thehumm - march 2014

Upload: rob9639

Post on 12-Apr-2018

219 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

  • 7/21/2019 theHumm - March 2014

    1/28

    free

    Love, Deception and Golf

    Mystery of Maple

    Marchs Events

    p.22 & 23

    p.7

    p.14

    p.19

    Giving Harvest

    MARCH

    2014

    The Art of Jacquie Christiani p.3The Art of Jacquie Christiani p.3

  • 7/21/2019 theHumm - March 2014

    2/28

    www.thehumm.com March 20142

    119 Bridge Street, PO Box 1391Almonte ON K0A 1A0Phone: (613) 2565081

    Editor:Kris [email protected]

    Layout and Design:Rob [email protected]

    Advertising/Promotions:Kris Riendeau: (613) [email protected]

    Assistant Editor:Rona [email protected]

    Calendar Submissions:[email protected]

    theHumm is a monthly arts, en-tertainment and ideas newspaperdelivered free to businesses andvisitor attractions in Almonte,Perth, Carleton Place, West-port, Pakenham, Carp, Arnprior,Smiths Falls, Burnstown, WhiteLake, Renfrew, Balderson, and Ot-tawa. Our mandate is to connectand promote people and eventsin the small towns and rural com-munities of the Ottawa Valley where the arts flourish and enter-taining characters run amok!

    SubmissionsBy email or on disk.

    Content Deadline:20thof the month prior to publication

    Advertising Deadline:22ndof the month prior to publication

    Subscriptionscost $35 (includes HS) for one

    year (12 issues). Send a chequewith your name and address to:theHummPO Box 1391Almonte ON K0A 1A0

    Opinions and informationpublished in theHummin letters,press releases, or individual col-umns do not necessarily reflect

    the opinion of this newspaper.All writing, artwork, and pho-

    tographs published in theHummare copyright to the author, or totheHumm in the case where noauthor is specified. Reprintingany content without permission

    violates copyright and is prohib-ited (and despicable!).

    Thanks this month to:Anne Kinsman, for 36 years ofdeep and enduring friendship.She and her wonderful family(parents Lee and Bill, and broth-er Bruce) expanded my horizonsand enhanced my life. I will missher greatly.

    Rea

    ders

    Wri

    te

    Hummble Thought

    Who

    sRea

    ding

    the

    Humm

    An Open Letter to Art Loversin Mississippi Mills

    I am the owner of Hands o Work, a gallery selling antiques,art and books on the Grand River in Elora, home of anotherfamous Ontario mill.

    At one time, I was also the owner of the largest collectionof the work of Doris McCarthy (according to Doris herself ).One of the items that remains in my possession isMill at Al-monte, an oil on panel painted on December 28, 1974.

    From time to time, I offer for sale items from my collec-tion. Im contacting you to discover whether your institutionwould be interested in purchasing this McCarthy oil. If not,

    I would appreciate any suggestions from you as to other local indi-viduals or organizations that might have an interest.

    I knew Doris from the late 1970s until her passing in 2010 at theage of 100. One of the articles in the splendid retrospective volumeof her work published by the McMichael Canadian Collection is byme, as was her obituary in the Upper Canadian antiques publication.

    When I sell a McCarthy, I follow the pricing schedule of Wynick-

    uck Gallery, her primary dealers. By arrangement with Doris andW, I sold her work through my own gallery while she was living, soI feel its only right that I should follow the pricing they establishedbetween them. Terefore, Im asking $17,500 forMill at Almonte.

    Tis oil on panel is the only painting of a scene in Almonte byDoris that I have ever seen (and Im more familiar with her oeuvrethan anyone besides W and Doris herself). But Doris had more of aconnection to Almonte than just painting there. I cant remember thename of the gallery, but she told me years ago that she had someoneshowing her work in Almonte in the 1970s and '80s (as I recall).

    I look forward to hearing from you, via e-mail or telephone(5198465353).

    Ive been in Almonte a few times myself, and remember it asexquisite, with its many magnificent and lovingly preserved stonebuildings, dramatic river, and beautiful homes and gardens. No won-der Doris found it worth painting. Olga Domjan, Hands to Work Gallery, Elora

    It is amazing

    what you can accomplish if you do not care

    who gets the credit.

    Harry S. Truman

    From Sochi with Love(above) Not only Canadian athletes got to go to Sochi last

    month. Almonte-based recording engineer Ken Friesen

    was also there to make sure that everyone sounded their

    best. Many thanks to Ken for bringing theHumm along!

    (below) Back in the fall of 2011, Art Solomonian sent in

    this travel shot. He writes: Lea-Anneand I recently visited

    Scotland and looked up The Call, located in Edinburghs

    Princes Gardens. The Call is the brother statue to The

    Volunteer (located at the Almonte Cenotaph), both of which

    were created by Almontes native son, R. Tait McKenzie.

    This painting by Doris McCarthy, entitledMill at Almonte, is being

    offered for sale by a gallery owner in Elora, Ontario

  • 7/21/2019 theHumm - March 2014

    3/28

    www.thehumm.comMarch 2014 3

    With watercolour and pencil, JacquieChristiani creates circular paintings thatare both meditative and celebratory. For the

    viewer, each scrutiny reveals another layerof meaning, another suggestion of imagesthat can be interpreted in countless ways.

    Each observer wonders if others recognize

    the same forms that he or she does, or whetherthey detect different images within the small, love-ly, intricate representations of Christianis physicaland metaphysical worlds.

    Nature is her primary inspiration. She tells me,Walking in nature awakens a memory or connec-tion that I am inspired to share Colours and im-pressions of nature form in my head as I experiencethe outdoors.

    Her watercolour medium is her companion in-spiration. As the pigments flow with the water ontothe paper, other shapes and images emerge. Jacquieworks with pencil over the dried applications ofwatercolour to highlight the subtleties revealed bythe spontaneity of her fluid process.

    For people who are uncomfortable with or evendislike abstract art, I encourage you to let Chris-tianis gentle, soothing paintings help you expand

    your artistic horizons. With a marvelous colouraesthetic, she offers an alluring invitation to pauseand contemplate the complexity, the uncertaintyand the promise of the universe she creates withineach circle.

    What Goes RoundLike many of the artists theHumm has featuredover the past fourteen years, Christiani experi-mented with different modes of creativity beforediscovering her artistic voice. She always loved

    to paint and draw, and began taking art classes inEdmonton. Her brother Robert is an artist and art

    by Sally Hansen

    Arta

    ndSou

    l

    A R T I S T T R A D I N G C A R D

    T H E H U M MJacquie Christiani Circling in on Creativity

    therapist in Manitoba, helping people rediscovertheir own creative process, and very supportive ofJacquies talents. Interested in exploring the spir-itual and philosophical issues that confront us ashumans, she eventually became intrigued by theimages of the mandalas she encountered in her

    readings.In Hindu and Buddhist art, a mandala is a circu-

    lar design that symbolizes the universe, represent-ing wholeness; a cosmic diagram that reminds usof our relation to the infinite, the world that extendsboth beyond and within our bodies and minds.(See mandalaproject.org.) Swiss psychoanalyst CarlJung is credited with introducing mandalas intomodern Western thought as a symbol representingthe effort to reunify the self.

    For Jacquie, the Jungian claim that creating man-dalas helps stabilize, integrate, and re-order innerlife isnt the only benefit. It transformed her art.Te simple act of freeing herself from the inhibitingrigidity of a rectangular boundary inspired visualimages and led her on a meditative journey of per-sonal, as well as artistic, growth.

    Strictly speaking, Christianis paintings are notmandalas; they are paintings loosely confinedwithin a circular shape. Te other influence that re-shaped her paintings is her love of drumming, andthe wonderful drum designs she has seen.

    Born in Chatham, Ontario, Jacquie grew up ina rural area of Kingston, and then attended theUniversity of Guelph, where she earned a de-gree in Consumer Studies. After graduation shehopped on a train and went to Edmonton with$100 in her pocket. She found a job as a custom-er serv ice representative with AG (now elus),and took full advantage of their in-house trainingto become a computer programmer. She eventu-ally took a job in Ottawa with Stentor, where sheworked in business analysis and system require-ments for twelve years.

    Christiani currently is employed with Canadian Blood Services asa business systems analyst working on Canadas national registry thathelps match people in need of a kidney with living donors. Te Liv-ing Donor Paired Exchange involves pairs of people for example,a husband and wife, or two friends in which one person needs akidney and another wants to donate but isnt a compatible match.Te computer program looks for opportunities to exchange donorswith other incompatible pairs in the registry. Its a truly life-savingprogram whose real heroes are the individuals who donate a kidneywithout asking for one in return healthy adults can remain healthyliving with one kidney. o learn more, go to .

    In her spare time Jacquie takes care of a large tract of land nearPakenham with the help of her three dogs and two cats. A true ani-mal lover, she became a certified ellington ouch Practitioner forCompanion Animals in 2003, and has recently become a Cameli-dynamics Senior Consultant. Te two practices are complementarymethods for raising and training animals. Tey are based on respect-ful touch and movement exercises designed to establish a deeper rap-port between humans and animals through increased understandingand more effective communication. Camelidynamics incorporatesthe ellington ouch principles and techniques, developed byLinda ellington Jones, and applies them to training and handlingllamas and alpacas. For more information, visit and.

    Jacquie offers private and small-group ouch sessions. Based onmy observation of her relationships with her dogs, you might con-sider contacting her if you want to teach your animal(s) more ap-

    propriate behaviours.During the 12thannual Pakenham Maple Run Studio ouronMarch 29 and 30; you can drop in at her home studio (Studio 6 at489 Barr Side Rd.) where she is hosting Joanne Desarmia of Jo BlingCreations and John Chamneys wood-turned creations.

    She is looking forward to participating in the Creativity Blitztaking place at High Lonesome Nature Reserve on Saturday, May 3and 4. Youre invited to discover your own creativity in the naturalbeauty of this 200-acre property protected by the Mississippi Mada-waska Land rust Conservancy . Bring your own sup-plies, musical instruments, poetry book, journal, paints and yourimagination! Jacquies heart-felt advice to all is Let your imaginationsoar, come explore your own creative side!

    We have some great images of Jacquie Christianis beautiful circu-lar paintings on theHumms renewed website , andher contact details are on the back of her Artist rading Card. Havefun exploring the convenient links on our site!

    a different kindof food store

    106 Wilson St. W. Perth, ON

    613.267.5409

    Mon-Thurs 8am-8pmFriday 8am-9pm

    Sat 8am-6pmSun 9am-6pm

    EMPTY BOWLS

    Foodsm

    iths10thA

    nnu

    al

    EM

    PTYB

    OWLSFUNDR

    AISER

    Purchase a locally handcraftedpottery bowl for $20, ll it with

    Red Lentil Curry and helpsupport local sustainable

    food programs in ourcommunity.

    Saturday, April 5th11am - 2pm

  • 7/21/2019 theHumm - March 2014

    4/28

  • 7/21/2019 theHumm - March 2014

    5/28

    www.thehumm.comMarch 2014 5

    www.mississippimills.com

    The Town & Chamber of Commerceof Mississippi Mills present

    The Town & Chamber of Commerceof Mississippi Mills present

    Buy a rain barrel

    This years lovely art wasgenerously donated by

    Sarah Moffat.www.sarahmoffat.com

    The Neighbourhood TomatoCommunity Gardens Project isselling 220 litre rain barrelsfor $55.

    Visit www.rainbarrel.ca/tomatoor contact Deanna at 256-7535.

    The Beautification Committee isselling 3 & 4 year old seedlings:

    Fraser Fir, Colorado BlueSpruce, White Spruce, andEastern White Cedar seedlingsare $3.

    White Pine seedlings are $4.

    Call Bonnie at 2561077 x 21by April 18 to order.

    Buy a little tree

    Visitwww.mississippimills.com/treesfor a catalog of beautiful, nursery-grown trees:flowering, shade, and fruit.

    Order onlineor by calling Kathryn at 256-7886

    Pick up your trees (and rain barrels) onApril 26at the Mississippi Mills municipal office

    Free admission, all welcome

    Q & A with a panel of tree experts

    Mini trade fair with garden and landscapeprofessionals

    Opportunity to buy trees and rain barrels

    A tree talk and forest forumwith tree-note speaker

    Ed LawrenceTuesday, March 18, 79PMAlmonte Old Town Hall

    Buy a big tree

    What could be better than delicious redlentil curry served up in a beautiful, hand-made ceramic bowl? Nothing exceptknowing the cost goes to supporting a

    truly worthwhile cause!Mark Saturday, April 5, on your calen-

    dar and bring your appetite to Foodsmiths10thannual Empty BowlsFundraiser, heldfrom 11 to 2 at the store at 106 Wil-son Street West in Perth.

    Foodsmiths has partnered with EmptyBowls since 2004, holding the fundraiseron-site, and coming up with recipes thathighlight healthy, nutritious food. Withthe generous support of suppliers, and thehelp of the staff, a delicious meal is createdto fill locally-handcrafted and unique ce-ramic bowls, which are set up in the storethroughout the month of March prior tothe event, and can be purchased for $20.All proceeds go to local sustainable foodprograms: Te able Commu-nity Food Centre, YAK YouthCentre, and Food for ToughtBreakfast and Snack programs inLanark County Schools.

    As well, Empty Bowls is the re-cipient of the April BYOB (BringYour Own Bag) a charity bagdonation program developed byFoodsmiths to encourage the re-use of grocery bags and to providea source of funds for charitableorganizations in the community.For every bag a customer re-uses,ten cents goes to Empty Bowlsduring the month of April.

    Tis year will also highlight anew initiative: the Many HandsMeet and Greet. Tis part of theevent is intended to give peoplea behind-the-scenes glimpse ofthe enormous volunteer effortand the many hands that work

    These Bowls AreDefinitely Half-Full10thAnnual Empty Bowls Fundraiser

    together to make Empty Bowls an ongo-ing success. Invitees include Food forTought, Te able Community FoodCentre, YAK, Guatemala Stove Project,

    Joni Seligman, the MERA Potters, the Riv-erguild Potters, and Frontier College, allof whom will be on hand to talk with thepublic about Empty Bowls.

    Te success of Empty Bowls Perth hasundoubtedly been due to the skill and dedi-cation of project founder Jackie Seaton. Helaid a strong foundation for Empty BowlsPerth, and had the foresight to construct atemplate so others could continue his lega-cy. Since his death in October 2013, manysupporters have asked if Empty Bowls willcontinue to be available for purchase inPerth, and Foodsmiths is honoured to helpcarry on the tradition in a community thatstrongly and invariably supports the issuesof hunger in the community.

    MERA potters Rosemary Kotze (front) and Jean

    Dunning shape clay into beautiful bowls that

    will be used for the 10thannual Empty Bowls

    Fundraiser at Foodsmiths

    Te Healthy Living Festival committee ison the lookout for the 2014 Healthy Liv-ing Ambassador, to be honoured at theopening ceremonies of the festival on Sat-

    urday, June 21, in Smiths Falls.Te Ambassador will be the individu-

    al who best promotes a healthy lifestylewithin their community. Last years win-ner, Corey urnbull, was an excellent ex-ample of someone who works diligentlyto promote healthy living concepts in theLanark County region.

    Interested individuals can nominatethemselves or someone else by submittinga maximum of 500 words to the SmithsFalls Downtown Business Association(DBA) outlining the ways in which thecandidate promotes a healthy lifestylewithin their community. Te deadlineis 4 on May 1, and nominations canbe emailed to ormailed/dropped off at the DBA office at

    Healthy Living FestivalSeeks 2014 Ambassador

    77 Beckwith Street North, Smiths Falls,ON, K7A 2B2. Please note on the envelopeAttention: DBA Healthy Living Ambassa-dor. Nominations over the 500-word limit

    will not be considered.his years event will once again fea-

    ture a free, family-friendly, outdoorcelebration of everything concern-ing healthy living, including exercise,healthy foods, vitamins, supplementsand spirituality. Activities at the festivalwill be geared towards providing visitorswith the opportunity to explore varioustypes of healthy living activities in astress-free, fun environment.

    Businesses interested in obtain-ing more information about becominga vendor or obtaining a vendors ap-plication can visit the DBA website at, the festivalwebsite at , or sim-ply email .

  • 7/21/2019 theHumm - March 2014

    6/28

    www.thehumm.com March 20146

    PUB EATERY

    GOLDEN ARROWGOLDEN ARROWGOLDEN ARROWR OR OR O

    71 FOSTER ST., PERTH6132674500

    GOLDENARROWPUB.COM

    [email protected]

    Food & Music

    Greek nightTuesday March 11th

    Authentic Greek food

    Saturday 59Prime Rib Night

    $19.99

    Come for ourSt. Patrick's

    Weekend PartyMar.15-17

    with Music and Prizes

    Sunday Pasta Night

    Monday Martini Night

    Tuesday & FridaySchnitzel Night $9.99

    Wedneday2-for-1 Fish & Chips

    Thursday Rib Night$11.99

    Youll never be able to build that set on our stage.But who have we got to play the lead? It will bealmost impossible to costume that.

    Tese are just some of the countless problems thatmust be addressed when a theatre company decideson its playbill for the season. But Kathie Reid has hadher heart set on directing Te Lion in Winter since

    last year, and this year her wish has been granted.Beginning on April 3, Studio Teatre will under-

    take the challenge of mounting this classic Broad-way drama about Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine,Richard I and his brother John. Te story revolvesaround the English court at Christmas during thetwelfth century, and demands multiple lavish setand costume changes, not to mention seven ac-complished actors.

    Te first thing Kathie did was to round up notthe cast, but an experienced crew who, for thisblockbuster play, are just as crucial a crew thatwas not afraid to take on the challenges it presents.

    Te first challenge: the set.How does one fit nine different scenes portray-

    ing a lavish English court onto the small stage atStudio Teatre? It was one thing to do it on Broad-way, where sets could be changed in a twinklingand budgets allowed for opulent dcor. Commu-nity theatres do not have such resources. But by re-using or redesigning existing set components, andby keeping parts of the set mobile and lightweight,set designer Earl Sonnenburg has created a castlethat can be restructured and redressed in a matterof minutes. Lightweight cardboard rolls becomepillars, moveable sections become adjustable walls,and second-hand stores, junk shops, and atticssupply period dcor. A crew of builders and paint-ers, headed by Bruce Raby, then go to work creat-ing another world on this small stage.

    But while the set is coming together, a backstagecrew is also busy. Costumes are a monumental chal-lenge. Multiple changes are required and each must

    be researched and designed. Patricia Parry, assistedby Marie Amyot, and Julia Egener, have taken on thisassignment, and they hope to borrow many piecesfrom the other larger theatre companies in the areawho have done period plays. Tis of course neces-sitates numerous trips to Ottawa or Kingston.

    Properties, or set dcor, also require careful de-sign and organization, as each candle, each curtain,each picture must contribute to the overall set-ting while being appropriate to the time. And eachroom needs a different dcor that must change

    The Lion Roars atStudio Theatre

    with the scene. Marg Wilkinson, who is propertymanager as well as assisting with costumes, is al-ready considering the problems. Te Act II scenechanges from the bedroom to the cellar will have tobe particularly quick and on the mark! she notes.

    Ten, each scene must have lighting to suit itsmood and intent, and a small theatre company

    does not have the kind of complex lighting systemthat a professional theatre has. As Yogi Sepp, thelighting designer, points out, the lighting designmust attempt to create a variety of different looks,using the limited resources of our small theatre only thirteen lights to play with.

    Once the set is built, the costumes and props aregathered, and the actors take their places on stage,a crew of people must change and redecorate it aswell as assist with costume changes. Says stage man-ager Roberta Peets, the challenge for this show willbe orchestrating the nine set changes so they will besmooth and quick and not distract from the show.We will want to make them part of the entertain-ment in themselves. raffic control backstage maybe an issue with seven cast members and at leastfour stage crew in a relatively confined space.

    And now it is time for the actors.Te Lion in Winter, more than most other plays,

    demands powerful actors, and Kathie has foundthem. Playing the part of the shrewd Henry II, whomust deal with three ambitious sons, is well-knownactor David Bird. As king, he favours younger sonJohn (Lucas ennant), but Janet Rice, who plays thestately Eleanor of Aquitaine, favours the older sonRichard (Scott Duncan). Complicating the situa-tion we have Geoffrey, a middle brother (played byMark Daley), Phillip II, the young king of France(Julian Rice-Laprisse), and Alais, his half-sister(Mary Ann Majoury). Alais is engaged to Richard,but he has little interest in women of any rank. Apowerful cast to portray a powerful family.

    Tis is a must-see play, filled with colour, dra-

    ma and humour. It opens April 3 at 8 and runsApril 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 8, and April 6 and 13at 2. ickets are $20 in advance at Te BookNook (2672350) and $22 at the door or throughickets Please in Perth. Phone or credit card orderscan be made through ickets Please (4856434or ticketsplease.ca). Tere is a student rate of $10(with ID) at the door. For further information, callthe Studio Teatre box office at 2677469 or visit. Joan Sonnenburg

    Pick up theHumm in Almonte at

    baker bobs

  • 7/21/2019 theHumm - March 2014

    7/28

    www.thehumm.comMarch 2014 7

    Its a glorious, balmy, 0 degree daytoday, and outside my window thetrees are bending and swaying being animated and stretched bytodays gusty wind. As I write froma cozy corner in my home, I remem-

    ber that I owe much of my comfortto trees. From them, my house andbarn have been constructed. I alsoowe to them the luxury of retreat-ing from this winters biting cold

    into a warm home which is of courseheated with their bodies. I am grateful fortheir many gifts.

    Another less sacrificial gift that sometrees have to offer will be highlighted thisyear by a new project starting up in Perth.Giving Harvest is a project spearheaded byDonna Silver, who moved to Perth from Ot-tawa only last year. It is inspired by a num-ber of similar projects that have sprung upin North American cities and towns in thelast decade all of which aim to start mak-ing use of the abundant and unharvestedfruit trees in our communities.

    How many times have you come acrossa tree laden with fruit that is dropping tothe ground and rotting, and thought ifonly Id brought a ladder along with me onmy walk today (well maybe even just a

    by Susie Osler

    Flavouro

    fthe

    Mon

    th The Giving Harvestbag). In the era of easy access to cheapfood from far away, we seem to have col-lectively lost the skills, the will, or the inspi-ration, to harvest the free food that literallydrops from the trees in our own area!

    Wild and domesticated fruit trees have

    been harvested for centuries. It is onlyin recent decades that the value we giveto such trees, in private and civiclandscapes, has seemed to focusmore on blossom beauty than onfood value. In fact, today, fallenfruits are often considered simply abig nuisance, as we clean them upfrom yards and sidewalk surfaces.

    Giving Harvest may help tochange some perspectives. Last fall,Donna Silver plugged the idea ofstarting a community orchard atthe Lets alk Resilience gathering(organized by ransition Perth see note about ransition below).Te orchard she envisions, how-ever, is not a neat grid of fruit treesgrowing in tidy rows, but rather thelatent and largely unnoticed fruittrees already present in yards andalong the streets of Perth.

    How it works: people will gather thisspring to walk around town and talk toresidents about the project. If anyone hasa tree in their yard that they would like toadd to the orchard, they will call Donna.

    And so a mapping process begins, of thetrees offered to the community orchard.Te trees involved can be growing eitherin civic or private spaces. Additional treescan be added on an ongoing basis to themap, as individuals present more trees to

    the project, and as new trees are plantedin vacant or other appropriate spaces (like

    schoolyards, or where ash trees once were).Come harvest time the fruit is picked bybrigades of volunteers and divided approximately half to a communityfood centre (perhaps the able, in thiscase), a quarter to the volunteer pick-ers, and a quarter to the owners (if its atree in a backyard, for instance).

    A great advantage for participatingtree owners is that their trees will alsoget a free pruning. Everyone truly wins.

    Its easy to imagine a number ofpositive outcomes and possibilitiesstemming from this initial vision:schools and kids becoming involved,canning and preserving workshops atcommunity kitchens, harvest parties, treeplanting parties, and a heightened publicunderstanding of the merits of fruit treesand the bounty they offer beyond beauty.Workshops at the Perth Farmers Marketand a tree sale in late summer are eventsDonna hopes to organize for this year, inaddition to a map and harvest sessions.For a taste of a similar, already estab-lished project, check out Hidden Harvest an Ottawa-basedproject that has been an inspiration to

    Donna.One of the underlying assumptions of

    the ransition movement is that we can

    choose to act from a position of abun-dance and generosity, rather than dearthand competition; sharing our gifts freelywith each other benefits communitiesrather than individuals. Combining herskills in project start-up and management,

    with her creative vision (shes an artist aswell) and a passion for trees, Donna Sil-

    ver is providing an example of thisphilosophy in action. Over the win-ter, shes developed a plan for gettingthe project off the ground, and she isseeking various kinds of support frominstitutions such as RBC, the able,Perth Community Foundation andthe own of Perth. Tis spring shellbe seeking out people who are eagerto contribute skills, ideas, labour, andspirit to the project.

    Sound like a great idea? Tats be-cause it is! And it sounds like a funand compelling activity to participatein to boot. Want to know more or to

    volunteer? Have a tree in your yardyou would like to add to the orchard?Want to contribute seed moneyfor the project? Contact Donna at to know

    more and also to be added to the GivingHarvest email list.

    Transition TownsFor those unfamiliar with the ransitionown movement ransition ownshave sprung up around the globe in re-cent years, bringing a positive, proactiveapproach to navigating the economicand environmental challenges facing us.Te aim of the ransition movement isto build resilient communities and in-dividuals through positive, locally-ap-propriate, community-driven initiatives.Giving Harvest is one of many of these

    types of initiatives in Perth (check out for information onmore of them).

    The Giving Harvest initiative plans to harvest

    untended fruit and nut trees on private and public

    property, and distribute it to organizations in the

    area that are working towards food security

    One of the underlyingassumptions of theTransition movement isthat we can choose toact from a position ofabundance and generosity

    rather than dearth andcompetition.

    From March 10 to 14, he RailwayMuseum of Eastern Ontario in SmithsFalls will host a March Break Campfor Junior Engineers (ages 46, from9:3011) and Senior Station Mas-ters (ages 711, from 13).

    New for this years March Break,they have expanded theirr program-

    March Break Campat the RMEO

    ming to include four and five-year-olds! Enjoy a week full of themed half-day programs that include activitiesperfectly suited to your childs age.

    he cost per child is $12 per pro-gram per day, or $55 for the week . Formore information or to register, visit or call 2835696.

  • 7/21/2019 theHumm - March 2014

    8/28

    www.thehumm.com March 20148

    Do you remember the 1985 film Back to the Fu-ture? Tats the one where Michael J. Fox playedMarty McFly. I still remember the scene whereMarty and the crazy professor, Doc Brown, haverun out of fuel for their souped-up DeLoreansports-car-turned-time-machine. Teyre stoppedin some suburban neighbourhood in the middle ofthe night and they simply help themselves to gar-bage from someones trashcan at the side of theroad. Garbage into fuel!

    Sure, that was science fiction; but the idea ofturning garbage into fuel stuck with me and witha lot of other people too, I bet. Wouldnt that begreat if we really could turn waste materials intofuel? Well, with the biochar process, we can!

    Biochar is charcoal yes, charcoal thecarbon-rich material made from heating woodor other plant material (biomass) in an oxygen-deprived atmosphere. But to be called biochar, thecharcoal must be produced from waste biomass;and it must be made specifically for mixing intosoil. As a soil additive, biochar offers numerouspotential benefits: it can increase the capacity forthe soil to hold water and nutrients, enhance crop

    yields, and capture/store carbon for the long term(decades to centuries).

    Biochar is also Back to the Past, in the sensethat it is not really a new idea. Before the time ofEuropean contact, the Amazonian Indians had ahighly developed agricultural system that, overtime, created a rich, long-lasting, black soil that isstill in evidence today near the sites of their ancientcities. Tis soil, called terra preta, greatly con-trasted with the surrounding tropical soils of theAmazon basin, which have always been nutrient-poor, due to leaching by the near-constant rainfall.

    Modern methods of making biochar involve aheating process called pyrolysis. By controllingthe temperature of this process, a portion of theenergy in the biomass can be turned into either afuel (as a liquid, a gas, or some of both).

    So, the biochar process can yield four benefits:clean disposal of biomass waste from agriculture and

    forest industries; increased productivity and water-retention properties of soil; decreasing the amountof carbon in the atmosphere by capturing it for longperiods of time; and providing energy as fuel.

    Producing biochar is something that can be doneon a small scale and with only modest financial re-sources, making it a realistic climate action thatcould be undertaken right here in Eastern Ontario by local townships, sawmills, or even by indi-

    vidual farms. Perhaps someday the outdoor wood-burning furnaces that we see in the countryside willbe re-designed to produce biochar as well as heat and with a lot less smoke than the current ones!

    Te excitement of biochar is in the fact that itprovides relatively simple opportunities for anyoneand everyone to get involved in a positive environ-mental action in our own gardens and in our own

    Biochar: Back to the Futurecommunities. It means we each have yet anotherway to contribute and make a genuine differenceto our environment, and we can do it right now without having to wait for governments to agree onwhat we should be doing to address climate change.

    A biochar program would not be much differentfrom the earlier recycling (blue box) programs thathave become so routine that we hardly give thema second thought. Only in this case, people couldparticipate at both ends of the process: taking farm

    or yard waste to the nearest biochar processingplant, and using the biochar output on their farmsor gardens. In short, we would get triple benefits:waste material would be cleared away; a valuableadditive would be produced for our local farms andgardens; and the atmosphere would benefit fromthe carbon that has been locked away in the soil.As a bonus, the processing plant would create localemployment and might even pay for itself with thesynthetic fuel produced.

    Here in Eastern Ontario, we are predominately aforest and farming economy, and thus we have lotsof waste biomass to deal with. urning this stuffinto biochar and renewable energy is a lot moreenvironmentally responsible than just burning itin the open air in fields or backyards. Indeed,open-air burning represents a total loss of a valu-able natural resource a resource that can, at theleast, be composted. Burning is unnecessary eventoday the smoke is disrespectful to neighbours,and the carbon dioxide released simply adds an-other nail to our climate-change coffin. Why wouldwe do this to ourselves, when biochar processingcould make it totally unnecessary?

    Am I talking science fiction, likeBack to the Fu-ture? Dont take it just from me. Several eminentresearchers have written about biochar and havegiven the concept a strong endorsement, includingAl Gore (Our Choice), James Lovelock (Te Van-ishing Face of Gaia) and Chris Goodall (en ech-nologies to Save the Planet); plus Australians Dr.Paul aylor (Te Biochar Revolution) and Dr. imFlannery (Te Weather Makers). In fact, Flannery

    was so bold as to say: Biochar may represent thesingle most important initiative for humanitys en-vironmental and agricultural future.

    Given the need to find more responsible ways forall of us to live on this planet, and considering theabove endorsements for the biochar process, thelocal Green Party Constituency Association (La-nark-Frontenac-Lennox & Addington) is offeringan opportunity for everyone to learn more aboutbiochar. Please join us for our spaghetti dinnerand information evening on Saturday, March 22at Maberly Hall (172 Maberly Elphin Road). Doorsopen at 6. Our speaker will be Lloyd Helferty,President of Biochar Ontario and a member of theAdvisory Committee of the International BiocharInitiative. Submitted by Peter J. Nelson

    Humm BitsInternational Womens DayOn Tursday, March 6, Lanark County Interval House (LCIH) in-vites you to join them in celebrating International Womens Dayat the Rideau Canal Museum (34 Beckwith Street in Smiths Falls).Tey will be showing the filmMade In Dagenham a dramatiza-tion of the 1968 strike at the Ford Dagenham car plant, when femaleworkers walked out in protest against sexual discrimination. Tis is afunny, touching and inspirational story of how ordinary women ad-vanced the cause of womens rights around the world. Refreshmentsand mingling begin at 5:45, with all proceeds from the coffee and

    dessert bar going to support the services of LCIH. Te film startsat 6:15. For information, please contact Brianne at 2573469 x63.

    Why Should We Care about Energy East?Tis proposed ransCanada pipeline will pass through our area,under the Mississippi and Rideau Rivers. Come learn more aboutthe environmental effects, the approvals process, and the pipelinesplace in Canadas future. Rideau Environmental Action League(REAL) is hosting an information session on Wednesday, March 12,at the Smiths Falls Station Teatre. Tree speakers will share theirinsights, and a question period will follow. Doors open at 6:30,there will be videos shown for half an hour, then speakers at 7.Tere is free admission, but donations are welcome. Contact Mar-got at 2694282 or see for further information.

    Pancakes at Union HallEach spring, a Pancake Breakfast is held at Union Hall, in the heartof maple syrup country. Tis year, homemade breakfasts consist-ing of pancakes, sausages or ham, beans or blueberries, and lash-ings of butter and Fortune Farms syrup, will be served from 8until noon on Sunday, March 30. Fruit juice, Equator coffee andtea will also be on hand. Te price for this feast remains $6 (for theregular size) or $8 (for the larger appetite). Gluten-free pancakesare available on request. Be sure to bring family and friends. And

    you know that visitors from the city or from outside the regionnever fail to enjoy rural hospitality.

    Union Hall, located at the corner of Wolf Grove and atlockRoads, 8km west of Almonte, was constructed in 1857 and hasbeen used continuously since that time. Te hall is owned by thecommunity and maintained by volunteers, with support from theown of Mississippi Mills. Te hall can be rented for family orcommunity events, at a very reasonable rate, and even for com-mercial purposes. o enquire about renting the hall, call 2562277.

    Spring B.E.S.T: Bridge Euchre Scrabble TourneySpend a fun Sunday afternoon playing social Bridge, Euchre orScrabble. Come on your own, with a partner, or buy a table for fourso you can choose your competition! Your ticket includes a nice hotlunch of homemade soup or chili, desserts, refreshments, door priz-es and game prizes. Before the game, do some shopping for Eastersurprises for children, hostess gifts and Mothers Day presents.

    Tis fun event is a fundraiser for the Likulezi Community CareProject in Malawi, Africa. It takes place on Sunday, March 30, atthe Almonte United Church Social Hall (106 Elgin Street). Doorsopen noon for lunch, and tournaments start at 1:30. Advancedtickets are $15 (available at Almonte United Church, Baker Bobs,or by calling 2562738), and tickets at the door will be $17.

    AGM at Textile MuseumTe Annual General Meeting of the Mississippi Valley extile Mu-

    seum will take place at the museum on Tursday, March 27, at7. Te MVMs revised By-laws and Statement of Purpose willbe presented for approval. Copies are available at the museum forthose wishing to review them before the meeting.

    Tis years guest speaker will be textile artist Laura Fauqier, whohas recently opened the Lola Dot Studio on Almontes Mill Street.In this new studio and boutique, Laura works at her loom and sellsher woven wares, as well as products from other area artisans.

    Human Library ProjectTe Human Library Project is coming to Lanark County in early May!Be sure to check the April Humm for details about this exciting event,where you check-out a person instead of a book at your local library.Presented by the Libraries of Lanark County in association with theUnited Way Lanark County, each library will host sessions where youwill have the opportunity to Check out a book - Discover a Life! Tereis no cost for this event it is open to everyone!

  • 7/21/2019 theHumm - March 2014

    9/28

    www.thehumm.comMarch 2014 9

    Catching Up Slowing Down withMike NickersonMike Nickerson was last featured in the-Humm in March of 2009, after the releaseof his book Life, Money & Illusion: Livingon Earth as if we want to stay . Te Life inthe title refers to the biological processesby which living things maintain themselvesover time; Money to the current eco-

    nomic ideology that states that as long as

    the volume of money changing hands increases, allwill be well. Illusion refers to the fact that thesetwo perspectives are directly opposed in terms ofhow they would solve current problems, and there-fore one of them must be mistaken.

    Since then, Mike has spent a good deal of timetouring, encouraging people to consider the choicebetween the life approach and the money ap-proach. He finds that interest in the subject mat-ter continues to grow. His plan for the next several

    years is to stay closer to his home in the highlandsof Lanark County, and try to put his vision of howwe might live a generation from now, into practice.In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, he intends to bethe change that he wishes to see in the world.

    In order to give that change a physical hub, oneof Mikes first goals is to build a minimum ener-gy building that will be used as a gathering placewhere people can come and learn more about theprinciples and practices of what he refers to as aneco-village. Tis project is in its early days, and atthis point Mike is interested in hearing from peo-ple who might want to be in on the planning fromthe ground up. As outlined on the ransition Perthwebsite , the Lanark Eco-Vil-lage project ultimately aims to build a domesticecosystem capable of providing its residents witha comfortable dwelling and a perpetual food sup-ply, without an ongoing need for fossil fuels. Te

    settlement will be dedicated to helping others todo the same.Te motivating force behind his book, the Eco-

    Village project, and pretty well everything elseMike engages in, is a desire to move our speciestowards long-term well-being. Fortunately, heis a prolific and clear writer, and if you are at allintrigued by this limited glimpse into his world,I highly recommend checking out his website at. Tere youll find not onlyfood for thought, but also great online resources,including a free eleven-part mini-course entitledShifting Societys Goals.

    From the Ground UpMike encourages a relatively easy (and delicious)way to move towards both sustainability and well-

    being: engage in the local food movement. Weneed to take responsibility for the next genera-tions in their l ifetimes; food supplies might notbe available as they are now, and we need to en-sure that all the nutrients people need are availablefor our children and grandchildren, he explains.Fortunately, locally produced food delivers betternutrition and taste, because it does not have to beoptimized for transportation and shelf life.

    Along with some friends, Mike has been tend-ing a 9000sq.ft. garden for the past two summers.Last year, their planning started to reflect the goalof how they might actually cover their food needsfor the year. Among other approaches, that hasmeant broadening the palates palette of greens toinclude everything from springs nettles and lambs-quarters right through to chard and kale in the latefall. He has also been experimenting with drying

    greens in a solar dryer and adding them to saucesand soups through the winter. When I spoke withhim in January, he was still eating fresh kale directfrom the garden.

    Meeting all or at least more of our own nutri-tional needs this way may seem like an ambitiousgoal, but Mike is optimistic that hyper-local foodproduction could actually become the norm again,as it was a few generations ago. He explains: incold climates, it has long been the custom to buildhomes with a heating system. A home withoutsuch a system would be seen as incomplete. Imsuspecting, as transport fuels become expensive inthe years to come, that a home built without a foodsupply will be considered incomplete. Such domes-tic ecosystems can be built for individual homes,for villages, or perhaps even cities. All would ben-efit from secure local food production.

    Shifting Our GoalsMike is also optimistic that we could have a well-

    fed, comfortably-housed, educated and healthypopulation on ten percent of our current resourceconsumption and waste. In order to do so, how-ever, he understands that we first need to shift so-cietys goals. As its been a while since I read hisbook, he was kind enough to walk me through amini-course on how that could be achieved. First ofall, we need to design and build stuff to be durablerather than to become obsolete. Secondly, we mustreclaim the value that past generations used to allo-cate to durable objects (and as Mike succinctly putsit, if the economy cant handle that, then we needto fix the economy). Finally, we need to learn as asociety to seek satisfaction in living, not in stuff.

    Slow Down and EnjoyMikes tough message seems to be that things on

    planet Earth are getting pretty dire, so were reallygoing to have to learn how to slow down and enjoyourselves. We must take pleasure from experiencesrather than acquisitions, and appreciate activitieslike making music, food and art on our own andtogether in our communities.

    o someone like me, who lives on a dirt roadclose to a small and vibrant community, thatsounds fairly achievable (and heck, kinda fun!). ButI do understand that I am not exactly representa-tive of Canadian society, over 80% of which lives inan urban setting. And in fact Mike is adamant thatintegration with the natural world is key to thissocietal shift. A political shift is also required, giventhat currently the way to get elected is to promisethe inheritance of your grandchildren to your con-stituents today.

    Can we really work to achieve these ambitious-sounding goals?Mike turns the question around and asks: is it proper, now that ourbiggest problems result from our size, to have growth as a goal?

    And Get InvolvedTe best way to tackle this shifting of societal goals is to get togetherwith other enthusiastic folks. If youre interested in the planning

    stages of the Eco-Village project, please contact Mike via his websiteat . If youre more keen on jumping right into the doing stages of working on food system issues, you are en-couraged to connect with Donna Silver of TeGiving Harvest aPerth-based initiative that will be harvesting untended fruit and nuttrees on private and public property, and distributing that harvestto organizations in the area that are working towards food security,with a percentage distributed to the harvesters and the propertyowners. Plans also include selling young fruit trees later in the seasonin order to expand the edible fruits available locally. Volunteers aremost welcome, and can contact Donna at .

    Another way to jump into the local food fray is to explore food-coreLGL a partnership of people and organizations from the food,farming and community sectors in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark. Tegroup includes growers, producers and local governments, as wellas those working in poverty reduction, health, and emergency foodsupply. foodcoreLGL is currently creating a Food Charter as a guidefor action on behalf of individuals, communities, and those involvedin food and farming. For more information about that organization,

    visit .

    by Kris Riendeau

    the

    Humm

    Interv

    iew

  • 7/21/2019 theHumm - March 2014

    10/28

    www.thehumm.com March 201410

    Disclaimer: Please consult your interiordesign, baking and automotive experts

    before heeding any of the following ad-vice. Got a question? Email Miss Write at

    .

    Dear Miss Write,I am a 60-year-old man who has recentlybegun to date again. My question is amI required to clean the inside of my car for

    a date? Its our third get-together. I see my optionsare a) rent a new model car (spic and span), b) havemy car fully detailed (by a friend I hate clean-ing cars), c) ask my date to please not look in thebackseat (and only clean the front seat), or d) onlydate blind women. Please help (my date is tomor-row night). Backseat Bill

    Dear Bill,I fear you will not receive this in time for yourdate, but Ill hope that it went well in spite of

    your slobbish tendencies, and that youl l put thisadvice into play for date number four. You haveto clean your car. If this woman sees your vehicleis a sty, shes going to assume your home is prob-ably the same (it is, isnt it?) and your chancesof her ever selecting youas a cohabitant will bediminished. Unless youre really, really special.And even then. Aint nobody special enough toconvince me to clean up after them until deathdo us part. hats my advice. Clean your car. Fail-ing that, a, b and d are your only options, friend.Every smart girl checks the backseat. Especiallywhen asked not to.

    by Emily Arbour

    Funny

    You

    Shou

    ldWri

    te

    Maple Shoppe & RestaurantNow Open Daily 9AM4PM

    until April 21Every Weekend and

    all March Break (March 716), 10AM2PM:Horse drawn sleigh rides, face painting,

    and snow taffyCampfire Fun, 10AM2PM: March 2, 9, 16 &23

    Maple Run Studio Tour: March 29 &30Seniors Music: April 1, 2 &8

    Bring your skis and snowshoes!

    www.fultons.ca [email protected] 6132563867

    A Sure Sign of Spring

    Backseat Bill and theCase of the Mysterious Ingredient

    Dear Miss Write,Valley Design Co. is an independent paint storein a big box neighbourhood. Although many pre-fer the department store shopping experience, ourcustomers come to us for knowledge and advice.We provide two experienced staff on the floor at all

    times, hence our level of service is valuable. A cus-tomer was overheard at a local paint counter (bigbox retailer) saying to a lady who was having colourissues: You should do what I do. I went to ValleyDesign Company to get help choosing my colours,tiles, and counter. Ten I came here. Any sugges-tions? Tis practice is becoming a problem. Paul Sorfleet

    Dear Paul,I feel you, friend. If I overhear one more personutter the words I could make that in my shop Imight blow a blood vessel in my left temple. Imreading a really great book right now called TeBook of Business Awesomeby Scott Stratten. Oneof the very first points Stratten makes is about howmuch more important it is for businesses to focuson customer retention than on customer acquisi-tion. When we nurture the existing relationshipswe have (a bird in the hand and all that), we gainclient loyalty, we open ourselves up to word ofmouth (best advertising ever!), and we attract newclients (we make more money).

    I think the answer here is education. You needto (constantly) remind your customers whatmakes shopping at VDC a valuable experience.Im going to go ahead and take a wild guess that,as a smaller business, customer service is one of

    your biggest added values. In fact, I know it is.So how do we communicate that your service is

    valuable in a way that might justify a marginallyhigher price point? Im not sure what your cur-

    rent incentive programs are, but I can think of a few ideas off thetop that might keep business in-house. Do you have a good referralprogram for example? Do you offer painting workshops, or provideclients with tips and tricks to doing the job right? I know that youkeep a history of paint colours for every client so that twenty yearsfrom now when they need a touch-up of the same colour, youre

    able to call it up for them. Tats awesome. Do you tell people youdo that? If I were you, Id sit down with my bad self and make a listof all those little things Im already doing that make me different/better/more awesome than the big box shops. Im sure its quite alist. Lets blow it up and let people know about it. (Maybe even innext months Humm ad).

    Dear Miss Write,Whats with all the weird recipes circulating right now? Does some-one make money for calling cake mix or pudding an ingredient? Baffled Baker

    Dear BB,I would say your hunch is right on the money. Social Media Market-ing is a real profession these days. Duncan Hines, Jello and the likeare most definitely tracking your online searches and targeting you asa potential customer. If you Googled easy dessert recipes (or some-thing along those lines) or liked a recipe on Facebook at any pointin your online history, there is an excellent chance that your informa-tion got added to a database. Tree years ago when I had my son, Ifound myself searching things like how to get my baby to sleep andbest diapers for boys and I am forever being creeped right out byhow they seem to know exactly what I need for each age and stage.Just this week I got an email coupon for Pull Ups. I nearly poopedmy pants.

    Emily Arbour is a freelance writer, mother, and shop owner who livesand works in Almonte. By no means is she an expert in anything buthaving an opinion and making things up. You can go ahead and takeher advice, but youd probably do just as well asking Bill how to getcoffee out of the cup holder in his console. Only difference is he doesnthave a column in this fine publication.

  • 7/21/2019 theHumm - March 2014

    11/28

    www.thehumm.comMarch 2014 11

    Near the end of a long cold win-ter like this past one, people (andpuppets) sure do find themselvesbeech-ing about the weather andpine-ing for spring. Well, the ownand Chamber of Commerce ofMississippi Mills are partnering up

    to organize Branching Out aree alkand Forest Forum, featuring our very ownEd Lawrenceas tree-note speaker!

    On uesday, March 18, come on outto the Almonte Old own Hall at 7to find out all you need to know aboutplanting new trees and tending to exist-ing ones. Want to know what species willbest suit your space, how to dig safely on

    your property, or how to prune and carefor your foliage? Youll hear from Ed, andthen have a chance to ask questions of apanel of arboreal experts.

    Ready to jump in and buy a tree? TeChamber will be there with access to theirtree sale site, where youll find a wide va-riety of large (6'-8') fruit, shade and flowertrees. Want to plant a whole lot of smallertrees? Te owns Beautification Commit-tee will have several species of seedlings forsale. Looking for an environmentally soundway to keep your trees and garden watered?Te Neighbourhood omato CommunityGardens Project will also be there, selling220-litre rain barrels for only $55.

    by Miss Mills, Puppet Reporter

    Mississ

    ipp

    iMilling

    Pine-ing for Tree Planting Time?Ed Lawrence is Tree-note Speaker at Tree Talk and Forest Forum on March 18

    And if youre still looking for other waysto spruce up your property for spring,

    youre in luck! Te Branching Out eventwill also feature a mini trade fair with infor-mation and displays from local landscapers,horticulturists and garden services. Best ofall, the event is free of charge, so mark yourcalendar for March 18!

    If you are unable to make that date, youcan purchase large trees from the Chamberby visiting or calling Kathryn at 2567886 untilApril 24. Call Bonnie at 2561077 x21by April 18 to order seedlings, and visit or call Deannaat 2567535 to place your order for rainbarrels. All trees and barrels will be avail-able for pick-up from the Mississippi Millsmunicipal office on Saturday, April 26. Formore information about Branching Out(or to reserve a spot at the trade showif you are a garden-related business inMississippi Mills), please call Bonnie at2561077 x21.

    More About MapleAs March is the height of maple seasonin Lanark County, the month wouldnt becomplete without a visit to one of our localsugar bushes. In Mississippi Mills, FortuneFarms is open from105 daily with walking trails, both mod-ern and traditional syrup-making tech-niques, taffy-on-the-snow, and appearanc-es by Te Kettle Boys and Te Shanty Men.

    Fultons Pancake House is also open daily,from 94 throughout the sea-son, offering fun outdoor activ-ities for all ages. New at Fultonsthis year are campfire visitsfrom Chad Clifford of Blue-berry Mountain. Chad brings

    a wealth of wilderness knowl-edge (bushcrafting and sur-

    vival skills, animal tracking andmore!), and will be demonstrat-ing sap boiling around the firein a cast pot, birchbark craft,primitive fire starting, and theshaving horse (a combinationof vice and workbench with afoot-operated clamp). Chadwill be on-site on March 2, 9,16 and 23 from 10-2.

    Upcoming EventsHere are a few things com-ing up later in the spring that you wontwant to miss. On March 22, try out somedelicious soup made by local chefs at theannual Soup for Toughtfundraiser forthe Mississippi Valley extile Museum.Sittings are at 11:30 and 1:30 at theMuseum, and the $20 admission lets youkeep your beautiful handmade bowl (gen-erously donated by the Almonte PottersGuild). Te event will also include a won-derful silent auction. For information, visit or call 2563754.

    Ten on April 46, you canhelp give your home a new leaseon life by attending the Paken-ham Home Show. With over60 exhibitors, youre sure tofind that special something or someone for your home,cottage or garden needs. As

    always, music features promi-nently, so plan to add in an Olyme Round and Square Danceon Friday, or catch the DouglasConnection on Saturday andSunday. For more information,call 2561077.

    Last but not least, Saturday,May 10, is the date of this yearsYoung Awards Foundation

    Gala the fabulous annualevent that raises funds for dy-namic arts initiatives in theschools of Mississippi Mills.But you need to remember the

    date of April 15 as well, because thats thedeadline for buying your early bird tickets($75 each or $600 for a table of eight). Af-ter that, tickets are $85 each (and tables areno longer available). Since 2010, the Foun-dation has awarded over $50,000 to localschools, and this is your chance to helpcontribute to next years projects! icketsare available online at ,by emailing , orfrom Foodies Fine Foods or Mill StreetBooks in Almonte.

    Tree art by Sarah Moffat

  • 7/21/2019 theHumm - March 2014

    12/28

    www.thehumm.com March 201412

    A what?! A Death Caf is not somuch a place but rather an event.Participants gather over cake andbeverages and have a conversa-tion about death with an amaz-ing quality of dialogue.

    Te first Death Caf was of-fered by Jon Underwood in2011 in the UK. Since then, theconcept has spread throughoutEurope, the USA, Australia andCanada, with over 562 being heldsince its inception. Underwoodbased his model on the work ofBernard Crettaz, a Swiss sociolo-gist who maintains that talkingabout death leads to authenticity.

    And how does the Death Cafunfold? Well, after being wel-

    A Valley Death Cafcomed by the host, the groupitself leads the discussion withparticipants bringing their owninsights, ponderings and pointsof view. Some may come withan experience of death that hasimpacted their views; others maywant to discuss how death hastaught them to live. Participantsare asked to treat each personsinput with respect and confiden-tiality. Tis is not a debate forumbut a place of respectful shar-ing where people are welcometo discuss the topics they wish.For example, some discussionshave considered living memo-rials, green funerals, planning

    your funeral, bucket lists, what

    happens after death, and more.Underwood says: When peoplesit down to talk about death, thepretense kind of falls away, andpeople talk very openly and au-thentically, and they say things infront of strangers which are re-ally profound and beautiful

    A study by the charity DyingMatters found that more thanseventy percent of us are uncom-fortable talking about death, andthat less than a third of us havespoken to family members aboutthis. Underwood explains: We

    just want to create an environ-ment where talking about deathis natural and comfortable.

    It is important to note that aDeath Caf is not a bereavement/grief support resource. Tere isalso nothing being sold and noparticular philosophy or religionbeing promoted. Tis is non-de-nominational and non-profit.

    Te Valley Death Caf will be

    held on Sunday, March 23, from24 at the Brunton Commu-nity Hall, Blacks Corners, at thecorner of 9th Line and Hwy 15,

    just south of Carleton Place. PattiKoeslag, a Life-Cycle Celebrant,will be hosting the event. Tere isno cost (a small donation towardsminimal expenses is appreci-ated). Visit toregister or call Patti at 2533099.Check out the Valleys first Death Caf on March 23

    Lovers of both Shakespeare andthe Stratford Festival will wel-come Professor Ian Cameronsreturn to the Learning in Al-monteprogram. Tis spring, hewill focus on plays to be present-ed in Stratford in the 2014 sea-son. In his six-lecture series, hewill discussKing Lear,King John,A Midsummer Nights Dream

    and Antony and Cleopatra one play each week. In addition,

    Stratfords Shakespearehe will analyse two further Strat-ford plays: Noel Cowards HayFeverand BrechtsMother Cour-age and Her Children.

    Tis non-credit course will takeplace on Tursdays from 1:303:30, starting on March 27,and will be held in the AlmonteLibrary classroom. Te cost willbe $75 per person for the entire

    course, which includes thought-provoking discussions but no ex-

    ams. Registration is by email to.

    Dr. Ian Cameron has beena Professor in the English De-partment at Carleton Universitysince 1967. He has been primar-ily interested in Shakespeare andother playwrights of that time.He has given several Learning inAlmonte courses involving other

    Shakespeare plays.

    www.oak-lilac.com

    organic mobile spa

    Oak + Lilac

    613-479-0307

    silentvalleyalpaca.ca

    [email protected]

    Alpaca 101March 29, 2014

    Check our websiteevents for details

    Heritage Courtis an amazing groupof 7 retail storesunder one roof in

    Downtown Almonte. Effective April 1st, 1200 squarefeet of store front space will be available for asuccessful retail business.

    FOR LEASE

    For additional information please contact Gord Pikeat 613-720-0456.

    PurposefulLifeHolistic Wellness CoachMetaphysical TeacherBio-Feedback Pain Release

    Rev. Judith Gilchrist, RN, M.Mscwww.purposeful-life.com | 613.461.1004

    ...and more!

    Like theHumm on

    facebook!

  • 7/21/2019 theHumm - March 2014

    13/28

  • 7/21/2019 theHumm - March 2014

    14/28

    www.thehumm.com March 201414

    It was a dark and stormy night. Te clouds hadbeen building in the west during the afternoon andfinally the rain arrived at dusk, along with a lightfog; altogether a very unpleasant evening. And thesap was running. Hard! After all my years of tap-ping trees and making syrup, I am still surprised bythings that happen in the sugar bush. Evidently thelow atmospheric pressure accompanying the stormhad stimulated the sap to flow.

    Tere is considerable pressure inside the tree

    in the spring, which forces the sap to the tips ofbranches and, of course, to drip out of any breakin the bark, such as a tap hole. Just why the rainyevening with a temperature just above zero Celsiustriggered a sap flow is a bit of a mystery. If the rainy,foggy weather continues, the sap can run nonstopfor twenty-four hours or more.

    Usually a cold night is needed to create a vacu-um in the tree, to pull fresh sap from the roots. Tesun the next day warms the tree, creating a pres-sure inside the tree that forces the sap to flow outof the tap hole. Whatever the situation, the syrupmaker must be ready even if it means workingall night to keep up with the sap, it must be done.

    Tere are advantages to stormy, cool weather:the sap stays fresh, the evaporator boils well dueto the low pressure, and the syrup is usually of ex-cellent quality. Te disadvantage is that gatheringthe sap from the buckets can be a very wet experi-ence. Also, when the humidity is so high, the steambuilds up in the sugar shack and condenses onmetal surfaces. Sometimes, if there is a metal roof,it starts to drip, making it very uncomfortable forthe syrup maker. With modern tubing systems andsteam hoods on evaporators, these are no longerproblems. Provided that you are not exhaustedfrom working all day ahead of time, making syruplate at night is an enjoyable experience. Te usualhustle and bustle at the sugar house is stilled andits just you, the evaporator, and the golden syrupflowing from the pan.

    We are often asked about the different coloursand flavours of syrup. Te flavour is due in part to

    the composition of the soil in the sugar bush. Rockysandy soils, such as those found in Lanark County,seem to produce a particularly good maple flavour.Te colour in syrup is produced during the boilingprocess. Early in the season, the sugar in the sap

    The Mystery of Mapleis nearly all sucrose. As the season progresses andthe weather warms, the percentages of glucose andfructose increase. Sucrose and glucose are stable atthe boiling point of syrup, but fructose is unstableat this temperature, and some will turn to caramel.Tis gives syrup its amber colour and adds to theflavour. Late season sap has more fructose, so thesyrup is darker, and has a stronger flavour, whichsome people prefer. Fortunately, its not necessaryto know all of this science to make maple syrup.

    Te process is forgiving and self-regulating, somost syrup even that made in backyard systems is very good.

    Every year in the sugar bush is different. Lastyear was an excellent year for syrup-making, possi-bly due to the dry summer of 2012. Tis past sum-mer we had ample moisture, which was good forthe trees. Only time will tell about the quality andquantity of this springs syrup. If we removed all themystery from making maple syrup, it would still bedone, but would not be nearly so rewarding. Ray Fortune, Fortune Farms

    Maple syrup is a luscious treat;Natures gift of nectar sweet.

    Its a lot of work to boil it downAnd make your syrup

    of golden brown.

    When serving iton bread or cakes,

    Youll not regretthe time it takes!

    presents

    TheLioninWinter

    A medieval tale with more plots and

    schemes than The Borgias!

    April 3, 4, 5, 11, 12 at 8:00 pm and

    April 6 and 13 at 2:00 pm

    See our article this edition or visit

    www.studiotheatreperth.com for details

    Hey kids are you looking for something fun to do on your MarchBreak? Why not bring your parents, grandparents, aunts and unclesout for an afternoon adventure? Te Rideau rail Association is or-ganizing a family hike at the Perth Wildlife Reserveon Saturday,March 15, at 1. Well explore the trails and end up with hot choco-late and cookies in the cabin.

    Te pace will be slow and the 3km route will be appropriate forchildren of most age groups. Please leave your four-legged friendsat home though, as dogs are not permitted in the Reserve. Te walkwill go ahead, rain, snow or sunshine, so please wear appropriatefootwear and protective clothing. You may also want to bring somedrinking water and a snack.

    Te Perth Wildlife Reserve, part of the ay Valley Marsh, is lo-cated at 100 Wildlife Road, just east of the juncture of Wildlife Roadand Rideau Ferry Road. Tere is no cost for the walk, but there will

    be a parking fee of $6 per vehicle.Hope to see you out and exploring nature with some experiencedhikers. For additional information, please contact Dorothy Hudsonat 2830332.

    Whoos Coming

    on the Hike?

    Photo by Howard Robinson

  • 7/21/2019 theHumm - March 2014

    15/28

    www.thehumm.comMarch 2014 15

    14mill street . almonte . 613-461-2737

    millstreetcrepecompany.com

    Mill Street Crepe Company

    Homemade From ScratchIt doesnt cost more, it just tastes better.

    Executive Chef Charlene and the Crepe Company staff pridethemselves on using the freshest ingredients to create all

    their dishes. Naturally all crepes, soups andsalads are prepared daily and made with love.

    And of course our desserts are no exception!

    Saturday Dinner SpecialMussels are only $12 when you order them

    for dinner on Saturdays throughout March.LUNCH Weekdays at 11am Weekends at 10am

    DINNER Thurs, Fri & Sat 5pm to close

    find our menu online join us on facebook

    presents

    GalaThe 2014

    Young AwardsFoundation

    FUNDRAISER

    Saturday, May 10, 6PMNLAS Agricultural Hall

    Almonte

    Money raised funds dynamic arts initiativesin the schools of Mississippi Mills.

    Tickets:$75 before April 15($85 after that date)

    www.youngawards.ca

    Available online or at:

    or email [email protected]

    Foodies Fine Foods34 Mill St. , Almonte

    6132566500

    Mill Street Books52 Mill St., Almonte

    6132569090

    It is almost spring, and in this part of theworld our thoughts turn to sweet thingslike maple syrup, canoodling, and music.Folkus will close out a sweet season onMarch 22 with Winnipegs own SweetAlibi and Ottawas Dusty Drifters. Regularpatrons know that there are two things theAlmonte Old own Hall loves strings

    and vocal harmonies and this time wellhave a little of each, sweet as maple syrup.

    Tere must something special in thewater in Winnipeg or maybe its thoselong winters but the bands from thistown are always really tight. Sweet Alibi,who graced the Cedar Hill Schoolhousethis past August, are no exception. Anall-female trio, they are Jess Rae Ayre,Michelle Anderson and Amber Quesnel.Te ladies share songwriting and arrang-ing duties and their tastes are diverse,ranging from old-school R&B to Appala-chian crooners; they have added a soul-ful pop overlay with their most recentalbum, entitled Weve Got to. Regard-less of genre, throughout their work, thefundamentals of great singing, harmonyand songwriting remain key. Te bandhas been getting plenty of airplay onCBC Radio, charting nationally withtheir singleIll Wait. We were luckythey caught the ear of our artistic di-rector, Amanda Sears, on their wayup, because were sure theyre on tobigger things.

    Te Dusty Drifters are wellknown throughout the Ottawa Val-ley, and have anchored many anevening of bluegrass. A five-pieceband featuring Paul Roberto on gui-tar, Gilles Leclerc on mandolin, JohnSteele on banjo, Stuart Rutherford

    on dobro, and Michael Ball on fid-dle, they bring a full, warm sound tothe stage. Tey are guys who like toplay fast; they say their music is goodfor campouts, swimming holes, fes-tivals, and late late nights. Teir tightplaying and sweet harmonies aresure to set you humming.

    Sweet As Maple SyrupSweet Alibi & Dusty Drifters at Folkus

    Sweet Alibi (above) share a double bill at the

    Folkus concert on March 22

    Call for SubmissionsFolkus wants to hear from you! We dotry to bring you the next big thing, butsometimes you know it before we do.We want to bring in the talent youre dy-ing to share with the rest of us. If yourbrothers sister-in-laws cousin has thebest band ever, wed like to know about

    it. Well be passing out a paper survey atthe next show, and will also provide a linkat .

    Folkus concerts are a rare chance to seebands up close and hear them as theyremeant to be heard. All shows are on Sat-urday evenings at the Almonte Old ownHall. Show time is 8; doors open at 7:30.You can get your tickets online or at MillStreet Books in Almonte and CompactMusic in the Glebe. Individual concerttickets are $30 per show ($15 for students).But our February show sold out the weekbefore there are no guarantees the dayof the show so get your tickets early!icket updates are posted to our Facebookpage andtwitter feed . Sandy Irvin

    Te Heritage House Museum in SmithsFalls is offering a week full of fun half-dayworkshops for kids over the March Break.

    On Monday, March 10, at Once in aMinion, kids aged 612 will craft their

    very own Minions to take home with

    them, and will be invited to laugh theafternoon away with a special screeningof the movieDespicable Me! On uesdayafternoon, participants can take part inan interactive Family ree Workshopwith local historian and author JenniferDeBruin. All ages are welcome to par-ticipate, and parents or guardians are en-couraged to work with their kids in thisfamily-friendly event. Information on theLanark County Genealogical Society willalso be available!

    Members of the Smiths Falls Curlingand Squash Club will make a special ap-pearance on Wednesday morning for Itsin the House! a Little Rocks curlingworkshop. Participants will get a specialtour of the Museums new curling exhib-

    March Into the Museumit, learn the history of curling, and maketheir very own curling souvenirs to takehome. Tey will even get swept off theirsheets next door at the Smiths Falls Curl-ing and Squash Club with the chance totry curling themselves!

    On Tursday, Set the Bar for HealthyLiving with Jan urner from Yoga ForBalance. Jan will lead all ages in a healthyfun-filled afternoon with an introduc-tion to yoga, homemade soap, lotion andbath-bomb making. Each participant willtake home their own homemade items!Back by popular demand, the lovely ladiesof ammys Nails will be stopping by onFriday for Nail Art Salon an afternoonof fun and fabulous nail polishing tech-niques. Bring out your inner artistic divawith the many fun nail designs!

    For more information and prices or toregister for any of these programs, pleasecall 2836311. Heritage House Museumis located at 11 Old Slys Road in SmithsFalls.

  • 7/21/2019 theHumm - March 2014

    16/28

    www.thehumm.com March 201416

    in partnership with

    presents

    March 29

    Paper Puppet Animationwith Amanda HomeniukFor parent and child team(children ages 7 12)

    April 26Make a Puppet Showin a Daywith Rag & Bone Puppet TheatreFor kids 6 11

    June 7

    Performing Puppetsfor TV or Youtubewith Trish LeeperFor adults class limited to 10June 22

    Big Creatures for Paradeswith Adam Zimmerman (aka Zip-E)For parent and child teamclass limited to 7 teams of 2

    July 12Sculpey Rod Puppetswith Jeff BanksFor kids 6 -12 class limited to 12

    July 19Funny Foam Puppetsfor Kidswith Jeff Banks & Noreen YoungFor kids over 8limited to 15 in class

    July 19 & 20Making PatternedFoam Puppetswith Vicki Veenstra(at Vicki's studio near Pakenham)For adults class limited to 8

    May 3 & 4Simple Marionettes - part 1May 10 & 11

    Simple Marionettes - part 2with Noreen YoungFor adults class limited to 10

    in the JB Arts studio at 64 Mills St. in Almonteto register call 613-220-3005

    or visit bookwhen.com/jbarts

    Puppet Workshopsfor adults and kids8

    Learn from outstanding and talented artistswho have come together to offer

    these special workshops.

    by John Pigeau

    Postcards

    from

    Pert

    h

    With the winter Olympics playedout, the February Blues a pud-dle in the rear-view, and a sun-shiny spring tantalizingly on thehorizon, welcome to the musicalmonth of March. o quote TeCable Guys Chip Douglas: Itsgonna be a good one!

    One thing Perthites do well iscelebrate their own. Tey will do

    that in fine fashion on March 2,when old-soul, country croon-er Henry Norwood plays the

    Perth Restaurant. Henry, who is now 15,was a quarter-finalist in last years CBCSearchlight Contest and a semi-finalist inthe prestigious International Songwrit-ing Competition out of Nashville for hissong Another Bottle Another Day. Tisimmensely talented young country sing-er-songwriter will be performing withCBC Search Contest winners ShermanDowney and the Ambiguous Case.Tey played the Stewart Park Festival acouple of years ago and were a big hit,Henry writes of his set-mates on his Face-book artists page. Tese guys are a greatNewfoundland folk/pop/Celtic mix that isa lot of fun to listen to Come on out andget your Newf on.

    Doors open at 2:15 and the show startsat 3, but I am going to highly recom-mend you get there early and enjoy a sliceof IMO, as the kids text Perths most

    A Musical Month of Marchdelicious pizza. Tis is an all-ages eventtoo, so bring the whole family. For tickets(only $20) and more information, contactSue ennant at 2677902.

    Just down the street, two nights later,you can catch Sean and Miriam Keyesat OReillys Ale House. Tis Perth duo isa treat to hear. I am fearlessly predicting apacked house for these local favourites, sodo yourself a favour and get there early, get

    a good seat, grab a cold pint and an orderof IMO Perths tastiest potato skins.

    Carleton Places Brea Lawrenson, an-other tremendously talented country sing-er/songwriter, takes the stage at OReillysthe following uesday (March 4). Tisshow is not to be missed. Breas musicaltravels have taken her far and wide across Canada, to the UK, with frequentstops in Nashville to write and record.Shes worked with some of the best inthe business too, including Te FamilyBrowns Barry Brown, Juno award-winnerKeith Glass of Prairie Oyster, and world-class producer Stu Epps (Elton John, LedZeppelin).

    Brea is currently at work on her firstfull-length album, which will be pro-duced and recorded in Nashville. wosongs from that CD Honey andWithYou Whiskey are now in rotation onmany country radio stations in Canadaand overseas. Brea has also thoughtfullydedicated the video of her songIf Im NotHere omorrow (you can see it on You-ube) to all military men and women. Te

    video has aired over the Military Network

    and on Majik 100sop 20 CountdownVbroadcast. Brea was recently asked to per-form the song on Parliament Hill at TeRun for the Military Families.

    Another of Breas songs Black AndPurple, co-written with long-time friendand singer/songwriter Braiden urner was taken on by the Canadian RedCross as the official anthem for their anti-bullying program, RespectED. Brea and

    Braiden received a National Citation fortheir advocacy work, and both becameNational Spokespersons for the Respect-ED program. Every year they tour Canada,performing in elementary schools, highschools and universities, educating kids,teens and adults about the importance ofbully prevention. A wonderful musicianwith a huge heart, Breas newest radio sin-gle isBottom of the Bottle.

    Hes not exactly a country singer, butCanadian-born Lorne Elliot is manyother things, and one of them is monu-mentally talented. Elliot, a popular hu-mourist, storyteller, musician and play-wright, visits Perth on Friday, March 21,for a special Perth Performing ArtsCommittee (PPAC) show at the MasonTeatre in PDCI. Elliott is well knownfor his work on CBCs weekly radio seriesMadly Off in All Directions, which ranfor eleven years. His shows are uplifting,slightly mad, and charmingly entertain-ing. Showtime is 7:30. ickets are $30.Seating is reserved. Call ickets Please at4856434 or buy your tickets online at. And get them early!

    Another PPAC production doesnt takeplace until April, but the unique musicalact deserves the early mention. WhenQuartango comes to town on April 11,they will be touring their eighth studioalbum, Encuentro. Tis eclectic band iscomprised of four highly accomplishedmusicians, whose music evokes deepemotions and sheds new light on the mu-sic of the tango, with elegance, sensuality,

    virtuosity, musicality, and humour. Teband aspires to make a close connectionwith their audience, their vast repertoirecharacterized by refined musical arrange-ments. Teir music explores Astor Piaz-zollas tango neuvo, while hinting of jazz,the classics and Celtic music as well.

    Showtime is 7:30 at the Mason Te-atre on Friday, April 11. ickets are $30,again through ickets Please. Seating isreserved.

    PPAC brings the hilarious Lorne Elliot to

    Perth on March 21

  • 7/21/2019 theHumm - March 2014

    17/28

    www.thehumm.comMarch 2014 17

    The Maple Run StudioTour Celebrates SpringTe first signs of spring are beginning toappear, as the birds return, sap begins torub in Lanark maple trees, and the Ma-ple Run Studio ourgears up for its 12thseason. Shake off the winter doldrums andtake a scenic drive on Saturday, March 29,or Sunday the 30th (10 to 5), to in-

    dulge in sweet maple products and meetlocal craftspeople and fine artists on thispopular self-guided studio tour. Te tour

    will take you in and around picturesque Pakenham,the village that is home to North Americans onlysurviving 5-span stone bridge.

    our stops include Fultons Pancake House andSugar Bush, as well as studios featuring glass blow-ing, paintings (in oil, acrylic and watercolour), finewoodworking, photography, jewellery, pottery, min-iature quilting, woven garments, and many morearts and crafts for you to discover. You will find art-work and crafts for yourself, your home, the garden,or for gifts. Enjoy seeing artists working in their stu-dios and also visit the cluster groups in various loca-tions in and around the historic village of Pakenham.No need to pack a lunch there are several stopsalong the way that serve light meals and tasty treats.Dont forget to pick up a passport at your first stopand then have it stamped at tour stops, so that youreeligible to win one of three artists baskets. If youget your passport stamped at all nine studios, yourname is entered twice, for an extra chance to win!

    H

    ang

    ing

    Aroun

    dthe

    Va

    lley

    by Miss Cellaneous

    Maps, with detailed tour stop descriptions,can be picked up at Fultons Sugar Bush, any tourstop along the way (look for the green maple leafsign), and the Pakenham General Store. You canalso find the tour map at , alongwith destination and artist descriptions, or phone6242062 for information. o be really up-to-date,follow them on Facebook!

    Spring Into Art ConferenceTe annual Spring into Art conference is be-ing hosted by the West Carleton Arts Society onSaturday, April 12, from 8:45 to 4:15, at theCarp Memorial Hall. Tis event is popular withboth artists and art lovers. Five speakers will edu-cate and inspire on topics ranging from personalaward-winning artistic journeys, to the formationof not-for-profit art organizations, to effective useof social media for art promotion and branding.A catered lunch is included in your $70 fee. Reg-istration is open and information is available at.

    Call to ArtistsOn July 12 and 13, at Haramis Park (OBrien Blvd.in Renfrew), the Renfrew Art Guild will hold theirthird annual Art in the Park, a celebration of finearts and fine crafts in the heart of the Ottawa Val-ley. Tey are looking for new artists to join them.Deadline for entry is April 1, and there is a juriedprocess for new applicants. Applications are avail-able at .

    For more information, see online or contactFrank Harper at 4333208.

    Call for Artists and ArtisansTe Crown and Pumpkin Studio our invitesartists and those practising fine crafts to join its18thanniversary tour. Te tour will take place onTanksgiving weekend, October 11 to 13, in Mis-sissippi Mills. Organizers want to expand the toursrange of offerings, and are particularly interested in

    fresh and innovative three-dimensional work. Doesthis sound like your practice? If yes, they want tosee your creations! Applicants are asked to submitat least five examples of recent work, and to includea brief biography and artist statement. Work is

    judged on originality of expression and concept, andquality of execution; new types of work will receiveparticular consideration. Deadline for submissionsis May 15. Send application, including electronicimages of work, to .For information call 2563647.

    Artistic Signs of Spring

    MILL STREET BOOKSwww.millstreetbooks.com

    52 Mill St., Almonte

    6132569090/millstreetbooks

    Puzzled aboutwhere to finda good book

    or cdor gameor puzzle?

    Come toMill Street Books

    for friendlyassistance.

    20% OFF Puzzles until March 15

    Glass artist Chris Van Zanten will be participating

    in this years Maple Run Studio Tour

    Follow theHumm on Twitter!

    @Infohumm

  • 7/21/2019 theHumm - March 2014

    18/28

    www.thehumm.com March 201418

    In concert

    2013 2014SEASON

    The effects of war are catastrophic but evenduring the darkest moments in history,the power of music is able to transcendhuman suffering. Now in its 20 thyear, theinternationally-renowned Gryphon Trio is

    joined by virtuoso clarinetist James Campbell

    to perform two masterworks of the chambermusic repertoire Maurice Ravels Piano Trioand Olivier Messiaens Quatuor pour la fin dutemps composed because of war but forvery different reasons.

    Adult

    $30

    Student

    $15Tickets

    War Imprisonment War EmpowermentGryphon Trio

    James Campbell clarinet

    Saturday, April 12, 2014 8:00p.m.

    Tickets available by mail oronline at almonteinconcert.com.

    Inquiries: 613-256-4554 [email protected]

    Tickets also available at

    Mill Street Books52 Mill St., Almonte613-256-9090

    Reads Book Shop135 Bridge St., Carleton Place613-257-7323

    14 Mill St., Heritage Court, Almonte 6132567799 www.lillywhite.ca

    Have you been to theWhite Lilly?

    If not, you have until March 15 to

    find out what the buzz was all

    about these last 3 years.The White Lilly is the ONLYstore

    in North America to sell Goddess

    on the Goeco-friendly,

    easy-to-wear, easy-to-care-for

    ladies fashions so far!

    Now its time to bring Goddess

    on the Go on the go, as we take

    these fabulous fashions across North America to other retailers.

    Dont worry though we wont be Go-ing too far! Make an

    appointment with me in my design studio or place an order

    through lillywhite.caor [email protected].

    Until March 15, come in for our

    BLOW OUT, SHOUT OUT, CARRY OUT sale.THANK YOUto all who have supported the White Lilly. We have

    valued your loyalty and, most of all, your friendship. A special

    thank you to Gord Pike, Rona Fraser, theHumm, Kathie Donovan,

    Leanne Cusack and more friends at CTV. And to the beautiful

    souls Ive had the pleasure of working with on a daily basis:

    Diana, Valerie, Suzanne and Maureen.

    Time for me to embark on new adventures there are books to

    publish, shops to travel to, workshops to facilitate, and

    grandchildren to spoil.

    With deep gratitude,Lilly

    Most Canadian children gothrough a traditional rite of springas soon as they can say the wordmaple. Each year in the month ofMarch they are either led by theirparents or endure some godfor-saken field trip, to a sugar shackin the middle of the woods. Tere,one of the culinary miracles ofCanada takes place, and they are

    introduced to maple syrup andsomething called sugar on snow.

    My father used to delight inmaking the sugary concoction forus every year, using the very snowthat the cats had peed on. Years

    have passed, and spring now also usuallymeans that the im Hortons Maple Dou-ble Dip Doughnut will be in full-bloomand Canadians rejoice!

    Last year it was with great delight thatI noted the American res-taurant chain Dennys of-fering up their new heartattack on a plate menuof bountiful bacon mealswith a hint of maple calledBaconalia. Teir sacredfestival of bacon offeredsomething called TeMaple Bacon Ice CreamSundae and I was gungho to try it.

    Bagging the BaconAs I looked at the Dennys menu, I no-

    ticed that they were proud sponsors ofAARP. For us folks north of the border,AARP is an American organization leadingpositive social change and delivering valueto people age 50 and over. I found that quitestrange, due to the vein-clogging menuDennys serves. We hear that the medicalsystem is overloaded, and as I looked attheir new Hamburger Plate with endless

    pancakes, I had to wonder about the wholedarn thing. Did they create this new Ba-conalia menu to get rid of the overflowingsenior population like myself?

    Not really caring, I took my life in myhands and ordered the Pepper Bacon andEgg Slam and topped it off with the Ma-ple Bacon Ice Cream Sundae. I secretlythought that my body might not make itto dessert and they might have to Medivacme out of there. But I succeeded, and thesundae was presented with a large spoonand loads of napkins.

    Te savory/sweet mix was wonder-ful and as I waddled tothe car, I thought of howmuch each hit of maplereminded me of my child-hood. Knowing that I wouldhave to write about my food

    journey at length, I was gladI remembered the words ofWinston Churchill, and thateating words would not giveme indigestion but I couldnot vouch for what was nowmoving down into my colon.

    by Linda Seccaspina

    Menop

    ausa

    lWomano

    fthe

    Corn

    Admission: Adults $20, Children Under 12 are free

    Soup for Thought