Photo: Mark Veno and Deb Lovegrove played their roles with gusto in “Here Come the Cows”, the Bellrock Schoolhouse Theatre’s inaugural production

The Bellrock Schoolhouse Theatre presented their inaugural production “Here Come the Cows” or “Never Say Moo in Bellrock” on October 13, officially opening what looks to be an exciting upcoming theatre season in the newly renovated community hall/theatre. Close to 50 theatre goers enjoyed a sumptuous ham supper and then sat back to enjoy the melodrama, a corny and rollicking good guy/bad guy script that tells the tale of the day-to-day struggles of the small cow farming community of Bellrock. The quirky townsfolk have been beaten down by dust storms and drought and then they’re visited by a pair of greedy evildoers that turn the town upside-down.

It was director Doug MacIntyre's second time directing the play (his first debut was in Arizona), and he said that he felt it would be the perfect play to open the new Bellrock Schoolhouse Theatre. “The first time I read it, I thought, this play has got to come north. I approached the people in Bellrock to see if they would be interested and they were and it seems that this kind of melodrama is the perfect fit for community theatre.”

The cast included newbies to the stage as well as seasoned actors and it was the entire cast’s fourth reading of the play. Rather than memorizing their lines, the actors read from the script, which in no way detracted from the play’s overall effect and together with the script’s comedic characters, plentiful corny puns, slapstick action and special effects, it in fact made for some of the play’s funniest moments.

The play tells the tale of Molly (Jane MacKay) and her adopted daughter Penny (from heaven) who are struggling to make the rent at the Bellrock Soup Shack and Trading Post. They, along with the other townsfolk, who are each played to great comic effect, are visited by a couple of first-rate evildoers, Miss Trilby Tango (Connie Shibley) and Mandrake Mothdust (Dick Miller). The plot thickens when the cranky, cheapskate, soup-slurping Grouchy Backwater suffers a classic melodramatic death from a scorpion bite, which invites the normally law abiding townsfolk to break the law in a secret scheme that will keep them in the black. As the plot thickens, the evildoers Trilby and Mandrake threaten to make public the secret scam. Much further drama unfolds but as in most melodramas, the good characters triumph, thanks to the appearance of one Mr. Dan Delion and his offer of $50,000 to purchase the good guy and Penny's love interest, Bronco Bronco's herd, which will save the town. The beauty of this melodrama was the chance it gave for all its characters to shine. Jennifer and Marc Veno played the parts of the smitten young lovers way over the top and to great comic effect while Jane MacKay's character Molly, more of the straight man, carried most of the plot. Dick Miller milked the evilness of Mandrake and allowed for some very funny impromptu laughs when some of the lines got mixed up in the second act of the play. Hats off to Connie Shibley, who played the southern vixen Trilby Tango impeccably with her hilarious southern drawl and spot-on comedic timing.

Director Doug MacIntyre was not exaggerating when he said at intermission that his cast was more than able to pull off the play with just three rehearsals under their belts. “I'm just delighted with the cast and am totally in awe of their talent and the fact that they have been able to pull this off with so little rehearsal time.” For those who missed opening night in Bellrock, a second dinner/theatre performance of the play will take place on Sat. Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. For ticket information, call 613-374-2344. All proceeds from the performance will go towards the Bellrock Community Association, a not-for-profit corporation.

Photo: Virginia Lavin and Bob Brown of the Bellrock Community Hall Association helped organize the Chili-in-a-Bowl event at the Bellrock hall on September 22

The Bellrock Community Hall seldom looked better than it did on Sept. 22, dressed to the nines and ready for 86 diners to partake in “Chili-In-a- Bowl”, a fundraiser that included gifts for all of the five senses. The $20 ticket (or $35 for 2) included a generous helping of homemade chili; a gift of a wheel-thrown, hand-made ceramic bowl by local potter Tim de Rose of Wilton (itself alone worth the price of admission); an eclectic art show in the hall’s main front foyer; and live musical entertainment.

Bellrock’s own Group of 7, a collective made up of local artists Katie Ohlke of Plevna, Tim de Rose of Wilton, along with Kim Ondaatje, Louise Day, Sukie Faulkner, Jill Harris and Virginia Lavin, all of Bellrock, hung selections of their artwork at the entrance to the main hall. The pieces were executed in a wide variety of mediums.

Inside the hall and making the evening that much more special were the sounds of flautists Anne Archer and Debbie Twiddy of Tout Ensemble, who entertained the guests throughout the event.

Bob Brown, one of the organizers of the event and a long-time member of the Bellrock Community Hall Association, said the fundraiser was also “a celebration to recognize the two substantial grants the association received to make numerous renovations”. The renovations included updating the heating, the kitchen facilities, washrooms and building a stage, all of which have transformed the hall into a popular venue and an events destination for residents from across the township and beyond. The grants came from the Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation ($23,000) and the Ontario Trillium Foundation ($67,000). “These grants have given this hall a sustainable life and without them this kind of transformation would never have taken place,” Brown said.

The committee has planned a number of upcoming events at the hall, including two plays in October, performances by a big band in November, and a concert by the Frontenac Women’s Chorus in December. Also, just in time for Christmas will be a special Christmas play for kids. The Bellrock Community Hall Association was formed three years ago and is made up of roughly 12 members. The association will be listing all their upcoming events at the hall on both the Township of Central Frontenac’s website (www.centralfrontenac.com) and the FCFDC's website, www.frontenaccfdc.com. Also watch for event dates in Northern Happenings.

Photo: John McEwen (right) with Collin Bowe at the Bellrock Community hall where John will be appearing regularly every Sunday from 1:30-3:30PM until February 26.

Music lovers, especially those of classic rock, folk, old country and blues, have a new, free Sunday venue to add to their list. Local troubadour and long-time Bellrock resident John McEwen has decided to bring his talents to the newly constructed stage at the Bellrock Community Hall every Sunday from 1:30-3:30 PM from now until February 26 to benefit the ongoing renovations to the hall.

January 22 was his inaugural performance and joining him onstage was piano player Collin Bowe, owner of Verona Computer. The two maintained a casual, easy and open dialogue as they progressed through a number of favorite classic rock and blues numbers.

John began the first set with Alice Cooper’s “Eighteen”, proving he has a voice that can do almost anything and that everything he does he does well. Add to that his quick and nimble guitar fingers, which together prove that this guy (who is much more appealing in person that the caricature in his ad on page 5 might suggest) has been around for a while. He is also someone who loves to get to know the audience almost as much as he loves to sing and play.

John, who has been playing guitar since he was a kid, has an eclectic taste in tunes and he shared that love playing a number of Dylan tunes and Stones songs.

Though Collin did not “know” a lot of the songs, his prowess allowed him to tinkle away on the white upright quite comfortably and he was more than happy to go it alone when John stepped off the stage a couple of times. The duo covered Costello Angle’s “Want to Wear My Red Shoes”, Stevie Ray Vaughn's “Pride and Joy”, and also took a number of requests from the crowd, which though a small one was more than enthusiastic.

If you have a chance check John out- it’s worth the trip to Bellrock. In lieu of the free admission John is happy to accept donations for the ongoing renovations taking place at the hall, the latest of which concern the women’s washroom.

Coming up with a unique fundraiser can be a difficult task for even the most creative types. Not so for Michelle Sigsworth and Ted Lalonde, the two people responsible for brainstorming the latest fundraiser at the Bellrock community hall, Bellrock’s first ever Boogie, which attracted a crowd of close to 150 on September 7.

What accounted for the sizable crowd - apart from the perfect sunshine, the hall canteen’s home-baked goodies, the barbequed wieners and cotton candy - were the top-notch country bands that took to the outdoor hay wagon stage and entertained the listeners, many of whom sported cowboy hats and lounged atop the hay stack seating provided by Carl Grant of Grant Farms in Bellrock, who also provided the stage.

Credit for the stellar roster of country talent goes to 26-year-old event organizer Ted Lalonde, who is also lead singer and guitarist with the band Texas Tuxedo and played at the event. Ted grew up in Verona and now lives in Yarker. He has been playing music since he was just wee lad, when his grandfather Alvin Dafoe taught him how to play the spoons. He is now a well-known face in Kingston's country music scene. Lalonde not only offered up his own talents, but as a professional on the scene he was able to attract the impressive list of solid country crooners from in and around Kingston who joined him onstage.

They included Nashville recording artist Adam Knapp and his band Kickback along with a number of closer to home bands, which included Kingston radio personality and musician Jeff Code and the Silver Wings, Bob Goodberry and Chuck D'Aoust.

Lalonde and Sigsworth had approached the community hall association with the idea of holding a country jamboree fundraiser. Coupled with Lalonde’s ability to gather the talent, Sigsworh added her own signature to the event. She had cowboy hats for sale for a reasonable price, which buyers were encouraged to decorate to their own personal specifications.

The event was free and guests were invited to make a free will donation, which in the end raised over $600 for the hall. The funds will go towards upgrading and furnishing the Bellrock community playground an

Coming up with a unique fundraiser can be a difficult task for even the most creative types. Not so for Michelle Sigsworth and Ted Lalonde, the two people responsible for brainstorming the latest fundraiser at the Bellrock community hall, Bellrock’s first ever Boogie, which attracted a crowd of close to 150 on September 7.

What accounted for the sizable crowd - apart from the perfect sunshine, the hall canteen’s home-baked goodies, the barbequed wieners and cotton candy - were the top-notch country bands that took to the outdoor hay wagon stage and entertained the listeners, many of whom sported cowboy hats and lounged atop the hay stack seating provided by Carl Grant of Grant Farms in Bellrock, who also provided the stage.

Credit for the stellar roster of country talent goes to 26-year-old event organizer Ted Lalonde, who is also lead singer and guitarist with the band Texas Tuxedo and played at the event. Ted grew up in Verona and now lives in Yarker. He has been playing music since he was just wee lad, when his grandfather Alvin Dafoe taught him how to play the spoons. He is now a well-known face in Kingston's country music scene. Lalonde not only offered up his own talents, but as a professional on the scene he was able to attract the impressive list of solid country crooners from in and around Kingston who joined him onstage.

They included Nashville recording artist Adam Knapp and his band Kickback along with a number of closer to home bands, which included Kingston radio personality and musician Jeff Code and the Silver Wings, Bob Goodberry and Chuck D'Aoust.

Lalonde and Sigsworth had approached the community hall association with the idea of holding a country jamboree fundraiser. Coupled with Lalonde’s ability to gather the talent, Sigsworh added her own signature to the event. She had cowboy hats for sale for a reasonable price, which buyers were encouraged to decorate to their own personal specifications.

The event was free and guests were invited to make a free will donation, which in the end raised over $600 for the hall. The funds will go towards upgrading and furnishing the Bellrock community playground and park with new park benches and picnic tables. Bob Brown, treasurer of the Bellrock Community Hall Association, was thrilled with the turnout. “This kind of event not only brings in members of the village but also attract individuals and families from the surrounding areas as well. This event was such an overwhelming success that we are definitely planning to do it again.”

Lalonde and Sigsworth are also hoping to see the event become

Coming up with a unique fundraiser can be a difficult task for even the most creative types. Not so for Michelle Sigsworth and Ted Lalonde, the two people responsible for brainstorming the latest fundraiser at the Bellrock community hall, Bellrock’s first ever Boogie, which attracted a crowd of close to 150 on September 7.

What accounted for the sizable crowd - apart from the perfect sunshine, the hall canteen’s home-baked goodies, the barbequed wieners and cotton candy - were the top-notch country bands that took to the outdoor hay wagon stage and entertained the listeners, many of whom sported cowboy hats and lounged atop the hay stack seating provided by Carl Grant of Grant Farms in Bellrock, who also provided the stage.

Credit for the stellar roster of country talent goes to 26-year-old event organizer Ted Lalonde, who is also lead singer and guitarist with the band Texas Tuxedo and played at the event. Ted grew up in Verona and now lives in Yarker. He has been playing music since he was just wee lad, when his grandfather Alvin Dafoe taught him how to play the spoons. He is now a well-known face in Kingston's country music scene. Lalonde not only offered up his own talents, but as a professional on the scene he was able to attract the impressive list of solid country crooners from in and around Kingston who joined him onstage.

They included Nashville recording artist Adam Knapp and his band Kickback along with a number of closer to home bands, which included Kingston radio personality and musician Jeff Code and the Silver Wings, Bob Goodberry and Chuck D'Aoust.

Lalonde and Sigsworth had approached the community hall association with the idea of holding a country jamboree fundraiser. Coupled with Lalonde’s ability to gather the talent, Sigsworh added her own signature to the event. She had cowboy hats for sale for a reasonable price, which buyers were encouraged to decorate to their own personal specifications.

The event was free and guests were invited to make a free will donation, which in the end raised over $600 for the hall. The funds will go towards upgrading and furnishing the Bellrock community playground and park with new park benches and picnic tables. Bob Brown, treasurer of the Bellrock Community Hall Association, was thrilled with the turnout. “This kind of event not only brings in members of the village but also attract individuals and families from the surrounding areas as well. This event was such an overwhelming success that we are definitely planning to do it again.”

Lalonde and Sigsworth are also hoping to see the event become a regular annual event but Ted Lalonde has even bigger plans than that. He said that he hopes to hold a number of similar, smaller jamborees at the hall on an ongoing basis. “We were very pleased with the turnout and were really happy to see so many families come out to enjoy it. We’re sure that other similar events would be as well attended.”

a regular annual event but Ted Lalonde has even bigger plans than that. He said that he hopes to hold a number of similar, smaller jamborees at the hall on an ongoing basis. “We were very pleased with the turnout and were really happy to see so many families come out to enjoy it. We’re sure that other similar events would be as well attended.”

d park with new park benches and picnic tables. Bob Brown, treasurer of the Bellrock Community Hall Association, was thrilled with the turnout. “This kind of event not only brings in members of the village but also attract individuals and families from the surrounding areas as well. This event was such an overwhelming success that we are definitely planning to do it again.”

Lalonde and Sigsworth are also hoping to see the event become a regular annual event but Ted Lalonde has even bigger plans than that. He said that he hopes to hold a number of similar, smaller jamborees at the hall on an ongoing basis. “We were very pleased with the turnout and were really happy to see so many families come out to enjoy it. We’re sure that other similar events would be as well attended.”