Katie Pound stars in Anne of Green Gables

As published in The Erin Advocate

Erin’s Katie Pound seems to be well suited for the role of Anne Shirley, which she plays in an upcoming production of Anne of Green Gables in Georgetown.

Like Anne, she exudes confidence and takes on challenges with enthusiasm. She also has the vocal training and stage experience to handle a major role.

“Anne is positive all the time – she doesn’t let the judgment of others get to her,” says Katie. “She is a strong-headed little girl, who sometimes has to take things into her own hands.”

Katie has been very busy with rehearsals this fall, since she is also in the musical Legally Blonde at Mayfield Secondary School in Caledon, where she is a Grade 11 student in the Performing Arts Program. That show runs November 5-7.

Globe Productions presents the musical Anne of Green Gables at the John Elliott Theatre, November 20-29, directed by David Ambrose, with music director Darryl Burton, choreographer Cheri Lindsay-Jarvis and producer Lori Girvan. Go to globeproductions.ca for show details.

The stage play is based on the famous novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery, another strong, positive character who lived for a time in Norval. The story follows the adventures of Anne as she adapts to life in the conservative Prince Edward Island community of Avonlea in the early 1900s. She arrives as an orphan at a farm where they had wanted a boy to help with the chores.

She has to deal with the strictness of Marilla Cuthbert (played by Michelle Gardner) and finds a kindred spirit in her shy brother Matthew Cuthbert (Mark Llewellyn). “Marilla is not mean, but wants to bring Anne up right,” says Katie. Ultimately, Anne charms the entire town with her imagination and heart.

The show provides an opportunity for singing, acting and dancing, and Katie tries to be a good role model for the young kids in the cast.

Starting singing lessons when she was 11, she was introduced to a variety of music such as jazz. She sang in talent shows (including first place at the Erin Fall Fair) and various choirs. She is grateful to Nick Holmes for the opportunity to participate the Kids Can Act program in Hillsburgh, with productions such as Charlotte’s Web and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Now she enjoys the opportunity of being in the spotlight, and is serious about pursuing a career in the performing arts. She is exploring an interest in opera, with coaching from renowned tenor Mark Dubois, and attending a master class where she was critiqued by famous New York soprano Aprile Millo.

She went to Italy in July for a program hosted by Millo, with lessons in Italian language, culture and opera repertoire, and a performance with an audience that included the granddaughter of famed opera composer Giacomo Puccini.

In a culture where musical interests tend to fixate on pop singers and their latest videos, Katie is getting a unique and well-rounded education, which will stand her in good stead throughout her life.

The Great War Open House

On Thursday, October 29, 2015, I made a presentation at the Great War Open House hosted by the Town of Erin Heritage Committee, held in the Council Chambers. It attempts to show what life was like in Erin in 1914 and 1915, and the role that the Erin Advocate newspaper played at that time.

CLICK HERE to download the images from that presentation as a single PDF file (33 MB).

My thanks to

- Chair Jamie Cheyne and members of the Heritage Committee.

- Councillor Jeff Duncan, who provided enthusiasm and research help.

- Doug Kirkwood, Service Officer for the Erin Legion, who shared some of his extensive research on local people involved in the war.

Cenotaph

- Looking Back at the past is fascinating, not only because we see how different things were. When we get a glimpse of the lives of real people, we can imagine ourselves living at that time.

- The No. 7 Company of the 30th Battalion of the Wellington Rifles was based in Erin. They were formed in 1866 after the scare of the Fenian raids and eventually became part of 153rd Wellington County Battalion during World War One.

- Erin’s soldiers came from all walks of life, and enlisted in many different places. A cenotaph to help us remember our fallen was not dedicated until 1956.

Arthur Berry

- The first name on the list is Arthur Berry, a farmer from Orton, the son of George and Annie Berry of Orton, a member of the Disciples of Christ. The Canadian Great War Project is an on-line database. It says he enlisted at age 18, served with the 153rd Wellington Battalion and was killed in action at age 20. His body was not recovered.

Arthur Berry Vimy Memorial

- His name appears on the Vimy Memorial

Arthur Berry plaque

- And on a plaque at Orton United Church, formerly the Methodist Church

Population Chart

- In 1914, Erin Village had about 500 people. Erin Township including Hillsburgh and the other hamlets had a total of 3,000 – less than they had 50 years earlier. The combined Erin population would dip as low as 3,100 in World War Two. It would not pick up until 1961, after our water works were installed, and it soared to 11,000 by 2001.

- We’d had the railroad for 35 years – great for shipping out potatoes and bringing in tourists to Stanley Park. There were two trains a day to Toronto and two returning, plus regular bus service to Guelph.

Going West this Spring?

- At World War One, Erin Township had been settled for almost a hundred years, but there was no fire department, the roads were dirt or gravel, and there were no sewers.

- Life expectancy was mid-50s, many women still died giving birth and over 10 per cent of babies didn’t live until their first birthday.

- Erin was already past its peak as an industrial centre. Our water-powered mills were still operating, but steam turbines at big town factories were driving the economy.

- Rural areas like Erin were being depopulated as farming became more mechanized. People were moving to the cities and to the fertile farmland of the Canadian Prairies. Canada’s population was growing, but the immigration from Europe was being directed to the West.

- The Canadian Pacific Railway was urging people to go West, and many Erin residents did. Though many returned during the prairie drought of the 1930s.

Archduke’s assassin

- Community newspapers in those days were often the only source of news – international, national, provincial, local events and social gossip.

- The Advocate reported that Bosnian Serb Gavrilo Princip appeared before a magistrate in Sarajevo, expressing no guilt for assassinating Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie on June 28, 1914. It was treated as far-away political upheaval.

- And even once the war was on, many people expected it would be over by Christmas of 1914. Canadians realized only gradually that they would have to change their way of life.

King George

- King George in his uniform, ready to fight.

- Canada’s identity, outside Quebec, was embedded in the British Empire. Once England was at war, Canada was at war – no questions asked.

Mother Britain poem

- Every week, there was a poem on Page 1 – like this one, warning the bally Huns, that those who strike at Britain, must reckon with her sons.

Uniforms at Salisbury

- The Canadians looked quite spiffy in their uniforms, while training in England.

Ford car

- A few people could afford the new automobiles, but horses and buggies were still the norm. And the cars weren’t much use in the winter, so cutters or sleighs were a necessity.

Magic Baking Powder

- Here are some other examples of ads in the Advocate. Magic Baking Powder, made by the Gillett Company.

Corn Flakes

- No comment needed

The Darkest Hour novel

- Every issue of the paper had the next chapter of a serialized novel – usually a mix of romance and melodrama.

Fashion news

- And even with a world war raging, the Advocate carried the latest fashion news from Paris. This hat, with rabbit ear bows of black velvet, was considered one of the smartest creations of the season.

W.A.R. Store

- Merchants were not above using the war for commercial promotion – like this ad from W.A. Ramesbottom.

Columbia Records at Bell’s store

- Robert Bell’s store carried the latest music from the relatively new recording industry. The 3rd last song on the list: Cows may come, Cows may go, but the Bull goes on forever.

Fruit-a-tives

- The newspaper was packed with ads for dubious medicines, and testimonial articles claiming miracle cures. Perhaps a pre-cursor of today’s info-mercial.

Castoria

- Castoria promises to contain no opium or morphine – which tells you something about other medicines on the market.

Advocate prints butter paper

- The war drove up the price of butter wrapper paper – but the Advocate was selling it at the old price. We would print almost anything.

Wellington Hull

- The publisher of the paper was Wellington Hull, a master of multiple revenue streams. Before buying the paper in 1894, he had been a farmer, a butcher, a village councillor and the reeve. He owned land in Erin village, just west of what is still known as Hull’s Dam.

- He was a Wellington County Constable, and later a Magistrate and Justice of the Peace.

- He was the official starter at local horse races

- He was a car salesman.

Advocate – Union Bank building

- Hull built a solid building and leased the ground floor to the Union Bank, later the Royal Bank.

- Wellington Hull passed the paper on to his son Roy, who passed it on to his son Charles. The family operated The Advocate for 78 years. The great thing about owning a newspaper, is that you can run free ads for yourself every week.

Farms for sale

- If you couldn’t get a loan downstairs, you could always try upstairs at the Advocate office.

Real estate agent

- He was a real estate agent and farm equipment dealer.

Auctioneer

- An auctioneer

Marriage licenses

- And the issuer of marriage licenses. Note the cost of an annual subscription – $1 per year, which is probably why he needed other sources of income.

Bombs on Dunkirk

- The paper normally had two full pages of war news, like this story of a dirigible air raid. It was a constant narrative of heroism, foul deeds by the enemy, glorious victories and human slaughter.

War news – Nerve pills

- For those who were depressed by the war news, there were Milburn’s Heart and Nerve Pills, designed to build up the unstrung nervous system.

Pleasant pellets

- It appears some women were having crying spells. They were starting to feel old and look old – due to some weakness or derangement. Fortunately, Dr. Pierce’s Pleasant Pellets could be ordered by mail to restore youthful vigour.

German guns seized in Toronto

- There were frequent stories of German spies. Canadian transport ships had been the target of mines and submarine attacks in the Atlantic, and it was widely believed that spies had fed critical information to the enemy.

- The United States was not in the war at this stage, and there were millions of Germans living there. Canada feared those Germans might invade Canada, so as a precaution, police confiscated all firearms belonging to Germans in Toronto.

Wellington raises half-regiment

- In 1914, Wellington County was planning to raise half a regiment of 500 men. It would cost $90 to outfit each soldier, for a large expenditure of $45,000.

Acton Tanning Co. busy

- In Acton, they were working day and night to supply leather for war horses.

Cavalry horses painted blue

- The French had a novel idea – they would paint their horses blue so they would blend in with the horizon and not be noticed by the enemy.

Four horses in a shell hole

- George Arnett of Erin was a member of the Royal Horse Artillery. He said the artillery shells would make a hole large enough to put four horses in. A later letter said six horses.

Canada makes shells

- The British War Office had placed orders for $154 million worth of shells – and every machine shop or factory capable of making shells was busy. Canada was shipping out 10,000 shells per day, and hoped to push the average to 40,000 shells per day.

Drawing of barn being shelled

- There was very little action photography, but survivors would describe battles, and artists would create drawings for the newspapers – like this barn being hit by a shell.

Drawing of air battle

- Air battles caught the public’s imagination, with the exploits of flying aces like Canada’s Billy Bishop and Germany’s Manfred von Richthofen (the Red Baron).

Sgt. Frank Belway

- Frank Belway didn’t move to Erin until later, but he was well known as the manager of Stanley Park, owner of a grocery store and the third President of the Legion.

Distinguished Flying Cross

- In World War One he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for flying low over enemy lines under heavy machine gun fire, to get exact information on the positioning of their troops.

German albatross forced down by Belway

- He also had the rare distinction of forcing an enemy pilot to land behind the Allied lines.

Carmichael ad – Shot to Pieces

- The Carmichaels were a prominent Hillsburgh family with a prosperous store. The website carmichaelfamilyonline is an excellent source of information on Hillsburgh history.

John and Grace Carmichael

- Portraits of John and Grace Carmichael.

Marjorie visits

- The Advocate social notices reported a visit by their daughter Marjorie, who was about to leave for France.

Nursing Sister Marjorie Carmichael

- At the age of 29, working in Toronto as a nurse, Marjorie had enlisted as a nursing sister.

Open Letter to Women

- The Advocate carried an open letter from the most powerful women in Canada – the National Committee for Patriotic Service:

- The President was Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Connaught. That was Louise Margaret, a German princess who was married to the third son of Queen Victoria, Prince Arthur – who was Canada’s Governor General. Her daughter was Princess Patricia, who had her own Light Infantry Regiment in the Canadian army. Then you had the wife of Prime Minister Robert Borden, the wife of Opposition Leader Wilfred Laurier, and a long list of upper class ladies.

- The message was simple: Canadian women must “ungrudgingly” give up their sons and husbands for this struggle.

- A side note about the Duchess – she died of influenza during the war, at a time when there was no vaccine for the flu, and doctors didn’t even know it was caused by a virus. The flu pandemic in 1918 would infect 500 million people and kill at least 50 million – 3 per cent of the world’s population. That was far more than the 11 million soldiers and 7 million civilians who died in the war.

Patriotic Concert by Brisbane students

- Student concerts and many social events were raising funds for aid to the Belgians, who were being allowed to starve to death after their country was invaded.

- Erin Township Council voted to start a Patriotic Fund to assist in the war effort. Councillors were assigned areas and would canvass every resident.

- There was also a Patriotic Association that helped out the families of soldiers. Many children did extra work in the farm fields while their fathers were away. Farmers who had not enlisted were under extreme pressure to increase food production.

W.C.T.U. knits socks

- The Women’s Christian Temperance Union in Erin was busy knitting socks for soldiers, and collecting material for bandages.

Teachers donate ambulance

- Wellington teachers decided to donate one per cent of their salaries to buy a motor ambulance for the front.

Red Cross fundraising

- The cost of treating the wounded was very high, so the Red Cross launched a major fundraising campaign.

Machine gun drawings

- It cost $1,000 for each machine gun, and the federal government appealed for public donations. In 1915, communities across Canada gave over $1 million for machine guns.

War Tax Stamp

- The federal government brought in new taxes to help pay for the war effort, including an extra one cent for every telegraph message, a one-cent war stamp on every letter (regular postage was two cents), two cents for every bank cheque, five to ten cents on train tickets, five cents on every pint of regular wine, and 25 cents on each bottle of champagne.

Surcharge on property taxes

- The provincial government brought down a special surcharge on property taxes that would raise $1.8 million.

Pensions for wounded

Severely wounded survivors were entitled to a monthly pension that ranged from $264 for privates, up to $2,100 for brigadier-generals.

Parliamentary propaganda

- News or propaganda: “Canada’s loyalty to the great struggle of the Motherland for the cause of right was again manifested in the vote of another $100,000 for the war fund by the absolutely unanimous voice of the members of the House of Commons.”

Soldiers’ fountain pens

- Soldiers were urged to buy good quality pens that would last for years after the war.

Hugh McMillan photo

- This is Hugh McMillan. When the war broke out, Prime Minister Borden promised Britain 20,000 troops. Within a month, 30,000 had enlisted at an army camp in Valcartier, Quebec.

- Travelling to Valcartier to enlist were Erin boys: Hugh McMillan, Albert McBride, Elmer Green, Horace McArthur, Alan and Ernie Royce, Howard Cox, Gordon McRae and Laurence Tarzwell.

- When Hugh McMillan signed up, he listed his occupation as “Chauffeur”, and that’s what he was assigned to do. He was a truck driver supplying the trenches, an ambulance driver, and a chauffer for senior officers.

Hugh McMillan pennant, and Marjorie

- McMillan was a prolific letter writer, and quite proud of his home. He raised the Hillsburg Pennant not far from the front lines in France.

- He also mentions Marjorie Carmichael from Hillsburg, working in a nearby hospital, keeping in touch with the local boys.

Hillsburg pennant

- Image from the Wellington Museum and Archives

- The “H” at the end of Hillsburgh did not come into common use until the Second World War

McMillan – shell didn’t burst

- McMillan was very casual about the dangers, saying his house had been hit by a shell, but it didn’t burst.

McMillan – respirators issued

- Or that he’d been issued a respirator for poison gas

- “The Germans will pay for this.”

News from Ypres

- Ypres was Canada’s first major battle. Chlorine gas was used for the first time by the Germans.

- Listen to the news language used about Canadian soldiers: “Though reduced in the lines, and with dispositions made hurriedly under the stimulus of critical danger, they fought through the day and though the night, and then through another day and night; fought under their officers until, as happened to so many, these perished gloriously, and then fought from the impulsion of sheer valor, because they came from fighting stock.”

McMillan – under fire at Ypres

- Ypres was the battle during which Doctor John McCrae of Guelph wrote his famous poem In Flanders Fields.

- From the same battle Hugh McMillan wrote of rescuing a comrade whose truck had stalled, with shells falling all around. There was a German aviator overhead sending signals to the artillery. The road was filled with women and children running from the shells. “You have no idea what it was like, and I couldn’t explain it in writing”. In fact, he was having trouble writing because the guns were making the ground shake. “Bye, bye dear mother. Write soon, and oftener.”

McMillan – souvenirs

- McMillan lost a batch of letters during the Battle of Ypres, but another soldier found them and forwarded them to his parents. He sent some souvenirs, including a piece of the Yres cathedral, and a “Housewife” – a string shopping bag he picked up from a German soldier.

McMillan – if my turn comes

- “If my turn comes, it will be no worse than hundreds of other poor fellows who have fallen. The only way to do out here is to do your best and trust to God to bring you through safely.”

- “I’ve only been off duty half a day since coming to France, and that day I had a headache.

McArthur gets Advocate, congratulates hockey team

- Horace McArthur was very glad to receive copies of the Advocate at the front. He congratulated the Erin Hockey Team and wished them a successful season.

- His job was to dig trenches on the night shift, ducking out of sight when the German flares went up.

McArthur has close calls

- He too was very casual about danger, reporting that a shell had fallen four feet away from him, but that the explosion had only covered him with mud. After a bullet went through his hat, he said, “That was close enough for me”.

McArthur believed dead

- It was rumoured that Horace had been killed, and The Advocate wrote to his father, a minister, for information. Rev. McArthur reported that Horace’s letters had suddenly stopped after the Battle of Ypres. He was with the 48th Highlanders, 15th Battalion, three fourths of whom were lost.

McArthur in prison camp

- Finally a letter arrived from Horace. He had been captured, sent to a German hospital, treated for gas poisoning and appendicitis, and sent to a prison camp where he was allowed to receive mail, as long as it had no reference to the war.

- Horace later escaped from that prison camp.

F.W. Wood funeral director

- Typically, the local furniture maker would be the casket builder as well, in this case F.W. Wood.

High school debate

- His son Arthur was a senior high school student, and was involved in a Literary Society debate, arguing that the United States was morally obligated to join the war on the Allied side.

New recruiting drive

- At that time there was a new recruiting drive, and Arthur Wood was one of two high school students who signed up.

Jolly good fellows recruited

- Principal Tomlinson held a big party at his house, and the boys were each presented with a gold ring. They were also rewarded with a rendition of the song, “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows”.

Twenty volunteers

- The goal was 25 recruits and they got 20.

- Notice the wording from the editor at the end – “Keeper up the good work boys. You Country needs you now.”

35,000 more men needed – now up to 150,000

- Stories in the newsapaper could seem like a country talking to itself, reassuring itself that it was doing the right thing: “Canada is surely measuring up to her duty in her contribution of men to the war.”

- Today, it would be controversial front-page news. In 1915, it was one paragraph on an inside page – 35,000 more men needed for the firing line in France. That would bring the total so far to 150,000, but even then, we were just getting started.

- Canada had a population of 8 million in 1915. Eventually, she would have 650,000 men and women enlisted, 8.3% of the population. The casualties would total over 65,000 dead and 172,000 wounded.

- Erin Township and Village had a combined population of 3,500. From that we had 228 volunteers and 97 draftees, for a total of 325. That’s 9.3% of the local population. Of those, at least 28 died.

- As we promise every November, they have not been forgotten.
Erin is still proud that we did our bit for King and Country.

- And that’s the story so far.

Local initiatives explore aspects of climate change

As published in The Erin Advocate

There’s a lot of local action on the front lines of the climate change battle these days, with a faith-based vigil planned for McMillan Park and the launch of A Handbook on Climate Change for Baby Boomers.

The vigil is on Saturday, October 24 at 6:15 pm, hosted by Rev. Felicia Urbanski of Erin United, Rev. Susan Wilson of All Saints Anglican and Heidi Matthews of St. John Brebeuf Catholic Church.

The ecumenical service is part of a National Day of Action for the Climate initiated by the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, which is running a campaign called “Create a Climate of Justice”.

It is a justice issue because climate change will most severely affect world’s poorest people. Human responsibility for safeguarding creation is also being identified by leaders such as Pope Francis as a spiritual issue.

The campaign asks Canadians to make lifestyle changes to reduce carbon emissions. It calls on the federal government to transition away from a fossil-fuel dependent economy and adopt a fair and binding agreement at the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris in December.

“People have erroneously assumed that Christianity has nothing to do with climate change action, or stewardship of our Earth,” said Rev. Urbanski. “Christians have misconstrued the phrase in the Book of Genesis about humans "having dominion" over the Earth. We have thought that we could do whatever we wanted to our planet. Yet, having dominion really means having responsibility to care for our Earth and to protect its precious resources.

“This climate vigil gives people of all church affiliations - and those of no affiliation - an opportunity to come together. We can share our concerns and lift them up to God. We can network with each other and find ways to have more of an impact on decision-makers.”

The vigil will include prayers, a scripture reading, singing and an opportunity for participants to share ideas for positive action.

“We are not without hope – there are so many movements coming together to work for a better world,” said Heidi Matthews.

“There was a time when we remembered to be grateful to the Creator and to be responsible with the gifts of the earth. I think the role of faith communities is to lead us back to that understanding – not in small steps but in giant leaps.”

In a separate initiative, Liz Armstrong of Erin is promoting a climate change book for baby boomers. She says just opening the handbook is a big step, since “there are millions, maybe billions, thinking that climate change is just way too big a problem for non-scientists to help conquer”. The book is an “urgent plea to lend your voice (and possibly other talents) to help this extraordinary Earth through a big mess of our own making.”

The first part is an easy-to-read education in the science, economics and politics of climate change and renewable energy, with an attractive series of photos and illustrations. The second is a series of bite-sized ways to take action.

Download a free copy at climateactionforboomers.ca, or order a paper copy for $20. Armstrong has been part of the local environmental movement with the Climate Change Action Group of Erin, Transition Erin, the Fast Forward film nights and the Citizens Climate Lobby.

“It’s about our moral responsibility to our kids and grandkids, because what’s at stake is nothing less than leaving them a livable future,” she says. “So much of what we Boomers took for granted on this amazing planet – and had hoped to leave to our kids – is now at risk.”

Poverty concerns should move to the front burner

As published in The Erin Advocate

Poverty is big problem, but it doesn’t seem to be a big issue in the current federal election. Perhaps there is a feeling that it is too complex a problem to do anything about. Perhaps issues that will take decades or centuries to fully solve are beyond the interest span of a four-year government.

Internationally, is Canada willing to look beyond its short-term goals as an elite nation, by fostering improvements in human rights and economic self-sufficiency in poorer nations?

Domestically, are we willing to tackle the challenge of respecting the rights of First Nations people, while enabling them to prosper within our broader society?

Canada can be proud of its social safety net, but the cost could become unaffordable if we don’t fix some of the underlying economic problems.

Are we willing to write off whole sectors of the population to chronic poverty – the addicted, the mentally ill, the pensionless, the disabled, the ones poorly served by our schools, the ones with unexpected burdens and the ones with simple bad luck? Or do we look for dignified ways for them to contribute and have some hope of improving their situation?

Taken one at a time, the problems are solvable. At the All Candidates meeting last week, I asked candidates if they support a substantial increase to the federal minimum wage.

As Conservative Michael Chong pointed out, there is no actual minimum wage for federally regulated industries, where many workers already earn substantially more. The Liberals cancelled the minimum almost 20 years ago, but the NDP and Greens want to bring it back and increase it to $15 per hour over several years.

Chong said it is better for provinces to set the main minimum wage (currently in the $10 to $11.25 range in Canada) since the cost of living varies regionally. Still, I think would be valid for the federal government to send a signal that the status quo for the working poor is unacceptable.

Some economists say minimum wage increases cause harm, since employers hesitate to hire more workers, and that added wage costs drive up prices. These are legitimate concerns, but I believe the employment impact would be short term for viable businesses. And I’d be glad to pay a little more at Walmart or McDonald’s.

Brent Bouteiller of the Green Party backs a $15 per hour minimum wage, but said the impetus needs to come from the grassroots level to affect provincial policies.

Liberal Don Trant did not address the minimum wage. “Our approach would be to increase the income taxes on the wealthiest 1% of the population and redistribute that money to the middle class,” he said. “The middle class needs the money, and their spending stimulates the economy.”

That is all valid, but it doesn’t deal with the people who are struggling to join the middle class. Those who pay little income tax, but are often uncertain if they will be able to pay the rent and buy groceries next month. The minimum wage affects not only young people trying to break into the job market, but middle agers hurt by lack of opportunity in the economy and seniors who must work to supplement their pensions.

“It’s not the middle class people who are making $60,000 or $70,000 a year who need a $15 per hour minimum wage,” said the NDP’s Anne Gajerski-Cauley.

“It’s the poor people that need it. When we can lift those people out of poverty, all of us will be dignified, so I strongly support it.” For that, she received a round of applause.

Hillsburgh pond options to be presented next year

As published in The Erin Advocate

The first Public Information Centre in the Environment Assessment of the Station Street dam and bridge in Hillsburgh will not be held until early next year.

The Town of Erin must decide on rebuilding the bridge, which is now 98 years old, and was identified as in need of replacement as early as 1973. Pond preservation is also a major issue, both in Hillsburgh and Erin village, since the dams not longer meet provincial safety standards.

Just a few miles downstream on the West Credit River, there are similar issues as Credit Valley Conservation studies what to do with the popular dam and pond at the Belfountain Conservation Area. A Public Information Centre on their EA and Management Plan was held last week, with local residents concerned more about visitor flow than stream flow.

The Hillsburgh EA is a $190,000 project, with future work on the bridge, dam and road expected to cost well over $2 million, whether the pond is saved or not. Part of that would include installing infrastructure to service future housing west of the pond, with development fees possibly offsetting the cost.

The road was closed in 2011 due to a failing outlet pipe and emergency work was done in 2012 to make the road safe for traffic.

The start of the EA was announced in November 2014, and a full cycle of seasons was needed to study the plants and wildlife in the pond ecosystem. Triton Engineering is assembling a Background Information Statement, and will prepare an outline of possible options for the Public Information Centre.

The EA is actually the product of a series of studies on factors such as the cultural and heritage value of the pond. The Elora Cataract Trailway runs by it, but recreational usage is very limited since the pond and most of the adjacent land is privately held.

All of the options will be costly, but it will be interesting to see if there is any political support for innovative solutions that benefit fish and the river environment. Or will the Town be content to simply maintain safety and a scenic view?

Construction of a narrow channel to handle the main flow
of the West Credit River is one of several options in a study
of the pond and dam at Belfountain Conservation Area.    

There are some differences with the Belfountain situation, but both have sub-standard dams and sediment-filled ponds. The Belfountain study, available on the CVC website, could provide a preview of some of the issues to be debated here.

What will be the impact on local wells? Are we willing to alter the man-made pond ecosystems that have developed over the past 190 years? Is it better to leave the sediment, dredge it or let it wash downstream? Should we create more usable land by partially filling in ponds? Do we preserve ponds as valuable assets, or let the river gradually return to its natural state, including wetlands.

One of the most interesting options outlined in the Belfountain EA is construction of a by-pass channel that would handle most of the stream flow. The pond would be preserved with a new dam, but it would be “off-line” from the main river – the same concept as at Stanley Park, or the new channel around Wolf Lake at Terra Cotta Conservation Area.

Such a system would provide the colder water temperatures that fish need, and a route for them to swim past the dam. It won’t be the cheapest option, but it might satisfy some of the local concerns while improving the environment.

Social justice requires choices for common good

As published in The Erin Advocate

Of course, we should pay heed to events like Hunger Awareness Week, now in progress. It is so easy to let it slide by, since the issue never seems to go away. We should not be lulled into thinking, however, that there are no solutions.

Poverty may well be part of the human condition, but that does not relieve us of an obligation to better the lives of people other than ourselves. We have the capacity to ensure that everyone gets enough food.

East Wellington Community Services (EWCS) is urging us to wear red this week, to show common cause with those in need and others who care. We can certainly educate ourselves at sites like foodbankscanada.ca.

But what does it profit a wealthy town, in a wealthy nation, to merely read up on the problem, to wring its hands and say to the hungry, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill”, yet not supply their bodily needs?

We can make the leap from words to action by actually bringing food to the EWCS office at 45 Main Street, or donating money to help their food banks in Erin and Rockwood.

In the last year, EWCS distributed 50,000 pounds of food, valued at $125,000. They handled 1,350 visits and provided for some 300 individuals – 42% of them children.

With food bank use rising 25% in the last seven years, Canadians need to ask themselves what kind of country they want to live in, and identify the areas where the social values we cherish have been eroded.

We live in a world dominated by competition, but we are not mere victims of market forces. We can make choices that promote the common good. We can ask questions that push the discussion of hunger beyond the need for charity.

What does it profit a wealthy nation to channel more and more of its wealth into the hands of a very few, who are already wealthy? Will that promote prosperity and stability?

The creation of a middle class, imperfect as it may be, has been about sharing the wealth. Its impending demise is quite properly an election issue.

If we are forced to become a less wealthy nation, perhaps due to the rise of previously impoverished nations, are we willing to share the reduction equitably? Can we abandon the myth of perpetual growth?

What does it profit a wealthy nation to channel more and more of its workers into low-wage jobs – part-time, casual, temporary and casual work, with no security or benefits – while allowing real estate values to skyrocket? It is the epitome of unsustainability.

How can we lie to our children, telling them that education and hard work will allow them to maintain a standard of living that is, in fact, slipping away from the majority? Does their education include ways to be happy with less?

One of the pieces in this economic puzzle is the minimum wage, which finally hit $11 last year and will soar to $11.25 next month. Considering the value of these jobs to our economy, it is not nearly enough.

There’s a movement for higher increases (read up at 15andfairness.org), which make good economic sense. People need hope of decent work, not charity. A higher minimum wage would stimulate growth in the economy, providing more spending at small, local businesses.

Tax cuts for profitable corporations do not produce the same benefits. They are under no obligation to create more jobs or pay better wages.

That’s why we elect governments, whose job it is to do what’s best for society as a whole. Let’s make sure they get on with it.

A new comedy and a new music series

As published in The Erin Advocate

This past weekend was a fine one for entertainment in Erin, with a new comedy opening at Century Church Theatre and the first concert presented in a new monthly folk music series at the Busholme Inn.

The theatrical offering is A Bench in the Sun, written by Ron Clark and directed by Jo Phenix. Young folks could well enjoy the show, but it is probably funnier for those who can relate to the antics of two grumpy old men competing for the attentions of a mature actress who moves into their retirement home.

Neville Worsnop plays Harold, a dapper fellow who is very proud of his life’s adventures, and never ceases to brag about them to his childhood friend Burt, with whom he now shares a sunny bench.

Wayne Moore plays Burt, a retired accountant who is fixated on his newspaper and haunted by a conflict from his past. He naps so often that he wears pajamas all day – this is, until he takes an interest in Adrienne, played by Vickie Forsyth.

The aging movie star has a glittering hair-do and a relentlessly sunny disposition, which certainly perks up the lives of the menfolk – whose previous entertainment consisted of antagonizing each other with constant arguments.

Michelle Moore provides the voice of the retirement home PA announcer, introducing each scene with slice of seniors humour.

Neville Worsnop, Wayne Moore and Vickie Forsyth

The story is about the frailties of advancing age, and the frustrations of relationships at any age, all simmered together in a stew of puns, witty wordplay and physical gags. And while true love remains elusive, the two men are eventually able to resolve a long-standing conflict.

It is a mellow comedy, and sometimes that’s just what the doctor ordered. The show continues this Friday and Saturday evening, and Sunday afternoon. Go to centurychurchtheatre.com for more details.

Meanwhile, at the Busholme, Erin was treated to the fine voices of Tannis Slimmon from Guelph, and Clela Errington from Toronto. Each had their own sets, but provided backup vocals for each other on selected songs.

It was the first in a series of monthly concerts called Erin Roots, organized by Folk Roots Radio host Jan Hall of Hillsburgh. She’s promising a broad mix of folksy / bluesy / alternative acoustic music.

Clela Errington

Clela Errington’s music leans towards soulful jazz – passionate and upbeat, but very relaxed, with some nice ukulele and harmonica work to supplement her guitar playing.

Her voice has a huge range, and she’s able to sing lightly, but with richness and power at the same time. She has four albums, the most recent being More Love and Happiness.

Tannis Slimmon is well-known on the folk festival scene, both as a solo artist and as part of various groups including The Bird Sisters, during a career of 30+ years. She has a way of engaging and uplifting an audience, whether the song is happy or sad.

Tannis Slimmon

In 2008 she was named Contemporary Vocalist of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards for her album Lucky Blue. Her 2013 album In & Out Of Harmony was produced by her musical partner Lewis Melville, who provided the second guitar and vocals during Saturday’s concert.

Melville is a wizard with his guitar improvisations, and he’ll be back on October 24 for the next Erin Roots concert, teaming up with Ian Pattison in Banjo Mechanics. Also featured will be the blues guitar and cello duo of Dennis Gaumond and Jen Gillmor, who go by the name Jennis.

Question Period approved for Erin Council meetings

As published in The Erin Advocate

Establishment of a public Question Period at the start of Erin Town Council meetings is good news for local democracy.

It won’t be like Question Period in the House of Commons, where MPs can only ask questions planned by their party. In Erin, residents will be able to ask anything they want.

It will encourage people to bring up topics in public – not to embarrass staff or politicians, but to ensure that responses are heard by other members of the public and the media.

People will not have to register days in advance as a delegation or provide details about the question they intend to ask.

‘It certainly answers to the openness and transparency that we may be accused of not having,” said Mayor Al Alls. “It’s a bit of an experiment for Erin Council, but I think it’s worth trying.”

Clerk Dina Lundy suggested that Question Period be limited to 15 minutes, with a limit of 5 minutes per person for the question and response.

As the chair at Council meetings, Alls will refer the questions to councillors or staff members. If they don’t have the requested information, the answer will be provided later. “I guarantee we’ll get the answer,” said Alls.

Councillor John Brennan said any delayed answers should be available to all members of the public at the following meeting. Support for the Question Period was unanimous, so it is expected to be ratified on September 15.

This will be just one of several ways to communicate with the Town. People can still phone, email or visit the Town office to get answers from councillors or staff. The public can sit in on committee meetings and speak with politicians in person. There will still be a separate time at council meetings for delegations, in which people can make a 15-minute presentation.

The mayor liked the Question Period idea during the election campaign, but then suggested it was perhaps better to hold regular Town Hall Forum meetings. Various people have advocated a Question Period, and after talking to the mayor of Grand Valley, Alls agreed that it could work in Erin.

The Town is under no obligation to provide this opportunity, so it could easily be cancelled if it is abused.

That means we need actual questions that are of public interest and related to Town business. Questions may need a bit of background, and might imply some criticism of the Town or Council, but anyone who launches into a speech, makes offensive comments about individuals or tries to engage in debate is likely to be shut down quickly by the chair.

The exact procedure to sign up as a questioner has not been set, but Alls said his intent is to give priority to residents who have not asked a question at a recent meeting.

Meetings at 6:30 pm

Councillors also approved a new start time of 6:30 pm for evening meetings, in hopes of finishing by 10 pm. That could make it difficult for some commuters to make it to the meeting, but overall it seems a practical idea.

Clerk Dina Lundy said that trying to wrap up business by the normal 11 pm deadline “can contribute to fatigue and rushing through agenda items.”

Council will meet at 6:30 pm on the first Tuesday of the month and at 1 pm on the third Tuesday. Agendas are available in advance at erin.ca.

Special short meetings required under the Planning Act are normally scheduled before regular council meetings. Clerk Lundy suggests that incorporating them into the main meeting, as many other towns do, would be more efficient.

Tin Roof Café has freshly-baked treats

As published in The Erin Advocate

Rachel Craven has launched into an exciting business venture with the grand opening last weekend of the Tin Roof Café, at the south end of Erin village.

She’s hoping to find a niche in the local marketplace with a selection of coffees, specialty beverages, lunch fare and in-house baking, along with a friendly atmosphere.

“It’s been good so far,” she said. “I really appreciate the small town – everyone has been supportive. I’m free to put all of my energy into this. It’s an atmosphere where you can get to know people’s names. We’re aiming for really high quality.”

Rachel is a graduate of Erin District High School, who has moved back to Erin. She worked at The Shed when it was operating at 4 Main Street, and has now converted that building into the Tin Roof Café. She also gained baking experience working at The French Press Coffee House & Bistro in Orangeville.

Within a few days, Tin Roof will be launching their lunch menu, with a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches.

Beverages include locally-roasted organic-fair trade drip coffee, Las Chicas French press coffee, espresso, lattes and loose-leaf tea. They also make their own almond milk.

Like most businesses in the coffee sector, they provide Wi-Fi internet service, which can encourage customers to take a table and stay for a while. They will be operating from 8 am to 6 pm.

Rachel has had strong family support for her venture, with her parents Martin and Elizabeth buying the unique building earlier this year. It features an open-concept front, an inside balcony level with a fireplace, and a tin roof. The parking lot has now been paved and marked.

Cabinetry has been created by Fox Custom Woodworks, located just to the south at the intersection of Main Street and County Road 124.

Reaction on Facebook to the new business has been positive – check it out at /TinRoofCafeErin, or visit their Twitter feed, /tinroof_cafe.

Credit Valley Trail plan gets a burst of energy

As published in Country Routes

After decades of trekking over rough terrain, advocates for a continuous network of trails to connect Orangeville, Caledon and Erin with Lake Ontario are seeing a light at the end of their journey.

The Credit Valley Heritage Society (CVHS) has brought together a consortium of local volunteers and municipal officials to help Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) finish off a footpath concept that has been part of its mandate for 60 years.

More than two thirds of the trails network already exists in various communities, and now tentative preferred routes have been mapped out for linking them together. The Credit Valley Trail will become the main thread in a tapestry of trails throughout the watershed.

It will bring together nature appreciation, fitness, environmental protection, historical awareness and the economic benefits of establishing a brand to attract visitors. Sections of the network will also be suitable for bicycles, horses, strollers, wheelchairs and snowmobiles.

A preliminary overview of the Credit Valley Trail, created by CVC.
The final route has not been determined in some areas.

CVHS is an agency under the Ontario Historical Society, which has advocated for preservation of the Barber Mill on the Credit River near Georgetown. In 2012 they expanded their vision to the whole watershed.

“If we could find a way to promote the cultural and natural resources of the river together, then we could advocate for the conservation and preservation collectively – this is when the vision for a Heritage Tourism Trail was born,” said CVHS Acting Executive Director Susan Robertson, at a meeting of 45 participants at the Alton Mill.

Susan Robertson

“We’re promoting an ethic of care, and in terms of quality of life, this concept promotes sustainable transportation, getting people out of their cars, giving people an alternative – connecting nature with culture and recreation.”

The project is similar to other history-themed routes such as the Shared Path along the Humber River in Toronto and the Laura Secord Legacy Trail from Queenston to Thorold, which focus on “history hidden in the landscape”. Robertson expects the Credit River Trail to be the largest of its kind in Canada.

Deborah Martin-Downs, Chief Administrative Officer at CVC, praised the successful efforts of the Friends of Island Lake. With CVC and other partners in the Orangeville area, they raised funds and built the Vicki Barron Trail. It includes major sections of boardwalk and is designed to link with other trails.

“If Orangeville can do this, we can do the rest. We can tackle the rest of the watershed easily,” she said. “The idea of the Credit Valley Trail is not a new one, and the early pioneers and the First Nations would tell you that they’ve already been there and done that.”

An Orangeville to Port Credit route was envisioned at the founding of CVC in 1954, as a series of public footpaths linking conservation areas, but Martin-Downs said it has lacked a champion and funding.

“I think now is the right time. In two years it is Canada’s 150th birthday, and what is more Canadian than a trail that connects our natural and cultural history?”

A trail in the Grange area near Alton,
where Shaw's Creek joins the Credit.

A variety of existing trails running roughly east and west would intersect with the Credit Valley Trail and serve as a network of side trails. The Grand River Trail runs west out of Alton, while the Elora Cataract Trailway links Hillsburgh and Erin, continuing east into Caledon as part of the Trans-Canada Trail.

In the Terra Cotta area and points south, there are intersections with the Bruce Trail, the Caledon Trailway and the Greenbelt Cycling Route. In Georgetown, the trails in Hungry Hollow are expected to be linked with Willow Park (where Silver Creek meets the Credit in Norval) and with the Guelph Radial rail trail coming in through Acton and Limehouse.

Dave Beaton, Manager of Community Outreach for CVC, said there has been major progress in acquiring land along the river, especially more than 400 acres for the Upper Credit Conservation Area near Alton.

Dave Beaton

“The biggest bang for our buck is having nature interpretation and cultural heritage information along the trail system,” said Beaton, noting the connection between mills and the river. “We’re connecting the tree huggers with the heritage huggers. It’s a very natural fit. Tourism is a major draw, so we can be spinning this into a lot of economic benefits.”

He said outdoor activities are “integral to our well-being and integral to a sense of magic”, and that the project will “help fend off the crisis of nature-deficit disorder that seems to be plaguing this world.”

With help from the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation, CVHS has formed a steering committee to create a Master Heritage Trail Plan. Future projects will include signage, ensuring safety and protecting historical sites, but the current challenge is the fact that sections of possible trail are on privately-owned lands.

“There has been a groundswell of community interest,” said Eric Baldin, Senior Lands Planner at CVC, who deals with property owners. “The ultimate goal of completing the links is very, very achievable.”

Trail plans for the Upper Watershed - Orangeville, Erin and Caledon areas.

CVC has put the project into its new strategic plan as a way to celebrate shared local history and create an emotional connection to the river valley. The trail will create destinations as part of a tourism strategy, provide “access to nature’s art gallery” and create an active transportation corridor.

Towns and cities within the watershed are including trails in their plans for infrastructure and economic growth, and the province has identified waterways as Ontario’s number one tourism asset.

Like the river, the Credit Valley Trail has major tributaries including the Caledon Trailway (Terra Cotta-Caledon East-Palgrave), the Elora Cataract Trailway (Forks of the Credit-Erin-Hillsburgh) and the Radial Line Trail (Limehouse-Guelph), all former railroad routes, as well as the Humber Valley Heritage Trail that leads to Bolton.

It also intersects with the Bruce Trail, which covers the length of the Niagara Escarpment, the Grand Valley Trail that runs from Alton to Lake Erie and the Trans Canada Trail – the world’s longest recreational network with 23,000 km of trails connecting all three of Canada’s ocean coasts.

“One of the key goals is to connect communities with nature, and promote environmental awareness, appreciation and action,” said Martin-Downs. “We believe that the most powerful force for environmental protection is an informed and mobilized community. Connecting people with nature is the first step in demonstrating how a thriving environment is vital for health, safety and well-being.”

Trail plans for the Middle Watershed - Terra Cotta, Glen Williams,
Acton, Limehouse and Georgetown areas.

Ambitious plan studied for economic development

As published in The Erin Advocate

Erin’s new Economic Development Action Plan outlines a series of initiatives that will build some valuable momentum towards a stronger community, for the benefit of local businesses and residents.

Town council received the first draft of the plan, written by Economic Development Coordinator Bob Cheetham, on August 11. They hope to finalize it in September, as a guide for the next four years.

“It’s an aggressive plan – a roadmap to follow,” said Cheetham. “It’s a transparent process, and it’s always open to change. It will take the leadership of the municipal council to foster a proactive, collaborative presence and respond to the desire for change and managed growth within the Town of Erin.”

Written comments and suggestions from the public about the 68-page draft plan were requested by August 25 – a very brief opportunity, especially during the summer.

On the other hand, people have had many opportunities to comment on most of these issues in recent years, and can provide input to council and staff at any time.

The Action Plan draft can be downloaded from the Economic Development page, under Departments on the Town website, www.erin.ca.

Even if you don’t expect to offer suggestions, the document is a good read for anyone who cares about the community – an overview of what’s going on, or could soon be surfacing.

On September 3, the draft and the public comments will go for further discussion to the Erin Economic Development Committee, which along with four sector focus groups helped create the plan. The final version will be presented to Town Council for approval on September 15.

If councillors disagree with parts of the Action Plan, or feel that more public input is needed, they should seek agreement on amending it or deferring some sections. But they must avoid the trap of endless talk and no action. Some version of the plan should be approved soon, to move the process to specific measures in a “doing” phase.

The plan is not carved in stone, but is rather a framework in which “action” can actually take place. Council should choose some targets and get on with them.

While there are 51 initiatives in the plan, six are rated as “top priority”. One is to hire an Economic Development Officer – Cheetham has been on a one-year contract since last November, and expects to pass the torch to a permanent staff person.

Others include establishment of an overall Community Improvement Plan that would benefit targeted areas. There should be applications for funding for a feasibility study on a Riverside Trail / Boardwalk, and for developing Erin as an “Equine Hub”.

The Plan urges council to develop terms of reference for the Wastewater Environmental Assessment and to move forward with it, and to provide direction on which urban areas should get sewer servicing.

All of the suggested actions work towards achieving various goals: fostering a more positive business climate, building partnerships with business groups and government agencies, establishing Erin as a premier location for equine enthusiasts, promoting the town as a tourism destination and developing a sustainable economy.

Some actions relate to retaining existing business, supporting the development of under-used business properties, encouraging growth in sectors where Erin has an advantage and diversifying the economy to be more resilient.

Here is a sampling of just a few of the other action items:

• Develop a Community Profile (print and web-based);

• Work with the County for a Main Street Crosswalk in Erin village;

• Undertake a Trails Master Plan;

• Establish public washroom facilities in Erin village;

• Host a regular Business Showcase event;

• Undertake an “Open for Business” marketing campaign;

• Promote Bed and Breakfast businesses;

• Work with Headwaters Tourism on a Four-Seasons Attractions Strategy;

• Investigate a St. Patrick’s Day Festival in March;

• Investigate a winter skating environment on the Charles Street pond;

• Undertake a Transportation and Parking Plan for the urban centres of Hillsburgh and Erin village.

Signage strategies needed for both County and Town

As published in The Erin Advocate

The road signs that tell motorists where they are (and where they could go) do much more than provide information. They help create an image for a community, and can provide an identity boost that builds pride among residents and economic activity for local businesses.

It’s good to see that Wellington County is working on a signage strategy to promote its “brand” – something that other counties such as Huron and Perth seem to have done quite well. It’s harder for a large geographical area to define its unique character (compared to the attractions of a small town), but the tools are simple.

A colourful sign with a consistent, well-designed look should welcome drivers at every entry point to the county. The Town of Erin welcome signs on major roads are excellent. The County signs could be designed to go on the same posts, to make it clear that Erin is part of Wellington, or they could be separate.

Throughout the county, there should also be many more way-finding signs, again with a recognizable design instead of just a place name and an arrow on a blue background. Some of these could be promotional, directing visitors to natural attractions like the Elora Gorge or to commercial hubs like the shopping area of downtown Erin village.

If the County is ready to spend money on signs, Erin councillors and business operators need to speak up about what exactly they’d like to see on those signs. A Focus Group meeting at Centre 2000 on August 5 provided a good opportunity for that. A mid-summer survey had also solicited public opinions on signage, but unfortunately was no longer open when I went to the website after the meeting.

For more information on the Wellington Signage Plan, call the Economic Development Office at 519-831-2600 x 2611.

Good signs are expensive, but they can also produce a revenue stream – as the provincial government has utilized on the 400 series highways. The County also plans to have signs on which businesses can buy advertising space for their nearby establishments, whether they be restaurants, bed & breakfast homes or zip-line adventures. Conservation authorities could advertise recreation areas and the Towns could advertise its parks and trails networks, or even its industrial zones.

I would much rather see well-controlled advertising on public signs than purely commercial signs on public property (or right next to it).

The Town of Erin, as part of its new Economic Development effort, could have its own sign strategy – not to duplicate the County effort, but to give priority to local attractions, both commercial and non-profit. These would be functional, but also send a more subtle message – letting visitors know that we are confident and organized in promoting ourselves. Here are just a few sign ideas:

• Ban all private signs from the public lands surrounding selected major intersections. Reducing the clutter will give a much better impression to visitors.

• Formally request that the Ministry of Transportation have more directional signs naming Erin on area highways. For example, drivers on Highway 10 in Caledon could see a sign indicating that Erin is to the west, and not just Guelph.

• Have more signs directing drivers to the various hamlets within the Town of Erin – this would be educational even for existing residents.

• Have signs indicating the river or creek that is being crossed. This is an excellent orientation tool, which the province used to use on its highways. Maybe we could leverage some funding from Credit Valley Conservation for such a project.

• Let’s let everyone know that Erin village, Hillsburgh and Orton are stops on the Trans Canada Trail, an important route for hiking, cycling and snowmobiling. It should be a big deal.

Belfountain Festival has classical music for all ages

As published in The Erin Advocate

The Belfountain Music Festival presented a special children’s concert on Sunday afternoon, as part of an ambitious classical music series being held over 11 days at the Melville White Church on Mississauga Road. 

The festival continues until this weekend, bringing together a collection of professional musicians in small ensembles, playing compositions mainly by the big names in classical music. It also provides performance opportunities for many student musicians. 

Violinist Urszula Zielinski Brock leads the children in a march.

The children’s concert started out with a little Eine kleine Nachtmusik, from the 1st Movement of Mozart’s 1787 Serenade in G Major, putting a nice, light touch on a famous melody. 

The “Hear the Music” quartet, which also plays in schools, consists of Zachary Ebin (Artistic Director for the festival) and Urszula Zielinski Brock on violins,
Alex McLeod on viola
and Tova Rosenberg on cello. 

Cellist Tova Rosenberg helps 4-year-old Anna Simonyi 

try her hand on the big instrument.

Some of the tunes were classic, if not quite classical, such as the ever-popular Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star (with variations, of course). 

There were a couple of Bach minuets, and the kids were invited to show with a happy-face – sad-face sign when the music switched between cheery and melancholy. The quartet had them marching like toy soldiers, dancing with scarves and relaxing to Brahms’ Lullaby. 

It was an educational effort as well, with the kids answering questions and learning how the cello makes the low sounds, the viola handles the medium range and the violins hit the high pitches. It was a short concert at just over 30 minutes, which was probably just right for the three and four-year-olds, but the slightly older audience members would have enjoyed a bit more. 

The show had a good follow-up, with everyone invited to the stage to try out instruments and ask questions. So all in all, it was an excellent family affair, which helped the kids appreciate good quality classical music. 

It was just one of 17 concerts and other events in the festival. Last Saturday there was old-time country music and dancing, featuring Rod Salisbury on piano, Brian Stevenson on drums, Sam Leitch on fiddle, Wib Tupling on guitar and Lionel Gibney on bass. 

Prominent on the schedule is pianist Maria Dolnycky, who with Zachary Ebin has recently released a CD entitled “Dreams: A Revival of Ukrainian Music”. 

After the Thursday night (August 6) concert featuring the Glenellen String Quartet, there will be a campfire sing-along led by composer-educator Dean Burry. 

The Friday night concert has Alex McLeod on viola and Jeannine Maloney on piano, with mezzosoprano Arianna Maubach. Saturday night it is The Accolade Trio: Patricia Wait on clarinet, Mark Chambers on cello and Elizabeth Acker on piano. The final concert Sunday night is a solo performance by singer and pianist Emily Vondrejs. 

Admission to most of the concerts is $20 for adults and $5 for children, but admission to a series of student concerts and demonstrations is free. Full details are available at www.belfountainmusic.com.