After the March… - theHumm February 2017
After the March… - theHumm February 2017
Like many others, I was awed and inspired by the actions that took place around the world on Saturday, January 21. I found them to be a restorative antidote to the events of Friday, January 20, not least because they offered hope that collective action can still effect change in our world. The words of cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead ring as true to me today as ever: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
As the following week progressed and more bad news issued forth from the White House, it became increasingly clear to me that more action is required from people who hold civil liberties such as freedom of expression and association dear. I intend this editorial as one small drop in that ocean; an incomplete but well-intentioned place to start if you are looking to take further action after the march.
Thinking Globally
Fortunately, there are numerous well-organized groups that have a longstanding track record of working to protect human rights, all of which are tracking and responding to recent events, and all of which would greatly appreciate your support. From the website of the American Civil Liberties Union aclu.org : “Protecting free speech means protecting a free press, the democratic process, diversity of thought, and so much more. The ACLU has worked since 1920 to ensure that freedom of speech is protected for everyone.”
The International Planned Parenthood Federation ippf.org was founded in 1952, and, sixty years later, works in 172 countries, running 65,000 service points worldwide. Their vision is that: “All people are free to make choices about their sexuality and well-being, in a world free of discrimination,” and they believe in “social inclusion with a demonstrated commitment to enable the rights of the most under-served” as well as in “diversity, respecting all regardless of their age, gender, status, identity, sexual orientation or expression”.
Amnesty International amnesty.org , which was sparked by an outraged letter that was written in 1961 (and reprinted in free press around the world), is “a global movement of more than seven million people in over 150 countries and territories who campaign to end abuses of human rights.”
The more recently formed Women’s March on Washington group womensmarch.com has set their sights on a “10 Actions for the first 100 Days” campaign, with a mission that states “We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families — recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.”
Acting Locally
This issue of theHumm is bursting at the seams with opportunities to volunteer for a plethora of events, organizations and causes, but I would like to draw your attention to some that work specifically on behalf of marginalized groups.
In addition to staffing their shelter, Lanark County Interval House lcih.org provides transitional support, outreach and public education programs, and relies heavily on local volunteers and donors to do so. In fact, LCIH is “not a member of a national umbrella organization… we are a small, local charity providing intense, critical services for women of all walks of life in every type of neighbourhood of Lanark County”. In Renfrew County, the Women’s Sexual Assault Centre wsac.ca has been providing services since 1993 to “women over the age of 16 who have experienced or are experiencing some form of sexual violence”.
Several other local groups are doing a great job of advocating for and supporting youth, seniors, members of the LGBTQ community, Indigenous peoples and others. The Mills Community Support supports seniors, transitional-aged youth and people with intellectual disabilities, and undertakes “community development initiatives that bring people together to build better communities”. Lanark County Neighbours for Truth and Reconciliation is a network of aboriginal and non-aboriginal neighbours in Algonquin territory who support aboriginal rights. Open Doors for Lanark Children and Youth is the accredited child and youth mental health centre delivering service throughout Lanark County. The mission of the LGTB Lanark County Civitan Club is “to foster the development of a proud, visible, diverse, integrated community in Lanark County by providing support to the LGBT community and increasing acceptance and reducing homophobia and transphobia.” And Lanark Action for Social Change offers workshops on nonviolent action, including civil disobedience as well as creative protest.
These are just some of many groups active in our area. If you know of others that you would like us to include in future issues, please send an email to editor@thehumm.com . Happy thinking and acting!
Paddye Mann —Speaking theLanguage of Clothing - theHumm February 2017
By — Bruce Anderson (submitted Jeff Mills)
Hummble Thought
The Mudds’ Aladdin Jr. —It Takes a Team! - theHumm February 2017
By — Kate Cooney, Aladdin Jr. CoDirector
You see an ad in the paper or a banner on Bridge Street, letting you know that the Mississippi Mudds youth are putting on a play. That seems nice. What you don’t realize, perhaps, is that those kid......
After the March… - theHumm February 2017
Like many others, I was awed and inspired by the actions that took place around the world on Saturday, January 21. I found them to be a restorative antidote to the events of Friday, January 20, not......
The Man Who Gave So Much - theHumm February 2017
By — Adrian Schut
I first met Ron Caron when we were paired up to volunteer together at Puppets Up nearly ten years ago. Within a few hours it became abundantly clear to a fourteen-year-old Adrian that Ron was a for......
How to Get What You Want - theHumm February 2017
If what you want is to become more connected and involved with your community:
Start reading the descriptions of organizations and events seeking volunteers (they go from ......
New Courses for Learning in Almonte - theHumm February 2017
By — Glenda Jones
The third session of Learning in Almonte, that afternoon of education that beats the winter blahs, gets underway on February 28 when Peter Watson, physicist and mathematician, returns with his new ......
Soup Up Those Winter Blahs! MVTM’s Soup for Thought - theHumm February 2017
Mark the date Saturday, March 4 on your calendar now, because you won’t want to miss this year’s Soup for Thought luncheon fundraiser at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum. There’s nothing like ......
Travelogue: Trekking in Peru - theHumm February 2017
Whether you’re interested in travel, hiking, nature, or geography, you’ll want to mark Thursday, February 2 at 7pm on your calendars, and come to the Almonte Branch of the Mississippi Mills Public ......
Humm Bits - theHumm February 2017
Toy and Collectible Show & Sale
United Way Lanark County is hosting the annual Toy and Collectible Show and Sale at the Almonte Civitan Hall on Saturday, February ......
Scotland Road — A Thriller with Titanic Implications - theHumm February 2017
By — Paul Joyce
Picture this: A young woman is found floating on an iceberg off the coast of Iceland. Cold and hungry, dressed in early 20th century clothing, she utters a single word: “Titanic.” Surely this poor ......
Eat LocalSupport a CSA! - theHumm February 2017
Do the grey winter days have you dreaming about the greens of spring and summer? Why not ensure a steady supply of those greens (as well as lots of other delicious produce) by investing in a local ......
lanarklocalflavour.ca - theHumm February 2017
For more information about local food, farm-gate sales and CSAs, visit
SchoolBOX Brings Educational Empowerment Home to Canada - theHumm February 2017
By Tony Stuart
Since theHumm is devoting this issue to volunteerism, I thought that I would jump on board as well, but with a slightly different twist. High school band programs like mine rely heavily on the effo......
Leaving Your Own Legacy - theHumm February 2017
If you have ever been drawn to journaling but had trouble getting started, or were daunted by the commitment required to put your thoughts into writing on a regular basis, one of Heather Tucker’s L......
Wander, Experience and Indulge at Maple Run Tour - theHumm February 2017
By Rob Riendeau
In the InstaSnapTwitFace-app-ified world we all currently live in, we here at theHumm like to think of ourselves as the original social media. We try to provide content that is local, timely and re......
Smiths Falls Community Theatre Opens Their 2017 Season with a Roaring Farce - theHumm February 2017
By — Submitted the Smiths Falls Community Theatre
Start with a script that played on the London stage for eight years, then add an all-star cast that loves to work together. You have a formula that virtually guarantees an enjoyable theatre experie......
The Wildcats ofEastern Ontario - theHumm February 2017
Our wildcats — Canada lynx, bobcat and cougar — are magnificent and elusive creatures. It was thought that cougars had vanished from this area, but sightings have been reported and some claim that ......
Voice Your Thoughts on the Rail Trail - theHumm February 2017
A local citizens’ group, “Friends of OVRT”, is speaking to community leaders about their vision for a non-motorized recreational trail from Pakenham, through Almonte, to Carleton Place. A non-motor......
A Present to Your Ears Folkus presents Coco Love Alcorn - theHumm February 2017
By — Sandy Irvin
— James Keelaghan, Summerfolk Artist Director,and renowned Canadian singer/songwriter
Serendipity occasionally plays a role in the Folkus Concert series. Coco Love Alcorn came to us at the recomm......
7th Annual Snow Angel Making Party - theHumm February 2017
By — Susan Cressy
Come and celebrate winter at the 7th annual Snow Angel Making Party at Highlands Gate, 4381 Wolf Grove Road in Lanark Highlands, on Sunday, February 19 from 1 to 4pm. This is a fun party that is op......
Help Shape Future Health Care - theHumm February 2017
Strategic Plans help to answer one simple question: “What are the big things we have to get right over the next few years to ensure continued success?”
Almonte General Hospital (AGH) and Carleto......
Volunteering — In a Kilt! - theHumm February 2017
In 2009, during a visit to Perth, Scotland, for that city’s 800th anniversary, Mary Stewart and her husband Terry hatched an idea — to hold a kilt run through historic Perth (Ontario). Back home in......
Seedy Days Are Here Again - theHumm February 2017
By John Pigeau
There are two key activities that get me through this bleak time of year: stepping outside on sunny days and planning my garden. Actually, I spend more time planning my garden than actually working......
Humm Bits - theHumm February 2017
Beauty Out of the Woods at MERA
This month, Dean Hall in the MERA Schoolhouse will be featuring the art of Ankaret Dean, Greta McDonald and Rosemary Kotze, as they come to......
Turpin’s Trail at Perth’s Listening Room - theHumm February 2017
Though I was born and grew older (“grew up” just doesn’t seem appropriate, my friends say) in west-end Toronto, I left the city in 1974, only to return there for specific events like work or volunt......
And the Award Goes To… - theHumm February 2017
February: Oscar month. On the 26th, the 89th Academy Award ceremonies will commence. On January 24 at 5am PST, the Oscar nominations were released. The results were, as usual, filled with a healthy......
Evensong atSt. James - theHumm February 2017
By — Hilary Barrett
Choral Evensong at St. James’ Anglican Church in Perth is both a contemplative service and a celebration of sacred music and song, at which local musicians volunteer their services by playing a pre......
Fun Facts About Mississippi Mills - theHumm February 2017
First fact: we love to gather together and share food. Many years ago my good buddy Joy Stratford started a tradition of inviting the whole darn community over for dinner at the Almonte Old Town Ha......
In the Spring a Young Bird’s Fancy Turns To… - theHumm February 2017
By — Bob Volks can often be found at Gilligallou Bird, Inc. in Almonte’s Heritage Court <gilligalloubird.com>.
It might be safe to say that most of us are at least getting somewhat more optimistic about the possibility of an early spring. A sure sign of spring, as February and March sneak up on us, is the m......
Call for Artists and Artisans - theHumm February 2017
Register now for the Arts Carleton Place Spring Art Show & Sale, to be held May 27 and 28 at the Carleton Place Canoe Club. The fee to participate is $75; if you are not already ......
Jul 18 - 27 Bloomfest Garden Art Show & Sale
Jul 18 - 27 Bloomfest Garden Art Show & Sale
Jul 18 - 27 Bloomfest Garden Art Show & Sale
Jul 18 - 27 Bloomfest Garden Art Show & Sale
Jul 18 - 27 Bloomfest Garden Art Show & Sale
Jul 18 - 27 Bloomfest Garden Art Show & Sale
Jul 18 - 27 Bloomfest Garden Art Show & Sale
Jul 18 - 27 Bloomfest Garden Art Show & Sale
Jul 26 Craft and Colour
Jul 26 Craft and Colour
- Jim Fisher — Popularizing Art
- Back by Popular Demand Almonte Craft Beer Fest Returns on July 25
- Have You Heard this Joke Before?
- Celebrating Elder Trees in Perth
- Stewart Park Festival Full Lineup and Super Schedule for 2025!
- 5th Merrickville Festival of the Arts A Marvelous Mix of the Arts from July 25–27
- HerbFest Returns A Celebration of Healthy Living, Music, and Local Flair
- BarnDoor Productions Bringing Summer Shakespeare Back to Perth
- A Community Yart Sale!
- Transform Your Garden with Art From Birdhouses to Bold Sculptures — Find them at Bloomfest!