The reaction to the DRA’s inaugural Saturday Night at the Movies event this past weekend was “two thumbs up” according to its instigator, Laurie Maus. The day after the screening (which Terry and I attended), Laurie very kindly e-mailed me a report for the column. So, rather than playing musical words and doing a rewrite, I’m going to let Laurie tell the story in her own words.
“A respectable, first-time crowd of 17 bought their comfy chairs and cushions and favourite movie refreshments (or those they would like to have in movie theatres) and giggled and guffawed their way through the classic Mel Brooks’ comedy Blazing Saddles. Lots of folks wore a bit of western theme. But if coming dressed for the movie becomes a trend, maybe we may stay away from a screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. I’m not sure Dunvegan is ready for James in a bustier, fish net stockings and elevator pumps. We have lots of suggestions for movies for future evening, tending towards the lighter classics. Saturday Night at the Movies will take a break for the busy December period and start up again in January until the spring. A star is born.”
M&M tickets going fast!
As Laurie points out, December is always a busy time the old community hall in Dunvegan. Right out of the gate, the month will kick off in high style with the return of last year’s smash hit, Music & Mayhem. Intended as a fundraiser for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank, the Christmas-themed music and comedy revue is the brainchild of Rosemary Chatterson from the 4th of Kenyon. She and a local cast of talented thespians will delight audiences with an all-new show for 2016. I’ve seen a rehearsal and it has my mad housekeeping seal of approval.
As I mentioned last week, advance tickets (@ $10 per person) are now on sale for the three performances: Friday, December 2nd and 9th at 7:30 PM… and Sunday, December 11th at 2:00 PM. They’re available at the Home Hardware in Maxville, The Quirky Carrot in Alexandria and The Review in Vankleek Hill. Now, I know it’s traditional in Glengarry to leave the purchase of tickets to cultural events like this until the last possible moment. I can’t explain why; that’s just the way it is. But, I urge you to get your tickets early. You don’t want to miss out in the last minute rush. For ticket assistance or more information, you can reach Rosemary at 613-525-1336.
St. Andrew’s at the Kirk
As if Rosemary doesn’t have enough to do, I just noticed that she’s booked to play the piano at the Kenyon Presbyterian Church on Sunday, November 27th. It’s the first Sunday in Advent for the little stone kirk in Dunvegan and, from 11 AM to 2 PM, they will be celebrating St. Andrew’s Sunday. Rosemary will join special guest musician Grace Morris Armstrong from Perth for a delightful recital. A renowned harpist, Grace originally hails from… wait for it… Glengarry. By the way, if your wardrobe runs to it, you’re urged to wear a wee touch of tartan in honour of St. Andrew.
This is no admission for this event but — as it is also White Gift Sunday — a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul food bank would be much appreciated. Yummy homemade refreshments will be served in the hall following the service.
Pix with St. Nick
The elves at the Dunvegan Recreation Association tell me that the ever popular Santa Party will be held this year at the DRA Hall on Saturday morning, December 10th from 10:00 to noon… with Old Saint Nick stopping by around 10:30, depending on reindeer traffic.
As always, the children will be able to enjoy yuletide games and crafts, listen to Santa read a story and, of course, tell Father Christmas about their secret sub-tree desires. On top of all this, there will be free hot-buttered popcorn and other refreshments. The DRA will also have a photographer on hand to snap a shot of your child while he or she is spilling secrets in Santa’s ear… a photographic memento that they’ll print out, in full colour, right there on the spot.
I’ll have more details next week, including a preview of what’s new for this year’s Santa Party.
Backwards snowflakes
I know that it’s just a few days into official winter and you’re probably already fed up with snow. But when those very first flakes begin to fall, it can be almost otherworldly … at least for a few moments. I was reminded of this last Sunday morning when the dog and I took our walk back to the pond. Standing down by the dock, I was mesmerized by the huge fluffy flakes as gravity pulled them inexorably down to the water’s placid surface. Then it struck me…. the flakes were flying both down AND up! Albeit an optical illusion, the falling snow was being reflected in the mirror-like water and created the gravity-defying mirage. So I paused and drank in this magical moment that only happens when all the conditions are precisely right. Even Bailey the canine seemed to be enjoying the eye-candy feast, but she was probably just dreaming about the usual treat awaiting her at the end of our walk.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall…
… who’s the cheapest of them all — for 1,000 kWh of electricity, that is? According to an article in the National Post article from October 25 of this year, the honour for the least expensive power in all of Ontario goes to the little town of Hawkesbury. If you live within the area serviced by Hydro Hawkesbury Inc., you’ll pay just $173.74 per 1,000 kilowatt/hours, and that includes the tax.
On the other hand, we down south in North Glengarry pay $258.82 per 1,000 kWh including HST, according to data from the Ontario Energy Board. Perhaps our Council should string up a bunch of extension cords and tap into the promised land of cheap power next door.
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