Henceforth, if you or your kids find yourselves without a book to read when the libraries in Alexandria, Maxville or St. Isidore are closed, you might want to head down to the Dunvegan Recreation Hall at 19053 County Road 24. An anonymous DRA volunteer — with the kind help of Brian Campbell and his trusty backhoe — has installed a “library on a post” beside the community mailboxes. Just in time for the new school year. And as an added bonus, the barn-red, tin-roofed library box boasts a notice board on the side facing the CMBs. There’s no charge to borrow books. It’s based on the honour system; simply help yourself to whatever strikes your fancy. All the DRA asks is that you return it when you can… and leave a book or two that others can enjoy.
This “take-a-book / return-a-book” concept isn’t new. These mini-lending libraries have been popping up in cities all across North America for years. I first encountered them in Toronto while walking my young granddaughter to school, and was enthralled. There’s even an USA-based group that promotes the concept around the world. Llittle Free Library is a non-profit organization that “helps inspire a love of reading and builds community by fostering neighbourhood book exchanges around the world.” Thanks to these grass root libraries, readers of all ages and backgrounds have increased access to reading materials.
When I stopped by to admire the new book exchange box, I noticed that it’s even being used as a tiny Lost & Found depot. There’s a pair of brand new mittens just looking for a home. And if you need some more push pins for the bulletin board on the back, I noted that there’s a small box of them inside the library too. I point this out, because the Bulletin Board sign asks that those posting notices refrain from the use of staples and adhesive tape.
Knot tying record
For those keeping count, the Glengarry Pioneer Museum has been the site of a record number of weddings this year. There were five nuptials in total… with the final one being held this past Saturday, September 2nd. While I couldn’t attend Sean Burgess and Erica Rose Bugera’s wedding ceremony, I was able to coax the museum’s curator, Jennifer Black, into sending me a first-hand account. Here’s her report…
“Yes, Sean and Erica’s wedding was the last rental of our 2017 season and, boy, did they luck out with the weather. It was a beautiful ceremony in the William’s Pavilion with gorgeous decorations by Nancy White of Dunvegan West. Sunflowers and flowing white sheer curtains adorned the pavilion’s pillars.
Before the large Burgess family, the equally large Bugera family and other guests, the ceremony started with a five pairs of the cutest little boys and girls (nieces and nephews). They led the wedding procession out of the Big Beaver schoolhouse to the pavilion. Erica’s bridesmaids (Sean’s sisters, Aiden and Miranda) followed them as they escorted the bride… who looked radiant in her lace, champagne-colored dress. Sean, accompanied by Erica’s two brothers, Adam and Eric, beamed with happiness as the wedding party was piped in.
They were the sweetest couple, obviously overflowing with love. The Glengarry Pioneer Museum and the Dunvegan Recreation Association have been very lucky to have them call Dunvegan home, as they are very supportive of both organizations. One last note to add extra romance to this tale, Erica worked at the museum from 2012 to 2014 and this is where the couple met. How fitting that they tied the knot here as well!”
Thank you, Jennifer. And all the best to Sean and Erica Rose.
Horse parade Sunday
One last reminder that this coming Sunday, September 10th is the 18th annual Harvest Fall Festival at the Glengarry Pioneer Museum. From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Dunvegan will host this little gem of a family-friendly event that has something of interest for every age. Admission is $10, with kids under 12 free, or $25 for families. If you’re a member of the museum, admission is only $5. This year’s festival is co-sponsored by The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group, Caisse Populaire de la Vallée, Alexandria, and many other local businesses. If you’d like more details of what’s in store this year, just visit the museum’s web site: GlengarryPioneerMuseum.ca
Thanks to the hard work of the Dunvegan Recreation Association delicious sausages, desserts, chips, drinks, and other goodies will be available for purchase should you need to refuel as you take in what the Harvest Fall Festival has to offer. Plus, if you need to quench an adult-sized thirst after browsing all the wonderful displays, the Star Inn Bar will be serving Cassel Brewery beer to quench your thirst.
Wood Fair unfair?
Each year, it seems that more and more events are competing for local resident’s time and disposable income. And this coming weekend is no exception. Nevertheless, I was extremely disappointed that Boisé Est chose to hold their Riceville Wood & Forest Exhibition on the same date as the GPM’s Harvest Fall Festival.
When I first saw their ad in the local papers, it felt like a slap in the face. It was museum volunteers who first conceived of the Glengarry Wood Fair, predecessor of the Riceville event. And for years, the museum supplied much of the people power to make it the success it was. Unfortunately, when the museum experienced volunteer burnout, Boisé Est (the co-sponsor of the Glengarry Wood Fair) claimed they were unable to provide replacements to keep the event alive.
So I was shocked to discover that this organization was able to magically attract sufficient volunteers to stage a reincarnation of Dunvegan’s wood fair… in Riceville… on the same weekend, and the same day, as the museum’s main fundraiser. Seriously?
I have always been impressed by the fact that, in Cornwall, the overwhelming majority of service clubs (Kinsman, Lions, Knights of Columbus, etc.) are members of the Cornwall Service Club Council. The role of the Council is to make members “aware of the different fund raising activities and to see that none are in conflict.” Perhaps the municipalities and organizations on both sides of the 417 could follow Cornwall’s ecumenical example and sit down once or twice a year to minimize overlaps.
-30-