Family, Films, Folk… and a Loppet!

Family, Films, Folk… and a Loppet! - theHumm February 2019

By John Pigeau

I feel like a kind, gentle way to begin this month’s column would be to remind all of you that Monday, February 18 is Family Day, a provincial statutory holiday. There. Now doesn’t that feel like a warm hug?

I’ve also given some thought to Groundhog Day, which is on February 2, and I say we raise the stakes. Here’s my pitch: If the groundhog — and all Canadians would have to agree on one furry soothsayer — does not see its shadow, forecasting an early spring, then, well, that’s clearly its own reward; and well done groundhog! However, if the groundhog sees its shadow, predicting six more weeks of cold, bleak, blizzardy winter, then we all get the day off. I feel quite strongly about this. Just imagine the (possible) jubilation!

Aside from keeping warm and cheering on the groundhog, there are some fun and interesting things to do in Perth in February, and maybe you’ll take a shine to a few of them.

You can munch on some hot buttery popcorn and take in two Oscar-class movies at the Full Circle Theatre this month, as Film Night International presents Patients and The Wife. Patients, a story about hope, friendship and enduring serious physical injuries and handicaps, is a French film with English subtitles starring Pablo Pauly. It’s playing on February 6 at 2pm and 7pm. The Wife, starring Glenn Close (who won the Golden Globe for this performance) and Jonathan Pryce, is based on Meg Wolitzer’s excellent book and explores the many intricacies of a forty-year marriage. By all accounts, Close owns this movie, and it’s an extraordinary and deeply thoughtful film. It’s playing on February 20 at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are $20. Please arrive fifteen minutes early to guarantee you get a seat.

With the frigid temps and short days, February is ordinarily a very good month to get involved in the community, to see family, friends, and neighbours, and to enjoy a nice hot meal together. St. James Church is hosting not one but two community dinners in February — one on the 9th, the other on the 23rd — and all are welcome for a delicious meal in the church’s hall. The dinners go from 4:30 to 6:30pm, and a goodwill offering is appreciated to defray the cost of the food.

Loppet. I had to look this up. It’s a noun, and according to Wiktionary.org , a loppet is “a large, long distance cross-country skiing event.” They’re right, it turns out, and the Tay Valley Ski Club has one planned for February 10 at Murphy’s Point Provincial Park. The first race, a 2.5 or 5km “cookie race,” begins at 10am, followed by the classic 10km or 20km race at 11am. Though I’m unsure if there will be cookies on the menu, a hearty lunch will be served after each race, and awards will be presented at 1:30pm. If you would like to pre-register for the 2019 Tay Valley Loppet, please visit tayvalleyskiclub.wordpress.com or email Robert at TVCCS.coaching@gmail.com .

In any given month, people would scratch their heads if there wasn’t a play to attend in Perth. Thankfully, there are two in February! From February 21 to March 3, the Studio Theatre is presenting Alone Together Again — a play about a very crowded empty nest. You can find more information about this show on page 12 of this issue. Nearby, Barndoor Productions presents The Maltese Falcon at the Full Circle Theatre. The play, billed as “the classic hard-boiled detective story of all time, in a brand-new original stage adaption,” runs from February 15 to March 2. Reserved tickets are $20 (cash only), or you can pay $22 at the door. Please visit barndoorproductions.ca for matinée and evening showtimes, or to reserve tickets.

You can kick off your Family Day celebrations early on Saturday, February 16, as Perth Tourism hosts its annual Fire & Ice event at the Crystal Palace. This is a wonderful family event, featuring food, a bonfire and fireworks, but there’s also a portion of the celebrations geared a little more for adults, including an evening dance with an ice bar featuring drinks from Top Shelf Distillery and Perth Brewery, live music by the Lucky B’s, and special winter-themed cocktails. For more information about tickets and family events during the day, please call Kathryn Jamieson at 267–1947.

If you or someone you’re close to is getting married this year, you might want to get tickets for L.O.V.E.’s 4th Annual Wedding Expo. The Expo will help them plan their big day, as they can talk to beauty experts, event planners, bakers, officiates, transportation services, florists, photographers and videographers. The Expo takes place on February 24 at Code’s Mill from 12–3pm. It’s a catered event, with wine tasting and craft brewery samples. Brides and grooms may attend for free; others are $10 at the door. For more information, please call 250–0417.

MERA’s Sunday Folk Series, featuring some of the most accomplished musicians in North America, continues in February when Tripod takes the stage at MERA Schoolhouse on February 24 at 2pm. This family of musicians — Terry Tufts, Kathryn Briggs, and their daughter Beth — will perform their own material as well as putting their unique spins on some cover songs. With Terry’s masterful guitar playing, Kathryn’s skill as a seasoned pianist and 16-year-old Beth’s bold and clarion voice, this is sure to be a stirring and unforgettable show. Tickets are $22 in advance and available at Tickets Please (11 Gore Street East), online at ticketsplease.ca , or by calling 485–6434. In March, the Sunday Folk Series welcomes world-traveled troubadour James Keelaghan. Juno award-winning singer-songwriter Oh Susanna wraps up the series in April.

And the Award Goes to… Don Wiles! - theHumm February 2019

By Sally Hansen

Art… and Soul

theHumm is celebrating this awards season by commending Almonte’s beloved and esteemed Don Wiles for his interest in his community and the contributions he continues to make that enrich its cultural and intellectual life.

Journalists should never miss a chance to invite a nonagenarian to share their most treasured piece of advice. Soon to be 94, Dr. Wiles was momentarily surprised at my invitation, and then counseled, “Be interested.” He is a persuasive example of the wis......

Family, Films, Folk… and a Loppet! - theHumm February 2019