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Live Breaking News

May 31, 2007

This story is hot off the press (well it would be if we had a press). It is also literally “live” and literally “breaking”

Just a few minutes ago a truck took down the power lines over the street in front of my house. It also tore the hydro service off the side of the house (we still have power though).

Actually it’s been 40 minutes now, and as of yet no one has shown up to do anything about the presumably live power lines laying on my front lawn. I’m sure there’s a procedure for this kind of thing? Are live powerlines like swimming after lunch? Do you have to wait 30 minutes before doing anything?

*Update* they are cutting the power now… more to come…

**Update Number 2**

Things are being put back together as I write this (I had to leave the house, no power=little productivity for a web business!) and I have been very pleased with the efforts of all involved in the process of getting us reconnected.

This odd turn of events in my day did get me thinking.

What should you do if a suspected live powerline comes down?

Call Hydro One - Power Outages and Emergencies (24 Hours) - 1 (800) 434-1235

If you are in a vehicle that comes in contact with power lines, do not leave the vehicle unless you are in immediate danger. Touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time could be fatal.

You should stay 30 meters away from downed power lines, and keep EVERYONE away from them until the Hydro crews arrive.

You don’t need to contact a power line to be in danger. Electricity can jump or arc from a non-insulated power line to an object that gets too close. The best insulator is to leave a great deal of space between you and energized power lines.

The safest way to move a ladder, flag pole, or other lengthy objects from one location to another is to have two people carry it. Keeping these objects horizontal avoids contact with overhead wires.
from PowerlineSafety.info

powerline safetyFor more details on Powerline Safety check out the at Home section @ PowerlineSafety.info. In addition to other info the ESA has produced a snazzy little flash tutorial to help you identify overhead powerline hazards around your home.

This post has got me thinking about a few more story ideas for the future… like energy conservation for example ( a conversation I am having with a lot of people lately) and on a similar note, the switchover to smart meters (which I hear is happening…we’ll do some research on that one and get back to you.)

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Written by Ryan · Filed Under The City, Events, Administrivia, theOwen 

Doors Open Owen Sound is Nearly Here!

May 30, 2007

This weekend historical buildings from around the Sound will be opening their doors to a curious public. Buildings taking part in the event include the Beth Ezekiel Synagogue, the Butchart Estate Bed & Breakfast and the Greenwood Cemetery & Mausoleum. For further details see our full story from May 7th. Also check out the Doors Open Ontario website.

In addition to this story you should check out our freshly created map of the buildings included in the Doors Open event. This map will be especially useful for those of you coming from out of town. On it you will find all 10 of the Doors Open destinations, a picture of the building in question with a brief description of its significance, and its exact location in Owen Sound. Useful maps; just another way we’re creating your best online option for events and community information. If you have any comments on this map or ideas for others we can create, please let us know by clicking on the “comment” button below this post. Have fun at the Doors Open event, and keep checking in at theOwen.com for more amazing local information!

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Written by adam · Filed Under Get Out, Events, Community, Participation, theOwen 

Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre Events

May 30, 2007

Last night your friendly correspondent attended Allen Smutylo’s lecture based on his new book, Wild Places Wild Hearts. The lecture took place at a facility that was new to me, but one I was greatly impressed by.

The Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre in Southampton is an amazing example of creative architecture. Located on the shore of beautiful Fairy Lake the building is an amalgam of old brick and new glass. The space is expansive and open, the theatre comfortable and well-equipped. There is a fabulous view from the back deck overlooking Fairy Lake. Both of these spaces are available for rent if you are thinking of running an event. Details can be found by clicking on the link above.

Bruce County Museum % Cultural Centre

The Allen Smutylo lecture was a part of The Southampton Art School 50th Anniversary Lecture Series taking place throughout the summer. The next lecture in this series is on June 26th. It is entitled “Preserving Bruce County’s History in Painting” and it will be delivered by lecturer Doug Purdon.

On July 3rd there will be a lecture entitled “Southampton: Creative Scene Investigation”. This lecture will be given by Phil Chadwick. The next lecture, “Women in Canadian Art”, is to be given by Judy Thompson on July 10th. There will be a lecture on August 21st entitled “The First 50 Years in Photograhy”. This lecture will be delivered by Michael Cannon. The last of the lectures is to be held on Sept. 4th. It will be called “Bruce County…A Visual Art History”, and the speaker will be Paul Carroll. The lectures cost $15 per lecture or $90 for the entire series. They begin at 7 p.m. and run until 9 p.m. For those seeking more information about these lectures or to reserve seats, please phone (519) 797-5068.

The Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre will also be screening a free movie on alternating Sundays starting June 3rd and running until Aug. 19th. For more events happening at the museum consult our events calendar or else the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre website. Take special note of the chocolate gala to be held this Thursday June 1st. The combination of tantalizing events and an amazing new building to be explored makes the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre well worth a visit!

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Written by adam · Filed Under Southampton, Movies, Get Out, Community, theOwen 

The Georgian Theatre’s 12th Season Cancelled

May 30, 2007

Georgian Theatre PosterInsufficent cash resources have forced The Georgian Theatre Festival to cancel its 2007 summer season at the Roxy Theatre in Owen Sound.

In making the announcement, the Acting Chair of the GTF Board, Bill Alguire, admitted the decision was a difficult one, made reluctantly but in fairness to all. “An inability to raise sufficient funds through fundraising event, sponsorships and grants compounded by a late marketing start and slower than expected ticket sales has drained our cash resources to the point where we could not confidently anticipate fulfilling our obligationt to the Roxy and to our patrons”.

“The Festival is not out of business”, added Alguire. “The Festival Board intends to concentrate this year on raising funds to establish a solid financial base for the future”. The Youth Theatre program will continue this year in Meaford. “It is an important part of our mandate and for the past 12 years has provided a positive activity for young people in the community”.

The Festival’s annual ‘Meaford Garden Tour’ will still be held June 23 and the ‘Chairs With Flair’ silent auction this summer will also generate revenue.

The General Manager of the Roxy Theatre, Judith Glover, admitted that she was disappointed that GTF would not be able to continue with a season this summer, but agreed that the decision was the right one under the circumstances. Alguire acknowledged that the co-operation of the Owen Sound Little Theatre and its members, as well as the City of Owen Sound, the Owen Sound Chamber of Commerce, and Owen Sound Tourism in recent months has been encouraging and helpful.

The GTF Board hopes to encourage ticket subscribers to accept a full tax receipt for the value of their subscriptions. “This becomes a donation and will go a long way to helping us move towards a more stable financial base”, Alguire stated. Patrons who purchased tickets from the Roxy Box Office should contact them to make arrangements. Full refunds will be given on request. Early Bird subscribers who purchased tickets through the GTF Box Office will be contacted in the near future. “Our patrons have been very patient these past few months and we clearly appreciate their support. We are especially disappointed to have let down our new Owen Sound area supporters”.

The GTF administration office in Meaford has been closed and staff laid off. Messages can be left at the same phone number (519.538.3569) and calls will be returned.

The GTF is holding its annual general meeting at Knox Presbyterian Church in Meaford on Wednesday, May 30 at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

This article is cross-posted from www.geotheatre.org

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Written by adam · Filed Under Meaford, Community, Participation, theOwen 

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