $50 to participate, although most riders collect more to earn great prizes. High school students can help out also and earn volunteer hours.

Lynne Groulx explained that, “while spring may seem far off, we register teams now so that organizations have plenty of time to recruit riders for their team.”

“To register, an organization just needs someone who is willing to be the team captain.” All the necessary promotional materials the captain needs to recruit the 28 other riders will be provided by the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Aside from companies, service and fitness clubs, teams can also be made up of family, friends, and neighbours. This is a great way to honour someone you love since heart disease and stroke take one in three Canadians before their time!  

There are only 20 spots still open for our 6:00 p.m. ride. Join the following participating organizations who have already registered: Community Living, Beaver Dental, RBC, Scotia Bank, Canadian Tire.

Every seven minutes a Canadian dies from heart disease or stroke. It remains the leading cause of death in Canada. Events like Big Bike allow the foundation to continue funding world-class heart disease and stroke research, advocacy, and health promotion that is improving the lives of all Canadians. 

Last year, Morrisburg’s Big Bike raised over $6,500. What an incredible contribution to the important work the Heart and Stroke Foundation does! 

Donor dollars have resulted in the placement of 20 life saving Automated External Defibrillators in public spaces throughout Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.

Register today to put your organization in the spotlight! 

[…]

 

“No doubt about it,” said South Dundas Chamber of Commerce general manager, Geraldine Fitzsimmons, “the 2012 South Dundas Home and Trade Show has turned out to be the biggest and best show ever.”

Over 80 exhibitors set up displays at the Morrisburg Arena in time for the grand opening of the show April 20. During the two day event, close to 2,000 visitors came through the gates. “And I noticed this year that people stayed right up to the end, right until the show closed,” Fitzsimmons said.

The Trade show seemed to offer something for everyone who dropped in.

“There was great diversity in the exhibits,” Fitzsimmons explained, “and this really kept people’s attention.”

Area artists, food providers and unique demonstrations caught the interest of crowds. People  also took full opportunity to examine products and services and to establish contacts with area businesses. 

“Our exhibitors reported that they were very busy and very pleased. A number have already approached us to book for next year’s show,” Fitzsimmons said. “Many commented on how they were delighted with the warm reception they received here in South Dundas.”

Ten $100 gift certificates, redeemable at local businesses, proved very popular.

“This was a wonderful show,” said Carol Harris, a gift certificate  winner, who came to South Dundas from Ingleside. “I was very impressed with the Trade  Show. We actually went around  the arena three times to be sure we didn’t miss anything. And I won a gift certificate!”

Ed Kingsley emceed the official opening ceremonies held at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 20. Attending the ceremonies, and full of praise for the organizers and participants, were South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds and councillors Evonne Delegarde, Jim Graham, Archie Mellan and deputy mayor Jim Locke. 

“We’d just like to take this opportunity to thank the Chamber for putting together this Trade Show,” the mayor said. “It just proves how much there is to see and do in South Dundas.”

Warden of the Three Counties, Ian McLeod brought greetings to the crowd as did Eric Duncan, on behalf of MP Guy Lauzon, and Jim McDonell, MPP.

Chuck Barkley, president of the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce, gave his personal thanks to the many volunteers and to the members of the Chamber of Commerce who worked so hard to bring the show about. “We could not have done anything this great without their help,” Barkley said, and invited the crowd to “take time to speak to all our wonderful vendors, and enjoy the 2012 South Dundas Spring Home and Trade Show.”

“This year’s Home and Trade show has definitely generated a lot of excitement and interest in South Dundas,” said Geraldine Fitzsimmons. 

[…]

 

Do you know someone who has survived a heart attack, been diagnosed with diabetes, or received blood? Chances are they are here today because of the results generated in the lab. 

Medical laboratory professionals play an important role in everyone’s health, performing sophisticated tests that help your doctor make the right decision for you.

April 22nd to 28th is National Lab Week and at Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH), our lab team plays a key role on the health care team.

“Our lab staff provides the data that doctors need to make clinical decisions about patient treatments,” noted Cholly Boland, CEO. “Their specialized training is crucial to ensuring the very best care for our patients.”

WDMH’s lab team includes six laboratory technologists and seven laboratory technicians. These professionals collect, test, analyze and interpret results on samples of tissue or fluid. 

WDMH has a full core lab, offering all services to inpatients and outpatients, including transfusion services. Last year, more than 200,000 tests were completed.

[…]

 

MORRISBURG–Although Dwight Saunders knew at an early age that he wanted to study art…he thought it would be best to follow the advice of his parents.

“My dream in grade eight was to go to art school, but my parents said you couldn’t earn a living in art. I am now trying to prove them wrong in my 50’s.” 

Although his desire to be an artist was always with him, Dwight studied to become a nurse.

“We were three boys with 60 girls in the class in nursing. Back in the 70’s, they would practically pay males to be nurses. It was then that I discovered I could do hair and make up, and that’s what I did to earn extra money.”

Dwight worked as a registered nurse for eight years, but he says, “that was not my fate.”

His fate became anything that required an artistic touch…a makeup artist, a hair dresser, an interior home designer, a  home stager, a sculptor…

He makes jewellery and works with stained glass, mosaic and fused glass. The list goes on and on.

“It’s all interwoven. It’s texture. It’s colour. It’s got to be tactile. That is something that is very important to me. I remember as a kid not being allowed to touch things. I was very tactile as a kid. I wanted to touch the piece, touch the materials.”

Dwight says he also lives in the minute. He is a bit impatient.

“I want everything done today. I want to be able to do things and enjoy them today.”

“The glass jewellery has to go in the kiln, so you have to wait until the next day. Stained glass work takes time and if you are painting, it can take months.”

That’s why his discovery of the Paverpol product two years ago answered all his needs.

Dwight says he found, “a medium I love working in. I have worked with things I liked, but I truly love working with this.”

“I had been working in clay and all that kind of stuff but that takes forever. Paverpol is totally different. I can make a flock of birds in a day.”

Paverpol is a textile hardener that turns natural materials into rock hard objects.

At first glance, people think they are looking at something heavy, that it’s made out of metal.

In fact, the Paverpol sculptures are extremely lightweight and very durable.

“People are also really surprised when you tell them you can complete a project in just a day,” says Dwight.

“Anyone can do this. I have yet to have a piece that anyone has taken home that they didn’t like.”

Once Dwight began working with Paverpol, it wasn’t long before he turned to teaching it.

Now a certified Paverpol Instructor, he says, “the teaching came along because I enjoyed it so much. I wanted to share it with others.”

Dwight and his partner Helder have a hair salon in their  historical Morrisburg home, a former tourist home that operated under the name The Ship’s Mate. When they purchased the Morrisburg property, seven years ago, their home and business was located in Winchester.

Soon after the Morrisburg purchase they sold their Winchester operation. They now work out of a very functional and tastefully decorated salon, Aura Beauty Wellness, at the back of their Morrisburg home.

Two years ago, Dwight and Helder purchased a beautiful home in Cornwall which they run as a bed and breakfast getaway under the name Aura Escapes. 

On the third floor of the Cornwall home, Dwight hosts various workshops including those for Paverpol sculpting. The third floor of the Morrisburg home also has a studio, but it is reserved as Dwight’s personal studio.

Looking to the future Dwight says, “When I retire from some of my professions, I would love to be able to do this full time. That’s why I work my day job now, so I can do my passion.”

“My clients who are retiring are saying they don’t have a hobby…that they won’t have anything to do.”

“Paverpol is a great solution. Anyone can do it, and you can complete a piece in a day.”

In fact, a beginners’ workshop in the Cornwall studio in January, proved just that to six area women.

Mary Errington of Williamsburg was one of the six in the class. “I think it’s simply amazing,” said Errington. “One minute, it was just a blob of tape and the next minute it had personality. I have never done anything quite so free form before.”

Debbie Pagerie of Cornwall first saw Dwight’s Paverpol sculptures at the Old Home Week outdoor market in Morrisburg last summer.

“My husband and Helder made a bet that I couldn’t do it, so here I am. This is my seventh sculpture since the summer. I love it, and I’ve sold one already. That was a big accomplishment.”

For the six women, the day-long Paverpol workshop began with a continental breakfast. The morning portion of the workshop passed quickly as they worked  forming their wire frame, built it up with foil and then covered it with masking tape. 

While this was being done, Helder was busy preparing lunch for the students…all homemade and all absolutely delicious agreed the women.

“There are very few rules,” Dwight told the class as they set about clothing their sculptures during the afternoon session. “It’s a very forgiving art form. You never know what you are going to end up with.” 

He recalled a student who wanted a heavy older person and ended up with a young teenager. “It just seems to take its own form,” said Debbie. “For the last course I brought a feather and ended up with a medicine woman.”

Once the form is completed with the masking tape, it is wrapped in fabric that has been dipped in the Paverpol.

The fabric can be anything from t-shirts, to bed sheets…natural fabric is the best. Lace and doilies often add the final touches.

Pieces range from a hand-held size to life-size figurines. They can be displayed in any home setting or can be a centre-piece for a garden.

“When we start working with the fabric, we want to squeeze it as dry as possible. When it is too wet it droops as opposed to draping it.”

“The magic is in the last hour,” says Dwight. “That is when it happens. And no matter how hard we try, there is never going to be any two pieces alike.”

Once the fabric has dried, color can be dry brushed on. This provides the patina and gives the piece the look of a sculpture.

Dwight currently has two of his large pieces showing in a Cornwall Art Gallery one of which recently won ‘people’s choice’ at the Cornwall Regional Gallery Show.

Last summer, he won third prize at the first Ontario-Quebec Paverpol Contest, and he has sold pieces to people from as far away as Texas.

He is extremely proud to have recently completed a commission for an area home, to artfully fill the overhead space of an open two storey great room. For this he completed three sculptures, two males and one female in a Cirque du Soleil theme.

Aura Escapes with Dwight and Helder offers various getaway weekends at their Cornwall home which sleeps eight (four bedrooms). There are Craft Weekends (Paverpol Sculpting, Bunka, felting, glass fusion, stained glass, floral, etc.), Flea Market Weekends (a visit to antique and flea markets), Fashion Factory Weekends (shopping and fun in Montreal), Gallery and Shopping Weekends (Old Port in Montreal, art galleries and boutiques) and Cooking Weekends (a full day of cooking or baking).

The weekend getaways begin with Friday evening arrivals. Workshops are held on Saturday.

Information can be obtained at www.auraescapes.yolasite.com or by calling 613-543-4444.

Anyone interested in Paverpol, a workshop or a weekend getaway can visit ‘the guys’, as they like to be called, at their Morrisburg location where Paverpol pieces, the Paverpol product, jewellery and stained glass pieces are displayed.

 

 

 

[…]

 

Working behind the scenes at Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) is a group of people who really makes things tick. 

Officially, they are known as administrative and health information professionals, but we call them the backbone of the hospital. Both teams are celebrating their annual recognition weeks.

Our health records team brings more than 60 years of combined experience to the job and is responsible for everything related to the patient health record. 

They are graduates of college or university-level health information programs and must maintain professional certification. A key part of their job is the statistical and clinical information analysis that is so important to ensuring the very best care.

Our administrative team of about 35 professionals includes executive assistants, business unit clerks, payroll clerk, scheduling clerk, ward clerks and finance clerks. 

They handle everything from board minutes to financial transactions to scheduling staff to care for our patients. Technology has become an integral tool for this group as their job responsibilities expand. And they are definitely up for the challenge.

“Our health records and administration teams remain the steady pulse of our organization,” noted Cholly Boland, CEO. “Their competent work behind the scenes does not go unnoticed and we want to thank them for their hard work.”

[…]

 

On April 23rd, South Dundas treasurer Shannon Geraghty confirmed that the April 16th United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry decision to give multi-residential landlords a break would have “no effect on taxpayers.” 

South Dundas taxpayers’ municipal taxes will remain at the already announced 3.5 per cent and the $50,000 needed to satisfy the  Counties will come from the South Dundas working budget.

The issue was first brought to light at the April 17th South Dundas council meeting where South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds told council that “we did set tax ratios and tax rates yesterday” at the Counties council meeting in Cornwall. 

According to Byvelds, during the April 16th Counties council meeting, North Dundas mayor Eric Duncan requested a reduction to the rate for multi-residential landlords.

A significant reduction in the percentage for multi-residential landlords, Byvelds explained means that “all the other classes pay the burden.”

“Now,” said Byvelds, “our residents have to pay more. I’m not sure if that was a fair way of doing it, however it’s done.” 

“We’ll see if it will encourage more developers,” said Byvelds, as this, he informed council, is the reason for the action.

South Dundas, treasurer Shannon Geraghty pointed out that the issue with the decision at the Counties level is that it equates to a residential tax rate increase of 4.57 per cent, rather than the 3.5 per cent already promised.

“I didn’t anticipate any change, but Counties thought a change to multi-residential was necessary,” said Geraghty.

“The biggest assessment block,” he continued, “is residential. So, it’s the biggest hit.”

Byvelds pointed out that “I’m  not picking on mayor  Duncan, but that’s where it started.”

“As much as you’re trying to increase new,” said Byvelds, “landlords are business people.”

“I can live with non-profit housing,” he added.

As for South Dundas municipal taxes, Councillor Jim Graham said, “I’d hate to have to raise it. I think this year I’d like to see it remain where we set it.”

Councillor Evonne Delegarde agreed, saying “I don’t want to see it raised.”

“Well there goes any fleet reserves,” said Councillor Archie Mellan. “We said 3.5… we’re getting the short end of the stick. I don’t like telling them something and then going back on it.”

Ending the discussion for the night, Byvelds said, “what we’ll do with this one… we can defeat this specific by-law and refer it back to staff.”

Staff followed through on council’s wishes and the South Dundas municipal taxes will remain at 3.5 per cent. 

[…]

 

Cycling is a fun, healthy activity and an inexpensive way to get around. Before you go out follow these safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride: be equipped, know the rules, watch for hazards, and ride responsibly.

The Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA) defines the bicycle as a vehicle that belongs on the road. Riding on the road means riding with other traffic. This is only safe when all traffic uses the same rules of the road.

When everyone follows the same rules, actions become more predictable. Drivers can anticipate your moves and plan accordingly. Likewise, you too can anticipate and deal safely with the actions of others.

Because bicycles usually travel at a lower speed, there are two rules of the road to which cyclists must pay special attention: slower traffic stays right and slower traffic must give way to faster traffic when safe and practical.

Accordingly, cyclists should ride one meter from the curb or close to the right hand edge of the road when there is no curb, unless they are turning left, going faster than other vehicles or if the lane is too narrow to share. 

Check for local regulations that affect where you may cycle in your municipality. Bicycles are prohibited on some provincial highways. 

There are several rules of the road when riding a bicycle. Ignorance is not an excuse.

More information about riding your bicycle can be found at www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/cycling-guide. Safe riding!

[…]

 

…“I’ll never forget you. I hope I make you proud. Keep me in your thoughts, you will always be in mine.”

These are some of the words that are written on a brightly illustrated small package of sunflower seeds.  

They were written by children who lost a parent on September 11, 2001.

When the Twin Towers came down on the sunny, terrible morning of September 11, the entire world changed. Each of us became, in a sense, the long term victims of terrorism. For one group, however, the impact of that cruel day 11 years ago was far more immediate. 

They were the children who saw a father or mother go out on a bright fall day and never come home again.

They are the children born after September 11, who never had the chance to be held by that lost parent. 

They are part of the living legacy of 9/11.

During the 10th anniversary memorial of the attack, Jeff Arsenault, with the Upper Canada District School Board, explained how moved he was and how he thought hard about a way of helping these children to know that people still cared. 

As a gardener, he instinctively turned to nature for inspiration.

“I thought of sunflowers,” Arsenault said. “I thought of these tall, beautiful flowers reaching to the sun, and of how incredibly resilient they are. Sun flowers rise above the harshest environment.” 

He thought that sunflower seeds, prepared and packed by the children of Canada and children in the United States, in honour of the children of 9/11, might remind those families that caring never stops.

The most difficult thing  for Arsenault was to contact families in Canada who had lost a parent in the tragedy. Twenty-four Canadians died that day.

Many families  responded to his idea warmly.

The widowed mother of one particular family took her children to Ground Zero in New York City, where they quietly listened to the names of the lost, including their father’s, and saw the memorials. Those children came up with the idea of the Flowers of Courage.

Other families described how the news of the sunflower project allowed their children to talk about and remember a lost parent. Children were able to share stories about the colours, the flowers, the plants a father once loved.

The Flowers of Courage packet which holds the sunflower seeds was completely designed by the children of 9/11. The message it bears was written by them.

The packets became available Easter Weekend, 2012. A little over a week later some 10,000 have already been sent to schools across North America. 

Teachers and students have eagerly requested them and the seeds to fill them. President Obama and Prime Minister Harper have also been asked to fill a packet.

The Mckenzie Seed Company of Brandon, Manitoba, donated all the seeds, grown in California, and the printer/graphic designer  to fit the pictures done by the children on to the small packets. 

Bill Barclay and Beavers Dental (the Brister Group) paid for the mailing. 

Here in Morrisburg, teacher Nancy Beavers’ class of grade ones at Morrisburg Public School filled some of the special packets.Each child counted out exactly 11 seeds, then carefully sealed the packet for shipping to Jeff Arsenault at Winchester Public School. 

As news of the Flowers of Courage project has spread, it has allowed teachers across North America to touch on the tragedy of 9/11: it has also allowed them to find a positive and gentle way for children to show their support for others.

The filled seed packets are all being returned to Arsenault: he will then divide them into four lots destined for Ground Zero, the Pentagon memorial, the plane crash memorial in Pennsylvania, and the Canadian Memorial at Beechwood. 

On the September 11, 2012, memorial day the sunflowers will be distributed by the children of 9/11. 

This May 16, there will be a formal ceremony held at Arsenault’s home school in Winchester: it will be broadcast by internet to schools all across North America, including  two special schools in Toronto, attended by Canadian children of 9/11. 

The seed packets will be delivered to schools by Brinks Security, Canada, which also lost an employee in the Towers. 

Members of the R.C.M.P., the O.P.P., firefighters, officials from the United States Embassy, Max Keeping, and the families of 9/11 victims including Maureen Basnicki, whose husband Ken was lost, are all coming to the ceremony. Governor General David Johnston and Defense Minister Peter MacKay have been invited. 

“We all feel the losses of 9/11,” Arsenault said. “These flowers are a way to show these children that we still care. We remember them daily. We don’t forget.”

[…]

 

– You won’t have to look any farther this spring than Upper Canada Playhouse in Morrisburg to enjoy some of the greatest country music north of Nashville. 

The phenomenal Leisa Way and her Wayward Wind Band are premiering an incredible country music extravaganza, Country Jukebox,  opening May 2, running until May 13.

Artistic director Donnie Bowes  describes this all new production as “packed with fabulous music from everyone’s favourite singers. There’s such a variety of hit songs it’s hard to know where to start.”

I had an opportunity to talk to Leisa Way, now deep into final rehearsals for the show, about Country Jukebox.

“Country music is the most popular music in the world,” Way said, “and there is a very good reason for that. Everyone can relate to the stories and to the emotions that pour out of the songs and the songwriters. The old stereotype, that country is something like “my dog died” or my “man’s bad”, that’s really not the case any more. There’s heart and soul in this music.”

Way, who starred in two previous hit shows at Upper Canada Playhouse, one based on the life and times of Patsy Cline, the other on Dolly Parton, has done a lot of research into the artists represented in her new production. 

“The songs I’ve chosen, from artists like Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, Shania Twain, Kris Kristofferson, among a host of others, are strongly focussed on the great duet partnerships that have become a real force in country and western music,” she explained. 

“It was challenging researching into the singers’ lives, looking for what was influencing them, happening to them, when their music was written. As Tammy Wynette once said ‘It’s so much easier to sing a song with heart and soul when you write it yourself.’”

Herself a star of traditional musical theatre, a singer who has performed three times for the British royal family, a much sought after artist at theatres across North America,  Way said that creating Country Jukebox was a “return to my own roots.”

“I love all kinds of music. When I discovered jazz, it became a passion,” she said. (Way is currently writing a show based on the great Peggy Lee). But I was raised on country. And frankly, you just can’t stereotype country. Waylon Jennings put it this way: ‘Country music and the blues are close, close relatives. They’re singing the same song about good and bad times, a woman he’s got, a woman he wants, and one he can’t get rid of’.”

The songs featured in Country Jukebox, many of them duets,  will reflect an extraordinary range of  well known singers.

“We include a section on the Outlaw Cowboys, as they were called, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and of course, Jennings,” Way said.  “They didn’t care what anyone thought about the way they approached country music. They used different instrumentations; they had a very different outlook on what was country. They were often also good timing men with incredible women supporting them, backing them up. These relationships evolved into duets that have lasted. People really relate to them.”

Way will be backed up by some pretty extraordinary talent herself when she comes to the Playhouse.

She will be joined by renowned musicians Bruce Ley, Dave Wilson and Kim Radcliffe. Also playing in the Wayward Wind band, and singing many of the duets with Way will be Aaron Solomon and Randall Kempf.

Solomon, who starred in UCP’s production of Johnny and June “sings like an angel,” Way said. “His voice is beautiful, with a wide range.”

“Randall has a crustier, rich voice, and is fantastic on intricate harmony.”

Why is she debuting Country Jukebox at Upper Canada Playhouse?

“We love Donnie, the Playhouse staff, the incredible audiences that come to this theatre,” Way explained. “Donnie said to me, if you write this show, I will premier it for you,  which was an incredible offer. As performers, when we get a chance to sing before a warm, inviting audience, it’s simply a joy. There is just something incredibly special about Upper Canada Playhouse.”

Tickets for Country Jukebox are available at Upper Canada Playhouse by calling 613-543-3713 or 1-877-550-3650.

[…]