Please tell all your friends and neighbours (at least the ones with a taste for Celtic music) that Dunvegan Recreation is hosting a kitchen ceilidh this coming Friday, February 7th at the DRA hall. Note: the event will be moved to the 8th in the case of bad weather. The evening’s line up of talent will include: The MacLeod Fiddlers; Rachel and Noel Campbell; The Flipsen Family; Evelyn Cumming and David MacPhee; Patrick Hamelin… and many more.
Paul Tenger and Stuart Robertson are organizing the event to raise money for the Alexandria Food Bank and the Dunvegan Recreation Association. The action starts at 7:00 pm and admission is a suggested donation of $10 per head. It’s for two very good causes, so you can give more if you wish. I sure hope they get a good turnout.
Scavenger winner
Apologies are owed to this year’s Dunvegan winter carnival scavenger hunters. It fast became obvious that the “trail of discovery” could have been more clearly marked. As a result, a number of participants wandered off track. No doubt this will be tweaked for next year’s edition. Despite the difficulties, an estimated 24 youngsters ventured forth in search of the party-related items (cake toppers, streamers, gift bags and the like) that DRA volunteer Amber Kilgour had hidden in the woods. For those participants who put their name and phone number in the Scavenger Hunt Draw, I’m pleased to announce that Hazel McDonell submitted the winning entry. Hazel, worry not, an official DRA representative will be in touch about collecting your prize.
Lost & found cornucopia
Given the piles of outdoor clothing that collect in our hallway as their winter-chilled owners rush towards the warmth of Terry’s soup or a mug of marshmallow-topped hot chocolate, it’s not surprising that a few items are left behind. And this carnival is no exception. If one or more of the following items belong to you — a pair of child-sized fuchsia snow pants, a grey tuque with black trim, black & grey winter gloves and a pair of black & pink rubber slip-ons — give Terry a call at 613-527-3413 or drop by the house. We’ll also see if Laurie Maus will post a photo of the 2020 lost and found collection on the DRA Facebook page.
Carnival reflections
If you couldn’t make it to last Saturday’s celebration of winter in Dunvegan, I’m sorry for your loss. The weather was perfect and those who did attend had a whale of a time. Kim Raymond, of the DRA Executive reported that Carnival Breakfast attendance rebounded from last year’s less than stellar turnout to more normal levels. In all, over 165 ravenous souls passed through the community hall’s brand new automatic door in search of breakfast fare and a chinwag with old friends and new neighbours. Here’s what Kim had to say about the terrific team who helped her and co-lead Vivian Franklin: “I’m glad our three wonderful chefs, Dennis Ranger, Bob Linney and Greg Byers were back again. Louise Quenneville, Sarah Jane Raymond and her sister Heather and Mona Andre (who provided a needed burst of energy at clean up time) ably supported them throughout the morning. Sandra MacPherson, Heather and Kim Raymond, Eileen Franklin, Barbara Howes, Louise Quenneville, Marlie Tilker and Linda Fraser all contributed wonderful baked treats… and Lynn MacGillivray, Mona Andre, Laurie Maus and Heather and Evan McIntosh cooked bacon and sausages. Heather and Evan deserve special mention for cooking a second case of bacon at the last minute to cover for another volunteer with a family emergency. Special mention also goes to Robert Campbell who assisted with breakfast set up this week, and is always on hand to help at the hall anytime he’s needed.” Kim also asked me to mention the Soulignys of Dunvegan who kindly donated their wonderful maple syrup, and the volunteers from La Journée de la Femme – Women’s Day Alexandria who were selling raffle tickets to raise money for much needed equipment for Glengarry Memorial Hospital.
Ben Williams oversaw the outdoor carnival day activities and gave generously of his time to beat Mother Nature into submission. (I’ll no doubt get flack for that sentence from the PC crowd.) Stephen Burgess, Jim Stephenson, Blair Williams, Bruce MacGillivray, Doug Burgess and his friend, Brett, helped Ben in this valiant effort. Two other major contributors were Jim Tilker and Bob Garner. This dynamic duo created the Crokicurl rink, which proved to be one of the day’s “must do” events. Well done, chaps.
Last, but not least, Terry wanted me to recognize the contribution of the volunteers who helped her fill the bellies and slake the thirst of the hordes who stopped by the house for a break from outdoor activities. The list includes: Ursula Sweitzer, Marlie Tilker, Laurie Maus, Robin Flockton, Ben Williams, Aidan Dogterom (our granddaughter’s boyfriend who was paying his ‘first visit’ dues) and Mona André.
While the outdoor crowds were respectable, they weren’t exceptional… and certainly not at a level commensurate with the excellent weather. My other observation as keeper of the gateway was the surprising number of youngsters who arrived with no outdoor gear. No doubt they had an iPhone, but it’s hard to skate on the pond or toboggan down a hill using a smartphone. It’s like showing up at a pool party in pyjamas. I will have to look into finding some kind business to donate equipment we can loan out to those in need.
-30-