June 2016 Archive

Vibrant local landscapes at gallery

“I don’t see things the way most people do.” So says Nancy McKinnon, who set up Rockwood Art Studio on Diamond Lake when she retired to this area in 2011. Her subject matter is now the natural vibrancy of nature in our area.

Open doors and open hearts in Combermere

The Madonna House Apostolate, a Catholic community in Combermere that runs several gift shops and boutique galleries on Hwy 517 along the Madawaska River, opened its doors for the summer season over the May long weekend. It is a must-stop for Renfrew Valley weekenders, who are drawn to the homesteading boutiques run by women, men and priests who live communally on the various properties of the devotional colony.

Hermon Hornet Fest success

Nearly 200 people gathered for food and fun at the Mayo Community Centre on Friday evening June 3 for the Hornet Fest fundraiser arranged by the Hermon Public School parent council.

Bancroft Farmers’ market opens new season

The Bancroft Farmers’ Market got its second season off to a great start last Friday, on a perfect sunny day. Manager Ervin Weber noted that ...

Committee seeking volunteers

The Wollaston Heritage Committee is a dedicated group of volunteers working to improve upon a local landmark by enhancing its natural beauty and charm and telling its historical and geographical history. Our committee is re-vitalizing the old 19th century Coe Hill iron mine, and our plans will make the hamlet of Coe Hill a tourist hub between Highways 62 and 28.

Thanks – a million

I've been running around town a lot in the last week or so. The reason is that there’s been a lot of activity among town groups and agencies. Last Friday, the Community Integration Association threw a barbecue at their Alice Street HQ. Just a parking lot away, North Hastings was running their jail ‘n’ bail fun-and-fundraiser. This week, another two events raised a lot of money for local groups: the Switchyard held a jam-packed barbecue to support its youth programs, and Home Again filled the Curling Club to aid its dog and cat rescue operations.

Carpentry course launches student’s new career

In an outcome which again indicates that you really can start afresh, a recent graduate of the SIRCH Community Service carpentry course has found full time local employment in her new field – one she had never practised before taking the SIRCH training. And in turn, that has resulted in an invitation to show off the range of student projects at the Saw-Tech Log-Expo, taking place this weekend in Bancroft.

Theatre Guild to move outdoors

After a not-very-pleasant split with the Hospice-managed Bancroft Village Playhouse – its home for over two decades – the Bancroft Theatre Guild has a new plan for staging its 24 hour theatre this summer. They’re taking to the Park. Just like companies in Toronto perform in High Park, and New York companies perform in Central Park, the Guild will mount the plays in Millennium Park – hopefully, on the bandshell stage. Club 580 will be the back-up venue in case of rain, as well as serving as the locale where the plays will be written the night before they’re performed.

Communities concerned about schools

A Hastings Prince Edward District School Board discussion paper suggesting the closure of three rural schools in North Hastings over a 10-year span, and busing the children to Bancroft or Bird’s Creek, has got many parents chewing their fingernails again. But instead of anger, the prevailing emotion this time around seems to be grief and sadness.

Bancroft tattoo artists triumph in Halifax

Less than a year ago, Lisa Bickert opened Deuce Tattoos on North Hastings Street across from Tim Hortons. Now, not only is her business doing well, but her workers have been recognized by their peers.

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