“The beauty of Bon Echo Park has served as an inspiration for many generations of artists,” says Friends of Bon Echo board member and art show committee member Sue Whyte, “It’s exciting to be able to continue that cultural legacy with the annual Art Sale and Exhibition.” Featuring two dozen local artists showcasing original works, the outdoor event explores the themes of Canadian nature, wildlife and countryside. The 23rd-annual event honours the history of artists in the park, which includes members of the Group of Seven. The three-day event will also involve a number of activities sure to appeal to visitors of all ages. On Saturday and Sunday at 11am, there will be a special presentation by Sciensational Sssnakes, featuring a meet & greet with…

The AGM for North Frontenac Little Theatre was held May 14 at the Rehearsal Hall in Tichborne. Those who attended enjoyed a potluck supper before the meeting, which President Brian Robertson presided over. He began by giving us a glowing account of a Since this was Brian’s last year as president of the executive, an election was called. I am happy to report that I am the newly-elected president as we head into our 40th anniversary year in 2019. Brian has left very big shoes to fill after everything that he has accomplished for NFLT. He has worked endless hours in and around the Rehearsal Hall, completing many renovations all by himself. As well as acting and directing in many shows, he has promoted NFLT…

“We thought we’d try to get some people who’ve never been here before down to the Caboose,” said CabooseFest organizer and Central Frontenac Railway Historical Society Board Chair Derek Redmond said. And that they did, signing up more than a dozen new members and spreading the word. “We thought we’d have a little music and while people are here, they can check out the caboose (as well as the new display on the former station),” he said. “It’s been steady through the day and we may have raised a little money for new signage.” The new station display features artifacts from the original station including the wood stove and a sign that languished in the Township Office before finding its new home. But one of…

While it won’t be fully functional until the fall, work has begun on a new wigwam at St. James Major Catholic School in Sharbot Lake. Teacher Mike Veryzer said the project came about as part of a grant from the Algonquin Lakeshore District School Board initiated by special assignment teacher Shawn MacDonald. “It’s part of the Indigenous Spaces program,” said Veryzer. “It’s to create an improved use of space that reflects the (First Nations) heritage of our area.” The wigwam will serve several purposes, first and foremost as an example of history, but it will also function as an outdoor classroom as well as provide shade for students at recess. “We have a lot of room but not much shade,” Veryzer said. The project began…

The Shabot Obaadjiwan Frist Nation welcomed the community to Oso Beach last week for Aboriginal Day Celebrations. The theme was The Eighth Fire, Truth and Reconciliation. “It’s a totally interactive afternoon,” said organizer Marcie Asselstine, who read interactive children’s stories where the kids acted out the parts with puppets and stuffed animals. The day also included interactive bucket drummers, interactive women’s drumming, crafting and beading and an Algonquin Strawberry Teaching Ceremony shared by Kokum Makwa (Danka Brewer). Shabot Obaadjiwan Chief Doreen Davis said Asselstine was instrumental in pulling the event together after “an original plan was somehow dropped. “Building bridges towards reconciliation is what we’re doing here.” “I’d like people to know about our culture and if there’s something they’d like to know, don’t be…