Birdhouse Bonanza 2022 - theHumm January 2022
Birdhouse Bonanza 2022 - theHumm January 2022
By Glenda Jones and Barb Carroll
Good news! The second annual online birdhouse auction, code name Birdhouse Bonanza, is coming in the last two weeks of April, 2022. This year’s proceeds will go to the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust mmlt.ca to enable them to continue improving the High Lonesome Nature Reserve off Carbine Road in Pakenham. It is fitting that the MMLT is dedicating this event to the memory of the late Michael Macpherson who loved High Lonesome and worked diligently to protect this site during his lifetime.
The improvements at High Lonesome will include:
the installation of 114 meters of a new rail fence along the length of the property’s shared laneway to protect the forest from ATVs;
moving the pedestrian entry gate;
adding a designated public parking area and rail fencing as protection of the front meadow for Monarch butterflies and other delicate species;
new signage and trail markers for hikers.
The estimated cost of the project is $10,000. Thanks to a $1,500 Mississippi Mills Municipal grant and some private donations, work has already begun, but we want to shoot for the moon with the birdhouse auction to get the job done. Our goal is $7,500. We made close to this amount last year and know it can be done. The money raised will help to enhance 200 acres of safe and beautiful unspoiled forest, ponds and meadows for people to hike through, picnic in, or participate in organized family events. It is not only for the immediate community. High Lonesome Nature Reserve is also an ideal destination for those in Ottawa, the Ottawa Valley, and surrounding areas, bringing recreation and tourism to the Pakenham and Almonte areas. Mike Macpherson would be thrilled if we’d climb to the peak and sit for a time of reflection on the bench donated in his honour.
To realize our goal of $7,500 for the High Lonesome improvements, we are asking birdhouse builders in the community to build and donate their creations as auction items, and birdhouse buyers to dig deep to buy the beautiful, artistic birdhouses at the online auction in April, 2022. Together we can make this happen! Questions? Contact Glenda Jones at aljones@xplornet.com or 256–6479, or Barbara Carroll at barbaracarroll493@gmail.com .
Jack Stekelenburg — “Is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood?” - theHumm January 2022
By Sally Hansen
Art… and Soul
Ten years ago I wrote that “Renfrew metal sculptor Jack Stekelenburg enjoys challenging our preconceptions of art. Following in the footsteps of his philosophical and artistic mentors, he creates art as an unconscious, unscripted, wordless act of emotional expression. He also plays and experiments and grows as an artist.”
Sixteen years ago the writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau inspired a construction worker from Renfre......
Pop, Pivots & Pirouettes Folkus presents The Pairs & Tragedy Ann,In-Person and Virtually! - theHumm January 2022
By Sandy Irvin
With excitement and joy, Folkus planned their 20th season this fall. We’re still hoping for joy, and we’re pivoting and pirouetting and taking all the precautions we can to ensure a safe and beautiful evening together. We really wanted to put Tragedy Ann and The Pairs on our stage because they absolutely love to sing, and they bring a delightful energy to the stage.
One of the things we really miss is gathering together. But some of us still aren’t ready to. And that’s ok. To make sure that peo......
** CANCELLED ** The Snow Moon Festival - theHumm January 2022
By Kris Riendeau
From the organizers of the Snow Moon Festival: "Unfortunately, after much discussion, we've made the difficult decision to postpone the festival to (February 4) 2023."
One thing is certain in these uncertain times — creativity is alive and flourishing in our area! Local venues have expanded patios, poured out into parking spaces, and even used hula hoops to socially-distance audience members keen to keep on experiencing the joys of live performances. Now that winter is upo......
Meet the Artist —Mireille Asselin, Soprano - theHumm January 2022
Internationally acclaimed soprano and Almonte resident Mireille Asselin returned home briefly after performing the role of Amore in the Vancouver Opera’s production of Glück’s Orfeo ed Euridice, before setting off again to perform as a soloist in Handel’s masterpiece Messiah with the Rhode Island Symphony Orchestra. Mireille will be performing with pianist Frédéric Lacroix and violinist/violist Brenna Hardy-Kavanagh on January 16 at the Almonte Old Town Hall, in a ......
Bane of All Things — a Début Novel - theHumm January 2022
By John Pigeau
Growing up, Leo Valiquette was fond of fantastical stories. The Star Wars saga, Tolkien’s Middle Earth books, and classics like Charlotte’s Web — these were the made-up worlds Leo liked to inhabit. Later, in high school, he liked to make up stories and was admittedly “a Dungeon & Dragons nerd.” At some point, he fashioned himself a decent writer, too. Now, many years on, he has realized a lifelong dream and published his first novel, an epic fantasy called Bane ......
Carleton Place Library Reopens to the Public - theHumm January 2022
After a year-long renovation, the Carleton Place Public Library is open to the public again!
The updated interior features new meeting rooms, a laptop bar, new shelving and flooring throughout, energy-saving LED lighting, and fun reading cubbies for kids.
“The new interior is vibrant, accessible and welcoming,” explains library CEO Meriah Caswell. “We are thrilled to be able to welcome the community back to their library and want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding during......
Almonte Lectures - theHumm January 2022
By Glenda Jones
Resolved: that the winter of 2022 will continue to provide interesting events.
Almonte Lectures almontelectures.net continues to live up to that resolution. The live-streamed editions held on the last Friday evening of each month have proven very popular, with up to one hundred participants tuning in every session.
The winter series will kick off on January 28 with Kris Riendeau’s presentation on the history and value of community theatre. Well-known as the editor of theHumm, Kris has been on the stage at the Almont......
A New Year: Determined Action! Lanark County Creates Its Climate Action Plan - theHumm January 2022
By Chandler Swain
Ahhh, good old January. Our time-honoured month to make clear, focused goals. It’s very common to do this on a personal basis, wanting to improve our health and wellbeing and initiate or complete projects and plans. But the wider view of this concept includes setting goals for our community: most specifically in this very challenging time, those that address the Climate Crisis.
We are all aware of the crisis that is looming if we don’t take the steps necessary to make our county — Lanark Count......
Birdhouse Bonanza 2022 - theHumm January 2022
By Glenda Jones and Barb Carroll
Good news! The second annual online birdhouse auction, code name Birdhouse Bonanza, is coming in the last two weeks of April, 2022. This year’s proceeds will go to the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust mmlt.ca to enable them to continue improving the High Lonesome Nature Reserve off Carbine Road in Pakenham. It is fitting that the MMLT is dedicating this event to the memory of the late Michael Macpherson who loved High Lonesome and worked diligently to protect this site during his lifetime.
The improvements at High Lonesome will include:
......
Not In My Back Yard? An Ode to Community Gardens - theHumm January 2022
By David Hinks
A community garden for every neighbourhood? There are many reasons why folks are turning their thoughts towards growing a few potatoes and carrots: global supply chain disruptions, extreme weather events, organic food untainted by chemicals, local food insecurity, just looking for a healthy outdoor activity, higher costs in the grocery store, more time on our hands for home projects, and the need to find something healthy for the kids to do are only a few!
So why grow food in a community ......
Mary Berry Comes to Carroll Side Road - theHumm January 2022
By Glenda Jones
Mary Berry, that paragon of pastry and smiling tourist guide, has chosen to visit our humble home for an upcoming “Notflix” series. It’s a little intimidating to think we’ll be up there with the Downton Abbey castle, but hey, this is our castle, so I’m sure I can haul out the stops to make her stay the epitome of elegance and social grace.
She arrived last Friday as it began to snow. Her limo pulled up and TV crews, cameras, cables and lights were everywhere as the three dogs exploded out the d......
Arts CP Call for Artists - theHumm January 2022
Arts Carleton Place is looking for between 40 and 55 talented artists for their spring Fine Art Show & Sale. Taking place at the Carleton Place Arena from April 30 to May 1, this year’s show ......
Virtual Caregiver Training - theHumm January 2022
A free five-week virtual Practical Caregiver Training Course is being offered to people living in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Counties. The goal is to make the caregiving experience safer and les......
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
Sep 14 Perth Night Market
Sep 17 Henry Norwood
- 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