by the Reverend Father George Kwari, incumbent of the Parishes of Maberly-Lanark &Parham-Sharbot Lake

December is here! During the hustle and bustle of everyday life it seems the months have flown by. Christmas is only weeks away and, although it is a very happy occasion, it is also a very busy time.. The treadmill we are on picks up speed even more quickly at Christmas as we scurry around in search of deals of every kind. We want to get the best quality gifts for our special friends and family. We peruse every newspaper and spend hours visiting several shopping channels or websites. We drive long distances to get these special deals and very soon before we know it Christmas is upon us once again. Gifts, decorations and preparations are foremost in our minds but how do we become aware of the presence of Christ amid this rushed world? If there is anything we should all aim for at Christmas, it is Christ Himself who is the deal of all time and who makes Christmas what it is. Maybe we need to take a few moments to ponder the great truth that God sent his own Son to be born of a woman. Phillips Brooks in his carol “O little town of Bethlehem” has a stanza that is a delight at this point,

“ How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given,

So God imparts to human hearts the blessing of God’s heaven!

No ear may hear his coming ...

Where meek souls will receive him still the dear Christ enters”

No ear may hear his coming in the midst of all rush ....still the dear Christ enters! How important it is that we take to time to see beyond the glitter of the Christmas season. How important it is that in the midst of all the rush and activity of the Christmas season, to take time to rejoice in the joy of Christ’s birth by attending a church service to once again listen to the world’s oldest story before you open your presents and have your Christmas dinner. We can never truly enjoy Christmas until we can look in the Father’s face, receive the nativity story and body and blood of Christ and tell Him we have received His Christmas gift. Plan to attend a church service and then afterwards join in the joyous Christmas celebrations.

On behalf of the Parish of Maberly-Lanark I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2015.  

The annual Christmas concert by the Tay Valley Community has long been a musical highlight of the holiday season. This year’s concert was no exception and the Maberly hall as always was full for the concert, which took place on December 7. Under the direction of their new fearless leader, Rebecca Worden of Perth, the close to 40 singers who make up this four-part choir performed a refreshing and modern seasonal repertoire that included a number of favorite sing-along carols plus some well known but not often performed songs from a variety of musical genres. Highlights included the 1965 Peanuts favorite “Christmas Time is Here”, the long-time classic “Carol of the Bells” and the gorgeous “Do You Hear What I Hear”, each of which demonstrated the fine harmonies that these singers are capable of. Accompanied on piano by the talented Rachelle Reinhart, the choir ventured into some new and interesting musical ground and they performed Paul McCartney's well known “Wonderful Christmas Time”. There was a welcome by Santa (Paddy O'Connor), a fabulous solo performance by Virginia Beckett, and a comical tongue and cheek take on The 12 Days Of Christmas performed by Lyndal Neelin and John Coombs that focused on the logistical nightmare that receiving all those gifts can bring. The choir’s offerings were divided up by a performance by Fiddlers and Friends who played a number of their favorite tunes that included “The Hummingbird Waltz”, “The First Noel”, and “Snow Deer”, which showcased the talents of Lois Webster and her dancing partner Maybelle. The Grinch also made a special appearance and following the concert guests were invited to meet and greet the fiddlers and members of the choir and to share in a number of refreshments that they had prepared. The annual concert is a favorite for music lovers in the area and this year’s offerings made for a very memorable and enjoyable one.

The fourth annual “101 Nativities” show and celebration took place at the Cole Lake Free Methodist Church from November 21-23 and was organized by Jean Freeman and Kristine Caird. The exhibit included approximately 175 nativities from all over the world, and were lent to the show by members of the church congregation and the local community. This year, Mary Murphy of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Railton also lent a number of scenes. This year's standouts included one scene from Africa made from hammered tin, a Mexican scene carved from a single gourd, and a hand-knit nativity scene that was made by Kristine's aunt, Joan Fellow of Murvale. More than 150 guests attended over the three days and enjoyed holiday snacks and refreshments at a number of tables set up in the showroom. Caird said that this year's focus was on the youngsters, who were invited to make a number of shrink art holiday crafts. Each child also had a chance to colour and take home their very own nativity scene, which Caird said helps to demonstrate to them the true meaning of Christmas. The Cole Lake organizers paid back Mary Murphy's generosity by lending a number of nativities from their collection to her own church’s Nativity Sunday, which took place in Railton on Dec. 7. Both events are meant to connect members of the local community with the real meaning of Christmas, which Jean Freeman said “is the birth of Christ who came into the world to save us from our sins.”

Over 20 vendors took part in the first ever “Get Ready For Christmas” craft show and bake sale that took place at the Snow Road Snowmobile Club on December 6. Over 100 enthusiastic shoppers visited the club house in a steady stream throughout the day and greatly appreciated the wide array of festive offerings created by a host of talented local and from-away artisans and makers in a variety of different mediums. Up for grabs were tasty holiday treats including gorgeous and delectable cakes and cup cakes home made comestibles, as well as truffles and chocolates. There were hand crafted quilts and a wide assortment of hand sewn, knit and crocheted items, plus photography, fine art, Arbonne wellness products, and more. Hanne Quigley of Silent Valley Alpaca in Ompah was one of the participating vendors and had a wide range of cozy, wearable winter items created from alpaca wool, which included shawls woven by Ompah weaver Ellen Good, hats knit by North Frontenac knitters, Canadian-made socks, and alpaca yarn that comes from Quigley's own herd.

As well, members of the snowmobile club offered up a delicious lunch menu, which many enjoyed.

The event was organized by president of the Snow Road Snowmobile Club, Ruth Wark, and club member Alice Gilchrist and they were very pleased with the turnout for the first time event. In order to get feedback, they offered a survey to the vendors to find out if they would be interested in participating again next year and judging by the smiling faces of the vendors and buyers alike, it looks as though this festive holiday show may indeed become a regular annual event in Snow Road.

For many it is the local Santa Claus parades that mark the start of the Christmas season in these parts and the numerous parades that took place in North, South and Central Frontenac are always welcome and exciting events, especially for youngsters and the young at heart. This year's parades seemed especially festive with a plethora of colourful floats courtesy of the numerous businesses, organizations, service clubs and individuals, who despite the bustle of the holiday season took the time to put together their unique parade offerings. This year it seemed there were more colourfully clad youngsters, more live animals and more live music than in parades past. Whatever the reason, here are just a few snap shot memories from the parades that took place in Sydenham, Harrowsmith, Sharbot Lake, Tichborne/Parham, Northbrook and North Frontenac.

Sharbot Lake

Elsa waves from the Northern Frontenac Community Services' Disney inspired “Frozen” float

 Denbigh

It was a crisp evening for the Santa Claus Parade in the village; even still, a good number enjoyed the lights and sights. Mr & Mrs Claus had a warm welcome for everyone at the hall, as hotdogs, hot drinks and goodies were gobbled up. The children took their turn making their requests to the Man in Red, followed by a festive program presented by the Rec. Committee. Congratulations to the LCBO on winning people's choice for favourite float with their entry decorated in gingerbread and sweets.  

 North Frontenac

The North Frontenac Christmas parade took place on November 29, starting at the township offices in Plavna and finishing at the Ompah hall.

Photos courtesy of Michelle Ross. At right: the Plevna Pioneer Club’s float proclaims “Jesus is the sweetest gift”. ton Cottages float

For about 40 years, Trinity United Church in Verona has been giving a choral Advent concert as a “gift to the community” and this year’s concert proved yet again to be a delightful and memorable gift. The choir was made up of the combined choirs of St. Paul's/Trinity United in Verona, St. Paul's Anglican church in Sydenham and singers from the local community.

As listeners filled the beautiful church sanctuary, they were treated to music by the flute quartet Toute Ensemble, who set the mood for the evening.

The choir opened with a processional, singing “O Come O Come Emmanuel”, then invited the audience to join in “O Come All Ye Faithful”.

The choir was led by their long time conductor, Annabelle Twiddy with members of the choir also directing on a number of selections.

The program included a delightful dramatization of the festive carol “Good King Wenceslas”, featuring Ralph McInnes as the king and the talented young singer Ava Ludlow as the page, joined on stage by a young cast of characters.

The audience was invited to join in for a number of traditional carols including “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”, “Once in Royal David’s City”, “Silent Night” and others. Brad Barbeau, organist at St. Paul's Anglican Church in Sydenham, accompanied the choir for one dramatic selection and choir member Tom Mawhinney conducted “One Day”, a song that he composed especially for the concert. The repertoire included songs from a number of musical genres and time periods, including an upbeat version of “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem”, the dramatic Laudate Dominum by Honegger, the gorgeous Coventry Carol from the early 1500s, the Irish traditional Wexford Carol and the French folk song “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”.

As usual the soprano/alto/tenor bass choir dramatically expressed through song the diverse emotions that the festive season brings. The addition of a number of new singers to this year’s community choir also brought an added dimension to the sound. One of the most moving selections came at the concert’s finale when the singers lined the aisles of the sanctuary and performed a moving version of J. Purifoy's Christmas Blessing, enveloping the listeners in their sound and bringing the audience to their feet in a heart felt standing ovation. Following the concert the audience was invited to share in refreshments, and many congratulated the singers, accompanists and their fearless leader Annabelle for what has become one of most beloved concerts of the festive season.

On November 29, holiday shoppers at the annual Christmas Fair at the MERA Schoolhouse in McDonalds Corners, which draws buyers from near and far, enjoyed a fine array of crafts, fine art and comestibles courtesy of a number of local vendors. Felted, knit, sewn and woven wearables and seasonal decorative items were in abundance, as were fine chocolates, beeswax candles, body products, jewelry and much more.

Hand crafted pottery is always a much appreciated gift at any time of the year and Fallbrook potter Jane Conley could not keep up with the demand for her newly designed cups. Conley has been making both wheel-thrown and hand-built pottery at her home-based studio in Fallbrook for six years under the business name Conley Pots. She has studied with renowned Brooke Valley potter Anne Chambers in Ottawa and at St. Lawrence College in Brockville with Darlene Keefer. Conley said that hand made pottery has always appealed to her much more than the commercially produced dishes that she and many others find cluttering up their kitchen cupboards. “People, especially those who live in the country, seem to like more rustic dishes to use every day and I started making pottery when I began to appreciate the appeal of hand-made pottery.”

Conley creates a wide range of red and white cone six stoneware items including bowls, pitchers, casseroles, serving dishes, plates, platters, tea pots, vases and butter dishes. Much of her work is decorated with single tone celadon type glazes, raspberry, blues and greens. Some of her surfaces are decorated with a white slip application and others are dipped in various glazes that create a multi-coloured surface.

Rustic coloured glazes are a new approach that Conley has been working with and her powder blue and beige cups sold out at this year's show. Conley has also been exploring altering her wheel-thrown forms. Her tall, totemic styled pitchers are a new design that she has been exploring and she uses a serrated rib tool to create their highly textured, lined surfaces.

Like many crafts people, Conley said the process of pottery making is full of surprises, some more welcome than others. She said, “It is always the kiln that has the final say in the end.” For that reason Conley likes the phrase “What you see is what you get”. She prefers to not take special orders of her work since the firing process adds an uncontrolled element into the process. What Conley loves about the process is designing new forms and thinking up new ideas. To make an appointment to visit her home studio in Fallbrook call 613-267-7679.

For over a decade now, associate Rev. Oscar Simpson has been inviting local musicians to perform at the Portland Community Church in Hartington as a way to kick off the festive holiday season there.

On December 5, the Old Hims, comprised of Ross Clow, Charlie King, Joe Saunders, and Floyd Bauder performed a number of Christmas and gospel songs for an enthusiastic group of listeners who filled the sanctuary. Joining them on stage was Jon McLurg, one third of the well known trio Crooked Wood. Jon reported that the trio has expanded to include two new band members, upright bass player Noah St. Amand and fiddler Brian Flynn.

On Friday Jon performed solo and played a number of seasonal favorites, country gospel tunes and holiday carols. He said that for him the concert is a way “to reconnect with his local musical roots”. Jon and Chris have performed for over six years at the annual Homecoming concert and while Chris was not able to make his usual appearance due to a scheduling conflict, Jon spoke for him, saying that they both always enjoy playing with the Old Hims, whom they have known since they began their musical career. “It's always a very relaxed and fun evening and is something that we really enjoy doing every year.”

The Old Hims covered a wide range of material including Wonder of Wonders, Away in a Manger, Left Hand Side of the Cross and more, and of course there was a rousing and heart felt full group rendition of Silent Night.

Rev. Simpson said the Homecoming Concert has been running for 15 years and the Old Hims have been their regular long time guests. The musicians never fail to attract a large crowd to the community church and as usual, following the concert guests had a chance to visit, enjoy refreshments and celebrate together the Christmas season.

After months of rehearsals, North Frontenac Little Theatre presented the play "Aladdin" last weekend, from November 27 to 30

Kudos to the cast and crew, who pulled off what will be remembered not only as the inaugural musical extravaganza at Granite Ridge's cafetorium but also as a production that enraptured theatre goers of all ages, who came out in the hundreds over a four-day run.

The cast included a number of young thespians who made this production sparkle. Nick Alarcon played Aladdin with confidence and swagger. He not only saved the day by stepping into the lead role at the last minute, he did so with grace, mastery and modesty, making his first foray as the play’s leading song and dance man one to remember.

His love interest, Princess Jasmine (Joelle Parr), was both picture and pitch perfect as the sweet and sassy Jasmine who helps Aladdin win the day. She was assisted by her loyal maids, expertly played by Sidney Drew and Savannah Gosse. Emma Brash, who played Aladdin's neighbour, was a delight, as was the beggar Tom Christensen, who was miraculously transformed. Barb Matson as Aladdin's doting mom was hilariously expressive, as was Aladdin's sister Neela, deftly played by Ellie Larocque.

Charlotte Hilder, Gillian Hoffman and Annika Putman each perfectly performed their roles as the three exotic genies who were gorgeously bejeweled and who each brought their own unique brand of magic to the show.

Comedy was a big part of this production and the irascible Mason Moore as Alakazam, Aladdin's beloved monkey, nearly stole the show with his clever animated antics; his low down chin/toe/finger tip crawl across centre stage will long be remembered.

Cash Matson as the under-achieving executioner Chop Chop received multiple laughs and thankfully his giant silver sword never met flesh. Cayleigh Matson as the big-headed Ali Bubba also broke up the audience with his chronic whining. The huge dragon created by Mike & Jocelyne Steeves was a wonder to behold and was brought to life thanks to the expert voicings of Rob Moore.

This love story would have fallen short without villains and the production had a cast of evil doers in spades. Martina Field was almost unrecognizable as the evil magician Jammal and she pulled out all the stops as the conniving, singing, mustachioed mischief-maker who kept the plot moving along. Jammal was egged on by his equally evil sister, Halima, played by a darkly demure Donna Larocque with her crystal ball – together the two made much of the play’s mayhem.

Sarah Hale sparkled as always in her dual roles as narrator and the merchant woman. The play’s director Brian Robertson played the thick-bearded, hen-pecked sultan and with Karen Steele as his queen sultana, they amused the audience with their back and forth wife/hubby banter.

Musically the show was a delight and the trio of flute, piano and bass (Sandy Robertson, John Inglis, and Gary Giller) was just what was required. Musical highlights included a duet by Halima and Jasmine, with the two nailing one of the show’s most difficult and beautiful songs. Jammal's song while disguised as a pedlar was pure vaudeville and Aladdin nailed his show-stopping tune with aplomb. He sang the theme song throughout the play accompanied by the lungi-clad young chorus, whose dances were beautifully choreographed.

Visually, this production was stunning, with elaborate, colorful sets that included a beautiful background of far eastern spires and cupolas, curvy props and a plethora of silks and satins that together with the clever lighting made for a rich, textured stage. The costumes were of the highest caliber, each intricate and meticulous, with copious layers of satins and silks, lots of veils, vests and exotic head gear, and sparkling makeup and sequins that reflected beautifully in the gorgeous hues of the stage lights.

(There is a video with this item - check it out)

Aladdin (Nick Alarcon) seems to have caught the attention of Princess Jasmine (Joelle Parr) much to the consternation of the Sultan (Brian Robertson) in the North Frontenac Little Theatre's inaugural production at the Granite Ridge Education Centre Cafetorium. The play runs from Thursday to Saturday night this week, and there is a Sunday matinee.