Green Talk with Stephen Kotze - theHumm September 2019
Green Talk with Stephen Kotze - theHumm September 2019
By Chandler Swain
In my life’s work in the visual arts, especially as it relates to creative, healthy communities, the environment is never far from the centre of what I (and many artists) find most relevant. I joined Pollution Probe in 1969 when I was still in high school (when the big issue was acid rain), and then supported Greenpeace as it brought issue after issue to our attention through the years, and I have remained an activist ever since. Recently, information coming from the world’s leading scientists has shown us the reality of our climate crisis, and I have wondered how to help make a difference. Enter my decades-long affiliation with the Green Party. Like many I have often voted strategically, but this time around it’s clear that the Greens have such an important part to play in helping direct policy to ensure the future on our one and only planetary home, so I am committed to helping our excellent candidate for the Green Party win in this riding. I thought that asking Stephen Kotze a few questions about the Greens would be useful. You can also read up on their “Mission Possible” 20 Point Plan at greenparty.ca .
Chandler Swain: I understand that you entered the race for the Green Party nomination close to the last minute, and that you do not have a history in party politics. What prompted you to run for the Green Party in this election?
Stephen Kotze: My decision stemmed from a frustration, shared with many others, about the way that politics is conducted. I think we need more “ordinary” people in Parliament to represent us, and fewer career politicians. I have a lot of real life and business experience to bring to the table. I’m not running to further my career or life ambitions; I’m doing this as an act of service to the people of this riding. We are in a climate crisis and the mainstream parties are simply not rising to the challenge. I think the Green Party provides a fresh vision and an action plan, and will deliver. Most importantly, I know that the Green Party can win in this riding and I was moved to lead the work needed to make it happen.
What do you feel is the most important message the Green Party has for voters in this time of climate crisis?
What is happening in the world is an emergency and we need to act accordingly. We must be willing to work together, across party lines, as our forebears did when faced with the emergency of World War II. We need to put political differences aside and get down to doing the work that is needed to turn our current situation around. The Green Party’s 20-point “Mission Possible” climate action plan is comprehensive, practical, and achievable greenparty.ca/en/mission-possible .
How do you respond to the criticism that the Green Party is essentially a one-issue party?
Anyone who has listened to Elizabeth May, the federal Green Party leader, understands that the party is anything but a one-issue party. The Green Party has developed well-thought-out policies that address the full range of issues facing Canadians. High on the list is a solid financial management and job creation program — doing more to keep jobs in Canada and building our capacity to compete in a rapidly changing world — and safeguarding and enhancing our social programs that are so important to people on fixed incomes and to our quality of life.
Why do you think the Green Party can win in Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston?
I’ve lived here for 35 years and I know that there are a lot of people in this area who are supportive of the Green Party, or lean in that direction, but who have voted “strategically” for the NDP or Liberals, or don’t vote at all because they think that their vote won’t have an impact. I want to encourage these people, this time around, to vote Green. In addition, I think that if rural conservatives listen to what we have to say, they may see that the Green Party addresses their concerns more accurately than the current Conservative party; today’s Conservative Party of Canada is not the same as the Progressive Conservatives of yesteryear. If we rally these votes, along with the general increase in support for the Green Party across the country, I think we have a serious chance of winning here. Many people lack awareness of what the Green Party stands for and what it has to offer. I’m trying to change that.
Monica Viola — The Sweet Music of Creativity - theHumm September 2019
By Sally Hansen
Art… and Soul
The idea of a solo artist gallery is one of those challenging concepts that requires a very special combination of ingredients to produce a gourmet feast instead of an overdose of variations on the same theme.
At MonSky Creations Gallery, located in the heart of Merrickville’s blooming arts enclave, Monica Viola succeeds in serving up a delicious banquet of originality. Her eclectic art works are constantly displayed and refreshed as she continues her unfinished symphony of ......
Dedicated to You Jill Barber’s Tour Comes to the Station Theatre - theHumm September 2019
Canada’s sweetheart Jill Barber heads out on tour this fall with her Dedicated to You tour, a special series of concerts composed of dedications from her fans to their loved ones. The three-time Juno nominated singer-songwriter will open the floor to requests and dedications of her most-loved songs through her website, where fans can share the stories and memories associated with her music.
Jill’s critically acclaimed repertoire spans a transformative spectrum from folk to vocal jazz and pop, a......
Homespun Wit and Wisdom at the Heart of Ed’s Garage at the Studio Theatre - theHumm September 2019
By — Paul Joyce
Anyone who’s ever heard a farmer’s daughter joke knows that the cultural differences between the country and the city are fertile ground for humour. When rural rubs up against urban, friendly gibes seem to sprout like snap peas in springtime.
That’s where the play Ed’s Garage begins. But at its heart, this smart, good-natured comedy about rural life is as thought-provoking as it is laughter-inducing.
Opening on September 19 at the Studio Theatre,......
Death by Design Mystery and Humour Come to The Station Theatre - theHumm September 2019
The nights are getting shorter, the leaves will start to change soon, and that can mean only one thing: it’s time for the annual murder mystery at The Station Theatre! This year’s show is Death by Design by Rob Urbinati. It’s part murder mystery, part farce, part love story, and all entertaining! Samuel French asks and answers the question: “What happens when you mix the brilliant wit of Noël Coward with the intricate plotting of Agatha Christie? Set during a weekend in an English country mano......
Doors Open CP 2019 Guided Tours, Displays and More! - theHumm September 2019
By — Jennifer Miller
Come on in! The Ontario Heritage Trust has invited communities across the province to open the doors, gates and courtyards of their unique and most fascinating cultural sites so we can see inside. Satisfy your curiosity and get behind normally closed doors to experience intriguing interiors, where you will be inspired by rare and exceptional materials, craftsmanship and design. From historical houses to modern marvels of construction, Doors Open Ontario has something for everyone!
Carleton P......
Great Music for a Green Party Stephen Kotze Fundraiser a Star-Studded Affair! - theHumm September 2019
Mark your calendars and save the date — Saturday, October 5 at 7pm at the Perth Civitan Club — for a must see (and hear!) musical event. The evening will feature some of Canada’s best-known and critically acclaimed musicians, who just happen to live in the Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston riding and support Stephen Kotze as federal Green Party Candidate!
Performing in this stellar show will be Juno nominee James Keelaghan, multiple Juno award-winner......
Small Halls Brings Big Music to Little Places - theHumm September 2019
The Ontario Festival of Small Halls is embarking on a musical wanderluster’s dream schedule this month — bringing stunningly creative forces in Canadian music to intimate settings close to home from September 12 to 29. The Festival will be shaking up small stages for the sixth consecutive year, offering extraordinary chemistry and charm throughout three weeks of musical bliss in places like Almonte, Balderson, Tatlock, Pakenham and more.
Musical mavericks, trusty veterans and awe-in......
Resilient Almonte — Up for an Award! - theHumm September 2019
By — David J. Stephenson is a retired federal policy guy who now divides his time between life on the Mississippi in Almonte and roughing it in the bush on two acres near Pakenham
Quick: what do these five downtown Almonte buildings all have in common: the Victoria Mill, the Thoburn Mill, the Old Post Office, 65 Mill Street and 78 Mill Street?
If you knew that they were all buildings that have been renovated over the last 26 years by the Almonte Heritage Redevelopment Group, allow yourself a smug smile. What you might also know, if you have been reading the Millstone recently, is that these five buildings have been shortlisted for a national heritage award.......
A Musically Busy Autumn at MERA - theHumm September 2019
By — Tom Shoebridge
Music lovers, here’s the line-up for both the folk and the classical concerts at the MERA Schoolhouse this fall.
We have endeavoured to find some new exciting musical talent, and to bring bac......
AOG Gallery Open House - theHumm September 2019
The AOG Gallery in Frankville, Ontario, will be open during Culture Days on from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29. This private art collection will be open to the pu......
Coffee Contemplations - theHumm September 2019
By Angie Arendt
I’ve been told that I have too many coffee mugs. Some folks have gone so far as to suggest that if I culled the cupboard of the cup clutter, keeping only the mugs that are aesthetically pleasing ......
Expressions of Art Local Artists Add Colour to Thanksgiving Weekend - theHumm September 2019
Thirty-one local artists have been selected to participate in this year’s Expressions of Art Show and Sale hosted by the West Carleton Arts Society. This show, which has been celebrated annually ......
Beyond Politics How Government Works — an Evening Course - theHumm September 2019
By — Glenda Jones
Learning in Almonte and Almonte Lectures are pleased to announce a new evening course that will be a great primer on local government. Whether you are a regular council meeting attendee, are cons......
The Great Veggie Grow-Off Let’s Keep a Great Idea Growing! - theHumm September 2019
By — Shaun McLaughlin
For five years in a row, the gardeners of Mississippi Mills have risen to the Great Veggie Grow-off challenge to win the coveted GVG cup. Preliminary tallies for the nine participating towns show......
Fragments of Canada’s History Richard Gill’s Annual Show at Bittersweet Gallery - theHumm September 2019
What historical or past events do you think of when pondering what has shaped the Canada we know today? For artist and sculptor Richard Gill, history varies and fascinates — from tragic to victor......
Run for AGH, Dive Into the Planet… - theHumm September 2019
By Miss Mills
Here’s some great news from the good folks at the Almonte General Hospital: their sixth annual Mississippi Mills River Run / Walk (MMRRW) is taking place on Saturday, September 7 and already 192 ......
Be Here with Tim Nast Pianist and Composer Tours Ottawa Valley - theHumm September 2019
Accomplished pianist and composer Tim Nast is set to release his new album on October 4, and will be hitting the road from October 4 to November 16 for his fall tour across the Ott......
North Lanark Seniors’ Expo Information, Services and Opportunities - theHumm September 2019
The famous author Herman Melville once said: “To know how to grow old is the master work of wisdom, and one of the most difficult chapters in the great art of living.” In an effort to aid in the ......
From Summerto September… - theHumm September 2019
By John Pigeau
Summer is winding down. There’s a bit of a chill in the air in the evening, dew on the grass in the morning. It’s a crisp time of year, all cool breezes and comfy sweaters. But the mosquitoes are......
Libraries + Children= Learning - theHumm September 2019
By Karen Schecter, Librarian
Public Libraries have been busy this summer providing children with fun activities that prepare them for the new school year. Enhancing children’s literacy is a primary goal for local libraries w......
Knees Up, Mr. & Mrs. Brown! - theHumm September 2019
By — Glenda Jones
Some of us are beyond the youthful exuberance demonstrated at local gyms with equipment resembling a torture chamber and sweating young people in spandex pedalling stationary bikes to the nowhere......
Move with Melissa - theHumm September 2019
As a classically trained dancer in jazz, tap, ballet and musical theatre, Melissa Cornacchia of Melissa Moves (recently rebranded from Lanark In Motion) has always felt there was much more to dan......
Play Bridge! - theHumm September 2019
By — Kim Curran
Jeopardy Champion James Holzhauer started playing bridge as a teenager. Now he wants to be a world-class bridge player. “What?,” you say, “I thought bridge was an old folk’s game!”
The game o......
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Coming to the Perkins Building This September - theHumm September 2019
Perth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Perth BJJ) opened last year, but come September will be moving to a bigger and better space in the Perkins Building. Located at 2 Wilson Street, the building was recent......
The Art of Practicing - theHumm September 2019
By Tony Stuart
I have been teaching high school for a long time, and have been a musician even longer. For musicians, practicing is absolutely essential in order to improve, but how to practice is something tha......
Friday Nights Just Got A Lot Better! - theHumm September 2019
By — Glenda Jones
Mississippi Mills has always been a source of brilliant speakers who modestly hide their talents under the radar. However, Almonte Lecture series organizer Warren Thorngate has persuaded many to ......
The Montessori Learning Garden New Program Opens in Almonte this Fall - theHumm September 2019
By — Adriane Armour
I’ve always loved the company of children. Children think with a different kind of mindset than adults do. Their curiosity is still intact. They are willing to try new things. Children blend play......
A Square Dancing Tale - theHumm September 2019
By — Ben Bennett
If you believe in “what goes around comes around” (in a good way), you need look no further than Brian Crawford.
A square dance caller for more than twenty years, Brian certainly gets around.......
Delta Harvest Festival - theHumm September 2019
Located at the south end of the Township of Rideau Lakes, the village of Delta is a bustling little community. Just a short drive from several larger centres, Delta will take you back to a simple......
Evensong at St. James - theHumm September 2019
September sees the return of monthly Choral Evensong to St. James the Apostle Anglican Church in Perth. This popular fall and winter series begins on Sunday, September 22 with guest organist......
A Whole Lot More than Blowing Smoke - theHumm September 2019
By Sebastian Weetabix
According to the US National Park Service, nearly 85% of wildland fires are caused by humans. According to Weetabix, 100% of restaurants are caused by humans. “Wildfire” in Perth is a restaurant.......
Green Talk with Stephen Kotze - theHumm September 2019
By Chandler Swain
In my life’s work in the visual arts, especially as it relates to creative, healthy communities, the environment is never far from the centre of what I (and many artists) find most relevant. I jo......
Mississippi Mudds: A New Season of Live Theatre in Carleton Place - theHumm September 2019
By — Judith Scott
Walk along Mill Street from the Town Hall towards Beckwith Street, glance to the right and you can’t miss it — an amazing mural completed three years ago by artist Shaun McInnis. It is colourful,......
Crown & Pumpkin: Community Creative - theHumm September 2019
By — Laurel Cook
The ever-popular Crown and Pumpkin Tour will be returning for the 23rd time this Thanksgiving weekend: October 12, 13 and 14 from 10am to 5pm daily in the Clayton and Almonte areas. Widely k......
Come See the Birds! - theHumm September 2019
Each year, tens of thousands of birds migrate through our area. In the fall, hundreds of them stop to rest and feed at the Almonte Lagoons (behind the wastewater treatment plant on Wolf Grove Roa......
Time to “Fall” in Love with the Autumn Art Scene! - theHumm September 2019
By Miss Cellaneous
REVERIE in Almonte
From August 23 to October 6, Almonte’s Sivarulrasa Gallery is pleased to present REVERIE, a duo show featuring ethereal, dreamlike works b......
Fall Funny Business… - theHumm September 2019
Comedian Rachelle Elie has had a very busy summer! She brought her first stand-up comedy hour to the Ottawa Fringe Festival and to the prestigious Zoofest/OFF-Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal......
MMLT’s Exciting Fall Nature Events Discovering Nature, Hiking at Blueberry Mountain, and Liking Lovely Lichens! - theHumm September 2019
By — Carolyn Piche
It’s been an exciting, nature event-filled spring and summer at Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust (MMLT) properties — but we’re not done yet! Three more “Discover the Wild” wilderness series event......
Quest for the Moon - theHumm September 2019
In the year that would bring an end to the 1960s, events unfolded that would forever change many aspects of our society. An outdoor music festival would attract 400,000 visitors to a dairy farm i......
Almonte’s First Yoga Festival! - theHumm September 2019
The inaugural Almonte Yoga Festival will take place on Saturday, October 5 at the historic Old Town Hall. Participants will experience movement, music, meditation and a market. Enjoy four un......
The Bells of St. Paul’s - theHumm September 2019
As the cooler winds of autumn begin to tease the leaves of Lanark County, our minds turn to the things that will warm our hearts through the next changing of the seasons. To acknowledge this tran......
A Week at Curious & Kind Workshops, Open Mics, Performances and More! - theHumm September 2019
By — Danielle K.L. Grégoire
How is it September already?! I know we are all feeling it, the end of summer, back-to-school feelings. This year I am greeting the fall with elation, because this year I go into the autumn with ......
A Friendly Festival of the Fibre Arts! - theHumm September 2019
Come out to the friendly town of Almonte on September 7 and 8 for the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum’s 24th annual Fibrefest. Now at two locations (the Almonte Communi......
Fantastic Line-up for 15thBlues on the Rideau Season - theHumm September 2019
Starting in September, Blues On The Rideau (BOTR) returns to the Cove Inn in Westport for their fifteenth fabulous season. This dinner-and-show series is recognized as one of the premier blues se......
Aug 31 Amanda Keeley Quartet
Aug 31 Merrickville Antique Artisans Show
Aug 31 - Sep 2 Sundance Artisan Show
Sep 7 - 8 Fibrefest
Sep 7 - 8 Natives & Clay
Sep 8 Music at Mera: Nathan Sloniowski
Sep 11 Community Open House
Sep 12 Opening Celebration of the new Art Hub
Sep 13 Jason Kent
Sep 14 Art in the Yard
- Wendo Van Essen — Nothing Felt Better
- Be a Wild Child — Roar Against Climate Change!
- MUSICwestport Festival A Fun, Free Event in Beautiful Downtown Westport!
- Misi Zibi Mamidosewin (The Gathering Place)
- 40 ArtistsAlong a Riverbank Outdoor Show on Labour Day Weekend
- Paint the Summer Returns to Westport
- Stone Fence’s Miss Pringle’s Mini-Skirt
- Blueberry Teaat Union Hall
- Come to the North Lanark Highland Games!
- Almonte Potters Guild Open House