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Here’s your chance to stock up on exclusive offers for summer and beyond! The Friends of the Mississippi Mills Public Library online auction opens for bidding on June 10 with over 70 items of fun, fashion, food and favourites. It’s an Auction Concoction with a difference, something for everyone whether you need a refill of dog treats, an evening of classical music, a new outfit, or a simply a sit-down at a local brewery.
Go to <32auctions.com/FMMPL2024> to register and start bidding for your favourite items from June 10–21. Beware though — bidding is fast and furious, so you’ll want to visit the site often. The Friends of the Library will contact winners with pick-up instructions as soon as the final auction hammer falls.
The Friends are grateful to the businesses and individuals who are contributing to the success of this auction. Their generosity supports programs for everyone in the community, making the library a hub of activity year-round. Treat yourself, and be part of this dynamic project!
Lace up your sneakers and pump up your bike tires: the annual Silver Chain Challenge is back for June 2024! This exciting month-long event invites participants from Lanark County and Renfrew County to demonstrate their commitment to healthy living and active transportation, all while enjoying the scenic beauty of eastern Ontario.
The Silver Chain Challenge is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of health, community, and the great outdoors. Participants are encouraged to walk or cycle as often as they can throughout the month of June and capture these moments with a photo. These photos can then be uploaded to the event’s official website and attributed to either Lanark or Renfrew. The county with the most submissions by the end of the month will be declared the winner, earning the bragging rights of being the most active and engaged community.
“We would like to encourage residents of all ages to take part in the Challenge, especially families with children. Our community’s love for getting outdoors and staying active is incredible. The Challenge focuses on the benefits of being more active outdoors, which can result in improved mental and physical health, as well as supporting our vibrant, healthy communities and our superior trail system in the County,” says Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon.
The challenge is open to everyone — families, friends, solo adventurers and visitors. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just enjoy leisurely strolls, every step, pedal and photo counts. Let’s see which county can claim the title of being the most active in 2024!
For more information on how to participate in the Silver Chain Challenge, please visit <lanarkcounty.ca/silverchain>.
The Perth Citizens’ Band, Canada’s oldest continuing town band, is preparing for the 2024 season of its annual Summer/Fall Pops Concert Series. These concerts in the downtown core have been a tradition of the band for well over 100 years. The concerts feature a variety of music ranging from classical, Broadway and movie themes to jazz, blues and other popular forms; a bit of music for all tastes and ages. In addition, conductor Brian Tackaberry includes heritage pieces from the band’s historic files as well as songs by Canadian composers or arrangers.
All Pops Concerts will be held on Sundays at 2pm at the Crystal Palace, located on the Tay River Basin in downtown Perth, and take place rain or shine. Concerts are scheduled for June 9, July 7, July 28, August 18, September 22, and October 6.
Some seating is available, but audience members are invited to bring along a lawn chair or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the river basin during the performances. In addition, the band will be performing at the North Lanark Regional Museum’s annual Strawberry Festival in Appleton on Sunday, June 23 at 2pm, and in downtown Newboro for Canada Day celebrations on July 1. For more information, please visit <perthband.ca>.
Let’s start by saying that Kiwi Gardens is a wonder to visit any day of the year. The gardens are spectacular, well thought out and tended with care. It’s a nursery like no other, with enchanting pathways through the woods, show gardens, and over 1,000 varieties of perennials for sale. One visitor called it “a gardener’s dream.” Owner Paul Loiselle is a passionate horticulturalist, and his energy and vision are the driving forces. Kiwi Gardens has been growing perennials for 40 years.
Some of you are probably familiar with the Father’s Day weekend tradition that is Art in the Garden. For three days Kiwi Gardens transforms into a garden art gallery. This year you’ll meet twenty-five artists showcasing their work along the meandering paths through ten acres of gardens from Friday June 14 to Sunday June 16.
New this year is a Sunday Medieval Market, an event Paul envisioned as a fusion of artisanal crafts, natural beauty and community spirit. He approached Zoë and Ben at The Cordwood Folk School, and they immediately jumped on board. Now, with only a couple weeks to go before the big event on Sunday, June 16, market stalls are being built — installations that reflect each artist’s medium and meld with the land — and each artist is working away to bring garden visitors their newest products.
Five artisans who are all current instructors at The Cordwood Folk School and masters of their craft will be selling their wares and demonstrating their process on Sunday only at Art in the Garden. You’ll hear the hammering, clinking, laughter and general hubbub of this open-air market well before you enter. There will be a central area for visitors to sit, watch, eat lunch and take in the excitement of the artisans at work around them. Each of the crafts has roots in Medieval times — and some are much older than that. You will see Graham van Houten working at his coal forge, Jeff Ahier carving spoons, Ben Hendry cutting stone, Danielle Prophet softening hides, and Zoë Lianga felting rugs. You can engage with the artists and their process, browse their wares and walk through a Japanese-style stone moongate and up “Paul’s folly”. On top of this excitement, students from Brooke Valley School will be offering portraiture services: take a seat, be the subject, and bring home a custom portrait. These talented students are practicing their portraiture in art class now and will be ready to offer you this unique, personal experience.
Come immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of this inaugural Medieval Market — Artisans at Work, presented by the Cordwood Folk School, on June 16 from 10am to 4pm. To learn more about Cordwood, visit <thecordwoodstudio.com>. Find details about Kiwi Gardens at <kiwigardens.ca>.
And back to Paul with some final words: “When people come to Art in the Garden, the simple abundance of Kiwi transforms into a magical event. I would like to thank all of you for your support and for your appreciation of the art, artists, and gardens. For 27 years I’ve watched in wonder as this diverse community comes together for Art in the Garden, smiling and sharing the joyful pleasures of a day outside. Fresh air, plants, people, music, art and food make a great garden party… and by the way, the plants look so good with an audience!”
Tickets to Art in the Garden can be purchased for $5 in advance through Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434) or for $10 at the door. Additionally, parking is available for $5 per car (also available in advance from Tickets Please). This year, to celebrate the addition of the Sunday Medieval market, visitors to Art in the Garden on Friday or Saturday will be offered free re-entry on Sunday so they won’t miss out on the magic of the Sunday Medieval Market at Kiwi Gardens!
The Mississippi Mills Inclusion Project, in partnership with Mississippi Mills Bicycle Month and the Municipality of Mississippi Mills, is delighted to invite you to our next exciting event: a Multicultural Potluck on Mill Street! On Friday, June 28 from 5–9pm the lower section of Mill Street in Almonte will be closed to vehicular traffic and we will enjoy a community potluck dinner in the middle of the street
Please bring a favourite food or a dish from your culture to share. Together we’ll enjoy a family-friendly evening of food, music and entertainment celebrating our diverse and inclusive multicultural community!
The Potluck will open with Indigenous prayer, smudging and drumming, and include a Bhangra dance performance and African drumming and dance. Local act Kentucky will also be performing.
Please bring your own dishes and cutlery.
To bring a dish to the potluck, please email <inclusionprojectmm@gmail.com> (this is a health unit requirement and means anyone who attends will have dietary information if needed).
If you would like to volunteer to help with the potluck, we would love to have your assistance — please let us know.
We look forward to seeing you on Friday, June 28!
“A planet is a poem,” Amanda West Lewis writes, in the opening pages of her latest book. “A poem is a planet.”
In A Planet Is a Poem, West Lewis’s ninth book, she makes a good case for why this is so.
“Actually, planetary scientists are some of the most poetic people around,” she notes. “They need to describe our solar system, but what they’ve discovered is so incredible, it’s almost impossible to find the words. So they try to capture your imagination using images and metaphors. Poets do that, too. Every poem is its own world filled with images, sounds and rhythms.”
In this fun, wondrous, illuminating and beautifully illustrated book, West Lewis invites children to see our solar system through the eyes of a poet. A Planet Is a Poem explores our cosmic home though 14 unique poems — from free verse to hip-hop, sonnets to sestinas — that play with rhythm, style and form. It genuinely is a perfect blend of science and poetry.
It’s also a lot of fun. And a huge pleasure to read.
West Lewis fell in love with the planets when she went to the Hayden Planetarium as a child, but the idea for the book came to her just a few years back while listening to the CBC Radio show Quirks and Quarks.
“In 2015, they were reporting on new images we were getting from Pluto,” she explains. “Of course, Pluto has gotten a bit of a bad rap — it was a planet, then it wasn’t a planet, then it was. And now it isn’t. They’ve decided that it definitely falls into the category of ‘Dwarf Planet,’ which has nothing to do with its size, but rather its strange elliptical orbit.
“Anyway, I was feeling a bit of a bond with this underdog, and when I heard that there is a heart-shaped, red plateau that seems to ‘beat’ with the movement of red dust, I fell in love. I happened to be studying a lot of poetic forms at the time, as part of an MFA program, and when I heard someone on CBC say that on Pluto there were ‘volcanoes of slow-moving nitrogen mud,’ I heard the iambic beat right away. One thing led to another, and I wrote a ‘Pantoum for Pluto.’ That poem didn’t end up in the book, but it got me started on the whole idea.”
An idea she was wise to follow up on, as it turns out, because A Planet Is a Poem is a sheer delight from start to finish. The “great adventure” begins with a “Sonnet for the Solar System” called Our Family (which, among other things, poetically explains how planets are formed) and ends with the cosmically catchy Your Turn — a “Hip-hop Poem for Future Astronomers.” It’s not hard to imagine a parent, a grandparent or a teacher getting, oh, a bit carried away and jumping to their feet while reading the latter, which goes:
Years long past, people thought that our Earth was flat like a bath mat
Travel too far and you’d go splat, over the edge and that’d be that.
This whimsical, beat-bouncing poem is a bit of a collaboration, West Lewis says.
“I would have to confess that hip-hop is not my forte,” she makes clear. “Hip-hop scansion and rhythm aren’t in my background. But I recognize that it is one of the most pervasively sung and spoken poetic forms on the planet. I knew I wanted a hip-hop poem in there, and I knew it had to be a poem about changing minds, as well as a poem that was rooted in the ‘neighbourhood.’ I also wanted it to be political.
“I wanted to explore the politics of thinking outside the box, which is essential in science. I read a lot, listened to a lot, and then turned to a few people for whom it is a much more familiar form. My son, Alexander Wynne-Jones, is a fabulous writer and was a DJ when he was in his twenties. Hip-hop is a sound that is in his DNA. I leaned on him for advice and guidance, and some good critique sessions!”
It was clear to me straightaway — and more so after reading a poem called A Planet for Craters Creative — that A Planet Is a Poem is both thoroughly enjoyable and a perfect teaching tool.
“That’s exactly what I wanted,” says West Lewis. “I had such fun with that, especially because of the Dr. Seuss connection, and wanting to emulate those rhythms.”
It was here that I accidentally happened upon one of the book’s neatest features: fold-out pages! There is a fold-out page to accompany every poem, and they’re packed with fascinating facts about each planet, charming and vibrant illustrations, and easily understandable explanations of how each form of poetry works — from ballads to villanelles. The book is illustrated by Oliver Averill.
“I didn’t know Oliver’s work beforehand, but he was on a shortlist of people that was suggested to me,” West Lewis explains. “When I saw his work, I knew right away that he was the one.”
The book ends with an ingenious “Write Your Own Poem” section. West Lewis says she wanted to include an activity, with learning in mind.
“I think we all learn by doing,” she says, “and so I was delighted to include something that encourages young people to get viscerally involved… I’m always looking for ways to help people feel personally connected to ideas and information.”
A Planet Is a Poem is a children’s book, but adults can learn a lot from it too. And that’s in keeping with the way West Lewis approaches her books, not dividing the world into age boxes.
“I write for everyone, on the assumption that people come to books from different perspectives and with different needs at different times,” she says. “I write from a place of personal discovery, and I think that if I, as an adult, am learning something new, then presumably lots of adults will also come on that journey with me.”
A Planet Is a Poem is available at The Book Nook in Perth, where Amanda will be holding a launch on Sunday, June 2 at 2pm, and should be on the shelves at a fine independent bookshop near you.
Mark your calendars and tell your friends — Almonte Celtfest is returning to Gemmill Park for a fine weekend of family-friendly entertainment from July 5–7.
All the way from Newfoundland, Rum Ragged will be kicking the festival off, with special guest Mariner’s Curse, on Friday, July 5. Tickets for opening night are $30, and are available through Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434) and at the gate. And what an opening night it will be! Rum Ragged has made a name for themselves with their distinctive blend of striking vocal harmonies, staggering musicianship and captivating storytelling. Featuring bouzouki, fiddle, bodhran, banjo, guitar and button accordion, these JUNO-nominated new champions of East Coast music enliven and enlighten audiences with songs and tune sets that they deliver with an honest swagger that is far beyond their years. With reverence for their roots and a creative, contemporary edge, these young performers have quickly become known as the finest purveyors of a great living musical tradition.
Thanks to the generosity of festival sponsors, entrance to Saturday and Sunday’s programming continues to be by donation at the gate. The weekend also promises plenty of music, dancing, and fun in the park from noon until late. From party band East Coast Experience and Almonte favourite Kelly Sloan to the Québécois folk sound of Bon Débarras, the lineup has something for everyone. Among other highlights are Lonesome George from Belfast, Ireland, who combine rip-roaring reels and finger-picking finesse with stirring socially conscious songwriting and their roots in Irish traditional music. Dancing fans should be sure to catch the electrifying family band the Fitzgeralds, featuring 3-time Canadian Grandmaster Fiddle and Step Dance champions Tom, Kerry and Julie Fitzgerald, and local SFH Irish Dance Studios.
This year’s festival also carries on a strong tradition of showcasing local Celtic talent, with plenty of wonderful area musicians on the bill — including community favourites The Barley Shakers, step dancing fiddler Terri-Lynn Mahusky, the fine fiddling of Kyle Felhaver, Saloon Dion, Traditional Fare, Concession 23, and Valley Voices of Almonte. Upcoming local talent will be showcased at the presentation of the Danny O’Connell Memorial Award, and the Riverthieves will close out the weekend with a musical one-two punch of original and traditional tunes that are sure to get you up out of your camp chair one last time! Rounding out the event will be Celtic music workshops where you can learn from the musicians playing in the festival, activities for kids, food trucks, artisans, buskers downtown, and a seniors’ shade tent, making this a widely accessible, family-friendly event. With all of this to discover, could a summer weekend get any better?
Almonte Celtfest would like to thank the Town of Mississippi Mills and Heritage Canada, along with many sponsors, for their support that will ensure that this year’s festival is one of the best yet.
Check out <AlmonteCeltfest.com> for details and follow @AlmonteCeltfest on Facebook and Instagram for festival news and updates.
Wondering what happened to the Home Hospice North Lanark (HHNL) Spring Auction this year? Short of volunteers, and knowing that our local businesses get asked for a lot, we decided not to do it this year. But we still need to raise at least the $20,000 that the Auction brought in last year.
We’re experiencing phenomenal growth — at the end of our last fiscal year, we had served 108 clients, and are tracking higher this year. Most people will benefit from services such as ours someday. That’s just a fact. Perhaps we’ve helped a family member or friend.
Why are we launching our HHNL Hero Program now? We have found an office! Stay tuned for more information — we’ll now be able to hold meetings, support groups and training in our own space. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we have a budget for rent. But in the absence of sustainable government funding it would be wonderful to have a more solid footing, and you can provide that with planned monthly giving.
The population of our catchment area is just over 42,000 people. We serve Almonte, Carleton Place, Appleton, Clayton, Beckwith, Blakeney, Pakenham and surrounding areas.
If only 20 people or teams commit to becoming an HHNL Hero at $100 a month, it would cover our rent, insurance, electronic health records system, and mileage for our Program coordinators. And another 20 would cover everything listed above, plus 25% of a Program Coordinator’s salary.
Is $100 a month too much for you? Gather some friends or family members and pool your commitment — become an HHNL Hero Team! For example, you and three friends could commit to $25 a month.
One-time donations, while greatly appreciated, can vary greatly in amount and frequency, whereas monthly contributions offer a steady and consistent source of income. This stability will enable us to budget more effectively and allocate resources where they are needed most for things such as new programs.
To become a Home Hospice North Lanark Hero, visit <canadahelps.org/en/dn/16913> and click on “donate monthly.” There is an option to write a private message on the form. Please indicate that you are one of our HHNL Heroes. You will receive an annual tax receipt.
Or you can set up an automatic e-transfer to <treasurer@hhnl.ca>. If you choose this option, please also send an email telling us you’re an HHNL Hero and include your address, so we can send you an annual tax receipt.
For more information, please contact Jan Watson, Chair, at 791–7167 or <chair@hhnl.ca>.
Our goal is to find at least 20 Home Hospice Heroes or Hero Teams by the end of June. We invite you to learn more about our organization at <hhnl.ca>.
What Now, Lanark County is on the road again and sponsoring a bus trip from Lanark County to Barry’s Bay on Friday, June 28. This event features a discussion by notable panelists Pamela Cross, Kirsten Mercer and Erin Lee, focusing on the work done, ongoing efforts, and future initiatives to end violence against women. It will culminate with a discussion and vigil at the stone pebble monument, a poignant tribute to the victims of gender-based violence.
The bus departs at 12:30pm from the Carleton Place Arena, and will stop to pick people up at the Almonte Civitan Hall, in Pakenham, Arnprior and Eganville. Seats are limited (first-come, first-served) and available by donation, collected on the bus. Reserve your seat by emailing <whatnowlanarkcounty@gmail.com>.
What Now Lanark County reached out to Pamela Cross, a renowned feminist lawyer and advocate who participated in the inquest into the 2015 triple femicide of Carol Culleton, Anastasia Kuzyk and Nathalie Warmerdam in Renfrew County, Ontario. Pamela served as an expert witness at the inquest and was appointed to the Ontario Domestic Violence Death Review Committee in 2023. Here are her thoughts:
Can you provide an overview of the work undertaken by the Domestic Violence Death Review Committee (DVDRC) since its inception?
Pamela Cross: The job of the DVDRC is to review all domestic homicide related deaths to identify where systemic changes could prevent such deaths in the future. Over its 20 years of operation, the committee has reviewed hundreds of such deaths, including deaths of children. Its recommendations — of which there have been hundreds — have led to some, but not enough, changes to the various systems that respond to intimate partner violence (IPV). In 2023, the DVDRC expanded both its membership and scope to better reflect the realities of the province’s population and of intimate partner violence.
What are some of the key accomplishments or findings that have emerged from the DVDRC’s investigations into domestic violence-related deaths?
The DVDRC has established 41 risk factors for lethality in situations of intimate partner violence, which are now relied on across Canada when risk assessments are being done. Of those, two stand out in particular: a prior history of violence and a pending or recent separation. Understanding these risk factors can lead to improved safety planning for potential victims. Another key finding is that almost all domestic violence homicides are both predictable and preventable. In other words, these are deaths that should not happen.
As we approach the second anniversary of the 86 recommendations to stop intimate partner violence, could you outline some of the significant steps taken by the Government of Ontario in response to these recommendations?
Unfortunately, the provincial government has failed to respond meaningfully to most of the recommendations. It outright rejected the recommendations intended to increase government accountability and transparency in its responses to intimate partner violence, which has been very disappointing. However, in recent weeks, the government has indicated its willingness to support Bill 173, a private member’s bill introduced by the NDP to declare IPV to be an epidemic in Ontario.
Can you highlight any success stories or positive outcomes resulting from the inquest recommendations?
One of the most positive outcomes of the inquest has been the extent to which communities across the province have engaged with the work to see the recommendations implemented. This shows an incredible commitment by people everywhere in Ontario to take steps to improve responses to IPV and, ultimately, to end gender-based violence. In particular, led by Lanark County, almost 100 municipalities have declared IPV to be an epidemic in their communities. Community-based collaboration and coordination in responding to IPV is on an increase, more municipalities are including gender-based violence in their community safety and well-being plans (something Lanark County did long ago), and public education at the community level is increasing.
How has the government collaborated with community organizations and stakeholders to address intimate partner violence effectively?
The government does not collaborate adequately with community organizations and stakeholders. This is one of the reasons why many of us are calling for a reinstatement of the VAW Roundtable, created during Kathleen Wynne’s government — it would ensure an ongoing dialogue between stakeholders, community-based experts and government during the development of policy.
Pamela’s words resonate deeply as we prepare for this important event. The journey from Lanark County to Barry’s Bay is not just a physical one but also a symbolic act of solidarity and commitment to ending violence against women. Join What Now Lanark County on June 28 to listen, learn, and be part of the change. This is a public event and all family, friends and supporters are welcome. If you would like to make alternate arrangements for travel to Barry’s Bay, please reserve a spot at Eventbrite (search for Because of You).
Once a year the Blue Skies Community Fiddle Orchestra invites musicians of the area to come to an all-day “Jamathon” fundraiser where they can play along with each of the three Fiddle Orchestra groups and share their own tunes as well. Musicians are asked to gather pledges for their participation, and all funds raised are used to support the orchestra as it continues to provide low-cost music education, instrument rental, and celebration of community and music. All ages and levels of ability are welcome and the emphasis is on having fun — but many orchestra alumni have gone on to musical careers and other music projects. This yearly event brings some of them back for a jam and welcomes new friends as well.
Long Sault Trio always bring a crop of new tunes they’ve written, Trxtrs lays down some smooth swing, and there is a rumour of some classical music as well.
There will be lots of snacks available to keep everyone happily jamming all day, as well as a pile of percussion instruments so everyone can join in the fun. No entry fee, no charge for the food, just a freewill offering to support the orchestra.
You might want to bring some cash for the eagerly anticipated Pie Auction, though. The fabulous auctioneer has made this a highlight of the event for many people. Real old-time goodness! There will also be a silent auction featuring donated items and bedding plants perfect for spring gardens.
All this fun is set for Saturday June 8, from 12–5pm at the Maberly Hall. For details, contact Cindy McCall 278–2448 or <cindy.fiddlemusic.mccall@gmail.com>.
In advance of his solo show Call Me Crazy, Renfrew artist Patrick John Mills sent in this interview about his art, his background and his distinctive venue.
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Patrick John Mills, and I am an abstract painter and poet. Having painted for more than 30 years now, I’m fortunate to have my work featured in collections around the world. I’m also the owner of the Art Factory in Renfrew, Ontario. In 2016, I bought an old 10,384 square-foot factory on Renfrew’s main street and have been diligently working ever since to convert it into a unique space that includes an art gallery, art supply store, art studio, art classes, and venue rental.
Why did you decide to buy a dilapidated, contaminated factory?
Well, I guess some might call it a moment of madness! But in truth, I had a vision — a deep desire to create a space where art could flourish, and where community, creativity, and connection could be exchanged. It was a chance to share my love for art with others in a meaningful way.
Why have you never applied for grants or government funding?
The Art Factory is on track to become the largest independently owned, privately funded art centre in Canada. I wanted to make a statement that anything is possible with passion and dedication. I wanted to show that the “starving artist” is just a stereotype — being an artist can be a viable and rewarding professional career.
What has been your greatest obstacle in developing the Art Factory?
The challenges have been numerous. Initially, it was the bureaucratic red tape related to building permits. Then came the Covid pandemic with lockdowns and supply chain issues, skyrocketing building material costs, and a personal health crisis. Each obstacle seemed insurmountable at the time.
How did you overcome these challenges?
Persistence and love kept me going. I started the business just five weeks before the Covid lockdowns. Every aspect of the business was a challenge, requiring constant pivots and learning how to run a small business during a global pandemic. Despite these hurdles, the Art Factory art supply store became a surprising success, leading to the opening of two satellite locations: at the Carleton Place Gallery and at White Pine Books in Arnprior.
Cancer was another monumental challenge. In 2020, I was diagnosed with two forms of cancer: melanoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. After surgery and four months of chemotherapy, my health was incredibly fragile. I battled pneumonia, contracted Covid, and spent months in and out of the hospital. I was admitted for 99 days, lost 86 pounds, spent 62 days on life support, and 52 days in a coma. Love is what carried me through.
How did these experiences change you?
I discovered a profound new level of love — soul love. There I was, emaciated and depleted like a discarded banana peel. My body was fully reliant on a ventilator, tracheostomy, feeding tube and catheter. I couldn’t speak or even stand. Yet my love Tanja was at my side for 12 to 14 hours every day, never missing one of those 99 days. And every day, her eyes were filled with love in a way that makes the ocean seem like a puddle.
I want to extend my gratitude to both the Renfrew Victoria and Queensway-Carleton Hospitals for their empathetic and personal care. In recognition, I donated six artworks as a token of my appreciation for their kindness and support during my health crisis.
How is the Art Factory progressing?
The Art Factory is a massive project occupying a corner block on the main road. Phase 1, the Art Supply Store, is complete. Phase 2, the Warehouse for art classes and exhibitions, is also complete. Phase 3 is about 80% finished. We have issued a Call for Proposal for a café/bistro to set up inside the main space and are waiting for the right business partners. The events, weddings, concerts and activities planned for the Art Factory will be significant. I need assistance because I can only handle so much on my own.
Your solo exhibition is titled Call Me Crazy. Why did you choose this title?
Throughout my life, I’ve often been labeled as “crazy” in the most disparaging way — even by people close to me. But I ask, am I crazy for dreaming? This exhibition is a celebration of the vision, passion, and dedication that make dreams come true. The way I see it, if you have a big dream, you had better be a little crazy — that’s how you make it happen.
Call Me Crazy runs from June 19 to August 17 at the Art Factory, located at 11 Bridge Street in Renfrew. Exhibition hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and you can meet the artist on June 22 from 10am to 5pm. For details, visit <liveloveartfactory.com> or call 299–1873.
Spend your 2024 Canada Day and Canada Day Eve in Mississippi Mills! With activities for all ages in Almonte and Pakenham, you will not run out of things to do. Kick off your celebrations in Pakenham on Canada Day Eve as the Pakenham branch of the Royal Bank hosts their annual BBQ, beginning at 4:30pm. At 6pm, go to the Stewart Community Centre for kids’ activities, including bouncy castles and face painting by the Mississippi Mills Youth Centre, while the parade floats line up.
The parade will start at 7pm sharp with a variety of Canada Day themed floats. Following the parade, head to the Community Centre for entertainment with Mike Ryan in the arena. Don’t forget to stop by the Pakenham Firehall for their BBQ. The evening will end at dusk with an amazing firework show!
On July 1, start your day off at 10am with a delicious pancake breakfast at the Pakenham Firehall, then head to Almonte for the day. Spend some time downtown exploring the unique collection of shops and restaurants, and enjoy live music from 11am to 2pm.
The festivities continue in Gemmill Park at 3:30pm with a family BBQ and musical performances. Kids’ activities include bouncy castles, face painting by the Mississippi Mills Youth Centre, make-your-own t-shirt with JB Arts, crafts, games and more! Beginning at 4pm juggler and unicyclist Jean-Guy will be displaying his skills.
The live entertainment on the Canada Day stage begins at 3:30pm with an exciting lineup of local bands. Be the Band, Amber Humby, Colby Drummond, Jerry Lee, Kentucky, Country Club, and The Eh Team will all be performing.
At 6pm the Opening Ceremonies will take place on the stage with a welcome by Mayor Lowry, flag raising by the Almonte Legion, and a performance by members of the Almonte Legion Pipe Band.
The 2024 Mississippi Mills Canada Day Celebrations will end at dusk with another legendary fireworks display. For more information, contact the Recreation & Culture Department at 256–2064 or email <events@mississippimills.ca>.
What does reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples look like? For many settlers, this can be confusing or perhaps even unknown terrain. For most Canadians there is so much to learn about the history of colonization and how it lives on today. However, one practical action that we can all do to begin taking responsibility and restoring trust and friendship between us in our own area, is to come together in a spirit of learning and celebration. In fact, the more we do this, the more we will be able to transform systems because we will learn firsthand the impact that systemic injustices are having or have had on Indigenous families.
The Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, has long been celebrated by many First Nations and Métis as the beginning of summer — the arrival of warm weather and long hours of light. It is a day with spiritual and cultural significance. “It symbolizes a new season of life, a chance to start fresh and leave past burdens behind,” (MLT Aikins, 2022). The summer solstice also happens during National Indigenous History Month and on the eve of National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Mississippi Mills All My Relations (MMAMR) is a group of community members who recognize that we all have a responsibility to help restore what was once a relationship of trust and friendship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in our country. This year MMAMR is partnering with Mississippi Mills to host a Summer Solstice celebration bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
This celebration, open to everyone in the community, will include Indigenous ceremony, music, jingle dancing, crafts, Inuit games and songs by Almonte’s Rhythm and Song Community Choir.
Do you have something to contribute? We want to hear from you. We are hoping that some musicians from our community, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, might bring a song or two that celebrates summer solstice and/or mother earth. We are also looking for vendors of crafts and finger foods that are produced honouring mother earth.
If you are interested in participating, please email <info@mmallmyrelations.ca> and tell us about what contribution you would like to make to this celebration. Join us on Thursday, June 20 in Almonte’s Riverfront Park beginning at 6:30pm. An alternative indoor location will be available in the event of rain. Learn about the dance, music, food and rituals of Indigenous peoples and have fun celebrating the longest day of the year together. You’ll also have the chance to explore the Seven Gifts project that MMAMR completed last year in Riverside Park with Indigenous artists, elders, and knowledge keepers.
Miigwetch, Maarsi, Qujannamiik, Thank you.
Art… and Soul
Seven years ago while on holiday in Mexico with her artist husband Richard Gill, Burnstown gallery owner and entrepreneur Cheryl Babineau decided to try her hand at painting bird portraits. She borrowed Richard’s acrylic paints and painted her favourite subject — a pelican in flight.
It was an epiphany, and an artist took flight. Babineau’s portraits of birds reflect her enduring beguilement with them. At her gallery website at <burnstown.ca/bittersweet> she enthuses: “The fleeting glimpse of a bird fascinates so many of us — their song a soothing symphony. For me, their boundless beauty, endless gestures and postures compel my attempts to capture it with paint on canvas…”
Pelicans in particular appeal to her, with their stocky bodies and ridiculous beaks and incredible ability to achieve aerodynamic grace and maneuverability. It remains a matter of astonishment coupled with pride that her very first painting (of a pelican, of course) was her first sale. She also cherishes Richard’s spontaneous reaction to her first effort. When she presented it to him, he exclaimed, “Oh my god! You’re an artist!”
It certainly has been an asset having an accomplished artist as a partner (we first featured Richard in July of 2001). When on holiday and deprived of his wood-fired clay sculpting kiln, Gill satisfies his artistic inclination by painting. In addition to having a ready source of excellent art supplies, Cheryl cites her appreciation for his early tips on mixing colours and his enthusiasm for her progress. Together they produced so much artwork during her first holiday of painting that the local inhabitants offered to put on a show as a fundraiser for education. She was thrilled when it practically sold out, and she has never turned back.
The paintings of Georgia O’Keeffe particularly appeal to Babineau, and she strives for organic, fluid shapes — a form of bird impressionism. Bird photographers are always curious about the images painters use for reference in their artworks, so I was intrigued when Cheryl mentioned that a favourite resource is online nature videos. Using screen capture techniques, she is able to track her avian subjects in flight and choose the exact pose that catches her aesthetic fancy. Her predilection for gesture and atmosphere distinguishes her portraits of our feathered friends, and has become her trademark. Her portfolio runs the gamut from flamingos to hummingbirds, and her paintings sell regularly among the other treasures available at her Bittersweet Fine Craft and Art Gallery. Lately she has begun branching out with different subjects and dipping her brushes in watercolour paints; it will be interesting to watch her progression.
Cultural Osmosis
Many of theHumm’s readers are aficionados of the alluring art destination Cheryl and Richard have established in Burnstown. Over the past twenty years they have combined their respective artistic ventures to create Cheryl’s Bittersweet Fine Craft and Art Gallery and Richard’s Fog Run Studio. At Bittersweet, Cheryl curates and represents over fifty Canadian artists, many of whom she discovered and lured into the Valley for the first time.
Resourcefulness is her trademark. A Valley girl through and through, Cheryl got off to a challenging start as an unwed teenage mom in Arnprior. She is grateful to the Salvation Army’s Bethany Home for the support and tutoring that enabled her to complete high school. After entry level banking jobs, she wangled a part-time job in a liquor store and soon discovered what a male domain it was. Undaunted, she eventually worked her way into becoming the acting manager of a small LCBO store in Calabogie. There, after studying the operations manual, she landed a permanent position in the Renfrew LCBO store and later became the assistant manager in Arnprior.
“Ballsy” is another word for the secret to her advancement. Motivated after being chastised for recommending a particular wine to a customer, Babineau was invited by LCBO to participate in a committee to brainstorm ideas to improve customer service in a socially responsible manner. She went further, recommending a publication similar to the popular PC® Insiders Report to satisfy patrons’ thirst for information about what they were drinking. The LCBO Food and Drink publication is still available today. Out of that committee a product knowledge course was developed for staff, which she took advantage of. After a permanent position in Renfrew, she became the assistant manager in Arnprior.
Her persistence and ingenuity paid off, and given her interest in product knowledge, she was eventually offered a management position at Vintages in the Byward Market. There her role included providing advice to embassies for special occasions. Along the way she developed great respect for the makers of fine wines.
She carried her admiration for makers of fine crafts into other artistic spheres as well, and had been enjoying Richard Gill’s annual clay sculpture shows. In true resourceful fashion she approached him with an offer to enhance his annual sculpture show by complementing his stunning art with a wine and cheese opening, and decorations that featured the local bittersweet vines. The rest, as they say, is history.
Gill’s sales doubled that year, and the twosome decided to explore further joint business opportunities. Weary of the middle management bureaucracy at the LCBO, Cheryl took a year’s unpaid leave to expand Bittersweet Gallery, located with Gill’s clay sculpture workshop in Burnstown. Shamelessly name dropping her association with the renowned sculptor, she was amazed at her success in attracting a wonderful coterie of artisans, both locally and further afield. The gallery represents several Valley artisans whose Artist Trading Cards have appeared in theHumm, including Jack Stekelenburg, Tamara Campbell, and the late Hugh Malcom. Another popular artisan is Quebec jeweller Anne-Marie Chagnon.
The couple recently decided to retire while they still enjoy both life and artistic creativity. They have put Bittersweet Gallery and Fog Run Studio up for sale. They and the local community are hoping a new entrepreneurial soul will take up where they have thrived for over a quarter of a century. Cheryl and Richard will wish them well from their home across the driveway where she will be painting and he will be sculpting (when they are not travelling to other wonderful art hot spots). theHumm wishes them both the very best.
Check the back of Cheryl’s Artist Trading Card for coordinates, and rush out to Bittersweet Gallery to pick up a Babineau bird portrait or landscape, and take advantage of the other fabulous closing bargains. Better yet, find a buyer for this beloved fine arts and crafts Valley venue!
Artist Trading Card
The sights and sounds of the Pipes and Drums and Highland Dancing will be returning to the Town of Carleton Place on Sunday, June 23 beginning at noon. This tribute to the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force will be held on the grounds adjoining the Captain A. Roy Brown Legion Branch 192 building located at 177 George Street.
The Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes and Drums from Ottawa will take part in the Tattoo again this year, and as an added attraction, the 75 & 742 Youth Air Cadets Squadrons Band Programs and Highland Dancers from the National Capital Region will also be participating.
The Air Cadet Squadron Pipes and Drums will be included in the massed band performances. They will also perform during a 15-minute individual performance that will include the Cadet Brass Reed Band and their Highland Dancers in a special “RCAF 100 Years” show.
The Duty Band for the Tattoo will be the Commissioners Own OPP Pipes and Drums, and they will proudly wear the Ontario Provincial Police Tartan. They will perform individually as well as with two massed band performances. Other bands participating in addition to the two Air Force bands will include the R.C.M.P. Pipe Band Ottawa and their Highland dancers, the Highland Mist Pipe Band from Ottawa, the Kemptville Legion Pipes and Drums, the Smiths Falls Gordon Pipe Band, the Almonte Legion Branch 240 Pipe Band, the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band of Ottawa, the Ottawa Caledonian Pipes and Drums from Ottawa, and the MacEoin Ramsay Pipe Band. To add to this Scottish Heritage event, the Rosemary Breman Highland Dancers from Carleton Place will also perform.
Refreshments and BBQ food will be available throughout the afternoon in the backyard of the Legion grounds at a nominal cost. There will be no admission price, but a collection will be taken during the afternoon performances.
This event is a community event and the general public are cordially invited to enjoy some real Scottish Heritage through the sights and sounds of the Pipes and Drums and Highland Dancers. The event will be held rain or shine and is being sponsored by TES (Tops Environmental Solutions) and the Town of Carleton Place. For more information, please visit <facebook.com/legionbranch192>.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 29 from 11am to 6pm, and plan to celebrate local food, drink, and international music at Back Forty’s 7th annual Curds and Cooks festival.
In addition to Back Forty’s world-class sheep cheeses, this year’s festival will showcase multiple artisan food producers from the area. Sample and shop handmade chocolate, pies, preserves and more. Enjoy the renowned beer-battered deep fried Back Forty curds, and then refresh your palate with a local ice-cold craft beer, wine, mixed drink or thirst-quenching Kombucha.
Curds and Cooks has also become renowned for its international music. The vibe is set by Jamaican reggae star Syd Perry, who will be accompanied by his five-piece band. Syd will be performing his original roots blues reggae. Inspired by the rocksteady era (late ’60s), roots reggae of the ’70s and blues music of the ’40s and ’50s, Syd has an original sound and has been involved with the festival since its inception. To compliment the Jamaican music, Back Forty owners Jeff and Jenna Fenwick are excited to bring back their handmade highland beef Jamaican patties. If you were lucky enough to get your hands on one of these patties last year then you’ve likely been craving their return. Each pastry is made onsite using traditional ingredients including the farm’s whey-fed pork lard, then stuffed with the farm’s organic grass-fed highland beef and the perfect combination of traditional spice.
“The Jamaican patties were a huge hit last year, selling out by mid-afternoon, but we will be making even more this year with hopes of serving as many as possible,” promises Jeff, owner and head cheesemaker.
Curds and Cooks is free to attend, great for all ages, and the perfect long weekend destination for any cheese, drink, food or music lover. However, if you’re unable to attend this great event, Back Forty will be opening their Friday and Saturday Farm-to-Table bistro and cheese shop from June 14 through to October. For more information, check out <artisancheese.ca> or follow them on Instagram @back40artisancheese.
In the spirit of “it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness”, we anticipate that Lockwood Park will be ablaze with enthusiasm on June 8 from 10am to 3pm for the second annual EcoFest Westport: Celebrating Connection. Proudly organized by the Better Together Circle (BTC), please join us for this uplifting event located at 37 Spring Street in Westport.
With the often-negative information in the mainstream media these days, it’s difficult to feel that anything we can do matters. The critical piece we want to highlight is that, at the local level, hundreds of people, organizations, businesses and youth groups are working on solutions. At EcoFest 2024, we like to think that by bringing the pieces of the puzzle together we can be inspired by the big picture right here. We want to honour all the different ways we can be part of the change: through our art, our poetry, our volunteer work, our businesses.
BTC hopes the experience will energize, lift your faith in people, tickle your creativity and celebrate connection to our community and the natural world we inhabit. Come and browse, play, purchase, listen and be amazed at the potential for a sustainable future in this community for all living beings.
This festival of positivity and action brings together local groups working to restore health to the natural environment; people presenting new ideas that are light on energy and heal the soil; people recycling, upscaling, repairing, reusing and restoring items that otherwise end up in landfill; experts speaking to new building and automotive technologies; hands-on activities such as making wild native seed balls and wool dryer balls; speakers talking about reducing our light pollution, creating a star park, or taking the lead out of fishing; educators bringing children and nature back together; and entrepreneurs rethinking business models to build regenerative communities.
Mireille LaPointe honours us by making the Opening Welcome, giving the Land Acknowledgement and sharing her thoughts on Indigenous connection to the land and water. Please join us in the Circle at 10am. After that you are invited to take in the booths, the activities, and the Playzone, and to take the Eco Walking Tour of Westport village for more inspiration.
EcoFest Westport is being organized by the Better Together Circle — part of a caring community who want to learn, discuss and grow together. We plan community events focused on Truth and Reconciliation, environmental issues and climate change. BTC will be hosting a table at the event with demonstrations, take-aways and ways to connect. They are grateful to have received financial support for EcoFest Westport from the Lion’s Club, presenters, Westport Village, and everyone who attends EcoFest 2024.
To volunteer or donate, or to apply as a presenter, please contact <bettertogethercircle@gmail.com> or visit our Facebook page.
As Nelson Mandela said, “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.”
Get ready to immerse yourself in a day of historic architecture and charming town and country garden retreats at CFUW Perth and District’s Home and Garden Tour.
“Our inaugural event offers you a full-day journey through captivating homes and gardens nestled in and around town, each showcasing the talents of our creative community,” says Home & Garden Tour chair Nancy Chevrier.
Each $30 ticket “gives guests a wonderful opportunity to enjoy these properties while contributing to a very worthwhile cause,” adds club president Marlene Starkman. “All of the proceeds support our Education Awards fund, helping women of Lanark County pursue a post-secondary education, and our donations to local advocacy and education activities.”
With the flexibility to explore at your own pace, guests will have the chance to visit two enchanting homes, along with 11 meticulously curated gardens. Notably, five of these gardens are proudly maintained by members of the Perth Horticultural Society, showcasing their dedication and expertise in horticulture.
Plan to stop a bit longer at select houses to listen to live music — piano, guitar, cello, violin and flute — and enjoy original oil, acrylic and watercolour paintings, as well as stained glass. A catered Garden Picnic Lunch featuring an assortment of sandwiches, desserts and cold drinks can be pre-purchased for $20. Lunch will be waiting for you Stop #7!
Also at Stop #7, be sure to participate in the raffle of enticing items generously donated by local businesses.
The tour takes place on Saturday, July 6, and tickets are available from Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434) as well as four locations in Perth: Fall River Fashions, Fashion Envy, Kelly’s Flowers and Gifts Boutique, and Mariposa Design Inc. Contact Liz at 647–532–6888 to reserve your ticket or with questions. Act fast, as availability is limited!
The Home and Garden Tour is CFUW Perth & District’s first major fundraiser since Covid, and symbolizes a renewed commitment to community engagement and support. Proceeds from ticket sales, business sponsorships and charitable donations contribute to funding university, college and post-secondary education for local women. Since 1999, Perth and District CFUW has distributed over $240,275 in Education Awards to 195 deserving recipients, empowering individuals to pursue their educational aspirations.
The CFUW Education Awards are the reason many businesses owners and community partners are sponsors for the tour, as it aligns with their commitment to community development and charitable causes. Organizers extend their sincere gratitude to the local businesses whose generosity and support have made this event possible.
For more information and to stay updated on the latest news, find them on Instagram and Facebook, and at <cfuwperthhomeandgarden.org>. To learn more about what CFUW Perth & District does in the community, visit <cfuwperth.org>. Together, let’s embark on a memorable journey of discovery, inspiration, and philanthropy.
Climate Network Lanark seems to have recognized a pressing need! We had a sold-out crowd for our residential Solar Workshop at the end of April. And we’re all glowing from the phenomenal response to our full day Electrify Lanark Forum, accidentally scheduled for the long weekend! Despite that (it’s what happens when you make your plans in the depths of winter), we drew fabulous participants from across the whole of Eastern Ontario, from Peterborough through Ottawa and Kingston and through to the far east, and even from Hamilton! To put it mildly, we are amazed but delighted that there is such a high demand for this sort of information.
Watch this space in the very supportive Humm for our reports on the information that came out of the Forum, on how planning for greater electrification does not have to be the crisis it’s been presented as, and on how Lanark County and its citizens can take advantage, in fact invest, in the grid greening that is underway.
For now though, we’re turning our attention back to the individual workshops we have planned to help residents electrify their lives and their homes. Please see the information at the end for how to get your free tickets. We ask that you register in advance so we can manage numbers and registrants.
Electric Vehicles and Electric Bikes
On Saturday, June 8 at the Almonte Library and Farmers Market, Ray Leury and Mike Banks from The Electric Vehicle Council of Ottawa will present “Busting the 10 Myths of EVs” (there is a lot of misinformation flying around). They and their colleagues will bring also EVs that people can take for test drives. As a special feature, local Lanark County area EV owners and drivers, including moi, will have their vehicles there and can answer questions. That’s not all — Jeff Mills is collaborating to bring in Electric Bikes. This promises to be a great event.
Hot Water Heating Systems
Learn about them on Thursday, June 20 in Smiths Falls. Drain water heat recovery is now mandated in new houses, but just what is it? What’s the big deal with heat pump hot water systems? What’s the experience with instantaneous systems? Making water hot is typically the second largest energy expense in a house. What are the best and most economical ways to get off oil, natural gas and propane water heating and shift over to more efficient electric ways?
Heat Pumps
Aside from a special opportunity to see the new Beckwith Town Hall — which is heated with heat pumps — on Thursday, September 19 you will have an opportunity to learn just about all there is to know about residential heat pumps. Bring your questions to put to our expert. Learn how a heat pump works, how it exchanges heat, how it is used for both heating and cooling, why it’s more efficient and more cost-effective than gas, about financial assistance, and how it lowers your carbon footprint.
Home Resilience and Avoiding an Electrical Panel Upgrade
The Climate Crisis is here and now. On Thursday, September 26 in Carleton Place, this workshop will review the top-of-mind actions we can take to protect our homes and properties from severe weather events such as high winds, floods, droughts, and heat extremes. Also, adding more electric devices can increase demands on your electrical panel. But there are some ways to potentially avoid this.
Indoor Electric Appliances and Induction Stoves
Burning fossil fuels indoors is proving to be a major health concern, not just a climate problem. On Saturday, October 5 (at a location to be determined) we’ll explore this and look specifically at how to choose an induction stove. We’re planning some fun with this one. Stay tuned.
These workshops are free, courtesy of the Perth and District Community Foundation. But please register by getting a ticket at <climate-networklanark.ticketsplease.ca>. Given the demand for our last two events, we encourage you to get your ticket soon!
For more information about Climate Network Lanark, please visit <climatenetworklanark.ca>.
I’m locked in battle with a chipmunk. The thing is so darn cute with its bright little eyes, straight-up tail, and bossy little chatter. I don’t know if it’s sharing the space under the front porch with the garter snake family that lives there or if it evicted the snakes, but it’s made itself a veritable mansion I think. And NO, I’m not crawling in there to inspect!
It’s really good at evading the dogs, running into the drainpipe when it’s threatened. Diva has trampled the peony, ripped out the grape hyacinths, and generally messed up that corner harassing the thing that, of course, will not come out and play. Our only recourse is to bring Diva in the house. However, that only lasts until she sees it again, and then it’s game on.
When it’s not at the front of the house, the chipmunk scoots around the back, under the deck, past the stairs and under the rain barrel. There’s a cavity there, just chipmunk size. No amount of discouragement will work for Diva, not treats, not activities. I swear the little thing curls up and sleeps, dreaming of ways to tantalize this poor dog.
I don’t know if it’s male or female, if there are babies somewhere or not. Last year there were babies, and the dogs wanted to play with them. The poor mother grabbed each little fluffball and carted it high up in a tree, one at a time, all four of them. “Ahh, aren’t they precious?” Yes, and haven’t they multiplied!
I’ve been tolerating the nonsense for a while, thinking the chipmunk might give up and move away, but it’s upped the competition. Two weeks ago, I found a small hole in the driveway. I scraped some gravel into the hole, and thought it was likely caused by rain. An hour later, the hole was open again. It was a small hole, but plenty big enough to trip one of the dogs, so I shovelled some gravel in there and really tamped it down solidly.
The next morning, there’s the hole again. More gravel and some stones poked well into the cavity. The chipmunk was still running into the drainpipe, so I wasn’t blaming it for the construction project. After all, it’s a pretty small rodent and that gravel is heavy. Further, I hadn’t caught it in the act, so was giving it the benefit of the doubt.
However, the hole was getting bigger every day, no matter what I did. I was afraid one of us might fall in it, so it was time to take proper action. I figured the only way to really finish the thing was to flush it out. I ran the hose into the hole and began the process of filling it to overflowing. Oh my, what I unleashed! The three dogs thought the running water was perfect for puddle play, and then they discovered that there was a BIG HOLE at the working end of the hose! They were in there nose-deep, mud sprayed everywhere, furious digging, one on top of the other, water everywhere. Now it wasn’t a hole, it was a cavern! The chipmunk was nowhere to be seen, and the dogs were in mud heaven. Richard, our pristine award-winning puppy, had no idea what he was doing, just following the leaders and mooshing about.
Now the driveway needed a major repair, so I hauled in a full barrel of heavy road gravel and rough stone. That stuff defies shovelling and hardens like concrete. Much to the dogs’ disgust, I dug out the edges and patched the whole thing with heavy rock and all the gravel I could dump in there. “Done like dinner,” I thought.
And who watched all this? Yes, the chipmunk! Not ten minutes after I finished, the devious little thing ran through the flowers and clean up that drainpipe, sending Diva once again into frenzy. Now she had Richard barking too, with not a clue what the fuss was about, but the barking was obviously fun.
I was confident the driveway was now secure, and all would be good. It was still looking good in the evening, so I figured I’d won. Well, the very next morning, I went out to find the hole was open again! And right in the same place. How could that little chipmunk dig from under the porch at least ten feet into the driveway, not leave any mess, just the hole to mock my best efforts to deter it?
Okay, chipmunk, I’m letting you have Round One as a testament to your ingenuity, but by golly, if I trip in that hole, you will be looking at the working end of a live trap and decamping deep into the forest.
Maggie’s Getting Married, the hilarious play by Norm Foster, will be on at the Station Theatre in Smiths Falls this June. This comedy about family and the tensions that come from a whirlwind wedding features a fantastic cast of characters and constant laughs.
Just returning from the wedding rehearsal, everybody has an opinion about Maggie and Russell (Josie Diepitro and Jesse Gibson). The Duncan family kitchen becomes the hub where each member of the family gets to have their say, including parents Cass and Tom Duncan (Viki Graham and Rob Glas), wild sister Wanda (Shannon Riley), and her new actor boyfriend (Taylor Gilligan).
As the rehearsal dinner winds down and the drinks keep flowing, honest talks reveal how this family really feels about the upcoming wedding. With reflections on marriages, growing older, sibling rivalry and expectations, this comedy has non-stop laughs as some truths come to light… like when older sister Wanda discovers that she knows the groom a little better than Maggie would like her to.
Shows take place on June 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30pm, with 2pm matinées on June 16 and 23. Tickets are $24 for adults, $10 for students, and can be purchased at Special Greetings (8 Russell Street in Smiths Falls), online from <smithsfallstheatre.com> or by phone (283–0300) with credit card. If tickets are still available, they can be purchased a half-hour before showtime, at the door. Please note that Sunday matinees fill up the quickest. Check out all that is happening at The Station Theatre at <smithsfallstheatre.com>.
Mississippi Mills All My Relations invites the public to a memorial installation ceremony to honour Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQTIA+ people as part of The Canadian Library. It will take place on Saturday, June 15 at 1pm at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum.
The Canadian Library is a country-wide, community-engaged initiative to create a permanent art memorial of 8000 books as testament to the lives lost and the grief suffered by their loved ones. Books wrapped in Indigenous-designed fabrics with gold-lettered names on the spines are a powerful way to hold space and remember. Some books will remain nameless to represent those who may never have a chance to tell their story.
For the past several months, the Mississippi Mills community has been actively participating in the Canadian Library initiative. Over 100 individuals, including 32 high school students, attended gatherings to reflect, learn, acknowledge, and respectfully cover books. Shop windows, libraries and the high school displayed the books with an explanatory poster. The continuous support and thoughtful feedback represent the community’s willingness and shared commitment to truth and reconciliation.
The June 15 memorial installation is an opportunity for us to join as one community, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to commemorate and to hold space for MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQTIA+ people. This tragedy is a loss for all of us. Together we will honour, we will grieve, and we will move towards healing.
Elder Barb Brant, Mohawk, Turtle Clan will lead the ceremony, with Knowledge Keeper Dylan Jenkins. Tony Belcourt, Métis Knowledge Keeper and Elder, and Mayor Christa Lowry will provide welcoming addresses. We will read and honour each name represented on the books.
Seating capacity is 75. Please register at <June15Ceremony.eventbrite.ca>. Once seating capacity is reached, people are encouraged to join for standing room only. The elderly will be seated first. This free event will last about an hour.
The books will remain at the textile museum until a permanent home, a museum or art gallery, is chosen for the 8000 Canadian Library books.
The MERA Schoolhouse (McDonalds Corners/Elphin Recreation & Arts) is celebrating 25 years of artists in action!
Serving the hamlets of McDonalds Corners and Elphin as well as visitors to the area, MERA’s formation in 1999 brought a vibrant cultural centre to an area that previously had little arts programming and few recreational activities. MERA now hosts about 250 events throughout the year in the small Schoolhouse. People come from as far as Ottawa and Kingston to participate in its dynamic programs and enjoy the charming rural atmosphere.
In its humble beginnings, MERA had a focus on heritage arts and crafts. The MERA Heritage Weavers produce handwoven items inspired by the textile tradition of local Scottish settlers. The weaving studio has been fully renovated and now has seven looms of various styles and sizes.
The Pottery Collective has a fully equipped pottery studio, built by volunteers in MERA’s basement. Today, potters often work in close quarters as the studio grows in popularity.
Music at MERA hosts small, intimate concerts on Sunday afternoons. These concerts often sell out since the main room at the Schoolhouse seats only 60 people. The venue may be small, but the talent is huge.
Over the years, MERA’s main groups have grown to include the Art Circle, Fibre Arts, and MERA’s Needle Pushers – Quilting Group. To keep programs accessible, membership is a small annual fee that helps with the operating costs of the Schoolhouse.
Incorporated as a non-profit in 1999, MERA’s transformation of the local schoolhouse began when a dedicated group of volunteers gathered to discuss how to put the vacant one-room schoolhouse in McDonalds Corners to good use. One of them said “Why don’t we start an arts centre?”
One of MERA’s founding members, Ankaret Dean, 92, remains a passionate and articulate supporter and program leader. Before coming to McDonalds Corners, she lived in Oakville and was very active as a fibre artist. Expecting a quiet life in the country, she quickly became involved in the founding of MERA and has not slowed down since!
Ankaret has secured funding several times through various grant programs to support festivals and activities, and bring experts from around the world to MERA. Projects spearheaded by Ankaret include the Living Willow Labyrinth, a community mural with Wakefield artist Marie-France Nitski, a workshop on making willow lanterns and a workshop on making coracles.
Once a newcomer to the area herself, Ankaret feels MERA is a place for people to connect and find like-minded friends. “We’ve always been welcoming to anybody who has moved to this area,” she says. “We’ve had single people who have moved to the area and joined MERA as knitters or weavers or spinners or whatever, and they’ve instantly met other kindred spirits.”
Since its inception, MERA has relied almost entirely on its membership of 100 people and other volunteers from the local and neighbouring municipalities. As MERA embarks on its landmark 25th anniversary, the heartbeat of this vibrant community hub lies in the dedication of its volunteers.
Everyone is invited to help celebrate MERA’s 25th year! June 22 will be Community Day, and all the arts groups will be giving demonstrations and have their work on display. Come with your questions to ask an artist! There will also be an unveiling of the brand-new community mural. This 8-foot by 12-foot mural with be painted by dozens of volunteers of all ages, with at least one 90-year-old adding her artistic touch.
For more information, please visit <meraschoolhouse.org>.
The Downtown Heritage Perth BIA and Stewart Park Festival will present a Motown Dance Party at the Crystal Palace on June 8, featuring music by HEATWAVE.
You heard it through the grapevine and it’s true! The eleven-piece band will be bringing their tribute to the Motown sound and have you movin’ and groovin’ into the night! Get ready to dance to your favourite hits from the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and many more!
The Motown Dance Party will be a night of dancing and drinks, with doors opening at 7:30pm. Grab a bite on-site at Duffers Chip Wagon and a cold beverage from Perth Brewery or Top Shelf Distillers. Enjoy yourself inside the Crystal Palace or outside along the beautiful Tay basin.
Tickets are $30 each and available for purchase from <stewartparkfestival.com> in advance or at the door.
This fundraising concert is in support of the 2024 Stewart Park Festival and is brought to you by sponsors TD Bank Group, Perth Brewery, and Top Shelf Distillers. It will follow a fun-filled day of free activities brought to you by the Downtown Heritage Perth BIA.
The Stewart Park Festival is a three-day, by-donation music festival taking place from July 19–21. Keep in the loop on all Stewart Park Festival announcements by following them on Instagram and Facebook, and by signing up for their newsletter.
The Ottawa Valley’s awesome Old School Bluegrass Camp <oldschoolcamps.com> is back and better than ever! This year’s week-long camp will feature a plethora of world-class bluegrass instructors teaching folks from all walks of life more about their bluegrass instruments and, more importantly, how to have a great time.
Local award-winning musicians Jenny Whiteley and Joey Wright have been organizing the camp for nine years now up in beautiful Lanark Highlands, and are looking forward to bringing it back from July 3–7. Instrument classes include guitar, fiddle, banjo (clawhammer and bluegrass styles), mandolin, upright bass, and songwriting. Purposefully limited enrollment and small, high-intensity daily classes provide an exceptional level of teaching, mentoring, and one-on-one instruction from highly accomplished bluegrass musicians. Learning how to perform with others in a band setting is a fundamental goal of this camp. Each student will be part of a group that rehearses through the week and performs on stage on the final night.
One of the main goals of these camps is to connect people, because bluegrass music is nothing without a strong sense of community. Spending focused time around other artists is one of the most important elements in developing as an artist yourself. When a budding musician sees that all the other artists at camp — whether other campers or the instructors themselves — are striving to improve, learn more, and gather knowledge, it inspires them to keep going, to keep learning, and to keep growing. Along with the more formal and scheduled components of camp, there are plenty of chances to learn from each other at jams and sessions. Even mealtimes can yield learning opportunities!
Not sure if you’re an experienced enough player? At Old School, rather than focusing on ability levels, participating campers are asked to bring high levels of enthusiasm. Class sizes are deliberately small so that instructors can teach to a variety of skill levels in each group. The more intimate numbers also allow for one-on-one lessons and sessions, which is a great bonus! However, Old School describes the minimum level of experience for any instrument as “strong beginner”, meaning that each camper should be able to move easily from chord to chord so as not to hold others up when playing together as a group. If you are comfortable with six chords, you are probably good to go!
There are three kinds of camp registration: Camper, Companion, and Alumni. All registration types include on-site tent or trailer camping, heated showers, a permanent airy washroom with running potable water, three chef-made meals a day, snacks, coffee and tea. Below is a breakdown of the differences among them.
Campers pay $925 for the week and get to enjoy all group programming, individual lessons, band lab, instrument class, jams, concerts and meals. Companions ($350), accompanying a Camper, can take part in all group programming, jams, concerts and meals (but not band lab, instrument classes or private lessons). Alumni ($350) attend independently and can take part in all group programming, jams, concerts, meals (no band lab, instrument classes or private lessons).
To register, or for more information and details about renting “glamping” options instead of traditional tent camping, please visit <oldschoolcamps.com>. If you aren’t quite ready for camp yourself, feel free to send the link to your musically-inclined buddies!
CPAWS Fundraising Art Show
The Valley Artisans’ Gallery is honoured to be the premier gallery of choice for the Ottawa Valley chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS-OV) Fundraising Art Show.
Closing the Gap, Algonquin Park to Dumoine River Fundraising Art Show supports CPAWS-OV efforts at trail building and conservation actions. The opening ceremonies take place on Saturday, June 8 from 10am to 5:30pm on the grounds of the Valley Artisans’ Gallery in Deep River, and the art show will continue in the store until July 7. The Saturday fresh air event will feature live music by Deep River singer-songwriter Marc Audet, artist demonstrations, a food truck, a raffle, and art and crafts for sale in tents.
Members of the Valley Artisans’ Gallery as well as the CPAWS artists will be on hand to discuss their creative processes and the local Ottawa Valley that inspires many of the pieces.
In 2017, artist Aleta Karstad approached John McDonnell of CPAWS-OV with the concept of bringing 15 artists into the wilds for a week of camping, hiking, canoeing and creating artwork, which is then donated to the organization. Aleta calls the annual retreat “a dream come true,” and a chance to communicate to the world the inspiration the artists feel in wild places. Since then, the Art Retreat has become an annual event where artists from all over Ontario and Quebec apply to participate. They camp in tents along the river and can hike, paddle, help restore trails, and create artwork in the inspiring peace and beauty of one of Quebec’s last undammed rivers. Their artwork and related events have raised more than $36,000 in support of wilderness conservation and education in the Ottawa Valley region of Ontario and Quebec.
Their efforts worked, and CPAWS-OV was successful in having 126km of the Dumoine River and some of its watershed declared an Aquatic Reserve area. The next goal is to Close the Gap between Algonquin Park and the Dumoine River Aquatic Reserve. Protecting this 18km area in wilderness would strengthen the Algonquin to Adirondacks Initiative by extending a continentally significant migratory corridor running from New York State, through Eastern Ontario, into the Boreal Forest of Quebec. CPAWS-OV is working to ensure the area remains as it is today — wild and free — so that you may continue to hunt, fish, camp, off-road and snowmobile in the area while giving species the space they need to maintain healthy populations.
For more information, visit <cpaws-ov-vo.org> or come to the opening tent event and chat with the participating artists and the CPAWS-OV folks. Valley Artisans Co-op Gallery <valleyartisans.com> is located at 33373 Highway 17 West in Deep River.
Rideau Lakes Studio Tour
The Rideau Lakes Studio Tour is back for its 26th anniversary, and it promises to be a spectacular showcase of the region’s finest artists. Taking place on Canada Day weekend (June 29 and 30), the event will feature more than 21 artists opening their studios to the public, allowing visitors to see how these talented creators work their magic.
To celebrate, they are offering studio visitors a chance to win a $250 gift certificate which can be redeemed from any of the participating artists! Check <rideaulakesstudiotour.ca> for more information.
The tour will take place throughout the beautiful Rideau Lakes region, providing an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area while also discovering some of Canada’s most talented artists. Featuring painters and sculptors, potters, weavers, beaders and carvers, glass workers and more, the tour promises something for everyone, and visitors will be able to meet with the artists, learn about their creative processes, and purchase their work.
But the Studio Tour is more than just a showcase of artistic talent; it’s also a celebration of the vibrant community that makes the Rideau Lakes region so special. As visitors travel from studio to studio they’ll enjoy stunning views of the lakes and countryside, sample local food and drink, and connect with the friendly people who call this area home.
For many of the artists involved in the tour, this is an opportunity to connect with their audience and share their passion for their work. By showcasing their art in their own studios, they are able to create a more intimate and personal experience for visitors, making it an unforgettable event for all involved.
“I look forward to the interaction with people and the opportunity to show them my work in my own studio in the village where I draw much of my inspiration,” says award-winning wildfowl sculptor and painter Ted Stewart of Niska Studios. “It’s a chance to share my creative process and demonstrate some of my carving techniques.”
Whether you’re a seasoned art collector or are simply looking for a fun and inspiring way to celebrate Canada Day weekend, the Rideau Lakes Studio Tour is an event not to be missed. Come discover the beauty and creativity of this vibrant community and join in the celebration of 25 years of artistic excellence.
Rideau Lakes Studio Tour would like to thank The Rideau Lakes Township for their generous grant.Two New Shows at Sivarulrasa Gallery
Sivarulrasa Gallery in Almonte will present two new exhibitions in June. Deborah Arnold: Touchstone, An Invitation will run in Galleries I and II. Deborah Arnold has been sculpting stone in Almonte for over three decades. “Built into its presence, each kind of stone embodies ancient narratives about its formation”, she says. “Touching these stones, working with them, grounds me and brings me closer to their narratives.” A member of the Sculptors Society of Canada, her work has been exhibited in solo and group shows in Ottawa, Almonte, Oshawa and Toronto.
Sherry Park: Portraits, a series of figurative works by artist Sherry Park, will run in Gallery III. “When I paint a portrait I want to get to know the person first, which helps with the final piece,” she explains. “I paint people that I am familiar with or whom I met briefly. It helps to understand the person.” Painting in a naturalistic style, Sherry Park’s portraits offer a glimpse into her subjects’ lives. The artist creates evocative compositions, playing with light and bringing her characters to life against vibrant backdrops. Born in South Korea, Sherry Park’s studio is based in Alton, Ontario. Her works have been shown in exhibitions in Canada and internationally.
Meet artists Deborah Arnold and Sherry Park at the combined Artists Reception on Sunday, June from 2–4pm. For more information, visit <sivarulrasa.com>.
Pride 2024 in Lanark County is evolving into an amazing time. And this year’s Pride has extended beyond the traditional month of June to well into the fall.
This year, the Lanark County Wide Pride committee (a collaboration of Pride in Mississippi Mills, Carleton Place Pride, Smiths Falls Pride and Queer Connection Lanark) chose “Free to be… You & Me” as their theme — acknowledging the continued struggle of each us to be who we are.
The full schedule of events can be found in the ad on this page, but everyone is encouraged to follow Lanark County Wide Pride on Facebook and to visit <queerconnection-lanark.ca> for up-to-the-minute information.
Pride Parade
The month kicks off on June 1 with the Lanark County Wide Drive-Out Pride Parade. There will be ride OUT flag raisings at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum in Almonte at 1pm, at Carleton Place Sinclair Square at 2pm, and at the Smiths Falls Town Square at 2:30pm. Then everyone travels to Perth to join the Perth Parade at 3:30pm starting at Stewart Public School. Following the parade, everyone is invited to a Community Fair in Perth’s Last Duel Park, starting at 4:30pm.
Lanark Speaks: Queer Speaker Series
Made possible through support from the Perth & District Community Foundation, this monthly speaker series features 2SLGBTQI+ community members and a range of topics. Everyone is invited to join in listening and learning from each speaker’s stories, experiences, talents, and shared wisdom.
“This queer speaker series was formed out of a desire to share stories. We’ve been fortunate to gather a diverse selection of speakers with interests in drag, gardening and horticulture, sports, entertainment, small businesses, and comedy! We can’t wait to share this series with our community,” explains Abby Nowakowski from Queer Connection Lanark.
The full speaker series runs from May until September, and will be offered both in-person at the Perth library and virtually.
Mason Flatla from Ottawa Pride Hockey will be speaking on Saturday, June 8 from 1–3pm. Ottawa Pride Hockey is a 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive group in their third season of pick-up hockey. They are led by gender-diverse people and promote a safer space for everyone.
Tamara Lopez will be speaking at a date to be determined. She has been with the federal public service since 2005. Since beginning her career, Tamara has been active in promoting diversity, inclusion and the importance of mental health both inside her workplace as well as within her community.
Ksenia Knyazeva, owner of Patriam Coffee in Kingston, Ontario, will be speaking on Saturday, August 10 from 1–3pm. She is a fun, queer, hardworking business owner who moved to Canada from Ukraine.
The final speaker, Diane Skoll, will be presenting at a special Late-Night Edition of the series. This 14+ night will be held on Saturday, September 7 from 6:30–8:30pm. Diane is a comedian and a transgender woman who transitioned later in life, who especially enjoys comedy about LGBT and trans experiences. She performs standup and sketch, and her comedy runs the gamut from one-liners and observational humour to edgy and ribald. Diane was born in South Africa, grew up in Newfoundland, and is now based in Ottawa.
More Events
On June 6, the Almonte Public Library will host a 2SLGBTQI+ members and Panel Discussion. Then on June 7, community members and allies are invited to Bowl & Mingle at The Spare Room Bowling, located at 2 Wilson St. W. in Perth. 100% of the proceeds from this event will be donated to Capital Rainbow Refuge — an organization that supports and sponsors refugees fleeing dangerous situations.
On June 15, Mississippi Mills All My Relations invites the public to a memorial installation ceremony to honour Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQTIA+ people as part of The Canadian Library. It will take place at 1pm at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, and people can register at <June15Ceremony.eventbrite.ca>.
A Dance & Drag Show is being planned for June 22 from 7pm to midnight in the upper hall of the Carleton Place Arena — more details will be coming on social media. And then on June 29 there will be a Pride Picnic in the Park in Smiths Falls’ Victoria Park from 1–5pm. While you’ve got your calendar out, mark October 5 for a Drag Show at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum in Almonte!
Carleton Place Tourism is excited to announce the return of its popular bike rental program at the Visitor Information Centre, located at 170 Bridge Street.
“We’re thrilled to once again offer this service to both residents and visitors looking to explore the town by bike,” says Tourism Coordinator Rachael Heleniak. “Cycling is a healthy and refreshing way to experience our historic downtown district, cycle-friendly businesses and scenic trails. An increasingly popular experience for day trippers!”
“Here in Carleton place, the renowned Trans Canada Trail and Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail (OVRT) converge, offering traffic-free routes from the town centre. The extensive network of gravel roads, single and double-track trails, and the Carleton Place Pump Track cater to riders of all skill levels and preferences,” adds Heleniak.
The bike rental program features four teal cruiser-style bicycles purchased from the local bike shop, Joe Mammas. Rates are set at $5 per hour, $10 for a half-day, and $20 for a full day, with helmets and locks included. Maps are available for free with your bike rental, at the Visitor Information Centre. This program is made possible through a partnership with the Town of Carleton Place.
For more information on the Carleton Place bike rental program or to plan your cycling adventure, please visit <carletonplace.ca/cycling>.
Farmgate Cider is thrilled to announce that the talented singer-songwriter Sherman Downey will be gracing their barn for a captivating concert experience on June 22 at 2pm. This event marks another highlight in Farmgate Cider’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional entertainment in a unique and picturesque setting.
Hailing from Newfoundland and Labrador, Sherman Downey is renowned for his soul-stirring performances and heartfelt lyrics, which have won the hearts of audiences worldwide. With a sound that blends folk, pop and East-Coast in?uences, Downey promises to deliver an unforgettable afternoon of music that will resonate with fans of all ages.
“We’re excited to welcome Sherman Downey for what promises to be a fun afternoon of live music,” says Jim Davies, Co-Owner of Farmgate Cider. “Sherman’s style and engaging stage presence perfectly complement the laid-back atmosphere of our venue, and we can’t wait to share this experience with our guests.”
Set against the stunning backdrop of Farmgate Cider’s picturesque orchards, and refurbished barn, this concert offers the opportunity to enjoy world-class music in a one-of-a-kind setting. Whether you’re a dedicated fan of Sherman Downey or simply looking for a memorable afternoon with the family, this event promises to be a highlight of the season.
Music in the Barn will continue in September when Farmgate plays host to The Once, another incredible East-Coast act.
Tickets for Sherman Downey’s afternoon concert on June 22 are $25 and available for purchase online at <farmgatecider.ca > or at the Farmgate Cider tasting room just outside of Arnprior. Early booking is recommended to secure your place at what is sure to be a sold-out show.
Farmgate Cider is a family-owned and operated cidery located just outside of Ottawa. For information and to purchase tickets, visit <farmgatecider.ca> or follow them on social media @farmgatecider.
Destination Almonte enthusiastically invites everyone to come out to their Summer Solstice Night Market, taking place on Thursday, June 20 from 5–9pm. Shops in downtown Almonte will be open late, with live musical performers at the top and bottom of Mill Street. You’ll also find sidewalk sales, vendor pop-ups, street treats, and lots of small-town fun. This is a wonderful way to visit all your favourite shopping and dining destinations in the friendly town!
Destination Almonte
The leadership team of the Destination Almonte Association has been meeting monthly over the past year 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. And although in the past the group was mainly known for organizing seasonal Night Markets on Mill Street, more recent activities include the development of a website <DestinationAlmonte.com>, more frequent social media posts on all activities taking place in town, membership meetings and socials, as well as seasonal scavengers hunts like Elf on the Shelf in December, and Where’s Waldo in July.
There are presently over thirty local businesses that are active members, and new members are invited to join at any time, as the group seeks to foster collaboration among retail and other service businesses 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 Night Market to contact <info@destinationalmonte.com> for more information.
Here are some facts that regular Humm readers know:
Summers are busy in our small towns, so you had better check the Humm calendar’s Claiming Column before booking any trips. After all, when it comes to fantastic events, you want to be the one excitedly gushing about them, not the one glumly replying “Oh… I was out of town then…”
Reading theHumm as soon as it’s available helps you to remember that event you read about last issue but forgot to add to your schedule.
You have expert knowledge on local artists and musicians from their start, so you can say “I remember seeing her at Stewart Park Festival, and now she’s won a JUNO!” or “Did you know that guy got his start in Almonte, and now he performs on TV and at the Met?!” (More on that story in a moment.)
Here’s another insider tip for you: There are some events that sell out particularly quickly, so the earlier you learn tickets are available, the more likely you can go on the date you want (e.g. Christmas shows) or experience that one-night-only performance (e.g. an evening show at Puppets Up!).
Downtown Almonte’s Puppets Up! festival is well known throughout the Valley and beyond, having entertained large audiences every August from 2005 to 2016, and then being reborn as a biennial festival in 2022. Some youth who enjoyed the festival’s early days now return to the tents with their own kids in tow! Many entertainers have made return visits as well, and this year we are thrilled to announce the return of Ben Durocher. If you attended our inaugural festival, you may remember a couple of teenagers performing a puppet show in a small tent at Thoburn Mill, free to passers-by. Ben and Steffi D’s show drew attention and laughter and a hearty invitation to return as one of the ten main puppet troupes of 2006. They performed Johnny’s Midnight Adventure and… yada yada yada, Ben is now a member of the Screen Actors Guild and has worked everywhere from Avenue Q to Disney Cruises to the Metropolitan Opera, and yes… someone even told him “how to get, how to get to Sesame Street!” He has even won a Daytime Emmy!
Now, I’m not saying that Almonte and Puppets Up! are responsible for Ben’s meteoric rise from fun, small-town boy to actor/puppeteer of stage and screen; some other things may have played a part. After all, there was his childhood fascination with puppetry, his father’s production experience and confidence in his son (which got Ben a spot in renowned puppeteer Noreen Young’s puppet-making class, even though he was under the official age limit), his education at Canterbury and BFA in musical theatre, and of course Ben’s overall enthusiasm and great talent.
Some of you may be a little curious about the “yada yada yada” part, between 2006 and present day. Well you are the readers that this insider report is for! Ben Durocher will be spending one night with us, to reminisce and share stories and songs from his travels, so get your tickets ASAP! Visit <ticketsplease.ca> and scroll through the many upcoming events to find A Canadian in New York on August 9. Or just go directly to <puppetsup.ticketsplease.ca> so you won’t forget what you came for.
NOTE: For those of you unfamiliar with the evenings of Puppets Up!, the night-time shows are for adults only. Don’t tell your kids… but these can be raunchy shows with, um, naughty words, so best leave the young ones at home.
While you are there, you’d better get tickets for the Live from Almonte — the Saturday Night Cabaret, a Puppets Up! Saturday night tradition! Consider this: all day long, festival performers are entertaining children. This is great — kids are the primary audience — but it also means all the adults are taking care to watch their Ps and Qs… and Fs and Ss and double entendres and… well, you get the drift. So on Saturday night, puppeteers are invited to show off some of their “adult” material, whether it be raunchy humour or simply something they don’t think kids would appreciate. It is fun, it can go off the rails, and this is the only time you will get to experience all of this under one roof.
Years later you’ll find yourself reminiscing with other attendees about “that one with the fly puppet and the lightbulb… so simple and yet so hilarious,” or maybe “when you were so mesmerized by these three youngsters operating two puppets between them, that it took you a while to realize the teenaged voice of one puppet (Ben Durocher) was singing The Internet is for Porn!” To discover what weirdness awaits this year, get your tickets now for the 2024 Puppets Up! Cabaret, playing on August 10 only! The cabaret generally sells out quickly, so best buy your tickets now at <ticketsplease.com>
Tickets for these Puppets Up! adult evening shows at the Almonte Old Town Hall — A Canadian in New York (Ben Durocher) on Friday, August 9; and Live from Almonte — the Saturday Night Cabaret on Saturday, August 10 — each costing $35 plus fees, can also be found via the Tickets button at <puppetsup.com>.
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Mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience at the Killaloe Craft Fair, taking place from August 9–11 in the enchanting natural amphitheatre of the Wilno Hills. This year’s fair promises to be a celebration of creativity, community and nature like no other.
For over five decades the Killaloe Craft Fair has been a beloved local staple, originating from the vibrant artistic community of the area. It has grown into a unique event that blends the best of arts, crafts, music and family-friendly activities in a picturesque setting. It exudes a friendly community vibe, where visitors can connect with local artisans and friends meet up to dance under the stars.
The entertainment lineup this year is stellar, featuring performances that will get everyone on their feet. Lined up for the main stage is dynamic group Dystoh, the reggae-inspired sounds of Reggaddiction, the lively rhythms of Ska Soundsystem, and the groovy tunes of Zuffalo. This year’s event also includes a DJ set by three-time JUNO winner Bear Witness of the Halluci Nation and A Tribe Called Red. Each performance will be set against the stunning backdrop of the Wilno Hills, creating a magical atmosphere for all.
The fair is not just about music; it’s also a haven for arts and crafts enthusiasts. The fairgrounds will be bustling with booths showcasing handmade items, from intricate jewellery to beautiful pottery. Attendees can also participate in a variety of workshops, including drumming circles, astrology sessions, and guided forest walks. There’s even a children’s dress-up parade, making it a fun-filled event for the whole family.
Throughout the day, the stage will be teeming with local talent, providing continuous entertainment and showcasing the diverse artistry of the community. When it comes to food, the fair boasts an array of booths offering delicious, locally-sourced options to satisfy every craving.
#VanLifers and camping enthusiasts will be pleased to know that vans and overnight camping are welcome, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the fair’s vibrant atmosphere. Advance tickets are available online at <killaloefair.ca> or you can pay full price at the gate.
Don’t miss out on this unique festival experience that combines the best of music, arts, crafts, and community spirit in the breathtaking Wilno Hills. Save the date and join us for a weekend of unforgettable memories!
Best known as the playwright behind the Wingfield series of one-man shows, Dan Needles grew up in Toronto and on his family’s farm in Rosemont, Ontario. The Perils of Persephone is his satirical look at 1989 farming and politics in this province. Worrying about global warming, the possibility of losing the century-old family farm, and concerns about where the next landfill will be located are part and parcel of this comedy with a serious underbelly.
Award-winning director and educator Carolee Mason is no stranger to farm life either. Carolee plans to incorporate her ever popular Friday night “talk backs” — a fun opportunity for cast and patrons to feast together on everything the play touched on, and to learn from some experts as well. For patrons who decide to stay for the talk backs, a fun and informative look at politics and the environment will be on the menu.
The cast includes Christine Erdos O’Malley, John Kenny, Mike Erion, Chrystine Williams, Josh Gallant, David Bird, Lara Klymko, Brent Maguire and Alan Humphreys. Brian Perkin will supply the voiceover of the radio announcer. Mason has once again assembled a stellar crew, a loyal following of lighting, sound, costumes, props, stage managing and production individuals that will make the fireworks happen. Mason also has numerous contacts in the farming communities close by and farther afield who will be promoting this play to one and all with great enthusiasm.
I recently had the opportunity to talk with actors Alan Humphreys and Josh Gallant to find out what their favorite lines are in the play. Well, it turns out Alan only has one line, although he has three costume changes as he plays a reporter, a first responder and a farm neighbour. His line is: “Doctor Hinkley. Is the material on the truck stable? What is the danger here?” Alan’s role struck me as perfect for anyone who wants to be on stage, to be a part of a production, but not have to learn a whole whack of lines. Josh Gallant, previously seen in The 39 Steps and Matilda, plays a truck driver with a PHD in Philosophy from U of T. His favorite line? “And so, truncated, in the slime, the Currie Mammoth bides his time.”
At the same time as the opportunity arose to speak with Alan and Josh, I was able to watch Carolee in action, as she encouraged her actors to give everything to their portrayals. She talked about finding your arc, to start building on your emotions slowly, and to figure out how to show who has the power in a scene. Fascinating to be a fly on the wall for this coaching and polishing that makes all of Carolee’s work stellar.
The play, in a nutshell? Two brothers, Orval and Eldon Currie, are trying to keep the family dairy farm going, but Eldon has been bitten by the political bug and isn’t pulling his weight, according to Orval. When an accident of monumental proportions takes place in a nearby swamp, the Currie farmhouse is turned into “damage control headquarters” by the big guns from Queen’s Park. Political opportunism spearheaded by a pitbull of a spin doctor creates a maelstrom of double dealing, disguises and skullduggery. As the scheming gets more and more outrageous, you wonder who may end up with political egg on their face, and how the Curries will survive.
The Perils of Persephone runs for eight performances. Opening night tickets are $19 for Thursday, June 20 with a 7:30pm curtain. Regular ticket prices are $24, for remaining evening performances on June 21, 27 and 28, and for 2pm matinées on June 22, 23, 29 and 30. Tickets are available at Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434) and at the door one hour before each performance.
Do you love cut flowers? Are you concerned about the carbon footprint of flowers flown half-way around the globe? Do you really need cut flowers twelve months of the year?
Welcome to the seasonal flower movement! I was intrigued by an article in the May 4 Globe and Mail titled Taking Root. It featured female entrepreneurs who are starting flower farms on acreages of a quarter of an acre or less. It reported that hundreds of flower farms are sprouting up across North America, almost all female-led. Starting small allows women to accommodate all those other demands on their busy lives. The downside is that it can be very demanding. Some of the requirements are knowledge of horticulture skills, soil and pest management, marketing, bookkeeping and office management.
Recently I had the privilege of visiting the “microfarm” of local entrepreneur Breanne Gibson. She and her husband and three-year old daughter established Divine Colour Acres Flower Farmstead <divinecolouracres.ca> in 2021. The farm is a bucolic three-acre homestead, a short drive west of Almonte.
Their goal is to provide a healthy habitat for all life, including the microorganisms in the soil, bees, insects, and native pollinators. Half of their land is woodlands managed to increase native wildlife and pollinators. Plantings include 50 varieties of flowers, 30 fruit trees, as well as many vegetables, culinary herbs, and medicinal herbs. Lawns have been transformed to fields to increase biodiversity.
The farm is very carefully designed with long rectangular permanent raised beds. Cultural practices are all organic and include no till, straw for cover, and using nitrogen fixers — field peas, oats and vetch for green crops. Sheep manure, mushroom compost and vermicompost are the only soil additives. The only pest controls are planting a diversity of plants together to support each other, and hand-picking pests when seen. Companion planting is used as well, especially in the vegetable gardens. Some good companions have proven to be basil, marigold and tomatoes; cucumber and nasturtiums; fruit trees with comfrey; and lettuce and green onions.
A complementary and relatively new part of the business is the growing of natural dye plants that thrive in our soil and climate and offer a diverse range of colours. Some of the dye plants grown are coreopsis, chamomile, marigold, black hollyhock and black pincushion. Some dyes are also harvested from trees and shrubs growing on the farmstead.
Breanne grew up in the mountains of British Columbia, closely connected to nature. Following a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science, she served ten years in the Canadian military working as an environmental analyst writing human health risk assessments for countries based on environmental factors including, soil, water, air and infectious diseases.
A two-year stint in central America, south-east Asia and eastern Africa was an immersion in eco-communities learning more about living in harmony with nature. Breanne also has a background in holistic nutrition, yoga, meditation and coaching. She has coached female entrepreneurs — helping them reach their potential, live a regenerative lifestyle, and reconnect to their true nature.
All that Breanne has learned and experienced is apparent in the design and plantings on the farm. She sees Divine Colour Acres “as a regenerative hub — a place that plays a part in restoring our relationship with the land and all living beings and enhancing the living systems through ecological regeneration. Regenerative actions enhance or accelerate the health and complexity of any living system — increasing resiliency, vitality and biodiversity. It means thinking, living, and leading from a place of creativity, connection, and health for the whole.”
Breanne has a very broad focus. She believes that by connecting through the beauty of flowers with the community, the farm will also be a place for families and children to understand where food comes from and the diverse environments it grows in, to learn to identify plant species for food and harvest medicine, and to create art.
She dreams of having a full-on food forest and more resiliency embedded in the land through regenerative systems. In a broader perspective, she hopes to witness a decrease in the separation between humans and elemental things, especially soil. She loves to get her hands dirty.
Breanne is slowly growing the business. Marketing so far has been primarily to neighbours and friends. She is trying other approaches such as direct marketing to spas and medical offices for regular bouquets. There are several options for ordering and enjoying Breanne’s fresh flowers and other products such as soap, garlic and cakes. Her gorgeous website <divinecolouracres.ca> is very user-friendly (and has beautiful photos of flowers).
So, do you want to support mass-produced, chemical-laden flowers shipped thousands of kilometres, or do you want to support your neighbour? Local Farmers’ Markets are a great place to find vendors of cut flowers. Many vegetable growers often grow a few flowers for the pollinators. I have found that many of my favourites sell out quickly, so best get there early. I have to keep reminding myself that there is much more to gardening than growing vegetables!
St Paul’s United Church is happy to host Univox Choir from Toronto again this summer. On Friday, June 21 at 8pm they will present The Beauty of a Summer Night, where the harmonies of the season will come alive.
Experience a dynamic range of emotions as the choir weaves through upbeat, invigorating pieces that emulate the vibrancy of summer. Feel the energy as the music uplifts and energizes with powerful, rhythmic melodies that resonate with the joy of the season. Then, as the night deepens, let your senses be enveloped by the downtempo, atmospheric songs that capture the serene and contemplative spirit of a summer evening. These pieces, rich in texture and depth, provide a perfect counterpoint, inviting you to reflect and relax under the night sky.
Univox Choir is a mixed-voice community choir for young adults that serves the Toronto community by offering spirited performances of choral music, both old and new. Led by Artistic Director Malcolm Cody MacFarlane, works are primarily performed a cappella and span a wide range of the choral spectrum, including Renaissance madrigals and motets, choral classics, modern composition, spirituals, and international folk songs. The singers come from a diverse range of musical backgrounds; most have sung in choirs at different times in their lives. Univox aims to fill the niche for young adults who wish to continue to have a rewarding choral experience with others in their age group. The non-profit music organization carries the core principles of musical excellence, social responsibility, and relationship-building.
For this event, proceeds will also go to St Paul’s United Church. Admission will be by donation, at the door at 25 Gore St W. at 8pm on June 21.
Almonte Readers & Writers (ARW) is getting into the fundamentals, with community events and educational opportunities for readers and writers scheduled throughout June.
On Wednesday, June 12, at Equator Coffee in Almonte starting at 6:30pm, ARW presents a conversation with author Margaret Macpherson about the themes of her new book Tracking the Caribou Queen: Memoir of a Settler Girlhood (2022, NeWest Press) — an honest and challenging account about her formative years in Yellowknife in the ’60s and ’70s. In her book, Margaret takes a sustained look at her own white privilege, and how her childhood was shaped by the colonialism and systemic racism that continues today. Moderated by local community organizer and writer, Sarah Kerr, the conversation will explore how white Canadians wrestling with their place in the reconciliation process can consider the nature of institutional racism, and how one of the first steps of healing is recognising culpability and taking responsibility. Admission is pay-what-you-can and available in advance via Tickets Please <TicketsPlease.ca>.
On Saturday, June 15, at the Mississippi Mills Public Library from 10–11:30am, ARW presents its first Family Focus Books for Kids events featuring guest authors Amanda West Lewis and Kerry Lyn Sparrow, with fun activities for the whole family! Kicking things off, Kerry Lyn Sparrow, author of The Couch Potato and Sleep, Sheep! will read her books aloud, chat about what it’s like to write your own stories, and give a simple writing challenge that sparks imagination and creativity. Kerry’s books are aimed at children from preschool to age 7, and her stories use humour to explore everyday experience. Next up, Amanda West Lewis, the author of many wonderful books for children, will read from her newly released book called A Planet is a Poem. Written for kids ages 7–12, this latest work celebrates the vastness of space and brings its curious objects to life. Then Amanda will get everyone’s creativity buzzing with a fun and engaging poetry workshop for adults and kids alike! No charge to participate, this is a fun book-filled morning for anyone who loves to read.
Finally, in support of the Lanark Lit short story writing competition (details below), ARW is organizing a Short Story Writing 101 workshop, facilitated by writer Cian Cruise. Aimed at beginners but open to anyone looking for a refresher, this workshop will take place online over two days (Thursdays, June 20 and 27) from 6:30–8:30pm. Pre-registration is required — pay-what-you-can via Tickets Please. Looking ahead to July, make note that ARW is excited to be partnering with the Mississippi Mills Youth Centre to present a two-part Short Story Writing 101 workshop specifically for youth 18 and under, no charge to participate, on Thursdays, July 11 and 18, from 6:30–8:30pm.
And a reminder, ARW’s Lanark Lit — A Writing Competition is open for submissions! Seeking short works of fiction on any subject, by local writers of all ages hailing from Almonte, Carleton Place, Pakenham, Perth, Smith Falls, Arnprior, Carp, and all areas in between, this initiative is presented thanks to the funding support of the Elizabeth Kelly Foundation, with partial support from the Municipality of Mississippi Mills. The competition deadline is September 30, 2024, and winners will each receive a prize of $200!
For more information about these and other ARW initiatives, visit <almontereadersandwriters.org>.