National War of 1812 Veteran Graveside Recognition Project Inaugural Plaque Laying Ceremony

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE!

National War of 1812 Veteran Graveside Recognition Project

Inaugural Plaque Laying Ceremony

Sunday, July, 28^th, 2013, 12:00 noon

St. James on-the-lines Anglican Church

215 Church Street, Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada

A national project that is unique in Canadian History to honour veterans of the War of 1812 will begin at St. James-on-the-Lines Anglican Church in Penetanguishene Ontario on Sunday, July 28, 2013. The first two granite plaques to mark the graves of veterans of the War of 1812 will be unveiled in a ceremony at the church cemetery following the service. The unveiling ceremony will take place at approximately 12:00 noon.

This is a massive national project initiated by the Historic Military Establishment of Upper Canada, a not for profit charitable volunteer organization based in Penetanguishene. This project will see us map and identify veterans of the War of 1812 and mark their graves with a bilingual black granite plaque so all Canadians can honour their service to our nation.

The details of this bicentennial project can be viewed at a recently launched website: www.1812veterans.ca.

This project was fortunate enough to receive funding from the Federal government War of 1812 Commemorative Fund and our organization thankfully acknowledges the support of the Government of Canada for this Bicentennial initiative.

This is a national project that has a website dedicated to providing a searchable data base of the biographies of War of 1812 veterans for the use of students and researchers alike, a data base that until now has never been attempted. Each plaque placed at a War of 1812 Veteran's gravesite across Canada will relate to corresponding biographies of the veterans with the location of the grave on our website. Over the first phase of the project we hope to add up to 1000 War of 1812 veterans across the country and post the biographies that will tell the stories of these Canadian heroes.

We encourage the public to attend this most historic plaque unveiling and honour local War of 1812 Veterans – Captain James Keating – R.A. and Admiral John Moberly – R.N.

Our organization has taken on the project to ensure that the War of 1812 veterans get the recognition that they deserve, not only in the defense of Canada, but also for their dedication in building the foundation of the Canada that we live in today.

For more information contact:

David Brunelle
davidbrunelle@rogers.com
705-716-7124

or

Lyn Downer
lyn.downer@bell.net
705-361-1257

Banding Hummingbirds at Wye Marsh

For Immediate Release:

Banding Hummingbirds at Wye Marsh

Midland, Ontario – There will be a hum of activity at Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre this weekend (July 12^th, 13^th & 14^th) as they celebrate the Ontario Hummingbird Festival.  The festival is one of Ontario’s most unique nature festivals, giving visitors the opportunity to see hummingbird banding up close. 

The festival is centered on the hummingbird as one of Ontario’s most recognizable and beloved birds.  Every spring we delight in their arrival and go out of our way to attract them to our gardens and patios.  The familiarity and fondness of hummingbirds makes them the ideal backyard ambassador.  When gardeners and landowners plant and create habitat for hummingbirds they are protecting nature for the needs of all wildlife species. 

Leading the banding demonstrations is internationally renowned Bob Sargent from The Hummer/Bird Study Group.  Sargent has been banding birds since 1987 and uses the banding sessions as a way to educate and promote the preservation of wildlife and their habitat to participants both young and old.  Sargent is especially passionate about environmental education with children.  “The hands-on approach to educating children allows each child present to experience birds as living, breathing creatures deserving of our protection.”  The banding demonstrations will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning from 7am to 11am.

To kick off the festival there will be a special Friday night presentation with Bob Sargent, from 7pm to 9pm.  Bob will be sure to entertain, educate and inspire listeners while they indulge in treats made by Grounded Coffee co.  Saturday, 10am families can learn how to get their children excited about birding with Wild Birds Unlimited, and then at 1pm plant a hummingbird attracting planter with native plants from Ego’s Garden Centre.  Sunday there are photography workshops with Anne Brokelman Nature Photography and a presentation at 1pm on how to attract hummingbirds with Bob Sargent.  Throughout the festival (10am to 4pm) there will be activities for children, plant sale, local artisans, and an outdoor café with Grounded Coffee co.

Visitor experiences during the banding demonstrations will vary and depend on weather and hummingbird numbers.  Registration is required for workshops and preferred for the banding sessions and presentations.  To register contact Wye Marsh at info@wyemarsh.com or 705-526-7809.  For further information go to www.wyemarsh.com.

For further information please contact:

Laura Thomas

Friends of Wye Marsh

Marketing and Development Coordinator

705-526-7809 x 205

lthomas@wyemarsh.com

Bob Sargent

Hummer/Bird Study Group Inc.

www.hummingbirdsplus.org

205-681-2888

RubyThroat@aol.com

Norm Foster comedy up next at the King's Wharf Theatre

Norm Foster Comedy Exposes the Hilarious Truth
about finding the Perfect Mate

Thursday, July 4^th, 2013

PENETANGUISHENE – Have you ever asked yourself, what are the top ten qualities in your perfect mate? This universal question is at the heart of Norm Foster’s irresistible comedy The Love List, opening this summer at the King’s Wharf Theatre. This witty romp promises to keep audiences laughing from July 17^th through August 3^rd.

Written by Canada’s leading comic playwright, The Love List is a delightful tale of perfection and the pursuit of happiness. Foster’s perceptive look at contemporary dating is also a testament to men who don’t get what they wish for – but get what they deserve.

“The Love List is one of Foster's funniest comedies," says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “The intimacy of the King’s Wharf Theatre is the perfect showcase for such a witty and insightful production. Audiences are in for a real treat.”

As a gift for his best friend’s 50^th birthday, Leon has decided to help Bill - a mild-mannered civil servant who has been divorced for seven years and dateless for almost as long - find his soul mate. Together the two men enlist the help of a “dating service” and dream up a Top Ten list of must-have attributes of the ideal woman. To their surprise and delight, this fantasy woman arrives in the flesh when the luscious Justine appears, but the men quickly learn that their flawless list could stand a few revisions.

Foster’s clever dialogue has the audience continually guessing as Leon and Bill change each item on The Love List, which results in dramatic personality changes in Justine.

A top notch cast has been assembled for this winning comedy including David Ludwig as Bill, the divorced and dateless statistician in search of excitement in his love life. Neil Foster delivers plenty of laughs as Leon, the long married best friend of Bill and Heather Hodgson takes on the role of Justine, the most imperfect, perfect woman.

The Love List is directed by Chris McHarge. A well-known figure in Canadian theatre, McHarge has directed over 100 productions including 11 world premieres of Norm Foster’s plays and musicals. McHarge also directed Foster’s Bedtime Stories and The Melville Boys for Drayton Entertainment this last season, both of which received tremendous audience response.

Joining McHarge on the Creative Team are Set Designer Stephen Degenstein, Lighting Designer Lyle Franklin and Costume Designer Jessica Bray.

The Love List is sponsored by Comfort Inn, Midland. Media Sponsors are 104.1 FM The Dock and The Midland Penetanguishene Mirror. The Design Sponsor is The Peak 95.1 FM. The 2013 Season is sponsored by John & Terry Hamilton. The 2013 Season Media Sponsor is CTV.

The Love List runs July 17^th through August 3^rd. Tickets can be purchased online at www.kingswharftheatre.com, in person at the Kings Wharf Theatre Box Office, or by calling (705) 549-5555 or toll free 1-855- DRAYTON (372-9866).

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For more information please contact: Valerie O’Brien, Marketing Manager
(519) 621-5511 ext. 235 or email valerie@draytonentertainment.com

Ontario to Increase Accessibility, Boost Economy

Province Appoints New Accessibility Council

July 5, 2013 | Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment

Ontario is taking steps to ensure that people living with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of our economy and society with the appointment of members to the Accessibility Standards Advisory Council/Standards Development Committee.
The Council represents a cross-section of leaders from Ontario's disability community and organizations that have to comply with Ontario's accessibility laws. Alongside Chair Jim Sanders, the Council will work to increase accessibility in Ontario. Their first order of business will be to review and enhance the service standard that applies to customer service.
Increasing accessibility across the province will help boost Ontario's economic growth and competitiveness by improving employment rates for Ontarians with disabilities and by helping organizations that sell goods and services focused on accessibility.
Making sure all Ontarians have an opportunity to participate in the workforce and contribute to building a stronger economy is part of the government's plan to create a fair society for all.

Quick Facts

• Over the next 20 years, people with disabilities will represent 20 per cent of Ontario's population.
• The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act was passed in 2005 with the goal of making the province accessible by 2025.
• A fully accessible Ontario could generate up to $9.6 billion in new retail spending, according to a report by the Martin Prosperity Institute, and up to $1.6 billion in new tourism spending.

Quotes

"Our plan to make Ontario a fully accessible province is the right thing to do, and it makes economic sense. If our economy is to be vibrant and if our society is to be truly fair and inclusive, all Ontarians must have the opportunity to contribute."

- Dr. Eric Hoskins
Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Employment

"I am extremely pleased to chair this important committee and contribute my skills and knowledge to making Ontario a better place to live. A fully accessible society is important for everyone. It will allow many of us to enjoy a quality of life that most others take for granted"
- Jim Sanders
Chair, Accessibility Standards Advisory Council/Standards Development Committee

Download Electronic Press Kit

Background

Ontario's Accessibility Standards Advisory Council/Standards Development Committee
Ontario's Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) requires the establishment of an Accessibility Standards Advisory Council/Standards Develop
Read Backgrounder

Learn More

• Discover why accessibility is important for our economy.
• Find out how businesses can comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons to celebrate Aboriginal Heritage June 21-23

June 6, 2013

Media Release – for immediate release

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons

to celebrate Aboriginal Heritage June 21-23

The national historic site Sainte-Marie among the Hurons will offer an outstanding celebration of Aboriginal heritage over three consecutive days with its National Aboriginal Day event Friday June 21 and the Aboriginal Festival Saturday and Sunday June 22-23.

National Aboriginal Day Friday June 21 is a time for all Canadians to celebrate the cultures and contributions to Canada of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.  On this special day over 900 school children and teachers are currently booked to attend the event at Sainte-Marie.  Visitors will be greeted with inspiring Aboriginal drumming by Chris Walser, and can then free-flow to a great selection of hands-on activities on the historic site that share the dynamic culture of Canada’s First Nations.  NEW this year will be the Haudenosaunee Dancers, an Iroquois drum and dance group that uses water drum and cow horn to provide engaging performances that thank the Creator and reinforce community relationships.  The on-site program will also feature the riveting Aztec Drumming Group as well as the popular Neil Monague Hand Drumming Group performing in the longhouse.  Also NEW to the event is the Youth Métis Nation of Ontario, who will offer an interactive craft as part of the historic site program.

Sainte-Marie’s exciting celebration of Aboriginal culture will continue on June 22-23 with the Aboriginal Festival running throughout the entire weekend. The  Haudenosaunee Dancers and Aztec Drumming Group will perform six times each day, as well as daily performances by the Neil Monague Hand Drumming Group.  The impressive Survival in the Bush outdoor encampment will greet visitors at the entrance to the historic site, complete with costumed animators who will share wilderness survival techniques.   Activities and demonstrations on the historic site will include making corn husk figures, making clay Okies (a Wendat good luck charm), playing lacrosse, bracelet making, constructing a traditional bone game, and basket weaving.  Visitors can also try their hand at cooking bannock over an open fire, and sample herbal teas. In the Sainte-Marie foyer, superb Aboriginal crafters will showcase   First Nations fine art, jewelry, white buffalo sage, healing bags made with flaxseed and cedar, leatherwork, and dream catchers.  An exquisite collection of photographs entitled “The Spirit of Drumbeats” by photographer Sydney Hedderich is also on display, capturing the “in-motion” beauty of traditional Pow Wows.

National Aboriginal Day is on Friday, June 21 and the Aboriginal Festival runs Saturday June 22 and Sunday June 23 at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons.  

For further information please visit hhp.on.ca or call (705) 526-7838.

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Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is operated by Huronia Historical Parks,

and is an Attraction of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport.

Media Contact:

Bill Brodeur

Coordinator,

Marketing and Media Relations

Huronia Historical Parks

Bill.Brodeur@ontario.ca 

(705) 528-7692 

King’s Wharf Theatre Launches 2013 Season

King’s Wharf Theatre Launches 2013 Season

Friday, June 7^th, 2013

PENETANGUISHENE – The King’s Wharf Theatre has kicked-off an ambitious Summer Theatre season with one of the most popular tales in musical theatre history. Oliver!, the irresistible story of hope, social injustice, humour, and inspiration, undoubtedly leaves audiences begging for more.

The story follows the adventures of Dickens’ plucky young orphan as he attempts to navigate the mean streets of 19^th-century London. While struggling to find a place, and a family to call his own, the young Oliver Twist becomes entangled in circumstances of mystery and thievery.

“Oliver! is an enduring example of musical theatre that’s full of intrigue, warmth and emotion,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “Audiences can expect a truly memorable experience.”

Theatregoers young and old are captivated by the musical’s remarkable blend of humour and heartbreak that is magically conveyed through energetic dance numbers and such unforgettable songs as “Food, Glorious Food,” “I’d Do Anything” and “Where Is Love?”.

Based on Dickens' second novel, Oliver Twist has been the subject of numerous film and television adaptations. The stage production has had incredible success since it premiered in London’s West End in 1960, where it enjoyed an extensive run. A successful Broadway production in 1964 led to further tours and revivals including a new London production in 2009. The story is loved by people around the world and the book has been translated into more than 25 languages .

Director and Choreographer Tracey Flye leads a stellar cast and her take on the classic tale is fitting for a family-friendly production. Under her direction, the subtle comedy, eccentric characters and dramatic moments are seamlessly woven together to create an intimate theatre experience.

An impressive cast has been assembled for this effort including Aidan Tye as the titular hero. Oliver is a big role for a little boy, and twelve-year old Tye proves he has the perfect combination of talent and charisma to hold his own alongside many notable leading performers. His marvellous voice and feisty demeanour immediately win over the audience and keep everyone rooting for the scrappy imp. 

By Oliver’s side is the infamous character Fagin, played by Steven Gallagher. Gallagher’s take on Fagin is appropriately clever and conniving; he steals the show with a dynamic stage presence, especially in numbers such as “Pick a Pocket” and “Reviewing the Situation.”

Stephanie Roth brings warmth and charisma to her role as Nancy, with a passionate approach to “As Long as He Needs Me.” Nancy’s less than perfect partner, the gruff and imposing Bill Sykes, is portrayed with brute intensity by Curtis Sullivan.

The mischievous street urchin Dodger is played by Joshua LeClair, who is every bit as coy and charming as the character himself.

The lovable Mr. Brownlow is played by the talented Robin Ward, while Christopher Wilson tackles the dual roles of Mr. Sowerberry and Dr. Gimwig. Other memorable characters, Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney, are portrayed by Jordan Till and Marcia Tratt, respectively.

Oliver! also features AJ Bridel, whom audiences will recognize as a finalist on CBC’s reality TV show Over The Rainbow, in addition to Justine Clark, Stephen Findlay, Jason Franco, Joanna Guistini, Grant Landry, Amanda Leigh, Christine Watson and Sef Wood.

To add to the excitement of this youthful production, Drayton Entertainment cast 24 talented students to perform as Fagin’s kids alongside the professional cast. Many youngsters from across Simcoe County auditioned for this exciting opportunity.

Music Director Michael Barber brilliantly leads this dazzling company through a musical score that’s filled with show-stopping numbers. Jean-Claude Olivier has designed a remarkable set and Jessica Bray has assembled magnificent costumes for this production. Simon Day’s lighting design gives the mean streets of London an appropriately dark and sinister feel.

Such an impressive production must also be partly attributed to a band that includes the talents of John Price, Joshua Wood, Jennifer Moersch and Graham Hargrove.

“One of the reasons Oliver! is so successful is because it appeals to audiences of all ages, from the seasoned theatregoer to the youngster experiencing the magic of the stage for the first time,” says Mustakas. “It’s an evocative musical with a captivating story that makes for a theatrical experience the entire family will enjoy.”

The 2013 Season Sponsors are John and Terry Hamilton.  The Season Media Sponsor is CTV.  Media Sponsors are B101 and The Jewel 88.5.  The Design Sponsor is NEBS.

Regular performance tickets are $40.00 for adults; $20.00 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for groups of 20 or more are $32.00. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.

Oliver! plays eight shows a week through June 22^nd. Tickets may by purchased online at www.kingswharftheatre.com in person at the King’s Wharf Theatre Box Office, or by calling (705) 549-5555 or toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).

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For more information please contact:

Valerie O’Brien
Marketing Manager
Drayton Entertainment
valerie@draytonentertainment.com
Phone: (519) 621-5511 ext. 235  Fax:  (519) 620-8055

About the King’s Wharf Theatre

Nestled within Discovery Harbour on Georgian Bay, the King's Wharf Theatre is a 385-seat venue that’s flanked by the historic buildings of a 19th-century British naval and military base. The theatre is located at the end of a beautiful boardwalk that looks on to the homeport of replica ships H.M.S. Bee and H.M.S. Tecumseth.

A visit to the King's Wharf Theatre takes only 45 minutes from Barrie and Orillia, or just over an hour from Collingwood.  While in the area, visitors can explore the local communities of Penetanguishene and Midland, which offer unique shops and dining establishments as well as Ontario's first European Community at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons.

Lieutenant Governor David Onley to visit Midland

CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF MIDLAND
Parks and Recreation Department
527 Len Self Boulevard
Midland, Ontario   L4R 5N6
Telephone:  (705) 526-4770; Fax (705) 527-6049
Email address:  parkrec@midland.ca
Web-Site:  www.midland.ca

MEDIA RELEASE

Lieutenant Governor David Onley to visit Midland

Mayor Gord McKay and Members of Council are pleased to announce that the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario will be visiting Midland on Wednesday, June 12, 2013.

The purpose of the Lieutenant Governor’s visit is to officially unveil the sign designating DAVID ONLEY PARK.  The ceremonies begin at 2:00 pm on June 12, 2013, at the Park located at the corner of King Street and Bayshore Drive.

The Town of Midland is honoured to dedicate this Park on the Lieutenant Governor’s birthday and recognize his contributions to the Province of Ontario as a native of Midland.

The public is cordially invited to attend this very special ceremony as we recognize Lieutenant Governor David Onley by naming this Park in his honour and to celebrate his birthday.