free JANUARY 2013
p.18 & 19
January’s E vents
The Art of Elizabeth Veninga p.3 p.6
Flavour of the Month
p.20
The Drought of 2012
p.22
Sushi in the Valley Does Your Organization PO Box 1391 Almonte ON K0A 1A0 Need Volunteers? Phone: (613) 256–5081 In the February 2013 issue of theHumm we plan to run our seventh annual “Get Involved, Get Connected” resource Editor: for organizations seeking volunteers (and volunteers seek- Kris Riendeau ing local organizations). If you are running a community [email protected] organization or service club, festival, cultural event, mu- seum, conservation area, arts or activities group within Layout and Design: Rob Riendeau theHumm’s catchment area, we’d like to hear from you! [email protected] Send us 80 words (maximum) describing what your group does, what type of volunteer opportunities you offer, and Advertising and how people can contact you, and we’ll run them — free of Promotions: charge! — in our February issue. Kris Riendeau: (613) 256–5081 Due to space limitations, we can only offer 80 words [email protected] Correction per organization, and can only include groups that OOPS — we accidentally ran this photo of Peter Dawson in our De- serve our catchment area (Lanark County and parts of Assistant Editor: cember issue without crediting the photographer. The photo is by Renfrew County). We are not able to edit down longer Rona Fraser Lois Siegel
Readers Write Readers the documentary Almonte’s Interwoven Past. If you missed it, filmmakers Robert and Sharon Newton may still have some Happy New Year from the Riendeau Family! DVDs or Blu-rays for sale at 256–2483. Subscriptions Even people new to Almonte can find parts of personal Rob and Kris Riendeau wish all our friends, family, readers, con- cost $35 (includes HST) for one interest, as shown in this letter to the editor: tributors, advertisers and supporters a very happy and healthy year (12 issues). Send a cheque 2013. This will be our first year as official “empty nesters”, as our with your name and address to: Dear Editor, daughter Cori leaves for her “Watch Out World” tour on theHumm PO Box 1391 What an interesting movie at the Old Town Hall about the history and January 20, and son D’Arcy continues his studies at Carleton. Almonte ON K0A 1A0 origins of Almonte. As newcomers to Almonte, we were particularly Cori will be blogging at
Art… and Soul Peeling back the layers of Elizabeth Ven- “Skating on the Rideau”. In 2008 she had a solo inga’s life is like reading an intricately con- show at the Mill of Kintail, featuring her painting, structed, beautifully textured and very metal sculpture and photography. rewarding biography. I thought I was in- Red canoes became her muse after she and her terviewing an artist who paints wonderful late husband, Albert Veninga, restored an old canoe Canadian landscapes with red canoes, and in all its red glory. After Albert’s untimely death, who gives art instruction in an encourag- Elizabeth painted a scene featuring their red canoe ing, relaxed way. She does. In a way, that’s as a gift in repayment for a kindness by a canoe- like saying Leonardo da Vinci painted a builder friend. Since then this Canadian icon has
lovely portrait and illustrated a book on found its way into many of her landscapes, always ARTIST TRADING CARD mathematical proportion in art. He did. rendered exquisitely and effectively. by Sally Hansen A Meandering Path to Art and Soul selling it, and in order to support herself she studied horticulture The constants that have grounded Veninga in a life at Humber College, trained as a gardener, and worked at Cullen Veninga will be embarrassed by this article, be- that has followed many twists and turns are her Gardens in Whitby. After a third gardening job in Guelph, she wea- cause she does not toot her own horn. That may Christian spirituality and her love of art. Both her ried of the fact that “gardeners did not share my interest in art,” and be in part because her father, William Robinson, parents encouraged and supported her early love of went to Teachers College at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. was the Anglican Bishop of Ottawa, and Elizabeth art. During high school she designed and sewed her That summer she spent nine weeks in a canoe working at Quetico embodies many Christian values like humility and father’s red Pentecostal priest’s stole, created cards, Provincial Park. the “importance of sharing your life and reaching brochures and invitations, and made a carved and When she came to Pakenham twenty years ago, she lived for six out to others.” More of that later; first, more about painted wooden Victorian fireplace screen for her months in her parents’ cabin in the woods without running water her art. godmother. or electricity. She remembers it as “having a 20th century job (supply Like da Vinci, Veninga is profoundly observant After completing a degree in Biology and Eng- teaching) while living in 19th century conditions. She moved into The of nature. It inspires much of her art — paintings, lish at Trent University, Veninga worked as an as- Five Arches Apartments in Pakenham, where she met Albert Ven- steel sculptures and most recently, photography. Her sistant curator for National Historical Sites, saving inga who was playing the guitar and singing at one of the communal mixed media landscapes illustrate her love birthday parties. They eventually moved onto the property of the drawn mark — direct, free gestures known as the Stonebridge Inn, above the former antique that capture the mood, texture, and feel store at 4839 Kinburn Side Road. Elizabeth is a performing of place. She experiments and innovates; flutist and chorister, and the two made beautiful music to- combining acrylic paints with acrylic inks, gether until his tragic death four years later. charcoal, Conté, soft pastel, watercolour Recalling her intense grief, she states flatly: “Meditation is sticks and gesso. one of the most profound influences in my life.” Years before, At the modern home of Gaye Bennett during a difficult period in her 40s, her father had gently en- and Bryn Matthews on the edge of the couraged her to consider meditation. As she recalls it, “He Mississippi River, I was privileged to enjoy sat down and wrote for about an hour — then he handed Veninga’s felicitous river-edge painting. his guidelines to me with no pressure, and said, ‘Try it. It The commissioned 7' x 3½' work hangs may suit you.’” Today she practices meditation for 25 min- high in the kitchen, visible throughout utes twice daily. much of the open-concept, high-ceilinged Veninga also practices what she believes in — “the im- main floor. As the day fades from view portance of sharing your life and reaching out to others.” outdoors, Veninga’s painting draws the She loves working with people and is an ardent believer healing power of nature indoors. in community. She leads a weekly Christian Meditation In 2006 Elizabeth won a Mississippi group at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Almonte. Like her Mills competition to create a mural hon- father, her teaching is not prescriptive; she guides people ouring the philanthropic couple Art and in discovering their own spirituality and tapping into their Elsa Stewart, who were awarded the Order of money to study art and “really experience Europe.” own strengths. She also facilitates a monthly Parkinson’s Support Canada in the ’80s. The mural was installed on the She learns (and teaches) “by doing,” and thorough- Group sponsored by Mills Community Support – Home Support main street of Pakenham in 2006. When the up- ly enjoyed her classical training at the prestigious (256–4700). She became self-educated on the subject while caring scale department store Les Ailes de la Mode moved Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts in London, for a woman suffering from the disease. into Bayshore Shopping Centre in Nepean, she was England. It was there that she discovered her love Those same attributes of caring and sharing characterize her art commissioned to celebrate its presence in Ottawa. of sculpting in metal, when she encountered weld- classes. She is encouraging, fostering an attitude of “just try it — you Veninga created ten paintings for their special in- ing among the skills and techniques she explored. can do it,” motivating students to experiment and discover their store restaurant. Her 14-foot diptych portrays two Mixed media painting became her artistic own capabilities, and to learn from each other. You can reach her at views of the Ottawa skyline — from Hull and from mainstay upon her return to Toronto in the ’80s, 624–5931 or by email at
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January 2013 www.thehumm.com 3 THE HUMM Standing Room Only! WHO Elizabeth Veninga Almonte’s own big band is cur- performances. Sandy Faux is the ways featured a live band. The his- WHAT Painter, Sculptor, Art Instructor, rently in the midst of their sev- band’s current singer. In 2009, toric Almonte Old Town Hall is a Community Resource enth season of presenting Sunday Sandy moved to Ottawa from beautifully preserved venue with afternoon Tea Dances at the Old Toronto, where she was a fixture a spacious wooden dance floor, WHERE 4839 Kinburn Side Rd., Pakenham, 624–5931, Town Hall. Standing Room Only on the city’s jazz scene. Since natural lighting, and wonderful
ARTIST TRADING CARD gested the bare minimum orches- over its nine-year history. High- of the tea dances is due to this tration and Catherine begged, lights include Merrickville’s Jazz very special venue, as well as such borrowed and coerced the nec- Fest, Almonte’s RiverEdge, The touches as the table decorations Need ‘em… need ‘em… got ‘em… essary musicians. The band has Art of Being Green, Puppets Up!, and the delicious goodies provid- Clip and save the Artist Trading Card evolved from its humble begin- The Young Awards Gala, the Ot- ed by the Women’s Institute. nings to become a full 15-piece tawa Swing Dance Society, the Concerns had been raised ensemble with members not only Mill of Kintail Bird House Auc- over the past year about the from Almonte but also from Clay- tion, the First Unitarian Congre- deteriorating condition of the ton, Arnprior, Carleton Place, Ox- gation of Ottawa, CFB Petawawa dance floor in the Old Town Hall. ford Mills and Ottawa. Officers’ Mess, and “A Coun- Standing Room Only is therefore In 2008, the growing band de- try Christmas Remembered” in happy to report that the floor was cided that an elected executive Spencerville. However, the core of completely refinished over the board was necessary for more ef- ficient decision-making. Among the initial executive members, Clayton Lake horse breeder Alan Wilkinson, a founding member and tenor saxophone/clarinet player, was elected as music di- rector. Under Alan’s direction, the band honed its existing rep- ertoire and expanded its offer- ings to include many of the swing era classics of such bands as Glen Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Duke El- lington and Count Basie. While some of these are presented in their original format, others have been customized to showcase The next SRO Tea Dance takes place on Sunday, January 20 the talents of the band’s soloists. at the Almonte Old Town Hall The band has gone on to include more recent sources, such as the the band’s activities is the series of past summer and is now better Beatles and Michael Bublé. Sunday afternoon Tea Dances in than ever. “All the experienced In 2011, Glenn Morrison, a the Almonte Old Town Hall. ballroom dancers at the Octo- former high school music teach- The popular tea dances,ber dance thought the new floor er now living in Oxford Mills, launched back in 2006, give the was terrific!” reported a student joined SRO’s trumpet section. band members a regular op- with Lorna’s Dance Collective. Shortly afterwards, at the re- portunity to perform the music The work was paid for by the quest of the band, he took over they love to play in a period at- Town Hall Improvement Fund, direction of the band’s weekly mosphere, while allowing guests which is generated by surcharg- practice sessions at Almonte’s to listen and dance to live big es included in admission fees to Naismith Public School. Glenn’s band music. Like the band itself, events held at the Town Hall, in- high musical standards, attention the tea dances — now in their cluding the tea dances. to detail, and ability to inspire his seventh season — have evolved The remaining tea dances of fellow musicians has brought the and been refined into a class act, the band’s 2012/2013 season band to a very high performance attracting swing and ballroom will be held on January 20, Feb- level, which is being increasingly dancers from the Ottawa area ruary 24 and March 24. They noticed by both dancers and big and as far away as Brockville. run from 1 to 4pm, and doors band fans alike. Tea dances are afternoon danc- open at 12:30pm. Admission is From its inception, and in the es that were popular in the ’20s, $14 per person or $25 per cou- tradition of the big bands, Stand- ’30s, and ’40s, when big bands ple. For more details, please visit ing Room Only has featured vo- were king. They were generally
MILL STREET BOOKS 52 Mill St., Almonte /millstreetbooks www.millstreetbooks.com 613–256–9090
4 www.thehumm.com January 2013 Notice of Completion It’s New Years, Baby! Got a question? Send Miss Write an email new and, with any luck, get a different result. Here’s Enerdu Generating Station Expansion and at
Funny You Should Write… Funny You do to change the world this year?”, “Am I on a you’re golden. Happy even. The project is subject to the Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for Waterpower Projects good track with my career?”, “Am I living up and is categorized as a project associated with existing infrastructure. An Environmental to my full potential?”, “Should I have another Dear Miss Write, Report (ER) has been prepared as required under the Class EA. The proposed project has baby?” (probably not), “Could I be happier?” I get asked all the time if I’m pregnant. I’m not, and been reviewed in a process consistent with the Class EA for Waterpower Projects, the results of which are described in the ER. and “If I could be happier — how?” those who ask are always really embarrassed when I tell them as much. What’s worse is that I’m left by Emily Arbour trying to make them feel better about their blun- construction, operation and maintenance. It was concluded that the proposed undertak- der when, really, I’m the one who could use a hug. So many questions, so little time to work them What, in your opinion, would be a good response if out and still manage to write a half-decent entry for ever I’m asked again? proponent will help to realize this outcome. a full-decent publication like this one. — Barefoot. Not pregnant. This year, under my own advice(one of the many The ER is available for a 47-calendar day review period. Both hard and electronic copies of perks of being Miss Write!), I’m going to take time Dear Barefoot, the ER will be available for review and comment from December 17, 2012, to February 1, for myself to really focus on what’s important: what Let this reply serve as validation for your plight. I, 2013. Hard copies may be found during the review period at the following public locations: makes me happy and how I can do more of that. Yes, too, am inclined toward loose fitting tops and em- let’s do more of that. Like most new years, 2013 feels pire waists (So comfy! So cute!) and have been asked Mississippi Mills Public Library (Almonte branch and Pakenham branch) promising. I hope it does for all of you too. if I’m pregnant more times than I’d like to recall. I’ve — Emily even been asked while carrying my two month old baby, though that time it hurt less knowing that my Electronic copies of the ER may be viewed at the OEL-HydroSys website (www.wesa.ca). Dear Miss Write, assaulter was obviously far worse at math (not to Enerdu must receive all comments in writing regarding the proposed Enerdu GS Expansion It’s that time of year again, and it seems I can’t go mention manners) than I. For the record, it is never and Redevelopment Project and/or the accompanying ER no later than February 1, 2013. Please direct any inquiries, comments or requests to: to the loo without someone wishing me a happy appropriate to ask a woman if she is pregnant. Un- New Year. I appreciate the well wishes, but frankly, less you are her doctor, an x-ray tech, or driving the Mr. Ron Campbell Ms. Muriel Kim I’m not sure what to do with them. HOW do I have cab in which she is about to deliver à la every Rom- Enerdu Power Systems Inc. OEL-HydroSys Inc., a BluMetric company a happy new year? What makes January 1 any dif- Com in which a pregnant woman gets into a taxi, 9094 Cavanagh Road 3108 Carp Road, P.O. Box 430 Ashton, ON, K0A 1B0 Carp, ON, K0A 1L0 ferent than July 17? Because it feels a lot like just that question is off limits. As for what I think would T: (613) 257-2918 T: (613) 839-3053, ext. 261 another day at the office to me. be a good response to the question posed in any oth- [email protected] [email protected] — Happy days are here again? er scenario, here it is. Look directly into the eyes of the inquiring mind and, with the most emotionless, Dear Happy Days, dead-eyed expression you can muster, simply say outstanding issues with Enerdu during the 47-calendar day review period. In the event that You’re absolutely right. January 1 is, technically “No. I’m not.” And when they start to blubber about issues cannot be resolved during the review period, the concerned party may make a written speaking, no different than any other day of the how sorry they are and make some sort of excuse request for a Part II Order for an Individual Environmental Assessment under the Environ- year. It’s just another 2" by 2" square on the cal- about how “Your shirt” (which is totally adorable by mental Assessment Act to the Minister of the Environment at the address noted below. A endar, another flip of the old(or, rather, new) day the way) “made it look like… err”, just don’t say any- copy of the Part II Order request must also be sent to Enerdu at the addresses noted above. planner, another notch in the belt of Father Time. thing. This is on them. Not your problem. Now go Minister of the Environment (Though, I have to argue that it’s not another day home and get that hug. You deserve it. 77 Wellesley Street West — Emily Arbour is a freelance writer (among other 11th Floor, Ferguson Block at the office since it’s a stat. holiday.) What it is, Toronto, ON, M7A 2T5 however, is a mindset. You’ve probably heard the things) who lives and works in Almonte. By no phrase “perception is reality”, and I think it applies means is she an expert in anything but having an Requests for Part II Orders must be made in accordance with the provisions set out in the here. All of those well-wishers inviting you to have opinion and making things up. You can go ahead Class Environmental Assessment and must be received by the Minister of the Environment a “Happy New Year” really do believe that the start and take her advice, but you’d probably do just as and Enerdu no later than February 1, 2013. A copy of the Class EA for Waterpower Projects is of a new year means something. To them, it’s a well asking a three-year-old how to play Monopoly posted on the Ontario Waterpower Association website at www.owa.ca. fresh start, an opportunity to do better, a chance without cheating. The only difference is she doesn’t Under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Environmental Assess- to reflect on the year that’s just past, try something have a column in this fine publication. ment Act, unless otherwise stated in the submission, any personal information such as name, address, telephone number and property location included in a submission will become part of
January 2013 www.thehumm.com 5 Back Forty Artisan Cheeses Back Forty Cheese Welcome to 2013 everyone! My New Year’s reflection and regrouping. Jenna’s parents, who resolution? To savour. This one word has the live in the area, heard about the sale of Back For- potential to affect all aspects of my life — how ty and passed the word along to Jeff and Jenna. I walk through the landscape, how I settle Cheese-making was not something they had im- into work in the studio, and how I spend time agined, but a kernel of curiosity was seeded, and with friends. It may even focus attention on they investigated. And here they are a year later Flavour of the Month words coming out of my mouth. Naturally, it — in love with the land, the cheeses, and the shift will also require that I relish the taste of that to country living. They are, as they say, living the which goes into my mouth! dream and truly thriving. Jenna has already reno- vated an outbuilding into a studio and is back at by Susie Osler work with renewed energy, focus and pleasure. Her textile work is gorgeous. I encourage every- Savouring implies a certain deliberation in no- one to check out her website
6 www.thehumm.com January 2013 CLASSES COURSES LESSONS CLASSES COURSES LESSONS Looking For Resolution Inspiration? Look no further than theHumm for a wide variety of classes, courses and lessons to get you going in 2013. Taught by talented local artists, musicians, dancers, movers and shakers — you’re sure to find something to get you out and about during the chilly winter months! Music Venues: Bigger Isn’t Always Better Music Matters By the time you are read- In some other arena concerts performing live and to become a ing this, we will have sur- I’ve been to poor sound qual- studio band. However, the gate at vived the end of the world ity has been a major issue. Quite this first concert set a record for and made it through the often, the bass, drum, and guitar the time at over $300,000. Money holidays, so Happy New parts are amplified to the point talks, and The Beatles changed Year, everyone! where vocals become buried, and the music business forever, as Recently, our fam- this really diminishes the experi- they did continuously through- ily was able to take in ence. I was discussing this with out their time together. a Hawksley Workman another musician recently, and As I get older though, I think his theory was that members of that my arena concert days might by Tony Stuart the sound crew lose their hearing be done. I just enjoy the up-close- over time from being exposed and-personal aspect of smaller show at Neat Café in Burnstown to so much noise, and so end up shows, as well as the breaking
8 www.thehumm.com January 2013 CLASSES COURSES LESSONS CLASSES COURSES LESSONS Communal Resolutions New Year’s is a time of reflection, Canadians. See snow as a gift and anniversary of community physi- a rejigging of what is important plan to cross country ski together, cal engagement and the celebra- to us, a time of personal prom- make Friday night skate dates, tion of all things self-propelled ises. Most New Year’s resolu- snowshoe at the Mill of Kin- and two-wheeled. Consider help- tions centre around what we eat tail… These days with family and ing on the organizing committee, and our levels of physical activ- friends are the days you’ll always or bring your own event to this ity. How often have you heard: remember as the “good times.” community-driven initiative. En- “I vow to eat less and exercise Want to live in a healthy, ac- couraged are any bicycle-themed more?” Gym memberships and tive, inclusive community? The events that promote good health exercise equipment purchases Town of Mississippi Mills has through your school, church, spike. Resolutions sometimes entered the process of writing business, or community group. stick, oftentimes are fleeting. a new Recreation and Culture Contact
January 2013 www.thehumm.com 9 CLASSES COURSES LESSONS CLASSES COURSES LESSONS Facing the New Year with Art! Arts Programming of Arts Carleton Place, which is please the eyes and spark the im- ty. The exhibition, located in the out and join the artists on Fri- Comes to a non-profit arts organization agination. Visitors will also have mezzanine above the Heirloom day, January 18 from 5 to 7pm for Carambeck dedicated to empowering artists the opportunity to leave com- Café Bistro (7 Mill Street in Al- the Face Forward vernissage. The Carambeck Com- and residents through the arts. ments for the artists and fill out monte), will run from January Snacks will be provided by the munity Centre in Car- They are very enthusiastic about a ballot for the People’s Choice 14 through to March 31. Come Heirloom Café Bistro. leton Place will soon be bringing arts programming to selection. Results of the People’s buzzing with arts pro- Carambeck. Choice voting will be announced gramming! The Centre, The two organizations will at the end of the exhibition on previously Carambeck be hosting an Open House March 1, and will also be posted Public School, opened at the Carambeck Commu- online at
Hanging Around the Valley its doors officially in -Oc nity Centre on Monday, Janu- The Halcyon Days exhibi- tober of 2012. Since that ary 7, from 5 to 8pm. The tion will be open to the public time, the Recreation and Open House will provide an seven days a week from 7am to Culture Department has opportunity for interested in- 9pm at the Goulbourn Recrea- dividuals to browse the varied tion Complex, 1500 Shea Road in by Miss Cellaneous programming, meet the artists, Stittsville. For more information, ask questions and see demon- please visit
Saturday, January 12 is Karma Yoga Day Come and enjoy free classes all day!
www.risingsunyoga.ca
Unit 2, 500 Ottawa Street (beside the Almonte Fitness Centre)
nce. lth. Bala s. Hea llnes We
10 www.thehumm.com January 2013 CLASSES COURSES LESSONS CLASSES COURSES LESSONS Extending the Puppet Season in Miss. Mills Almonte’s Puppets Up! festival is a lot of fun for all The Puppets, Professionals and You! Puppet ages. It happens on a weekend in August and then Workshops! series is designed for adults, for chil- it’s gone for another year… or is it? dren, and for parent/child pairs. A wide variety of Jeff Banks, owner of JB Arts in Almonte, wants workshops will be presented by a group of profes- to make the popular annual puppet festival last sional puppeteers and experienced artists/artisans longer. So, in partnership with Puppets Up!, Jeff is in Jeff’s spacious art studio behind his art store, offering a series of eleven puppet workshops in his right in the heart of downtown Almonte. art store/studio at 64 Mill Street, that will run from Beginning with Parent and Child Decorate January to July. a Latex Puppet on January 12, followed closely by Make Your Own Easy-to-Assemble Pup- pet Stage, a project for adults on January 27, the Learn how to perform with puppets from Trish Leeper (above), or workshops will run monthly from January 12 until how to create shadow puppets from Megan Spencer (left) July 16, just before the Puppets Up! Festival week- end takes place on August 10 and 11. Jeff reports, “Costs for the workshops will be kept as low as possible and all materials are includ- Watercolour Plus ed in the fee. Best of all, students can take home Classes at Carp Home Studio something tangible from every class — maybe a Wednesday (intermediate) puppet stage or a marionette or a hand puppet, a Thursday (beginners) script, or even a video tape ready for YouTube!” January 23 or 24 for ten weeks For more information about the workshops, 1.00 – 4.00 pm $200.00 per session including teachers and dates, go to
Humm ad colourPa watercolourint winterin 2013.inddg & 1 Drawing 12/18/2012 1:57:37 PM ‘Open Studio’ with ADRIAN BAKER Professional guidance & instruction in a bright natural-light studio in beautiful Appleton. Small groups, all levels, fun!
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January 2013 www.thehumm.com 11 Confessions of a Grateful Shopkeeper I am grateful. I’m sitting behind the display thors in Canada to Perth. (If you have a favourite counter in our warm and cozy shop on a Canadian author who you would like to meet and We are taking a small break slushy, snowy Tuesday afternoon, listening hear read in an intimate setting, by the way, please to a Sarah Harmer CD, as a friendly cus- let me know and I’ll do my best to bring them here. and will be re-opening Wed. Jan. 16, 11–4ish from Perth Postcards tomer browses through our Canadian Fic- You can email your suggestions to me at jpigeau@ January Hours Tues – Fri 11–4ish tion section. There are six shopping days hotmail.com.) Sat 10–5 before Christmas… I love how all of this ties neatly together: People closed Sundays and Mondays Oh. Hold on. Sorry — I had to stop writ- shopping locally keep businesses alive and, in turn, ing for a minute to serve two happy holiday lots of other great things happen and opportunities shoppers. Books, records, CDs, DVDs, lo- abound and the local community benefits. There’s no secret formula and it’s all fairly simple but again, 89 Mill St. Almonte by John Pigeau thank you to the people who get it. You make your community a better place. Truly. 613-256-5764 cally made Christmas cards — everything is sell- Everyone: Self-five! ing! It’s that time of year. And I’ll tell you (and I think every independent shopkeeper on the planet Those Darned Resolutions will agree with me), I’m immensely thankful for Now, on a personal note — or perhaps I should say, every single person who comes through our door on a more personal note — it’s time to lay down Pick up theHumm in Almonte at this time of year, whether they’re new to the shop some resolutions for the new year. Not that I’ll nec- or a happy regular. I’m thankful that these people essarily keep them; it’s just nice to think positively jr’s family restaurant get it: shopping local helps little stores like ours. sometimes and set some goals. The hard-earned money with which these smil- Like sleeping right through the night. Nothing ing, merry folks are buying gifts for their loved but sweet dreams from the second my head hits Carp Ridge ones, quite simply, keeps us in business. It sees us the pillow to the moment my alarm clock screams through the three typically lean months in the new bloody murder at me in the morning. Yes, in 2013 I year and pays the stack of bills we have accumu- resolve to cure my insomnia. Natural Health Clinic lated preparing for Christmas. Paul Simon once wrote a lyric that seems apt: I consider it a blessing — that friendly folks “I don’t expect to sleep through the night.” And I Saturday, January 26, 1–3�� chose to buy gifts at our shop, which really could believe he meant that “at his age,” he didn’t expect Open House & Free Talk be Any Indie Shop, Canada. to. Mr. Simon, I know what you mean. So I’ll aim to I have good reason to be grateful. drink nothing caffeinated after, say, 5pm, lay off the Natural Weight Management In 2012, three beloved independent bookshops sweets, and read more before sleep instead of try- with Katherine Willow, N.D. in Ottawa had to close their doors, basically be- ing to get to slumberland by watching sci-fi flicks. I cause they could no longer compete with online can do it, I know I can. Next Mind-Body Healing Talk: booksellers and larger chain outlets. I was saddened Also, I think I’ll dink around less on Facebook Thur., January 24, 7–8:30 . $20 at door. when those shops had to close their doors, as were and, instead, work more on my novel. (I mean, a lot of other people. Those stores breathed life dozens of people are expecting it any day now! But New for 2013! Monthly Classes: �� into their communities. They hosted author read- no pressure — that won’t help me sleep.) It’s addic- Staying Healthy Through the Seasons ings and book launches and musical events; helped tive, this whole social media thing, and it’s nice to Re-connect to self, others, nature & the sacred, in a year- out people organizing local fundraisers by donat- connect with like-minded folks and old friends and long process of transformation. First class will be held on ing gift certificates to silent auctions and such. And keep tabs on family who live elsewhere. But I’ve Sat., Jan. 19, from 9:30–3:30 — Setting The Founda- they were a sanctuary of sorts for some, where you got to stop incessantly reading everyone’s status tion. Cost per class is $120 or $1200 for all 11 plus HST. could count on seeing a friendly face, finding great updates. I somehow have over 2,000 friends, and Please visit our website for more�� information. books you likely wouldn’t find anywhere else, and that’s a lot of updates! (I could be on novel #4, for meeting like-minded and knowledgeable people. Pete’s sake, if not for Facebook!) I like to read them PLEASE RSVP! No one wants to see shops like those close. as they often offer me fodder for fiction and a few Call 613-839-1198 So, thank you, thank you, thank you, to everyone laughs, but it’s time to cut back — way back — and 2386 Thomas Dolan Parkway, Carp, who chose to shop locally this year. Your support is to stop commenting so often. “Yes, you should def- just up the hill from where Thomas truly, deeply appreciated. initely drink at your holiday party!” and “Though Dolan intersects with Carp Road. For me, it means I can continue work on my I’m not a huge fan of lemons or pecans, that pie www.ecowellness.com second novel (ever think you’re living a second- looks delicious!” and “Yes, I couldn’t agree more: rate sort of life? Templeton Speck does… more to bike thieves are a#$holes!” I am a man of strong Now offering Naturopathic consultations come!), mainly in lulls which inevitably come in convictions but, seriously, I could better spend my evenings and weekends to serve you better. the cold, gray winter months. It will also afford me time. And I will. I will. Call 613-839-1198 for more information the time to schedule next year’s lineup for the First — John Pigeau is the founder of the First Edition Reading or to book an appointment. Edition Reading Series, and to apply for Canada Series in Perth, and the author of acclaimed novel The Council funding to help bring some of the best au- Nothing Waltz.
12 www.thehumm.com January 2013 Matthew Barber On The Mississippi Almonte’s Folkus Concert Series is very itching powder figure prominently. Bar- about the Folkus series and the music we then back across the river via the train pleased to present Matthew Barber at the ber penned and sings all the country- like to bring in. I proposed a coffee date bridge. We then went into the Old Town Almonte Old Town Hall on January 26, tinged musical numbers, in the voices of in the morning. We went for the ‘Almon- Hall. He had said he liked Almonte and with opening act George Birchall. various characters. Recorded in the space te Tour’, around the Victoria Woolen Mill would be happy to play here, but when he Many people think of country and of three days in Almonte at Ken saw the auditorium he just loved it bluegrass as having roots in the Ameri- Friesen’s famously anonymous — and he immediately signed on can South. The banks of the Mississippi studio, the album’s spare arrange- for the series. He’s a very easy-go- and the Appalachians both figure promi- ments feature Barber’s strong ing and humble guy; it will make nently. But the mountain chains of Ap- voice and multiple instruments, Ilia Horsburgh by Photo for a fantastic night of music with palachia twist up the continent, and the backed by multi-instrumental- great storytelling.” hills of Lanark are the stubs of once-great ists Joe Grass and Julian Brown Matthew’s current live show fea- mountains in the same chain. And here (yes, that makes multiple multi- tures songs from the album and a near the banks of our own Mississippi, a instrumentalists). So it’s a coun- selection of previous hits arranged little country-ish magic happens once in try-influenced album, right down for a little twang, a little pedal steel. a while. to the steel guitar, rather than a Folkus is very excited that his show Matthew Barber is known to many as straight-ahead country album. will wash up on the banks of our a honey-voiced singer and accomplished And it’s the tale of that re- Mississippi on January 26. guitarist. A few more may be aware that cording that leads to his playing Show opener George Birchall he also knows his way around a piano. here. As Folkus artistic direc- is a hometown boy and local fa- Others may wonder what a family din- tor Amanda Sears puts it: “Mat- vourite, whose live musical ap- ner sounds like at the Barber household, thew was here recording Songs pearances are all too rare. George with sister Jill also sitting in. Barber has for the Haunted Hillbilly when I describes his music as “self-aware released seven albums, toured North first met him. He and his band- Canadiana”. Atmospheric yet America, Europe and Australia, and won mates were really nice guys. He earthy, George’s songs allow his multiple awards. So it’s not surprising was back in town to work on sense of humour and warm pres- that his background in sweet rootsy pop mastering the album, and a few ence to shine through. may not have prepared the listener for of us were invited over to Ken’s As always, doors open at 7:30 Songs for the Haunted Hillbilly, and yet studio to listen to the album. It and show time is 8pm. Refresh- it’s a perfect fit. was great, and Matthew was re- ments and merchandise will be The album is a collection of songs ally excited with how it sounded. available; debit will not. Details written for a hit Montreal musical, The We hung out for the evening, and tickets are available at Mill Haunted Hillbilly, based on a cult book of and he told us about the musical, Street Books in Almonte and at the same name (by Derek McCormack). explaining that he wrote all the
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January 2013 www.thehumm.com 13 2 Women Productions Present Jan Gregory Early one Friday evening just before the holidays began, Jan Gregory — the next 2 Women Productions’ storyteller — drove her car down the hill that leads to our home on Lanark’s beautiful Taylor Lake. She had come for a weekend dedicated to plunging into that remarka- ON ble creative process that brings THE a story fully alive. The three of BLUES RIDEAU us talked and she re-worked THE COVE INN • WESTPORT, ONTARIO her draft script; we talked JANUARY 18 some more and she re-worked CONOR GAINS again. With every word that Storyteller Jan Gregory performs at Perth’s Full Circle Theatre on BAND was changed, the structure of February 7, and at Neat Coffee House in Burnstown on the 10th PROCEEDS TO the piece grew clearer, stronger, RIDEAU WATERWAY LAND TRUST more vibrant. By Sunday af- than were found in most fami- happenings that must not be DINNER & SHOW $60 ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED ternoon when she disappeared lies? Why did her father sit so examined too carefully. Each is 1-888-COVE-INN www.choosetheblues.ca up the hill on her way home often sad and silent? And then, somehow enraptured by some to Montreal, we all knew there later — where had her sister secret’s power. was yet more to be done, but we disappeared to? Was she never Over the last three years, au- knew also that the bones of the coming back? diences in Eastern Ontario have show were firmly in place. We Jan tried to find out, of come to expect a high standard were all of us certain that, when course, but the answer to her from 2 Women Productions. Ask No Questions: Family Se- queries was always the same, We promise that Ask No Ques- crets is presented to audiences “Ask no questions, my girl. Ask tions will not disappoint. at Full Circle Theatre and Neat no questions and you’ll be told Ask No Questions: Family Café in February, a truly com- no lies.” Now she takes us into Secrets will run in Perth’s Full pelling experience is assured. the world of the secrets’ un- Circle Theatre on February 7 Jan Gregory is a fine per- raveling; an unraveling that was at 7:30pm, and in Burnstown at former with years of experi- desperately needed if she was Neat Coffee House on Febru- ence, both in the theatre and ever going to discover who she ary 10 at 7:30pm. Advance tick- on the storytelling stage. She really was. ets can be purchased at Tickets grew up in the south of Eng- “In a way,” Jan says, “I had Please, 39 Foster Street in Perth land in what seemed to her a become my father. I’d got to a (ticketsplease.ca, 485–6434). perfectly ordinary family — a place where the secrets were For more information about the family that went on holidays to- driving me. They were also series, please visit <2wp.ca>. gether, drove off for picnics, sat holding me apart.” — Jennifer Cayley is the co-direc- down to tea together on Sun- Ask No Questions is the story tor of 2 Women Productions, days, sang in the church choir. of a very particular family, but along with her partner Jan Still, there was cause for won- everyone will find echoes of Andrews der. Why, for instance, did she their own experiences, since have rather more grandmothers each family bears its burden of Expand Your Horizons in 2013! Books
CDs
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14 www.thehumm.com January 2013 GET OUT AND Mudds Members Win National ENJOY THE SNOW Capital Critics Circle Award FOR LESS The Capital Critics Circle re- multiple staircases and many cently announced the winners doors. With encouragement WINTER of the thirteenth annual theatre from the Mudds board, and with awards for plays presented in Brian McManus signed on as di- English in the National Capital rector, they were on their way. Region during the 2011–2012 One of the first steps was to SALE season. The Mississippi Mudds discuss their design with town ON SELECTED ITEMS are proud to report that some of staff. The Town Hall has a herit- FROM MOST BRANDS their own won an award in the age designation and its historic Best Design (Community) divi- auditorium has many beautiful sion: Jeff Lee and Shawn Millman features that make it a wonder- won for the set of Noises Off by ful place for live theatre, but the Michael Frayn, directed by Brian original sloping stage is always a McManus. challenge to Mudds set designers.
Their journey began way back After much deliberation a plan Photo by Angela Sotiropoulos when Millman saw the fast-paced was completed and approved 35% Off farce Noises Off at Stratford. As by town staff. It was to create a Shawn Millman (left) and Jeff Lee won the Best Design All Columbia, a Mudds volunteer, he dreamed double-sided set representing (Community) award for their intricate set used in the Mudds’ including of bringing the play to Carle- the on-stage and backstage areas production of Noises Off (pictured below) men’s & women's clothing, ton Place, but thought the chal- of the “play within a play”. Since outerwear and footwear! lenge might be beyond Mudds’ two levels were required, the only two more weekends. How do volve was all part of an evening of resources. Still, he kept coming choice was to build it on the au- you budget for such a huge un- brilliant theatre. In fact, conces- Introducing back to the idea. ditorium floor and use the real dertaking? You recycle as much sion sales were significantly down Lee first got hooked as a stage for access. as you can from previous shows. during intermissions as everyone Mudds volunteer when his fa- Then the problem-solvingYou ask members to donate or stayed in their seats to watch the ther Don pulled him in to help began. Where do you find cast- loan any lumber, carpet, paint crew at work! Applause for set “Come in to build sets for the 2007 Muddsz ers to support a 2200-pound set or furniture they can spare. You changes is rare but in this produc- feel the love” musical Canajun Eh? Since then, and nine actors, and yet be able shop at Habitat for Humanity; tion not surprising. his involvement has increased to revolve the entire set at each a charitable organization where The Capital Critics Circle 30% Off and diversified, but he still finds intermission? At an auto shop in building supplies can be found Award is fitting recognition for Sample Sale working on sets to be a fun and Ottawa they found sixteen, each at rock bottom prices. And how an amazing piece of work. get in quick creative outlet. rated to carry 300 pounds. How do you find the person hours In the New Year, Shawn Mill- for the best When Millman finally pitched many hours do you plan for the (some 500) to complete the task? man embarks on a new career selection the Noises Off idea to Lee, he set building and painting? Try 48 You depend on Mudds members, in the Canadian Armed Forces. found a partner eager to solve the hours over four weekends. Still family and friends. Lee credits at Sadly, community theatre will problems of a two-storey set with not done? Add 24 hours over least twenty-two people as cru- not benefit from his prodigious cial to the success of the set and talent for a while. But in 2013, feels they all have a share in the watch for other Mudds produc- award. Painters, in his view, are tions: Annie Junior, Nunsense 2 lifesavers when it comes to turn- and A Christmas Carol, fea- ing a sturdy but basic set into a turing sets built by Jeff Lee and 20% Off finished product. The Mudds are other talented Mudds members. selected lucky to have a depth of talent in Want to get involved yourself? winter this department. Visit
the cove country inn four seasons resort & spa accommodations · dining · entertainment Westport-on-the-Rideau, Ontario 14 Mill Street, Almonte www.coveinn.com 613-273-3636 613.461.2000 Sat. Jan.5 Kevin Head & Miss V, Vocal/Guitar Duo 6–9 open 7 days a week Fri. Jan.11 All-You-Can-Eat Chinese Buffet $25/person, 6–8 Fri. Jan.18 Blues on the Rideau with Conor Gains Band (Cambridge) $60/person Buffet and Show, 7–11 Reservations Only Sat. Jan.19 Kevin Head & Miss V, Vocal/Guitar Duo 6–9 Tue. Jan.29 French Wine and Food Tasting Night 6–9, Reservations Only Saturday Night Roast Beef Buffet Sunday Night Prime Rib Dinner
January 2013 www.thehumm.com 15 An Essential Introduction Ever since I made the jump from “non-gar- on me, including peppermint and ginger dener” to “gardener” a few years ago, I have as singles, and “Aromatouch” and “Deep been delving into the many uses of plants. Blue” as blends. She explained that her I now grow some to harvest and eat, some choice of oils was somewhat intuitive, and to decorate with, and some just for mak- I was interested to note that both pepper- ing teas. I wouldn’t say that I use plants mint and Deep Blue are recommended medicinally, but neither am I immune to for treating migraine headaches (my nem- their properties — I drink peppermint tea esis), according to the book Modern Es- because it tastes lovely but also seems to sentials — a Contemporary Guide to the soothe headaches, and I grate ginger into Therapeutic Uses of Essential Oils. chicken soup when someone in the family After shampooing my hair (but leav- has an upset tummy. However, a medicine ing it damp), Darlene proceeded to mas- woman I ain’t. sage my scalp, neck and shoulders for al- My vegetal dabblings have led to en- most an hour. The massage was heavenly, counters with essential oils, and I find that and the combination of scents was both sector of the botanic world both intrigu- calming and refreshing. After returning ing and baffling. Once you start down me to my street clothes, Darlene dried the rabbit hole of research into their cu- and styled my hair, so I was set and ready rative properties, you are bombarded to take on the rest of the day. I felt like I with millions of Google hits that run the had given both myself and my hair a spe- gamut from ultra-specific scientific stud- cial treat! As I was leaving the salon, Dar- ies (which I don’t quite understand) to lene’s next customer (who had also tried sweeping claims that they will cure all that a treatment) arrived and complimented ails you (which I don’t quite believe). My Darlene’s “magic fingers”. She reported response has been to approach that her scalp “felt like a them cautiously, and to million bucks” and that her let my own reactions hair retained the hydrat- be my guide. When a ing effects of the oils for friend recently invited ages, even after she had me to experience an es- washed it out. sential oil treatment and And so I returned to my write about it in theHumm, regular routine, still not an ex- my main concern was that I might be pert in aromatherapy, but certainly with asked to ingest them. When she went on a heightened appreciation for its use in to explain that she would be massaging massage. Unlike synthetic scents (which them into my scalp, neck and shoulders, I often give me headaches), the naturally Specializing in effective, replied “I’m in!” derived fragrances in the oils were quite And so it was on a very icy day just soothing and certainly didn’t cause any affordable web presences for before Christmas that I found myself at unpleasant effects. And I concur that Dar- The Beauty Room (located at 103 Bridge lene does indeed have “magic fingers”! For local businesses and nonprofits Street in Carleton Place) in the very capa- more information about doTERRA essen- ble hands of owner Darlene Brown. Before tial oils, check out
16 www.thehumm.com January 2013 Humm Bits Hanging On by a Thread Wizard of Oz Auditions Be glad you’re not our for it too! We are lucky to have when we indulged in a video Dream of playing Dorothy? Feeling like the king of the forest? neighbours! Every morn- it, and I know many who count rental, only to find out the disk Then put on your ruby slippers and come out to the auditions ing at 6:40, I open the on online papers for everything. was a Blu-ray thingamajig. It for The Wizard of Oz! front door and “loose I, however, just can’t do it, even wouldn’t play in our machine, so After sold-out performances of Fiddler on the Roof in 2012, the hounds” in a barking though I really am trying. no movie that night! The young
Two Rivers Musical Productions is back in 2013 with anoth- Report The Reever frenzy down the drive- I need that paper for more fellow explained that “your VCR er epic musical that will give performers the chance to share way. I trudge down after than the daily news. Without my isn’t even being made anymore.” their talents in this fresh staging of the beloved classic. Direc- them, these mornings in newspaper, how would I start the Yikes, it’s only about ten years tor Ron Gardner and musical director Lisa Webber are looking the pitch dark, and stuff fire in the stove every morning? old! When did technology race for a special cast to bring this production to life. my mittened hand in I’ve been known to sit there, re- past me when I wasn’t looking? Auditions will be held on January 13 and 23 in Arnprior. the mailbox to retrieve reading bits I missed earlier be- I don’t understand half of this Rehearsals start February 25 and four live performances will fore I consign it to the flames. stuff anymore. be held June 6, 7, and 8 in Arnprior. Details and the audition by Glenda Jones In what would I wrap the potato I’m really afraid that one package can be found at
January 2013 www.thehumm.com 17 Claiming Column WHAT’S ON IN Jaron Freeman-Fox, Perth, Feb 2 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Putnam County Spelling Bee, Perth, Feb 14–24 The Hogtown All-Stars, Westport, Feb 15–16 Carp Celtic Jam, Carp Masonic Lodge Open Mic w/Curtis Chaffey, Alice’s Magnificent Sevens/Brock Zeman, Open Celtic Jam, Naismith Pub NYE - Everything Zen, Perth Village Cafe Open Jam w/Dave Balfour, O’Reilly’s Almonte, Feb 16 NYE Party, The Cove Ali McCormick, O’Reilly’s Pub Pub Live at the Met, Arnprior, Feb 23 Steve Barrette Trio, The Swan at Carp Open Mic, Love That Barr Annie Jr., CP, Feb 22–24, Mar 1–2 Sublime Strings, Almonte, Mar 2 31 1 2 3 Jack de Keyzer, Westport, Mar 15–16 Claytones/Ariana Gillis, Almonte, Mar 16 Treasa Levasseur, Perth, Mar 22 Keith Glass, Perth, Mar 23 Maple Run Studio Tour, Pakenham, Carambeck Community Centre/ Open Mic w/Curtis Chaffey, Alice’s Adult Bereavement Walking Adult Bereavement Group, Perth Mar 23–24 Arts CP Open House, Carleton Village Cafe Group, CP Open Celtic Jam, Naismith Pub , Arnprior, Mar 30 Place Ali McCormick, O’Reilly’s Pub Live at the Met Brock Zeman, O’Reilly’s Pub Open Jam w/Dave Balfour, O’Reilly’s Carp Celtic Jam, Carp Masonic Lodge Jazz at Bally’s, Ballygiblin’s Sagapool, Perth, Apr 12 West Carleton Garden Club, Carp Pub Robot & Frank, Arnprior The Roaring ‘20s, Almonte, Apr 13 Open Mic, Love That Barr $38,000 for a Friendly Face, Perth, Apr 7 8 9 10 18–28 Julian Fauth Band, Westport, Apr 19–20 Nunsense II, CP, Apr 25–28, May 2–4 Live at the Met, Arnprior, Apr 27 Smokey Rose & Friends, Perth, May 4 Robin Bank$ Band, Westport, May 17 Young Awards Gala, Almonte, May 25 Open Mic w/Curtis Chaffey, Alice’s Carp Celtic Jam, Carp Masonic Lodge Open Celtic Jam, Naismith Pub Cantata Singers, Almonte, May 25 Village Cafe PFLAG Carleton Place, Carleton Place Brock Zeman, O’Reilly’s Pub Open Jam w/Dave Balfour, O’Reilly’s Ali McCormick, O’Reilly’s Pub Live at the Met, Arnprior, May 25 The Master, Arnprior Pub Mississippi Mills Bicycle Month, June Open Mic, Love That Barr Proof, Perth, Jun 6–16 14 15 16 17 Cantores Celestes Choir, Perth, Jun 29 Celtfest, Almonte, July 5–7 The Star Spangled Girl, Perth, Jul 12– Aug 4 Stewart Park Festival, Perth, Jul 19–21 , Almonte, Aug 10–11 Puppets Up! Arnprior Quilters’ Guild , Arnprior Open Mic w/Curtis Chaffey, Alice’s The Marriage-Go-Round, Perth, Aug Almonte Quilters’ Guild, Almonte Auditions - Wizard of Oz, Arnprior Brock Zeman, O’Reilly’s Pub Village Cafe 9–Sep 1 Carp Celtic Jam, Carp Masonic Lodge Open Celtic Jam, Naismith Pub Lanark County Quilters Guild, Ali McCormick, O’Reilly’s Pub CFUW Meeting, Perth Open Jam w/Dave Balfour, O’Reilly’s Highland Games, Almonte, Aug 24 Perth Mind-Body Healing Talk, Carp Midnight’s Children, Arnprior Pub Fibrefest, Almonte, Sep 7–8 Open Mic, Love That Barr 21 22 Pakenham23 Frost Festival, Pakenham 24 Visual Arts Vernissage - Portraits, Jan. 18, 5-7pm. Photography, paint, bronze, ink & more. Snacks by Heirloom Cafe., Mill St. Gallery of Contemporary Art, 7 Mill St., Almonte. Almonte Quilters’ Guild, Jan. 21, 7-9pm. Adult Bereavement Group, CP Acoustic Open Mic w/Curtis Arbitrage, Arnprior Open Celtic Jam, Naismith Pub Chaffey, Alice’s Village Cafe Monthly meeting. New members & guests Brock Zeman, O’Reilly’s Pub welcome. Almonte Civitan Hall, 500 Al- Carp Celtic Jam, Carp Masonic Lodge Open Jam w/Dave Balfour, O’Reilly’s Ali McCormick, O’Reilly’s Pub monte St. 256-5858, empeys@xplornet. Pub Open Mic, Love That Barr com Lanark County Quilters Guild, Jan. 22, 28 29 30 31 12pm. Mary Ewing talks about Quilts of Valour. Brown bag. Refreshments. Guests welcome: $3. Perth Lions Hall. 264-9232 Auditions - Wizard of Oz, Jan 13 (aft., An Afternoon with the GGs, Jan. 20, Jazz House Concert, Jan. 12, 8pm. Peter Conor Gains Band, Jan. 18, 7-11pm. Blues Arnprior Quilters’ Guild , Jan. 23, 6:30pm. Arnprior Library) & Jan 23 (evg., Arnprior 2-4pm. Ross King & Linda Spalding, 2012 Hum Trio. Almonte. jazzn.ca. on the Rideau. Proceeds to Rideau Water- Quilting designs to incorporate into High School, rm 110). Register online. Gov. Gen.’s Literary Award winners, 2012 White Lake Acoustic Jam, Jan. 12, way Land Trust. The Cove, 2 Bedford St., projects; display of local small art quilts. www.tworiversmusicals.ca. nominee A. F. Moritz, and three other GG 7-10pm. Old time, bluegrass, blues, country, Westport. Reserve at 1-888-COVE-INN, Christian Education Centre, 257 John St. Live At The Met: L’Elisir d’Amore, luminaries in an afternoon of readings, folk, gospel. White Lake Fire Hall, 142 Burn- choosetheblues.ca. $60+tx dinner & show. N., Arnprior. arnpriordistrictquiltersguild. Jan. 26, 1pm. O’Brien Theatre, Arnprior. conversation, refreshments & signings. stown Rd. 256-5439. $5 (members free) Fiddlers’ Night/Dinner, Jan. 18, 6pm. com. $5; $20/yr 622-7682, obrientheatre.com Tickets at the Grand Theatre Kingston. Winter Dance - Glen Silverson Home-cooked dinner at 7pm, then music Spiritual Cinema Circle, Jan. 27, 2pm. Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront. king- Band, Jan. 12, 8pm-Midnight. Country & dancing. Monthly fundraiser for Civitan. Festivals Films for the heart & soul.McMartin stonwritersfest.ca. $16; $12.50 in adv. music, silent auction, refreshments. Pro- Almonte Civitan Hall, 500 Almonte St., Pakenham Frost Festival, Jan 23-27. House, Perth. 267-4819, fp@superaje. ceeds to new roof for NLAS dining hall., $12. Musicians eat free. Winter fun in Pakenham. mississippimills.ca. com. opt. donation Almonte Civitan Hall, 500 Almonte St. Pasión, Jan. 19, 8pm. $30; $15 students at Music 256-6263. $12; $10 in adv. 256-4554, almonteinconcert.com, Mill Fiddlers - Little Christmas Concert, Country & Gospel Concert, Jan. 13, 2pm. Street Books (Almonte), Remembrance Literature Jan. 6, 2:30pm. 60 fiddlers: Blue Skies Com- Barry Munro & the Moffatt Sisters. Light Gift Shop (CP), Tickets Please (Perth) or Theatre LiPS Poetry Slam, Jan. 18, 7pm. Lanark O’Brien Theatre Film Group presents munity Fiddle Orchestra, Prep Orchestra refreshments. Fundraiser for SchoolBox., at the door. Almonte Old Town Hall, 14 County Live Poets Society. Come to Robot and Frank (Jan 6 at 1pm, Jan 7 at & Celtic Heritage Orchestra. Maberly St George’s Anglican Church, 2786 Tatlock Bridge St., Almonte. watch & maybe perform. Doors open/ 7:30pm); The Master (Jan 13 at 1pm, Jan 14 Community Hall, 172 Maberly Elphin Rd. Rd., Clayton. 256-9010. $10 Almonte Big Band Tea Dance, Jan. signup 6:30pm. Morphy’s Falls Pub, 12 Bell $5 (free for under 12s) at 7:30pm); Midnight’s Children (Jan 20 at 1pm, Traditional Song Session, Jan. 13, 2-4pm. 20, 1-4pm. 15-pc band. 1920s-40s dress St., Carleton Place. lanarklips@hotmail. Luther Wright w/Jenny Whiteley & Jan 21 at 7:30pm); Arbitrage (Jan 27 at 1pm, Join in traditional songs w/choruses. The optional. Doors open 12:30pm. Almonte com,. $5; free for performers Jan 28 at 7:30pm). O’Brien Theatre, Arnprior. Joey Wright, Jan. 11, 8pm. RSVP Findlay Barley Mow, 79 Little Bridge St., Almonte. Old Town Hall, 14 Bridge St., Almonte. 622-7682, obrientheatre.com. $10 or buy House, 207 High Street, Carleton Place. 482-1437, [email protected], shanty- 563-7044, sroteadances.org. $14; $25 multi-pass [email protected]. $20 man.ca/TradSing per couple (cash only)
18 www.thehumm.com January 2013 Local Drought Workshop, Jan. 12, 10am-3:30pm. Register at smcfarlane@ JANUARY 2013 mvc.on.ca, as lunch will be provided. Almonte Old Town Hall, 14 Bridge St. Free PFLAG Carleton Place, Jan. 14, 7-8:30pm. Friday Saturday Sunday Monthly meeting. LGBT youth drop-in at same time. Zion-Memorial United Church, 37 Franklin St., Carleton Place. 859-0100. APEX Jazz Band, The Royal Oak CFUW Meeting, Jan. 21, 6:30pm. Fiddlers - Little Christmas Concert, Maberly Speakers: Beryl Stott (x-Canada run), Open Mic w/Kelly Sloan, Ashton Pub Samantha Martin, O’Reilly’s Pub Kevin Head & Miss V, The Cove Elizabeth Goldman (CEO Perth Li- Robot & Frank, Arnprior brary). All welcome. Royal Canadi- St Paul’s Anglican Open House, Almonte an Legion, 26 Beckwith St E., Perth. 4 5 Valley Singles Lunch6, Carleton Place www.cfuw-perth-district.com Mind-Body Healing Talk, Jan. 24, 7-8:30pm. RSVP. Carp Ridge EcoWellness Centre, 2386 Thomas Dolan Pkwy, Carp. 839-1198, ecowellness.com. $20 Almonte Lectures, Jan. 25, 7:30pm. Ste- phen Fai: Carleton’s Almonte campus, Haitian Night to Remember, Almonte Auditions - Wizard of Oz, Arnprior Almonte United Church, 106 Elgin St., Jazz House Concert, Almonte Country & Gospel Concert, Clayton [email protected], almontelectures. Luther Wright w/Jenny Whiteley & Joey Karma Yoga Day, Almonte Magnolia Rhythm Kings, The Royal Oak ncf.ca. Free - donations accepted Wright, Carleton Place Local Drought Workshop, Almonte Open Mic w/Kelly Sloan, Ashton Pub Breakfast with the Arts, Westport White Lake Acoustic Jam, White Lake The Master, Arnprior Style, Jan. 26, 8am. Monthly potluck to Winter Dance - Glen Silverson Band, Almonte Traditional Song Session, Almonte talk about the arts. Doors open 7:30am, 11 12 13 speaker 8:30am. Grist Mill Artist Retreat, 21 Main St., Westport. Talk: Natural Weight Management, Jan. 26, 1-3pm. Katherine Willow, ND. Carp Ridge EcoWellness Centre, 2386 Thomas Dolan Pkwy. 839-1198, ecowellness. com. Free Big Band Tea Dance, Almonte Conor Gains Band, Westport An Afternoon with the GGs, Kingston Fiddlers’ Night/Dinner, Almonte Kevin Head & Miss V, The Cove APEX Jazz Band, The Royal Oak LiPS Poetry Slam, Carleton Place Pasión, Almonte Harpist Sharlene Wallace, McDonalds Corners Steve Barrette Trio, The Swan at Carp Midnight’s Children, Arnprior Vernissage - Portraits, Almonte 18 19 Open Mic w/Kelly20 Sloan, Ashton Pub
Breakfast with the Arts, Westport Matthew Barber, Almonte Arbitrage, Arnprior Almonte Lectures, Almonte Lindi Ortega and Dustin Bentall & the Smokes , Magnolia Rhythm Kings, The Royal Oak East Meets Vest, Neat Coffee Shop Neat Coffee Shop Open Mic w/Kelly Sloan, Ashton Pub Live At The Met, Arnprior Spiritual Cinema Circle, Perth 25 Natural Weight26 Management, Carp 27
Brush Strokes presents David Chapman
January 2013 www.thehumm.com 19 Talking About the Drought of 2012 For many, 2012 started as a near- • There were persistent low soil this process and help to ensure a ly perfect year. By spring, many moisture conditions (low crop smooth transition as conditions referred to the past winter as the yields and dry wetlands) change. winter that wasn’t! It seemed • Some water tables, lake and CSCLC representative Paul we jumped directly from win- pond levels, and stream flows Egginton discusses what to ex- ter to summer, as even March reached record lows pect from the workshop: temperatures approached 30oC. • Typical summer river flows Many different sectors and The sugaring season was largely were reached in early April; groups are affected by the low bypassed and spring came early lake levels in mid-May water and drought conditions. and fast; our thoughts turned • Summer flows on the Missis- We think it’s important for eve- quickly to summer pursuits. sippi River were maintained ryone to understand the roles Plants jumped out of the ground almost entirely from reservoir and challenges faced by each, as and with lots of moisture surged lakes well as their reactions. ahead. It seemed a nearly perfect • Limited water flow negatively MVC has a large role in the growing season was upon us. impacted hydro generation communication and monitor- Then in June and July heat and and tourism activities ing of low-water response in the An example of extreme low water conditions on the Indian River the drought took over the water- • Late summer and fall rainfall Mississippi Watershed. Staff will at the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area in the Mississippi Valley shed. Many felt unprepared for events in the watershed did discuss the objectives and opera- watershed, August 2012 (photo by Stephanie Kolsters, MVC) what happened next. not immediately or significant- tion of the Ontario Low Water Locally, crops and pastures ly raise water levels on Missis- Response Program. The lack of in conditions this spring and current systems of communica- failed, nurseries hired extra staff sippi River, thus exacerbating local hydro generation during beyond. Environment Canada’s tion, assistance and mitigation. just to water plants (two or three and extending the impacts. 2012 is an indicator of wide- long-range winter forecasts sug- Water is an important re- times a day), local produce be- Despite the widespread nature spread issues in the watershed; gest warmer than normal tem- source to everyone. Starting and came non-existent, lawns and of the drought and low water Mississippi River Power Corp’s peratures coupled with normal maintaining a dialogue between gardens browned. Wetlands be- events regionally, impacts var- Scott Newton will address this. precipitation amounts. The ef- agencies and citizens and look- came dry lands. Streams, lakes ied across the watershed. Rural municipalities rely on fects on snowpack accumulation ing toward managing extreme and wells reached record low surface and groundwater for will help determine the extent of weather and associated low wa- levels. Water use was restricted. Why This Workshop? drinking and daily use. Mississip- recovery prior to spring. ter events will benefit us all. As aid money and western hay The stewardship council is a pub- pi Mills banned watering activi- Understanding the breadth Furthermore, regardless of came into the watershed by the lic voice working with agencies to ties (i.e. use of hoses and sprin- and severity of these impacts what we call it, the reality is that end of summer, we were shaking maintain a healthy, viable county. klers) in the town of Almonte while they are still fresh in our our climate is not the same as it our heads and asking “what hap- It’s important to communicate this summer. Director of Roads minds will help us all to plan for was fifty years ago and it will not pened?”. the implications of prolonged and Public Works Troy Dunlop future drought events. be the same fifty years from now. On January 12, the Com- dry conditions such as limited will talk about low water impacts What were once very rare low- munity Stewardship Council of recharge, lower base-flows and on communities. Local well drill- Why Should I Attend? water events will occur much Lanark County (CSCLC) and lower reservoir storage, and their er Peter Stanton will discuss im- It is important to get multiple more frequently in the future. Mississippi Valley Conservation effect on the environment, com- plications for groundwater and perspectives from both organiza- We will need to adjust our expec- (MVC) are hosting a workshop munities, businesses and land- private wells. tions and individuals to address tations and planning processes to to talk about the impacts of the owners dependent on traditional Representatives from NR- questions or concerns regarding accommodate such changes. drought and the low water con- seasonal water levels (surface CAn, OMAFRA and MNR will the efforts made by public agen- This is an information shar- ditions of 2012. Join us to find water and groundwater). share their understanding of im- cies. We need to understand ing opportunity and we welcome out what did happen and to share Water managers (such as pacts and potential adaptations widespread implications and ideas and opinions as to how we your experiences. MVC) must take into account for woodlots, crops, livestock plan to mitigate effects in the can better adjust to extreme low overall changes in water demand and ecosystems. Speakers from future. By sharing information water conditions and explore 2012 Drought Facts and water supply for the short CSCLC will help to put this into about how and why steps are what options might be available In the Mississippi watershed: (seasonal) and longer (decades) perspective and deal with some being taken by agencies and in- to us in the future. • Ottawa area experienced 31 term. Planning and management of the human aspects of the dividuals (digging storage ponds, Please join the conversation days above 30°C (almost four is affected by both the needs of drought. assessing water supply and/or on Saturday, January 12, from times higher than average) the communities and rural resi- installing deeper wells, replacing 10am to 3:30pm at the Almonte • July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 dents in the watershed, as well Why In January? lawns and gardens, installing ir- Old Town Hall. This is a free were the driest 12 months on as by environmental demands. The watershed has not yet recov- rigation systems, installing cool- event and lunch will be provided, record Facilitating connections and ered from the drought of 2012, ing systems, etc.) we can identify so please register by emailing • July 2012 was the driest since discussions amongst all water- and precipitation over the win- what is and is not working in the
20 www.thehumm.com January 2013 Fiddlers Celebrate the Twelfth Day Imagine a wintery afternoon in a cozy Both the Blue Skies Fiddle Orchestra country hall filled with sixty fiddlers! and Prep Orchestra are directed by Cindy What a great way to welcome in the McCall and sponsored by Blue Skies in the New Year and to celebrate the twelfth day Community, an offshoot of the Blue Skies of Christmas. Music Festival, which seeks to bring music On Sunday, January 6, at the Maberly to our communities throughout the year. Hall, the Blue Skies Community Fiddle The “Little Christmas” concert will be Orchestra, Prep Orchestra and Celtic Her- held at the Maberly Hall on Sunday, Janu- itage Orchestra will play together, sixty ary 6 at 2:30pm. Admission is $5 (children strong, as they present their annual “Little under 12 are free). Refreshments will be Christmas” concert. Guitars, mandolins, available during the intermission. You won’t penny whistles, viola, cello, drums and want to miss this lively and joyous event! singers join in the music. And when all three groups play together, the rafters will ring. Be prepared to clap your hands and tap your toes. The Blue Skies Fiddle Orchestra will fill the hall with classic fiddling and seasonal songs. Carolyn Stew- art will lead Celtic Heritage with their distinct brand of fiddle tunes. The Prep Orchestra is made up of mostly beginner fiddlers who are learning to play with others and to follow a director, in preparation for Don’t miss the “Little Christmas” concert at the joining the Fiddle Orchestra. Maberly Hall on Sunday, January 6 Welcome to Westport, 2013! Winter is here, but I for one am Another new bed and breakfast is open- always happy to see December 21 ing, which is a wonderful thing for West- come, as I love that the days start port. Debbie and Malcolm Bird look for- getting longer. I think I am half ward to welcoming you to their Church Words From Westport From Words bear, as I have this great desire to Street B&B on the corner of Church and hibernate, off and on, from No- Rideau Streets. They can be reached at vember to March! 273–9112, and via their website (coming in March) at
22 www.thehumm.com January 2013 St Paul’s at 150! Mythical Beast Coming to Almonte… “Sesquicentennial is a beast of a word,” says the Reverend Pat Martin, “and so we decided to call it the ‘sasquatch’ for short.” As St. Paul’s Anglican Church celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2013, a year-long program of events has been planned by Rector Pat and chair of the “Sasquatch Committee” Alex Hughes, plus a whole team of members from its thriving con- gregation. “Music will play a big part in our celebrations,” states Pat, “with several visiting choirs from as far afield as Toronto St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Almonte celebrates its and Peterborough, as well as sesquicentennial with a slew of super events! Ottawa and the Valley. Our new organist and choir direc- an Evensong service at which Street, rented at $1.25 a month. tor, Doretha Murphy, brings a the Venerable Rob Davis will be Mr. Bennett Rosamond, who wealth of talent and experience the cantor. This service marks brought a small melodeon with to the church, and has already the anniversary of the laying of him from his own house, pro- whipped our voices into shape the first stone of the Church by vided music. with a vocal workshop!” founder James Rosamond. At the Vestry meeting held “A highlight will also be the The June 16 service will com- in April of 1862, it was resolved visit of our Bishop, the Right memorate the laying of the Cor- on a motion by Mr. James Rosa- looking to Reverend John Chapman, who nerstone in 1863 by Dr. Mostyn, mond, seconded by Mr. Thomas will conduct a joint service of and will be attended by mem- Smith, “… that the new church volunteer in your celebration to recognise the im- bers of the Rosamond fam- be erected in the village of Al- portant role St. Paul’s has played ily, whose ancestor, James Rosa- monte and be named St. Paul’s.” community? in its long history as part of mond, raised the funds to build Its design has been described as the Ottawa Diocese,” says Alex St. Paul’s. “English Parish Gothic”. Don’t miss the February issue of Hughes. Other events planned include Campaign chairman James theHumm! See page 2 of this issue The year-long celebrationsa contemporary celebration with Rosamond laid the first stone kick off with anOpen House on a picnic and strawberry social, on the 7th of May, 1863. The for details... January 6 at 3pm, to which the a boat trip on the St Lawrence, cost of the site, the building and entire Almonte community is concerts by choirs from Peter- the bell was settled at $3749. invited. Epiphany hymns by the borough and Ottawa, an All The church was consecrated on The Studio Theatre & St. Paul’s choir will be followed Hallows Eve party and bonfire in St. Peter’s Day, June 29, 1864, The Stewart Park Festival present by a high tea. November, and Christmas car- with the Rev. Peter Slade as Some of the other anticipated olling through Almonte. Rector at the princely stipend 150th Anniversary events are de- “It’s an ambitious program of of $200 per annum. Songs from scribed below: events,” says Pat, “but we have From the original group On February 10, the Bishop a great pool of talented and of twelve families, they have the Valley III of Ottawa, John Chapman, plans enthusiastic volunteers in our grown to over 200 individu- to make his triennial visit to midst whom I am sure will all als and families who are active Strings & Things St. Paul’s. March will feature a make our ‘sasquatch’ a grand members of the parish. Pho- A concerrtt sserriiess ffeatturriing ssome off tthe ffiinesstt fundraising performance by the success. ” Find further informa- tographs of all the Rectors of performers from the Ottawa Valley and beyond cast of Almonte’s own renowned tion at
January 2013 www.thehumm.com 23 Lilly is going back to Bali in the new year to fill up her trunk with fabulous finds. Come in and help her empty it first at her Trunk Sale Jan. 14–20 Huge discounts on selected Goddess on the Go and Lita Shoes Heritage Court, 14 Mill St., Almonte 613-256-7799 www.lillywhite.ca
24 www.thehumm.com January 2013