THE
SERVING THE MAPLETON COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY NEWS Volume 49 Issue 30
Drayton, Ontario
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Friday, July 29, 2016
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Local hospitals receive more than $3 million in mental health funding by Jaime Myslik GUELPH - Wellington County and Guelph hospitals are receiving more than $3 million in provincial funding to expand emergency mental health services. North Wellington Health Care (NWHC), which operates the hospitals in Palmerston and Mount Forest, and Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Fergus will each receive $326,100, while Guelph General Hospital will get $2,416,300. “Guelph got the lion’s share of it because we depend
Park beautification - Mapleton Township summer students Janet Henneberry, left, and Catana Sicilia spruced up the gates to Drayton Memorial Park on Wood Street on July 21. photo by Caroline Sealey
Man charged in boat ramming incident MAPLETON - A Kitchener man has been charged after allegedly ramming his boat into another vessel on Conestogo Lake. On the morning of July 19 Wellington County OPP received a report of an incident involving threats at the lake.
Police say that at about 7am a group of youths water skiing were approached by a man operating a vessel at a high rate of speed. “Words were exchanged and the man intentionally rammed his vessel into the youths’ vessel, causing minor
damage, and left the scene,” police stated in a press release. Gabriel Leite, 43, of Kitchener, was charged with dangerous operation of a vessel and failing to remain at the scene of an accident. He is to appear in Guelph court on Aug. 23.
on Guelph for these resources,” NWHC board chair Tom Sullivan said. “North Wellington and Groves, we don’t have psychiatrists on staff, Guelph does, so they make these resources available to us if we run into a situation where we have a mental health or addictions patient.” Sullivan explained that in the past if there was a mental health case on the weekend or a holiday there wasn’t proper care available in the county. “This is emergency mental health so the idea is ... we will have access to nurses, mental
health practitioners like psychiatrists, etc. immediately,” he said. In Guelph that means there will be a mental health nurse on call 24/7 and at Groves hospital, Palmerston and District Hospital and Louise Marshall Hospital, mental health assessments will be available evenings, weekends and holidays. A new program manager to oversee mental health services within Guelph and Wellington County will also be hired. “This is a wonderful thing for the rural Wellington residents,” said Sullivan.
Residents, township team up to provide bench for local seniors by Caroline Sealey DRAYTON - A local couple has a unique way of predicting weather and providing rest for weary walkers. Residents of Conestoga Crest Senior’s apartments in Drayton often commented to Peter and Christine Oosterveld that by the time they walked down Wood Street from the Crest, they were in need of a place to sit and rest.
The Oostervelds, who live minutes from the Crest on Wood Street, contacted the Mapleton roads department and explained the situation. The two teamed up, with the Oostervelds providing a concrete base and flower gardens, and the township a bench. “It took a while but by the fall of 2015 things began to happen and the project got underway,” Peter said.
During an interview on July 19 with the Community News and the Oostervelds, a resident at the Crest, tired from her walk, stopped for a rest on the bench and expressed her appreciation. “It really is a good thing,” Christine said. “We get a lot of residents stopping to rest for a few minutes, then they carry on with Continued on page 3
Big business on back roads in Wellington, local councils advised by Patrick Raftis WELLINGTON COUNTY - Farming is big business in this region and the Wellington County Federation of Agriculture (WFA) is asking municipalities to help it continue growing. Federation representatives Melisa Luymes and John Hollen attended the July 12 Mapleton council meeting to update council on federation concerns and provide an overview of local agriculture. “There’s big business on your back concessions,” states a fact sheet proved to councillors at the meeting. “Farming and the local businesses directly supporting agriculture have always been a significant and constant contributor to the rural economy of Ontario. Rural municipalities have a big role to play in nurturing agricultural growth.” The federation also provided a checklist of ways for municipalities to support local agricultural growth through land use planning, assessment and taxation policies, and support for regional food planning. The delegation explained that farming has a major impact
Big business - Farmland makes up 78.5 per cent of the area of Wellington County and generates more than $700 million worth of economic activity locally. The Wellington County Federation of Agriculture is asking municipalities to facilitate continued growth through farm-friendly planning practices. photo by Patrick Raftis
on the local economy. “Farmers have to spend money to make money,” said Luymes, noting dairy farmers spend over $5,000 per year per cow, much of it locally, while
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corn producers spend more than $500 per acre. The WFA points out that farmers are owners and stewards of 78.5 per cent of the total land area of the county and
farm cash receipts for primary commodities in the county totalled more than $700 million in 2013. Dairy farms in the county accounted for the largest share
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of that, at $162 million, with cattle and calf (beef) operations generating $122 million, poultry $108 million, hogs $88.8 million, soybeans $52.4 million, corn $46.5 million, eggs, $40.9 million and wheat $22.5 million. Census data from 2011 shows Wellington County has 393 diary farms, 9% of the total province wide. There are 423 beef cattle operations (6% of the Ontario total), 120 pork producers (9.7%) and 166 poultry and egg producers (10.3%). “That’s a really high percentage, especially of the supply-managed commodities,” noted Luymes. Minto presentation A similar presentation was made to Minto town council at its July 19 meeting by local WFA director Charles Weber and federation past president Gord Flewwelling. Weber noted just under half of Wellington County’s farmers generate more than $100,000 in revenue. “Which certainly tells us that we have a fair number of large farming operations in Wellington County,” Weber
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said. “That also tells us that we have 50% that are small farmers that are generating less than $100,000, that are part-time farmers who could be niche market farmers, whatever. “So when you’re looking at planning and development you’ve got that large farmer, which sometimes we tend to focus on, but we also have that small farmer. So we are a very diverse industry within Wellington County and, again, when we’re planning, we have to take everything into consideration.” Weber stressed municipalities play a key role in maintaining the strength of the agriculture industry, in part through regulation of land use planning. “That 78.5 per cent (of county land in agriculture) that sounds pretty good … I think that’s sufficient, but the thing I get from that is where do we set the goal?” Weber asked. “Where should we be 30 years from now? And I think that’s something that we all need to keep in mind - that we don’t get too far away from 78.5 per cent, and how do we do that?”
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PAGE TWO The Community News, Friday, July 29, 2016
GRCA urges Mapleton landowners to plan now for windbreaks in 2017 MAPLETON - Year after year, Mapleton has become a greener and greater township as landowners work with Trees for Mapleton and the Grand River Conservation Authority to take part in local tree-planting initiatives. Since 2006, Trees for Mapleton has helped to connect farmers with foresters, offer educational workshops, presentations and field-trips, and provide funding for treeplanting projects. In 2016 alone, a total of 7,700 trees were planted on nine different farm and rural non-farm properties within Mapleton, representing a value of $28,300 and a distance of 15.5km in windbreaks. These nine landowners were not on their own when it came to paying the bill, however, with grant programs like the Forests Ontario: 50 Million Tree Program and the Wellington Rural Water Quality Program reducing costs by as much as 80%.
Windbreak - The Grand River Conservation Authority is urging Mapleton landowners to consider planting windbreaks and is offering financial and planning assistance. submitted photo The Green Legacy Program also provides free trees for all landowners within Wellington County, which is a great opportunity for Mapleton dwellers with little forest cover on their land. As Mapleton is covered with mostly prime agricultural land, it is no coincidence that the most popular tree planting projects are field windbreaks on crop or property bound-
aries. Scientific research has shown how windbreaks can benefit crop yields by slowing the wind and reducing moisture loss in plants and soil. In winter, the trees increase snow deposition for additional soil moisture. Many farmers are quick to dismiss windbreaks due to the amount of land they would lose by planting trees. However, a single row of white spruce
may only take up to six metres when fully grown, which is far outweighed by the benefits of increased crop yields, slower wind speeds, better spray applications, and decreased early frost risks. A single row of spruce, which can grow 30 feet high, will reduce wind velocity by 70 to 80% within a 600-foot distance. The increased crop yields will largely be seen
in the first 200 feet from the windbreak, with only a small section of crops next to the trees that will shrink back from shade. While many farmers are concerned about tree roots clogging tiles, they can rest assured knowing only certain tree species will clog the drains with their shallow, spreading roots (e.g. poplars, willows, white cedar, silver and red maple). Trees that rarely clog field tiles include white pine, white spruce, sugar maple, black cherry, red oak and many others. Despite the continued commitment of Mapleton farmers to protect their fields with windbreaks, it is still common to drive down the country roads and see field after field without any form of windbreak in place. Ideally, all 100 acre farms should be wrapped with windscreens, which Trees for Mapleton aims to achieve. By establishing windbreaks or planting other trees on their
property, local residents can make Mapleton a grander and greener community. A forestry specialist from the GRCA is available to visit local properties and create a planting plan, which includes a map and instructions on site preparation, species selection, design/layout and future tending requirements. The GRCA staff applies directly for grants to reduce the landowners’ overall payment and time spent on paperwork. Depending on availability in the spring, the GRCA can either coordinate the plantings with qualified contractors or help landowners prepare to plant trees. Mapleton landowners may call or email Joseph Heeg with any questions about windbreaks or for assistance with tree planting projects. Heeg is currently booking summer and fall site visits for planting in the spring of 2017. He can be reached by phone at 519-621-2763 x2259 or email: at jheeg@grandriver.ca.
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Water exploration - Wet and Wild was the perfect theme to explore on the hot afternoon of July 19. Children from kindergarten to grade 6 learned about water conservation at the Drayton Library, then enjoyed water games outside. Participants were divided into teams and used a spoon to carry water from the pail to a mug. The winning team was able to half fill a mug during the allotted time. photo by Caroline Sealey
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August 1 - Challenge Euchre, Palmerston Legion Upstairs Hall, 7:30pm. $5/person, must bring your partner. Light lunch provided. All Welcome. August 5, 6, 7 - Old Tyme Fair, Drayton Mapleton Ag. Society, Drayton Fairgrounds, 49 Elm St., tractor pull, truck pull, euchre, heavy horse show, kids games, baby show, demolition derby. Support your local fair. August 5 - Euchre at the Fair, Sponsored by the Drayton Legion. 7pm, Drayton Fairgrounds, 49 Elm Street. Admission to the game is paying to get in at the fair gates. Lots of prizes. Everyone welcome. August 7 - Breakfast at the Fair, sponsored by the Drayton Legion, 8:00-10:30am, Drayton Fairgrounds, 49 Elm Street. Everyone welcome. Pledge forms for the Terry Fox Run, Sept 18, are available in Moorefield at the Royal Bank, Post Office, Moorefield Diner and Fear’s Bibs n’ Cribs. In Drayton at the Royal Bank, Post Office, Blooming Dales, `a la mode, Dobbens, Drayton Food Market and Dynafit.
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The Community News, Friday, July 29, 2016 PAGE THREE
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Road closure - ABOVE: A bridge on Wellington Road 11 near Concession 14 in Mapleton Township has been closed. Repairs to a culvert and the road in the area began on July 18 and are expected to continue until October. All businesses and residences are accessible during the construction. RIGHT: Construction has been completed on a bridge located on the 14th Line of Mapleton Township near Wellington Road 11.
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BEEF BURGERS Weather watcher - Peter and Christine Oosterveld and Fair Weather Bear enjoy the sunny weather and a rest on the bench in front of the Oosterveld’s home on Wood Street in Drayton. The Oostervelds and the Township of Mapleton cooperated in providing a bench for weary walkers from the Conestoga Crest, located minutes from the Oosterveld’s home. Fair Weather Bear, rescued from a local thrift store, has become the neighbourhood’s weather bear by enjoying his spot on the bench during fair weather and retreating into the house when rain is predicted. photo by Caroline Sealey
Bear offers weather predictions from bench FROM PAGE ONE their walk. This is a simple thing we can do to help out.” In addition to a resting place, the bench has a resident weather forecaster. This spring, while volunteering at the Bible For Missions Thrift Store in Fergus, Peter spotted a large Teddy bear in a bin. He brought the bear home
and placed him on the bench. The bear became somewhat of a celebrity when the Oostervelds decided to use him as a weather forecaster. “Fair Weather Bear, is what his name has become,” Peter said. “He goes inside when rain is predicted and occupies the bench when the weather is fair. He’s become the talk of the
neighbourhood.” Christine added, “It’s a little bit of fun. There are so many bad things happening in the world today. “This is our way to make things a little nicer.” When asked about Fair Weather Bear’s ability to accurately predict the weather, Peter said, “About average - like the other ones.”
Handcar races receive $500 grant PALMERSTON - The Palmerston Railway Museum Handcar Races will benefit from a $500 cultural enhancement grant from the Town of Minto. The races are being held on Aug. 20. Teams of five riders can compete in either the men’s or women’s divisions. Family rides are also held and live entertainment is being added. The museum works with the Palmerston Lions to provide bar services and with the local Scouts to provide food. The enhancement grant is being used to add “Runaway Angel” a female country trio, to the program. The trio from Ontario was featured on CMT’s Karaoke Star and has performed at several large festivals this summer, noted economic and business manager Belinda WickGraham in a report to council
on July 19. The cultural enhancement grant was created by the Minto cultural roundtable in 2016 to provide funding aimed at enabling local community groups and organizations to add cultural elements to new or existing events. The program has a $2,500 budget and grants of $500 each have been provided to the Great Lakes Truck
Club for the Clifford Truck Show, Harriston Kinsmen for the Harriston Street Party and the Harriston-Minto Agricultural Society for the local fall fair. To register for the handcar races go to http://www. palmerstonrailwaymuseum. com/2016handcarraces. For information contact the museum at 519-343-4015.
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PAGE FOUR The Community News, Friday, July 29, 2016
THE
COMMUNITY NEWS Published by W.H.A. Publications Limited P.O. Box 189, Drayton, Ontario, N0G 1P0 24 Wood St., Unit B, Drayton (inside Studio Factor) Telephone 519-638-3066 Fax 519-638-2875 drayton@wellingtonadvertiser.com Published on Fridays Deadline: Monday at 10am Subscriptions $52 plus HST in Canada W.H. Adsett, Publisher Chris Daponte, Editor Patrick Raftis, Reporter Caroline Sealey, Office Manager Alicia Roza, Graphic Designer
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Area mayors met with deputy premier Matthews Warden George Bridge says government ‘open to suggestions’ by Patrick Raftis ST. MARYS - Minto Mayor George Bridge and Wellington North Mayor Andy Lennox were among eight mayors from northern Wellington and Perth County who attended a private meeting with deputy premier Deb Matthews on July 20. The mayors of Stratford, St. Marys, North Perth, South Perth and West Perth were also on hand. Bridge said Mapleton Mayor Neil Driscoll was unable to attend due to other commitments. While there were no major announcements made at the meeting, “There’s some stuff going to be coming down the pipe,” said Bridge, who is also warden of Wellington County. Bridge said the meeting provided a good opportunity for direct access to a cabinet minster.
“We always talk about our 15 minutes of fame at Good Roads (the Ontario Good Roads Association annual convention),” said Bridge. “You get in front of a minister for 15 minutes and you have to do your whole spiel,” he added, noting five minutes of that time is generally taken up with a photo-op. “This was a good hour and a half that we had a good opportunity to discuss just rural issues.” Among those issues, said Bridge, was workforce planning. “We’re in a situation here where we have almost full employment – and we need to attract people.” Bridge said Matthews, MPP for London, president of the treasury board and minister responsible for the gov-
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EDITORIAL
Farming impact impressive In the wide-open spaces of northern Wellington, it’s pretty hard not to be aware that agriculture plays a major part in local lifestyles, not to mention the economy. A quick tour through the countryside serves as a strong reminder if any were needed. Still, Wellington Federation of Agriculture (WFA) members managed to present some truly eye-opening information during visits to councils in Mapleton and Minto this month. The WFA points out that farmers in Wellington are owners and stewards of 78.5 per cent of the total land area of the county and farm cash receipts for primary commodities in the county totalled more than $700 million in 2013. Dairy farms in the county accounted for the largest share of that, at $162 million, with beef operations generating $122 million, poultry $108 million, hogs $88.8 million, soybeans $52.4 million, corn $46.5 million, eggs, $40.9 million and wheat $22.5 million. Wellington County has 393 diary farms, 9% of the total province wide. There are 423 beef cattle operations (6% of the Ontario total), 120 pork producers (9.7%) and 166 poultry and egg producers (10.3%). That’s big business on our back roads, as the federation representatives pointed out. All that economic activity, of course, requires work, also known as employment - another boon that agriculture provides for the region. Successful farm operators hire plenty of farm labour. Wellington County farms annually generate 58,000 weeks of work, most of it year round, for hired farm labourers, who in turn, spend much of their cash locally - as of course do the farmers themselves. Province wide, the figures are even more impressive. The farm sector contributes $13.7 billion to Ontario’s gross domestic product, with farmers spending almost $112 billion on farm inputs. The sector generates 158,000 jobs and supports $8.1 billion in wages, delivering $1.4 billion in provincial tax revenues (although local municipal politicians will tell you the province currently gets too large a share of that dough, thanks to government manipulation of the Farm Tax Credit revenue streams). To be sure, the benefits provided by agriculture are part of a reciprocal arrangement, with urbanites supplying a steady market for farm goods and a home for the manufacturers of the equipment and tools farmers need to do their jobs. Still, it’s worth reflecting during the height of the growing season on just how much of an impact agriculture is making in everyone’s lives locally. Plus, we get to enjoy those great country views on every trip out of town and a great rural fair in virtually every community. Mapleton’s runs Aug. 5 to 7 at the fairgrounds in Drayton. Gates open next Friday night at 5pm. Patrick Raftis
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ernment’s poverty reduction strategy, told the mayors the province is close to signing a deal with the federal government on infrastructure funding promised during last fall’s election campaign. “That was a concern of mine, that that money wasn’t flowing,” said Bridge, noting other provinces were also working through final details on the funding. “The province is going to administrate it … each province had to work through their priorities,” Bridge explained. Early in the meeting, Matthews made it clear natural gas expansion to rural areas remains on the Liberal government’s radar. “She did talk about, which I was happy to hear, that they’re not anti-natural gas. They definitely are looking at natural gas in the rural areas, which we need. So that program’s continuing. That was good to hear directly from someone in the government,” said Bridge. Rural transportation was another topic discussed at the meeting. Bridge said an enhanced bus network is vital in rural areas. If plans for a high speed train system along the 401 corridor come to fruition, rural residents will need ways to connect. “If you do rural transporta-
Township of Mapleton
Community Information Page
7275 Sideroad 16, P.O. Box 160, Drayton, ON N0G 1P0 Phone: 519-638-3313, Fax: 519-638-5113, Toll Free: 1-800-385-7248 www.mapleton.ca
CIVIC
HOLIDAY
The Mapleton Administrative Office will be Closed on
Monday August 1, 2016 and reopening on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at 8:00 a.m.
TOWNSHIP OF MAPLETON 2015 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TAKE NOTICE that the 2015 Financial Statements are available for viewing and download on the Township’s website at www.mapleton.ca. The statements are also available to any taxpayer or resident of the Township without cost upon request at the Administration Office, 7275 Sideroad 16, east of Drayton. These statements have been prepared in accordance with policies for Ontario municipalities set by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and audited in accordance with Public Sector Accounting Board standards. Questions concerning the audited financial statements should be directed to the Township’s Director of Finance Yufang Du, at 519.638.3313 x 30.
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tion you need to have a feeder system to the train system. You need a feeder system because in our area, the Western Wardens’ area, 80 per cent of people have to drive because there’s no way of getting to a train.” Bridge said such a system is being championed by the Western Ontario Wardens Caucus, which is in the process of considering requests for proposals from firms to handle regional economic development. Working with independent cities in the region, such as Stratford and London, Bridge said the caucus aims to provide “a single voice on big issues like rural transportation and rural broadband.” Overall, Bridge said he felt the meeting was positive and indicative the government is listening to rural concerns. “I was quite positive on it. Deputy Premier Matthews, I’ve had meetings with her before. She’s from London, so she knows the southwestern area. She knows rural. So its good for us to have those conversations. I think, yeah, they’re open to suggestions.”
Bridge inspection contract awarded by Patrick Raftis MAPLETON - Council has awarded the contract for the 2016 inspection of bridges and culverts in the township to Listowel-based GM BluePlan Engineering. The company submitted the bid for the project at $17,395. Two other bids, coming in between $20,000 and $22,000 were received. The township had budgeted up to $25,000 for the project in 2016. In a report at the July 12 council meeting, public works director Jamie Morgan explained detailed inspections of all structures and their components are to be conducted in accordance with the provincial requirements every two years by a professional engineer or a technician with bridge inspection experience working under the direction of a professional engineer. Additionally, bridge inspectors must complete the Ministry of Transportation bridge inspection course. The inspection report will supply the township with the condition and physical data of each structural element. The final report is due Sept. 1, to allow sufficient time for the updating of the township’s Asset Management Plan. During discussion, Mayor Neil Driscoll expressed disappointment the project couldn’t be handled by township staff. Morgan noted a township employee who had completed the MTO bridge inspection course could conduct the inspections, but would still need to do so under the supervision of a qualified engineer. “The importance of these documents is to keep our asset management plan up to date … this is all part of it,” Morgan noted. Councillor Michael Martin said, “We’ve had some concerns about consulting fees but until the legislation changes I’m not sure we have much choice.”
The Community News, Friday, July 29, 2016 PAGE FIVE
Township gets clean report from auditors by Patrick Raftis DRAYTON - Mapleton Township has received a clean report from the municipality’s auditors. The township’s financial statements “present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Corporation of the Township of Mapleton as at December 31, 2015 and the results of its operations and its cash flow for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian public sector accounting standards,” states a report presented by Matt Venne of RLB Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors at the July 12 council meeting. The report’s consolidated statement of operations shows the township generated a surplus of $369,167 in 2015, compared to a deficit of $731,316 the previous year. Venne praised the township’s staff for their assistance in the audit process. “They are wonderful to work with,” he said. Venne said the report indicates Mapleton has done a
good job in collecting revenues owed. The township’s receivables as a percentage of total tax 2015 revenue were at less than 20 per cent during the audit period, compared to just under 30% on average for other municipal clients of RLB. Mapleton’s receivables have been on a downward trend since 2013, when they hit a five-year peak of just under 30%, the report notes. “That shows that a) people can pay and b) that your staff has good processes in place,” said Venne. However, he added, “It’s important to stay on top of your receivables.” “As this goes to the provincial government is there any way (we) could put in yes, we are a well-managed municipality but we shouldn’t be penalized for that?” asked Mayor Neil Driscoll, in reference to the township being turned down for infrastructure grants in recent years. Venne pointed out Mapleton has moved to increase spending on asset maintenance in recent years. “Your actually spending a
higher percentage of your tax revenue on capital (than other Wellington municipalities) assuming your tax rate levy is the same,” he pointed out. Driscoll pointed out rural municipalities continue to struggle under a system that allots municipalities 65% of the province’s infrastructure, while they generate less than one per cent of the tax revenue. “The problem is real,” said Driscoll. Venne told council, “You are doing well compared to your average sister municipality in Wellington and Dufferin counties.” However, he noted the township “will have to do a significant amount” of infrastructure upgrades in the future. He cautioned against accumulating too much debt to deal with infrastructure issues. “I know (the province) has been telling you at the lower tier to borrow for a couple of years now, but you have been.” “Their comment to us is, ‘you have the ability to tax,’” said Driscoll. “That’s why I get so frustrated.”
Happy gardeners - Mapleton Township summer students Katelyn Wynja, left, and Eden Kinzel chose a shady spot to work during the heat wave on July 21. The young ladies are kept busy throughout the summer working with the parks department. photo by Caroline Sealey
160 OLD TYME FAIR TH FAIR OLD TYME AUGUST 5 TO 7
AUGUST 5 TO 7 DRAYTON FAIRGROUNDS Taking a cut - A Moorefield batter takes a swing at a pitch in the dirt as the ball skips past the Ponsonby Gold catcher during a Squirt Boys softball game at the Moorefield ball park on July 20.
VENT S CHEDULE OofF EEvents SSchedule
photo by Patrick Raftis
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11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Excavator Games Sponsored by DeBoer’s Equipment 12:00 pm - Beef Cattle Show
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Vendors open: Friday 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm Sunday 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Licensed facility (beer garden) All Weekend
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FAIR@HOTMAIL.COM DRAYTON NATALIE GREEN SECRETARY - 519.638.5093
ARLIE ZANTINGE TREASURER 519.638.3323
PAGE SIX The Community News, Friday, July 29, 2016
By Dave Tiessen, Pastor, Bethel Mennonite Church (Elora)
Narrow Gate, Hard Road A couple of years ago when Russia invaded the Ukraine and annexed Crimea, I was surprised to read the polling data taken in Russia. The data showed that the vast majority of Russians not only supported this military aggression but also highly approved of the leadership of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. This perspective was in stark contrast to the general perception in the West, that Putin had become a dictator. He was using the Ukrainian military aggression to divert attention away from the fact that ordinary Russians were suffering more and more as a result of his economic and political policies. What surprised me even more was learning that support for Putin was also very high among evangelical Christians
in Russia, including people of my own Mennonite denomination. This was the hardest for me to understand, being someone whose ancestors fled Russia as refugees trying to escape the economic, political and religious persecution of a totalitarian government. But why would I be surprised? Were Russians being any different than most people? Than most of us? The reality is that we human beings are extremely susceptible to “following the crowd”. Who of us as kids or teens didn’t quite regularly think and say “but all the kids are doing it, why can’t I”? Who hasn’t followed the latest clothing or automobile fad? Or, who likes to speak up in a group and disagree with a popular opinion being expressed? Which one of us has not allowed ourselves to get swept up in societal changes of beliefs and values because to resist could lead to being publicly challenged and criticized?
In our neighbour to the south, we see this illustrated in a crazy face-off between Right and Left, blacks and whites, guns or gun-control and liberal and conservative. Even a former distinguished Supreme Court Justice was swept along in the craziness by publicly condemning one of the candidates for president. And was it any different in our own election last autumn? A government often accused of and despised for trying to impose their conservative worldview onto the country was replaced by a government which is happily going about imposing their liberal worldview onto the country. This government makes it very clear, that on certain issues, MP’s will not be allowed to vote their conscience. Some of the ways we describe these phenomena are mob rule, mob justice, political correctness, crowd pressure, peer pressure, conformity, inclusion, common sense, and
assimilation. A long time ago these wise words were spoken about such matters, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) When He spoke these words Jesus was identifying a particular weakness human beings have. Our natural inclination is to take the wide gate and the easy road to avoid as many difficulties in life as possible. Of course this often makes sense - difficulty and suffering are generally not good things that we ought to seek out. However, when it comes to the weighty matters of life and faith, Jesus was accurately pointing out that the easy road, the way of least resistance, the way chosen by the ‘crowd’, is not the best way and in fact leads to destruction.
I find Jesus’ words pretty chilling and very challenging. His words made easy sense in the past when Christians felt separate and different from the culture around them. We were different because we were following a different, narrow road. However, during my lifetime I have observed Christians and the Church, including my own Mennonite denomination, care more and more about how we are perceived by the world around us. We have wanted more and more to simply be like our fellow Canadians. And, we have rationalized that this is ok because all roads lead up the mountain to God anyway, don’t they? So why argue about unimportant beliefs and practices? Throughout history the truth in Jesus’ words have been illustrated. Peoples and nations fell victim to accepting slavery, wars, colonialism, religious persecution, economic injustice, anti-Semitism, commu-
nism, nuclear weapons, genocide and racism. These were the wide and easy roads that everyone was going on. I would suggest that the danger is even greater in our day because through our relentless exposure to media in the forms of internet, TV, radio and newspapers. We are bombarded with messages beckoning us to embrace the easy and wide ways and values of our culture. Moreover, people who do not succumb to the popular ‘wisdom’ and dare to express disagreement are gleefully ridiculed and shamed. Such is not the way of health and wellness. We teach our teenagers that healthy character means not to ‘follow the crowd’. People, families, churches, cultures and nations are healthier when they don’t allow themselves to be swept along by the ‘easy ways’ of the world. Rather seek to follow the ‘narrow and hard roads’ that lead to life.
Western fun - The Wild West came to life at the Drayton library on July 20. Wannabe cowboys and cowgirls learned the history of the occupation, listened to a story about the adventures of Charlie the Ranch Dog, tossed bean bags into cowboy boots and crafted bandanas, cowboy boots and footprint horses. Two potential cowgirls tried a hand at lassoing. photo by Caroline Sealey
Soccer season On the pitch - The soccer pitch in Drayton has been a busy spot this summer, with plenty action involving local teams at all levels, including this U-18 tilt between Alma (dark jerseys) and Drayton on July 20. photo by Patrick Raftis
Good bye flies - Youngsters toss plastic balls and insects on a parachute and recited the words to a favourite cowboy campfire song, Shoo Fly Don’t Bother Me during a Wild West activity day at the local library. The aim of the game was to rid the campsite of flies. The Drayton library is hosting a number of activities for children in kindergarten to grade 6 over the summer. To register call the library at 519638-3788. photo by Caroline Sealey
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The Community News, Friday, July 29, 2016 PAGE SEVEN
REVIEW: Latest Legends musical an infectious, rocking good time by Caroline Sealey CAMBRIDGE - Drayton Entertainment has succeeded in compiling 20 years of popular songs into one performance in its latest installment of the Legends series. Number seven in the series, Legends of Rock and Roll, debuted at the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge on July 22. A simpler world existed between 1950 and 1970 but the music of that era changed the world profoundly. Legends of Rock and Roll, the brainchild of Drayton Entertainment’s artistic director Alex Mustakas, revisits songs of some of the greatest musicians of that time period and reflects on changes in the world through a series of videos. The show focused on fictitious TV host Roy Solomon, who is signing off the air after 20 years and 1,000 shows at SBC Studios from 1955 to 1975. Host of the final show, the confident and smooth talking Sheldon Lubliner, played by Michael DeRose, kept the audience entertained with his wit and humour. Lubliner’s costume changes and the easy manner in which he involved the audience kept everyone attentive. Lubliner`s portrayal of a Canadian Mountie riding his horse had
patrons laughing and cheering. Two television screens mounted on each side of the stage showed television commercials of the era with Wrigley’s gum and Fruit of the Loom undergarments featured. Historical moments that made news headlines complimented songs performed. Tina Turners Proud Mary opened the show, with Aurianna Angelique dazzling the audience with her musical talents. Other musicians’ songs in the first act included Fats Domino, Chubby Checker, Nancy Sinatra, The Four Seasons and Petula Clark. The Temptations, The Mamas and the Papas, Janis Joplin, Elton John and Aretha Franklin rounded out act two. Angelique continued to delight the audience with her strong voice in Dusty Springfield’s Son of a Preacher Man and Cilla Black’s, You’re My World. Michael Clarke fell into the role of Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles with ease as he sang Superstition and What’d I Say. Gerrad Everard entertained the audience with his eye and lip movements and flopping long hair in Paint It, Black by the Rolling Stones. In a duet with Lee Siegel, Everard’s more serious side shone through.
The vocal talents of Siegel amazed the audience with the performance of the evening: Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water. Siegel also perfected Roy Orbison’s Pretty Woman. The band, consisting of music director Brigham Phillips, Howard Gaul, Duncan Grant, Mark Laidman and David Thompson, played an excellent tribute to the music of the 50s, 60s and 70s. Director Alex Mustakas and assistant director/ choreographer Gino Berti kept the two jam-packed acts flowing smoothly during each song and medley. Costume designer Jenine Kroeplin and the wardrobe department deserve a round of applause for the uniqueness of the costumes and their relevance to the time period surrounding the music. Costumes were made up of poodle and mini skirts, sleek white suits, jumpsuits and suede vests with fringes. Accent articles were scarves, black boots, black high top running shoes and black rimmed glasses held together with white tape. Thousands of sequins adorned the clothing. Hair styles ranged from the short, clean cut guy-nextdoor look to long waist-length
Rock on - Stacey Kay and company perform in Legends of Rock ‘n’ Roll, playing at the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge until Aug. 7. photo by Hilary Gauld Camilleri hippie hair. Props were simple and suited to a studio and the era represented. Plenty of flower power and sparkles adorned the set. Congratulations to all those who diligently work behind the scenes in various positions. A patron exiting the show, was overheard stating “I could
watch that over and over again” - which accurately sums up the show in a few simple words. Legends of Rock and Roll is suited to all ages and music lovers of the 50s, 60s and 70s. The show gives patrons a chance to reminisce about where one was or what one was doing when each individual song hit the music charts. It’s a
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PAGE EIGHT The Community News, Friday, July 29, 2016
Spirited competition at tractor pull
Palmerston pull - There was some spirited competition in a number of classes at the annual Palmerston Agricultural Society Tractor Pull at the local fairgrounds on July 23. The pull is a lead-in event for the 137th annual Palmerston Fair, which will be held Aug. 26 to 28. photos by Mike Robinson
REVIEW: Family drama and perfect timing make It Runs in the Family a must-see by Jaime Myslik DRAYTON – Christmas comes in July with a slapstick British farce that has the audience looking from left to right, front to back and everywhere in between, trying to catch all of the ridiculous situations arising in Drayton Entertainment’s It Runs in the Family. The latest installment at the Drayton Festival Theatre has the audience wondering just how insane a situation can get before it explodes, or implodes, on lie instigator Dr. David Mortimore (Rob McClure). Though the farce begins under normal circumstances, with doctors being doctors and lecturers being lecturers, the play is quick to go off the rails with lie after lie building so even the audience isn’t sure what is real and what is the fib. Dr. Mortimore spends the majority of the play weaving a web of lies to ensure his senior colleague Sir Willoughby Drake (Nicholas Rice) and his wife Rosemary Mortimore (Susan Gilmour) don’t find out about an 18-year-old indiscretion that led to an illegitimate son. The story that follows is a hodgepodge of mistaken identities (encouraged by lies), dangerous window escapes, police investigations, family reunions, nosey patients and most importantly, the esteemed Ponsonby Lecture. The actors do such a fabulous job acting confused themselves that their jokes, lies and actions seem completely spon-
Family trouble - British farce It Runs in the Family has the audience shaking in their seats with laughter from start to finish. It runs at the Drayton Festival Theatre until Aug. 6. From left: Rob McClure, Amanda Leigh, Gregory Pember and Eddie Glen. submitted photo taneous. Even the seasoned professionals can’t keep a straight face amid the mayhem on stage. At one point Dr. Hubert Bonney (Eddie Glen) and Jane Tate (Amanda Leigh) had to cover up a mysterious sound by breaking into a Kung Fu-inspired routine where Glen stands behind Leigh, who puts her hands behind her back and allows Glen’s arms to take over as her own. Leigh then proceeds to exaggerate a lip-sync to Glen’s words. The scene is lengthy and has the entire audience laughing by the end, but the real humour
is in watching the other actors on stage. McClure appeared to try and hide his amusement but he was cracking up by the end and when Glen stepped out from behind Leigh his shoulders were shaking with laughter even though he hid his face. Although the actors broke character (it’s amazing it didn’t happen more frequently with the ridiculous script) it added an additional level of humour knowing that the actors still find the scene hilarious even after experiencing it multiple times. In fact, it was unclear at times whether Glen’s laughter
was actually an act or whether he worked his natural laughter into the script and scene. Glen and Gregory Pember, who plays Dr. Mortimer’s illegitimate son Leslie, stole the show with their fabulous intonation, exaggerated actions and impeccable comedic timing. For the first few scenes Glen appeared to be the straight man in a sea of hilarity, but he quickly proved his funny gene. As his sidekick, Dr. Mortimer often made Dr. Bonney get into the most ridiculous situations and Glen performed each with precision and poise, giving the impression that he was actually
exasperated by Dr. Mortimer’s request. He went from mimicking a woman’s voice to stumbling off a windowsill with ease, all while making the audience howl with laughter. There was never a moment when Pember was on stage that he didn’t have the audience in stitches at something he said or did. He moved seamlessly between a sad young man looking for his father to the angry young man looking for his father, causing all the characters to hop to it when he decided to wreak havoc. Though he played a supporting role, and mainly in the second half, David Talbot did a fantastic job as Bill, the hospital patient who thinks the doctors’ lounge, where the entire play is set, is his new private room. From his comedic timing of repeating “hello” each time someone answers the phone, to spilling the beans about all of Dr. Mortimore’s secrets, Talbot brought an additional level of comedy to the second half. McClure did a spectacular job in the role of Dr. David Mortimore and at times made his face turn red on stage, giving an additional level of authenticity to the scene. McClure’s line of sight was bang on and when he was telling a whopper of a lie he would often get a glazed look and focus off into the distance, an action everyone can relate to every now and then. Leigh was perfect as Dr.
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Mortimore’s former lover. While her facial expressions seemed at times over exaggerated they were the perfect addition to the farce’s feel. Leigh spent much of her time on stage acting as though she was acting, which can’t be easy. She did so with wit and ease, all the while making it clear that she was onboard for the weird and wacky, but her son was her top priority. Glen, McClure, Leigh, Pember and Talbot and fellow actors Susan Gilmour (Rosmary Mortimore), Mary Pitt (Matron), Nicholas Price (Sir Willoughby Drake), Ken James Stewart (Dr. Mike Connolly), Sven Van de Ven police sergeant) and Jean Wright (mother/sister) had impeccable timing and seemed to feed off of each other’s enthusiasm and energy. As the pace picked up at the end of the first half and into the second, the entire cast kept up and left the minds of everyone in the audience spinning as they tried to figure out just what was going on. Alex Mustakas showed his directing prowess in the fastpaced, timing-dependent production. Actors knew just when to deliver their line, raise their eyebrow or look at the crowd in just the right way. Set designer David Antscheri created a doctor’s lounge with all the necessary equipment and doors to make the scenes come alive. Even when each of the doors was propped open (realistic sounding doors at that) the set continued into the hallways of the hospital with the actors remaining in character until they were safely out of the audience’s field of vision. At times there was even snow falling through the lounge’s back window. It Runs in the Family is a not-to-be-missed British farce for slapstick comedy lovers, laugh seekers and Christmas season junkies who need a little holiday cheer amidst the hot temperatures of a Canadian summer. It Runs in the Family is on stage at the Drayton Festival Theatre until Aug. 6. Tickets are $44 for adults and $26 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for groups of 20 or more are $36. HST is applicable to all ticket prices. Tickets may be purchased online at www.draytonentertainment.com, in person at any Drayton Entertainment box office, or by calling toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).