News

 

The Easter Seals Society, whose financial and emotional support means so much to many young people, was again delighted by the participation of the community, service clubs and local businesses  in the 2012 fund raising bonspiel held at the Morrisburg Curling Club on Saturday, March 3. “We had 12 teams, including two of Little Rocks, an Oddfellows team and teams from the Morrisburg and District Lions and the Iroquois-Matilda Lions clubs with us,” said Bob Ruddock, treasurer for the Dundas County Easter Seals. “We were able to raise $1,425. Betty Locke organized the event and she and Jim donated a stained glass work for the draw, which was won by Fred Langlotz. This was a for fun bonspiel, although prizes for the top two teams were donated. The final fun draw was a competition between Kyra Lewis, six, and Graham Pemberton, 84.” Pictured above (l-r), in back, are Martina Lewis, Ross Ward, representing Easter Seals, and Emily Byers. In front are Kyra Lewis and Ewan Wilson.

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On March 1st, a house fire on Irena Road was reported to the South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services (SDFES).

According to SDFES Chief Chris McDonough, it was “ a major structural fire.”

As for what took place, he said that “at approximately 11:40 a.m., Iroquois and Williamsburg were dispatched to a structure fire on Irena.”

“When they arrived the flames were through the roof of the house. The owner stated he went out that morning to run errands around 10 a.m. and when he returned around 11:30 a.m. there was heavy smoke in the building and he called 911.”

“It’s believed to be that the fire initiated around the wood stove, although the damage was too extensive to confirm. No injuries were reported.”

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In last week’s edition of The Leader, it was reported that South Dundas Chief Administrative Officer Stephen McDonald had recommended, at the February 21st council meeting, that council receive a proposal for dealing with “small jobs (that) fall below the approval levels in the Procurement Policy.”

The full article was somehow lost in translation and what follows is the missing piece.

The jobs for recurring services fell into the following categories:

•plumbing repairs/installations

•trouble shoot water meter problems

•electrical repairs/installations

•locksmith services

•HVAC repairs/maintenance

•tree trimming

•roofing repairs

•pest control services

•fire protection systems

•septic/holding tank pumping

•property clean-op

The following companies have submitted bids for jobs in one or more of the listed categories:

•Arthur Thom Electric Ltd.

•Aurele St. Jean Plumbing

•ATEL Air

•Barry McShane Electric

•Black Lumber

•Brooks Tree Service Inc.

•Garry Munro Plumbing & Heating

•Kim’s Locksmith Service

• Logtens Tree Service Ltd.

•Morrisburg Plumbing & Heating Ltd.

•Neal’s Heating, Cooling & Refrigeration

•Orkin Canada

•Safe & Dependable Fire Extinguisher

•Tremblay Fire Solutions

•Twin Peaks Sanitary Services Inc.

•W.C. Robinson & Son Ltd.

•Williamsburg Pump Supply & Service

As reported last week, McDonald explained the idea behind the process: “while submitting the low quote does not make any company the exclusive supplier of that service, the township will endeavour to utilize the company submitting the lowest quote for these services where possible subject to scheduling and satisfactory work performance.”

“Where the low price supplier is not available, the next lowest quotation will be used,” he added.

“Managers will monitor the work of these suppliers to insure that jobs are completed in a timely, professional and satisfactory manner. In the case of unsatisfactory work, managers will have the discretion to utilize the next lowest supplier for future jobs.”

Mayor Steven Byvelds applauded township staff on their efforts toward fairness by opening the process to anyone.

[…]

 

It’s New York City, 1939, and detective Harry Monday has a lot of problems. Authorities have condemned his run down building; his bookie, the pawn shop, the IRS and his landlord are all demanding their cash; he’s in the bad books of the NYPD; his bootleg stash could melt your nose hairs.

And, oh yes, there’s the little matter of several dead bodies cluttering up his office.

It can only mean one thing.

The Iroquois-Matilda Lions are into rehearsals for their 2012 production, Monday Always Leads to Murder, which will open at Upper Canada Playhouse on April 26 and run for four performances.

For over 25 years, members of the Iroquois Lions club and their spouses have brought a lot of laughter and a lot of great entertainment to the community through their plays. Staged every other year, the Lions’ productions are greatly anticipated and regarded as one of the highlights of South Dundas year. 

Funds raised by the plays,  have, for two decades, helped the Lions to carry out numerous charitable activities and important services in the community. The Lions International motto is “We serve.” Productions at the Playhouse are one way local Lions can continue to carry out that goal.

Monday Always Leads to Murder, by Pat Cook, follows in the comic traditions set by the Club in previous productions like The Best Laid Plans, You Can’t Take it With You, Arsenic and Old Lace and Dark Deeds at Swan’s Place.

Rick MacKenzie is private eye, Harry Monday, a Sam Spade ‘wannabe’. He is supported by a strong cast (playing some hilariously colourful New York characters) including Glenn and Margaret Swerdfeger, Joan Mann, Barry Fawcett, Bill Rumble, Brian Speer, Jim Mustard, Ruth Robertson and Donna Swank. 

Jim Locke will head up the construction crew at the theatre, building a completely original 1939 set, designed by talented artist John Thompson. Taking over lighting, sound and technical duties for the Lions’ play will be Sean Free, technical director at Upper Canada Playhouse. Wendy Gibb will direct the production.

Tickets and ticket information will soon be available. 

In the meantime, mark your calendars for The Iroquois-Matilda Lions production of Monday Always Leads to Murder, coming April 26-28 to Upper Canada Playhouse. 

[…]

 

On the afternoon of February 24th, the Hartford Retirement Centre in Morrisburg hosted their first annual Chili Cook-off to great success.

The event, organized by Hartford’s Community Services Manager, Tracy Jones, got underway with a short presentation by Deirdre Cooke RD, CDE. The presentation, Heart Disease: Diet Can Make a Difference, was well-received with a packed audience in the chapel.

Following the presentation, the chili cook-off got underway accompanied by some live entertainment.

According to Jones, while there had been 10 chili contestants registered, only seven were able to make it due to Friday’s storm.

Judges included South Stormont Mayor Bryan McGillis, North Dundas Mayor Eric Duncan, Upper Canada Playhouse Artistic Director Donnie Bowes, Iroquois Fire Department’s Phil Thompson, and Chartwell’s Regional Marketing Director Patricia Courtney.

The live entertainment was provided by what the Hartford called “the singing policemen.” The group, which has no name, normally performs at Christmastime as the Coppertones. For the chili cook-off they were able to pull together a mix of “country and oldies” as well as a few jokes. The group performed to a very receptive crowd.

Money was raised through chili entries as well as through direct donations. Lise Koslowski, a volunteer with Heart and Stroke, was on-hand to accept donations and write receipts. 

In the end, the Hartford was able to raise $354 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Chili cook-off winners included: Reg Anderson in first place; Shirley Lalonde in second place; and, Sue Jarvis in third place. Cash prizes were given.

[…]

 

Funds to cover the cost of HVAC annual inspections of South Dundas water treatment plants will come from the 2012 Water Budget.

At the February 21st South Dundas council meeting, Manager of Public  Works Hugh Garlough recommended that council accept a bid from Neal’s Heating & Cooling for the job. The winning bid came in at $1,190 plus HST. 

The other two companies invited to bid on the project were Morrisburg Plumbing & Heating and Atel Air, both of which were outbid by more than $1,000.

Garlough assured the concerned Deputy-Mayor Jim Locke that “protocol with tenders” was being adhered to during the process.

[…]

 

At the February 21st South Dundas council meeting, Economic Development Officer Nicole Sullivan supported Bill Shearing’s efforts to erect four signs honouring specific events connected to the War of 1812. 

Sullivan asked council to “approve an application to the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP) for funding to support” the initiative. They unanimously agreed to the request.

Former honourary Colonel of the SD&G Highlanders, Shearing pointed out, during a plea to council at their December 20, 2011 meeting, that “our township has an important military history that is largely forgotten.” 

At the time, council applauded the idea of heritage signs commemorating the War of 1812, but were resistant to the project’s potential cost.

Since then, Shearing has been able to raise over $2,000 to make the signs a reality. Both the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders Regimental Foundation and the Friends of Crysler’s Farm Battlefield have promised a donation of $1,000 each. 

In addition to this, Shearing is pursuing other benefactors, like the Morrisburg and Iroquois Branches of the Royal Canadian Legion.

“If EODP funding for the project is approved, it would offset any costs associated with the project,” said Sullivan.

Furthermore, she added, “the signs installed would be township property. Barring any accidents or vandalism, the signs will last approximately 10 years after which Council can evaluate the merits of having them replaced.”

The total project cost is estimated at $6,200.

Mayor Steven Byvelds said, “I’m glad to see that we’ve found a source.”

According to Sullivan’s report, “the signs themselves will be painted metal with 3M reflective lettering meeting Ministry of Transportation  Ontario (MTO) specifications. Sign faces will be a MTO standard size” of three by four inches.

“I like the proposed size of the signs and the proposed materials,” said Deputy-Mayor Jim Locke.

Events commemorated by the signs include: the first engagement along the front of Toussaint’s Island; the landing of the Americans and their occupation of the front of Matilda; the burning of Nash Creek Bridge; and, the Battlefield encompassing the Nine Mile Road to Fetterly’s Farm.

Shearing informed council that South Stormont has already agreed to erect commemorative signs for the War of 1812 and South Glengarry is considering doing  the same.

Sullivan pointed out, in her report, that with the erection of signs in South Dundas, it will “provide continuity across the three areas and further promote our common history with which the region appeals to visitors.”

She reported that the initiative has “potential benefits” for South Dundas as it “will bring to life the early history of Dundas County to support tourism marketing and development.”

Shearing told council that he hopes, if signs are complete in time, to have a ceremony and reception on July 11th in Iroquois. He chose this date as it is “the 200th anniversary of the mobilization of the Dundas Militia.”

With support from the community and from South Dundas council, Shearing seems to be well on his way to making this dream a reality.

[…]

 

“We often require services of tradespeople and vendors on an ongoing basis,” said Chief Administrative Officer Stephen McDonald at the February 21st South Dundas council meeting.

He outlined a proposal for dealing with “small jobs (that) fall below the approval levels in the Procurement Policy,” whereby the “selection of a supplier is at the discretion of the Manager.”

“In order to insure an open process for these jobs, quotations were invited for the supply and delivery of recurring services for 2012 and 2013,” reported McDonald.

Invitations for bids were advertised on the South Dundas township’s website as well as with local newspapers.

McDonald explained the idea behind the process: “while submitting the low quote does not make any company the exclusive supplier of that service, the township will endeavour to utilize the company submitting the lowest quote for these services where possible subject to scheduling and satisfactory work performance.”

“Where the low price supplier is not available, the next lowest quotation will be used,” he added.

“Managers will monitor the work of these suppliers to insure that jobs are completed in a timely, professional and satisfactory manner. In the case of unsatisfactory work, managers will have the discretion to utilize the next lowest supplier for future jobs.”

Councillor Archie Mellan asked if staff had considered “setting a price as a township and seeing if anyone would do it for that price,” which he explained would “give everyone the opportunity.”

McDonald responded saying, “no, we hadn’t thought of that, but I guess it’s something we could consider.”

The jobs for recurring services fell into the following categories:

•plumbing repairs/installations

•trouble shoot water meter problems

•electrical repairs/installations

•locksmith services

•HVAC repairs/maintenance

•tree trimming

•roofing repairs

•pest control services

•fire protection systems

•septic/holding tank pumping

•property clean-op

The following companies have submitted bids for jobs in one or more of the listed categories:

•Arthur Thom Electric Ltd.

•Aurele St. Jean Plumbing

•ATEL Air

•Barry McShane Electric

•Black Lumber

•Brooks Tree Service Inc.

•Garry Munro Plumbing & Heating

•Kim’s Locksmith Service

• Logtens Tree Service Ltd.

•Morrisburg Plumbing & Heating Ltd.

•Neal’s Heating, Cooling & Refrigeration

•Orkin Canada

•Safe & Dependable Fire Extinguisher

•Tremblay Fire Solutions

•Twin Peaks Sanitary Services Inc.

•W.C. Robinson & Son Ltd.

•Williamsburg Pump Supply & Service

Mayor Steven Byvelds applauded township staff on their efforts toward fairness by opening the process to anyone.

[…]

 

The Playhouse is a hub of activity these days with the construction of a new production storage area and the official opening of the recently completed new box office.  

But the real action begins when Norm Foster’s hilarious hit comedy, The Foursome, takes to the stage on March 16 running until April 1. In fact the four funny guys who’ll keep audiences in stitches have already arrived. 

This promises to be a fun-filled early start to The Playhouse’s 2012 season. 

The Playhouse has built its reputation on laughs, and audiences will get a bellyful of those as veteran actors Jesse Collins, Richard Bauer, Sweeney MacArthur and Brian Young bring this popular comedy to life on the Playhouse stage which set designer Sean Free has transformed into a functional golf course. In fact two chunks of the stage have had to be removed to allow the actors to properly swing their golf clubs! 

One of this popular playwright’s funniest plays to date, the show features four friends who meet, after years apart, for a round of golf. 

In the course of this reunion, they catch up with each other’s lives and their stories, secrets, schemes and surprises have consistently left audiences howling with laughter in virtually every theatre in the country for years. 

Women in the audience have just as much fun as the men as the characters reveal their insecurities and engage in an hilarious and poignant game of one-upmanship as the play unfolds. 

‘The great thing about the show is the fact that you don’t have to know a thing about golf. It’s just a fun thing for them to be doing as the comedy unfolds,’ remarks Artistic Director Donnie Bowes. ‘It’s full of the kind of humour audiences have come to rely on Norm Foster to deliver: comedy that comes from real peoples’ lives and predicaments. And the cast is iron-clad.’  

The characters are an interesting mix of men from all walks of life. 

There’s Ted, played by Jesse Collins, who’s on his second marriage with a younger woman and just a tad insecure about the age difference. A drinker, he fills his golf bag with enough beer to ignite the foursome as the game progresses. Collins also directs the play, bringing his experience and love of both directing and golf to the play. 

Brian Young plays Cameron, a worrier and a hypochondriac by nature, who’s insecure about his job as a TV ad salesman. 

Richard Bauer plays Rick, an arrogant, womanizing and manipulative bachelor who sells boats for a living. 

Finally there’s Donnie, a regular family man with four kids who considers himself a loser and is a terrible golfer. 

All in all the cast has all the ingredients, talent and experience for a wild and crazy show! 

Collins, who has had an enviable career as a stage, TV and film actor and director, was last seen at The Playhouse in The Affections of May, which he also directed, along with Norm Foster’s Bedtime Stories. He has starred in theatres in Toronto and across the country, as well as in many television shows including the seasonal classic The Santa Claus as well as five seasons as the star of CTV’s Katts n’ Dog. 

Collins also received an Emmy nomination for directing the children’s television program Zooboomafoo. 

Richard Bauer is familiar with Playhouse audiences as an actor and director and was seen in Not Now, Darling, which he also directed, and the holiday play, Dear Santa. 

Brian Young was also seen last season in Not Now, Darling as well as in such past productions as On Golden Pond and The Odd Couple (female version). 

Sweeney MacArthur, who starred in Mervish Production’s Mama Mia, and has been seen in countless musicals and plays in the Toronto theatre scene, returns after several seasons. He was seen in such shows as Perfect Wedding and Looking.

Often described as a hole-in-one comedy and a laugh-fest that’s filled with superb one-liners, The Foursome promises to be just the tonic audiences need to chase away the winter blues.  

The Playhouse on-stage golf course is groomed and the four hilarious guys are ready to go. However, audiences will be the big winners when this comic season opener hits the stage. 

Contact UCP, at 613-543-3713, for ticket information.

[…]