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“If we can make ourselves laugh, I guarantee we’ll make an audience laugh,” says Richard Bauer who is directing the final Cow Patti production at the Ramada Inn in Cornwall in February.

For its 11th and final curtain call in the Seaway Valley, AnnaMarie Lea’s Cow Patti Theatre is producing Marc Camoletti’s Boeing-Boeing.

“Boeing-Boeing is a wonderful farce,” says Bauer. “It takes place in this bachelor pad in Paris. Garfield (Andrews) plays Bernard, and he’s decided he can have three mistresses at the same time. Over the years, he’s devised a time schedule. But, you know, schedules change, weather happens and planes get faster.”

“Bernard is a ladies man,” says Andrews of his character. “He’s formulated a way to live out his fantasies and never have these women meet. He’s on top of his game.”

Boeing-Boeing is set in the 1960s, and Bernard’s lifestyle becomes unravelled in a very short 24 hour period when his carefully arranged time schedule falls apart.

Joining Andrews, a longtime favourite on the Cow Patti stage and on the stage at the Upper Canada Playhouse in Morrisburg, is Jamie Williams playing Bernard’s old school chum Robert. The two haven’t seen each other in more than 10 years, and Robert just happens to drop in.

“I’m from the country and have a farm where we make oil…walnut oil, apparently,” explains Williams. Robert quickly learns of his friend’s lifestyle and “at first I just react to things, but, eventually I find myself involved with keeping the three air hostesses from meeting.”

Also enlisted in keeping the hostesses apart is Bernard’s French housekeeper Bertha, played by AnnaMarie Lea. “I think Bertha quite likes her boss, and I think she wants to please him,” says Lea. The difficulty however is, “one minute I’m cooking sauerkraut, then it’s pancakes and molasses and then frankfurters.”

That’s because each of Bernard’s flight attendants hails from a different country…Germany, the southern United States and Italy.

Thoroughly enjoying their characters, just a few days into rehearsals, are Susan Greenfield, Kate Gordon and Katie Lawson.

Greenfield is playing Gabriella, the Italian, “who is very passionate. I love being in love, and I’m jealous and possessive.”

Gloria, the American from the South is played by Katie Lawson. “Gloria is very confident, and she has a strange appetite.”

Hostess number three is Gretchen, the German, played by Kate Gordon. “Gretchen is assertive, definitely not delicate, and she has a big personality.”

“The women in this farce really drive the show, they provide the spice,” says Bauer. 

Lea is hoping that the five Boeing-Boeing benefit shows will push the Cow Patti 11-year total to over $200,000 raised for local charities.

This year’s Benefit Shows are scheduled for February 22 for the SD&G Highland Dance Association; Thursday, February 9 for Water for Life; Sunday, February 12, for the Ontario Senior Games District #8; Thursday, February 16 for the Knights of Columbus; Sunday, February 19 for Glengarry Memorial Hospital.

Boeing-Boeing opens Thursday, February 2 and runs through Sunday, February 19. The dinner theatre ($58 tickets) and Brunch Theatre ($48 tickets) include the always delicious Ramada Inn buffets while evening and afternoon cabaret tickets sell for $27. 

This year, Cow Patti has added a TGIF cabaret on Friday night, February 3. “I’m trying to encourage younger couples to come and see the show, so I thought I would change it up a bit for the Friday night (Feb. 3) show, make it a bit more affordable with the cabaret.” For information or tickets call 1-877-552-9166 or visit www.cowpatti.com.

Bauer says it is an honour to direct the final Cow Patti show in the Seaway Valley. “I’ve worked with all of these people before and it is an honour to work with established professionals.”

Excited about the show, he says “it’s like a plane taking off…it’s off…it’s flying…then it hits the turbulence.”

It’s that turbulence that Cow Patti promises will have the audiences “airborne with laughter!”

[…]

 

Municipalities were notified on January 24th of the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund’s (OMPF) budget decisions.

South Dundas has been allotted $1,046,000. This is $22,400 more than last year, according to the OMPF 2012 Allocation notice.

According to the government’s website, the OMPF “is the Province’s main transfer payment to municipalities. Its objectives are to: assist municipalities with their social program costs; support areas with limited property assessment; address challenges faced by northern and rural communities; and, respond to policing costs in rural communities.”

The surrounding SD&G municipalities will receive the following: North Glengarry will receive $2,010,700; North Stormont will receive $1,230,600; North Dundas will receive $958,700; South Glengarry will receive $1,188,800 which is $62,800 more than 2011; and, South Stormont will receive $999,200 which is $149,600 more than last year.

[…]

 

On January 20th, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) released a statement titled “OFA calls on government to suspend wind turbine development in Ontario.” 

On January 31st, South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds revealed that OFA’s new stance will not change South Dundas council’s position toward Prowind’s South Branch Wind Farm project or their refusal to meet any of the South Branch Wind Opposition Group’s requests for help in stopping the project.

“The OFA release came after our Council decision.  I don’t see how it will change our position,” said Byvelds.

“I think if you investigate prior OFA positions on the Green Energy Act you may find some contradictory statements,” he added.

According to OFA’s release, “since 2007, when the development of industrial wind turbines began in Ontario, the OFA has worked with government on regulations, cautioned farmer members on the pitfalls of wind leases and expressed concerns about pricing. Many of these issues have not been addressed, causing tremendous tension among rural residents and community neighbours.”

Further to that, OFA President Mark Wales was quoted saying, “we are hearing very clearly from our members that the wind turbine situation is coming to a head – seriously dividing rural communities and even jeopardizing farm succession planning.”

[…]

 

The issue of who is responsible for removing snow at the new subdivision, Doran Creek Estates in Iroquois, is not yet resolved.

At the January 17th South Dundas council meeting, Councillor Evonne Delegarde put forth a motion “that we reconsider the snow cleaning at Doran Creek Estates.”

The motion was seconded by Deputy-mayor Jim Locke. “My feelings are well known and haven’t changed,” said Locke. He also suggested, however, that both parties sit down together in an effort to find a compromise.

“Nothing against Mr. Swank. He’s done a wonderful job,” said Councillor Jim Graham, but “it’s the policy we have with developments and it’s that we don’t take over roads until they’re done. If we do it for Swank, we’ll have to do it for others.”

In addition, he pointed out that “if we’re taking responsibility for them, we’re also accepting liability.”

Mayor Steven Byvelds said, “the time for this discussion was when the township and Mr. Swank made the agreement.”

He agreed with Graham, saying, “it’s not our road. We do not have title to it.”

In the end, it was decided that council would defer making a ruling. Staff was asked to bring a report to the next meeting.

[…]

 

 Don Lewis, Manager of Planning and Enforcement for South Dundas, raised the issue of “sign pollution” at the January 17th council meeting.

Discussion over the portable signs in Morrisburg and Iroquois revolved around three main concerns: visual aesthetics; road hazards; and, fairness in advertising.

“My main concern,” said Mayor Steven Byvelds, “is sign pollution.”

However, he also pointed out that “we’re spending over two grand to do our own signs.”

“Right now,” he continued, “we’re not equal. We allow whatever goes on.”

He suggested that staff “come up with a policy on signs.” The policy, it was pointed out, would have to be in conjunction with procedures at the County level since many of the signs are situated on county roads.

Both Councillors Jim Graham and Evonne Delegarde expressed concern for public safety. “A lot of those signs are obstructing drivers from seeing,” said Delegarde.

Graham added, “if you can cut down on sign pollution, you’re making it safer.”

Deputy-mayor Jim Locke had “mixed feelings,” but agreed with the rest of council that signs should be “kept up and back from the road.”

Byvelds encouraged Lewis “to find a solution to this problem.”

He closed the subject, saying, “I think we need some direction. I’m going to bring it up until I see some action.”

[…]

 

The formerly named Station Road which leads to the CNR tracks north of Morrisburg has gotten a new name, Jones Road.

At the January 17th South Dundas council meeting, Hugh Garlough, Manager of Public Works, recommended that council change the name based on a recent review of township road maps and by-laws.

Garlough explained, “we found out this road was named Station Road by the Village of Morrisburg in 1960. This conflicts with Station Road in Iroquois as well as Marine Station Road in Matilda.”

Jones Road is named after Eddie Jones who, according to Garlough, worked for the CNR before and after  the Seaway Project. 

[…]

 

“My recommendation is to brand South Dundas Recreation,” said Ben Macpherson, Recreation Program Coordinator for South Dundas, at the January 17th council meeting.

Council agreed to the recommendation and Macpherson will soon be introducing a logo design contest to South Dundas residents of all ages.

Macpherson suggested that “the winning design would be launched  on the cover of the upcoming Spring/Summer Recreation Guide.”

According to Macpherson, both North Dundas Recreation and North Grenville Recreation have created their own logo and branding. “I felt that this was a very good way to improve the visibility of programming in the township,” he said.

“Branding will, over time, help develop an instant recognition of any program or activity run by or in partnership with South Dundas Recreation and the township,” suggested Macpherson.

“The underlying goal,” he continued, “is to foster community ownership through continued efforts, partnerships and cross-promotion of events involving residents, community groups and local businesses.”

Macpherson believes that “the symbol can be recognized as one of commitment, by the Township of South Dundas, to improving the quality of life of its residents.”

[…]

 

At the January 17th South Dundas council meeting, council members were treated with a presentation of the proposed new branding options for the Untied Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.

South Dundas Economic Development Officer Nicole Sullivan presented council with a report outlining the creation process behind the proposed brands. The presentation came complete with visuals and detailed explanations.

Both branding options incorporate SD&G’s geographic location in their proposed catchphrase. Each option is being considered for its wording, not for the accompanying picture. That will be decided on at a later date. 

Option one, The Counties @ 45, was chosen because “the Counties of SD&G are located at the 45th parallel, halfway between the Equator and the North Pole – @ the juncture of balanced living, adventure and business opportunity.” 

Option two, Gateway Counties, was chosen because “the Counties of SD&G lie on the doorstep of Ontario, near major Canadian cities and the United States – opening up new opportunities for business, tourism, and balanced living.” 

“To enhance its economic development activities, the United Counties wish to: position the region as an attractive location for business and tourism; present a unified and consistent brand message to strengthen recognition and become more effective; and, help locate Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry on the map.”

“A new logo mark has been developed that aims to convey key attributes to a wide range of target audiences spanning from business relocation consultants to tourists to local residents through a fresh look and feel.”

Following the presentation, council members were advised of an anonymous online survey to evaluate the two options. Mayor Steven Byvelds encouraged council members to complete the survey to “give the Counties something to go on when trying to make the decision in February.”

The Counties council is expected to make a decision in late February.

[…]

 

“This topic deals with my favourite topic, hewing. To that end I am asking those that can square timber by hand the ‘old’ way to drop by for a chat,” wrote ‘Northern Hewer’ on the Timber Framing Guild website’s forum.

Richard Casselman, otherwise known as ‘Northern Hewer’ first started this thread about four years ago. Since that time over 500,000 interested people have visited the site, proving that interest in the historic art of hewing is still alive and well in the world.

“It does seem to me that there is much interest in the preservation of the old ways and methods,” said Casselman, a long time resident of the area. He was introduced to timber framing by his father, Ross, many years ago. 

Interestingly, both men were previously employed by Upper Canada Village (UCV). According to Richard, his father “was in charge of the restoration of many of the log and timber frame structures at Upper Canada Village during the time frame 1958 to 1961. These structures include the Saw Mill, the Woolen Mill, both Craft houses, the Fort, the Cheese Factory, the Bakery, both Dutch barns” and more.

As for Richard himself, he “was involved in maintaining these structures and in overseeing the addition of the Grist Mill, two Drive sheds, one three-bay English barn, the Tin Shop, the Smoke House, and the Harvest Barn.”

Richard worked at UCV for approximately 30 years before he finally retired.  “During my tenure at UCV, I was very fortunate to have been chosen to work closely with many great artisans. My group put together yearly and daily events that not only showed the old techniques but, in the process, we managed to bring to life many types and styles of the early building and construction styles that were disappearing in this area, thereby preserving them for future generations.”

To call him a timber framing enthusiast would be an understatement. Richard Casselman is passionately devoted to preserving local heritage, especially with respect to structures and buildings.

“Since retirement, I have tried to carry on helping and showing many people the old ways, both on the Internet and locally. I take great pride in striving to retain heritage buildings in this area,” he said. As an example, he pointed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Morrisburg. The Church, he said, was built in 1875 and “exhibits, on its exterior facade, hand made bricks of various colours set in lime mortar and, on the interior, the original paint graining on the pews (as well as) the plastered walls set on wood lathes with nicely rounded ceiling edges to enhance the sound distribution.”

As for Casselman’s forum thread, he said he “mainly talks about historic woodworking, hewing, timber framing, and, at times, strays away to other historic subjects.” He admits that he likes to talk about “life in the days gone.” People are interested, he believes, because “it’s not coming from a book; it’s coming from a person. I’ve lived that transition. I’ve seen both sides of the equation,” he said. Here, Casselman referred to his early days, before modern inventions and technology, when, for instance, people “hunkered down” for winter. 

“There is a real interest out there for true historic talk and displays,” said Casselman. “There’s an awfully big movement in the States and in Europe, too, to learn the old ways again.”

Through the forum thread, “I have been asked on many occasions to solve problems that deal with the old trades, especially historic timber framing, but discussions might lead into other associated topics like historic millwrighting, paint graining, and water and steam powered mills,” said Casselman. “The interest in this site shows that public support and interest is there to retain and reconstruct examples of our heritage that we are losing.”

“I hope that we can retain our local historic structures as well as other out buildings like the only surviving swing beam barn that remains in this area. There were two about 20 years ago, (but) now only one remains. With its demise, we will lose a great part of our heritage for future generations.”

Richard continues trying to preserve the old techniques at home and on the Internet. His thread on timber framing is still going strong with an average of 2,000 views per day.

Forums and Threads

“A Web forum is a website or section of a website that allows visitors to communicate with each other by posting messages. Most forums allow anonymous visitors to view forum postings, but require you to create an account in order to post messages in the forum. When posting in a forum, you can create new topics (or “threads”) or post replies within existing threads.” (www.techterms.com)

[…]

 

According to a report submitted to South Dundas council, the township currently owns 109 properties.

On January 17th, council agreed with Clerk Brenda Brunt’s recommendation that seven of these properties should be declared surplus and then sold.

According to Brunt, “staff has done extensive research on our properties. These seven have been identified, that we feel are surplus at this point.” Brunt’s report pointed out that two of the properties have buildings, while the remaining five are vacant.

The seven properties include various locations throughout South Dundas. They are: 5680 Duncan Street in Mariatown; vacant land at the corner of County Roads 8 and 41; vacant land beside the outdoor rink in Dundela on County Road 18; vacant land on Hanesville Road; vacant land on Pleasant Valley Road;  vacant land on Caldwell Drive in Iroquois; and, 2 Miller Street in Iroquois.

According to the report, “proceeds from the sales will go to the Sale of Assets Reserve Account.”

[…]