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Step into a world where Art is Magic at the Merrickville Arts Guild’s renowned art show, taking place on Saturday and Sunday, November 9 and 10, from 10am to 4pm at the Community Centre (106 Read Street).
MAG is excited to welcome a wonderful mix of fresh talent and familiar faces this year! With many new artists joining the Guild, visitors can look forward to an even broader array of creative styles and media, alongside the impressive works of long-standing members.
Discover the captivating creations of over twenty talented artists showcasing an eclectic mix of pottery, jewellery, photography, folk art, oil, acrylic, watercolours, Indigenous moose and caribou tufting, painted traditional drums, ceramics, exquisite glass beads, woodworking, sculptures, fibre arts, wearable art and mixed media.
While you explore, enjoy live entertainment by the incredibly talented musician Anya Perry, who will perform sets on Saturday at 11am and 2pm, and on Sunday at 2pm. Don’t forget to enter for a chance to win exciting door prizes. Relax and refuel at the Starving Artist Café, where you can indulge in a delightful selection of savoury treats! Free admission and free parking make this the perfect weekend outing in the enchanting and friendly village.
Nestled along the Rideau Canal, the historic Victorian village of Merrickville is a true gem, and one of Ontario’s prettiest destinations. With its beautifully preserved 19th century charming historic buildings, Merrickville exudes timeless elegance and picturesque scenery.
You won’t want to miss this exciting, vibrant mix of artistry and history — where Art is Magic everywhere in Merrickville!
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of country music magic on Saturday, November 23, at 7:30pm, as St. Paul’s United Church in Perth welcomes the “Real Love” Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton Tribute Show. Performed by award-winning country artists Alan Turner and Laurie Lynn, this concert promises to be a night filled with classic hits and the timeless charm of two country music legends.
Alan and Laurie bring Kenny and Dolly’s legacy to life, taking audiences on a journey through six decades of unforgettable songs. Fans of all ages are invited to sing along, tap their feet, and reminisce as they enjoy the legendary hits that made Rogers and Parton household names. This dynamic duo’s on-stage charisma and heartfelt chemistry will make you feel like you’re spending an evening with the real Kenny and Dolly.
The show has wowed audiences across North America, offering a faithful recreation of the original country icons’ stage presence and vocal harmony. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering these classic hits for the first time, the “Real Love” tribute show is sure to be a heartwarming experience, filled with songs that speak to love, life, and memories that last a lifetime.
Tickets are $34 in advance and are available at Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434). If there are still seats available, tickets can be purchased for $39 at the door. Don’t miss this chance to experience an evening of timeless country music in Perth. Get your tickets early, as this is sure to be a popular event for country music lovers and those seeking a night of nostalgia and great entertainment.
It’s that time of year! The Lanark County Food Bank — The Hunger Stop is already preparing to put a little Christmas cheer in client’s homes with its 16th annual Sandy Claus Stocking Drive.
The Sandy Claus Stocking Drive was started by Sandy Schappert sixteen years ago — an idea sparked when her late husband Hank remarked while volunteering at the Food Bank that recipients often said: “this is the only gift I get to open on Christmas morning.”
“Collecting stockings begins right after Thanksgiving because with clients only coming in once a month, we have to start distributing in mid-November to be sure everyone has a happy Christmas morning,” explains Tammy Parent, LCFB Manager.
Stockings can be filled with toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, multi-blade razors, nail file, nail clippers, shaving cream, after-shave lotion, moisturizing lotion, loofa, hairbrush, comb, dental floss, deodorant, and soaps of all kinds. Sweet treats are always popular too!
If you’d like to donate a stocking full of toiletries and goodies, please mark them His, Hers, or Either, and drop them off at the Food Bank Donations and Deliveries door on Monday or Wednesday from 9:30am to noon, Thursday from 4–6pm, or Sunday from 1–3 pm, at 84 Mill Street in Carleton Place, or contact Lynn at <lynnyounghusband@gmail.com>.
Your generosity will put a smile in someone’s heart Christmas morning!
Sivarulrasa Gallery celebrates 10 wonderful years in Almonte on Saturday, November 16 from 2–5pm with the opening of their 10th Anniversary Show!
The Gallery’s largest exhibition of the year will feature works by 28 artists from across Canada, including artists based locally in Mississippi Mills as well as from coast to coast: Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.
The 10th Anniversary Show will cover all exhibition spaces in the Gallery, including Galleries I, II, III and the Salon Room. New works featured include sculpture, paintings, drawings, watercolour works, photographic works, and works in mixed media. Pieces range in size from small maquettes to large and immersive paintings, to suit all budgets and tastes. This is a perfect, festive time of the year to add original Canadian art to your collection or to start collecting!
Featured Artists
The following artists will be participating in this special show: Barbara Gamble, Carol Bajen-Gahm, Catherine Gutsche, Cathy Ross, Dale Dunning, Deborah Arnold, Elaine Carr, Eric Walker, Gayle Kells, George Horan, Jane Irwin, Jeannie Polisuk, Jenny McMaster, Jihane Mossalim, Jim Hake, Karen Haines, Lise Leroux, Louis Thériault, Marina Raike, Mary Pfaff, Michael Pittman, Sanjeev Sivarulrasa, Sarah Anderson, Sherry Park, Sue Adams, Susan Tooke, Wendy Robertson, and William Liao.
Meet the artists at the 10th Anniversary Vernissage/Artists Reception on Saturday, November 16 from 2–5pm. All are welcome at the gallery, which is located at 34 Mill Street in Almonte. For more information, please visit <sivarulrasa.com>.
The extra-special 10th Anniversary Cake will be cut by artist Eric Walker, whose 20-foot train, Montreal Commuter (train) de banlieu, a work in oxidized metals, plywood and hundreds of nails, will be featured in the show!
By Jessie Carson and Jenn Snider Cruise
Ah the classic romance novel… filled with drama, excitement, obsession, elation, heartbreak… the highs and lows of relationships. Who doesn’t love a good love story? Even though you may not consider yourself a reader of romance, romantic relationships have endured as a popular narrative force of fiction for generations. Lately, however, the romance genre has been undergoing a popular renaissance, and more and more writers are exploring genre-bending romance with others like fantasy, sci-fi, paranormal, and noir.
In general, readers of the genre know that there will be a happy ending for the characters, and sometimes this is what we need — to know that, above all, love endures. But romantic novels can give the reader much more than a blissful resolution; they can also share stories of characters dealing with grief and loss, give us a glimpse into long-lasting friendships, and bring us into magical realms or other worlds. For those of you paying attention to such things, sales for romance novels have been increasing since 2020, clearly indicating that there’s a hunger for these kinds of human stories. All of this is resulting in new writers of romance playing with form and blending styles in ways we haven’t read before, and we’re here for it!
For all those readers and writers out there compelled by these passionate narratives, join local writers Rose Graceling-Moore and Hypatia Rae on November 14 for an enlightening conversation about the romance genre, its versatile nature, and its ability to encompass various subgenres with playful, meaningful, and surprising outcomes!
As two authors exploring romance writing, Rose and Hypatia will discuss what makes for a great romantic tale, how to build readership across genres, how they approach romance tropes, and how to world-build both “real” world and fantasy worlds. With distinct styles, they will delve into similarities and differences in how they craft love stories in their respective genres, and offer inside views into what connects them to this popular genre of fiction — with Rose concocting sweet and spicy contemporary romance complete with magical elements, and Hypatia taking you to far-off places in her second world romantic fantasies (romantasy).
Presented by Almonte Readers & Writers, the event will include short readings from both authors, and questions from the audience about reading or writing their own romantic fiction. We would love to see you there — on Thursday, November 14 from 6:30–8pm at Equator Coffee in Almonte. Admission is pay-what-you-can at the door or in advance from Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485-6434).
Join us for a night of unfiltered fun and laughter as we celebrate The Hub’s 50th anniversary! Founded by The Almonte Community Coordinators, A.C.C. (The Hub and Rebound), our organization has spent the last five decades enriching our community through dedicated service, all thanks to the staff and volunteers who have made it possible. To honour their contributions, we’re hosting a special staff and volunteer appreciation night — headlined by the world-traveling, award-winning comedian Rachelle Elie. Returning to Almonte, Rachelle will bring her raunchy, side-splitting Cabaret to the Almonte Civitan Hall on Friday, November 29.
This isn’t just a show — it’s a tribute to the heart and soul of our stores and community. If you would like to show your appreciation to our staff and volunteers, please consider a donation to our building fund to ensure the sustainability of our two stores for decades to come. Donations can be made on our website at <thehubalmonte.com/donate>.
Get ready for an unforgettable evening featuring a sizzling lineup of comedy, music, burlesque, and some tantalizing surprises that will leave you laughing well into the night! Plus, don’t miss your chance to participate in our 50/50 draw, where you could walk away with some extra cash while supporting a great cause.
Tickets are just $25 per person and available now through Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434). Doors open at 6pm for a cocktail hour, so come early to enjoy drinks, snacks and live music before the show kicks off at 7pm.
Need a Fabulous Outfit?
If you’re still on the hunt for that perfect cocktail look, pop by The Hub to discover a range of quirky, stylish outfits with just the right amount of sparkle!
Please note — this event is for guests 19+. Tickets are limited, so grab yours early and don’t miss this evening of fun, laughter and celebration!
Winterfest is a free, family-friendly event for all ages to kick off the holiday season. Get together and mingle in the beautiful downtown Carleton Place dining and shopping district and embrace the wintry weather and holiday spirit. Enjoy roaming carolers and entertainers, free horse-drawn wagon rides, and a Night Market with sidewalk sales and a local vendor market.
An assortment of activities will be taking place in Carleton Place on November 23, making it the perfect time to plan a trip to spend the day. These include the Children’s Shopping Event (Zion Memorial Church), Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus (Information Centre) and live entertainment at local businesses such as the Carleton Place Gallery and Coastal Consignment.
Market Square will be an ideal place to begin or end your adventures, as there will be entertainment for all ages starting with Ottawa’s own Monkey Rock Music at 4pm. This one-hour interactive show is suitable for children of all ages, and participants will be invited to join the band! Then at 6:30pm, Carleton Place’s very own Small Town Socials will liven up the party. If you have seen this band before, you know their upbeat personalities create a party atmosphere that will leave you no choice but to get up and dance.
Enjoy the vibrant hometown atmosphere and bask in the warmth of the community as you peruse holiday displays, shop the holiday sales, enjoy delicious seasonal treats and warm drinks and plenty of fun and games.
Come on out to Winterfest on November 23 from 4–8pm in Downtown Carleton Place and the Market Square Pavilion at 7 Beckwith Avenue!
A thoughtful and quiet man of many talents, Keith Stanton has played a number of choice roles with Theatre Night in Merrickville. But this fall he’ll be treading the boards as Baron Grumbleguts in the pantomime The King’s New Clothes, written by Peter Bond and Bob Heather. As the name suggests, the Baron is not the nicest of characters.
“He’s deliciously evil. In this role I want to be king, and the only way I can do that is to steal the kingdom from my brother,” says Stanton with a grin.
His evil plan is to turn the king into a laughing stock and persuade the residents to proclaim him the rightful king instead. Naturally, he’s aided by a few other characters, although his choice of cohorts is questionable. Will he succeed? The only way to find out is to attend this fun, funny and colourful theatrical romp, complete with music and dance.
The show opens on November 21 and runs until November 24. Just four performances — two evenings and two matinées.
As enjoyable as pantomimes are both to perform and watch, the journey from casting to performance is both fun and fraught.
“Directing a pantomime with this many characters is challenging, in our busy world,” says Bronwen McKnight, an experienced director. “Getting 20 people into the same space at the same time isn’t always smooth sailing!”
McKnight has directed musicals in the past and has a good handle on integrating song and dance seamlessly into the plot. In this production she’s aided by Wendy Earl as the music director, supported by drummer Gary Roberts, and Lynn Surrette as the choreographer.
Given the size of the cast, there are a number of “new-to-theatre” cast members, including children as young as 10.
“We have a number of experienced cast members and about six new ones, and the more experienced thespians are guiding the less experienced and the children, so I’m really happy about that,” explains McKnight. About half-way through rehearsals, McKnight says the production is really starting to take shape.
“The cast is gelling, and as actors learn their lines and blocking they’re starting to have fun with the play and interact with the audience,” adds McKnight.
The King’s New Clothes is a new take on the tale of The Emperor Has No Clothes, and even features the song made famous by Dany Kaye.
As large as the cast of a pantomime is, there’s another army working behind the scenes. This includes the producer, stage managers, set designers, painters, costume designers, sound, lights, make-up, hair, musicians, and all the people who build the set and risers and who support the actors backstage.
“Last time I stage managed was in 2005, with 52 people in A Christmas Carol, so I thought this would be a breeze,” says stage manager Vicki Graham. “This is different — there are a lot more moving parts, with song and dance.”
This isn’t the first pantomime Theatre Night in Merrickville has produced as a fall production, and it likely won’t be the last. As challenging as these productions are, they are audience-pleasers and a great way to reach out to younger audiences.
Produced as a classic English pantomime with a Canadian twist, this production has all the necessary elements: a dame, a comedic duo, a prince, a princess, the evil Grumbleguts, music, dance and a lot of audience participation!
Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children under 10, and can be purchased in advance online at <merrickvilletheatre.org> or with cash at the door. Evening performances start at 7:30pm on November 21 and 22, and matinées start at 2pm on November 23 and 24.
The Connectwell Therapeutic Riding Program is celebrating 39 years of providing therapeutic riding lessons in Lanark County. This program has grown to include more than 128 riders — 70% of whom have physical disabilities; 99% of whom have developmental disabilities or mental illness.
With no ongoing government funding, all funds are raised through grants, donations, and fundraising activities, so community support is vital to success. Enter the Civitan Clubs…
In early 2020, the Civitan Club of Lanark was asked to help to purchase a new horse for the riding program. They quickly contacted four other Lanark clubs, who all decided to help with the purchase of Shane (a lovely young paint gelding). In 2023, the Civitans once again rallied and helped purchase another horse named Palmer (a Quarterhorse/Morgan cross). Both were purchased primarily through the proceeds from Radio Bingo.
Ken Fournier of Lanark Civitan says “The Lanark & District Civitan Club is pleased to assist in the funding of the Therapeutic Riding Program and especially in joining together with four other Civitans in Lanark County to purchase two of the horses needing replacement. We realize how important this program is.” Ross Munro from Almonte Civitan echoes: “For decades, the Almonte Civitan Club has been a proud supporter of the riding program. We are happy to be able to continue to support this wonderful program and the work they do. Civitan Clubs provide support to people and organizations in their communities with focus on persons with intellectual challenges; making Civitan and Therapeutic Riding a perfect match for ongoing support.”
Earlier this year, discussions began with all five clubs regarding ongoing funding to help support these two horses. Civitan Clubs from Perth, Smiths Falls, Almonte, Lanark, Pakenham and Carleton Place all agreed to an annual contribution to support, shelter and feed these two fabulous therapy animals.
As a beautiful coincidence, the following heartfelt testimonial was written just days ago by an anonymous someone who saw the two Civitan horses in action:
“Heading out of a small town is an ordinary road lined with ordinary lanes that lead to ordinary homes and farms. I turn onto one of these ordinary lanes on a rainy Wednesday morning, not very happy that I had made a commitment that I would go along just once. A farmhouse, a barn, a coverall arena, just like so many I have seen over the years that cover our countryside. I’m about to enter a coverall that will truly change my view of this ordinary farm.
“I am met by two gentle giants, five volunteers, three of them young ladies, and two special riders ready to go. I am asked to help my buddy onto his mount. This giant is truly massive yet so calm. I’m in awe of his strength and confidence. I watch as these angels of mortal and beast go through a well rehearsed dance. The lazy-boy recliner ride, the backwards ride and the trot. All in perfect harmony. When 1200lbs wants to go right, 105lbs digs into the ground to calmly persuade left is the way we want. Even the barn swallows do their job of keeping the ride free of pests and entertain one special buddy with their aerial acrobatics.
“It’s time to dismount. A special buddy slides down past the saddle to the ground. His arms wrap around the front leg of a truly special animal, while kissing 1400lbs goodbye until next week. While I can understand why the adult volunteers would want to do this, the three young ladies are truly special. To be so altruistic at a young age is something very rare. The world would be such a beautiful place if we could all be like the five I met on that not so ordinary day.”
The worldwide mission of Civitan International is to build good citizenship by providing a volunteer organization of clubs dedicated to serving individual and community needs, with an emphasis on helping people with developmental disabilities.
If you have some time, and you are a community-minded person who likes to help others, perhaps now is the time to reach out to your local Civitan Club and see how you can be a part of this great organization.
The Smiths Falls club in particular is looking for new members this winter. Please reach out if you can help. Contact Debbie at <infosmithsfallscivitanclub@gmail.com>. Find the Perth & District Civitan Club at <perthcivitan@gmail.com>, the Carleton Place & District club at <president@carletonplacecivitan.com>, the Lanark & District club at <bking@caleres.com>, the Pakenham & District club at <civitanpakenham@gmail.com>, and the Almonte Civitan club at <info@almontecivitan.com>.
Believe it or not, the Christmas season in Merrickville begins the first weekend of November. That’s when the Merrickville’s Makers Market hosts its next warm and welcoming event!
The holiday edition of this popular market will return to Merrickville’s Community Centre at 106 Read Street on November 2 and 3 from 10am to 4pm. Admission to the event is free and there is ample parking.
The two-day format allows the Makers Market to showcase their full membership, as each day you will find thirty unique vendors proudly displaying their artistry. Fibre art and hot sauce, woodwares and exotic soaps and oils will blend with all manner of goods from artists and makers for this indoor market.
Margaret Armour, spokesperson for the group and a participant herself, believes the market serves as an invitation to visit the charming and historic village. “We have several sponsors who help us make the event a success each time we hold one. This relationship is important to everyone’s success, and we encourage all market-goers to stay and explore the many shops, restaurants and businesses in town.”
While this is the Christmas version of the event, not everything is Christmas themed. Some artists and makers focus on seasonal wares, while others offer items that are not specific to one time of year. Regardless, it’s a perfect occasion to get your Christmas shopping all finished up in one weekend!
Somewhat different from a studio tour, the market offers attendees an opportunity to explore and learn about many creative disciplines. Members of the group are eager to speak about the creative process and engage visitors in discussions about their own work or the collective maker experience. There is lots to see, lots to learn, and lots to take home from some terrifically talented people. Market-goers might even be inclined to explore their own creativity after seeing the many talented makers! Learn more about them by visiting <merrickvillesmakersmarkets.ca>.
The holidays are on their way, and The Valley Voices invite you to reserve a night to breathe with music and stories before the final push sets in. Our Snowfall concert will take place on Sunday, December 15 at the Almonte United Church. Music of the season will be sung by our small but mighty choir. Unlike the music in the mall, you will not know all the tunes ahead of time! However, we might tempt you to look it up afterwards to add to your holiday playlist.
This year we are also bringing back a beloved part of our Christmas concerts — the stories. As an adult, there is something truly magical about listening to stories like we did as children.
The Valley Voices are Almonte’s original community choir. We sing in harmony accompanied by the wonderful Kathleen Deck. We have two concerts a year, this Christmas one and one in June. We do have a few openings for new members, so if you are interested in joining in January, please email <valleyvoicesofalmonte@gmail.com> to arrange your audition.
Keep an eye out for more information as we get closer to Snowfall!
The Christmas season just wouldn’t be the same without a choral concert or two, and the Goulbourn Male Chorus (GMC) is once more stepping up to the plate to offer their unique style and rich tones in a celebration of Christmas.
If you were among the 100 or so folks who attended their Mother’s Day/Spring concert performance a few months ago, you will know that a GMC concert isn’t just about men singing, but includes guest musicians and singers, audience participation, and of course opportunities to raise money for local charities.
This year, GMC will be presenting their 2024 Christmas concert at Trinity Presbyterian Church on December 1 at 3pm.
The Goulbourn Male Chorus is a community-based chorus made up of men from the township of Goulbourn and surrounding West Ottawa communities including Kanata, Carp, Carleton Place and Constance Bay. Their repertoire is broad and includes traditional male chorus selections — secular and sacred, spirituals, folk songs, ballads, modern pieces including some lighter selections, and even “pop”. Many of their arrangements are unique, created by a chorus member specifically for the vocal ranges in the ensemble.
In addition to their Spring and Christmas concerts, GMC often performs at seniors’ homes and local events for charity fundraisers.
The chorus welcomes men who enjoy singing and comradery to join them at 7pm on any Tuesday evening at Trinity Presbyterian Church, located at 1817 Richardson Side Road. You don’t need to be able to read music. You only need a love for music and sharing a few laughs with like-minded men. Oh yes, following most practices, several of the group can be found at the Cheshire Cat Pub reviewing the night’s practice notes.
So why not pick up a couple of tickets for the concert on December 1 (they are $25 general admission and $15 for students) — it will get you into the Christmas spirit. Visit <goulbournmalechorus.com> for additional information and links to past performances.
A group of volunteers will be heading to the highlands of western Guatemala from February 1–10, 2025, and while working with local masons to build cookstoves, will experience the resiliency and joy of the Maya people and witness their great need. When those volunteers return, they will continue the 25-year mission of the Guatemala Stove Project (GSP) — raising funds to help Maya families.
You too can assist the GSP in helping Maya families and fighting climate change this month, right here in eastern Ontario. Simply participate in the online auction taking place from November 4–10 at <32auctions.com/2024GSP> where you can donate a stove, microloan or educational bursary, or purchase an interesting gift. The GSP will also be holding a fundraising dance at the Perth Civitan Hall on Saturday, November 16 featuring the music of Open Road and a silent auction.
Guatemala is among the poorest nations in the western hemisphere, and Mayan families living in the western highlands are the poorest of the poor in Guatemala. Like so many families living on the margins around the world, they cook their meals over open fires. Incredibly, fully 30% of the world’s population uses solid fuel to cook!
Cooking over an open fire creates two problems. First, smoke from cooking in a small, enclosed space creates toxic indoor air pollution that reduces the life expectancy of every member of the family. This pollution hits mothers and small children particularly hard, as they spend the most time near the fire.
The GSP raises money to fund cookstoves and works with NGO partners in Guatemala to have them built by Guatemalan masons of concrete, mortar and steel. The cookstove’s chimney removes the smoke from Maya households. The enclosed firebox shields children from open flames and greatly improves fuel efficiency. This saves the limited resources of families and helps to break the cycle of poverty. Over the past 25 years the GSP has funded the building of over 8,000 family cookstoves and 55 larger school cookstoves. These stoves have improved the health, life expectancy, and overall wellbeing of over 50,000 Maya people!
The second problem with cooking over open fires is its inefficiency and the release of large amounts of carbon dioxide. Efficient GSP masonry cookstoves reduce the amount of wood burned by half. This means half as many trees are cut down for fuel, which reduces local deforestation. It also means over 2 tonnes of carbon are saved each year by each stove! Over its lifespan each cookstove would more than offset the average carbon footprint of a typical Canadian (calculated at 14.2 tons in 2019). When considered collectively, GSP stoves will have offset over 175,000 tonnes of CO2.
A GSP cookstove is a very powerful “machine” to improve lives and fight climate change. To learn more about the work of the GSP, please visit <guatemalastoveproject.org>.
Just in time for Christmas! For one weekend only — December 7 and 8 from 10am to 4pm — the Rideau Lakes Artists Association (RLAA) is presenting its holiday-themed Holly Jolly art show and sale. The show will feature a wide variety of original and affordable fine art, presented by more than 35 talented and accomplished artists.
Come immerse yourself in this beautifully curated display of fine art including original paintings, limited-edition prints and cards, handmade jewellery, pottery, fibre art, wearables and other unique gifts. Every item is one-of-a-kind, designed and created by a local RLAA artist. Plus, every item is affordably priced, with all artwork — even the largest pieces — priced under $200 for affordable gift giving.
The show is being held at the Perth Legion, located at 26 Beckwith Street East, and both parking and admission are free. The 2024 Holly Jolly show and sale will be supporting the Table Community Food Centre (Perth Food Bank) with donations of cash and/or non-perishable food items.
Come treat yourself or someone you love to an original work of art this season! For more information on Rideau Lakes Artists’ Association, visit <rideaulakesartists.com> or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
The 2024 Holly Jolly show is generously sponsored by Julia Scotland, an avid supporter of the art community and a Broker with Coldwell Banker Settlement Realty in Perth. Contact her at 390-0401 or <julia-scotland@coldwellbanker.ca>.
I don’t have shoes for every occasion. If I smile a lot or wear a colourful jacket, no one will look down and see what’s on my feet. There are two pairs of Birkenstocks in the closet, the requisite rubber boots, two pairs of winter boots, and one pair of “all-season” loafers to go with everything. I don’t wear high heels anymore for fear of breaking my neck falling off them. I don’t want fancy sandals because I step right out of them. So as you can see, I try to buy only those shoes that fit my lifestyle.
However, since I’m not one to sit in a rocking chair for long, I do need proper sporting shoes. I need good cross trainers for agility, something waterproof for the wet grass days, and fashionable gym shoes for our exercise classes.
My present running shoes having been relegated to garden shoes, it was time to start the interminable quest. For weeks I looked at others’ shoes, and had my mind set on what I wanted. Someone told me they find the best shoes online, but I couldn’t imagine ordering, getting, trying on, returning. I needed a foot-on experience. There was nothing for it but a full excursion called The Great Shoe Expedition.
I only do this once every few years because it’s such a trial to me. I started close to home, shopped local, etc., but came up empty-footed. (Found other things I liked and bought those instead.) I had another week of wearing the worn-out numbers until one of my classmates suggested they take up a GoFundMe collection. I was desperate!
Now I got serious! We hit several stores in the first circle on the map. I felt like Goldilocks — some too tight, some too loose, and dear Lord, some far too expensive. I’m not running marathons here, just running the dogs! When I told the far-too-athletic-looking clerks that I run my dogs in agility, some gave me a blank look indicating they had no idea about my sport. Some were only interested in showing me the fanciest thing on the wall display, and others implied that maybe I should be looking for a lace-up oxford. REALLY?!? “So endeth Day Two of the Quest”.
By this time I think Alan was ready to tie cardboard to my feet and call it good. But no, we soldiered on to the next circle of doom on the map. I decided to try places that might not be so judgemental or frankly uber-athletic. The window displays looked inviting in a few places, but the reality was disappointing: never the right size or style. Just not what I wanted.
The Quest had become so frustrating we detoured into the favourite wine haunt for some liquid comfort to take home. There was a small shop next to the LCBO, and there in the window, practically calling to me was the very pair I wanted: vibrant cross trainers with crazy coloured soles. Oh please, please. Let them fit! And they did! Shoe number one bought and bagged! “So endeth Day Three”.
Now, you’d think I would have stopped there, but I still needed the waterproof shoes and the exercise shoes. Once more into the car and one more exasperating hunt. In a fit of inspiration I returned to the one shop I missed on the first go-round, and quietly checked out the sales rack before one of the staff approached. You will hardly believe this: she was an experienced lady of my own vintage. She had dogs, she lived in the country, she was a runner herself, AND she really knew what she was selling. I felt like I’d met the Fairy Shoe Mother.
With no hesitation, she understood my predicament exactly, and I swear shook her magic wand and pulled out the very pair I needed. They fit perfectly, didn’t look gigantic on Size 9 feet, and mercy alive were on sale. I was on the verge of wiping away tears of joy when she said she also had another pair I might like to try, the perfect exercise shoes. So there I stood, perfect shoes one on each foot, doing a happy dance in her store, with her nearly as excited as I was.
Alan too could appreciate the significance of the moment, knowing it was the last time he’d have to endure days of sitting in shoe stores while I tried on far too many pairs. Celebration was definitely in order. Off to A&W we went: happy wife, happy life, and all the new shoes I’m going to need for two years.
Perhaps the magic of winter’s first snow hasn’t arrived, but whatever the weather is outside, entering the Itty Bitty Artisan & Art Show is like stepping into a magical place. The warmth of the people and the brilliance of all the colourful art will immediately lift your spirits. The show runs Saturday and Sunday, November 16 and 17, from 10am to 4:30pm each day.
Located at the Carleton Place Arena (75 Neelin Street), there is lots of free parking and admission is also free. There is an elevator and two stairways leading to the Upper Great Hall show location.
There are two great door prizes to be won. One is a gift certificate from Canadian Tire and the second is a piece of art from one of the participating artists. Please remember to fill out a form!
In the Upper Great Hall of the Carleton Place Arena, 52 artists, all members of Arts Carleton Place (ACP), will be showing their creations. There will be small paintings, jewellery, sculptures, photography, wood turning, art cards, calendars, silk scarves and much more.
Everything in the show is priced at $200 or less, with many treasures to be found for under $50. This is the best show to find the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday shopping list, including yourself! The variety of artwork that you will see is impressive and the quality is unsurpassed.
Each artist will be present in their booth, ready to answer any questions you may have. It’s a great opportunity to meet the person behind the art and learn about their creative process. The show is family-oriented, so bring the kids and introduce them to the world of art and artisanal works.
Students from both local high schools will be volunteering during the show. They will be performing a variety of essential tasks, all of which help make the show run smoothly and enable the artists to be available to talk to everyone who stops by their booth.
A portion of the proceeds from show sales will go to the ACP Bursary Program. A bursary is awarded to one graduating student from each of the Carleton Place and Notre Dame High Schools who plans to continue their education in the field of the arts. There will be a donation jar at the entrance, and visitors are encouraged to consider donating to the ACP Bursary. The goal is to cover, at a minimum, one semester of tuition.
ACP would like to take this opportunity to thank the Town of Carleton Place and MyFM 88.1 for their support.
Save the date for this year’s fabulous holiday festivities at the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area, hosted by the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority. Taking place on Saturday, December 14 from noon–6pm, Kintail Country Christmas will feature activities for endless family fun — horse-drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa, a woodland scavenger hunt, crafts, hot chocolate and much more!
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the MVCA website at <mvc.on.ca>. Admission is only $20 per car, and if you make a $10 donation to the Mill of Kintail you can pick a scheduled time to get a photo with Santa himself! All proceeds from this event will benefit the historic Mill of Kintail location.
Library After Dark returns to the Perth & District Library on Saturday, November 9 with a night of music with accomplished local singer-songwriter Jeremy Lyall.
Library After Dark is a special fundraising concert series that offers a chance for people who love music to see top-notch artists in a unique, alternative space.
“After being hidden away for too long, it’s time to let these songs of mine out into the light of day for Library After Dark,” says Jeremy Lyall. “Along with fellow musicians Kalil Bailey and Isaac Matthews, we’ve been cooking them up in the kitchen and look forward to playing them for you this November 9, along with some selected covers, at the Perth & District Library. These songs come of a youth growing up on an apple farm, a career in film production, and a life interested in what lies buried and hidden in us and in the world. They offer a lyrical glimpse of some of the things found, felt, and experienced along the way. The distinct musical voices of Kalil’s percussion and Isaac’s guitar have given them a groove and feel that has me very excited to announce our forthcoming album for the new year”.
Doors open at 7pm and music starts at 7:30. You can also enjoy a beverage from the cash bar at the library during the show. Tickets are $30 and available for purchase online in advance at <perthunionlibrary.ca/library-after-dark> or at the door.
On Friday, November 15 at 7pm, the Lanark Basic Income Network (LBIN) will host a special screening of Living Below the Line at the Studio Theatre in Perth. This powerful and moving filmed production is based on the lives and stories of individuals living in poverty in the Waterloo region. The play was co-created by Watercourse Theatre and fourteen individuals who shared their personal experiences with systemic poverty — tackling issues like stigma, resilience, and hope. The production originally débuted live in June 2022, with enthusiastic reception and nearly a thousand attendees in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
Living Below the Line breaks stereotypes about those living below the poverty line, using storytelling and innovative theatre to bring attention to the complexities of poverty. The actors, who have lived these stories, present an authentic and visceral portrayal of the struggles they face. After the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a live Zoom “talk-back” session with two of the co-creators, who will share more about their experiences creating the play and answer questions from the audience. With its focus on poverty, resilience, and system-level barriers, Living Below the Line is an important piece of theatre that gives voice to stories rarely heard.
LBIN, the event’s host, is committed to raising awareness of the benefits of a basic income. LBIN advocates for basic income as a means for ensuring that people have the resources they need to meet their basic needs. Basic income is essential for those who, like the actors in this play, are striving to be free of poverty.
Admission to this event is by donation (pay what you like), with half of the proceeds going to support LBIN’s ongoing advocacy efforts, and the other half benefiting Watercourse Theatre, which continues to create important works of social impact. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a unique and heartfelt portrayal of poverty, along with the chance to directly engage with some of the play’s creators. For more information about basic income and LBIN’s advocacy work, please visit <lanarkbasicincome.ca>.
Get ready for a magical holiday season this year! Perth Tourism invites you to enjoy its many fun-filled holiday experiences — whether you’re searching for the perfect gift, capturing memories with Santa, or immersing yourself in the music of the season, Perth has it all!
The Perth Tourism team has curated the copious events of the holiday season into three distinct themes: Makers, Music, and Memories, making it easier for you to find what resonates best with what you’re looking for.
“There’s so much happening in Perth this holiday season, and we’ve themed it all to help you quickly discover the experiences that best match your holiday vibe,” says Kathryn Jamieson, Manager of Tourism and Culture.
With countless holiday markets, including the Perth Farmers’ Christmas Market, Once Upon a Christmas, and the Nick of Time Christmas Craft Show, Makers from Lanark County and beyond will be showcasing their best. You’ll have no trouble finding unique, handcrafted items to complete your gift list!
The Music scene is on point here in Perth, with tons of opportunities to soak up the sounds of the season. The CPKC Holiday Train, Women and Men of the Tay Choir, and Perth Citizens’ Band Christmas Concert are just a few of the festive performances happening and will be sure to lift your spirits. Keep an eye on the town’s event calendar for details on upcoming shows and concerts.
Most importantly, the holidays are for making Memories… especially those with Santa. You’ll find him at Code’s Mill, at the Santa Claus Parade, or book a time to snap a photo with him at Spring Children or the Perth Museum.
Celebrate the season and make the most of this special time in Perth by exploring everything this charming town has to offer. Whether you’re planning a day out or a weekend getaway, Perth has something for everyone — from holiday shopping in local boutiques and stores to tasty bites and bevvies at breweries and eateries. Visit <Perth.ca/HolidayEvents> for a full list of activities and events to plan your perfect holiday experience.
The Annual MERA Christmas Fair returns this year! Come on out to the MERA Schoolhouse (974 Dalhousie Concession 9A) in McDonalds Corners on Saturday, November 16 from 9am to 3pm. Since 2005, MERA (McDonalds Corners & Elphin Recreation & Arts) has hosted this Christmas Fair where local artisans offer wonderful and unique items for sale. A nutritious light lunch will be provided by the MERA café. There will also be a bake sale and a draw featuring donated items from vendors.
This year’s Christmas Fair has sixteen vendors: Fine Chocolate by Ludwig, basketry by Ankaret Dean, cornhusk dolls by Marilyn Nicholas-Dahan, repurposed wood by Brian Roche, wire crochet and gemstone jewellery by Kat Stevens, functional fused glass by Kevin Kepler, handcrafted lampwork beads and fused glass by Homestead Studio Glass, woodworking by Tim Booth and Barry Russell, dried flower arrangements and knitwear by Ruth Anderson, wire wrapped jewellery by PJ’s Pretties, cards and artwork by Emily Wilson, honey and health & wellness products by Wild Thyme Homestead, handmade heritage weaving by the MERA Weavers, one-of-a-kind pottery by the MERA Pottery Studio, and artworks by the MERA Art Circle.
By shopping at the MERA Christmas Fair, you are helping to support this local arts and recreation facility so that they can continue to offer music events, workshops, community dinners and much more. For more information, please visit <meraschoolhouse.org>.
Photography by Linda Krakow Eaman
Linda Krakow Eaman has had a camera in her hand since she was a child growing up in Montreal, photographing her family’s travels and making prints in her father’s basement darkroom. While university and her early career took her in other directions, photography has remained a constant throughout her life, sometimes as a hobby and, for almost 20 years, as a business focused on portraits and events. After living in Silicon Valley and in London, England, in 2020 Linda and her husband moved home to Canada. They now live on beautiful Wolfe Island, Ontario, where you’re most likely to find Linda tending her chickens and garden, or wandering with a camera and a sketchbook. Linda’s website and blog can be found at <LKEphotography.com>.
Linda says “Photography is how I see the world. I am a photographer of life: from street scenes to landscapes, insects to elephants, portraits of loved ones and of strangers. Photography adds depth to every experience, helping me connect with people, cultures, and the world around me. And it allows me to share that with others; a photograph can tell a story and open a window to another place and time. In recent years I have found myself turning increasingly to nature. It’s a respite from the challenges of the world, and a never-ending source of wonderment. Moving to the country has brought me closer to nature, figuratively and literally — and my camera is never far away. Our travel has become more nature-focused too, from camping in Algonquin Park, to watching puffins in Scotland, to a magical safari in Botswana. Immersing myself in the natural world has fed my soul and brought me joy. I share these images in the hope that they will do the same for you.”
Linda will be exhibiting her photography at MERA for the month of November. Please join her for a Meet the Artist event on November 3 from 2–4pm.
Perth’s Nick of Time Christmas Craft Show is back for 2024, and this year it’s their 31st anniversary! Come celebrate and find the perfect Christmas gift for all your special people on Saturday, December 7 from 10am to 3:30pm in Perth’s Crystal Palace, located downtown right beside the Tay Basin.
This year’s show features a great lineup of new artists and artisans as well as many returning favourites. Expect to find gourmet chocolate, fashion accessories, fine woodworking, unique pottery, jewellery, photography and much more. The show’s philosophy is to keep the quality as high as possible by featuring original juried works from over twenty gifted artisans. Plan to enjoy sweet treats and home-cooked food while chatting with artisans and neighbours. Soak up the ambiance of the Christmas music and festive decorations adorning the Crystal Palace. Shop and know that you are supporting local artisans while buying some of the best work that the area has to offer.
The show will once again be supporting Perth’s food bank — The Table Community Food Centre. Cash donations would be greatly appreciated. Look for the donation box near the main entrance to the Crystal Palace. Please give what you can!
Mark December 7 on your calendar and plan to visit the 2024 Nick of Time Christmas Craft Show. Be sure to enter the free draw for a basket of fine gift items donated by participating artisans. Admission is free, and more information about the show can be found at <facebook.com/nickoftimePerth>. If you would like to be considered as a vendor at next year’s show, follow on social media for more information.
North Grenville Community Theatre (previously known as Kemptville Players) has been entertaining the community for over fifty years. This year we have chosen to present Thornton Wilder’s Our Town at the North Grenville Municipal Centre in Kemptville from Thursday, November 21 to Sunday, November 24.
We have been working hard on this production for months. With a cast of about 25 and an additional 20 supporting volunteers, this is one of our larger productions. We are very excited about it.
Our Town is one of the most famous, most beloved American theatre classics. In translation it has also been performed in Europe and Asia with great success. Its universal human themes transcend geography and culture, and yet it is also quintessentially North American.
In America, in the anguished aftermath of 9/11, it was frequently performed to help reaffirm the great truths of the human spirit.
What? No set? A “stage manager” who speaks directly to the audience and periodically interrupts or thanks the characters? After the first possibly unsettling moments, you will become deeply immersed in the characters and story.
Our Town could easily be your own town. Although set a hundred years ago, it remains very relevant to our here and now. We strongly believe that you will recognize yourself in some of the characters.
If you have ever been in love, felt insecure, been protective of a child, grieved a loved one, felt despair and/or hope, or laughed out loud as you reminisced about your life, you will find parts of yourself in this story. If you have ever looked back and reflected upon your younger self, you will find yourself in this play.
To begin with it may seem very ordinary, but its deliberate simplicity reveals profound truths. Watching a live performance is a very special kind of intimacy. Come to the theatre and immerse yourself in all the joys, sorrows and humour of a typical small town.
Shows take place at 7:30pm from Thursday to Saturday, and at 2pm on Sunday. On the Sunday there will also be luncheon available before the show. Find more information at <NGCT.ca>. Tickets are $25 and available from TicketsPlease.ca or in person at B & H Your Community Grocer in Kemptville.
Get ready for a magical fall outing with Perth Community Choir’s presentation of A Christmas Carol, The Musical. This enchanting performance features beautiful music and melodies composed by Alan Menken, with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. The production showcases a brilliant ensemble with a multi-age cast ranging from 8 to 76 years old, for which Perth Community Choir (PCC) has become well-known.
In her directing début for PCC, Director/Choreographer Kristen Widenmaier has eagerly awaited the opportunity to bring this show to life and is excited to share it with audiences. She brings her own stage experience to the production, having performed in numerous shows, including her recent role as Mrs. Wormwood in last year’s production of Matilda. Ron Cosens serves as the Assistant Director, assisting with scenes and their arrangement. Alex Guerin takes on the role of Musical Director, leading the music and vocals for this year’s performance. She has organized the orchestra and is working with the cast on their vocals, with support from Mary-Ellen Grigor and Chris Angel.
David Bird will be taking on the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge this year, drawing on his deep understanding of the story to deliver a compelling performance. Eli McKean Kerr, a newcomer to the Perth theatre community but with plenty of stage experience, will portray the Ghost of Christmas Past. Ron Cosens, well-known for his entertaining delivery, will bring depth to the character of the Ghost of Christmas Present. Kristy Tait-Angel, who directed last year’s show, will make a return to the PCC stage and deliver an eerily fantastic performance as the Ghost of Christmas Future. Gaelan Cosens, a familiar face in the ensemble over the past few years, will take on the heartwarming role of Tiny Tim. Josh Gallant, known for captivating the audience, will play the role of Bob Cratchit. The talented Lara Klymko will bring her unique touch to the character of Marley — a performance not to be missed! Expect to see many new and familiar faces as part of the large ensemble, playing various roles throughout the show, making it a memorable night out.
A Christmas Carol, The Musical runs from November 14–17. Tickets are selling fast! Secure your seats now at <perthcommunitychoir.com>. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary musical experience!
When you think about it — and frankly, you don’t have to think too hard — Perth is a perfect place for a writer’s festival. And this November, it’s finally happening.
Peter Dixon and Heidi Stepanek, proprietors of Spark Books & Curios, are organizing the inaugural Perth WriterFest, which will take place Saturday, November 9 at McMartin House.
“This area is a hotbed for the arts in general and celebrates many artistic forms, and now, we believe, it’s time for Perth to celebrate the literary arts,” Dixon says. “We hope that the Perth WriterFest will become an annual tradition of entertaining, educating, and inspiring all who love good writing.”
The inaugural festival features four very talented authors: the multi award-winning Tim Wynne-Jones, newcomer Coltrane Seesequasis, historical fiction novelist Gwen Tuinman, and Sara Power, a gifted short story writer whose début, Art of Camouflage, might justifiably be called one of the best books of the year.
Attendees are in for a day of “delightful interviews, readings, discussions, and socializing.” Spark Books Assistant Manager Katherine Hooton will interview Sara Power, and beloved author Tim Wynne-Jones will talk to Coltrane Seesequasis about the young author’s new fantasy novel, Secrets of Stone. Local historian Susan Code McDougall sits down with Gwen Tuinman to discuss Tuinman’s highly praised novel Unrest, which delves into frontier Ottawa (Bytown). Wynne-Jones, an Officer of the Order of Canada and the author of thirty-eight books, will also be reading from The Emperor of Any Place. Any literary discussion with Mr. Wynne-Jones is an honour and a pleasure for all in attendance.
That part of the festival is free. Space at McMartin House is limited, though, so pre-registration is required — and you can do that by contacting Spark Books & Curios by phone (466–0555) or by email <spark.perth@gmail.com>.
There is a special “add-on” event too — a unique, inspiring, hands-on short story workshop led by Wynne-Jones and Power. That begins at 10am. There is a $20 fee for the workshop portion of the festival (money very well spent, in my opinion), and registration is required.
Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sara Power about her dazzling short story collection, Art of Camouflage. She says she’s excited about her first visit to Perth and is looking forward to participating in the morning workshop.
“Oh, I can’t wait!” she says. “Writing workshops can do a lot of different things, but this one will focus on some generative practices and collective feedback; getting those stories on the page. We need to have something to work with, and getting started is often the hardest part. Sometimes we just need that push to remind us that the story is page-worthy.”
No stranger to workshopping stories (she’s done so academically and, in recent months, professionally), Power adds, “The power of a workshop will always depend on the group, but I trust the process.”
Power’s début was released by Freehand Books in May, 2024. Advance praise for the book was wildly enthusiastic. “Fiercely intelligent, funny and tender,” wrote acclaimed novelist Caroline Adderson, “Art of Camouflage is a remarkable début.” And Commonwealth Writers’ Prize winner Lisa Moore raved: “Power’s prose is lightning quick, making the dark that follows illumination even darker. Shot through with brilliant images and an elegant fluidity, these stories are striking, subtle, and ultimately spectacular.”
Power has since crisscrossed the country touring the book, reading in independent bookshops in Lethbridge, Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa, Kingston, Montreal, and St. John’s, plus an art gallery in Cornwall, as well as appearing as a featured author at the Ottawa International Writers Festival, Ochre Fest in Ochre Pit Cove Newfoundland, and the beloved Writers at Woody Point Festival in Woody Point, Newfoundland. By all accounts, readers, booksellers, fellow authors, and audiences have all been similarly impressed by Power’s short story collection and by her affable and dynamic performances.
The stories in Art of Camouflage are about the lives of girls and women caught in the military’s orbit. I asked Power, who is a former artillery officer in the Canadian Forces, if she’s had much feedback from readers about military life.
“I find it endlessly interesting to think about the layered lives of girls and women, and the transience of military life can be a particular experience,” she said. “A curious sort of tension haunts relationships that are temporary, and it’s compelling to imagine characters that have to start over again and again — the reinvention, the self-preservation, the relationship of the story and the character to time. I like to lose myself inside these types of possibilities.
“I can’t even tell you how wonderful it has been to meet readers. As a new writer, I’m thrilled when a reader reaches out to tell me how a story touched them. It’s everything. A nice lady approached me after one of my readings and shared that she grew up in the military. She was weepy when she spoke about one of my stories. I’ll never forget it.”
Art of Camouflage is a remarkably good book, an exceptional début from a clearly gifted writer. Though they’re often tender and “fiercely intelligent,” as Caroline Adderson put it, a thread of uneasiness often weaves its way through the hearts of these stories. I asked Power if that was intentional.
“I definitely think about tension when I’m writing,” she told me. “I follow the writer/teacher George Saunders, and in one of his podcasts he discusses the transfer of energy in a story. He asks his students to identify what is happening with the energy at different parts of the narrative; when it revs and builds, when it is transferred, when it is released. It’s a useful way to think about the flow of power and autonomy of characters, and what revelations might arrive when people are pushed to their limits.”
She has enjoyed working with shorter forms of fiction, too.
“One of the reasons I love the short story form is because of its ability to compress and distill a human experience,” she said. “I’m working on a novel right now, and it feels like a vastly different writing style. I know a short story is finished when I feel that I can’t pull anything out without the entire thing falling apart. I think novels might be a bit more forgiving, but really, what do I know?!”
A lot, I would argue. Sara Power knows a lot.
Getting out in the garden last month needed no encouragement as we were treated to spectacular October weather. I am always in favour of doing as much clean-up as possible in the fall; our spring can be incredibly short.
November brings lots of leaves to rake, and I like to keep a few trash cans of dry leaves next to my composter. When I throw a bucket of kitchen scraps in the composter in the winter I will add some leaves. Remember that successful composting requires two parts of “dry” (high carbon) materials to one part of “wet” (high nitrogen) materials.
Some perennial ornamental plants are best cleaned up in the fall. The leaves of hostas become very mushy and are easier to clear in the fall. I cut the stems to about two inches — just long enough so I can see where they are in the spring. Many other perennial flowering plants are worth leaving over the winter. The larger sedums have strong erect stems that will show nicely against the snow (depending on how much snow we get of course...). And there are some flowering plants, such as coneflowers, that have strong stems with seeds that many birds are fond of.
It is amazing how many vegetables can still be harvested in November as they have built-in tolerance for cold. They include Swiss chard, sorrel, kale, salad greens, spinach, Brussels sprouts, carrots and beets. The same is true for many of our herbs such as parsley, sage and thyme. This underlines the importance of knowing the growing requirements of vegetables and how they fit with the realities of the Ottawa Valley climate.
Once the ground is frozen it is time to turn our attention to some of the jobs that have been neglected. The first is to clean all of the garden tools, sharpen and cover metal parts with a bit of oil, and hang them in a safe place in the tool shed. The next is to make a record of each growing bed, the date it was planted, and the variety of vegetable planted.
One other thing that I like to do this time of year is to create a written inventory of all the left-over seeds. I create a record of the vegetable variety, the source of the seed, the year that I bought it and approximately how many seeds are left. Many seed packets contain enough seeds to produce many more plants in a year than I could conceivably want. I find it extremely wasteful to throw out partial seed packets knowing that seeds may remain viable for many years. And often I will purchase larger packets of seeds than I need for one year since, for example, for twice the price I’m getting four times the number of seeds.
The following are approximate ages at which seed of good initial viability stored under cool dry conditions will still provide a satisfactory rate of germination: beans – 3 years; beets and Swiss chard – 4 years; cabbage family (broccoli, cauliflower, collards, cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts) – 5 years; corn – 1 to 2 years; cucumbers – 5 years; eggplant, tomatoes and peppers – 4 years; onions – 1 to 2 years; parsnip – 1 to 2 years; peas – 3 years; pumpkin, and squash – 4 years.
I toss out any seeds that I will never plant or ones that I have serious doubts about the germination rate. Nothing is more disappointing than preparing the growing space and planting the seeds for a crop that is very time-critical, waiting for the seed to germinate, and then seeing nothing happen. For vegetables such as squash or pumpkin that are planted directly in the garden on Victoria Day there is not a lot of leeway if they are to ripen before the first fall frost.
Nasty cold days pass more quickly when time is spent planning next year’s gardens. One of my objectives in planning is to ensure that we are helping the pollinators. A monoculture of grass may have great curb appeal, but it requires high inputs of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and water, and has no benefits for our beleaguered pollinators.
Much of the high cost of maintaining lawns can be attributed to the use of Kentucky Blue Grass to achieve an instant lawn. It has aggressive rhizomes (roots) that knit together to produce a very strong sod. Other grasses such as fescues do not have this aggressive rhizome production. Kentucky Blue requires full sun, good drainage and fertile soil — it is not well suited for our climate as it becomes dormant under drought conditions and becomes vulnerable to the grubs of several beetles. Other grasses such as fescues, which are started from seed, do very well in shady, dry, low-fertility areas. Ground covers such as clover do not need to be fertilized and are not attacked by grubs.
My recommendation is to get off the lawn maintenance treadmill. Plant beds of flowers and vegetables, or if you need a flat area for the kids and pets to romp on, I can think of two possible approaches. The first is to rake out the dead areas, spread some compost and then over-seed with clover and fescue seeds. The second approach, and my preferred one, is to just let all those ‘weeds’ that you have been fighting have free rein. There are many plants that make quite suitable lawn plants. Many stay green and visually appealing through the heat of summer; some are quite drought-tolerant, and most have flowers and are very pollinator-friendly. One of the most visible is the lowly dandelion — it provides essential early pollen for pollinators, it is edible and it remains green through the seasons due to its deep tap-root — yet it remains public enemy number one for most gardeners.
Come out and enjoy an afternoon of traditional holiday music presented by the Carleton Place & District Community Band in support of the Lanark County Food Bank — The Hunger Stop. In addition to the 40 musicians in the band, this concert will also feature choirs from the Zion-Memorial United Church and St. James Anglican Church. Audience members will be able to participate in the singing of traditional holiday music.
The concert starts at 2pm on Sunday, December 1 at Zion-Memorial United Church, which is located at 37 Franklin Street in Carleton Place. Admission is by donation to the Food Bank, and you can find more details at <facebook.com/cpadcb>.
Art… and Soul
Pareidolia is the tendency to see faces or other patterns in response to an ambiguous visual stimulus. If you’ve ever spotted a hidden dragon in the clouds, or the man in the moon, you’ve experienced pareidolia.
Blacksmith artist Shane Belanger uses his extraordinary gift for detecting elusive creatures in the random patterns of wood. The Lanark Highlands artist exploits his innate ability to create striking wooden and steel sculptures. He combines incredibly shaped pieces of live-edge wood with hand-forged steel adornments such as teeth and fangs, creating inspired renditions of whales and fish and birds.
Some are massive — seven feet long and very whale-like! Most impressive is how natural, how organic, how perfectly at home they look hanging in a completely unnatural setting. They are awesome; each is a beautiful tribute to the wondrous creatures who share our fragile world, and to Shane’s innate artistry.
Belanger’s work is bold but meticulous. It is hard to keep your fingers off his compelling figures. Fortunately, you don’t have to. They are configured to withstand above-freezing outdoor weather, and many are displayed on patios and around swimming pools. It occurs to me that it would be tempting to convert an upscale swimming pool area into a marine-themed showcase. In addition to his stunning natural-finish pieces, he offers painted wooden sculptures for more rustic settings.
A member of the Ontario Blacksmith Artist Association, Shane creates his eye-catching hand-forged pieces from recycled steel, metals, and live edge woods from the Lanark Highlands, reimagining discarded materials into unique works of art. It has been three years since he has had to purchase steel, and he would be delighted to recycle your volunteered fireplace insert too.
Just six years ago, Shane’s wife Janice Egan gifted him with a three-day iron forging class. In two years he would be retiring from an arduous and highly stressful career as a project manager responsible for major industrial construction projects. He was battling an alcohol addiction, and at loose ends. The gift changed his life. By the end of the three days he knew he had found his future. He bought the propane forge, anvil, hammer and tongs that he needed, and began to practice. He started by fashioning red-hot steel into hooks and other basic objects From his construction work he understood the science of steel — how to manipulate and change it. He watched the History Channel’s “Forged In Fire” blacksmithing competitions. And he “practiced and practiced and practiced” to attain the skill required to fashion red-hot steel into the shapes he envisioned.
Eventually Belanger tired of making swords and hooks and metal bowls. He loved wood, and after buying a wooden whale, he realized he could “do better.” He did, and people loved them. He started selling them through word of mouth, and eventually sold over two hundred painted whales at numerous local craft markets. Somewhere along the way he learned how to select and work with a wonderful variety of live edge wood pieces that speak to his pareidolia. Now he is planning ahead to continue to indulge his physically demanding passion as long as his body allows — “I can always get a power hammer,” he confides.
Born in Belleville, he chose engineering at Loyalist College when his then girlfriend announced she wouldn’t marry anyone who didn’t go to college. He landed a job straight out of school as a construction foreman in Ottawa, and stuck with a stressful and largely unfulfilling career until he retired. “My mother was a painter, and I always felt a creative urge,” he told me. “It used to drive me crazy working with architects — they got to be both engineers and artists at the same time.” Now he is so fulfilled by his blacksmithing and wood artistry that he no longer struggles with an alcohol addiction.
His new career is very therapeutic. When I comment that his prices are extremely modest, he explains that his real satisfaction comes from having someone enjoy one of his original artworks in their home. No two are alike. He hammers metal components out in an oak stump, so each piece is organically shaped, and the mutating stump is discarded as it succumbs to the heat and pressure. His stunning sculptures also enable him to contribute generously to causes he supports. The whale he donated to the Captain Paul Watson Foundation (a public charity that supports ocean conservation) was successfully auctioned off to raise funds for the protection of fin whales.
When I asked about the unusual name — Gaibhnithe Wood and Steel — on his business card and email address, he explained that both he and Janice have Irish ancestry, and Gaibhnithe is the Gaelic word for forge, or forging. Janice manages the business side of their after-retirement adventure, and Shane reports that she is also a discerning critic.
The couple enjoy the social aspects of their artistic venture. Each show is a new adventure, with new customers and fellow artists. Recently Shane Belanger joined the ranks of the Artisan Village — Smiths Falls’ burgeoning cultural hub — and he is having a whale of a time as one of their “Creative Residents”. He and Janice appreciate the collegial atmosphere, and the large central showroom is the perfect venue for his stunning artworks. He also is a member of Arts Carleton Place’s new Art Hub.
Itty Bitty Whales
Belanger has created a scaled-down version of his phenomenal whale sculptures, and will be displaying them on November 16 and 17 at the Arts Carleton Place Itty Bitty Artisan & Art Show in the Great Hall of the Carleton Place Arena. I checked, and he is offering his “baby whales” for less than $200. Way less, in some cases. Regardless of your budget, you will enjoy browsing his sculptures and the creations of a wonderful assortment of the area’s artists and artisans.
Forge ahead to view coordinates to Shane Belanger’s outstanding artistic achievements itemized on the back of his Artist Trading Card at the top of this page. And look forward to a whale of a time next spring at Artisan Village — he’s working on a walrus, and has chosen an octopus as his next challenge.
Artist Trading Card
WHO Shane Belanger, Gaibhnithe Wood and Steel
WHAT Blacksmith Artist
WHERE Artisan Village, 10 Maple Ave., Smiths Falls, <artisanvillagesmithsfalls.com>, 613-619-4155, <facebook.com/gaibhnithe.woodandsteel>; <gaibhnithe@gmail.com>
WHEN Nov. 16 & 17, 10am–4:30pm, Itty Bitty Artisan & Art Show, Great Hall on the upper floor of the Carleton Place Arena, 75 Neelin St., Carleton Place
WHY “It’s so much better than alcohol.”
Here at theHumm we’re big on local economies. The retail and service businesses in the small towns that we cover play a huge role in the cultural life of those towns. Each store, restaurant, or small enterprise attracts and serves a particular clientele — some inside the community, some from outside. Some businesses host their own special events; others join together with local festivals to make the whole experience more vibrant. Many provide support in cash or in kind to local initiatives. All of them add their own particular flavour to the delicious mix that is small-town Ottawa Valley. A healthy local economy is an essential component to a healthy community.
It is with this in mind that we bring you theHumm’s 24th annual Gift Giving Guide in both the November and December issues. Our hope is that you’ll find two kinds of inspiration in the many lists that appear throughout these issues. As you peruse the various categories, we hope you’ll discover the perfect present for everyone on your list. But we also hope that you’ll be inspired to investigate even more of the independent, locally owned and run businesses throughout our coverage area. In doing so, you’re likely to encounter not only friends and neighbours, but also some old-fashioned small town peace and joy —not to mention amazing customer service!
The gifts we buy locally do double-duty by giving pleasure to the recipient and at the same time supporting the business of a friend or neighbour. Many shops and galleries feature works by area creators and/or gifts that are eco-friendly. The money you spend in your community tends to circulate back into the local economy too, so you’ll be contributing to a wonderful ripple effect.
We would like to thank the participating merchants for taking the time to send in their Gift Giving Guide suggestions, and thank our readers for shopping locally and thereby supporting both the shops and our paper. To see photos of many of these items, subscribe to our free weekly Hummail e-newsletter! Find details at <thehumm.com>.
Wishing you all a happy, healthy holiday season!
Canada’s Celtic rock heroes are bringing their high-energy performance to Studio Theatre Perth on Saturday, December 28. Known for their fun, powerful shows, Mudmen have been entertaining fans across the country with their unique blend of Celtic rock for over 25 years.
Originally called “The Campbell Brothers,” they have come a long way since they first caught the attention of EMI Records in 1993. Now made up of Robby and Sandy Campbell, Colin Amey, Andy Gingerich, Alex Showdra and Emmett Glancie, Mudmen continues to deliver exciting performances that keep their audiences on their feet.
Their music has been featured in video games, TV shows like The Black Donnellys, and even WWE Wrestling. With over 3000 shows under their belt, Mudmen know how to put on a show. They’ve performed at major events, including Canada’s Walk of Fame ceremonies and alongside legendary bands like ZZ Top and The Guess Who.
In an interview, band member Robby Campbell shared what keeps Mudmen going after all these years. He explained, “If you don’t believe in what you’re doing, it won’t connect with the audience. We adjust our performances depending on the crowd, whether it’s telling stories in a theatre or rocking out in a rowdy beer tent.”
Robby also reflected on some of the band’s biggest career moments. From performing at NHL events to playing for the Queen, these experiences have left a lasting impact. “Meeting and performing for the Queen is something we’ll never forget,” Robby said. “And hearing Ron MacLean say, ‘Mudmen, we love ‘em’ on Hockey Night in Canada was a career-defining moment.”
Mudmen’s sound has connected with fans of all ages. Robby believes their music is popular because it’s fun and makes people feel good. “Our music brings out all kinds of emotions. You’ll cry, laugh, dance, and just have a good time,” he said.
Don’t miss your chance to experience Mudmen’s unforgettable live show on December 28, at Studio Theatre Perth. The concert starts at 7:30pm, and doors open at 7. Tickets are available now at Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434).
Get your tickets today and get ready for a night of Celtic rock fun!
The classic big band Standing Room Only (SRO) is staging a dance for ballroom and swing dancers on Sunday afternoon, November 24. The dance will be held in the auditorium on the third floor of the historic Almonte Old Town Hall, located at 14 Bridge Street. Doors will open at 1pm and dancing is from 1:30–4pm. Admission is $16 at the door or $30 per couple (cash only). Reservations are not required.
Light refreshments including delicious treats and a range of non-alcoholic beverages will be available at very reasonable prices (cash only). The Almonte Old Town Hall has its own parking lot, and there’s lots of additional parking on nearby streets. For more information, please visit <srobigband.ca> or <facebook.com/srobigband>.
Join the Friends of the Mississippi Mills Public Library on Sunday, December 1 for another Live @ the Library concert. This performance is designed for the young and the young at heart — the perfect way to introduce classical music to the entire family.
Gertrude Létourneau, a multi-talented flutist and singer with a background in therapeutic music and education, invites young listeners to let their imaginations run free as she weaves the sounds of four different flutes into a musical adventure. Gertrude will be joined by Garry Elliott, Ottawa-based guitarist and teacher of classical and jazz guitar at Carleton University. Together, they skillfully present adaptive concerts, focusing on performances accessible to everyone including individuals from the disability community. In 2024, they performed these accessible and inclusive programs at CHEO and at Ottawa’s Chamberfest.
A native of St-Césaire, Québec, Gertrude holds a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Ottawa and a master’s degree in performance from the University of Montreal. She furthered her studies with a Licentiate in Performance and Communication Skills from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, England, and trained under Geoffrey Gilbert in Florida.
Gertrude is an active freelance flutist and singer who performs regularly in various retirement homes and has worked as a therapeutic musician at Perley Health in Ottawa for 23 years. As a member of the Music and Health Research Institute at the University of Ottawa, she conducts workshops titled “Building Bridges,” aimed at helping musicians better connect with their audiences through performance and communication technique.
Garry has collaborated with Steve Boudreau on two CDs featuring their original compositions, Pre-Dawn Skies and Opus 2. In 2009, Gertrude and Garry recorded their CD Habanera at the Almonte Town Hall, showcasing their musical talents and synergy.
The Friends of the Library are happy to bring this duo back to Almonte for a family-friendly concert on Sunday, December 1 at 2:30pm at the Almonte branch of the Mississippi Mills Public Library. Come in from the cold, bring the kids, and inspire young minds and hearts.
Tickets are available by donation at Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434).
Tea For Three is a dynamic jazz trio fronted by vocalist Annie Elgie, featuring pianist Steven Noronha and bassist Paul Trevor Sandberg. Emerging stars in Toronto’s vibrant music scene, each member brings a diverse background in genres spanning RnB, jazz, folk, and experimental sound. Together, they explore classic standards and original compositions influenced by the rich tapestry of American songbook traditions and the profound legacy of Black American music.
Annie Elgie and friends were featured in a house concert in Perth in January and thoroughly impressed all present. They were encouraged to return to play a bigger venue to share their passion and expertise.
Annie has a personal link to Perth: her parents, Bill Elgie and Leslie Hoyle have been involved in musical theatre since they moved here in 2021.
Tea for Three will be performing a concert in Perth on Sunday, November 17 at 2pm at St. Paul’s United Church, with admission by donation.
For Perth and area jazz fans, this performance is a “must see”.
Taking place at the most beautiful venue in Almonte, our very own Old Town Hall, we kick off the 2025 Folkus season on January 25 with Whitehorse, an incredible Canadian husband-and-wife duo that have a pedigree that puts them in the company of Canadian music hall of famers. Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland are Whitehorse, and together they make incredible music. If you have not heard of their band you have likely heard them individually, as both Luke and Melissa are sought-after studio players. For the past 20 years they have been part of Sarah McLachlan’s touring band.
Our February 22 show will be a lovely intimate evening beginning with Almonte songwriter Mike Wattie. Mike will serenade us with some of his original songs, and his playing, wordsmithing and performance will keep us smiling in our seats.
Our headliner for February is the one and only Steve Poltz, a Halifax native who has spent much of his musical career in Nashville working for himself and co-writing with his musical friends. His band the Rugburns had a major label deal, as did Poltz as a solo performer. And Steve even cowrote a gigantic hit, Jewel’s You Were Meant for Me. Poltz is an itinerant singer-songwriter in the tradition of Woody Guthrie, the troubadours of yore, but with a much better sense of humour.
You don’t look at your watch during a Steve Poltz show. You’re riveted to the man, the stories and the music. There is no down time, your mind doesn’t wander, even if you’ve never heard any of the songs before. Poltz is just that good. Even after thousands of shows (but who’s counting?), he hits the stage with the same energy and always declares: “This is the greatest show of my life.”
It’s why he’s quietly emerged as the kind of live phenomenon celebrated passionately by a diehard fanbase worldwide and renowned as a festival favourite. It’s why his music has crept into pop culture via collaborations with everyone from Jewel and Billy Strings to Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull, Nicki Bluhm, Oliver Wood, and even the late Mojo Nixon. It’s why after over a dozen albums, he’s still creatively firing on all cylinders and critically acclaimed by the likes of Rolling Stone, Associated Press, Billboard, and many more.
Our March 22 show highlights the talents in our own neck of the woods, as the evening begins with Almonte’s own Jen Noxon and the Brindled Cats, featuring Jennifer Noxon, Brendan Gawn and Rob McMurray. After their unique presentation, the evening continues in the company of Lynn Miles and Keith Glass.
Coming from a country renowned for having outstanding singer-songwriters, Lynn Miles is considered Canadian songwriting royalty. With a JUNO Award in 2003 for Roots Traditional Album of the year, Lynn subsequently scored JUNO nominations in 2006 and 2011. She has taken home six Canadian Folk Music Awards, including three for Songwriter of the Year.
Lynn was a staff songwriter for LA-based publisher Criterion Music alongside Lyle Lovett, Rosanne Cash and Rodney Crowell. Her first record deal was with Rounder Records in the US and Continental Records in The Netherlands. She is currently signed to True North Records in Canada.
On her newest album, Tumble WeedyWorld, she sings about the differences between people, which ultimately only demonstrates how we are so much the same. Her emotive voice carries each lyric with breathtaking clarity and heart-wrenching honesty. This album has been nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award for Album of the year.
Together Keith and Lynn create a musical performance that moves through the vast repertoire of Lynn’s many albums, leaving the audience sweetly satiated.
Our last show of the season required some jostling and a quick decision to move the from our traditional last Saturday of the month to the first Saturday of April in order to capture my personal “wild card” show. Just as last year I managed to get “The Moth Project” and give our series something very different, this season we will be blessed with Maria Doyle Kennedy, a connection I owe to my wife Cara Wildesmith, as she was friends with Maria’s husband Keiran. We have seen this amazing couple several times in the past decade, and I had been in touch with Keiran and Maria for the past year hoping to book them. As fate would have it, a few weeks ago, she wrote me and said she would be doing a show at Hugh’s Room in Toronto as she travelled enroute from Ireland to the USA to do filming for one of her many theatrical commitments, and would fit Almonte in if we could get our hall for April 5.
Maria Doyle Kennedy is best known as an accomplished actress; however, her life partner is Keiran Kennedy — an extremely talented multi-instrumentalist who has a history of musical accomplishments himself, not the least of which was a long stint in the popular band Hothouse Flowers, and we have found a side of Maria that is equal to her acting abilities in the form of song.
Her official bio reads: “Polymath Maria Doyle Kennedy has sustained a varied and eclectic career in the Arts for more than 3 decades. Music is her first love, and following time spent in several bands she set up her own record label in 2000 and has released 11 solo albums to date. Maria’s most recent album, Fire on the Roof of Eden, was listed in their albums of the year by The Irish Times, and Hot Press described her as “one of Ireland’s most accomplished vocalists and a national treasure.”
Maria and Kieran have been made artists in residence in Kilruddery, where they are currently writing and recording a new album. Together they weave an intimate evening that is both captivating and charming. Maria is a consummate storyteller, and with Keiran supporting her voice as she sings her songs of life and love and lessons learned, the result is a most memorable evening.
This year’s subscriber tickets go on sale at Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434) on November 1. Our subscriber tickets are for all 4 shows, the price is $130 plus fees, and sales are limited to 150 passes, allowing 30 singles tickets to be sold for each show. Singles will go on sale on January 1, at $60 for the January show, $38 for February and March, and $50 for April.
Hope to see you there!
On Saturday, November 23, St. Andrew’s United Church in Pakenham presents a concert commemorating the 60th anniversary of the music, entertainment and cultural phenomenon that was The Beatles. Come out and enjoy this celebration of their timeless music. Hear your favourite Beatles tunes, take a journey through their history, and hear some fun facts about a band that not only revolutionized music but also left an indelible mark on popular culture. From their humble beginnings at The Cavern Club in Liverpool to the heights of the band’s career, The Beatles have left a legacy like no other.
The concert will feature Peter Brown playing and directing the St. Andrew’s Choir, and will welcome special guests Ian Douglas and Dave Arthur as well as community friends who love to sing. It starts at 7:30pm, and tickets are $20 at the door or by e-transfer to <stachoirevents@gmail.com>. Find more details at <standrewsunitedpakenham.org> or by calling 624–5593.
Then on Saturday, November 30 at 2pm, St. Andrew’s presents Fashions from Laura — a fashion show featuring clothing from a proudly Canadian brand that offers contemporary, high quality and timeless fashion in every size from petite to plus. Enjoy cheesecake during intermission, freshen up your fall wardrobe, and find something special for Christmas or New Year’s Eve!
Tickets are $15, available by calling Shirleen at 850–6679, at the door or by e-transfer to <standrewsspecialdinners@outlook.com>.
If you’re looking for a musical experience that’ll make you feel like every little thing’s gonna be alright, come out and dig the roots-reggae vibes of The Human Rights on Friday, November 15 at The Cove Inn in Westport.
The Human Rights first came together in 2007, around the talents and vision of lead singer and Toronto reggae lion Friendlyness (Big Sugar, Culture Shock, Truth And Rights), drummer Eric Woolston (Maylee Todd, The Hooded Fang), versatile bassman Tyler Wagler, and the band’s original keyboardist Bernie Pitters, who passed away in 2023 and in whose loving memory the band continues forward. The Human Rights quickly gained a reputation as Toronto’s house reggae band, sharing the stage and often backing the likes of The Wailers, Gregory Isaacs, Beres Hammond, John Holt, Freddie McGregor, Sanchez, and other top international reggae artists. In 2014, much-loved Toronto vocalist Tréson joined the band, giving The Human Rights a distinctively powerful two-man front line that seamlessly moves between modern roots reggae, lovers rock, soul, R&B and dancehall vibes.
By the end of 2024, The Human Rights will have played over 250 festival and club shows across Canada and the United States. Their live highlights include The New Orleans Reggae Festival, Austin Reggae Festival, Hillside Festival, Harbourfront Centre, Roy Thomson Hall, The Phoenix Concert Theatre and many other top venues across North America. They have released three full-length albums, including their 2016 self-titled record which was produced by Canadian music icon and Big Sugar founder Gordie Johnson, and their most recent LP Reggae Strong (2021), which is dedicated to Bernie Pitters. Their fourth album is expected in early 2025.
A dinner and show package is available for this concert, starting at 7pm. The music will run from 8:30–11pm. Visit <coveinn.com> or call 273–3636 to reserve your seats!
On Friday, November 15, you are invited to the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust’s (MMLT) social event of the fall — The Sky’s the Limit Gala. This fundraising event will be held at beautiful Temple’s Sugar Bush, and promises to be an unforgettable evening, dedicated to supporting MMLT and its mission to conserve lands and protect nature for future generations.
We are pleased to announce that Jill Heinerth, world-renowned Canadian cave diver, writer, photographer, and filmmaker will be the guest speaker for the evening. “Jill will captivate you with her remarkable adventures — think swimming with polar bears and being part of the team that discovered Shackleton’s shipwreck Quest, to name a few,” says Britta Runtz, MMLT Director and Chair of the Gala Planning Committee.
Jill has over 30 years of experience exploring underwater caves, shipwrecks and mines across the globe, has worked with Director James Cameron and collaborated with National Geographic, BBC and Discovery Network. “Jill will take us on a journey through her extraordinary explorations, demonstrating how environmental conservation is as boundless as the sky itself. Her passion for protecting fragile ecosystems will inspire us all to take action,” adds Runtz.
“This event is more than just an opportunity to learn from one of the world’s most accomplished explorers; it is a call to action. Together, we can reach for the sky while diving deep into efforts that safeguard ecologically sensitive ecosystems for future generations,” says Stacie Lloyd, MMLT’s Executive Director.
Jim Bryson, National Folk Award-nominated singer-songwriter and record maker, will also make an appearance at the MMLT Gala, with his fine vocals and guitar in hand!
While you mingle with others who are passionate about conservation, nature and the environment, MMLT will be serving gourmet hors d’oeuvres and local beer from Perth Brewery.
Wrap up the evening by bidding on exclusive packages in the auction, such as a private garden consultation with Ed Lawrence, an exclusive Robert Bateman package, a special Nature by Runtz slideshow, a Knifeware Ottawa Cut Like a Chef class, and so much more!
MMLT’s vision is a beautiful Mississippi Madawaska wilderness protected for all time, where all species thrive and people engage with nature. We hope to see you at The Sky’s the Limit Gala on November 15 at Temple’s Sugar Bush, located at 1700 Ferguson’s Falls Road in Lanark. Doors open at 6:30pm. Information and tickets can be found at <mmlt.ca/event/mmlts-the-skys-the-limit-gala>.
Founded in 2003, MMLT is a nonprofit registered charitable organization taking direct action to legally protect and steward ecologically sensitive lands across the Mississippi River watershed, north to the Madawaska River. MMLT lands have ecological, biodiverse, aesthetic and cultural value. They are places where natural habitats and species can thrive and where people are encouraged to engage with nature for its physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual benefits.
Playwright Rob Riendeau might have chosen to set The Wizard is… Odd!? in Almonte, instead of in a nameless small town. Locals would most certainly have recognized aspects of friends, neighbours and/or family members in the characters on stage.
Equally, Rob might have situated the play in Pakenham or Perth, Carleton Place or Clayton, Ashton or Arnprior, or any other small town in Ontario for that matter. Had he done so, theatre-goers might have elbowed a companion and whispered: “Doesn’t Tim the Tinman remind you of John who lives around the corner from me?” Or “Gee, Sue is so much like my sister Sally, it’s uncanny.”
Truth be told, I expect those kinds of reactions to occur anyway, because the characters — and the play’s storyline — are real and relatable, despite it being a play within a play that’s based on a fantasy.
The plot is simple. A dad and his daughter move from the big city to a small town and stumble on a community production of The Wizard of Oz in which they unwittingly become involved. Hijinx and hilarity ensue. And yet, in the midst of the fun and the laughter, the story gets you thinking about the universal themes that run through all of our lives.
For example, you may never have had to leave home, like young Emily does in The Wizard is… Odd!?, but, like me, you may be able to identify with her frustration.
“Don’t you get it?” says Emily (played by Fern Marwood) to her dad Henry (played by Darren Brocklehurst) as they pack up their belongings in the opening scene. Her hands are balled into tight fists by her sides. “I live here! My friends are here. My WHOLE LIFE is here!”
The future is unknown. We must all let go of people or things we love at one time or another, whether it happens because of a move or some other unwanted circumstance. Loss is part of life. So are wanting to fit in and at times feeling as if we don’t belong, judging people unfairly and then regretting it later, doing things we don’t fully agree with to please others, and treating people with less respect than they deserve. We are only human after all.
The play captures the characters’ struggles with empathy and tenderness. Rob has written about the tougher parts of being human with gentle grace, and the funny bits with incisive humour. His wife Kris, who directs the piece, has done a masterful job of helping the actors bring out the best and the worst in their characters in ways that will keep audiences in stitches (punctuated by the occasional tear).
On the unequivocally delightful side of the coin, the ten original songs are fabulous, each in their own special way. Two of the tunes — one a solo and the other a duet — are soulful and full of longing. They may elicit the need for a tissue. Two more are clever and close to the bone. Two are raucous, rowdy, and accompanied by energetic and creative choreography. Another has a distinctly country feel and includes line dancing. And a solo sung by the immensely talented Bonnie Vallentyne (who plays Sue, who in turn plays the Scarecrow) is just plain hilarious. I love them all.
As I have watched the show evolve over the past year, I have been newly impressed each week by the acting, improvisational and comedic skills of the cast. They really are a talented bunch. And they can’t wait to sing, dance and perform for you at the Almonte Old Town Hall in November. I hope you can join us.
The Wizard is… Odd!? is being produced by Humm Team Productions and sponsored by Aussie Tree Care, Fluid Coffee, 750 Southwest Financial, and others who prefer to remain behind the scenes for the moment. Sponsorship money and a portion of ticket sales will go to support Climate Network Lanark.
The show opens on November 8 and runs for two weekends. Get your tickets at Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434) — they’re going fast! In the meantime, follow The Wizard is Odd? on Facebook for behind-the scenes fun and frolics.
When four talented young women impressed director C. Lee (“CLee”) Bates with their performances in the Studio Theatre Perth’s production of 9 to 5: the Musical back in 2016, they were invited to have a chat about another project she had in mind.
Little did they know that would bring them back to the same Perth stage the following year, and then again the year after that. And now they are coming back again — seven years later! And again, CLee is the director.
The Winter Wonderettes, created by American writer Roger Bean, is one of a series of musicals that follow the fortunes of four high school friends through a prom night, a retirement party and two reunions. All are great excuses to relive some golden oldies and some classics, with lots of singing and dancing strung together with a simple storyline.
The setting for The Winter Wonderettes is a gathering to provide the entertainment for the Christmas staff party at Harper’s Hardware Store in 1968. And the party is a way for us all to get into the Christmas spirit this year.
Perth audiences were introduced to Betty Jean (Lindsay Williams), Cindy Lou (Lauren Bailey), Suzy (Courtney Mason) and Missy (Justine Sousa) in the first in the series, The Marvelous Wonderettes, in 2017. The team was back in Marvelous Wonderettes – Dream On in 2018, with Cait Porteous filling in for Courtney. The original foursome is back for the new show.
The Wonderettes will sing, dance and act their way back into the hearts of any audience members who saw the previous productions, notes CLee, who wasn’t actually planning to take on the director’s role this time. But someone had a chat with her, too.
“I thought I was retired from all this! Thankfully, Justine, Courtney, Lauren and Lindsay, along with (musical director) Brad Mills, applied a wee bit of pressure to bring me back for one last show.”
She says you needn’t have seen either of the previous shows to become instantly engaged with the characters and “delighted by their hopes, dreams and struggles”. Many theatre-goers will recognize these performers from a variety of past Perth shows, including: Sister Act, 9 to 5, Little Women and Jesus Christ Superstar.
The Winter Wonderettes is perfect holiday entertainment. Audiences will find themselves singing along to a variety of classic Christmas songs, such as Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Winter Wonderland, Sleigh Ride and Santa Baby, just to name a few of the many familiar songs in the production.
Brad Mills, who was musical director for the previous Wonderettes shows, is back for this one (more reunions!).
Audiences will notice some suitably groovy dance moves on the stage, courtesy of choreographer Dani Corbishley, no stranger to the Perth musical productions, whose fancy footwork was seen last year in Nunsense.
In the show it states that the costumes were made by the marvellous Missy, but they were actually created by the show’s costume manager Ann Hawthorne. She was able to incorporate some fabric from a previous Wonderettes show into this year’s costumes.
“CLee had a stash of left-over fabric from jumpsuits that they made in the last show, which she passed along to me. I was inspired by a dress I saw at Stratford this year, also set in the same period. Using their signature colours and 1968’s stylish Winter Collection from Butterick patterns, the designs aim to capture the Wonderettes’ sparkle and individuality”.
Carolee Mason, another Studio Theatre veteran, who directed Scrooge last year as well as The 39 Steps, returns as stage manager for The Winter Wonderettes.
CLee is very glad to be back. “It’s my happy place. As far as I’m concerned, this is nothing less than a professional team, from the performers to the many experienced behind-the-scenes contributors, to whom I am deeply grateful.”
The musical opens on Thursday, November 28, and runs until December 8, with Thursday and Friday performances starting at 7:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday matinées at 2pm. Tickets are $27 each and can be purchased from Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434) or at the door if still available. For more information, please visit <studiotheatreperth.com>.
Destination Almonte cordially invites everyone to come out to the Winter Night Market, taking place on Thursday, November 28 from 5–8pm. Shops in downtown Almonte will be open late, with live musical performances on Mill Street. You’ll also find sidewalk sales, vendor popups, street treats, a holiday photo-op, and lots of small-town fun. This is a wonderful way to visit all your favourite shopping and dining destinations in the friendly town.
New for 2024 — Mill Street shops will be open until 7pm on Thursday and Friday nights in December!
What is Destination Almonte?
The leadership team of the Destination Almonte Association has been meeting monthly to move forward with the collective mission of promoting Almonte as a premier travel destination for visitors and a cherished hub for the local community. In addition to organizing seasonal markets on Mill Street, the DAA organizes seasonal scavenger hunts like Where’s Waldo in July and Elf on the Shelf in December, has a new website <DestinationAlmonte.com> and social media presence to provide more information to the public about all activities taking place in town, and hosts membership meetings and socials to keep local businesses updated and to foster camaraderie and collaborations.
New members from retail, service, or home-based businesses are invited to join at any time to enhance the friendly town experience for everyone. Destination Almonte also invites any small pop-up vendors or food stands who wish to participate in the quarterly Night Markets to contact <info@destinationalmonte.com> for more information.