A key item missing from last week’s skinny column was a review of the Glengarry Pioneer Museum’s first open air Chamber Music concert that took place on Thursday, July 13th. For classical music fans like myself, it was something magical — and not just because it was an evening devoid of rain. The backdrop of the grey log barn set against the lush greens of the field and forest… the amber light of the sun as it slipped behind the church… the glorious notes that emanated from the makeshift stage… and the end-of-evening emergence of stars in a virtually cloudless sky. What more could one ask, aside from it being a few degrees warmer?
For almost two hours, the talented young members of Nü Trio, a classical string ensemble from Montreal, enthralled us with music by Beethoven, Hayden, Mozart and Barber. They even tossed in a few modern compositions… by the Beatles and Queen. Despite being attacked by squadrons of mosquitoes and chilled by the unseasonably cool evening, musicians Veronika Cherniak, Matthew Goulet and Jennifer Thiessen seemed thrilled with the venue. And they expressed a strong interest in returning for future concerts, albeit with a few cans of Off® and more layers of clothing.
And I hope they do. While this new addition to the museum’s schedule of events attracted many of the usual suspects, it also drew a number of newcomers. In all, over 90 people attended the inaugural “Music Under the Stars” concert. And while there was no formal admission (just the passing of a hat during intermission), more than enough was collected from the generous concertgoers to pay the pipers, so to speak, and to raise much-needed funds for the GPM.
Carless drive-in
This coming Saturday, July 29th, Dunvegan’s little museum will be holding another under-the-stars event… “Canadian Film Under the Stars.” Think of an old-fashioned drive-in movie, but without the cars or the back seats for a spot of hanky-panky.
As I understand it, the film on tap — Bon Cop, Bad Cop — was chosen through a survey of museum members. It garnered the most votes, although I’m not sure what the competition looked like. The plot line goes thusly: when the body of a hockey executive is found straddling the Ontario/Quebec border, a detective from Montreal and from Toronto must join forces to track down the serial killer responsible… and Canadian-style hilarity ensues.
As the event’s tile suggests, the screening will be held outdoors, with the film being projected on the side of one of the GPM’s heritage buildings… no doubt with a sheet or drop cloth tacked to the wall to serve as a screen. This is yet another self-seating event. So bring a comfortable chair or blanket. In true movie-going tradition, popcorn and soft drinks will be served. And to add to the kumbaya experience, the museum staff is organizing a small fire pit nearby… complete with an official Township fire permit… to roast s’mores.
Once again, there’s no formal admission for the ‘au naturel’ movie night. However, the museum will pass a hat to collect donations. If you’ve never been to the Glengarry Pioneer Museum (and it always shocks me how many Glengarrians haven’t), it’s located at the crossroads where Dunvegan and Greenfield roads meet. Parking is available on the side of the road or in the church parking lot, just north of the intersection.
Happy euchre day
Last Friday’s DRA Euchre Luncheon was a special occasion for a couple of reasons. First of all, it was a day of birthday celebration for my euchre co-host, Linda Burgess. Luckily, a little bird had given me a head’s up. So I was able to have the gang sign a group card and sing her a rousing rendition of We Wish You a Happy Birthday. It was also a special day, attendance-wise, with a brand new contingent from Vankleek Hill, a full carload from Cornwall and many of the regulars from across the Township.
Ann Stewart awarded “50/50” prizes to Phyliss Terry (twice), Eileen MacGillivray and Dytha Dixon.
As for “Top Scores”, 1st prize went to Hugette Arsenault, 2nd prize went to Doug Robillard and 3rd prize went to Doug Benson. Hugette Arsenault took home the Door Prize. And the “Most 4s” player was Dytha Dixon.
The next DRA Euchre Lunch is scheduled for Friday, August 18th in the DRA Hall at 19053 County Road 24 from 12:00 noon to around 3:30 PM. Admission is only $5.00 and includes delicious pre- and post-game lunches.
A woof, woof tale
For a number of weeks, Kate Tilker and her dad, Jim, have been holding almost daily training sessions with their family pooch, Barquer (or “Bob” for short) using the old wooden dock back at our pond. Their goal was to prepare Bob for the Dock Jumping event at last weekend’s K9 SportsFest in Maxville.
For those unfamiliar with the “sport,” the goal is to see which dog can take the longest running leap off an artificial dock — in pursuit of an object thrown by his or her owner — into 45’ long and 4’ deep swimming pool filled with thousands of gallons of water. If the water shortage is as severe as has been reported, I figure the Town of Maxville had to give up showering for a few days in order to fill this gigantic pool.
Believe it or not, a dog in the U.S. that jumped an astounding 31 feet 5 inches holds the world record for this event. And keep in mind that these measurements are to the dog’s backside. While no one broke this record at Sunday’s competition, I’m told that one mutt did mange an impressive 28-foot leap. Unfortunately, I missed it. Jim and I had set off to explore the rest of the events.
If you’ve seen the hand-screened yellow and black signs for the K9 festival, but have been hesitant to attend, don’t be. It’s a hoot and a half. With everything from agility trials, Frisbee races and sled pull competitions to an amazing Fox Tail course where dogs can burn off steam by chasing a wire-driven lure around a large field. Sound simple? It’s not. The operator can change the direction of travel in the blink of an eye and crank the speed up to over 45 miles per hour.
Unfortunately, Bob didn’t make the Dock Jump cut and earn a competitor’s slot. But he did get to see what the big time looks like. And he motivated me to get off my keister and head off to this fascinating world of canine hijinks.
Vive la différence I
If you’ve driven through Alexandria lately, you’ve likely seen the fancy new pedestrian crosswalk that Dunvegan ratepayers (and most every other North Glengarrian resident and business) paid to have installed across from Mill Square. It comes complete with a coloured interlock pathway and a set of on-demand flashing lights on poles, one facing north and the other south. It’s the perfect slap in the face for the North End strip’s embryonic historical restoration initiative.
And I hate to think what it cost. Especially given the recent news story about an Etobicoke senior who constructed a set of seven wooden steps to a community park for a total cost of $550. He said he was shocked when he was told the municipality’s estimate to build the stairs was $65,000 – $150,000. Naturally, he was forced to remove the perfectly serviceable staircase and handrail.
What amazes me is that the formal crosswalk is needed at all. In Hawkesbury, twenty-five minutes or so to the north, all a pedestrian has to do is subtly signal their intention to cross Main Street and traffic in both directions immediately comes to a halt. No costly interlock crosswalks. No LED flashers on metal posts. Just common courtesy. What’s more, it’s been this way for as long as I can remember. No doubt, longer. And I’ve been going to Hawkesbury for nearly sixty years.
I can’t explain why it works there and not here. But it does. And it can’t be because the only traffic on their main thoroughfare is local traffic. I’ve spotted licence plates from all over North America. I’ve even seen vehicles from this side of the 417 stop to yield the right of way to those on foot. I know full well when these drivers return to Alexandria, they’ll likely revert to viewing similar pedestrians with a need to cross the road as little more than moving targets.
If we could clone what our neighbours to the north have, we could have saved tens of thousands of tax dollars (and probably much, much more). Pity.
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