Wollaston and Limerick kids need to rest up after March Break

March 26, 2015

By Jim Eadie

The youth of Limerick and Wollaston Townships were kept busy over the March break by a string of excellent events organized by the Wollaston and Limerick Public Library staff, and the friends of the library group.

On the first day of the spring break, over 50 people descended on the public beach at Wollaston Lake for the annual fishing derby. Participants were assisted by members of the North Hastings Wildlife Association, and members of the Wollaston Twp. Volunteer Fire Dept., who cut all the holes with a big gas powered auger. Despite the fact that not one single fish was caught, librarian Bonnie Purdy noted that everyone had a good time.

“We gave out all the prizes we had,” she said. “You didn’t have to catch a fish to win a prize at this derby.”

Several hardened fisherpersons later mused that the fire fighters may have scared the fish away with all the noise.

Then on Thursday March 16, the Wollaston Community Centre was jammed with nearly 100 children, youth and adults for a morning of crafts. Participants enthusiastically made yarn dolls, necklaces, melted crayon art, string art, and sewing projects.

Following a free lunch, everyone was introduced to Conservation Officer Colin Cotnam and his dog Tanner.

Cotnam explained that Tanner was used primarily for evidence searches. The dog is trained to identify and react to faint smells of certain fish and wildlife, as well as gunpowder. This helps the conservation officer find hidden illegal game, as well as firearms and ammunition. Tanner is also trained to track, to locate lost people or suspects who have fled into the bush. Cotnam and Tanner took the audience outside where everyone was treated to a remarkable demonstration of discipline, and work by the dog. During the last demonstration, Tanner located a spent bullet casing hidden in the community centre yard.

Then on Thursday Mar. 19, many of the same youth were again spotted at the Limerick Centre when 50 people gathered to hear well-known children’s musical entertainer Andrew “Too Tall” Queen and his wife Karen who form the duo known as Campfire Crew. Queen is a former member of the Canadian band Jughead who popularized the song “Hockey Hockey Hockey”.

Almost one hour of high energy music had the entire audience on their feet, even up on their chairs turning cranks, pushing buttons, pretending to hunt alligators, eat macaroni and cheese, and acting completely disgusted by squishy things. Most of the adults who had occupied the back row seats at the start of the concert found themselves at the front mixed up with the kids at the end of the show.

“We love our libraries,” said Queen later. “Keep supporting them!”

How tall is “Too Tall” … 6 foot 5 inches. To the wonder of the children, he was able to stand on his tiptoes and touch the ceiling in the Limerick Hall at their request.