free JANUARY 2011

The Art of Rivka Waas p.3

p.18 & 19

January’s Events

p.5

The Writers Are Coming! p.7

Kelly Prescott CD Release

p.14–17 PO Box 1391 Almonte ON K0A 1A0 Phone: (613) 256–5081 Editor: Kris Riendeau [email protected]

Who’s Reading theHumm Who’s Reading Layout and Design: Rob Riendeau [email protected] (above) Louise Pauzé Lord writes: I was recently (early April, 2009) vacationing in the Algarve, Advertising and Portugal, with friends from the Ottawa area. Each of us is Promotions: enjoying our own favourite recent copy of theHumm. We were photographed in front of a Portuguese fi shing boat Kris Riendeau and some fi sherman’s shacks on the beach in Armação de Phone: (613) 256–5081 Pêra (east of Portimão). From left to right, the vacationers [email protected] Does Your Organization are: Louise Pauzé Lord, Judy Slack and Sandra Wilson. I hope that you will consider this photo for inclusion in a Assistant Editor: Need Volunteers? future edition of your wonderful magazine. Rona Fraser [email protected] In the February 2011 issue of theHumm we plan to run (below) Jim Mountain writes: Liisa Mountain our fi fth annual “Get Involved, Get Connected” resource Our daughter took this photo while visiting theHumm is a monthly arts, en- ancient Celtic standing stones in the highlands of Scotland. tertainment and ideas newspaper for organizations seeking volunteers (and volunteers She’s been there since January (2009) working as an intern seeking local organizations). If you are running a com- delivered free to businesses and at an architectural fi rm, and has been saving her copy of visitor attractions in Almonte, munity organization or service club, festival, cultural theHumm, until the appropriate moment, and place. Perth, Carleton Place, Westport, event, museum, conservation area, arts or activities or- Pakenham, Carp, Arnprior, Lan- ganization within theHumm’s catchment area, we’d like ark, Smiths Falls, Burnstown, to hear from you! Send us 80 words (maximum) describ- White Lake, Balderson, and Ot- ing what your group does, what type of volunteer oppor- tawa. Our mandate is to connect tunities you off er, and how people can contact you, and and promote people and events in the small towns and rural com- we’ll run them (free of charge) in our February issue. munities of the Ottawa Valley — Due to space limitations, we can only off er 80 words where the arts fl ourish and enter- per organization, and can only include groups that serve taining characters run amok! our catchment area (Lanark County and parts of Ren- frew County). We are not able to edit down longer en- Submissions tries or brochures, so please send the text as you wish By email or on disk. it to appear. Please email all information or queries to Deadline . All information must be re- is the 22nd of the month prior to ceived by January 22 for inclusion in the February issue. publication. Subscriptions cost $35 (includes HST) for one year (12 issues). Send a cheque :,//7+(<25:21©77+(<""" with your name and address to: 2TKQP7JGCVTGRTGUGPVU theHumm PO Box 1391 THE FULL MONTY Almonte ON K0A 1A0. Opinions and information pub- lished in theHumm in letters, Music and Lyrics by DAVID YAZBEK press releases, or individual col- Book by umns do not necessarily refl ect TERRENCE MCNALLY Based on the motion picture the opinion of this newspaper. released by Fox Searchlight Pictures written by Simon Beaufoy All writing, artwork, and photo- Produced by Uberto Pasolini and Directed by graphs published in theHumm Peter Cattaneo February 4, 5, 11, are copyright to the author, or to 12, 17, 18, 19 at Myriad Centre theHumm in the case where no """ for the Arts "8 p.m."" author is specifi ed. Reprinting """ February 6, 13 """" 1 Sherbrooke St. any content without permission (Old """Perth Shoe Factory) at 2 p.m. """ Perth, Ontario violates copyright and is prohib- ited (and despicable!). Thanks this month to: Santa and all of his helpers, in- cluding the good folks who worked and volunteered on be- The Full Monty Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). half of others during the holiday All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. season. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Tickets available at Tickets Please Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 Artistic Director: Peter Dixon / Musical Director: Heidi Stepanek / c/o Jo’s Clothes, 39 Foster St. (613) 485-6434 www.MTIShows.com Orchestra Director: Peter Woodwark www.ticketsplease.ca 2 www.thehumm.com January 2011 Rivka Waas — THE HUMM Jaunty Abstraction

Art… and Soul As Marshall McLuhan Discovery is a large part of the Discovering Art — Part I so famously observed, pleasure Rivka takes in showing When she and her family came to “Th e medium is the mes- her art. “I love it when someone Montreal in 1986, Rivka discov- sage.” Rivka Waas uses sees something in a painting that ered that her bilingual profi cien- abstract mixed-media I never noticed. Abstract art is cies in Hebrew and English “were art as her medium for more challenging for the viewer; not a big advantage” in securing expressing her impul- they have to use their own im- a job in her fi eld as a medical sive personality, and she agination to interpret what my secretary to pathologists. Fortu- has chosen well. A quick imagination has created.” View- nately, her friendly, outgoing na- ers seem to welcome the chal- ture was a big asset in a variety of by Sally Hansen lenge, and Rivka has participated retail jobs. ARTIST TRADING CARD glance at the collection of paint- in many exhibitions in Ottawa, After moving to Ottawa in ings on her website art gallery Carleton Place, Perth and Al- 1990, Rivka’s life hit a bumpy it’s her ever-increasing passion the fi rst exhibition hosted at Gal- at monte. Her exuberant pieces patch and she was assisted for creating abstract art. It’s the lery Perth’s exciting new Code’s immediately establishes the vola- are on display at Gallery Perth at through a turbulent period by relief that matters. Mill location. Although the show tile dynamism that characterizes Code’s Mill in Perth, and she will Arthur, who befriended the fami- offi cially closed at the end of De- her work. Her paintings emerge be participating in Almonte’s “Art ly in 1991. Arthur and Rivka were Finding Art — Part II cember, Rivka’s work remains on spontaneously, almost eff ort- in the Attic” exhibit in the spring married in 1997. When Art was While she was still living in view in both Gallery Perth loca- lessly, and usually joyously, from (see details below). approaching retirement, Rivka Nepean, Rivka signed up for an tions: at the Code’s Mill Gallery a deep internal well of creativity. started house hunting. Art’s ver- art course at the Nepean Crea- (corner of Herriott & Wilson sion of the story reveals not only tive Centre. After trying water- Streets), and at Perth Picture Rivka’s ebullient personality, but colours, she was urged by mixed- Framing and Gallery Perth, lo- also Arthur’s ongoing enjoyment media artist and teacher Suzanne cated in a renovated home at of the jaunty, bubbly young lady Warren Powell (featured in 16 Wilson St. W. (264–8338, he welcomed into his life, and the theHumm in March, 2003) to try www.galleryperth.com). quality time he spends with her her course in acrylic-based mixed If you haven’t checked out the daughter and the grandchildren. media. Powell recognized a kin- new location, it really merits an Out for a drive in September dred spirit and Waas blossomed outing. As regular readers already of 2003, Rivka spotted a “For Sale” under her encouragement. Rivka know, Perth is one of the most pic- sign on the house they now live is proud of the fact that she was turesque and artistically rich towns in at 2633 Cemetery Side Road, one of the initial artist members in Ontario. Th e heritage Code’s just east of Carleton Place. Rivka when Powell launched OMMA Mill building, formerly a felt mill, insisted that Arthur phone the — Ottawa Mixed Media Artists has been superbly restored by number on the sign, and when — in 2001. She has remained a owner John Stewart since his pur- the owner answered, Arthur re- member ever since, and her work chase of the property in 1980. Not quested an appointment. “Now, can be seen at . business, Commonwealth Herit- driveway.” Th e two couples chat- By 2002 Waas had exhibited age Resource Management Lim- ted over tea on the porch, and her work in four diff erent venues ited, operates out of the building Rivka’s passionate portrayal of A Watchful Eye three hours later it was pretty and sold her fi rst painting at the also. Th e visual feast of fabulous her inner feelings, her wishes for Waas attributes her keen powers much a done deal. Moth Art Gallery in Merrick- art displayed in a fantastic setting harmony in the world, and her oc- of observation to her life in Hai- What they didn’t anticipate ville. In 2003 she won the view- is well worth the drive. Gallery casional memories of much more fa, Israel, where she raised her was the best part of the deal. After ers’ “Award of Excellence” pre- Perth at Code’s Mill is open 10am troubled times, all fi nd their way young daughter in a climate of many, many years of debilitating sented by the Nepean Fine Arts to 4pm Fridays, Saturdays and Sun- onto her canvases. She is sponta- omnipresent danger. Two years migraine headaches, often lasting League at their Members’ Night days. You might even learn more neous and free in her use of tex- of obligatory service in the Israeli four days at a time, and neces- exhibit. A member of the AAAA about the three ghosts reputed to ture and form. She is absolutely Army heightened her awareness sitating palliative trips to emer- (Almonte & Area Artists Asso- share the premises. fearless with colour, perhaps be- of her physical surroundings. “I gency rooms, Rivka’s migraines ciation), she participates in their To contact Rivka Waas di- cause she is a fi ery redhead with am always fi nding things when I stopped. Once the family moved annual “Art in the Attic” show rectly, phone 253–0797 or email a personality to match. Waas and go to a mall or walk along a side- away from the hum of the high , scheduled her at . her wonderfully supportive hus- walk. You learn to notice things,” voltage electrical wires that were for a weekend in May. Views of over ninety paint- band, Arthur, collaborate in nam- she tells me. She is growing in- near their townhouse in Nepean, ings that vividly express her ing her works, often discerning creasingly interested in recording Rivka’s headaches ceased. Totally. Finding Waas’s Art subconscious responses to the diff erent elements and delighting the beauty of her Canadian rural Maybe it’s the cleaner air in the Just a few weeks ago Rivka was abstract world she experienc- in their disparate discoveries. life and has begun to augment country. Maybe it’s the quiet. one of thirteen artists invited to es are on off er at her website: her website with photographs. Maybe she outgrew them. Maybe be the focus of “Art Here & Now”, .

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January 2011 www.thehumm.com 3 THE HUMM Folkus’s Selina Martin/ WHO Rivka Waas WHAT Abstract Painter, Acrylic Mixed Media Bidiniband Double Bill WHERE Gallery Perth at Code’s Mill, corner of Herriott & Almonte’s Folkus Concert Series continues its Wilson Streets, Perth, , season on Saturday, January 15 with its second of- 264–8338, Fri., Sat., Sun. 10AM–4PM; fering, a double bill featuring Selina Martin and the ; Bidiniband. Selina Martin grew up in Pakenham ; 253–0797; and is now a Toronto-based high-powered art pop of beauty and angst and a wholly unique writing WHY ”It’s my natural form of spontaneous expression.” sensibility. She has toured across Canada, the US and Europe, and has just released her third album, Disaster Fantasies. Th is latest CD is her most focused to date. It is a fi erce collection of genre- ARTIST TRADING CARD defying tunes skillfully produced by Toronto indie wunderkind Chris Stringer. Th e CD is a powerful refl ection of hard real-life experiences. Some songs Need ‘em… need ‘em… got ‘em… are personal, emanating from the breakup of a ten- year relationship. Others are not based on personal Clip and save the Artist Trading Card experiences but refl ect larger political/military is- sues that have touched Martin deeply. Martin is not only a talented singer/songwriter All the cool kids do it! — she is also well-known as a skilled composer/ Th e second half of Folkus’s January double bill, arranger/producer and multi-instrumentalist who the Bidiniband, is not just any act. Th e band’s has performed on and contributed to numerous leader, Dave Bidini, and Selina Martin are frequent recordings by artists such as the Veda Hille, Bob colleagues and the two acts complement each Wiseman, Justin Rutledge, N.Q Arbuckle, and the other nicely. Bidini is also multi-talented: an indie Rheostatics. Recently she has also been involved rocker, author (mainly sports and music), racon- with theatre productions, including Martin Tielli’s teur, agent provocateur, playwright, fi lm-maker, Th e Ghost Of Danny Gross Parts 1 & 2 and Dave and a founding member of the legendary Rheostat- Bidini’s Five Hole: Tales of Hockey Erotica. ics. Bidini and Bidiniband members Don Kerr, Paul Linklater and Doug Friesen spent a year working Catch Selina Martin (below) in a double on their début album Th e Land is Wild, released bill with the Bidiniband in Almonte on by Pheromone Records in 2009. It features Bidini January 15 as rhythm guitarist, and includes songs about eve- rything from dead hockey players to cannibalism and lesbian schoolteachers. Th e CD continues the Rheostatics’ artistic tradition of songs about Can- R Reliable Heating and Cooling presents ada and its people, and is reminiscent of records like Ogden Nut’s Gone Flake by Th e Small Faces and Wheatfi eld Soul by Th e Guess Who. The re- sult is broad, dynamic rock-and-roll layered over a bedrock of acoustic guitar, set to epic tales of ad- venture and the tapestry of political and emotional life, not forgetting the odd song about smoking and music itself. On Saturday, January 15, these two dynamic acts — Selina Martin and the Bidiniband — can be seen in concert at the Almonte Old Town Hall. Doors open at 7:30pm. Tickets are available in advance for $23 or at the door for $27, $12 for students. For AWARDS ticket orders and information, call Mill Street Books oung at 256–9090 or visit . Y gala Fostering dynamic arts initiatives in the schools of Mississippi Mills February 19, 2011

Tickets Now on Sale

Gala dinner tickets ($65, cash or cheque only) available from Blackbird and Foodies in Almonte and 3 Yellow Tulips in Pakenham or from [email protected]

4 www.thehumm.com January 2011 Blues On The The Writers Are Coming! A good book can take your mind off of al- sentment and distrust? What if a father seriously most anything. Snow squalls. Whiteouts. wronged his daughter in the past? How would that Rideau Gears Power outages. Frostbite. Well, maybe not daughter, years later, react to her father as he ages frostbite, but you get the idea. A good book and becomes more and more vulnerable? It seemed can warm your heart on even the coldest of a fascinating scenario to wrap a story around.” Up for 2011 winter nights. When asked what was the most gratifying as- Need some warming up? You’re in luck. pect of being a writer, Tish playfully responds, Th e popular Jack De Keyzer kicks off the new year with the fi rst from Perth Postcards National bestselling author Tish Cohen “Forgetfulness, mood swings, drooling — it’s all Blues On Th e Rideau (BOTR) shows on January 21 and 22 at Th e is coming to Perth to read from her latest just expected in creative types. So no matter how Cove Inn in Westport. Th e Saturday night show is now sold out, with book, Th e Truth About Delilah Blue. Tish’s many times I drive over the curb or pull a no-show a waiting list, and all the rooms at the Inn are booked. However, there third adult novel (she has also written two at the hair stylist, my occupation takes the blame, are still tickets and a few rooms left for Friday’s show, so book now novels for children, Th e Invisible Rules of not me.” to ensure your spot! the Zoë Lama and Th e One and Only Zoë Warming up the stage — so to speak — for Co- Clio & Th e Blues Highway have unfortunately had to cancel by John Pigeau hen will be award-winning Québec writer Paul their February 18 BOTR appearance, but the good news is that or- Seesequasis, whose fi rst novella Tobacco Wars ganizers were able to secure one of Canada’s best-loved and hot- Lama, and one for young adults, Little Black Lies) was released last fall by Quattro Books. Laced with test groups to fi ll the spot — the Johnny Max Band from Toronto has garnered her wonderful praise, including this humour, eroticism, theatre, and the “wild” of the . from the Globe and Mail: “Th ere are some books Americas, Tobacco Wars turns history, as taught, Johnny is no stranger to BOTR — this will be his third visit and he you can’t put down, and others that won’t even let upside down. Seesequasis juxtaposes the potency is defi nitely one of the crowd favourites. A former Juno Award and you look away. Tish Cohen’s new novel is both.” of Native American myth with an early 17th cen- multiple Maple Blues Award nominee, Johnny and his band are up Th e book focuses on Delilah Blue, who has felt tury romance involving Pocahontas and playwright for another three MBAs this year. Led by Johnny’s powerful vocals like an outsider since she moved from Toronto to Ben Jonson, and interweaves in this seeming “ro- and superb showmanship and backed by a very tight group of veteran Los Angeles at eight years old, when, as her father mance” the outrageous grandeur of the mythical players, this band serves up a smorgasbord of blues, Stax-style soul, told her, her mother abandoned the family. Now Bear Woman. R&B, rock and jazz that overfl ows the plate. Th eir new CD, It’s A twenty and broke but desperate to become Long Road, is getting major airplay and praise on blues stations across an artist, Delilah attends college art class for North America and no wonder — it’s great! Visit and free — by modelling nude at the front of the listen to a few snippets. room. According to John Valenteyn (Let Th e Good Times Roll, CIUT-FM Her only real companion is her still- Toronto): “Th e progression of Th e Johnny Max Band’s albums has single father, recently diagnosed with early- been quite remarkable. Th e lineup behind him changes while the tra- onset Alzheimer’s. Victor’s condition wors- jectory continues upward… Th is ensemble has taken Johnny Max’s ens just as Delilah’s mother resurfaces with trademark rocking soulblues to another level altogether.” a young daughter in tow and an old secret Tickets for all BOTR shows are $55 (plus tax), for dinner and that will change everything. Delilah must the show. Book your tickets now at 273–3636. Th e rest of the sea- decide if her mother is the selfi sh woman son’s line-up includes Monkey Junk on March 18 and 19, Paul she assumed had left her behind, or whether Reddick Band on April 15, Treasa Levasseur Band on May 20, and somewhere deep inside her father’s memory Raoul & Th e Big Time on June 10. For more details, please visit lies a more complicated truth. . Sound compelling? It is. Tish’s prose sparkles with humour and heart, her char- acters are broken yet engaging, and she tells a wonderfully tantalizing story. Her writing has been compared to Jodi Picoult’s, and Al- lison Winn Scotch, New York Times best- selling author of Th e One Th at I Want and Time Of My Life, says “Tish Cohen is the next great thing in women’s fi ction.” And I couldn’t agree more. Tish says she was thrilled by the compar- isons to Picoult “because so many women love Jodi Picoult’s books.” Author Tish Cohen will read from her new novel, “I’m just as appreciative of a bit of praise The Truth About Delilah Blue, in Perth on The Johnny Max Band (above) replaces Clio & The Blues Highway at as the next insecure writer,” she adds, “so I January 14 at The Factory Grind. Also featured the Blues on the Rideau show at The Cove Inn on February 18 won’t lie and say I don’t need to hear it. I will be Québec writer Paul Seesequasis, really, really do. But, being someone who whose first novella, Tobacco Wars, spends way too much time considering the was released last fall by Quattro Books. Pauline’s Massage dark side, I sometimes look at praise and & Reflexology Clinic wonder if people are going to read it, roll including Infrared Sauna Therapy their eyes, and pretend to stick their fi ngers down Paul is a writer and journalist whose short stories their throats. You don’t think anyone’s doing that, and feature writing have been published in Cana- 613-257-1485 Carleton Place do you? Seriously?” da and abroad. He was the founding editor of the Available day, evenings & weekends For the record: No, Tish, I don’t. award-winning Aboriginal Voices magazine, and Come in to relax, heal and detoxify in a non-clinical, But thank you for asking. recipient of a MacLean-Hunter journalist award. Tish’s fi rst novel, Town House, was a regional Tobacco Wars is his fi rst book. private, home-based setting where time slows down fi nalist for the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Th e readings will take place on Friday, Janu- SPECIALCHILDRENgSRATESsNO(34sCOVEREDBYMOSTINSURANCECOMPANIES Best First Book, and her second, Inside Out Girl, ary 14, at 5:30pm at Th e Factory Grind (1 Sher- was also a Globe and Mail bestseller. brooke Street, Perth, in the Old Perth Shoe Factory She says the story behind Th e Truth About Deli- building). Both authors will be selling and signing lah Blue came to her when she got thinking about copies of their books after their readings. Admis- the changing relationships between aging children sion is $7 with all of the proceeds from the door and their parents. going directly to the Perth and District Food Bank. “I was intrigued by the role reversal that happens Donations of non-perishable food items will also between adult children and their parents as these be gratefully accepted. parents age,” she says. “Th e adult children slowly — — John Pigeau lives in Perth and is the author of Th e or quickly, depending upon the situation — start Nothing Waltz. His second book, Highway Mirage, to assume the role of caregiver. But, I wondered, 16 wilson street west a collection of short stories, will be out this fall from also at code’s mill, wilson & herriott streets 613 264 8338 what happens in families where there is anger, re- Hidden Brook Press.

January 2011 www.thehumm.com 5 Ah Geez…! A Love Letter Don’t get me wrong — I water over his head then giggles. “Ah geez… Finn, cats eat cat Oh hot chocolate… how can I thank thee? love my children. Th ey “…Ah geez!” food, people eat people food.” You do so much for me… I don’t know where to start! can be as sweet as honey, Or, “Hey Houdini, how did “Ah geez… Please don’t put When I lack inspiration to start my day (or even open my but they can turn on you. you ever manage to get that dia- the crackers back in the bowl af- eyes), your caff eine, chocolate goodness and sugar work It can be all puppydogs’ per off your bum while still in ter you’ve licked them.” together to give me a loving kick in the pants. tails and bubbles until, your sleeper? Oh look — poo… “Kitty litter is litter… for kit- When the chill of a damp winter day has seeped into my Westport Wonders Westport at the drop of a hat, they ah geez!” ties.” bones and I am questioning why winter has to last so long disintegrate before your I especially love my wife’s lat- “No Finn, the cat can blow its and suck so badly, a warm cup of hot chocolate defrosts my very eyes. However, I’m est practice of spelling things out own nose.” fi ngers, my body, and my very soul. a parent, and as a parent so the kids won’t know what we’re “Emilia the princess dress When a deadline is approaching and I hit the wall, too tired

I have an entire arsenal discussing. A recent conversation looks great on you but it’s a Stop & Smell the Chocolate and too grumpy to go on, I trot across the road for a large of things to say and do. I went something like: school day today.” hot chocolate to go, and am re-inspired, nay, reborn! Wife: “I’m taking the kids to “Take that out of your mouth, Why any of you choose to drink coff ee when there is the by Steve Scanlon see Es. Eh. En. Tee. Eh.” take that out of your mouth, take option of a full-bodied, cozy, hug-in-a-cup… I will never get to say all kinds of weird and Me: “You’re taking the kids to that out of your… now pick it up, understand. Th ough I will concede that a drop of coff ee does wonderful things to my kids — see SANTA? Fantastic!” now pick it up, now pick… ah make a good thing even better. it’s one of the perks. Some of (Appropriate whooping and geez… oh, I’ll get it.” — Rona Fraser, high on hot chocolate at the time of writing. these things are uniquely mine, chanting Santa, Santa, Santa in “It’s a great rock collection but while others have stood the test the background.) you could have left some of the of time. I have my own punc- Wife: “Eh. Ar. Es. Ee!” gravel on the driveway.” tuation as well; most parents do. Me: “Es. Ee. Ex?” “Emilia, can you help Daddy fi nd your clothes?” indley, please don’t put yogurt in your sister’s “Blow your nose… blow… Fhair. Emilia, please don’t let Finn put yogurt blow, okay, stop blowing, stop in your hair, give me the yogurt, give me the… blowing… ah geez.” “Findley, please don’t put yo- ah geez. gurt in your sister’s hair. Emilia, please don’t let Finn put yogurt We’ll call mine “Ah geez,” but we Wife: “En. Oh.” in your hair, give me the yogurt, all know it’s probably something Th e worse part of that game give me the… ah geez.” worse (and inevitably said under is I fi nd myself agreeing with my “You are both grounded — for my breath). I know without a wife whilst not actually knowing life.” doubt that some of these things what she has spelled out — it’s It’s not just what you say, or Blooms Coming to will come back to haunt me. I am the lazy husband thing. how you punctuate; as a par- sure that, on more than one oc- “Th e kids and I are going on a ent you have to have the correct casion, my parents have said: Tee. Ar. Eye. Pee… but you have body language. Body tense, ready Mississippi Mills “Because I said so, that’s to stay home.” to pounce, the shaking of the why…” “Okay honey, whatever you head, the shrug of the shoulder. Communities in Bloom, that is. Or the standards: think is best.” Personally, I am an expert eye Th e Mississippi Mills Beautifi cation Committee is launching its “Because I am Th e Dad…” She knows. She plays on my roller now. I was okay at it before Communities in Bloom (CiB) program with a public meeting on “Just wait until your mother weakness. but I have honed my eye rolling January 31. Mississippi Mills residents and business owners, students sees this…” and organizations, are invited to give their voice — and assistance — “Stop running with that pencil ou are both grounded — for life. to create an award-winning CiB community. in your mouth…” Y CiB is about much more than creating a community-wide visual “No, crayons are for paper not bouquet of fl owers and trees. It’s an international program to further walls…” My parents used to say things skills to perfection. I used to be the education and awareness of environmental concerns, preserve Pretty basic kid control stuff like: “Th is is going to hurt me an okay whistler as well but once heritage sites, and encourage community involvement. Our neigh- really, and my parents would more than it’s going to hurt you.” again, practice makes perfect… bours Carleton Place and Arnprior have already embraced CiB, and shake their collective heads if Nope. Wrong. “I will give you (whistle)… “that is the best snow- both towns have seen greater levels of community involvement and they could hear me now. I wish something to cry about.” Hello, man this kitchen fl oor has ever enhanced community pride. with all my heart that my father I already have something to cry seen…” (whistle for eff ect, roll CiB participation is also acknowledged to be an economy booster, had been around to hear: “Find- about, hence the crying. Th anks eyes, leave the room)… Ah geez! attracting tourism and new business and residents. Carleton Place ley, is that poo on your fi ngers? for the off er but I’m good. It’s all part of being a parent has twice received a 5-Bloom rating (the highest possible from On- How did you get… wait a second, So I don’t stoop to those levels. and I wouldn’t have it any other tario’s CiB), with special mention for the adaptive re-use of heritage is that my cake? Ah geez…” Mine are simpler and occasion- way. Remember, what happens in buildings, and a special award for receiving the highest score in ur- Or one of my favourites: “Finn, ally the punctuation comes at the the playroom, stays in the play- ban forestry in the province. put the water down, no Finn DO beginning… room. Eleven categories are assessed by CiB judges: Tidiness, Environmen- NOT pick up that cup…” as he, “Ah geez… Emilia, dear, please Ah geez… oh for the love of… tal Action, Urban Forestry, Landscape, Turf and Groundcovers, Floral while smirking like the devil he stop kissing the worm.” for cryin’ out… any chance you Displays, Community Involvement, Sustainable Development, Com- can be, ever so slowly pours the could pass me the baby wipes? munity of Gardeners, Youth Involvement, and Land Reclamation. “As you can imagine,” says Beautifi cation Committee chair Fern Martin, “participating in this program requires the co-operation of the many groups who make our community beautiful — and fun!” CiB chair Cindy Zorgel adds: “We’ve got a beautiful community and a lot of hard-working volunteers out there, but there are still several ways to enhance Mississippi Mills. Th e CiB program gives us a kind of road map to follow as we clean, beautify and build up our community.” Cindy and Fern invite you to the CiB information night on Mon- day, January 31 at 7pm at Almonte’s Old Town Hall. Th e evening will include short presentations on the CiB program, Carleton Place’s CiB experience, and what we need for our CiB application. For more information, you can see or call one of the following: Nicole Guthrie, Mississippi Mills Cultur- al Coordinator, 256–1077, ext. 22; Fern Martin, chair of the Beautifi - cation Committee, 624–5104; or Cindy Zorgel, chair of Community in Blooms Committee, 256–5155. — Fay Devlin and Fern Martin 6 www.thehumm.com January 2011 Kelly Prescott Will Leave You Dreaming At twenty-four years old, because of everything else going he was incredibly supportive of Kelly Prescott is already on that I realized I had to do my me taking a little time off from a veteran musician and own thing. Th is new album is a Prescott. And of course all performer. Th e daughter pretty good refl ection of where the musicians on this project, of Canadian country mu- I’m at in life right now. I just got like the Brothers Chaff ey (who sic power couple Tracey married in August, so naturally showed me what good soul/ theHumm Interview Brown and Randall Pres- this album has a lot of love songs blues/roots music is) Anders cott, Kelly is forging a on it. I’ve never written a hap- Drerup, Steve Marriner and the path of her own in the en- py love song before — that was countless others. tertainment industry. Last completely new for me. I think How does it feel to perform year, she and her brother being on the road with Grievous before a Valley audience? De- Angel infl uenced a few of those scribe the support that you get by Rob Riendeau songs. Adam and I have been from your hometown. Kaylen joined forces as “Prescott” away from each other a lot since I’m always the most nerv- to record an album that has re- the wedding. I was in California ous when I play in front of my ceived rave reviews and much for three weeks in October, and hometown. Th ey’ve known me airplay. More recently, Kelly took he was on the Holiday Train for a the longest and they’re the ones on the role of Emmylou Harris month. I basically live in the stu- who are the best judges of how opposite Anders Drerup’s Gram dio whenever I am home, trying much I’ve grown and improved. Parsons in the musical Grievous to fi nish this album. We’re both I always feel I have the most to Angel. And now she is preparing really looking forward to our prove in front of an Almonte to launch her fi rst solo CD, I Leave honeymoon in March! crowd. I’ve played shows all over You Dreaming in January 2011. How has growing up in a North America and my favorite If the rough tracks that Kelly musical family and within an place to play is still Almonte. I The talented Kelly Prescott will release her fi rst solo CD, sent us at press time are any indi- artistically supportive com- just hope they keep giving me a entitled I leave You Dreaming, at a concert in the Almonte Old cation, this CD will showcase her munity infl uenced your career chance and supporting me. Th is rich, smoky voice and heartfelt path? will always be the most humbling Town Hall on January 29 lyrics in pared-down arrange- Well, I think the fact that I am place to play. ments that put her considerable out there doing what makes me What kind of music (and What’s next on your artistic It’s looking like Grievous Angel talent front and centre — right happy is a pretty good indication which performers) can people horizon? A rest perhaps? may have a few more tours in where it deserves to be. We were of how supportive my family expect to hear at your concert? No, never, I’m just getting the works for this spring as well. fortunate enough to catch a few and hometown are. I’m not sure Good, heartfelt, soulful music. started. I’ve always known that Also, Anders and I have started minutes of her time to ask some how long I’d last doing this with- I have the hardest time catego- I would pursue music, but it writing, and we’re talking about questions about her music and out them. It makes this career rizing what genre my new album wasn’t until this past year and a heading into the studio together the upcoming CD release con- choice a lot easier when you have fi ts into. It’s soul, blues, roots and half that I really started taking it in the next year or two for a col- cert. a whole artistic community you rock. I’m taking a small time-out seriously. I’m only twenty-four, laboration. He’s my duet partner theHumm: Th is has been a truly respect behind you. I have from country. I still have a lot to learn and a in crime — I can’t wait to do orig- busy year for you — Prescott a lot of people to thank for this I have one of the greatest lot to experience. I want to work inal stuff with him. No rest for a shows, Grievous Angel, per- new project. It’s a great feeling rhythm sections in Canada back- hard at it while I still have the while, except for my honeymoon forming on the CPR Christmas to be encouraged to branch out ing me up: Ken Post and Rich energy and excitement for it. I in South America with Adam in Train and getting married to and try something new. My Dad Levesque (who played with Luke just produced my fi rst project March… then right back to it! I singer-songwriter Adam Pud- was the one who planted this Doucet). Of course I’ll have Adam that didn’t have my name on it as love this lifestyle, all the ups and dington this summer. Was your idea in my head; he’s been trying Puddington, Curtis Chaff ey, Ran- a performer, and I’m quite proud downs — it’s worth it. year not busy enough yet so you to convince me to do a bluesy al- dall Prescott, Anders Drerup and of it. I want to get into produc- Kelly Prescott’s I Leave You decided to record a solo CD? bum for a while. And of course I a few others there with me on the ing more — I think I caught that Dreaming CD Release concert Kelly Prescott: It’s defi nitely have Adam to thank — he always 29th. We’re doing a CD release at fever. I blame (or thank) my Dad takes place at the Almonte Old been a crazy year, but the busier remains so calm even when I’m the Black Sheep the night before for that. I know I’ll probably do Town Hall on Saturday Janu- the better. When you’re not busy, losing my mind and losing con- with Steve Marriner, who I wish another Prescott project later in ary 29 at 8pm. Tickets are $15 that’s when you have to worry. fi dence in myself. He co-wrote could be there on the 29th, but the new year too. Th ere is no one and are available at Mill Street I’ve worked hard this year, and most of these songs with me, he has a gig that night. Honestly, I love working with in the studio Books, 52 Mill Street, Almonte, I’ve also had a lot of great op- and he cares so much about this this is going to be a great show more than my big brother. Of 256-9090. Get your tickets early, portunities. If I’m lucky it will project. His support has been and I can’t wait to play these new course I’ll try and tour this new this show is practically guaran- get even busier. I think it was crucial. Also my brother Kaylen, songs for my hometown. solo album as much as I can. teed to sell-out quickly! One Last Chance for Seasonal Music! Enjoy a warm welcome to the New Year on January 9, at 2:30pm at Maberly Hall, with the Blue Skies Prep Orchestra, Th e Blue Skies Fiddle Orchestra and Th e Celtic Heritage Fid- dle Orchestra. Th ey will be performing a joint concert featuring Christmas and seasonal music, along with traditional and Celtic music as well. Th ere are over forty members of all ages involved in these three fi ddle orchestras. Th is year, long time conductor Carolyn Stewart and in- coming conductor Cindy McCall are working together to lead the groups in fi ddling and song. Admission is $5 per adult and children are free. Treats and drinks are available by donation at intermission. For more infor- mation about the concert or joining the orchestras, please con- tact Cindy McCall at or Carolyn Stewart at . Blue Skies in the Community sponsors the Prep and Blue Skies fiddle or- chestras.

January 2011 www.thehumm.com 7 David Tysick — Farming Runs in His Family

Tysick Road in Brooke Val- be his grandfather’s land. When skills transfer — how things are ley is one of those beautiful most guys his age are busy with done — that is passed on from country roads that people their electronic gadgets and Fa- the older to the younger genera-

Flavour of the Month love to discover when they cebook status updates, David is tions, and in the best cases the are out for a drive in the more likely to be found reading land stays in the family so the country. Lined with big old through back issues of maga- capital costs of starting a farm maples, it rolls and winds zines about sustainable intensive from scratch are minimized. its way from the Bathurst grazing methods, hauling water Sometimes, however, a break buckets to his cows, or fi xing between the farming generations David Tysick by Susie Osler fences. According to his mom, can potentially serve the farm fourth to the Bathurst fi fth line. David’s interest in farming has and/or farmers in some way. In Over the years, the land fl anking been pronounced since he was some cases this gap can enable the road has moved many people pretty much a toddler! By grade a person (or a generation) to Who He Is to inquire as to its ownership. I fi ve he was killing his own chick- step back and evaluate what has David Tysick was one of those people eight or ens, and by age twelve or so he worked and what hasn’t, to devel- 135 Tysick Sideroad, Brooke Valley nine years ago when I was look- would ask his parents to stop the op other skills, to think and learn 267–6073, ing for land to move to in the car so he could take a closer look about other farming options, or area, and was told by someone at a rail fence they were passing. to simply do something diff er- What He Off ers living close by that the Tysicks Farming is, it seems, in his blood ent that is more suited to their Maple syrup, grass-fed beef. owned it (and, no, they had never — which shouldn’t really surprise personality and passions. In the expressed an interest in selling it anyone, since both sets of grand- end, if they feel deeply compelled Where He Sells to anyone). parents farmed. to farm then they can often fi nd Farmgate. Call to order. David’s father Jim grew up on a way to move towards that goal A Family Legacy a dairy farm down the road, but supported by lessons from the Th e Tysick family has farmed in was encouraged to leave to con- past and a receptive mind for back to him in spades. People are Ribbink, another farmer in the this area for generations, which I tinue his studies and to work in good new ideas. lending him support in all kinds Perth area who practices inten- imagine is why the road they live another, more stable, fi eld. Appar- David is like this, and he’s fi g- of ways — donating calves, farm sive grazing. on carries their family name. In ently, David’s interest in farming uring out a way to use the land machinery, hay at reduced cost, In addition to the cattle, David fact, the Tysicks were some of the and the move back to the family that works for him. Drawing on even off ering up a piano and a plans to increase the farm’s maple earliest settlers in the area. Four land has brought out the farmer in knowledge from old-timers, and violin (both of which he plays syrup production. Currently he years ago Jim and Catherine Ty- Jim as well, and the two now often information from an armory of well). It’s like the world is rooting maintains 200 taps the old way — sick decided it was time to move work side by side on projects. Fa- books about new methods of for him! buckets, spiles, and lots of lifting. back to a 90-acre parcel of land ther and son together are cultivat- small-scale, sustainable farming He wants to build a shed to house on the Tysick Sideroad that has ing a strong (re)connection with that he and his dad have accu- Growing and Adapting the evaporator he purchased last remained in Jim’s family. Jim built their roots and the land — mov- mulated, he is devising a system Originally, David had been in- year to help scale up this part a house behind the footprint of ing forward with the past fi rmly that suits him and the land. What terested in dairy farming, but of the farm’s capacity. And then another old farmhouse that may under their feet, as it were. is he drawn to? He likes being he soon realized that the chal- there’s talk of introducing pas- have stood when he was a kid. outside on the land and working lenge and expense of buying tured poultry to the mix. Th ings Th e old rail fences are being res- A Melding of Old & New with animals. He doesn’t balk at quota, as well as the inputs and are happening, slowly but delib- urrected along the perimeter to Th ere is a theme here that in- the physical labour involved. He infrastructure needed for it, was erately. David is self-motivated, contain a slowly growing number terests me — a melding of old likes to fi gure things out and is prohibitive. Th e main farm that industrious, committed, hard- of cattle that are beginning to in- and new, whether in reference happy to take a shot at fi xing the Jack Tysick (David’s grandfather) working, smart and focused. He habit the land. to age, ideas, skills, or whatever. machinery — learning by doing, owned was sold as his grand- has a supportive family. Th at’s a What people might not realize On a family farm, maintaining an using manuals, observation and parents aged, so taking on their pretty solid foundation to start is that Jim and Catherine’s eldest unbroken “line” of farmers over the occasional phone call to a dairy quota was not an option. with and it’s heartening to see. son David, now 17, is the driving generations can understandably mechanic for guidance. But this pushed David to look for Many might say that David force behind the eff orts to start be viewed as desirable. Th ere is David has an “old soul”, and his other farming alternatives. Over Tysick is idealistic, crazy, and/or farming again on what used to a continuity of knowledge and quiet, respectful and responsible the last few years, he has accu- brave to be willingly entering a ways endear him to everyone it mulated a small herd of cows and life of farming when the general seems, but perhaps especially to a bull. He is beginning to raise trend for the last two decades the older folk. He values talking grass-fed beef with the hopes of has more or less been an exodus with old-timers, hearing their increasing the herd to what the from a life on the land. But David stories, and learning from them. land can sustain. shrugs it off , stating a valid point: Before their last move, he had David and his dad read con- “Why would you work for some- been helping an elderly neighbor stantly about intensive grazing one else for your whole life so you with her chores for years; even methods that require minimal can retire and farm when you are quietly fi xing up her fences just inputs and infrastructure relative old?” Heck, I would argue that “so they would look better”. Now to other conventional methods we need a whole lot more com- he does chores in a nearby dairy of raising livestock. Both of them mitted idealists like David in our barn and is regularly entrusted are interested in farming sustain- world! But beyond the idealism with the responsibility of milking ably, and were introduced to the is a grounded, hard-working and the herd by himself. What goes concepts of local, small scale, thoughtful young man who really around comes around, they say. and ecological farming through wants to farm and make it work In David’s case, the help he has books by Joel Salatin , and him along from the sidelines! ers over the years is now coming by talking with Jim’s cousin Dan www.fi eldworkproject.com

8 www.thehumm.com January 2011 Making the Most of a Night’s Rest What sort of commitment do we can be counter-productive, and So What’s the Problem? make when we choose to protect even harmful. Well, why do we feel poorly in the the environment? We take outdoor lighting for morning after a late night, or after During the last fi fty years, well granted, but the adverse eff ects too little sleep? Why are we irri- over a trillion dollars have been of nighttime lighting are more table after a bad night? Are there spent on reducing, and trying to harmful that most people real- other reasons, beyond the most clean-up, air and water pollution. ize. Over the last few decades, obvious ones, for the increasing We now take the need for clean research is revealing the impor- incidence of some cancers, diabe- air and water for granted. We tance of darkness during the tes and obesity? Th e basis for these are also starting to tinker with night (scotobiology), but you and other ailments is tied to our the concept of sustainability as don’t need a degree in biology to biochemistry, and this chemistry a civic policy which, if followed, appreciate the strategic impor- is tied to the body’s processes that will profoundly change our social tance of this work. occur in the darkness of the night. priorities. We are not nighttime crea- How Dark Must tures, and research shows that Challenges We Still Face the Night Be? our bodies take advantage of our If there is a way to improve our Light is not benign. It aff ects night rest by making repairs to (above) Urban sky glow affects wildlife beyond the urban long-term health and signifi- our biochemistry and our health the wear and tear from the day, boundaries. cantly reduce our energy use when used at night. Th e night and that the night even improves (below left) Shielded lighting reduces glare with half the amount of without drastic changes to the darkness threshold for humans our memory and temperament. electricity. Unshielded lights are in the distance. way we live, we should not take is not known precisely, but tests How do we know it is night? it lightly. Indeed, light is part of on other animals indicate the Our bodies are timed around an the solution. light of the full moon alters their approximate 24-hour period (the Mississippi Mills started behaviour. Th is is not surprising, circadian rhythm). In the late down this path a number of given that life has evolved and afternoon, hormones are cre- years ago. It began with the has taken advantage of moon- ated to repair our bodies but they encouragement of the local as- light for almost four billion years. aren’t released until it is dark. tronomy group to protect the Th is began to change about one Th e hormone melatonin is typi- skies above the astronomical hundred years ago with artifi cial cally released in the darkness of observatory near the Mill of outdoor lighting. late evening to make us drowsy, Kintail Museum. This resulted Outdoor lighting is now so and it enables other hormones in one of the first lighting con- extensive that most urban areas to begin their repairs. But these trol bylaws in Canada. Citizens never get dark. Streets are illu- hormones have a limited “shelf have benefited far beyond see- minated throughout the night life”. Th e longer their release is ing the star-filled sky. Shielded to over ten times the brightness held back because of nighttime light fixtures produce less light of the full moon. The artificial lighting, the less eff ective they trespass, so the glare is reduced sky glow over major cities is are. Th e resulting chronic prob- along some streets, improving so bright that you can read a lems are diabetes, obesity, high visibility without using more newspaper in your backyard at blood pressure and other sys- powerful lights. This saves en- midnight. Our bedrooms are il- temic problems including the in- ergy. But the less obvious and luminated to brighter than the creased risk of some cancers. perhaps more important bene- full moon by unshielded street- fit that we will reap in the years lights and local commercial A Dark Night Is Critical ahead is improved health. lighting, and the light that scat- We now have a much better un- We are able to see fairly well ters up into the sky permanent- derstanding of how nighttime when out for a walk with just ly illuminates the surrounding lighting aff ects our health, and moonlight, but humans are not countryside. the environment. Shielded fi x- nocturnal creatures. We need The only way for wildlife to tures and lower illumination lev- some extra light at night if we are adapt to a continuously illumi- els will help. Th e night sky is nice to be more active outdoors. Cars nated landscape is to flee far- for astronomers, but it is also a have headlights, so the main pur- ther from the cities — leaving symbol of a healthy environment pose of urban lighting for night behind the few species that are for wildlife, and for humans. people is navigation and security. more accepting of the urban en- — Robert Dick, Canadian Scotobi- However, too much light at night vironment. ology Advisory Group

January 2011 www.thehumm.com 9 The 100 Mile Diet Starts In Your Backyard

Good food, better nutrition, best taste! Delicious, mation on harvesting and preserving, clean up, soil fresh and nutritious vegetables can be grown in amendment, winterizing and composting. your own back yard. For generations, many fami- Th e workshops are limited to small groups to lies tended vegetable gardens as a matter of course. ensure that everyone can fi t comfortably around Th is societal habit has almost gone the way of the the pine harvest table. Each Saturday morning ses- dodo with increased urbanization and the ratch- sion begins with coff ee, fruit and muffi ns and ends eting up of our hectic daily lives. Many have fond with a home-made, hearty lunch! Th e workshops memories of the great food and the great times are held at the Duttons’ home on Glen Tay Road around grandparents’ tables. Here is a chance to just fi ve kilometres from Perth. As home gardeners learn more about the art of growing your own for the past thirty-three years and market garden- vegetables. ers (at the Perth Farmers’ Market and for local res- Starting on January 15 you can be part of the new taurants) for the past seventeen years, the Duttons veggie revival. Whether you are a novice, lapsed, have experience and advice to share. A Time to Dance or experienced gardener, you could benefi t from a More details and contact information can be series of fi ve half-day workshops off ered by Jeremy gathered from the ad on page four of this issue of and Peggy Dutton from January through Septem- theHumm. … at Palms! ber. Th e basic necessities, along with the subtleties of the garden, will be explored by presentation, Palms (the coff ee shop in Almonte) is delighted to welcome Mar- readings, discussions and hands-on experience. garet Ferraro’s exquisite artwork to the walls of their establish- Th e fi rst workshop (January 15) covers garden ment. Margaret has won the top award for Portrait and Figure at planning, catalogue reading (catalogues included), the Pastel Society of Eastern Canada’s national exhibition. Her ex- choices of varieties and the amounts to buy and hibit, entitled “A Time to Dance…”, runs until the end of March. grow for your needs. In mid-March the second Palms has Margaret’s paintings in oil, pastels and acrylic for sale workshop deals with starting seedlings (equip- and on display, and will be hosting an event on the evening of Feb- ment/time/space needed), greenhousing, and early, ruary 9, during which Margaret will give a demonstration using a mid and late garden plans. May’s workshop exam- live, costumed model. Tickets to the event will be on sale at Palms ines soil/garden preparation, planting techniques, coff ee shop in January. transplanting, supporting crops, mulching, fencing For further information about Margaret and her work, please and pest control. June’s session looks at ongoing visit Palms at 78 Mill Street in Almonte. Margaret’s website is seasonal gardening techniques, watering, protect- . ing, mulching and the inevitable weeding! Th e fi fth workshop wraps up the gardening year with infor- ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ Join Us for ❖ ❖ ❖ … and a Poetic New Year! ❖ Psychic Saturdays ❖ ❖ ❖ I love January. While some complain about rest of the festival working together. Th ey were the ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ the cold, drab, grey-fi lled days, I see the quintessential underdogs. ❖ ❖ promise of a new year. 2010 was a banner Th is team represented the country, and not just ❖ ❖ year for poetry in the region, with the Ca- a city, with team members from Calgary, Vancouver ❖ ❖ nadian Festival of Spoken Word being so and Ottawa. Th ey surprised the crowds and made it all ❖ ❖ of Poetry Pageful close by, in Ottawa last October. Th e fes- the way to the semi-fi nals on spunk and talent alone. ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ tival both energized and overwhelmed me. Th ey created a cohesion seen only at week-long band ❖ ❖ It made me take a look at all the work I was camps (and yes, I have been to band camp). Th e Wild ❖ ❖ doing in poetry, and decide that 2011 is the Card team will be performing at CP Cinemas for the ❖ ❖ year to step back and let some things run fi rst slam of the year. Find their Youtube videos if you ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ without my presence. want to check them out in advance. ❖ ❖ Th en come see them live… well, two of them will ❖ ❖ by Danielle Grégoire be performing via Skype on the big screen at the ❖ ❖ If you follow spoken word poetry in the Valley, cinema. Technology has its perks. $5 at the door, ❖ ❖ you might know about LiPS, the Lanark County free for those who open mic or slam. LiPS is always ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ Live Poets Society, that was born out of the fi rst looking for new voices in the Valley. Make your New ❖ ❖ season of slam poetry back in 2008. I spent three Year’s resolution to write a slam poem, or just check ❖ ❖ years with the collective, representing Almonte, out an event. ❖ ❖ and it is with great joy that I announce that I am Stay tuned for a slam in Perth in mid to late Janu- ❖ Intuitive Readings ❖ ❖ with Nancy Kerr-Wilson ❖ pregnant again, and therefore stepping off the col- ary. For more details, check out the LiPS Facebook ❖ starting Jan. 22 from 10–5PM ❖ lective to leave space for another Almontonian group or email LiPS. ❖ Book your appointment today. ❖ to represent our voice in spoken word. If you are Th ough I am stepping down from LiPS I will not ❖ ❖ interested in being a part of LiPS, and come from be stepping away from spoken word entirely. Th ere ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ anywhere in Mississippi Mills, please contact LiPS will soon be another Poetry and Potluck show with ❖ ❖ at . the brilliant poet and storyteller Brendan McLeod. ❖ ❖ In the LiPS lineup for January are two slams. Brendan has already featured at one of the Poetry ❖ ❖ Th e fi rst one takes place on Monday, January 3, and and Potluck events, but he has created a full one- ❖ ❖ starts at 7pm. Th is one happens in Carleton Place, hour show, and he loved his times in Lanark County ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ at CP Cinemas, and has a wild feature. Wild, as in so much that he wanted to come back and share it ❖ ❖ Wild Card. Th is group of slam poets came together with the loud, proud and welcoming crowds here in ❖ ❖ at the national festival in 2010. Some years there is a the Valley. Watch for posters at Mill Street Books. ❖ ❖ Last Chance slam to create a team in order to even My New Year’s resolution is to write more poet- ❖ 42 Mill Street, Almonte ❖ ❖ ❖ out the numbers of teams competing at the festival. ry, and to host workshops in as many of the Ottawa ❖ www.soulscents.ca ❖ What this means is that the six people who are a Valley high schools as possible. If you are a teacher ❖ ❖ part of this group didn’t necessarily know each oth- at one of schools, and there is a budget for the arts, ❖ 1–866–347–0651 ❖ er before the festival. Th en, when they were chosen contact me at . ❖ ❖ by randomly selected judges, they had to spend the Have a very poetic January. If the weather gets ❖ ❖ you down… have a cup of tea and poeticize it. 10 www.thehumm.com January 2011 Hair Today, Help Tomorrow! My name is Kat Hawkins and I’m nine years old. How to prepare your hair: When I was younger I wanted to cut my hair for Th e following applies to all hair donations: cancer because one of my sister’s friends did that, but • it must be clean, dry and not swept off the fl oor; at the time it wasn’t long enough. It needed to be a few • it must be a minimum length (this length varies more inches to be able to be used to make a wig. based on a specifi c hair donation program’s re- Th is year my aunt Jennifer got cancer and I quirements — a list is provided on the website); checked my hair and it was long enough. I had to • it should not be chemically treated (bleach, col- wait until I didn’t have head lice (it has been going our or perm); and around my school) and then I cut it. • it should be bundled in a ponytail at both ends I was happy that I knew about how to donate my or a braid. hair and I felt good about doing it. — Kat Sending your hair: Kat and her mom Jackie were kind enough to send Hair should be sent by regular mail to the hair in the lovely photos above and the following details donation program of your choice. Remember to about donating your hair for cancer wigs, which include your name and address, as acknowledge- comes from the Canadian Cancer Society’s website ments may be sent. at . It takes approximately twelve donations of un- processed hair and costs about $1,200 to craft a Hair donations single hand-sewn wig for a child, so it’s not possible We [the Canadian Cancer Society] help people liv- to fi nd out who received a wig made with your hair. ing with cancer fi nd wigs and other types of head- If the donated hair cannot be used, it will not be wear when they lose their hair as a result of cancer returned to the donor. treatment. Although we are not involved in the col- In Ontario, hair may be sent to A Child’s Voice lection of hair or the production of wigs, we get Foundation / Angel Hair for Kids at 3034 Palstan many questions from people who want to donate Road, Ste. 301, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 2Z6. their hair. If you are thinking about donating your Minimum requirement: 10 inches (25cm) long, not hair, please follow these instructions. processed, preferably braided. thank you Bob Spelled Backwards for saying you saw their ad Th e fi rst concert of the new year at MERA School- Th e Dharma Bums, and Margaret Sullivan and in theHumm! house in McDonald’s Corners will feature Bob Japhy Sullivan have their own solo acts, and Noah Spelled Backwards, a “quirky folk-country-psych- and Japhy Sullivan perform together as Th e Lone- edelic-blues” band comprised of members of Tay some Brothers. Valley Township’s Dorner-Sullivan family. Th e Bob Spelled Backwards will appear at the MERA emerging inter-generational folk/roots band has Schoolhouse at 8pm on Saturday, January 22. Tick- played recently in Ottawa and Peterborough, but ets are $10, available at the door or in advance is looking forward to their next appearance “on from Tickets Please (service charge applies). Th ey our home turf.” Four of the fi ve band members live can be ordered by phone at 485–6434 or online at at Shakey Acres, the family’s home, between Fall- . For more details, contact brook and Maberly. 268–2376 or . Bob Spelled Backwards is either a family folk music collective or a band with multiple personal- ity disorder, depending on your point of view. A quintet of family members, Bob Spelled Backwards is also an umbrella under which a number of off - shoots and scions have developed over the years. Danny Sullivan and Kathy Dorner, parents of the clan, have been writing songs and perform- ing together for twenty-fi ve years, and were the nucleus of a Windsor-based folk-rock band called the Dharma Bums in the early 1990s. A life-threat- ening illness sidelined their musical career shortly after they recorded their never-released CD, When God Was Just A Little Girl. Once a life-saving transplant put Danny on the road to recovery, they began writing again, and with the youngest three of their fi ve children, have been performing as Bob Spelled Backwards for the past couple of years. Th eir new material fuses traditional folk, coun- try blues, ballads, mountain music, reggae and good old-fashioned train songs. Danny and Kathy continue to appear as a duo, under the moniker of January 2011 www.thehumm.com 11 “Looking” for a Great Night Out?

What could be a better way to show be off ering up its fi ne pub fare. Jeff Rob- someone your love them than having a ertson, owner of JR’s, is creating a unique night out together? Over the weekend menu for the two weekends of the show. leading up to St. Valentine’s Day, and the As with all the meals created at JR’s, an weekend following, the Valley Players of emphasis is placed on gluten-free choices Almonte will be collaborating with three and the use of locally grown foods. Cathy local restaurants to off er patrons a dinner Toshack, owner of Th e Waterford Tea and theatre experience. Room, will be creating a special menu and In keeping with the theme of Valentine’s extending the restaurant’s hours for thea- Day, the Valley Players will be performing tre-going patrons. Looking, a story about forty-somethings To get more information and to pur- getting out there and trying to fi nd love… chase dinner theatre packages, stop by again. Th is comedy written by Norm Fos- any of these restaurants, or contact them ter promises to elicit a few knowing smiles directly: Th e Barley Mow, 256–5669; JR’s and a lot of laughs from the audience. Family Restaurant, ; Th e Waterford Tea Room, Barley Mow, JR’s Family Restaurant, and . Th e Waterford Tea Room. Dave Burke, Tickets can be purchased from the cast general manager at Th e Barley Mow, will or from Mill Street Books (256–9090). Theatre News in the Works Well as usual, January is a month Now here’s something pretty exciting of planning, auditioning, rehears- — the world première of an original mod- ing, and getting ready for the blos- ern opera by Lanark’s Peter Paul Mor- soming of theatre activity that will gan, brought to the stage of Perth’s Stu- come with the more predictable dio Th eatre by Barn Door Productions weather of later winter and early on March 10, 11 and 12. Entitled Open

Theatre News in our Area spring. So, in the order in which House, and embracing such musical styles they were submitted, here is what as classical, swing, jazz, rock and even a is under way in the new year in bit of rap, this should be a musical must our area: for almost everyone! Be sure to mark this one on your calendar. by Ian Doig Th e Smiths Falls Community Th eatre Th e Mississippi Mudds Youth Th eatre has just held auditions for their upcoming have been busy since September develop- production of Norm Foster’s Th e Melville ing their skills and talents in preparation Boys… Th is one sounds like a hoot, but for their production of Into the Woods, more of that next month. Th e play opens Junior, to be presented late February and on February 24 and runs until March 5. early March. Tickets are available start- For more information, please call Lynda at ing January 15, at $15 (with an opening 283–9138. night special of $10), from Arts Carleton And the Valley Players will be per- Place, 132 Coleman Street, 257–2031 or forming Looking, by Norm Foster, on . For more February 11, 12, 18, 19 at 8pm, and on information, contact producer Tony Scott the 13th at 2:30pm, at Almonte’s Old at 253–2007 or . Town Hall. Dinner and theatre pack- Planned show dates are: February 25 at ages will be off ered by the Barley Mow 7pm, February 26 at 2pm, March 4 at 7pm, (256–5669), JR’s Family Restaurant and March 5 at 2pm. And while we’re in and Th e Carleton Place, the (senior) Mudds are Waterford Tea Room . Tickets are available from Mill January 9, from 1 to 4pm at the Carleton Street Books (256–9090). Th e Players will Place Town Hall for their spring produc- also be bringing the show to Perth’s Studio tion of Halfway to Heaven. Please call Ju- Th eatre on Saturday February 26. dith at 253–2007 for more information or Also in February, Perth’s Orion Th eatre to book a rehearsal time slot. Company, with the help of six very brave After their fun production of Harvey in local actors, brings their production of Th e December, Perth’s Studio Th eatre Pro- Full Monty to the stage. Th is is the musical ductions is bringing something entirely version of the popular movie, which focuses diff erent to their stage in early February. on the plight of underemployed steelwork- I’ll be Back by Midnight is a suspenseful ers from Buff alo, NY. Th e show runs from drama set in an old farmhouse, and runs February 4 to 19, and will be dedicated to from February 3 to 12. And then it’s back the families aff ected by the closure of the to comedy from March 31 to April 3 with Smiths Falls Hershey plant. Full details can You Say Tomatoes. Not surprisingly, this be found on page 24 of this issue. one deals with the diff erent foibles of Eng- May you all enjoy a splendid holiday lish “as she is spoke” in Britain and the US; season, and may the coming year be won- sounds like fun, doesn’t it! derful for us all!

12 www.thehumm.com January 2011 Into the City Hey Mississippi Mills — With the Help Support Arts in Your Schools! Almonte Lectures In the fi rst two years of its existence, the silent auction, and tributes to It may not be the elephant in the Young Awards Foundation has donated the winners of the annual Cul- room, but it defi nitely is the amoeba the astonishing sum of $18,033 to arts pro- tural Achievement and Cultural spreading relentlessly in our direction. grams in the schools of Mississippi Mills. Volunteerism Awards. Gener- Th e City of Ottawa looms large in our From paper-making and slam poetry ses- ously sponsored by Almonte’s peripheral vision, and it is a timely sions to arts weeks and guitar lessons, the own Reliable Heating & Cooling topic that will be discussed at the next Foundation has helped fund dynamic and , this Almonte Lecture, on January 21, by engaging opportunities for youth, and has year’s Gala will take place on Alain Miguelez. Mr. Miguelez is the brought talented area artists into schools Saturday, February 19 at the Al- program manager for Development in their community. monte & District High School. Review for the Inner Urban Area of Th e primary fundraiser that enables the Organizers are hoping that Ottawa. He is currently involved with Foundation to continue to support these the community will once again major infrastructure projects of the ur- initiatives is the annual Young Awards support the Gala, and there are In 2009 the Young Awards Foundation presented ban core: rapid transit, property devel- Gala. Th is celebration of all things artistic a number of ways to do so! Since a cheque for $2190 to Naismith Public School in opment, and ultimately urban design features gifted local performers of all ages, the silent auction is the Foun- Almonte. Over the past two year, the Foundation in the Capital. With the city expanding a fabulous three-course meal, an extensive dation’s largest source of funds, has funded more than $18,000 worth of arts into its rural surroundings, there is no items will be listed online at programs in the schools of Mississippi Mills. doubt much local interest in how the from planning process will aff ect the qual- early February until the day of the Gala itself. Th is year’s event will feature fabu- ity of life in this area. With particular so that anyone can bid, even if they can’t lous food by Ballygiblin’s, Foodies Fine attention to some of the newer neigh- attend the event. Last year’s auction fea- Foods and the Leatherworks. You’ll be bourhoods under development, Mr. tured items like a custom-designed bird treated to musical performances by local Miguelez will provide a planner’s per- feeder, dinner for two at the Heirloom adult and youth artists and the RetroAc- spective to understanding the growth Café, and seasons passes to the Classic tives band from Notre Dame High School. of our major city. Th eatre Festival in Perth. However, there Th ere will also be special appearances by Th e lecture will be presented at were also numerous experiential choices some of the fi nalists from Almonte’s Got 7:30pm on January 21, at the Almonte such as a puppet building workshop (led Talent. United Church. Like all the Almonte by Noreen Young, no less), on-site gar- Gala tickets are $65, and are avail- Lectures, it is off ered at no charge. dening assistance, and a motorcycle tour able until February 16 from Blackbird and Bring an open mind and a desire to of Lanark County. What a great opportu- Foodies Fine Foods in Almonte, Th ree learn. Guaranteed, it’ll beat TV every nity to expand your creative horizons, and Yellow Tulips in Pakenham, and from time! Students at Pakenham Public School meet new people along the way! . For more infor- — Glenda Jones learn to make paper from artist But of course the most rewarding way mation about the Young Awards Founda- Jennifer Ryder-Jones. to support the cause is to attend the Gala tion, please visit .

January 2011 www.thehumm.com 13 CLASSES COURSES LESSONS CLASSES COURSES LESSONS Almonte Rising Sun Yoga Looking For Resolution Inspiration? kundalini Barb Pierce 613-256-7862 gentle [email protected] Look no further than theHumm for a wide variety of power classes, courses and lessons to get you going in 2011. Mary Biggs yin 613-256-4993 healing [email protected] Taught by talented local artists, musicians, dancers, mov-

www.risingsunyoga.ca ers and shakers — you’re sure to fi nd something to get you out and about during the chilly winter months! Blending the essences of the dance arts, healing arts, and martial arts. Oh-oh… Science Got it Wrong! Now, doesn’t that conjure up visions of Franken- ing to say the least. Last year he was the lecturer stein? There are many examples of cases where for one of the Learning in Retirement series at science was mistaken, but they are being kept Carleton University, and was highly acclaimed Nia co-founder Carlos Rosas under wraps until Peter Watson gives his Learn- for his clarity and enthusiasm. * New session starts week of January 10. Latecomers welcome. ing in Almonte lecture series in January. When the snow and cold close in, and Janu- * For complete schedule and locations: phone, email or find me This series of six two-hour lectures has been ary looks too bleak to enjoy, consider ambling at www.NiaNow.com luring people into gentle learning for the past over to the library and joining the active group couple of years. The lectures are held at the Al- of learners who flock to this lecture series. To Almonte, Perth & Kanata monte library once a week, presented by univer- register, contact Don Wiles at 256–4376. The sity professionals who are so enthused by their cost is $75 — a bargain for all of the knowledge Sandra Collins own fields of expertise that the lectures become you will receive. an avenue of information enlivened by personal P.S. Stay tuned for more information on the 613–256–7117 [email protected] experience and anecdotes. Learning in Retirement programme. According Inquire about workshops, retreats, & workplace lunchtime classes. Peter Watson will present his series, When to Don Wiles, there are new developments that Science Went Wrong, beginning Wednesday, could be very exciting for Almonte and area in Through Movement We Find Health January 12. The six lectures will give you new in- the near future! 1–800–762–5762 • www.NiaNow.com sight into science. His presentation will be excit- — Glenda Jones

14 www.thehumm.com January 2011 CLASSES COURSES LESSONS CLASSES COURSES LESSONS The Role of Meditation and Mindfulness in Wellness Conventional medicine is con- Th is is where a yoga or medita- ders to thoughts about dinner, tions and recognize the diff er- Healing and Stress Relief fi rming what many people al- tion class can help you. Once you work, your partner or countless ences between being in calming by Barb Pierce. Barb is a life ready know — meditation can choose an appropriate class, your other things that may be on your and peaceful situations and being coach, yoga teacher, and the help people get stronger, both teacher can help you learn sim- mind. in stressful, angry or sad situa- creator of the 8-week workshop physically and mentally, as they ple techniques to become fully When you fi rst start meditat- tions. By observing yourself from called Yoga for Healing and undergo treatments for and re- present — even for just moments ing, you catch yourself getting a more objective perspective, you Stress Relief — 8 Weeks cover from illness — including at a time. With practice, these drawn into these compelling sto- can also gain insights into why Towards Optimal Health. cancer. According to Dr. Tracey moments soon increase in dura- ries for some time before pull- you feel the way you do. You can read more about her at Schefter, yoga teacher and associ- tion, enabling you to live more ing yourself back to your breath, — Th e above is an excerpt from . ate professor of radiation oncol- mindfully. Dr. Schefter confi rms, mantra or meditative movement, chapter three of Yoga for ogy at the University of Colorado only to get drawn into another Comprehensive Cancer Center, story yet again. It can seem as expressive & e many medical schools are now though you are never going to nary, thnic f aordi ashio incorporating mindfulness, med- catch on to meditating. But if you extr ns itation and yoga in their core cur- persist, you will fi nd that at some ricula. When asked about results point, you are able to notice the so far, she says, “Th ere are some thoughts and images from a key people developing clinical more objective position, with trials who are showing that yoga an awareness that these are only intervention improves quality of thoughts — they are not who you life for patients and reduces anxi- are. Th is allows you to acknowl- ety.” edge the thoughts more objec- Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., a tively without getting drawn into y oga spire leading researcher at the Stress the story. mats, bags and gifts to in Reduction Clinic at the Univer- Becoming more aware of the sity of Massachusetts Medical sea of thoughts constantly mov- Happy, Healthy New Year! Center and author of numerous ing through your head may ini- mindfulness books including Full tially make you feel as though Shakti-Shanti World Boutique Catastrophe Living, Using the “it is not so much about the ex- you are going backwards in your & Wisdom of Your Body and Mind ercise aspect of yoga, but rather progression towards calmness Heartsong Studio to Face Stress, Pain and Illness, about the mindfulness associated and peacefulness. However, the Group Classes, Personal Training in Pilates & YOGA has helped thousands of people with yoga — the engaging of the simple acknowledgment of your Energy * Strength* Flexibility * Balance & Harmony * Peace of Mind learn yoga and meditation tech- breath with motion as a way to thoughts is actually a very useful Heartsong School of Teacher Training & Certification niques to improve a variety of focus and calm the mind.” step in the process of awareness. Yoga Exercise Specialist Part 1: January 29-30/11 physical and mental conditions. Meditation has benefi ts that By calming your body and Pilates Mat Instructor Part 1: February 5-6/11 To help them understand his can be diffi cult to appreciate until mind with seated, lying or mov- and also RYT200 Advanced YOGA Teacher Training message more simply, Dr. Kabat- you actually experience them. In ing meditations, you start to Zinn tells his students that they addition to helping you become notice the countless thoughts, 18 Renfrew Ave. W., Renfrew 613-433-7346 “have only moments to live”. He calmer and more mindful, medi- images and concepts that cause has created an eight week mind- tation can also help you to get you to maintain an almost con- www.Heartsongyogapilates.ca fulness course to help people more in touch with your real self stant state of activity (on both the learn to live in the moment. Many — which is really the main goal mental and physical level). Th is studies support Dr. Kabat-Zinn’s of yoga and meditation. Th ey is only a distraction, a barrier to work by affi rming that practicing help you to go inside yourself and getting to know yourself more mindfulness techniques can not experience emotions and feelings intimately. By allowing yourself only help you become calmer, that you may have neglected or to observe and acknowledge but can also help to relieve many ignored or even been unable to these thoughts, you have the op- common medical conditions deal with in the past. portunity to become more aware such as pain, skin conditions and When you fi nally slow down of the behaviours and thought upset stomachs. and stop ‘doing’ so many things, processes that would be useful to Being mindful can be much you have the opportunity to no- change. more diffi cult than you might tice the endless thoughts that Eventually you may allow your think. Many people fi nd that keep popping into your head. If everyday activities to become they have lost the ability to live you are new to meditation, take a moving meditations where you in the moment. Instead they fo- few minutes to sit still and focus are fully present to the thought cus their thoughts on the past inward on your breath. Focus on patterns that can dominate your and the future, barely noticing nothing but your breath. Notice thinking. You start to notice what is going on around them. how quickly your mind wan- your feelings in various situa-

Books to sink your teeth into at Mill Street Books.

Upcoming Events: Creative writing workshop MILL STREET BOOKS Wednesdays, 7–9PM 52 Mill Street Almonte ON K0A 1A0 613–256–9090 January 12 to February 9, $125 www.millstreetbooks.com January 2011 www.thehumm.com 15 CLASSES COURSES LESSONS CLASSES COURSES LESSONS

Writing Workshops Fiction Non-Fiction Get to Know Your Characters How to Write Family History and Memoir Friendship Set to Music Getting Started On Saturday, December 11, For All Writers Write It So They’ll Read It Prepare to Publish Your Book Peer Review the members of Mississippi Squares raised $302 as a do- Call for more details and costs nation to the Lanark County 613-267-2350 Food Bank. Th e annual Christ- [email protected] mas dinner/dance festivities Gift Certificates Available featured the club’s callers, Gra- ham Ingram and Dave Craw- ford. A great meal was provid- ed by the women’s auxiliary at the St. James Anglican Church Hall in Carleton Place. To help another charitable organization and continue the theme of friendship set to mu- sic, the Mississippi Squares will be hosting their annual “Half- way Dance” at Notre Dame Catholic High School in Carle- ton Place, on Saturday, January 8, from 7 to 10:30pm, for mod- ern square dancers. The cost is Join the Mississippi Squares on January 8 in Carleton Place $10 in advance, or $12 at the door. This dance will attract Southern Quebec. All former 400 to 500 dancers from East- dancers are welcome. For or contact Laurette Lafleur at ern and Northern Ontario and more information, please visit 256–0603. Writing For the Joy of It Th ere are many reasons for writ- joy of it. In a small, supportive limited to ten, so please register ing. It can be an exploration, group setting, we will share the promptly. a confi dence builder, a career, thrill of creation and enliven Th e course begins on Janu- or a spiritual pursuit. Th e only forgotten realms of imagination ary 12 and runs for fi ve weeks, good reason to write, according through our writing and read- until February 9, on Wednes- to author and teacher Natalie ing investigations. Whoever we day nights from 7 to 9pm at Mill Goldberg, is because you want think we are, our discoveries are Street Books in Almonte. Th e to. Susan Fisher will lead a work- bound to surprise and enrich us. cost is $125. shop for writers and wannabe And, if you fear you lack creative For information or to regis- writers, which will off er the time “genes”, this workshop will make ter please contact 256–9090 or and space to write simply for the you think again. Enrollment is .

16 www.thehumm.com January 2011 CLASSES COURSES LESSONS CLASSES COURSES LESSONS The Kids Are Alright (and Pretty Darned Talented)

Almonte’s got talent, Carleton Place has got talent, Perth’s got talent… the list goes on. Th ere’s a galaxy of talented singers, danc- ers, actors, visual artists, poets, writers and label-defying creative types throughout theHumm’s distribution area. Th at’s not new. What does seem new is that op- portunities for these creative types to share their gifts are pro- liferating in our communities. In addition to the talent shows that are popping up and attracting large audiences, there are cof- feehouses in the schools, poetry Pictured above are the fi nalists from last fall’s slams, blues and Celtic music “Almonte’s Got Talent” event. Don’t miss “Perth’s Got Talent”, jams, theatre productions, art on January 15 at the Studio Theatre! Pick up theHumm in Almonte at shows, and much more. Th ese opportunities to share nately for students in this area, Canadian researchers have nordic star creativity are an important part the Valley is full of talented musi- even found evidence that young of developing and furthering cians, artists, dancers and actors children who take music lessons artistic growth. Preparing for a who are also gifted teachers. show diff erent brain development show, performing or displaying Th e opportunity to learn an art and improved memory over the your work in front of people, and to interact with a teacher and course of a year compared to chil- learning from other artists — other students brings rewards too dren who do not receive musical none of that happens if creativity numerous to list here. And they training (see the Sept. 20, 2006 never leaves the studio. However, run the gamut — from physical edition of the journal Brain). a lot of groundwork needs to be coordination that develops from So take advantage of all tal- laid before the big show goes up. years of playing an instrument ent this area has to off er, and you Before the performing comes the or creating visual art, to social may soon be nurturing a Cana- practicing, and before that comes skills that are honed by working dian Idol of your very own! a whole lot of learning. Fortu- together in improv groups. — Rob & Kris Riendeau

Register now for January! Girl’s Night Out! Nia Dance (Jan 7) Yoga & Meditation for a Prosperous New Year (Jan 9) Yoga for Skiers Workshop (Jan 16) Gong Meditation Night (Jan 16) Laughter Yoga! Night (Jan 30) Do any class, any time with our Flexible Class Pass! 5, 10, 20 class pass, monthly & winter unlimited *see pricing details online Over 20 classes a week for all ages and fitness levels Beginner•Hatha•Yin•Kundalini•Gentle•Power•Nia Dance

Prenatal Yoga Baby&Me Yoga Family Yoga 5:45-7:15pm, Thurs 11:30-12:45pm, Thurs 4-5:15pm, Sundays Jan 6 - March 31 Jan 6 - March 31 Jan 16 - March 27 $156 (13 weeks) $156 (13 weeks) $132 (child) adult FREE! Registration and class schedule online or call! Open Saturdays 9-5pm to serve you in person

S • T • U • D • I • O 211 Donald B. Munro Drive, Carp 613-304-6320 www.yogaandtea.com January 2011 www.thehumm.com 17 Claiming Column WHAT’S ON IN Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday I’ll Be Back by Midnight, Perth, Feb 3–6, 11–13 Art Mad presents Olga Mounitsyna Th e Full Monty, Perth, Feb. 4–6, 11–13, Baker Bob’s Gallery presents the paintings of Amelia Ah You and the acrylics and textiles of Frances Graff. 17–19 fi eldwork presents land art exploration Film Night International, Smiths Falls, Gallery on Main presents “Artists at Work, Open Studio” Feb 10, 24 Gallery Perth presents “Art Here & Now” with local and regional artists Looking, Almonte, Feb 11–13, 18, 19 MVTM presents TEXT-ing by Karina Bergmans, a text-based pillow project and A Tribute to Canada’s Military Palms Coffee Shop (Almonte)All presents “A Time to Dance...” Month oil, pastels & acrylic by Margaret Ferraro Valdy, Burnstown, Feb 17 Philip K. Wood Gallery (Almonte) presents original works by local & regional artists Blues on the Rideau, Westport, Feb 18 The Almonte Library Corridor Gallery presents Adrian Baker’s students, mixed media Young Awards Gala, Almonte, Feb 19 The Mississippi Mills Chamber Gallery presents Jay (Zhi-Jian) Li, acrylics The Melville Boys, Smiths Falls, Feb 24–Mar 5 Duke Robillard Blues Band, Perth, Feb 25 Into Th e Woods Junior, Carleton Place, Feb 25–26, Mar 4–5 Karaoke, The Downstairs Pub Folkus Concert, Almonte, Feb 26 Poetry Slam, Carleton Place Open Mic, The Barley Mow CP Celtic Jam, Ballygiblin’s Open Celtic Jam, Naismith Pub Looking, Perth, Feb 26 Terry Tufts, The Barley Mow, Almonte On Stage For Kids, Almonte, Feb 27 3 456 SRO Tea Dance, Almonte, Feb 27 Harry Manx, Burnstown, Mar 1 Doctor Zoo, Perth, Mar 4 Almonte in Concert, Mar 5 Th e Magic of Ireland, Perth, Mar 9 Open House, Perth, Mar 10–13 Blues on the Rideau, Westport, Mar 18–19 CP Celtic Jam, Ballygiblin’s Almonte Coin Club, Almonte Kanata Art Club Meeting, Kanata Karaoke, The Downstairs Pub Songs from the Valley, Perth, Mar 25 Almonte & Area Artists’ Association Open Mic, The Barley Mow Pints ‘n Purls, Ashton Open Celtic Jam, Naismith Pub General Mtg, Almonte Maple Run Studio Tour, Pakenham, Women’s Business Group, CP Reiki Share, Almonte Terry Tufts, The Barley Mow Mar 26–27 10 11 Toastmasters 12 Club, Smiths Falls 13 On Stage For Kids, Almonte, Mar 27 SRO Tea Dance, Almonte, Mar 27 You Say Tomatoes, Perth, Mar 31–Apr 3 Pakenham Home Show, Apr 1–3 Folkus Concert, Almonte, Apr 9 Sultans of String, Apr 15 Blues on the Rideau, Westport, Apr 15 Almonte in Concert, Apr 16 Flippin’ Art Night, Carleton Place Karaoke, The Downstairs Pub Art in the Attic, Almonte, May 6–8 Almonte Quilters’ Guild, Almonte CP Celtic Jam, Ballygiblin’s Open Celtic Jam, Naismith Pub Open Mic, The Barley Mow Songs from the Valley, Perth, May 20 Mayan Code Study Group, Almonte Toastmasters Club, Smiths Falls Terry Tufts, The Barley Mow Rabbit Hole, Perth, May 26–29, Jun 3–5 Wee Dram Club Single Malt 17 18 19Tastings/Dinner 20, Almonte 24 Visual Arts Tamara Drewe, Smiths Falls Lanark County Knitting Guild, Arnprior Quilters’ Guild, Arnprior Almonte & Area Artists’ Association Almonte Karaoke, The Downstairs Pub CP Celtic Jam, Ballygiblin’s General Mtg, Jan. 10, 7:30pm. Almonte Open Mic, The Barley Mow Open Celtic Jam, Naismith Pub Toastmasters Club, Smiths Falls Public Library, 155 High St. Pakenham Frost Festival, Pakenham Terry Tufts, The Barley Mow Kanata Art Club Meeting, Jan. 12, 7pm. Pre- 25 26 27 Communities in Bloom public meeting, sentation by Rosy Somerville: The Colour Almonte Black in Watercolour. Open to members 31 & visitors. Kanata Art Club Studio, 1030 Riddell Dr., Kanata. Info: 599-4959. School, 260 King St., Almonte. Info: www. Selina Martin/Bidiniband, Jan. 15, 8pm. Pints ‘n Purls, Jan. 12, 6-9pm. Knitting group., onstageforkids.com. $8 at Kentfi eld Kids, Folkus Concert Series. $23 in adv. (Mill Old Mill Pub, 113 Old Mill Rd, Ashton. Info: Theatre Literature Read’s Book Shop; $9 at door. Street Books, 256-9090), $27 at door. 257-2296. Mudds Auditions, Jan. 9, 1-4pm. Sign up & Poetry Slam, Jan. 3, 7-9pm. Lanark County Students $12. Almonte Old Town Hall, 14 Almonte Quilters’ Guild, Jan. 17, 7-9pm. auditions for the spring production of Live Poets Society (LiPS) monthly slam. Bridge St. Almonte. Info: www.folkusal- New members and guests are always Halfway to Heaven: a new genre-defying Wild Card is featured. CP Cinemas, 17 Music monte.ca/. welcome. Almonte Civitan Hall, 500 musical. Pls book a rehearsal time. Car- Albert St., Carleton Place. $5; free for New Year’s Eve Party, Dec. 31, 9pm. Almonte Traditional Sing, Jan. 16, 2-4pm. Almonte St. leton Place Town Hall, 175 Bridge Street. performers. Brothers Chaffey, Kelly Prescott, Adam Sing along, lead a song, traditional songs Flippin’ Art Night, Jan. 20, 5-8pm. Featured 253-2007, www.mississippimudds.ca/. Book Readings, Jan. 14, 5:30pm. Tish Cohen Puddington & guests. Tickets at Mill St. with choruses such as sea shanties and old artists: Shari Robertson, photographer & Spiritual Cinema Circle, Jan. 23, 2pm. Four reads from The Truth About Delilah Blue, Books. Almonte Civitan Hall, $15 gospel tunes. Info: 482-1437 or david@ Brenda Wright. Free munchies. Ballygiblin’s, short fi lms: Glenn Owen Dodds, Love Me, Paul Seesequasis reads from Tobacco Wars. Halfway Dance, Jan. 8, 7-10:30pm. Hosted shantyman.ca., The Barley Mow, 79 Little 151 Bridge Street, Carleton Place. 257- The Right Friend, The Bling of Being. Myriad $7; proceeds & donations to Perth Food by the Mississippi Squares. All former Bridge Street, Almonte. 2031, www.artscarletonplace.com. Free Centre, 1 Sherbrooke St., Perth. Bank. The Factory Grind, 1 Sherbrooke dancers welcome. Notre Dame Catholic Jack De Keyzer Band, Jan. 21, 22, 7pm. Blues Lanark County Knitting Guild, Jan. 25, Film Night International: Ta m a ra Street, Perth. High School, 157 McKenzie St., Carleton on the Rideau. Proceeds to Rideau Vista 7-9pm. All welcome. Almonte United Drewe, Jan. 27, 7pm. Premier Cinemas, Place. Info: 256-0603, www.mississip- & St. Edwards Elementary Schools. The Church, 106 Elgin St. Guests $3. 11 Main St. W., Smiths Falls. Info: 267-1224, pisquares.ca. $10 in adv; $12 at door Cove Country Inn, 2 Bedford St., West- Arnprior & District Quilters’ Guild, Jan. fi [email protected]. $10 at Kids Fiddle Orchestras, Jan. 9, 2:30pm. Joint port. www.choosetheblues.ca. $55+tx 26, 7-9pm. Garage sale day: quilts, quilting the door, $35 full series, $25 3-fi lm pass On Stage For Kids, Jan. 30, 2pm. Loki’s Big concert featuring Xmas & seasonal music, buffet & show. Reservations req’d. items, material. All welcome. Doors open The Vinyl Café with Stuart McLean, Jan. Dream, presented by Jim Dalling, tells with traditional & Celtic music as well. Wade Foster, Jan. 21, 8pm. Songs From The 6:30pm. Christian Education Centre, 257 28 & 29, 7:30pm. Tickets at box offi ce or of the profound impact special people Maberly Community Hall, 172 Maberly Valley series. Fiddle virtuoso Wade Foster. John St. N., Arnprior. $5 entry or $20/yr 283-0676 or 283-0710. The Station The- have on our lives. Series pass available. Elphin Rd. Info: blueskiespreporchestra@ Tickets at door or from Tickets Please! at membership. atre, 63 Victoria Ave. Smiths Falls. Recommended ages 2-10. Naismith Public gmail.com. $5 adult; children free 39 Foster St, Perth, or 485-6434. Studio 18 www.thehumm.com January 2011 Reiki Share, Jan. 12, 7-9pm. White Swan Healing Space, 96 Mill St., Almonte. $10 donation. JANUARY 2011 Smiths Falls Toastmasters Club, Jan. 12, 19, 26, 7pm. Weekly meetings. Courtyard Friday Saturday Sunday Café, Davidson’s Courtyard, Smiths Falls. Info: [email protected]. Perth’s Got Talent, Jan. 15, 8PM. Studio The- atre, 63 Gore Street East, Perth. Mayan Code Study Group, Jan. 17, 8-10am, Breakfast with Soul, CP Pot luck breakfast; coffee & tea supplied. Country Night New Year’s Bash, The Downstairs Pub 43 Johanna St., Almonte. Info: 256-0216, Magnolia Rhythm Kings, The Royal Oak New Year’s Eve, The Cove [email protected]. Free New Year’s Eve Party, Almonte 31 12Wee Dram Club Single Malt Tastings/ Terry Tufts, Harry McLean’s Pub Dinner, Jan. 20, 6:30pm. Reservations required. 256-2602. JR’s Restaurant, 385 Ottawa Street, Almonte. Almonte Lecture Series, Jan. 21, 7:30pm. Alain Miguelez - Ottawa: a City Grows Up. Almonte United Church, 106 Elgin St. Info: almontelectures.ncf.ca. Free, donations accepted Open House/Free Talk, Jan. 22, 1-3pm. Im- APEX Jazz Band, The Royal Oak proving ADD/ADHD in adults & children. Forty Something, The Downstairs Pub Auditions (Mudds), Carleton Place Open Stage, The Downstairs Pub Carp Ridge EcoWellness Centre, 2386 Halfway Dance, Carleton Place Fiddle Orchestras, Maberly Valley Singles Lunch, Almonte Thomas Dolan Pkwy, Carp. Info: 839-1198, 7 89www.ecowellness.com. Free Relaxation Workshop, Jan. 22, 1-5pm. White Swan Healing Space, 96 Mill St., Almonte. $40 Robbie Burns Celebration, Jan. 23, 2-4:30pm. Pipes, highland dancing, celtic fi ddle tunes & a Scottish songfest. Info: 256-5474. Middleville Community Centre, 4203 Wolf Grove Rd., Lanark. $10/adult, $5/ child (5 & under free) Book Readings, Per th Counterfi t, The Downstairs Pub Traditional Sing, The Barley Mow Pakenham Frost Festival, Jan 25-29. Paken- Whiskey Mike, The Downstairs Pub Selina Martin/Bidiniband, Almonte Magnolia Rhythm Kings, The Royal Oak ham. Info: 624-5926. 14 Perth’s Got Talent15, Per th 16 Breakfast with Soul, Jan. 28, 8-10am, Open discussion, free to all., White Swan Healing Space, 96 Mill St., Almonte. Meditation Day, Jan. 29, 9am-4pm. With Lise Lillian. Call 839-1198 to register. Carp Ridge EcoWellness Centre, 2386 Thomas Dolan Pkwy, Carp. $40 Communities in Bloom public meeting, Jan. 31, 7pm. Info session about Communi- Piano Concert, Almonte ties in Bloom in Mississippi Mills. Almonte Almonte Lecture Series, Almonte Bob Spelled Backwards, McDonalds Corners APEX Jazz Band, The Royal Oak Old Town Hall, 14 Bridge St. Info: 256-1077, Jack De Keyzer Band, The Cove Jack De Keyzer Band, The Cove Robbie Burns Celebration, Middleville www.communitiesinbloom.ca. Open Stage, The Downstairs Pub Open House/Free Talk, Carp Spiritual Cinema Circle, Per th Wade Foster, Per th 21 Relaxation Workshop22, Almonte 23

Brock Zeman, The Downstairs Pub Crime Stoppers Fundraising Dance, Smiths Falls o ensure that Breakfast with Soul, Almonte Magnolia Rhythm Kings, The Royal Oak Kelly Prescott - CD Release, Almonte The Vinyl Café with Stuart McLean, Smiths Falls On Stage For Kids, Almonte Meditation Day, Carp your event makes Whiskey Mike, The Downstairs Pub SRO Tea Dance, Almonte T Small World Project, Neat Coffee Shop 28 The Vinyl Café with29 Stuart McLean, Smiths Falls 30 it onto our February calendar, please email the information to Theatre, 63 Gore Street East, Perth. $20 Kelly Prescott - CD Release, Jan. 29, 8pm. St. James Gate (111 Bridge St., Carleton Ballygiblin’s Restaurant (151 Bridge ea; $50 series (3) Début solo CD release. Special guest An- Place, 257-7530): Live at the Gate Satur- Street, Carleton Place, 253-7400): CP [email protected]

Almonte in Concert, Jan. 22, 8pm. Almonte ders Drerup. Almonte Old Town Hall, 14 days (8:30-10:30pm). Celtic Jam Wednesdays (7:30-10pm), all nd in Concert. James Anagnoson & Leslie Bridge St. $15 from Mill Street Books Jan 8 Brea Lawrenson ages/levels (janiceparton@sympatico. by January 22 . Kinton explores the musical gems of SRO Tea Dance, Jan. 30, 1-4pm. Hosted by Jan 15 Keen as Mustard with Cait ca), no cover. e are also 2-piano repertoire. Almonte Old Town 14-piece big band Standing Room Only. Jan 22 Kerrek Hall. Info: www.almonteinconcert.ca. $27 Almonte Old Town Hall, 14 Bridge St. Info: Jan 20 Jazz Night w/Peter Brown & Lucas accepting Community W adults, $14 students 692-5380, www.sroteadances.org. $12 at Haneman (8:30-11PM) Bob Spelled Backwards, Jan. 22, 8pm. door (cash only) Jan 29 The Cole Experience feat. Old Breakfast with Soul, Dec. 31, 8-10am. listings for the Quirky folk-country-psychedelic-blues The Downstairs Pub at JR’s (385 Ot- Man Martin Open discussion, free to all. Rosenhof band from Tay Valley Township. Tickets tawa St., Almonte, 256-2031) Karaoke The Royal Oak (329 March Rd. Kanata, B&B, 305 Flora St., Carleton Place. Claiming Column from Tickets Please, phone 485-6434, Thursdays, 8pm, no cover; Saturdays live 591-3895): jazz on Sundays (3-6pm), no Valley Singles Lunch, Jan. 9, 12:30-2:30pm. online www.ticketsplease.ca, or at door. music, 9pm. cover. Singles lunch, all welcome. To register, call right through to the 256-8117 or 432-7622. JR’s Restaurant, MERA Schoolhouse, McDonalds Cor- Jan 7, 21 Billy Armstrong, 9PM, no cover Jan 2, 16, 30 Magnolia Rhythm Kings 385 Ottawa Street, Almonte. ners. 268-2376, shakeyacres@hotmail. Jan 8 Forty Something, 9PM, $4 Jan 9, 23 APEX Jazz Band end of 2011. Almonte Coin Club, Jan. 11, 7pm. All com. $10 Jan 14, 28 Whiskey Mike, 9PM, no cover Neat Coffee Shop (1715 Calabogie Rd., welcome. Show and tell. Alliance Coin & Crime Stoppers Fundraising Dance, Jan. Jan 15 Counterfi t, 9PM, $4 Burnstown, 433-3205) Banknote, 88 Mill St., Almonte. 29, 8pm. Featuring the Doherty Brothers Jan 29 Brock Zeman, 9PM, $4 Jan 29 Small World Project, $20, 8pm Band. Tickets at Chamber of Commerce The Barley Mow (79 Little Bridge St., Al- Naismith Pub (411 Ottawa St., Almonte, Women’s Business Group, Jan. 11, 7:30am. offi ce (283-1334), Impressions Printing monte, 256-5669): Open Mike w/Jumpin’ 256-6336): Open Celtic Jam Thursdays, Networking, support & volunteer group. (283-2444) or at door. Royal Canadian Jimmy Leroux Tuesdays (7pm); Terry Tufts no charge (7:30-10pm). Buster’s Bar and Grill, 515 McNeely Dr. Legion, 7 Main St. E., Smiths Falls. Thursdays (8-11pm). Carleton Place. Info: www.wbgroup.ca. January 2011 www.thehumm.com 19 Another Year Over, A New One Just Begun With Film Night Inter- Museum. Finally, a Chiropractic, Robert has already spawned a collabo- national’s late November big thank you to the Rodine . Heritage House Museum and we said thank you to John who made our three Th e new art gal- Spotlight on the Rideau. Expect Lennon for sharing his annual summer festi- lery mentioned last exciting things in the months to artistic gifts and leaving vals, the Canal, Rail- month, Composi- come. a legacy that continues to way and Chocolate tions, is opening of- Environmental stewardship is inspire and challenge us, Festival, Railfest and fi cially to the public at another important component The Smiths Falls Scene year after year, genera- Th e Pickle Festival 47 Main Street with a of this new economy and here, tion after generation. the best ever in each vernissage on Sunday, too, Smiths Falls plans to lead Looking back on the case. February 6. See . step, the town is only the second by Joffre Ducharme berg, to all the other Th e recent increase in Canada, following Cobourg’s worthy entrepreneurs, in artistic activity in lead, to undertake a streetlight for, particularly with respect to too many to mention and around town has renewal project using energy ef- the emerging arts, culture and here, who launched created a growing fi cient induction lighting. When entertainment scene in our com- initiatives in support demand for art sup- completed, early in the new year, munity. I want to take this oppor- of the arts, culture and plies. Amy Blair from the implementation of this new tunity to extend a note of grati- entertainment scene the Gilded Corner in technology will reduce our re- tude to a number of local leaders in Smiths Falls in the Davidson’s Courtyard, lated carbon footprint from 734 who have made 2010 a year to last year or so: thank has heard the call and tonnes per year to an estimated remember. you and best wishes she is revamping her 294 tonnes. First of all, kudos to Pat Smith for continued success picture framing and Well, that’s just a quick snap- for leading an army of volun- in everything you undertake in shire, a local museum professional, art store to include a broad selec- shot of what the new Smiths Falls teers on a ten-year campaign 2011. is hard at work on new programs tion of products and services to will look like in 2011. Stay tuned which culminated in the opening Th e fi nal artistic note of the including educational sessions and meet the needs of artists and ar- to discover the whole picture as of the Station Th eatre , our the- the town council, who made sure Our Smiths Falls Toastmasters In order to harness, support month. atrical pride and joy, last April. that our water tower was repaint- Club is well under way and, start- and promote this emerging ar- Take care and see you at the Many thanks to Susan and Brock ed with our town logo in time for ing January 12, weekly meetings tistic energy, a formal Arts and Falls. Fournier and family for giving us Christmas. What a way to mark will take place on Wednesdays Culture Council has been incor- — Joff re Ducharme is a local pho- Spotlight on the Rideau , which just herald in the new one so full of Our president is local Doctor of agement structure. Th is initiative at . completed its fi rst year of suc- promise. cessful operation. Our apprecia- OK then, what’s in store for tion goes out to Tony Humphrey us as we start the year? Well, our who spent the year putting the new council plans to focus on the Old Age Ain’t Pretty fi nal touches on the welcoming “Creative Economy” as a corner- oasis that is Davidson’s Court- stone of future development for I heard myself say it for the barber shop are kinder. My Youth is a cherished commod- yard. And, we send an apprecia- the community. In that context, the fi rst time yesterday, husband has never mentioned ity, as any senior who wishes he tive note to Michele Baitley who here are a few of the initiatives and I nearly choked on that he comes out of there feeling still had it will tell you. None of has put her heart and soul in cre- already under way. the words: “What do I a tad older than when he went in. us can believe how quickly age ating New Life Photos

michelesnewlifephotos.com>, launch a “Smiths Falls as a Centre Report The Reever I didn’t mean it — I’m sneaks up on all of us of a certain passing a window, we catch our a unique studio/boutique that of Excellence for Photography” not… I don’t think I’ll age. We go to do tasks that last own refl ections, and are stunned opened in December at 14 Win- project, a collaborative eff ort be- ever be… at least in my year were easy and, suddenly, the by the old people we see there. nifred Street. Notes of gratitude tween our Economic Develop- own mind… an old lady. old muscles start to complain We look furtively over our shoul- go out to all concerned for mak- ment Department and interna- Th ere’s a moment in and we have to ease up. We used der expecting to see them behind ing 2010 a banner year for our tionally-recognized professional a lady’s life when her ego to split and stack wood for hours us, but no — we are they! three major museums: Th e Ri- photographer Crombie McNeil. undergoes a complete a day; now two hours is all we Where is that handsome young deau Canal Museum, Th e Rail- Th e Railway Museum of East- by Glenda Jones want to do at a time. We used to couple we thought we were? In way Museum of Eastern On- ern Ontario has just hired a full- haul logs, dig rocks, build trails, our mind’s eye, that’s where. To tario and the Heritage House time program offi cer. Anne Shrop- bashing. Th ere is no more dole- spread topsoil, from morning to the outside world we may be ful sight for one to see than her night, and now the very thought seniors, but to ourselves we are own refl ection in the hairdress- of it makes us want to sit in the as young as ever. How old would er’s mirror. Th ere we sit at the sun and sip tea. It’s a good thing you be if you didn’t know your complete mercy of our hairdress- most of the heavy lifting around birth date? How old would you er, head draped in a wet towel, our own country paradise is want to remain in your mind? For pin-sized above the black cape done, so we can just enjoy it, be- me, I know I wouldn’t want to be of doom. We look like a glorifi ed cause these old bones know how a kid again. Fifty is good: young traffi c cone. Whatever magic she to protest if we’re not careful. enough to remember, old enough performs will defi nitely be an up- We are learning to be prudent to know better. So I’m going to be grade from that refl ection. It’s a when it comes to heavy work. fi fty from here on, except when defi ning moment of truth when We’ll exercise our fi ngers walk- it comes to physical labour, or the years are very telling, and ing through the Yellow Pages to when there’s a discount coming it’s not a pretty story. It’s best to fi nd a competent tradesman be- my way. Th en I’ll take this sixty- close your eyes and rely on the fore we’ll tackle the insanely dif- something title and be mighty talents of your beautician at this fi cult tasks we used to do with glad to see it. point, because she will never let abandon. “You pays in time or Further, I think I’ll stop looking you down, and an hour later you you pays in money,” and I don’t in windows and catching the re- will leave, once again your young have the time or patience to sit fl ection of that old lady. And the self. back and nurse aches and pains next time I’m at the hairdresser I don’t think men endure this when there are perfectly capable I’m going to close my eyes, and mortifi cation at the barber shop. people who can do a fi ne job for say I’m meditating until she is Th ey either have a stronger con- us. Of course, we have to think fi nished and I can see that young stitution when it comes to self- carefully, as money isn’t falling woman in the mirror again. evaluation or else the mirrors in like autumn leaves around here. 20 www.thehumm.com January 2011 That Nice is Really Rice In a past life I taught English in a minute to six I would lean for- torturous contemplation I have Jakarta, a sprawling city of twen- ward like an athlete at the blocks dug deep and decided that I can ty million souls. My schedule was (I’m no athlete), whereupon they let the nasi (rice) cat out of the enviable: rise at 11, go swimming, would all rise from their seats bag for your benefi t. First though, inhale poolside lunch consisting and do likewise. I’d wind them a nasi note: this dish has almost of the world’s best-ever egg-mayo up with a couple of false starts as many variations to it as there sandwiches (still don’t know the which made them groan and me are islands in the Indonesian ar- secret… quail eggs perhaps?), grin, then I’d move one step and chipelago. then teach from 2pm to 9pm, fol- stop, allowing them to bolt past So, here’s how to make Andi’s lowed by sushi. Anything below me on a screaming stampede deluxe version of Indonesian 27 Celsius was cause for concern. across the street to the pasar fried rice, called Nasi Goreng Is- Th e life of Riley? No, the life of malam warungs (night market timewa, which is basically fried Innit Yummyinmytummy. food stalls). Th e best one was rice topped with a fried egg. As one would expect in the run by Andi, and the kids would Basmati does a fi ne job and if world’s most populous Muslim jostle each other, hollering orders you have a rice cooker your life nation, Ramadan was strictly and even off ering him bribes in will be simplifi ed. Rice cookers sambal needs to be fairly runny. puk). You can also shallow-fry observed. One of the main re- the hope of getting served the cost $20… ’nuff said. A wok is Add a few small squirts of soy some tempeh to golden brown quirements of Ramadan is the next portion of Nasi Goreng (aka also a friend. OK, let’s get wok- sauce (low sodium variety rec- and add small 1"x 3" bars of it as adherence to the fast between fried rice) — it was a riot! ing for two. ommended) while you stir; the added garnish. Tempeh, a deli- Wash 250 grams rice (a mug’s soy will begin to caramelize. Now cious, nutritious soy product, can worth), dump it in the rice cook- throw in the rice and stir through be bought in many local health er, and cover with a fat fi nger’s for 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1 to 1½ ta- food stores, as can kecap manis. worth of water. Set it to cook. blespoons of ketchup to balance All other ingredients are avail- Finely chop half a medium on- out the chili (or use kecap manis, able at your local supermarket. ion, 1½ to 2 tablespoons garlic, a sweetened, syrupy soy) and keep Premade onion crisps are sold at a couple of red birds-eye chilies stirring as the rice takes on an or- Bulk Barn — what a fi nd! If it ain’t (leave seeds in) and a generous ange-red hue. Add the bok choy, spicy enough for you, make more teaspoon of freshly chopped which gets steamed in the rice for sambal as an accompaniment or root ginger. Combine the gin- 3 minutes. Taste and add more soy use a bottle of Sriracha chili to set ger, chilies and garlic in a pestle sauce if required. Plate the rice and yourself on fi re. and mortar, and crush together fry up a couple of eggs in the wok Selamat makan dan selamat using a few drops of hot water or a regular non-stick pan. Lay the tahun baru dan sampai jumpa to make a runny paste. I use an eggs over the rice. Garnish with lagi! Translation: see . a lovely, liquidy paste. Th is is the crisps and prawn crackers (kru- — Innit Yummyinmytummy catch a bajaj (above… the fastest, cheapest, unsafest but sambal. If you like, add a twist most fun way to get around a city mired in a permanent of Th ai by throwing in a couple traffi c jam) and get yourself some Nasi Goreng (fried rice) tablespoons of fi nely chopped 9\jkN`j_\j from an outdoor food stall! lemongrass — I won’t tell the fried rice vigilantes. Rinse and ]fiX_\Xck_pXe[_Xggp sun-up and sundown. Now, in an Th e streets were, of course, cut up some bok choy. When educational setting, this fast had chock-a-block with people at your rice cooker pops, taste the a predictable eff ect on the teen- that hour and naturally all the rice and stir it for a minute or E\nP\Xi agers in my early evening classes: other students in the school had more — you’re drying it out a lit- they became exceedingly peckish the same idea; pandemonium tle by letting the steam escape; it around 4pm, positively absent- and hilarity went hand in hand. then fries more evenly. minded by 5pm and goggle-eyed I too would follow them over Turn on the extractor fan. Fire by break time at 6pm, which is the road and observe Andi as he 4 tablespoons vegetable oil on also sunset at that latitude. Th ey cooked the meal which regularly high heat in your wok. Th row in would look at me with pleading feeds a nation of 220 million. It the onion for a minute, reduce (-/M`Zkfi`XJk%#8cdfek\Fe% eyes, willing me to let them go so was always astoundingly deli- heat and add the sambal, stirring -(* ),-$..0. that they could break their fast. cious, almost sinfully cheap and quickly for 20 to 30 seconds to 9p8ggf`ekd\ekFecp nnn%ZXid\c`q\[%ZX One year, we had a class joke: at wonderfully fi lling. After much prevent burning; this is why the Gift Certificates Available

Open House & Free Talk

Sat. January 22, 1–3PM Improving ADD/ADHD in Adults and Children Sat. February 19, 1–3PM Katherine Willow, ND, on Natural Tips for Healthy Sex 2386 Thomas Dolan Pkwy 613–839–1198 www.ecowellness.com January 2011 www.thehumm.com 21 World-class Blues Acts Coming to Perth James Jones is passionate about James, who has a background “Duke is a world class act,” he the blues. He is hoping people in in radio broadcasting and owned adds, “and needs to be presented the Perth area share his passion. a record shop in Cobourg for in a theatre setting. Perth Studio James owns and runs Zapp! eighteen years, has nothing but Th eatre is a great and intimate Productions, a company that high praise for Robillard. spot with a bunch of volunteers produces concerts — mainly “Duke is a monster player,” who are passionate and on the blues shows — in Southwestern he raves, “having done session ball. It seems the community and Ontario. Now James has shifted and road work with Bob Dylan businesses support the theatre his focus to Perth, and will be and Tom Waits. He is a rare gui- and want to see it thrive. Th at is bringing three to four world tarist, an absolute master who essential to putting on a success- class blues acts to town in the knows the blues inside out. He ful show. No lip service,” James new year, beginning in February has dozens of releases under his says enthusiastically, “Perth has when he presents under-the- own name and with his ground- been one of the most supportive radar blues guitar legend Duke breaking band, Roomful of Blues. towns I have worked with.” Robillard at the Perth Studio Because Duke is known in the In the past, Zapp! Produc- Th eatre. business as one of the best, he tions has brought some great Robillard is one of the big- also attracts the best musicians. acts to Ontario venues, includ- gest, most respected names on I have worked with him before ing Johnny Winter, James Cot- James Jones of Zapp! Productions plans to bring a series of top- the blues scene today, having and he always pleases the crowd. ton, Lucky Peterson, and Robert notch blues musicians to Perth, beginning with Duke Robillard played with the likes of Bob Dy- His keyboard player has a great Cray. Down the road in 2011, (above) and his Blues Band on February 25. lan, Tom Waits, Dr. John, Long classic B3 sound and his drum- James is hoping to bring Th e John Baldry and B.B. King (just mer is one of the best. Rarely Good Lovelies — a folks-roots I found out how hard it was on that everybody, from the audi- to name a few). B.B. King called do you get to see such a master and western swing act and win- the road and discovered that ence to the performers, has a Robillard “one of the great play- in such an intimate setting. Th e ners of a 2010 Juno award for the bands were not always be- smile on their face. It is a thrill ers,” while the New York Times Perth show will be an evening of Best Roots & Traditional Album ing looked after as well as they every time,” he adds, “because said he was a “soloist of stun- blues and musicianship of the of the Year — to town, as well as should be, I thought I would every show is diff erent.” ning force and originality.” Ro- highest order. Duke can play it blues acts Smokin’ Joe Rubik and come in and try to do things Th e Duke Robillard Blues billard won the 2010 Blues Mu- smooth, but he still knows how B’Nois King from Texas. right.” Band will take the stage at Perth sic Award for Traditional Blues to get down.” James is a self-confessed blues For James this meant “good Studio Th eatre on February 25 Male Artist of the Year, and was James sees Perth as an ideal junkie, but that’s not the only halls, good sound, appreciative and at 8pm. Tickets are $29.50 for also nominated for Album of the market for the types of blues reason he got into the business full audiences” and, for the musi- this gem of a show, and avail- Year, Band of the Year, and Best acts he works with. of concert promotions. “First,” cians, “clean rooms, good food, a able in Perth at Th e Book- Instrumentalist by Guitar maga- “Perth has what we need,” he he says, “I got tired of travelling home away from home with no worm (267–8773), Th e Book zine. He was also nominated for says, “a cool theatre and hip peo- all over to see bands that I want- surprises and a nice smooth show Nook (267–2350) and Tickets a Grammy in 2010 for Best Tra- ple and no one, as far as I know, ed to see, so I thought… why from start to fi nish.” Please (credit cards welcome, ditional Blues Album for Stomp! bringing in talent like this.” not bring them to me?” Logical Th e most rewarding part of 485–6434). Th e Blues Tonight! thinking. “Th en,” he adds, “once his job, James says, is “seeing — John Pigeau

22 www.thehumm.com January 2011 An Honour Richly Deserved Architect Peter Mansfi eld has “I wanted to hire an architect who Marilee and I bought Dilbert Scott’s had a major impact on the look and could capture the heritage feel in a build- house (built about 1880) three days vibrancy of downtown Almonte ing that had well over one hundred years later. We both loved the natural and, fi ttingly, this February 19 he of successful retail history,” says Gord Pike, beauty and historic setting. will be honoured with the Missis- whose Heritage Court is at the bottom of What do you like about living sippi Mills Cultural Achievement Mill Street. “I wanted it to refl ect a new in Almonte? Award at the Young Awards Gala, beginning in the heart of the old town.” Th e size of the community, the to be held at Almonte & District Gord is enthusiastic about their collabo- proximity to Ottawa, and the won-

Arts Council A La Carte High School. In the opinion of Al- ration and the passion that Peter brings derful mix of multi-generation fam- monte heritage developer, Stephen to his work. “He is very detail oriented, ilies, artists and “high-tech settlers”. Brathwaite, this is an honour that is which is a good thing when renovating Tell me a bit about your family. richly deserved. an old building that often has many con- Th e one thing I like more than struction surprises.” talking about buildings, is bragging by Euphemia Lark Now that the Heritage Court is open about my family. Marilee is wonder- “Th e Th oburn Mill, Th e Flour Mill, and ready for business, you can see for ful — always positive. Over the past 78 Mill Street, many Victoria Woollen yourself the imaginative architectural fea- 18 years, she has taught music to over The Young Awards Gala is delighted Mill interiors, St. Paul’s Anglican Church tures, the most striking of which is a large 600 Almonte area students. Liam to honour architect Peter Mansfi eld manse renovation, and Gord Pike’s Herit- skylight that runs the full length of the (13) and Adam (11) are both young age Court are just a few of Peter’s projects central walkway and illuminates the nine musicians who play piano, drums, with the 2011 Mississippi Mills that have given the downtown a vibrant retail spaces. guitar, clarinet and trumpet. While Cultural Achievement Award new look and feel,” says Stephen. “Peter Jordan Smith and Karen Coleman had a Liam plans to chart unknown parts of has also volunteered for many commu- vision for their ambitious modernist home. Australia in his VW van, Adam has a Like to say anything else? nity projects and has frequently lead ar- “We were drawn to Peter because of his defi nite artistic leaning. Th ank you. Th ank you to my family for chitecture tours in Almonte for Carleton artful skills in blending new and heritage What do you like most about your continuous support, to the community, to University. He and his wife, Marilee, have designs with the landscape, and his willing- work? my colleague Tom Bonhomme (Intern Ar- given time and eff ort to many local initia- ness to tackle an unusual design challenge Seeing something built or, better still, chitect) for elevating my practice to new tives.” collaboratively… Peter’s creativity and pa- rejuvenated. Also, sharing in the enthusi- heights, and to the Young Awards Com- Since the annual MM Cultural Achieve- tience, his willingness to step outside con- asm of various projects with great clients. mittee for this wonderful honour. ment Award was set up to honour a pro- vention and the valuable input of his intern What do you think is your most fessional in the arts who (1) lives or works architect, Tom Bonhomme, have enabled marked characteristic? Gala Tributes in Mississippi Mills, (2) has demonstrated us to bring our vision to life.” I suppose I come across as a rather Please join the community in honouring excellence in his/her fi eld and (3) has con- From happy clients Val Sears and Edith “even keel” sort of person. Based on the Peter at this year’s Young Awards Gala tributed signifi cantly to the community, Cody-Rice: “Not only was Peter a delight fact that most everyone knows a great on Saturday, February 19 at the Almon- Peter is well chosen for the honour. and pleasure to deal with, but the builder deal more than myself, it dictates that I be te & District High School. Generously He received his Bachelor of Technol- and all of the personnel that he recom- a very attentive listener. sponsored by Reliable Heating & Cooling ogy in Architectural Science at Ryerson mended were honest, diligent and charm- What is your idea of perfect happi- , the Gala will in Toronto and his Master of Architecture ing. Peter has a refi ned sense of propor- ness? also feature a tribute to the organization degree at the University of Manitoba. In tionality and, as a result, our home has a Marilee and I recently read an article On Stage For Kids (winners of the 2011 between, he studied Architecture and De- delicious atmosphere that enhances our about retirement. A major goal for many Cultural Volunteerism Award, profi led in sign at the University of Copenhagen in pleasure in living there.” people is to fi nally quit work and start do- the December 2010 issue of theHumm), Denmark and, in 1993, he moved to Al- Here, in Peter’s own words are his re- ing something they really love. I’m already as well as performances by talented local monte where he opened his own private sponses to our questions. retired! (at 47!!) If I knew I could keep eve- artists and musicians of all ages. Tickets practice in 1999. From his newly reno- When and why did you come to Al- rything in my life pretty much “as is” — are $65, and are available from Blackbird vated offi ce building at 122 Bridge Street, monte? that would be happiness. and Foodies Fine Foods in Almonte, Th ree Peter now off ers a full range of contem- I drove out to see Almonte for the fi rst What is your greatest fear? Yellow Tulips in Pakenham, and from porary designs to his clients, including time after work on Th ursday, Decem- Professionally — that Almonte be- . For more details adaptive re-use, commercial, and custom ber 19, 1992. It was dark and I got lost. comes generic. about the Young Awards Foundation, residential. please visit .

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January 2011 www.thehumm.com 23 The Bottom Line: Will They or Won’t They?

Every once in a while a fi lm or a play comes Heidi is clearly excited about the show. along and reminds us not to take life so “Six local guys,” she says, “from ages 17 to seriously. Th e Full Monty is one of those late fi fties, from Perth and area are ready — actually, it’s two of those. Originally a to ‘bare all’ in this show! Th ey are brave, British fi lm in 1997, Th e Full Monty was indeed, to tell the beautiful story of these later adapted into a Broadway musical six men who are laid off from their jobs by famous playwright Terrence McNally. and are struggling to fi nd a sense of ‘mas- Th ankfully for people living in the Val- culinity’ and re-assert their independence ley, Heidi Stepanek and the good people by attempting this money-making, and at Orion Th eatre Company will be staging confi dence-building scheme.” the production in early February. Th e play, which takes the place the fi rst I’ve always liked this story. It’s a com- three weeks of February, will be directed edy, sure, and a very funny one, but it’s by Peter Dixon, with Krista Graham and also a story with a nice little moral, which Lauren Bailey helping out Heidi with ad- is, essentially: don’t worry about what you ditional choreography, while Peter Wood- look like. wark directs the orchestra. Heidi hopes In the musical version, which is set We fi gured chutzpa like this deserved to be on the “back” page for sure… and we’re theatre-goers will enjoy this “funny and in Buff alo, New York, six steelworkers sure you won’t want to miss Orion Theatre Company’s production of exuberant” musical, but cautions that the are down on their luck, low on cash and The Full Monty that opens in early February. play contains some strong language and prospects. What to do, what to do? After some nudity. “Th ough all done in good seeing their wives’ wild enthusiasm for a monty.” Preparing for the show, Jerry and core it’s a smart show about body image taste,” she says, this play is for adults only. touring company of Chippendales’ danc- his friends are anxious and self-conscious — in particular, inverting the traditional Some nudity? When asked if the ac- ers, the six men decided to present a strip — they are steelworkers! — but in doing roles and having the guys fret about theirs tors are prepared to bare “the full monty,” show of their own… but a better one. so they also overcome their anxieties, par- for a change. Above all, it’s about friend- Heidi says, “Come out and see! Will they One of them, Jerry, decides they will ticularly about body image, and they fi nd ship, marriage, and enduring love. Th is is or won’t they?” outdo the Chippendales’ blokes by taking strength in their camaraderie. a hilarious show with great music — up- Tickets can be purchased at Tick- things a little further, so to speak — by bar- While the plot is driven by the men’s beat and jazzy, with the odd tender ballad ets Please at Jo’s Clothes in Perth. For ing all, and going, as Jerry puts it, “the full economic plight and their bare-it-all so- thrown in. more information contact the producers lution, it is also the tale of Heidi Stepanek, musical director and at , call 267–9610, or n the surface it’s a big, fat musical the strength of the women choreographer for the Orion production visit . Perform- Oabout guys getting naked, but at in their lives, including two of Th e Full Monty, explains why they have ances of Th e Full Monty will take place the core it’s a smart show about body wives, an ex-wife, a girl- decided to stage the play in Perth. on February 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 at image — in particular, inverting the friend, and a no-nonsense “We love the music. It is really brassy- 8pm and February 6, 13 at 2pm, and will piano player. On the surface jazzy. And we love the story; it has real be dedicated to the families aff ected by the traditional roles and having the guys fret it’s a big, fat musical about heart, and we think it’s one that everyone closure of the Smiths Falls Hershey plant. about theirs for a change. guys getting naked, but at the can really get excited about!” — John Pigeau

Almonte ^`SaS\bain Concert

Entering a remarkable fourth decade of performances, AKAM Studio Photo: this world-renowned team explores some of the musical gems in the vast range of the two-piano repertoire. AObc`ROg8O\cO`g   &>; /Z[]\bS=ZRB]e\6OZZ "0`WRUSAb`SSb/Z[]\bS BWQYSba/RcZb %AbcRS\b " /dOWZOPZSPg^V]\SOb$ ! #!!!#!]\ZW\SObeeeOZ[]\bSW\Q]\QS`bQO ]`Ob;WZZAb`SSb0]]Ya# ;WZZAb`SSb/Z[]\bS$ ! #$''

24 www.thehumm.com January 2011