The following Articles and Images have been added to the database
Until October 5, the Almonte Library Corridor Gallery presents paintings by Ottawa artist Nisha Nayar. Her work reflects a natural world viewed through a contemporary urban lens. With a playful eye and a light graphic quality, she draws from natural elements found in her surroundings, often using unusual materials on which to paint her whimsical and unique imagery.
“I am a self-taught artist who has been creating art since childhood. My work is inspired by my love for nature and the city around me. I enjoy spending time amongst the animals of the forest and the urban environment with its old structures and hidden alleyways. My work is reflective of this and a celebration of both. It is my mission to share my art with anyone who appreciates it, regardless of budget or background. I strongly believe that art should be accessible to everyone.”
Artwork and prints are available for purchase through the artist. Please visit <nishafoxink.com> for more details.
Are you an Almonte or Ottawa-area emerging artist looking for a space to show your work? Contact Melanie at <m.bruntwood@gmail.ca> for more details about the Corridor Gallery.
Recently, Studio Theatre hosted its annual volunteer appreciation gathering, offering a wonderful opportunity to celebrate community theatre and the friendships forged through volunteering.
Why not join our Studio Theatre team? Here are just a few reasons to consider.
Volunteering at your local community theatre is an incredibly fulfilling experience that offers a range of opportunities for individuals from all walks of life. Whether you have a passion for the arts, a talent for stagecraft, or simply a desire to give back to your community, there are numerous ways to get involved and make a meaningful impact.
You can contribute your expertise in lighting, sound, set design, or stage management to help create a memorable production. If you prefer to interact directly with the audience, consider volunteering as an usher, ticket seller, or concession stand attendant. These roles are crucial for ensuring that performances run smoothly and that patrons have an enjoyable experience from the moment they arrive.
In addition to the practical skills that volunteers can contribute, there is a strong sense of camaraderie and community that comes from being part of a theatre production. Volunteering offers the opportunity to form friendships and collaborate on a shared creative endeavour.
Moreover, volunteering in a community theatre can provide valuable personal and professional development opportunities. Whether you are a student looking to gain experience in the performing arts, a retiree seeking a way to share your expertise, or anyone in between, volunteering can offer a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Whether you have a few hours to spare or are looking for a long-term commitment, there are countless ways to get involved and make a significant contribution to your local theatre scene.
Studio Theatre always has a way for people to get involved, whether it’s contributing to our business and planning committees such as fundraising events, promotions, or sponsorships; working with our new youth players program; or learning and utilizing sound and lighting skills for films, concerts and plays. We have a place on our team for you!
Please email <volunteers@studiotheatreperth.com> or visit <studiotheatreperth.com/volunteers> for details.
The Board of Directors of the Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame is very pleased to announce the Inductees to be honoured in 2024. They include The Debenham Brothers, Rae Palmer, Eddie Francis, and Jennifer Johnston-Armstrong.
The 2024 Induction Ceremony will take place at its new time on Sunday, September 29 at 3pm at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe. Throughout the afternoon, you’ll be entertained by over twenty of the best artists and musicians our Ottawa Valley has to offer. They will be performing many of your all-time favourites. After the show, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and mingle with the 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees, current Hall of Fame Inductees, and many of your favourite Ottawa Valley country music artists.
Tickets are available from the Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe’s website at <meridian-centrepointe.com>, from the box office at 580–2700, toll free from 1–866–752–5231, or in person at the box office located at 101 Centrepointe Drive in Ottawa. Ticket prices for this extraordinary afternoon are just $50 per person.
I’m excited to share some fantastic news with our community — on Saturday, September 7 at 5pm, Ridge Rock Brewing Co. in Carp will be the place to be! I Am Kentucky and Northern Off Road Girls are teaming up to host a special fundraising event in support of the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre (DSYTC). This evening promises to be more than just a night out; it’s an opportunity for all of us to come together for a cause that deeply impacts our community.
The event will feature a full concert by I Am Kentucky, whose music is sure to get everyone on their feet. Alongside the live music there will be raffles and auctions, giving you the chance to win some amazing prizes donated by local businesses and supporters. Whether you’re there for the music, the chance to bid on unique items, or just to enjoy a night out with friends and family, this event has something for everyone. And, of course, you can enjoy Ridge Rock Brewing Co.’s great food and drinks throughout the night.
But this event is about more than just having fun — it’s about making a difference. By attending, you’ll be supporting the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre, a vital organization dedicated to helping young people in our community who are struggling with addiction and mental health challenges.
As the Vice President of Philanthropy at the DSYTC, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible work our team does every day. Since 1993, we’ve been providing addiction and mental health treatment to youth aged 13 to 21. What makes our centre so special is that our services are offered at no cost to the families, and no referral is needed. This means that any young person who needs help can receive it, regardless of their circumstances.
I’m also thrilled to share some exciting news about our ongoing Village of Hope Campaign. This campaign has been a monumental effort to raise funds needed to build a new treatment centre — a facility designed with purpose and hope in every corner. We are now in the final stretch of this campaign, and thanks to the incredible support of our community, youth have already moved into this beautiful new space.
The new facility is more than just a building; it’s a space that embodies the very essence of our mission. Every room, every piece of furniture, and every design choice has been made with the wellbeing of our youth in mind. It’s a place where they can feel safe, supported, and inspired to begin their journey toward recovery. The environment plays a crucial role in healing, and our new centre is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision.
The impact of this new facility is already being felt by the youth who now call it their temporary home. It’s a space that not only meets their needs but also uplifts their spirits, giving them the hope and encouragement they need to overcome their challenges. The Village of Hope Campaign has been a labour of love, and seeing youth thrive in this new environment has been incredibly rewarding for all involved.
We are so close to reaching our campaign goal, and events like the upcoming fundraiser at Ridge Rock Brewing Co. are essential in helping us cross the finish line. Your participation and support can make a significant difference as we work to ensure that this new facility can continue to serve our community for years to come.
I hope you’ll join us on September 7 for what promises to be an unforgettable night. It’s a chance to enjoy great music, connect with friends, and most importantly, support a cause that makes a real difference in our community. If you’re unable to attend, there are still ways to get involved—whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about the DSYTC and the important work we do.
Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to seeing you at Ridge Rock Brewing Co. as we come together to celebrate our community and help make a brighter future for our youth.
A few years ago on a desolate February day, I was thumbing through theHumm in the hopes of finding an event to budge myself out of a malaise.
Bingo! Ankaret Dean would be teaching a basketry workshop at MERA, a schoolhouse-turned-arts centre in McDonalds Corners. Soon after, on a snowy Saturday I found myself in a cozy room with others seeking not just a new skill, but community. We passed a pleasant afternoon chatting and weaving willow reeds. When it was time to go, new baskets in hand, we all felt a bit more tethered, connected.
Up until then, MERA was a place that I only went to for an occasional Sunday afternoon concert. Upon moving to the Perth area from Toronto close to forty years ago, my husband and I realized that we needed to broaden our musical tastes if we wanted to see live music. City living had offered plenty of options in our narrow slice of musical taste, but rural living offered a chance for our musical appreciation to grow. Going to a concert, any concert, is always a good thing. Add MERA’s kitchen party-like intermissions with baked treats, and it’s simply wonderful. Lanark County gold. Concerts are held, by the way, in the same room as the basketry workshop.
I remain a hermit in my art practice. I’ve always earned my living as a jeweller, and love the quiet world of my studio. Working with galleries across Canada and participating in local shows, studio tours and a craft cooperative provided plenty of interaction for decades. Like many artists, I have no desire to retire… but gradually I’ve narrowed the door on commerce and opened up time to paint. It can be lonesome at times, and although solitude still suits my artistic practice, when I do feel the need for community MERA is there to accept this erratic artist with open arms.
I’ve been welcomed into the cozy basement ceramic studio, celebrations of art and music, and ecstatic dance gatherings. On my way to these activities, I sometimes pause to chat with women working on a quilt together, listen to a recorder group practicing, or admire the artwork of homeschoolers. I still have the hermit tendencies, but can now say I have found a friendly spot, a place where likeminded people come and go, and gather.
I will be exhibiting my paintings, drawings and copper mobiles at MERA for the month of September. I invite everyone to the Meet the Artist event on Saturday, September 14 from 2–5pm.
Come on out to the friendly town of Almonte on September 7 and 8 for the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum’s 29th annual Fibrefest! The festival is a celebration of fibre arts — a fun homage to the textile industry’s lasting impact on the Valley. Taking place at two locations, the Almonte Community Centre and the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, admission to Fibrefest is $5 per day and grants access to both sites. Over 80 fantastic fibre vendors will be at the market, selling finished goods and textile supplies from across the province. With yarn, art and clothing, as well as demonstrations of spinning, knitting, felting and more, there’s something for everyone.
This year, there are more workshops than ever! This is your chance to roll up your sleeves and get felting, stitching or rug-hooking with talented artists. Workshops will be running from September 3 to 11 at both the Community Centre and the Museum. Registration fees for workshops include free admission to the festival. Advance registration is required, and some workshops may require that you bring your own supplies, so be sure to check out <mvtm.ca> and sign up early!
Alongside Fibrefest, a temporary exhibit entitled Woven by Hand: Contemporary Canadian Tapestries will be on display at the Textile Museum, curated by Thoma Ewen. The exhibit presents recent works designed and woven by a collective of outstanding Canadian tapestry artists. Recognized internationally, each artist has dedicated many decades to professional practice in this medium, and among the collective are winners of Canada’s prestigious Governor General’s Award. This year’s Fibrefest will be full of high-quality artistry and innovation in fibre arts! Beat the lines and get your tickets online.
Tickets to Fibrefest, as well as registration for workshops, are available at Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434). Register early for workshops, as several sell out in advance and some may require participants to bring materials.
Art… and Soul
Tony Belcourt’s life is an ongoing saga of fighting for Indigenous rights and improved relations among and between Indigenous peoples and their neighbours — the rest of us. At the tender age of 81 he continues to fight racism, prejudice and myths, and he is armed with a personality that exudes hope and optimism. He is a born salesman. Society should be grateful that he is an intrinsically good man dedicated to improving the world we share.
The Internet is replete with resources describing his extraordinary accomplishments, including an article by Humm editor Kris Riendeau in July of 2021. His Wikipedia biography states, “His career as a Métis leader in Canada spans four decades and continues to have a positive influence for Métis, other Aboriginal nations across Canada and Indigenous peoples worldwide… He is best known for his work as the founding president of the Métis Nation of Ontario in 1993 (he served as its president until his retirement in 2005) and his leadership through the Powley Case in 2003.” Tony is particularly pleased that he played an important role in the Supreme Court’s ruling that the Métis have a constitutionally protected Aboriginal right to hunt and fish for food. It is a fascinating story, and beautifully documented in a wonderful source I was unaware of at <thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/powley-case>.
Tony Belcourt’s honours are almost as numerous as his accomplishments. They include his investiture in 2013 as an Officer of the Order of Canada, an Honorary Doctorate from Lakehead University, Co-Chair of the Aboriginal Advisory Council at the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU), and many national and international awards recognising his work over four decades for the rights of Indigenous Peoples. The list at Wikipedia is too long to recount here, but I encourage you to learn more about this amazing member of our community.
Sept. 30: “Reconciliation Through Art”
Today Tony is a neighbour who lives in Almonte six months a year. He is a major contributor to the area’s efforts to reconcile the differences between the various views and opinions that cause friction among neighbours who identify with different cultures. In 2022 he contributed four courses on Indigenous topics via the Learning Again in Almonte Lecture Series, and he has helped to organize two “Buskers for Survivors” fundraising events. Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is September 30, and this year Belcourt is hard at work organizing a major arts event to coincide with the occasion. Appropriately titled “Reconciliation Through Art,” the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum in Almonte will feature art, storytelling, and performances by local and Indigenous artists from 10am to 8pm, along with a River Walk that starts at 8am.
An exhibition of art by local and Indigenous artists from across Ontario will be featured in the Museum’s Gallery — a sample of their artworks appears on this issue’s cover — and Indigenous educators, dancers and musicians will deliver workshops, presentations and storytelling throughout the day. As an added awareness component, Indigenous educators and storytellers will visit local schools throughout the day to deliver classroom presentations and share teachings and reflections.
One of the extraordinary participating artists, Christi Belcourt, is Tony’s daughter. And she really is following in her father’s footsteps. Two months ago she was invested into the Order of Canada, became the first Métis artist to have her work displayed at Rideau Hall, and was honoured by Canada Post with a postage stamp bearing her image. Her brother Shane is a filmmaker, and her sister Suzanne is a graphic designer.
Growing up as one of five kids in an impoverished Métis family in Lac Ste. Anne, Alberta, Tony wanted to study at the Alberta School of Art. Circumstances meant that he had to help his dad, who was working three jobs to support the family. Instead of a formal education, Tony has relied on his innate intelligence and insatiable drive to “finally be able to turn the corner on racism and prejudice against Indigenous peoples in this, our home and native land.”
Luck and Pluck and Extremely Hard Work
A personnel agency helped him get a job in sales, and his job selling Facit business machines got him off to a running start on mastering the art of persuasion. He was a fast study, and he credits several bosses with extraordinary mentoring generosity. Through his subsequent training with the Toronto Junior Board of Trade, he learned how to organize committees and became chairman of Edmonton’s Klondike Days in Toronto. The event was a huge success, and Belcourt and his wife moved to Edmonton where he got a job as Director of PR for the Edmonton Exhibition Association. A bizarre set of circumstances involving a huge gas explosion that attracted international press attention resulted in the Mayor of Edmonton insisting that Tony be hired as his Deputy PR Director.
Every time Belcourt joined an organization, he quickly became an executive and frequently ended up as Director or President. In Edmonton he got involved in the Métis community because people wouldn’t rent to newcomers due to racism. (Appallingly, Tony personally experienced that recently here in the Valley). By 1970 he was the VP of the Métis Association of Alberta. That led to cooperation among Métis associations from all four western provinces, and the establishment of a Native presence in Ottawa. They sent Tony. He was elected founding president of the Native Council of Canada in 1971.
The rest, as they say, is history. He has been the driving force behind policies and programs that have enriched the lives of Indigenous Peoples in the areas of housing and education. He is justifiably proud of the success in having Aboriginal Treaty Rights recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada in 2003 while he was President of the Métis Nation of Ontario. His accomplishments extend beyond Canada, with participation as Métis Nation Ambassador to the United Nations, the OAS, and the UN World Conference Against Racism.
Join In!
During our interview, Belcourt confirmed that his life’s ambition remains the same: “…reconciliation between Indigenous Peoples and others.” He knows that this can be accomplished “by removing the learned behaviours of racism and discrimination brought on by disinformation and ignorance… through education and transfer of knowledge.” September 30 provides a great opportunity to do so by joining Tony’s latest “Reconciliation Through Art” event at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum in Almonte <reconciliationthroughart.ca>.
The back of Tony’s Artist Trading Card provides convenient reference to many of the highly recommended resources mentioned above. And please join me in encouraging him to write his memoir — his life is an amazing and inspirational story!
P.S. Tony strongly recommends the outstanding Radical Stitches exhibition of Indigenous art on display at the National Gallery of Canada until September 30.
Artist Credits
Clockwise from the upper left, the images on our front cover were created by Patti Belanger, Amanda Pierce, Theresa Brant, Monica Loney, Jason Baerg, Christi Belcourt, and Pam Caillouz. The image on this page was created by Kristy Cameron.
Artist Trading Card
WHO Anthony (Tony) Belcourt
WHAT Lifelong advocate of Reconciliation among Indigenous Peoples and their neighbours, promoter of Indigenous art
WHERE <tonybelcourt209@gmail.com>; @belcourt43; <facebook.com/tonybelcourt43>; <thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/powley-case>
WHEN Sept. 30, Reconciliation Through Art, 10am to 8pm, with a River Walk and Offering to the Water at 8am, Mississippi Valley Textile Museum. Art Exhibition, Workshops and Storytelling, in commemoration of The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, <reconciliationthroughart.ca>. Tony will continue advocating for reconciliation until he can’t.
The Arnprior & District Humane Society (ADHS) is delighted to announce that our brand-new bottle shed is now open, with sincere gratitude to Thomas Cavanagh Construction, Arnprior Lions Club and many stalwart ADHS volunteers. You’ll find it right next to the shelter at 490 Didak Drive in Arnprior.
Collecting empties is one of our major year-round fundraising events. Money from empties goes directly to the wellbeing of animals in our care. We accept bottles and cans from beer, wine, liquor and coolers.
Our annual Walk-A-Thon fundraiser is all set for Saturday, September 21. It takes place at 490 Didak Drive, with registration at 11am and the walk beginning at noon. Join us for a fun and furry fundraiser! Please visit <arnpriorhumanesociety.ca> or our Facebook page for full details.
We are also recruiting volunteers to help in any capacity. Specifically, we hope to attract a very special person with financial and HR experience. Please visit <arnpriorhumanesociety.ca> for more information.
In the winter of 2023, Andrew Michelin, the talented singer-songwriter behind The All Canadian Soundclash, received an unexpected yet thrilling invitation. Dean Miller, a renowned Nashville record producer known for working with legends like Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson, had stumbled upon the band’s 2021 album, Better Late Than Never. Impressed by Michelin’s songwriting prowess, Miller reached out, expressing a keen interest in collaborating. He invited Michelin to Nashville, Tennessee, to record at the iconic Sound Emporium, a studio with a rich history that has seen the likes of Taylor Swift, Johnny Cash and R.E.M.
By the summer of 2024, Michelin found himself on Nashville’s Music Row, stepping into the historic Sound Emporium studio. The experience was undoubtedly surreal, as he was about to record in the same space where countless musical legends had created their masterpieces. This moment marked the beginning of a new chapter for The All Canadian Soundclash, a project that has always been rooted in a “less is more” philosophy, emphasizing quality songwriting and live performance.
Michelin, hailing from Arnprior, has always been dedicated to crafting original indie folk and alternative rock music. His approach is inspired by the melodic traditions of The Beatles, focusing on structured compositions and catchy pop hooks. This dedication to both craftsmanship and accessibility is what makes his music resonate with listeners who appreciate well-crafted melodies and memorable performances.
The result of the Nashville sessions is The All Canadian Soundclash’s third release, a four-song EP titled Nashville. The first single from this EP, Tired, is particularly close to Michelin’s heart. It’s a deeply personal and emotional song, born out of a tragic event in his life. The haunting piano intro, combined with Michelin’s melancholic vocals, sets a poignant and introspective tone. The song explores themes of loss and grief, stemming from a drunk driving incident that claimed the life of a close friend. The transition from a lonely piano to a full folk rock band performance intensifies the emotional impact, making Tired a powerful tribute that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on listeners.
Fans won’t have to wait long to experience the full impact of Nashville. The EP is set to drop on September 11 across all online platforms, offering a new collection of songs that showcase Michelin’s continued growth as a songwriter. Additionally, a live concert at Toronto’s legendary Horseshoe Tavern is scheduled for one night only on November 13, promising an unforgettable evening for fans eager to see The All Canadian Soundclash perform live.
For those who can’t wait for the official release, the music video for Tired and a mini-documentary detailing the recording process are already available for streaming online. These behind-the-scenes glimpses offer fans a sneak peek into the creative journey that brought this EP to life, building anticipation for what promises to be a significant release in Michelin’s career.
As The All Canadian Soundclash continues to evolve, Andrew Michelin’s dedication to songwriting and live performance remains at the core of his music. With Nashville, he not only honours the traditions of the past but also carves out his own space in the ever-evolving landscape of indie music.
The Carleton Place Gallery is excited to continue their Art House Music Series with hosts Mel and Don Bray of Carleton Place. Immerse yourself in a fantastic evening as music and art collide, featuring top musicians and artists from surrounding areas.
The concert on September 5 features Lynne Hanson. Winner of two Canadian Folk Music Awards, Hanson is known for her high energy, roots guitar-driven performances. Too tough for folk and too blues-influence for country, Lynne’s brand of porch music with a little red dirt can turn on a dime from a sunshiny blue-sky ballad to a full-on thunderstorm of gritty Americana swamp from one song to the next.
October 3 brings Ambre McLean to town. Ambre is a Canadian-born singer-songwriter currently based in Smiths Falls. She is known for her live performances, versatile and distinct singing voice, cross-genre songwriting style and use of live looping technology. Since 2000, McLean has released over 12 albums, both in bands and independently. While her multi-instrumental approach and compelling songwriting set the stage, it’s Ambre’s unique and captivating voice that truly steps into the spotlight. She creates soundscapes that seem to wash over you and swallow you whole.
Concerts start at 7pm (doors open at 6:30), and tickets are available from Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434). Seating is limited, so don’t delay.
Show your e-ticket at Stalwart Brewing Company (around the corner at 10 High Street) between 5–6pm on concert night for a free half-pint. Local tastes will be sold at the gallery before each concert.
Hey vendors — here is your chance to participate in a one-of-a-kind artisan and artist sale for the festive season! Let’s encourage people to look at original pieces of art/crafts as affordable and within everyone’s reach at this time of year. Arts Carleton Place is seeking 45 vendors for their annual Itty Bitty Artisan and Artist Sale who produce original small paintings (in all media), fibre art, photographs, jewellery, pottery, blown glass, fused glass or works of wood or metal as well as books or other original creative pieces.
Taking place on November 16 and 17, this event will be cross promoted with others in the region to draw in as many visitors as possible. Signage will be displayed throughout the region in selected areas within 50 km of Carleton Place. There is plenty of free parking for visitors. A wide variety of promotional activities will be undertaken in the hopes of reaching 3,000 visitors.
All works must be priced no higher than $200, but there is no size limit. Vendor acceptance is on a first-come, first-served basis with some potential category limits to ensure vendor balance and optimal buyer choice.
Please register by midnight on September 15. Your application is deemed complete when both the registration form and full payment have been received. Only electronic registrations and prepayment of booth fees will be accepted. The registration form, as well as more details, can be found at <artscarletonplace.com> in the members only tab. Please include two vibrant images of your work for use in the publicity campaign.
This show is presented by Arts Carleton Place and the Town of Carleton Place. You must be a member of Arts Carleton Place in good standing to participate. If you are not currently a member, please send in your membership form and dues.
The show coordinator, Suzanne Deschênes, can be reached at <smdeschenes1951@gmail.com> if you have any questions.
Embark on a fascinating journey to discover the heritage of Beckwith Township through a guided tour presented by the Beckwith Heritage Committee in partnership with the Lanark County Genealogical Society. The tour takes place on Saturday, September 28 from 9:30am to 3:30pm and includes a BBQ lunch catered by Leatherworks Catering. Explore various sites and soak up the history along the way!
In Ashton, the tour stops at the famous Ashton Pub and Brewing Company. Rumored to be haunted, the hamlet also boasts the Ashton General Store, early churches, stories of Iceland’s First Lady and more, including insights into the village’s past during the California Gold Rush.
Delve into the history of the former Prospect Hotel and learn about the significance of Oronhyatekha, a Mohawk Indigenous People, in a key meeting. Explore Kerfoot lands, the Prospect Methodist Church and the local school, among other intriguing spots.
Known as the Lilac Capital of Ontario, you’ll hear from local historian Cora Nolan about the rich history of the village of Franktown and its surroundings.
In Gillies Corners, the tour will explore the historical site situated along the settlers’ initial route connecting Ottawa and Perth, where Archibald Gillies ran a licensed inn during the 1830s.
Locations further afield encompass Tennyson and the lands once possessed by the Hon. Roderick Matheson, a pioneer senator of the Dominion, as well as a historic private cemetery. By the shores of the majestic Mississippi Lake, the tour will uncover the vibrant local history of the Algonquin People.
Tickets are $40 each, available at the Beckwith Township office (257–1539) or through the Lanark County Genealogical Society website <lanarkgenealogy.com>. They will be sold until September 20. The Tour starts at the Beckwith Park Arena, located at 2022 Beckwith Park Lane in Carleton Place.
On the hottest day in August, I enjoyed lunch with a friend, spent the afternoon reading in the shade on the deck, and thought everything was right with the world. Late in the afternoon, the coolness of the hot tub beckoned.
In the interests of modesty, I pulled on my swimsuit, and WOW!! I was instantly on fire! I was stung — not once, but several times — where no one should ever be stung. I was yelling and moaning as I whipped off my swimsuit, all the while frantic with pain. I grabbed the bluing bottle (see photo, more on this later) and doused myself until it looked like a Smurf had exploded in my underwear. I shook the suit out thoroughly, cursing the wasps as I did it, and declared I was still bound for the hot tub, if for nothing else but to relieve the sting. The last thing I wanted was to go to Emergency and have these stings dealt with by medical people. That would have been the ultimate embarrassment!
I once again pulled on the swimsuit, now minus the wasp, and headed for the hot tub. NO, it couldn’t be!! The darn thing was still in there, and it got my hip twice. Once again, off with the suit, now a soggy mess from being in the hot tub. I leapt out, dripping water everywhere, the dogs barking, Alan commiserating, all hell breaking loose, and me stark naked but for a small towel, running around like a crazy woman. Once again with the bluing, and now for sure I was Smurf material.
That wasp was not escaping me. I threw the suit in a bucket of boiling water, and indeed there was the little hellion right in the crotch of my suit. Not for long! Very dead!! I couldn’t think of using that swimsuit again, and it went straight into the garbage, wasp and all.
Now, you’re thinking that’s the end of the story. With the stings subsiding the following day, I took to weeding the rocks around the pond. Wham! I was stung again by wasps nesting in the rockery. Gloves and clippers went flying, and I raced for the house, yelling my head off. Again with the bluing!
Done? Not yet! Not a week later, I was mowing and got too close to a rotting stump when out came the wasps straight for me. Mower was abandoned, and with wasps in angry hot pursuit I tore to the house and my faithful friend, Mrs. Stuart. So here I am with my wrists, my elbow, both arms, and nether regions all blue-blotchy. I look like I’ve been attacked by a very bad tattoo artist.
(Okay, you can laugh now, but by golly, at the time it wasn’t funny!)
Here’s the thing about Mrs. Stuart’s bluing. Bluing had many uses, from brightening laundry to being ink for classrooms in the olden days. I think I got that bottle as a wedding shower gift in the 1960’s and it’s been used many times. You don’t need much. It’s totally painless, not like alcohol or peroxide, and it relieves the sting instantly and controls swelling. Sure, it stains your skin and leads to weird stares for a couple of days, but it works. Kids love it — the badge of courage after a sting — and I wouldn’t be without it. You won’t find it in grocery or drug stores, or even the hardware store, but good old Amazon has it in several sizes. Pooh-pooh it if you will. It’s an ancient home remedy that works wonders. And if you need to whiten those towels, bluing will do it for you.
Back to the wasp war. My last line of defence is a good offence: a very large spray can of Wasp and Hornet Killer. This stuff is the answer. You have to know where the nest is, and then sneak up on it under cover of darkness, and from a healthy distance, spray the heck out of that thing. As long as it’s dark you’ll be relatively safe, but believe me, you cannot outrun wasps, so make sure you’ve got a good escape route and that it’s truly dark before you attempt this. The satisfaction of seeing the ruination the next morning is worth it. There’ll be bodies, sections of nest material, and the end of that episode.
What I’ve taken away from all this misery is a curse I’ll save for a very aggravating person: “May wasps hide in your swimsuit”. I’ll never use it on you, so you’re safe.
September is Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) month, and September 18 is BBBS Day. In Lanark County, the local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency will be “turning it teal” to bring awareness to the power of mentoring.
Communities throughout the County will be adding a touch of teal to their local landmarks during the week of September 15–21 in honour of this local agency and its important programs. In addition, local governments will be naming September “Big Brothers Big Sisters Month”. This awareness campaign is to amplify the need for volunteers to help ignite the potential of local children and youth through mentoring.
Mentorship is about connection. It’s about consistency and building healthy relationships that last. Mentorship is about helping each other learn and grow and find magic within ourselves to unlock our full potential. If you are a mentor, the rewards for you are endless. And for your mentee, the benefits are measurable.
There is scientific research explaining both why mentorship works, and how significantly it changes lives. When you mentor a young person, you’re providing them with a stable, healthy, committed relationship with an adult. Research shows that this type of relationship can protect a child from the effects of toxic stress experienced when living with childhood adversities.
Neuroscience tells us that these nurturing, caring relationships help buffer the impact of adversities on a child’s developing brain. It also tells us that resilient children and youth grow to be happier, healthier adults. When you become a mentor, what you’re really doing is helping a child access their resilience, directly improving their life.
According to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, you’re also helping prevent negative health complications in adulthood such depression, anxiety, violent behaviors and substance problems.
There are almost 50 children and youth in Lanark County waiting to have a mentor in their life. For information about how you can be matched with one of these incredible young people, please reach out to <cliff.woods@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca> or call 283–0570.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County does not receive sustainable ongoing government funding. Fundraisers help cover the cost of trained social service workers that oversee the agency’s mentoring programs.
On Thursday, September 19 they will be hosting the annual Purse Event Auction at the Perth Civitan. There are still a few tickets left for this event that can be purchased online by visiting <lanark.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/event/the-purse-event-auction>. More information about the event and some sneak peeks at some of the brand-named purses up for auction can be viewed on Facebook @thepurseevent.
The Artists and Artisans of North Frontenac Township are excited to present the 11th annual Back Roads Studio tour. Always held on the last weekend in September, this year it will take place on Saturday the 28th and Sunday the 29th from 10am to 4pm each day. Studios will be open throughout the whole of the Township, located west of Perth, north of Sharbot Lake, and east of Cloyne.
This year there will be more artists and stops on the tour than ever, with 24 exhibitors in 16 different studios. As always, there will be a tremendous number and variety of artworks to explore and enjoy, and all work is handmade by the exhibitors. About half the artists are painters and photographers, as one expects on a studio tour, but many other artisanal talents are also on display. Artists working with wood, with fabric of various kinds and materials such as glass and beads, join jewellery makers, potters, and even a cheese maker to provide a tour with something to interest everyone.
Back Roads takes place when the fall colours will be making the beautiful landscape of hills, lakes and rivers especially spectacular. Some studios are located on interesting locations off the highway, providing the opportunity to explore out-of-the-way roads with their particular beauties and surprises. Clusters of artists are to be found in the Ompah and the Plevna Community Halls. Many others are located along county roads for easy access to the public.
For a map of the tour, as well as information on each of the artists exhibiting, go to <northfrontenacbackroadsstudiotour.com>. This will also show washrooms available to tour-goers, and locations to get a snack or a meal. Plan to spend a very enjoyable day or two exploring North Frontenac Township and many of its talented artists!
The Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum has some great events coming up this fall!
On September 7 and 8, the public is welcome to join the fun and admire artists at work as they vie for the title of Rideau Artist of the Year. The plein-air painting will take place from 9am to 4pm each day along the Rideau Canal Corridor, from Combined Locks to Detached Locks.
And from September 18 through to November 2, artwork created at the above event will be displayed at Artisan Village at the Falls <artisanvillagesmithsfalls.com>. Visitors are welcome to view the Rideau Artist of the Year Showcase during their hours of operation.
Then on Sunday, September 29 at 2pm, the museum will be host “Come Together: A Panel on RCA Victor and Beatlemania in Smiths Falls”. This panel discussion will celebrate and reflect on the importance of the manufacturing of Beatles records in Smiths Falls for the North American market. The event will take place at the Station Theatre, and coincides with the Beatlemania exhibit currently on display at the museum.
Introductions and discussions will be moderated, and after a short break there will be a moderated discussion between panel members and the audience. Find out what it was like to work at the RCA Victor plant or CJET, ask any Beatles-related questions, and listen to some great anecdotes and stories. Panel members will include Piers Hemmingsen, a researcher/writer specializing in the Beatles, as well as radio personalities Stu Paterson and Jack Thompson.
This event will be admission by donation at the door and seats are limited. Reserve your tickets by visiting <eventbrite.ca>.
The theme of the 2024 Middleville Fair is “Goats”. I love the simplicity of that theme. It evokes country, it evokes the spirit of local rural folks, it connects me with my roots. Having grown up on a dairy farm in southwestern Ontario and having shown my Holstein heifer at the local fall fair as a 4-H club member, I take a special interest in what the farm kids are going through at fair time. I have been intrigued by the sheep shows at the Middleville Fair — those docile creatures seem so much more trainable than my stubborn Holstein ever was!
For insight into the psyche of goats, I had a conversation with Baker Bob, whose wife Margie happens to have four pet goats. His observation was that goats are very independent thinkers who believe fervently that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
The Middleville Fair is very much a traditional agricultural-based fair. The President’s Message notes that the “fair provides education and appreciation for the rural agricultural lifestyle to our community and visitors”. Highlights include displays of heritage machinery and demonstrations of their operation, live entertainment, homemade lunch and a turkey dinner (always a highlight for me!), a food booth, games and activities for young and old, as well as horticulture, homecraft, woodworking and antique competitions. Gates open at 10am on Saturday, September 21. Admission is $5 with children six and under getting in free.
The Almonte Fair is now held in early September. This year’s theme is “Everything Old is New Again”. The fair runs from 2–10pm on Friday, September 6, from 9am to 10pm on Saturday September 7 (Gate 2 will open at 8am for livestock); and from 10am to 5pm on Sunday, September 8. Admission is $30 for all ages, except for children shorter than 36 inches, who get in free. Admission includes all shows, entertainment and midway rides.
The Almonte Fair features a wide range of attractions and events, including livestock exhibits, horse shows, a midway with rides and games, live entertainment, and a variety of food vendors. Also available are educational programming for children and adults, providing opportunities to learn more about agriculture, horticulture, and other related topics.
Got some energy left after visiting the fair? Head on over to the 29th annual Almonte Fibrefest. No, this is not a celebration of Bran Flakes. It is a fantastic celebration of the fibre arts that takes place on September 7 and 8. Local guilds demonstrate spinning, knitting, weaving, rug hooking, lacemaking, smocking and quilting. Finished fibre goods and other textile-related supplies from across the province will be available. For more details, check out the website of the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum <mvtm.ca>, or grab your tickets from Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434).
One of the largest fairs in our area is the Carp Fair. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Our Best”, and the fair takes place from September 26–29. The fair aims to acknowledge what characterizes us as a community by being a platform for local artisans, farmers and businesses to showcase their work during a weekend full of family fun, great music and amazing shows. Highlights for me are the many displays of operating antique machinery and the Heavy Horse shows. For more information, visit <carpfair.ca>.
Most Fall Fairs are run by Agricultural Societies. For example, the Almonte Fair is run by the North Lanark Agricultural Society, and the Middleville Fair by the Middleville Agricultural Society.
In Ontario, Agricultural Societies are governed by the Agricultural and Horticultural Organizations Act, which established the Ontario Agricultural Fairs Association (OAAS). It represents over 210 agricultural societies across the province and is governed by a home-craft director and an agricultural director from each of the fifteen districts in the province. Its mission is to act as a resource and a united voice for its members by providing leadership through education and communication to encourage them to promote agriculture and a rural way of life in Ontario. Many Agricultural Societies have a close working relationship with Horticultural Societies.
Agricultural societies are seen as being community organizations mandated with preserving and celebrating the rural way of life in Ontario. To maintain their status under the Act, they must provide the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) with an annual return. In that return they must show how they encouraged interest and improvement in agriculture.
An annual Fall Fair is a major activity for Agricultural Societies. Each fair is different, and to guarantee their survival they must attract paying customers. Many fairs place more and more reliance on demolition derbies, tractor pulls, midways, beer tents and big-name entertainers to pull in customers. Others try to stay closer to their mandate and roots emphasizing local agriculture, activities of 4-H members, antique shows featuring farm equipment from early farm days, horse shows, flower and vegetable shows and educational activities for young visitors. There is a lot of choice, and there are many fairs within easy driving distance. See you at the fair!
Get ready to read and write your way through the Fall with Almonte Readers & Writers (ARW)! From September through November, ARW is offering a wide variety of activities for all sorts of literary lovers.
Coming up on September 15, join Almonte’s Joey Graff for a two-hour Art of Writing workshop titled Stop, Drop, and Write. Designed to ignite your imagination and release the stories that live inside you, this is a great opportunity to kick-start your creativity as we wrap up summer and head into the cooler months of the calendar. Intended for writers of all ages and levels of experience, pre-registration is required. Space is limited, so visit the ARW website to sign-up today.
Back by popular demand for a third round, the ARW Open Mic night hits OVC Almonte once again on September 19 from 7–9pm. Join us for another charmed evening of your favourite local authors sharing some literary good times. Come on out, bring a poem or short story to share, or simply sit and listen.
Rounding out the month, on September 28 you are invited to join the Almonte Writers Guild and ARW for a full-day writing retreat at Union Hall. Then on September 30, ARW’s LANARK LIT writing competition submission deadline drops! Open to short works of fiction on any subject, by local writers of all ages hailing from Almonte, Carleton Place, Pakenham, Perth, Smith Falls, Arnprior, Carp, Westport, Merrickville and all areas in between, winners will each receive a prize of $200! If you have an old (or new) short story kicking around, submit it! Full competition guidelines and submission requirements are available on the Almonte Readers & Writers website.
Looking ahead, on October 7 the Almonte Writers Guild and ARW invite you to join their Writing Craft Book Club as they dig into “Self-Editing for Fiction Writers” by Renni Browne and Dave King. All are welcome! And if this sounds interesting, you won’t want to miss a chance to further advance your skills in refining your own stories by joining author/editor/librarian Sarah Reside on October 19 for her ARW Art of Writing workshop on self-editing.
Meanwhile, beginning on October 8 and running through October 29, dig deep into the dynamic and brilliant world of Children’s Literature by joining ARW’s Creative Writing Circle led by indie author, illustrator and picture book-maker Melissa Baker Nguyen. This four-week course will cover how to begin writing and/or illustrating a children’s book. Note that all workshops/courses require pre-registration as space is limited. Visit the ARW website to sign-up today!
On October 24, ARW is thrilled to be back with another in their delve — in close conversations with writers series, this time featuring an in-depth conversation about the portrayal of disability in writing and theatre with the wonderful Kim Kilpatrick and Emily Pearlman, as well as a storytelling performance by Kilpatrick that you won’t want to miss. And looking ahead to November, ARW is excited to bring together two authors for a delve event on November 13 focused on the compelling subject of romantic literature, diving deep into the particulars of writing romance stories that span genres, with Emily Ling (pen name Hypatia Rae) and Rose Graceling Moore.
And last but not at all least, ARW welcomes the accomplished writer and publisher Claudia Radmore to teach a workshop on the art of haiku poetry on November 23. With all this, not to mention their monthly write-ins presented in partnership with the Almonte Writers Guild, ARW is ready to fall into more reading and writing, and hopes you’ll join in too!
About Almonte Readers & Writers
ARW is a non-profit organization presenting literary events and programs to audiences in beautiful Mississippi Mills. ARW gratefully acknowledges the 2024 funding support of the Municipality of Mississippi Mills, the Elizabeth Kelly Foundation, and the community support of the Mississippi Mills Public Library, Almonte Writers Guild, Mississippi Mills Youth Centre, Equator Coffee Almonte, OVC Almonte, and community patron partner Mill Street Books. Visit <almontereadersandwriters.org> for more information on all things ARW, and join their mailing list to receive regular bulletins and memos about upcoming programming and events.
A modern indie folk trio from Newfoundland, The Once have collected a trio of Canadian Folk Music Awards, numerous ECMA awards, and were named Artist of the Year by the Newfoundland & Labrador Arts Council. They have earned not one, but two JUNO nominations for Roots Album of the Year, and continue to take their music around the world.
With the release of 2024’s Out Here, The Once have delivered a thoughtful and playful assembly of songs mingling their musical roots from Newfoundland along with folk, bluegrass, country, Americana and modern indie rock. Members Geraldine Hollett, Andrew Dale and Phil Churchill have created a sound representative of their home province of Newfoundland while pushing the boundaries on the great Canadian songbook with their soothing vocal harmony and acoustically rich core.
Lyrically, The Once’s newest collection of songs encompasses an arresting sense of loss with the belief that the good can be found in all people, and a desire to bring it out here for everyone to enjoy. A ray of hope in a confusing time. A port in a storm. A provocation with a grin.
This material is soaked with the poetic charm and sunny sadness of the trio’s collective disposition. Written across Newfoundland and recorded in the band’s GingerBeard House studio, the band took their time creating this record. “Sometimes music takes a while to flow,” explains Geraldine Hollett. “If you don’t panic and instead surround yourself with people who love you that you can trust, magic can happen.”
“Anytime anyone felt stressed, we took a walk, a nap, or made a meal together. We let it all come easy. No stress. No ego. No space for negativity. Just love and care. Soon enough, negativity gave up and went elsewhere,” Geraldine adds. After eight records over 15 years “it was amazing. We have finally found the love of the process.”
The first single, Oh You, was written in the Gros Morne mountains. “A place where you can catch all the stars looking down on us looking up and wishing on them,” Phil Churchill reminisces about the experience. Oh You is a lilting song of resiliency featuring the lush vocal harmonies fans of The Once have been drawn to for almost twenty years.
The group formed in the tiny ex-fishing village of Trinity, Newfoundland and “the once” means “imminently, but not necessarily so” in local vernacular. “We wanted something that would embody who we are, where we’re from, and would elicit a smirk and a nod amongst Newfoundlanders back home, but would forever require an explanation literally anywhere elsewhere,” Andrew Dale offers. It is a story well worth explaining.
Tickets for the evening performance of The Once are $45 and available for purchase online at <farmgatecider.ca> or at the Farmgate Tasting Room (open Wednesday through Sunday from 12–5pm). The show takes place on September 19 in the beautiful heritage barn at 4547 Mohrs Road (between Kinburn and Galetta) and starts at 7pm. Arrive early, if you like, to sip a cider on the front porch before the show begins or to enjoy during the concert.
On Saturday, September 14 from 2–8pm, come to the picturesque village of Appleton and enjoy an outdoor concert featuring an amazing lineup of talented and entertaining musicians.
The festival will feature celebrated singer/songwriter Ian Tamblyn, the Latin-Andean fusion of Colores Andinos, the lively Franco-Ontarian band Monette accompanied by George Turcotte, the vocals and guitar work of singer/songwriter Jamie Campbell, the engaging performances of Chris White with fiddler Erin Okrainec, and the lovely harmonies of Soul Meadows.
This event is a fundraiser for the Community Ascent Network, a Canadian registered charity that was founded by local resident Simon Cretien. All proceeds will go to support youth education in the remote Indigenous village of Piñán, Ecuador. You can learn more about this education project at <communityascent.com>.
Tickets are $50, which includes a BBQ dinner (sausage on a bun, baked beans, salad and beverage from Perth Brewery). Tickets can be ordered through Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434).
Space is very limited so don’t be disappointed — get your tickets soon!
The festival takes place in our forested backyard. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the lively music of these talented musicians in this intimate setting. There will be canopies in case of rain, and washroom facilities will be available on-site. Come have fun while contributing to a worthwhile cause!
For more information, please contact Adrian Baker <appletonstudio@gmail.com>.
About the Performers
Ian Tamblyn is a Canadian folk music singer-songwriter, record producer, adventurer and playwright. He has recorded over forty albums, and his songs have been covered by numerous artists. He has won many awards and nominations for his songwriting and theatre film tracks, including a JUNO award. Ian is an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Colores Andinos is an original musical exploration of Latin-Andean fusion. Its members come from Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Peru and Canada. Colores Andinos has captivated audiences with its energy, talent and art, playing more than twenty wind, string and percussion instruments from modern and traditional Latin American heritage.
Monette is a francophone artist from northern Ontario. He has produced four CDs and has performed at many francophone and bilingual festivals in Canada. Monette’s songs are inspired by stories rooted in Franco-Ontarian history or in the simplicity of everyday life. Monette will be accompanied by Elodie Monette-Dugas on bass and by talented multi-instrumentalist George Turcotte.
Vocals and guitarwork fire the songs that Jamie Campbell performs. He has played Blue Skies, Summerfolk, Stewart Park, Ottawa, Mariposa, Hillside, Skeleton Park and Amherst Island Folk Festivals. Jamie was a member of the Roch Voisine touring band. Currently he is in a touring production of the James Taylor/Carole King show, You’ve Got A Friend.
Chris White is a co-founder of the Ottawa Folk Festival and the well-known host of the long-running CKCU radio program Canadian Spaces. He writes and performs songs that are sometimes humorous, sometimes touching, and always engaging, and is known for getting audiences to sing along. Chris will be accompanied by fiddler Erin Okrainec.
Soul Meadows brings a passion for storytelling through mesmerizing harmonies and heartfelt lyrics, crafting a sound that mixes raw energy with intimacy. This is music for the soul.
It’s time to sort through summer reading material, both paperback and hard cover, and send those books to the Friends of the Mississippi Mills Public Library (FoMMPL) for their gigantic book sale in October. The Friends will accept donations from October 1–17 at the Rexall Mall on Ottawa Street in Almonte.
Please be kind though. Don’t bring magazines, textbooks, reference books, damaged kids’ books or anything outdated, dusty, moldy, torn or marked… you get the picture. At the donation site there is a list of unacceptable items, and even though it might have been a favourite of the donor, it may not be eligible for the sale.
The Friends, who are all volunteers, sort thousands of books for this sale to make it a quality buying experience over two weekends, and donors can give them a hand by not sneaking in those unwanted items. If you wouldn’t buy it, please don’t bring it.
The book sale will be held October 18, 19, 20, 25 and 26 with fantastic books donated by avid readers. It’ll be your opportunity to load up on good books already enjoyed and passed along for others’ pleasure. Proceeds will helps the Friends support great programming at our local libraries!
TheOccurrence, Canada’s only jigsaw puzzle factory/gallery/store, is proud to announce the launch of its newest jigsaw puzzle — The Village of Merrickville. Perhaps not coincidentally, TheOccurrence <theoccurrence.ca> is located in Merrickville!
Multi-media artist Alice Hinther is known internationally for her extra-sassy greeting cards (Canada, USA, Europe, Australia) and folk-art paintings. Her work is infused with artistry, the quiet parts said out loud, and unfettered joy.
If you’ve ever imagined falling into a painting where everything is just right, The Village of Merrickville is the magic carpet ride you need to take (please don’t drink and fly). Additionally, if you want to laugh so hard that the ‘tears run down your legs’, check out her greeting cards at <alicehintherdesign.com>.
On September 14 from 10am to 2pm, Alice will be at TheOccurrence for the launch of her newest design and will be available to sign boxes and give a short artist talk.
Made in Ontario
TheOccurrence is a 100% locally owned and operated jigsaw puzzle manufacturing company located in Merrickville. Because they do all the design, printing, boxing, gluing, and cutting on-site, they qualify for the Canadian and Ontario Made designation and are proud to have that on their boxes! If you have any questions, please contact Brigitte Gall at <brigitte@theoccurrence.ca>, or at 269–4040.
Marcy (not her real name) has been caring for her elderly grandmother, weathering the ups and downs that go with watching a loved one gradually lose their capacity for independent living and self-care. Since taking on the primary responsibilities of seeing that her grandmother has nutritious meals, weekly bathing, transportation to her medical appointments, and home maintenance, Marcy has changed too. She is feeling noticeably stressed and trapped in a treadmill of routines. She is burning out.
Does this sound familiar to you? Marcy is one of Ontario’s over four million caregivers; ordinary people who provide physical and emotional support to a family member, partner, friend or neighbour. Frequently, responsibilities stem from multiple caregiver roles, such that people like Marcy are pressured from all sides. How can you predict when the stress will swamp you? What should you do when you observe signs of caregiver burnout?
Signs of caregiver fatigue or burnout include:
Difficulty sleeping despite feeling exhausted; waking earlier than normal
Weight change and/or changes in appetite
Loss of joy and pleasure in activities that previously were of interest
Changes in mood including short temper, pervasive sadness, irritation, crying
Physical discomforts including headaches, digestive disturbances, back pain
Lack of energy, fatigue, loss of motivation
Inability to relax or concentrate
Difficulty organizing, feeling “scattered,” being forgetful
Without reaching out for help in a timely manner, any of the above can lead to further deterioration in mental health and ability to function. While it makes sense to care for ourselves so that we are able to support others, we often feel there is no time to manage all the tasks required of us, let alone take time for self-care. We may vacillate between feeling strong and proud of our contributions, to feeling stressed and out of control, guilty about not being “good enough,” or resentful about the situation.
What can you do to reduce tension?
Self-care can look different to everyone. You may find that time is very limited, and stress needs to be managed frequently in small intervals of time throughout the day.
Micro Moments
When you only have mere moments to de-stress, try one or more of the following:
“Box breathe”—inhale to the count of 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and pause for 4. Repeat 10 times
Play music while driving or doing tasks
Be mindful and grateful for little things
Practice Face Yoga
Breathe fresh air outside or by a window
Self-care Minutes
When you have less than 30 minutes, try to:
Walk around the block or in a garden
Call a good listener; say “yes” to offers to help, being specific about what you need
Treat yourself to a favourite nutritious snack/meal
Take a warm bath or shower using a favourite fragrance
Meditate or pray in a quiet room
Take a power nap in a place of comfort and warmth
Keep a journal or log of your thoughts; “doodle” with coloured pens
Enjoy a cup of herbal tea or a cool beverage
When you still find yourself with residual stress despite taking brief breaks or even engaging in short respites from caregiving, it is time to reach out for support and help. Do not wait until you are in crisis! Examples of resources include:
Home Hospice North Lanark (HHNL) for navigational assistance and information about services; <info@hhnl.ca>; 406–7020 or 343–262–0902.
The Ontario Caregiver Organization has multiple resources and services; 1–833–416–2273; <ontario-caregiver.ca>.
Join a caregiver support group. Visit <hhnl.ca/public-education-events> for details.
Make an appointment with your medical professional for advice and counselling.
Climate Network Lanark (CNL) is busier than ever uniting residents and businesses across Lanark County and Smiths Falls to act on the climate crisis. Our seminars and workshops are drawing hundreds of participants, eager to learn, collaborate, and yes — act — on practical strategies to reduce carbon emissions, conserve nature, and enhance community resilience against extreme weather. As interest in our projects continues to surge, CNL is actively recruiting additional staff to support the exciting expansion opportunities ahead of us.
General Manager Position
We are now accepting applications for the role of General Manager. We seek a forward-thinking, passionate and results-oriented leader to help CNL grow and respond to the increasing interest in our programs. For full details and to apply, visit <climate-networklanark.ca>, click on “About Us” and then on “Careers”. The deadline to submit a cover letter with résumé/CV is Tuesday, September 10.
Climate Concierge Program Expansion
We will soon be hiring additional part-time staff (and registering homeowners) for our expanding Neighbourhood Climate Concierge program. This innovative program assists homeowners and small businesses in improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We will be looking for candidates with strong community-building and customer relationship skills, as well as expert knowledge in building construction, renovation, energy efficiency, and green retrofitting technologies. Interested candidates are encouraged to learn about Neighbourhood Climate Concierge under “Initiatives” on our website, and to check the “Careers” section regularly for the position posting.
Volunteer Opportunities
We are also seeking volunteers to assist with fundraising, live events, and social media content creation, and to fill two Board positions. If you live in Lanark County or Smiths Falls, care about climate change, and believe in the power of local solutions, we want to hear from you! Visit our website under “Ways to Get Involved” and click the “Become a Volunteer” button. We’ll be in touch! And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter through our website at <climatenetworklanark.ca>
Electrify Lanark Workshops
Our fall schedule is coming up fast, with the final three workshops of our popular Electrify Lanark series. These workshops are free, and they fill up quickly. Reserve your seat at <climatenetworklanark.ticketsplease.ca>.
On Thursday, September 19, learn all about Heat Pumps from 5–7pm at the new Beckwith Town Hall, the first net-zero municipal building in Ontario (and of course it uses heat pumps).
Then on Thursday, September 26, come to the Carleton Place Arena at 7pm for a workshop on Home Resiliency. Learn how to protect your house and property against the ravages of the climate crisis which have become all too evident this year in the form of flooding, fire and heat.
October will bring a workshop on Induction Stoves and Indoor Electric Appliances. The date and location will be announced soon, and you can check <TicketsPlease.ca> for updates.
Calling All Seniors – Time to Take Climate Action!
It’s time! Seniors are a huge force in Canada, and it’s time we use our collective strength to get more action on the climate crisis. Climate Network Lanark is joining Seniors for Climate to call on seniors to bring urgent attention to the climate emergency. Seniors for Climate is a Canadian coalition of six climate groups mobilizing to bring attention to the worsening climate emergency. October 1 is both National Seniors Day in Canada, and the United Nations International Day of Older Persons. Seniors for Climate events will be held in more than 50 locations across Canada. CNL is planning a demonstration for Tuesday, October 1 at the corner of Hwy 7 and Wilson Street in Perth from 11:45am to 1:15pm. Please park away from the site and not in the front Shoppers Drug Mart parking lot. CNL would also welcome hearing from other seniors in Lanark County and Smiths Falls who want to organize an event in their community. Email us at <hello@climatenetworklanark.ca>
Wetlands Clarification
We have had a lot of interest in our column on wetlands in the August issue of theHumm. But we need to clarify that the three Conservation Authorities affected are the South Nation, Raisin Region and Rideau Valley. The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) has not (to date) been affected by the Ministerial order. In fact, wetland mapping in MVCA’s jurisdiction was completed and approved in 2017 and remains regulated and in effect today (for wetlands equal to or greater than 0.5 hectares). Find out more at <mvc.on.ca>.
This September, the Kingston WritersFest (KWF) will be turning the page to a fresh new chapter.
Now in its 16th year, KWF will embrace The Screening Room, Kingston’s beloved independent movie theatre, as its new primary venue, giving the festival an even more community-minded feel. The theatre, situated in the heart of the downtown, will be host to most on-stage author events, the festival bookshop, and KWF’s box office during the highly anticipated annual festival, which this year runs from September 25 to 29.
With a focus on connection, conversation and creation, festival organizers hope to encourage readers and writers to immerse themselves in the vibrant heart of its venerable host city with events being held throughout the downtown.
“The landscape for non-profit arts organizations has changed significantly since [the pandemic],” says Artistic Director Aara Macauley, “it’s given us new opportunities to connect and showcase our community in meaningful ways. Our goal is to provide a welcoming space for artists and audiences in special local venues, where the atmosphere for audiences matches the excitement of the events on the stage.”
Festival events will take place at multiple new off-site locations in downtown Kingston, including The Mansion, Bar Mayla, Kingston Market Square Hotel, and Something in the Water Brewing Company.
“KWF is so much more than a reading and lecture series,” Macauley adds. “Art isn’t created in a vacuum; authors respond to world issues that concern and affect us all. We want to facilitate a program that makes space for diverse opinions and ideas to be voiced in a constructive and respectful environment.”
Many of the festival’s feature events will focus on those diverse opinions and ideas, including events highlighting healthcare, judicial reform, the complexity of identity, and Canadian history through an Indigenous lens.
Other events will feature great fiction, nonfiction, poetry, the culinary arts, as well as experimental fiction and form, and hybrid works.
There are many changes at the festival this year, but at its core the Kingston WritersFest is a celebration of excellent writers. It remains that, as this year’s program features a wellspring of inspiring, talented and influential authors.
There are too many notable events on the KWF 2024 schedule to list in this brief column, but I’ve noted a few that absolutely stand out to me.
The first is Event #6: “Nature, Progress and Art: Thoreau” featuring Helen Humphreys with Brooke Cameron. Humphreys, one of Canada’s finest writers, is the award-winning author or nine novels, six works of creative non-fiction, and four books of poetry. Her latest, Followed by the Lark, a meditative novel following the life of nineteenth-century naturalist, poet and abolitionist Henry Thoreau, remains one of my favourite books of the year. Her compelling, elegantly written portrait of Thoreau has garnered richly deserved praise from critics and readers alike. The book is a timely one too, because Thoreau’s story and his concerns about the clash of nature and technological advancements are still relevant today. Join Humphreys and professor of 19th century literature Brooke Cameron for coffee and a lively discussion about Followed by the Lark on Friday, September 27 at The Screening Room, from 9:30–10:30am.
On Saturday morning, authors Farzana Doctor (52 Weeks to a Sweeter Life for Caregivers, Activists and Helping Professionals), Ashley-Elizabeth Best (Bad Weather Animals), and Misty Pratt (All In Her Head: How Gender Bias Harms Women’s Mental Health) will discuss their latest books and the health care crisis in Canada. Mike Condra will moderate this timely, important discussion at Event #15: “Making Care, Taking Better Care”. The three writers will share their lived experience with the healthcare system, and explore what needs to be done to improve advocacy, reduce bias, and ultimately improve the treatment of women, those with chronic disabilities, caregivers and caretakers. This vital conversation is set to begin at 11am on September 28 at The Screening Room.
That night, acclaimed author and broadcast journalist Carol Off will host Event #21: “The Big Idea: The Fate of Democracy in North America” featuring political theorist and former speechwriter Rob Goodman, historian and biographer Ken McGoogan, and author and journalist Michael Rowe in discussion about the impending US election. McGoogan’s latest book, Shadows of Tyranny: Defending Democracy in an Age of Dictatorship will make for a fascinating read, before or after the event. This talk is sure to sizzle. It runs from 7–8:30pm at The Screening Room.
Many of us in the literary world dearly miss our beloved friend Steve Heighton. “Music and poetry are two words for the same thing,” Steve once wrote — and he was right, I think. It makes me happy to see the festival celebrating Steve’s music and lyrics with the “Steve Heighton Happening,” a cabaret-style get-together which takes place a bit later Saturday night, at 9pm, uptown at The Mansion.
Inspired by the release of Songbook: The Music and Lyrics of Steven Heighton, all are invited to celebrate the author, poet and musician, with a lively night of music, poetry and prose. Kingston musicians will play and sing from the Songbook, and poets Sadiqa de Meijer, Jason Heroux, Armand Garnet Ruffo and others will read selections from Steve’s impressive body of work.
Several festival favourites — including the Book Lovers’ Lunch, Literary Trivia Night, and The Last Chapter Brunch — are taking place this year.
For more on the Kingston WritersFest, a full list of this year’s events and authors (Tanya Talaga, Zoe Whittall, Lisa Moore, MG Vassanji, David Robertson and Emily Austin, to name a few more… there are simply too many to tell you about!), please visit the new KWF website at <kingstonwritersfest.ca>. There you can also buy Festival Passes and single-event tickets, or sign up for one of the festival’s Writers Studio Master Classes retreats. Enrollment is now open for those.
The Kingston WritersFest runs from September 25–29 at the Screening Room and other exciting new off-site locations nearby.
Comedian Dianne Skoll will be performing her critically acclaimed solo show “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Becoming a Woman” at the Perth Library on September 7 from 7–8:30pm. This show is the final event in the Lanark Speaks: Queer Speaker Series offered by the Library and Queer Connection Lanark <queerconnectionlanark.ca>with support from the Perth & District Community Foundation.
“The Lanark Speaks series has been a platform for some truly excellent guest speakers. It has been an honour and pleasure to share in their life stories,” said Emily Fournier, Library Specialist. “Dianne Skoll is funny and insightful, and we are looking forward to this final, after-hours celebration.”
Skoll is a comedian and a transgender woman who transitioned later in life, who especially enjoys comedy about LGBT and trans experiences. She performs standup and sketch comedy, and her style runs the gamut from one-liners and observational humour to edgy and ribald.
Dianne has been performing comedy of various kinds since 2015 and stand-up since 2016. She was a finalist in the 2021 Mike MacDonald Summer Comedy Competition, and wrote and starred in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Becoming a Woman” at the 2022 Ottawa Fringe Festival. Dianne was a finalist in the Ladies Room Comedy Festival in New York City in November, 2023. She has opened for performers such as Mike Wilmot, Heidi Foss, Martha Chaves, Ted Morris and Adrienne Fish. Her comedy tracks play on SiriusXM and she performs regularly in clubs in Ottawa and across Southern Ontario.
Doors open at 6:30 for this 18+ event. Please RSVP to this free evening of entertainment in advance at <perthunionlibrary.ca> or at the door.
A new season of Learning Again in Almonte courses and workshops is underway! Registration for all events now takes place at Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434), where you can also find more details.
Starting on September 19, join Ian Douglas for Musica Intima — six interactive lectures exploring some of the hidden elements that are built into the music we love. Participants will listen to samples of music from around the world, watch performances, and try listening “experiments” to gain new insights about how we hear and respond to music.
The Night Sky! An Introduction to Astronomy begins on October 21. Ever wondered why those objects in the night sky look and move as they do? When humans first figured out the structure of the universe? If “supermoons” are really super? How telescopes work? Where to find the North Star? What the difference is between astronomy and astrology? This course will answer these questions, and plenty more, using photos, diagrams, illustrations, and perhaps an equation or two.
The Be Ready! emergency preparedness workshop by the Canadian Red Cross takes place on Sunday, September 22 from 3-5pm and is free, but registration is required. Floods, fires, extended power outages and tornadoes are becoming more prevalent, but do you know the steps you can take to ride through these events? In this course you will learn how to prepare for a range of emergencies; the particular risks in our community, the plan you need to make, and the kit you will need to take of yourself and your family for that first 72 hours of a disaster while first responders struggle to address the most urgent needs.
Later in the fall, join author Phil Jenkins for An Anecdotal History of Ottawa, and hear about Traditional Storytelling Then and Now from Jennifer Cayley. Find more details at <learningagainalmonte.ca> and at <TicketsPlease.ca>.
The Town of Carleton Place is pleased to welcome Leverage For Mountains to the historic Town Hall Auditorium on Friday, October 4 starting at 7:30pm.
Leverage For Mountains is an independent folk trio comprised of Nick Loyer, Jay Trépanier and Jay Flynn. The Gatineau group’s rich acoustics and powerful vocal harmonies are key to their rapid rise to popularity. Their first EP, 2016’s The Essence Project, introduced listeners to their approach of emphasizing their lyrics and the emotions induced in their songs. They were awarded “Public’s Choice” at the Cabaret le Festif! in 2017 and have been performing throughout Quebec and Ontario, whether it be intimate house concerts or at big festivals such as the Mariposa Folk Festival and Blue Skies Festival. In 2022 the trio released their sophomore album, Love Out of the Dark.
“Less is more” is the motto the trio uses to describe their approach to their music. Their striking harmonies, coupled with the poignant lyrics of their songs, undoubtedly leave their listeners wanting more.
Tickets are only $25 (plus fees) from Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434).
This autumn, the Studio Theatre will resonate with melodies both heartfelt and inspiring as the Linden Housing Co-operative presents its major fundraiser, “Songs for Stability”. Scheduled for October 5, the event offers an auditory feast with an exceptional concert aimed at bolstering Linden’s mission to provide affordable, community-focused housing.
Linden was founded with a vision to establish a supportive and sustainable living environment. Its mission is to cultivate a community that thrives on cooperation and mutual support. The co-operative model emphasizes affordability and inclusivity, ensuring that members have access to a place they can truly call home.
The afternoon show starts at 1pm and features local legends Joey Wright and Jenny Whiteley. Both are renowned for their musical prowess and have a rich history of captivating audiences with their soul-stirring performances. In addition to his musical talents, Joey contributes to the community with his culinary skills as a chef at The Table Community Food Centre in Perth.
Tickets for the show are priced at $44 (fees included) and are available from Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434). The funds raised will directly support the development and operations of Linden Housing Co-operative. Perth Brewery, Top Shelf and Artizen Kombucha have generously sponsored this event.
Steven Welchner, Chair of Linden Housing Co-operative, shares his enthusiasm for the upcoming event: “We are so excited about ‘Songs for Stability’. It will be a celebration of community and the arts, and another example of how the arts have played such a significant role in community building. We are profoundly grateful to Joey and Jenny for lending their incredible talents to support our cause. This event is a fantastic opportunity for us to come together, enjoy phenomenal music, and further our commitment to making affordable housing accessible in Perth.”
Linden invites all community members and music lovers to join them for this special event. It’s an opportunity to experience an unforgettable day of music and contribute to a cause that impacts the lives of many in our community. Find out more about them at <lindencoop.ca>.
The Merrickville Arts Guild (MAG) Studio Tour is back, at the height of Autumn, for one weekend only — October 5 and 6 from 10–5pm. Local artists will throw open their studio doors and welcome the public once again, as has been the tradition since 1985!
This year’s 25 participants are eager to show and sell their work, including paintings in various media, handbound books, printmaking, pottery and ceramics, jewellery, sculpture in glass and in cloth, hand blown glass, photography, thread painting, fibre art, woodworking and woodturning. Watch handblown hot glass take shape before your eyes, or pull proofs off of a vintage printing press.
A beautiful 19th century village… A lovely autumn weekend… What better time and place to discover Merrickville’s nationally and internationally renowned artists and craftspeople in their own studios? Watch them create, discuss their processes, buy directly from them, and leave with your own original work of art with its own story to tell!
Go to the MAG website <mag-artists.ca>, download the brochure, and plan your own self-guided tour for October 5 and 6.
If you missed his sold-out show at this year’s Folkus Concert Series, Nathan Sloniowski and his musical friends are looking forward to bringing his new album The Lost Love Letter to a Small Town to the Music at MERA Fall Series in McDonalds Corners on Sunday, September 8. Doors open at 1:30 and the show starts at 2pm, with tickets available from Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434) or at the door, depending on availability.
“The MERA Schoolhouse is a cultural jewel and magical listening room in the Ottawa Valley,” says Nathan. “Volunteer-powered all the way! The Ragged Flowers had one of our most memorable gigs there, I presented my first solo album at the Schoolhouse, and our family has attended many fine MERA concerts and artistic events over the years.”
Nathan will be joined by Vicki Brittle on vocals, Barry Buse on bass and Bill Serson on drums. As well as playing the new album, the band is promising a couple of tunes from Vicki’s new EP, Acoustic Act 1, while Nathan is going to dip into the well of The Ragged Flowers’ new Flying Machine EP, which he presented with that band in a two-show sell-out at the Cedar Hill Schoolhouse in June. Barry and Bill are inveterate Ottawa Valley musicians and two-thirds of the ground-roots blues band Redneck Limousine.
“I love how this band aims straight for the heart of every song,” says Nathan, “and every time we do it, I feel privileged to play with them.”
Initially the presenters at MERA were very impressed with The Lost Love Letter to a Small Town, commenting that “The quality of the compositions, lyrics, vocals, arrangement and production are all very strong. A wonderful musical ride!”. Upon learning that Nathan had assembled a “pretty hot band” that had already sold out several shows, MERA jumped at the chance to have them lead off the 2024 Music at MERA Fall Series.
Fronted by Nathan’s honey-bourbon voice, his latest album is a warm-hearted musical carousel that makes stops at small town cafés, dance halls, tree-lined fields and limestone quarries, offering lyrical nods to many of his singer-songwriter heroes.
The result is a nine-song tribute to what Nathan calls “the collage of welcoming dreamers and makers who grew me up in the 1970s artistic lair of Elora, Ontario, and the many more I’ve met in other small Ontario and Quebec towns along the way.” Those towns include Almonte, Wakefield, Calabogie, and now Carleton Place, where he currently makes his home.
The Natives & Clay native plants sale returns to West Carleton on the weekend of September 7 and 8. It will feature nursery-propagated native plants suitable for Ottawa Valley gardens from Ottawa Valley Native Plants, as well as ferns and garden-themed stoneware pottery by Pine Ridge Studio.
Ottawa Valley Native Plants is a nursery located near Eganville. Owner Trish Murphy propagates all of her offerings from locally-sourced wild plants and seeds. She specializes in plants native to the Ottawa Valley, as well as garden-worthy wildflowers from elsewhere in Eastern North America.
Many of the plants you are looking for to attract pollinators to your garden, or to add to your collection of native plants, will be available at Natives & Clay. In addition, Trish brings her seeds and plants to Farmers’ Markets, and to other gardening-related events during the summer.
Elisabeth Allison, owner and potter at Pine Ridge Studio, will be hosting the event and displaying her pottery, much of which is decorated with flowers and ferns. Her special interest in ferns, especially ones native to the Ottawa Valley, will be expressed in her fern-design mugs, bowls and serving dishes. Small potted native ferns, as well as some selected other native plants, will be for sale as well.
Natives & Clay takes place on September 7 and 8, from 10am to 4pm each day, at Pine Ridge Studio, located at 6114 Carp Road. In addition to shopping for native plants or pottery, you may wish to enjoy a walk around the woodland garden or along the Fern Trail through the woods.
In 2007, I was asked to help with an exhibit of the paintings of Ruby Ewen and the sculptures of Jim Affleck; it was entitled New Works, Old Friends. Beautiful contemporary art by two people who had known each other a long time. Jim Affleck died six years ago. One year ago, while visiting Ruby and looking through her works from the 1980s, I felt we should do one more “old friends” effort, this time with old works, as that was all we had of Jim’s. After months of consulting with friends, collectors and family, this exhibit was created… old works, not worn, but studied and shared and loved. Some playful, some serious, all of them have brought happiness, and perhaps bound us together.
Old Friends, Old Work runs from August 31 to September 30 at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum <mvtm.ca>, which is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Everyone is invited to a vernissage on Saturday, August 31 from 2–4pm.
Friendship can be seen as affection and esteem between people; I was struck by the stories, told with affection by those who have shared their works with us for this show. We celebrate the profound friendship of Jim and Ruby, the affection and esteem, and marvel at their work. I would also hope that in considering the artists and their art, we will be moved to reflect on our own “old friendships”.
Ruby Ewen writes:
For over 40 years I have maintained a house and studio in the Eardley Escarpment. The ever-changing light and colour have held my fascination and been my inspiration for much of the landscape painting I have produced.
I moved to the Outaouais in 1980 when my dream job of taking care of a herd of horses for a travelling theatre company in BC fell through. I had always painted and exhibited, but enjoyed working with draught horses when the opportunity arose. I had worked for the company before and felt secure quitting my part-time job at a gallery in Ottawa, selling my car, packing up my art supplies and giving up my apartment.
It was mid-November and I needed a place to live! A horseman I knew said, ‘There is a little place up the road you can get for not too much money’. In January I moved into a two-room uninsulated house on the edge of a scrapyard for $40 a month. I decided to concentrate on my painting. Teaching a course at the Ottawa School of Art and the odd sale of a painting to supportive friends allowed me to pay rent, buy food, and afford the paints I needed.
The oils in this exhibition are drawn from my first ten years of painting in the hills and farmlands between Luskville and Quyon. It was a period of extremely intense work, “being in the burn” as the landscape revealed itself to me.
Painting trips and exhibitions take me away for periods of time. When I return to my studio, nothing evokes the sensation of home as the early pieces of sculptor and friend, Jim Affleck, that greet me from my garden.
In 1973, Jim and Jennette Affleck were converting an old schoolhouse into a home in Cedar Hill. I met them when my partner Barry Grimes and I moved into a farm up the Bellamy Road. When their house was finished, Jim built a workshop, and aside from jobs in metalworking shops, he devoted his time to hand-forging steel sculptures.
Most of these sculptures were made from silo bar, the round steel hoops that bound old wooden silos. A lot had fallen into disrepair and Jim rescued the bars, taking them home to his forge, straightening and readying them for his creative magic. He would spend hours over his drawings until he knew exactly what to do to produce the work he wanted.
Jim wanted to work “human-size”, as he called it, though he often played with scale. His sculptures are at once heartfelt, thoughtful, serious and whimsical. He hardly ever signed and dated his pieces, and titles were only for the obvious, preferring others to think what they wanted.
Attempts to produce a CV or photographs of his work in order to apply for shows came to nought. Going through administrative hoops was neither his interest nor his inclination. All he wanted to do was work with his mind, heart and hammer.
In his youth, Jim had worked as a welder in the shipyards of Toronto. Upon moving back to the Ottawa Valley, where his family came from, he apprenticed to Jacob Lischer, one of the last blacksmiths who had learned the trade in the traditional way, back home in Germany. Lischer was a demanding taskmaster, and under his watchful eye, Jim honed his blacksmithing craft.
The sound of hammer on steel, ringing out from Jim’s forge, was his heartbeat. That sound was stilled in 2018 when Jim Affleck died from a lifetime of inhaling burning metals and coal dust.
The sculptures in this exhibition represent a fraction of Jim’s very large collection and were generously given for this purpose by his friends.
A comprehensive exhibition of Jim Affleck’s sculptures is in the planning stages for the future.
This year, 24 local organizations received $174,619 in grants from the Perth and District Community Foundation (PDCF). This is the highest amount ever awarded by PDCF, and the greatest number of grants ever disbursed in its 22-year history.
Executive Director Victoria Gibb-Carsley says that local organizations have told her that they are feeling the pinch of cuts to traditionally stable funding sources. “That, combined with increasing needs in the community, is resulting in a greater volume of grant applications to PDCF each year,” she adds.
“In response to this increasing need, the Board of Directors decided to establish a new Community Granting Fund which they hope will build PDCF’s long-term capacity to meet local needs,” explains Gibb-Carsley. “We are hoping that community members will donate to the new fund so we can grant out even more in 2025 than we did this year.”
Several charitable organizations that provide services in the PDCF catchment area say that they count on these grants to do their work.
“Over the past several years The Table Community Food Centre has turned to the PDCF Community Grants to fund a wide variety of impactful initiatives including improving community gardens, organizing to create more affordable housing, and offering community kitchen programs that reflect our community’s diversity,” says Ramsey Hart, Executive Director of The Table.
Rayna Critchley, Executive Director of Lanark Highlands Youth Centre adds that: “with PDCF funding, we were able to offer engaging summer programs to youth in and surrounding the Lanark Highlands that they may otherwise not have had access to. Support from PDCF allows us to ensure that youth have their basic needs met, get access to new activities, and have opportunities to learn independently or with their peers in positive spaces.”
Executive Director of Lanark County Community Justice, Joellen McHard, says: “the financial support provided by PDCF is invaluable, and we would not be able to provide our very successful Restorative Practice Triple P Parenting of Teens Group without these much-needed funds.”
PDCF is one of over 200 community foundations across the country. Its aim is “to build and strengthen community so that everyone belongs and thrives today and in the future.” They do this through awarding grants, hosting skills building workshops for community groups, and collaborating with other organizations on local initiatives.
Individuals, organizations and businesses can make tax deductible donations of $20 or more to the PDCF Community Granting Fund. If you would like to donate, please visit <pdcf.ca/donate> and choose PDCF Community Granting Fund.
The PDCF 2025 Community Grant application process opens on September 15 and closes on October 31. Organizations that wish to apply for grants can find information at <pdcf.ca>.
Perth Tourism is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Perth Night Market on Saturday, September 14.
This free event kicks off at 5pm, showcasing over 90 artisans, crafters, makers and more from Lanark County, the Ottawa Valley and beyond. Attendees will be treated to a wide variety of entertainment including musicians, magicians and more, highlighting the incredible talent close to home.
Shops throughout Perth will stay open late, offering attendees the chance to explore unique offerings within the beautiful heritage buildings. Enjoy delectable food and drink under the stars at one of the many restaurants and pubs, or savour takeout in the scenic Stewart Park along the Tay River.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, street closures will allow guests to move about freely. A shuttle service will run from 2:30–10:30pm from several parking lots on the outskirts of Perth to the event area.
Experience the magic of Perth’s streets at night. Visit <perth.ca/nightmarket> for more information and to stay up to date on details.
Local, passionate, and generous, music teacher Raph Storto is living and breathing music in the heart of Carleton Place. From lessons to jamming, you will catch him talking or playing music, helping someone improve their skills, or making improvements to his studio space,
I have had the pleasure of getting to know Raph myself throughout this past summer. I have played guitar for about 15 years now, yet only took a few proper lessons at the beginning when I was really young. I taught myself throughout the years pretty well, but eventually I found myself stuck, not being able to improve from the point I had reached. Upon having more space in my life after university, I had some time into dive more of my passions again — one of them being guitar. I was looking for the confidence of knowing music theory, to improve my skills and form, to expand my knowledge, and to feel like I could finally play live. Teaching myself online wasn’t working, as I personally found it hard to stay focused and disciplined in practicing. I knew this had to be done in person, have someone teach me face to face… string to string.
Finding Raph’s School of Rock was one of the best things that happened to me this year. I was so happy to have a place I could not only walk to, but also relate to. I was also able to make good connections there because of it being in the town where I grew up. I could feel right away that this was the right place and had the right people — especially Chris Hardy, the other teacher at Raph’s, who I was assigned to.
Learning an instrument can be intimidating and can make you feel quite vulnerable. Not only does it require patience, practice, and accepting that you’re not going to be an ultra-rock-star right off the bat; it helps immensely when you get a teacher whose passion is simply spreading the joy and art of music. Both Chris and Raph sparked my passion and inspired me to keep challenging my skills, take the time to jam, and just enjoy playing even when it’s not perfect. They reminded me that learning an instrument is supposed to be fun. I even started learning the bass — something I never thought I would love until Raph handed it to me to play during a jam session.
Raph has been in the music scene since 1994, rocking out with bands like Sinister Sam and Shunt. Over the years he’s opened for some awesome bands like Melvins, Annihilator, Voivod, and Exciter. He mentioned that a significant gig he did was drumming for Mick Taylor, the former Rolling Stone guitarist, during his 2003 Canadian tour. That tour even included a live spot on Canada AM and a headlining gig at the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival. His experience and knowledge led to his passion for teaching.
Growing up in Carleton Place, Raph noticed there wasn’t a lot of support for people, especially kids, who wanted to learn and play music. After being out of town in his twenties with his music career, he came back in 2013 with a solid plan to create a space where people can explore and learn music like he did. Music education at Raph’s is an open, inclusive atmosphere, having that tight-knit community feel. No matter who you are or what skill level you’re at, you are welcomed and encouraged to come in. Raph expresses that: “Music is my passion and my life, and I am here to share that with others.” Find him at 154 Beckwith Street in Carleton Place, right off Bridge Street. Also find him on Facebook at Raph’s School of Rock.
“I am inspired through this journey from my mother,” Raph explains. “She was a piano and music theory teacher, and from her I felt it was my responsibility to pass on the joy of music. My whole goal is dedicated to keeping music alive, especially because school music programs are facing cutbacks more and more now.” Raph conveys that although music programs are facing challenges, music will always be an important part of life, and his inspiration and dedication is never-ending.
The team at Raph’s School of Rock is just as important, “When we’re looking for new teachers, we want folks who are honest, passionate, and great with people. It’s all about creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.” The space is beneficial for everyone who is involved, and no matter who is teaching you, it is all done according to the same core values.
Whether you are picking up an instrument for the first time or want to improve your skills like I did, Raph’s School of Rock is the place to go. A true local gem that I can’t imagine not being part of. Investing in a passion like music brings so much more than just learning the actual instrument. It is investing in mental health, a form of expression, an outlet, enjoyment, and a community. The confidence that comes from learning something new, grasping it, practicing it, and finally being able to do something you couldn’t before, changes your life. Meeting new people who share something you’re passionate about can be life-changing, in ways you might not expect. Raph’s School of Rock changed mine this year, will it change yours?
November 8 brings a must-see evening to Perth with Danny Michel and Steve Poltz, two of the wittiest, most accomplished live performers on today’s scene.
Danny Michel is one of Canada’s most dynamic, engaging musicians. With his distinctive guitar skills and fresh songs, Danny’s live shows are infinitely creative. He’s also an award-winning producer, space buff, skier, forester, recluse, and adventurer. And a passionate slot car enthusiast.
Halifax-born, California-raised Steve Poltz is a little bit Robin Williams and a little bit James Taylor. A masterful storyteller with a sweeping repertoire and joyous energy, Poltz takes audiences on a musical rollercoaster from laughter to tears and back. In the music world, Steve Poltz is a live show giant.
Audiences who caught Michel & Poltz on their 2023 jaunt are still raving about it, calling the pairing “pure joy”, “mind blowing”, “magically playful” and “one of the best, most intimate, hilarious and heartwarming shows I’ve ever seen”. That’s a tough act to top, but rest assured that these energetic, collaborative entertainers will find a way.
The musical mischief unfolds on Friday, November 8 at St. Paul’s United Church in Perth, starting at 7:30pm. Advance tickets are available from Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434). You’re going to want to grab yours early, because this concert is sure to sell out in advance.
For a list of all of their shows, including Ottawa and Kingston, check out the artists’ websites.
The Mississippi Mills Film Society is fresh off their first year, which saw them donate $1200 to the Library for summer programming. They are now preparing for the fall, having selected three films that are sure to entice audiences. Choosing these films is a daunting task that requires working with distributors from the Toronto International Film Festival in order to find the exact fit of story to audience. This year they have done an excellent job, with the following films slated for the fall.
September 22 brings One Life, starring Anthony Hopkins as an unsung hero of the Second World War. On October 27, come see The Monk and the Gun, an original story filmed in Bhutan, exploring the monk’s quest to assimilate the present with the past. Then on November 17, The Great Escaper stars Michael Cain as an octogenarian bent on attending D-Day ceremonies.
These films are all shown at St. Andrew’s United Church in Pakenham. Show time is 2pm with tickets available through Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434) at the same price as last year, $15. There’s plenty of parking, and places to enjoy a quick lunch or snacks. Join this enthusiastic film society to be entertained and educated all at the same time. Film is an art form that deserves investigating.
October 1 is National Seniors Day in Canada, and also the United Nations International Day of Older Persons.
Climate Network Lanark is enthusiastically joining Seniors for Climate for a day of action to bring attention to the worsening climate emergency. Seniors and other members of the greater Perth and Lanark County community are invited to gather along Highway 7 at Wilson Street in Perth on Tuesday, October 1 from 11:45am to 1:15pm. If you are planning to drive, please park away from the site.
Canada’s seniors know that the number one threat to life on Earth is climate change. This threat is not being addressed with the necessary speed and urgent attention the crisis demands. On October 1, seniors will hold over 50 climate events across Canada to call on governments of all levels to take climate action now. Later is too late!
In recent times in eastern Ontario we have experienced ticks and Lyme disease, increasingly hot summers and mild, rainy winters, droughts and floods, intense smoke from raging wildfires, and disasters like tornadoes and the deadly derecho. The list goes on. The cause of all of this is global heating, caused by the burning of fossil fuels.
Seniors for Climate is a Canadian coalition of six climate groups mobilizing to bring attention to the worsening climate emergency. They are united under the following tenets:
We’re in the race of our lives. We need to act now. Later is too late!
We want faster and deeper action on climate by all levels of government.
We must phase out the burning of fossil fuels.
We need to speed up the transition to renewable power and clean energy.
We must move the financial sector away from its support of fossil fuels.
We need climate action that is broad-based and preserves a livable future for our grandchildren.
For more information, please visit <seniorsforclimate.org> or email <seniorsforclimateperth@gmail.com>.
In 1968, a group of free-spirited visionaries moved onto what had once been the Brennan farm, west of Perth, and created the vibrant alternative community of Brooke Valley. Their dream of a sustainable and cooperative lifestyle, together with the natural beauty of the area, soon drew others, many of whom, not surprisingly, were craftspeople.
In 1993, twenty-five years after the farm was first settled, a collection of local artisans established the first Perth Autumn Studio Tour and laid the foundation for one of the area’s finest and best-attended studio tours. We are a non-profit artist-run tour whose core values have remained unchanged since those beginning days. We wish to connect people to the artists living among us, spur conversations, and make human connections through diverse artistic media.
Come experience the high-calibre original art and traditional craft that will be on display. This is an opportunity for our artisans to shine, share their love for their craft, and invite visitors to view, discuss, and purchase something from their unique collections.
Our tour is known for its wide array of media and this year is no exception. This year’s roster will feature 23 artists at four stops.
At Stop #1 (Maberly Hall) you will find paintings by Gary Barr, Gabbi Maria and Brenda Schamehorn; wool clothing and home fashions by Beth Fisher (Stone Spindle Farm); etchings from Jo Manning’s estate; wooden furniture and spoons by Nick Moore; handwoven clothing and accessories by Heather Sherratt; and metal embossing by Jill Spear.
At Stop #2 (Catherine Orfald Studio) you will find paintings by Catherine Orfald and Heather Priestley; pottery by Rita Redner; chocolate made by Ludwig Ratzinger (Fine Chocolate by Ludwig); incense and soap by emerging artist Jennifer Purdon Kaspardlov; portraits by emerging artist Mallory McDougall; and argentium silver jewellery by Veronica Moore.
At Stop # 3 (Wouter van der Molen Studio) you will find gold and silver jewellery, and gemstones by Wouter van der Molen; stained glass by Elizabeth Sampson; and photo-metal artwork by Tania Marsh.
At Stop #4 (The Cordwood Folk School) you will find fresh and preserved homestead offerings by Zoë Lianga; leatherwork by Willa Murray; sheepskins and accessories by Danielle Prophet (The Natural Tannery); stoneware ceramics by Hyla Nemy (Root Cellar Studios); and hand-dyed art and clothing by Rebecca Hodgins (Cosmic Ties).
Don’t miss the chance to take a break at Brooke Valley School where a home-cooked lunch will be offered between 11:30am and 3:30pm. Scrumptious seasonal food, both sweet and savoury, are lovingly prepared and served by the parents, students and friends of BVS. A delicious assortment of items with attention to special dietary needs will also be available. The Harvest Lunch is one of the main annual fundraisers for this privately run, parent cooperative, two-room schoolhouse.
The meandering roads through the Brooke Valley countryside between studios are lovely in the autumn, as the changing leaves are at their peak. Experiencing the rolling hills awash in red, orange and gold is a sight to behold. We suggest devoting at least one entire day, if not two. Every year visitors say that they wished they had planned for more time at each studio.
Stop to take in each of the artists’ work and a lunch at the school, and chances are you’ll leave inspired, excited and invigorated by a connection you’ve made with an artist, and by the charm of this beautiful and beguiling place.
The Perth Autumn Studio Tour will be held over the Thanksgiving weekend on Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13, from 10am to 5pm each day. You can find us @perthstudiotour on Instagram and Facebook to follow along and see each of our artists featured as we lead up to the big event. You can also find more information and download your Tour Map at <perthstudiotour.com>.
Come out to Studio Theatre Perth on September 28 at 7:30pm for a celebration of the incredible artistry of Sting, The Police and Peter Gabriel. Hear the timeless hits you know and love, performed by a world-class band including celebrated singers Jacob Moon, Mike Ferfolia, Selena Evangeline and YouTube drumming sensation Rob “Beatdown” Brown. Their high-octane versions of songs like Sledgehammer, In Your Eyes, Roxanne and Message in a Bottle (and more!) will have you dancing in the aisles!
Jacob Moon has released twelve albums of his own music and performed for Rush and Gordon Lightfoot. He has presented this crowd-pleasing show at soft-seat theatres all over Ontario over the past year, to a rapturous response. Singer Mike Ferfolia has been touring for years as a frontman with various projects including “Sound of Sting”. Selena Evangeline, who has been a sought-after session singer for years, adds her incredible musicality to the mix. Rob “Beatdown” Brown has hundreds of thousands of followers on YouTube and has rubbed shoulders with the greatest drummers of all time. Keyboardist Jake Payne is an in-demand performer with a background in classical and pop music.
Don’t miss your chance to see this incredible show! Tickets are $46 from Eventbrite.
It was spring 1981.
I had just returned to Canada from an eighteen-month trek through New Zealand and Australia, and was lucky to land a job as a publicist for a summer stock theatre (The Piggery) in a village in southeastern Quebec (North Hatley; population seven hundred). It was the first time I had been involved in any way with “the theatre.” I was twenty-five years young. There was no Internet and by default no email or social media.
Fast forward forty years to late 2021. I was thrown into the deep end of community theatre in a small town in southeastern Ontario (Almonte; population five thousand) as a volunteer co-producer of The Hound of the Basketballs, a fundraiser for the revival of PuppetsUp! Holy cow. Did I learn a lot! It took me two years to catch my breath after that experience, which was joyful, stressful and heartbreaking. Somehow, during the rollercoaster ride I was bitten by the community theatre bug…
Last year, I took on the marketing communications and publicity for the wildly successful (cliché, I know, but it was) Spinning Yarns: The Millworkers’ Musical. All six performances sold out two weeks before opening night — not unprecedented, but certainly unexpected. The waiting list for tickets grew to more than one hundred hopefuls. Audiences raved about the show. And deservedly so — it was a fantastic production. The cast and crew were amazing. The fictionalized historical tale, written by beloved playwright Fern Martin, was at once heart-wrenching and celebratory. No wonder it was a hit.
Now, I’m part of the Humm Team Productions group that is mounting The Wizard is… Odd!?, which will be playing at the Almonte Old Town Hall from November 8 through 17. Like Spinning Yarns, The Wizard is a musical written by a talented and much-loved local playwright, Rob Riendeau. It’s also funny, touching, relevant, inspiring and family-friendly. The show is definitely NOT a version of The Wizard is Oz, but there is a connection.
This musical tells of a father and daughter who move out of a big city and land in an unnamed small town. There, they find themselves entangled in a production of The Wizard of Oz, complete with a host of interesting characters, both on and off stage. Some drama, a few tears and lots of laughs ensue.
It strikes me that there are similarities to my own story, except I moved from a village (rather than a big city) to a small town. I am also struck by the fact that, like many great pieces of performance art, The Wizard is… Odd!? taps into universal themes that are part of being human: growing up, getting along, being in conflict, collaborating, becoming self-aware, forging bonds with others and living in community. These are things we all work through at one time or another. Playwright Rob Riendeau has done a fabulous job framing these themes with humour, compassion and grace. And then there’s the music (it is a musical, after all). It’s all original — the tunes AND the lyrics — and it will have you singing and dancing in your seat.
In my role as publicity person for The Hound and Spinning Yarns, I attended all but a few of the rehearsals. I am doing the same with The Wizard. Witnessing the process is fascinating. The commitment of the cast and crew is phenomenal. While none are professionals, all are gifted, creative and energised by what they are doing. Equally important, they are having stacks of fun rehearsing the production. As a result, the show, which is directed by Kris Riendeau (who also also directed Spinning Yarns), is shaping up beautifully. I will be sharing snippets, videos and photographs from the rehearsals, the show and the show’s sponsors on the Wizard is… Odd!? Facebook page. (Things have changed since 1981! I invite you to follow the show on FB.)
Speaking of sponsors, here’s a word from our first three (Aussie Tree Care, Fluid Solar Roasted Coffee and The Hub/Rebound): “We are delighted to be sponsoring The Wizard is… Odd!?” they say in unison.
Likewise, the whole Wizard team is stoked to have them on board. The other good news is the show has room for two more. “We’d like to welcome a total of five sponsors, each of whom will contribute $500 in exchange for a fun ‘product placement’ in the play as well as other promotional mentions,” explains director and co-producer Kris Riendeau. “All the sponsorship money we raise, as well as a portion of ticket sales, will be donated to Climate Network Lanark <climatenetworklanark.ca> — a non-profit organisation whose mission is to bring people together in Lanark County to act on climate change. We would love to have two more sponsors join us.”
If you would like to be involved with The Wizard is…Odd!? as a sponsor, and contribute to the important work being done by Climate Network Lanark, please contact Kris at 256–0315 or <kris@thehumm.com>.
In the meantime, why not beat the rush! Tickets for The Wizard is…Odd!? are available now from Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434).
From September 20 to October 25, Sivarulrasa Gallery in Almonte will present two new exhibitions featuring Quebec-based artists. Meet the artists at the combined Vernissage/Artists Reception on Saturday, September 21 from 2–4pm!
Lise Leroux: Reconnections will run in Gallery I. Based in Montérégie, Lise earned her Bachelor of Fine Art degree at the Université du Québec à Montreal. Born in a farming environment, she is inspired by the land and forests, and by her extended family background. Working between abstraction and figuration, her practice is introspective and intuitive. In this body of work, her explorations take her back in time, reconnecting with her childhood years.
Jenny McMaster: No Neutral Ground will run in Gallery II. Based in Gatineau, Jenny earned her Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Ottawa in 2021. Her practice includes sculptural works, fibres, encaustics, and performance art. For the past ten years, her primary medium has been handmade paper. “I am fascinated by paper’s figurative and tactile capabilities as well as its identity as an organic substance with a natural and cultural history,” she says. “Paper, like the land, is not a neutral ground or void space.” This thought-provoking installation combines new works in paper from her New Arboreal series as well as older works from her historical explorations of the Mississippi River and the Ottawa River.
Sivarulrasa Gallery is located at 34 Mill Street in Almonte. For more information, please visit <sivarulrasa.com>.
Kids and music go together like peanut butter and jam. From lullabies in the cradle to teenagers headed to their first concert, music is an important part of growing up. Music does so many things to enrich the life of a child: it helps them to learn, to express themselves, and to grow and mature. It is a gift like no other in the development of a child.
An exciting new opportunity for young singers ages 7 to 12 has arrived in the Perth area. Valley Youth Singers is a new children’s choir starting this fall in two locations, Perth and Lanark. The choir will provide a fun, educational experience for children in 10-week sessions running from October 4 to December 6. Perth rehearsals will be held on Fridays from 4:30–5:30pm at St. James Church on Drummond Street, and the details for Lanark rehearsals are to be determined. The winter term will start in February. The tuition for the choir will be $75 per child.
The choir will be led by Alana Cliffen (née Sargeant), a music educator who began her musical career with the Perth Community Choir and Orion Theatre Company. After completing her music studies at Queen’s University, Alana trained with Dr. Mark Sirett in the Cantabile Conductor Apprenticeship Program in Kingston. She loved working with the young children’s choirs in the Cantabile Choirs of Kingston, and has now returned to Lanark County, ready to bring the joy of music and singing to the children of Perth and area.
Val Leavitt will accompany the children on piano for rehearsals and performances. Many will know Val from her years of working in Perth as a piano teacher and accompanist, as the musical director for St. James and St. Paul’s Junior and Youth Choirs, and as a piano performer in Perth. Helen Rutledge, a choral singer and theatre performer, will support Val and Alana with all the administrative tasks that will underpin this new organization.
A “Meet and Greet” will be held at St. James Church on Saturday, September 28 from 1–4pm. Parents and children are encouraged to drop in to meet Alana and Val and learn more about the program. Please phone 267–7267 for registration information prior to the Meet and Greet.