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Serving the Mapleton Community
Community News Volume 46 Issue 32
Drayton, Ontario
1 Year GIC - 2.05% 3 Year GIC - 2.25% 5 Year GIC - 2.55% Daily Interest 1.55%
Friday, August 9, 2013
Robinson headed to world championships thanks to community fundraiser
Clash of champions - Over $10,000 was raised on July 31 to send Moorefield resident Tyler Robinson, left, to the World Arm Wrestling Championships in Poland this fall. Robinson, who qualified for the event in the disabled category at the recent Canadian championships, bested his friend and training partner Jeff Oosterveld, a past provincial champion, in a fun match during the “Challenge the Champ” contest at last week’s fundraiser at the Maryborough Community Centre. photo by Patrick Raftis
by Patrick Raftis MOOREFIELD - Tyler Robinson’s world championship dreams are alive thanks to an amazing display of support from his community. A fundraising barbecue at the Maryborough Community Centre last week raised over $10,000 to send the local athlete to the World Arm Wrestling Championships in Poland from Sept. 1 to 8. Township of Mapleton staff and the Moorefield Optimist Club organized the July 31 barbecue fundraiser, which also featured a silent auction and a “Challenge the Champ” contest. Mapleton CAO Patty Sinnamon said the barbecue was attended by between 350 and 375 people and raised at least $10,000, enough to cover the costs of sending Robinson to the event. “On behalf of township staff we want to thank a truly
wonderful community for helping Tyler achieve his dream of competing at an international event,” said Sinnamon, adding the fundraiser could not have been a success without the many donations, silent and live auction items, and the efforts of local band Loose Change. Sinnamon also thanked the Moorefield Optimist Club “for jumping on board with us to help organize and run the bar for the evening. An outstanding evening for an outstanding world class athlete.” Robinson said it was great to receive so much support from his community and he is planning to train hard to be prepared for the competition. Robinson, who began arm wrestling competitively in 2011, won the disabled division at the 2013 Canadian Arm Wrestling Championships in Timmins on June 29, placing first in both the left and right arm categories. The win quali-
fied him for the world championship tournament. Jeff Oosterveld, Robinson’s friend and training partner, and a former provincial arm wrestling champ, said Tyler’s progress in the sport has been amazing, “given all he’s had to go through.” Born with cerebral palsy, Robinson’s doctors originally told his parents he would never walk. He overcame that hurdle some time ago, but as recently as 2009, Robinson still required the use of walking aids to get around. But thanks to his perseverance and dedication to working out, resulting in improved balance and strength throughout his entire body, he has left those behind. While he earned his trip to the world championships in the disabled division, Robinson regularly competes successfully in open categories. Continued on page 5
Township to purchase vehicle in effort to reduce mileage claims by Patrick Raftis MAPLETON - In an effort to reduce claims for mileage, council here has approved the purchase of a used vehicle for use by staff and council members while attending conferences or on other township business. Treasurer Yufang Du presented council with a report at the July 23 meeting in response to concerns expressed by councillor Neil Driscoll at previous meetings about the amount of mileage claims showing up in the monthly accounts payable. Driscoll had wondered why staff weren’t using the building department van, or other township vehicles, rather than utilizing their own vehicles and charging mileage. In her report, Du pointed out staff mileage claims are for travel to out-of-town meetings or conferences. She said that mileage is included with other expenses in the monthly breakdowns presented to council, which could make the mileage figures appear higher than they actually are, and noted she is considering providing a more detailed breakdown in future reports. “It should be noted that very little has been paid for mileage within the township with the exception of by-law enforcement,” Du pointed out. “Administrative staff use their own vehicle in picking up the mail and doing bank deposits, and generally do this on their way home for lunch.”
Total mileage costs to the end of June for all departments, including council, were $7,334. Of the total, $606 is attributed to council members. The current township mileage rate is 47 cents per kilometre. By comparison, Du reported, Canada Revenue Agency’s 2013 automobile allowance rates are 54 cents for the first 5,000 kilometres, and 48 cents per kilometre thereafter. The report explains the building department van, purchased in 2001, has 189,761 kilometers on the odometer. “Very little use has been made of the van in 2013 due to numerous mechanical issues,” the report states. Issues identified by the township’s fleet and safety manager include: - heating and air conditioning systems don’t work properly; - windshield wipers operate only sporadically; - moisture getting into the vehicle causes an “unwelcome odour”; - brakes and tires need replacement; and - body work previously repaired has now rusted through again in several spots. Given the age of the vehicle and “significant financial implications to carry out these repairs,” staff recommended the vehicle be replaced with a used vehicle in the $15,000 to $18,000 range. The report indicates build-
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ing department staff generally schedule their time to share use of a 2012 pickup truck. “Where this is not possible and they have short travel limits for inspections, they have been using their own vehicle for the past six to eight months and have not charged mileage,” the report indicates. The shortage of reliable vehicles also impacts the bylaw enforcement officer and “much of the mileage paid is attributed to the unreliable condition of the municipal van,” the report explains. Figures prepared by the director of finance indicate most of the mileage paid to staff is for attending conferences that are some distance away and often two or three days in duration. “From discussions with various staff, it would not be feasible to take one of the public works trucks for extended periods of time,” Du noted. Council approved Du’s report, which indicated there is currently $7,000 in building department reserves which could be used towards the purchase of a replacement vehicle, with the balance to be taken from future capital expenditure reserves. “Replacing the van will not alleviate all mileage claims by staff, as there are times when more than one staff ore attending meetings. In addition, there will be ongoing fuel and maintenance costs,” the report concludes.
Community pride - Glen Allan citizens teamed up with the Township of Mapleton to create a new tennis court in the village. A grand opening of the facility is planned in the near future. submitted photo
Tennis courts completed in Glen Allan GLEN ALLAN - Anyone driving into the picturesque village of Glen Allan these days will see a new tennis court. The court grew from a vision of a group of people into a community project, which took less than a year to come to completion. “As we finish up this phase of the project the GAPA (Glen Allan Parks Association) would like to thank all those who have made this possible,” states GAPA volunteer Carla Schott. “It takes a community working together with their township to make a project like this succeed. “There are many people to thank but two come to mind very quickly: Larry Lynch and
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Jim Gross. When we (GAPA) found out that we had a small window of opportunity to get the ground excavated, they worked beside us, making it possible. We were also able to get our new swings in because of the willingness of all parties to work together.” Schott said the group is still fundraising. “We are very close to achieving our first goal of $30,000. With this in mind and a donation of light standards from M.E.I. Paving Contractors, we would like to work towards our next goal - lamps for these stands. We would also like to put up basketball nets, maybe a bench or two as well,” said Schott.
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The GAPA’s account will be left open at the Township of Mapleton and tax receipts will be given for any donations to this project. Donors should make cheques out to “Township of Mapleton” and tag it “Glen Allan tennis court.” “We would like to encourage local business to donate as well,” said Schott, noting a sign designed and donated by Innovative Designs will be placed in the park acknowledging contributions. A grand opening is in the works for early this fall. There will be hamburgers, hotdogs fun and games. Watch for more information on this event in coming publications of the Community News.
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