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“George is absolutely bowled ‘agoogaly’ by his wife’s announcement,” said actor Brian Young, who plays George Harper in Upper Canada Playhouse’s new comedy, Wife Begins At Forty, coming August 2 until the 26th. “He thought he was happily married, nicely content and all was well. And then his wife Linda informs him that after 17 years of marriage, she wants a change. And he isn’t part of it.”

George’s frantic efforts to save his marriage and his happy domesticity are the subject of the Playhouse’s sparkling Arne Sultan, Earl Barret and Ray Cooney comedy, Wife Begins At Forty. Set in the home  George and Linda share with their teenaged son, Leonard, George’s elderly father, Bernard, and the family dog, Chopper, the play reflects the ups and downs of married life with a sure and very funny touch.

The play has all the traditional  and hilarious trappings of farce, but Richard Bauer, who directs the production, describes Wife as “a family farce. Not so many doors slamming. And we have a tremendous backstage crew. They definitely control the chaos and keep us in line. John Thompson designed our set and Sean Free built it and is handling our technical side.”

Bauer,  who plays the role of neighbour Roger Dixon,  also has a strong and talented cast with which to work comedy magic.

Fresh from the outstanding Playhouse production of Here on the Flight Path, is Melanie Janzen as Betty Dixon. 

“I think I am trying to channel Ethel Mertz (from the classic I Love Lucy show) in this role,” Janzen explained at the press conference. “Betty is supportive and wise in her own way and she understands that marriage does have its trials.”

As Roger, Bauer describes his character as “a bit of a cad and a playboy. He and Betty sort of stir the pot and offer advice to the Harpers. In fact, Roger is trying to ‘arrange George’s affairs.’”

Walter Learning who directed Flight Path, plays Bernard, George’s elderly father, a former R. A. F. pilot from World War II. 

“Bernard is full of vim and vigor and he loves life, including his little flirtations with Mrs. D.,” Learning laughs. “It’s true that he’ll share war stories with anyone who will listen, and he has become a bit forgetful by times, but he has a deep affection for his family.”

That family also includes grandson Leonard, played by UCP newcomer, Kyle Orzech.

“It’s been wonderful here at Upper Canada Playhouse,” the 22-year-old actor said. “I’m very comfortable in this role, working with older people. (“Not that old,” the rest of the cast chimed in). Sorry, ‘seasoned professionals’ I should say. Leonard is a typical 17-year-old, more interested in doing his own thing. Frankly, Leonard can be a bit of a punk, living for himself. But it is great to play this character.”

The focal point of the comedy is the obviously changing relationship between George and Linda, a married couple played by Brian Young and Alison Lawrence, who are, in fact, an actual married couple.

“Yes, we met doing a production of Wrong For Each Other,” Young laughed. “Turned out we were right for each other.”

Is it challenging to be a genuine couple and to play a couple breaking up?

“Brian and I have worked together seven times,” Lawrence explained. “On stage we have developed a kind of ‘short hand’ and that makes it easier to get into our characters. We separate real life from the acting.”

“Since George and Linda have  intimate moments together,” Young added, “it’s really so much easier doing them with your actual wife.”

The last cast member is South Dundas boy, Chopper Thom, a Golden Retriever making his acting debut as Chopper Harper, the family dog. 

“It was a little challenging holding dog auditions,” director Bauer said. “We brought Chopper out for audiences and asked them to clap and shout, and he seemed quite comfortable. Of course, a dog can upstage you,” he added with a laugh, “so he keeps the rest of the actors on their toes.”

“Chopper is a joy,” Learning said. “He loves everyone.”

Laughter is set to begin again at Upper Canada Playhouse on August 2 when this newest production in the theatre’s outstanding summer season opens its doors.

Tickets for Wife Begins At Forty are available at the box office or by calling 613-543-3713.

[…]

 

“Are we almost there,” asked South Dundas deputy-mayor Jim Locke.

During the July 17th council meeting, South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services chief Chris McDonough requested that council award the tender of a new pumper/rescue truck to Eastway Emergency Vehicles.

The new truck, whose approximate delivery date is April 2013, will replace the Iroquois department’s 1985 GMC front-line truck.

The cost of the truck is $345,296.21. At budget time, council approved $300,000 from the 2012 capital budget for this item.

Following council’s approval of the request, mayor Steven Byvelds expressed concern that this might be “cramming too much equipment into one budget year.”

“We might regret it sometime down the road,” he said.

Council recently approved an unanticipated purchase of a 2004 Western Star 3,000 gallon ‘super’ tanker for the Williamsburg station at a cost of $117,666.19.

[…]

 

 “Today your games here in Iroquois replicate what is happening in London and around the world,” said MP Guy Lauzon, “You too have gathered for very special games. But when I look out at the crowd I am reminded of the saying that it takes a community to raise a child. In South Dundas you have one wonderful community. I declare these games open.”

Lauzon addressed hundreds of players, parents, officials and fans gathered for the 2012 South Dundas Soccer Association World Cup Tournament held in Iroquois on July 27-28.

This is the Soccer Association’s 17th season. Over 510 children took part in this year’s program, coming from Prescott and Ingleside as well as South Dundas. 

A highlight of the tournament was the Parade of Nations as each country, led by Canada, marched behind the Iroquois Legion Branch 370 colour guard  and piper Stewart Nimmo around the track to loud applause by spectators. 

Welcomed by next year’s president Steven Bygott, the large crowd joined Jennifer Howard to sing O Canada, and Rev. Geoff Howard for the blessing of the cauldron.

The Torch Run, carried out by selected SDSA players (in keeping with the Olympics in London) symbolized the passing of friendship and peace throughout the tournament games. 

Steven Bygott presided over special presentations held during the opening ceremonies. 

He honoured student volunteers Joshua Martineau, Alayanna Fetterly and Quinn Smail,  thanking them for their dedication and hard work, calling them the “future of our program.”

The Soccer Association also presented a large group of adult volunteers with special gifts, and deep thanks for the many years they have put in on behalf of the association. Honoured at the ceremony as they retire were Helen Tupper, Christine and Dave Hartle, Barry Barkely, Cindy Peters, Karen Merkley and Evonne Delegarde. “These people leave big shoes for this organization to fill,” Bygott said.

A touching high point to the ceremony was the recognition given to Christine and Dave Hartle for the many hours they have devoted to the soccer program. From now on, the field canteen will be officially known as the Hartle Canteen. 

Under perfect skies on Friday evening and all day Saturday, some excellent soccer was enjoyed by the entire community.

[…]

 

“This is the first expansion of our business park,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds following the passing of a by-law to authorize the sale.

Dwayne Sprague of Home Hardware in Morrisburg purchased two acres of land “sitting at the northwest area of VanAllen Road and what would be the Campbell Street extension,” said chief executive officer Stephen McDonald. The sale price was $15,000 per acre.

Sprague and wife Lloya took over the Morrisburg Home Hardware on July 18, 2011.

According to McDonald’s report, the property in question had originally been reserved for the Dog Park, but with the Dog Park finished and located on the Morrisburg Waterfront, the land was once again available.

“The availability of this property was discussed with the new owners of Home Hardware in late 2011,” reported McDonald. “The owners are now ready to complete the transaction with a covenant that they will proceed with development within three years.”

[…]

 

 The weather was perfect. The setting was idyllic. Both vendors and visitors  praised the 14th annual Antiquefest which took place July 28-29 at the Morrisburg waterfront.

Organized and sponsored by the Morrisburg & District Lions Club, the show attracted over 800 visitors on Saturday, and the same again on Sunday. Antique hunters and fans could admire jewelry, furniture, china, toys, silver, crystal and some highly unusual collectibles over the two days. The Lions also offered up a silent auction.

Lion Mae Pederson chaired Antiquefest this year. 

“It was a fantastic event,” she said. “We had over 1,600 visitors during the two days coming from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and as far away as Perth and Kingston. The weather was spectacular, and the water and trees make the venue really attractive.”

Pederson said that she has visited other antique shows, and “I know now why vendors love it here in Morrisburg. Our location is outstanding.” 

Some of the vendors were returnees from last year, but there were also some newcomers to the event.

Lucienne Dolle from Montreal was a new vendor. “I was lured here because I heard that this was a beautiful site, down at the waterfront. And there is a lot to see. Upper Canada Village is so near. And the Morrisburg Lions have been wonderful to work with. I fully support their charities.”

Planning for the 2012 Antiquefest began in January. Club members organized vendors,  manned the entrances, rented tents, ran the canteen and set up the silent auction. 

Any funds raised by the Antiquefest go to support “our charities and our community work,” said Lion Pederson. 

[…]

 

“Nicole certainly has some good ideas on how to revitalize this committee,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds, “She’s certainly not letting it drop off.”

South Dundas economic development officer Nicole Sullivan presented council with recommendations for reformatting the structure of the Economic Development Advisory Committee during the July 17th council meeting in Williamsburg.

Council agreed with Sullivan’s recommendation that they turn from an Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) structure and move to an Economic Development Advisory and Project Teams (EDAPT) structure.

The switch will allow for one advisory team that oversees the various project teams. 

One of the benefits of EDAPT, said Sullivan, is that “it helps us to include participants who might not otherwise have wanted to commit time.” 

Project teams have defined parameters with specific goals. People who might not normally join an advisory team due to its broad scope and large time commitment, might now join a project team with a specific time frame and an agenda that interests them personally, thus bringing in new ideas and perspectives.

According to Sullivan, the South Dundas Economic Development Advisory Committee met on June 13th to discuss and formulate a forward action plan in relation to suggestions made in the South Dundas Economic Development Strategy Update, adopted by council on June 5th.

During the meeting, the committee identified four initiatives they feel are priorities for South Dundas.

The identified initiatives include:

• Develop a tourism strategy

• Develop and continually update marketing and investment attraction materials

• Develop a more tourist-friendly community

• Identify what brand works best, and fully engage the brand

The bottom two initiatives will be focussed on internally by Sullivan herself, while the top two initiatives will be divided and addressed by two separate project teams.

Currently, the Tourism Strategy Project Team consists of Donnie Bowes of Upper Canada Playhouse, Michael Burton of Russell Manor, Sally Francis of Iroquois Marina, Susan Le Clair of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, Hanna Rycroft of the Basket Case Gallery and Café, Tom Morrow of the McIntosh Country Inn, Linda Wilson of Cornwall and the Counties Tourism, and South Dundas councillor Jim Graham.

The Investment Attraction Materials Project Team consists of John Allison of John Allison Real Estate, Stephen Law of Iroquois, Mark Miron of the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario, Steve Walsh of Udder Comfort, and South Dundas councillor Evonne Delegarde.

The Advisory Team consists of EDAC chairperson Mart Prost, director of South Dundas Chamber of Commerce Michel Proulx, South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds, and the chairs of each of the two project teams.

Sullivan is also a member of each of the three teams. 

Anyone interested in joining one of the teams should submit a statement of interest along with a detailed synopsis outlining their reasons for joining and their unique qualifications to nsullivan@southdundas.com.

[…]

 

Unfortunately for the South Dundas public works crew, the heat and humidity hasn’t affected the growth of roadside grass and weeds in South Dundas.

Hugh Garlough,  manager of public works for South Dundas, asked and was granted approval to hire an outside contractor to help battle the out-of-control weeds.

According to Garlough, “I have $12,000 in this year’s budget. I was hoping to be able to do most of it ourselves, but we’re getting behind.”

Happy with the work they did in 2011, the township hired Tibben Bus and Rentals Incorporated again this year at a cost of $77 per hour, the same price as 2011.

[…]

 

The partial reconstruction of Saving Street in the Township of South Dundas will soon get underway now that a company has been chosen for the job.

During the July 17 South Dundas council meeting, Hugh Garlough, manager of public works, was granted approval to hire Cornwall Gravel Company Limited at a cost of $307,305 plus HST. 

According to Garlough, the tender for this job was prepared by Eastern Engineering Group and sent out to nine local companies. In addition, the tender was advertised in local newspapers and on the township’s website. 

Of the four companies that responded with bids, Cornwall Gravel came in at the lowest price.

Eastern Engineering’s services were priced at $11,000 plus HST. 

The partial reconstruction of Saving Street will begin at County Road 31 heading west a total of three kilometers to Caughnawaga Road.

“This project is to pulverize and add four to six inches of 5/8 stone and then repave with two inches  to a width of 20 feet,” reported Garlough.

It was also reported that “the road crew is looking after culvert replacement.” Garlough has allotted $30,000 under a separate budget item to cover culvert replacement. He stated that “at this time, I see no reason to require the total amount for this budget item.”

According to Garlough, work on Saving Street is estimated to begin the week of July 30 and conclude the week of August 24.

[…]

 

An update on the state of the sewers in Iroquois, Morrisburg and Williamsburg was given at the July 17 South Dundas council meeting.

Todd Grant of AECOM was on hand to deliver a presentation outlining the issues found in each of the locations as well as an account of what needs to be done and a timeline and cost approximation for the work to be completed.

The 2011-2012 study of the sewers in Iroquois, which has 14 kilometers of “mainly concrete” pipe and 125 manholes, revealed “clear evidence of infiltration and pipe deterioration.”

The streets needing work in Iroquois were divided into high priority and low priority, with the high priority streets expected to be addressed first.

The study of Morrisburg’s sewers took place from 2009 through 2011, revealing that the 19 kilometers of pipes and 250 manholes also had “clear evidence of infiltration and pipe deterioration.”

All listed streets needing work in Morrisburg were listed as high priority. In addition, a section on Lakeshore Drive is in such a state of disrepair that it cannot be rehabilitated, but requires replacement.

Grant’s report also covered the findings from the 2011 study of Williamsburg’s sewers, which include four kilometers of pipe and 20 manholes. These, he said, were in “generally good condition” and need only minor repairs.

The studies revealed extraneous flow, which is a combination of infiltration and inflow issues.

Infiltration refers to ground water entering the sewers through defective pipes and/or cracks in manholes while inflow refers to  water entering the sewers through inappropriate connections. 

Inappropriate connections can include such things as roof drains, foundation drains, sump pumps, street catch basins and yard drains.

The impact of the extraneous flow is loss of capacity in the sewer collection system as well as higher water treatment costs.

It was suggested that operating costs could be reduced by as much as 30 percent if all systems were completely repaired.

Grant suggested council look into an education program for residents highlighting and explaining the various inappropriate connections.

He informed council that final reports will be submitted by July 27 with the expectation that tender preparation will be completed by August 31 with a tender closing of September 21. Rehabilitation work would then begin on October 1, 2012 and run through to October 31, 2013.

The section of Lakeshore Drive requiring replacement has a design deadline of October 30, 2012 with the expectation that tender preparation will be completed by November 9, 2012 with a tender closing of March 2013. Work would take place between May and September of 2013.

“That was very interesting,” said deputy-mayor Jim Locke, following Grant’s presentation, “and not frightening.”

[…]

 

Just as some wells are beginning to dry up with the heat of summer, so are the stores of available items at the local food bank.

Statistics from January to June of 2012 show that visits to the Dundas County Food Bank are up by 10 percent over last year.

According to food bank administrator Donna Quesnel, there were ‘just over’ 900 visits in that time compared to 839 in the same time frame for 2011. Forty-five percent of recipients are children.

In addition, there have been 40 new families visiting the food bank this year.

The Dundas County Food Bank, with locations in Morrisburg and Winchester, is currently in need of the following items:

• Juices

• Cereals

• Canned meats and fish

• Canned fruits and vegetables

• Soups

• Dry pasta

• Canned pasta and pasta sauce

• Children’s snacks – raisins, real fruit gummies, Rice Krispies, cheese and crackers

• Personal toiletries

• School supplies

There are a variety of locations for depositing donations, including the food banks themselves. 

Donations are accepted at several churches in both North and South Dundas as well as at Riley’s ValuMart in Morrisburg and Mike Dean’s in Winchester.

The two locations of the Dundas County Food Bank are: 17 Second Street in Morrisburg and 497 May Street in Winchester.

The food banks are open Mondays from 10 a.m. until noon, Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m.

In addition to regular donations, there is an upcoming fundraiser for the Dundas County Food Bank for those interested in walking or running for charity. 

This year’s Winchester Dairyfest will include a run/walk for charity called the Dairy Dash, proceeds from which will go to the Dundas County Food Bank.

The Dairy Dash will take place on August 11 at the Winchester Arena. 

It provides participants with the option of a five or 10 kilometer run or walk beginning at 8:30 a.m. or a Holstein Scamper, which is a two kilometer run or walk, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

[…]