Glen Hartle

Glen Hartle, reporter

Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

Pride is all about making the world a better place. While its roots may be from a more complicated and existential time, it continues to champion identity, inclusion and equality across the entire spectrum of humanity. The Pontiac Pride group has been around, unofficially, for a few years and has been making strides for a stronger community presence with a broad range of social-oriented activities and events.
Slightly longer in the tooth than Pride, The Lions Club is all about making the world a better place too and has long been considered as one of the best that community has to offer through its more than 46,000 clubs worldwide. Its motto is “We Serve” and there is ample indication that the Shawville version, which has been around since 1949, is living up to both its mandate and reputation.
Together, they partnered and invited the community with open arms this past Saturday to join in a first-of-its-kind Pontiac Pride Square Dance.
“Our end goal is for there not to be a need for a Pride group. For there to be no difference between gay and straight couples, and trans people, and that we can all just go to events and not be worried about it,” event organizer and Pontiac Pride member Emma Judd said.
She said she believed a Pontiac Pride square dancing event was the perfect opportunity to get everybody out, “so we can be a little more out and proud.”
The event invitation was pretty open. “Come as you are and everyone’s welcome. Folks who have been dancing for years and those who don’t even know what a square dance is. You’re all invited,” the Facebook invite read.
And? The community responded, and how.
Those who arrived late to the dance were greeted by audible enjoyment from the Lions Club Hall situated on the top floor of the Shawville Arena. Audible is an understatement as it was more akin to a rollicking party where the more than 60 attendees, ranging in age from 3 to 85, made clear their enthusiasm and delight.
The hall was bedazzled in lights and decor, with evidence of just who was hosting the event at every turn. In a modern show of inclusion, there was signage making sure that gender was understood to be at the heart of identity, an undeniable and unquestionable truth and, as such, this was a space made for all. Pride Pontiac members Julianne Dooks, Emma Judd, Will Bastien, Christine Rieux, Ashley Sutton, Greg Goyette and Darlene Pashak all played welcoming committee, usher and host ensuring everyone had a place at the heart of this event.
Justin Bertrand on fiddle with Andrew Jones and Marie Chapet on guitar were ready with their musical instruments, and callers Paul Bertrand, Scott Judd and Tyler McCann were all set to call the steps. Lions members Robert St-Amour, Eric Smith and Steve Sutton had the bar up and running, and the dance floor was clear. The stage was set.
Square dancing has history in the area and has been around for generations. The callers at the event were testament to that as Paul Bertrand learned calling from his father, Alexander Bertrand, a well-known caller in his day who called regularly at the Lions Club in Bryson as well as at countless weddings and other community events. Scott Judd learned from his father, Chris Judd, who learned from his father Louis Judd. Tyler McCann learned the ropes from his own time as a leader in the 4-H Club and now helps guide the club as coach and caller. That’s quite a litany and all at one event.
Event mastermind Emma Judd remembers fondly her own experiences with square dancing through the 4-H Club as she was growing up and, together with fellow 4-H alumni Will Bastien, she brought the idea to life.

“This was a perfect mix for me of something that is super traditionally straight couples dancing, but it’s also become such a non-gendered dance as well,” Judd explained, recalling how when she was first getting into square dancing through 4-H there were never enough boys to play the male role in the dance, so young girls would take that on.
In keeping with that heritage, members of the local 4-H club were invited to show the gathered just how square dancing was supposed to be done, and a gaggle of young would-be experts were happy to lead the way. With McCann calling, they showcased the many moves of square dancing that were to follow including do-si-dos, promenades, elbow swings, dips and spins. Their energy was effusive.
Following some initial easing into things, Scott Judd took the mic and things really started to roll. But not before he took a moment to express just how amazing it was to see so many people. “When was the last time there were four squares at a Shawville dance?” he exclaimed.
From there, the band played spirited music, the callers directed the action, boots and shoes scooted across the floor, laughter was in the air and the dance floor came alive.
For many, the appeal of the event lay in getting out with a group known to be inclusive and, for others, it was finally a chance to square dance after covid threw a wrench into things. And for yet others, it was just an occasion to get out and have a great time. Whatever their reasons, all seemed to endorse Pride Pontiac’s invitation for an “incredibly fun evening to ward off those February blues” and whether volunteer, spectator or participant, joy was unanimous.
For Emma Judd and her crew: “It was an incredible night and for it to be such an inclusive and accepting space was awesome. We can’t wait to host another one.”

Glen Hartle, reporter

Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

Ski Pontiac made good on the promise of a night to remember by hosting the first of two Moonlight Ski events on Saturday evening at Astra Estates in Norway Bay.
With the allure of trails lit with torches, roaring outdoor fireplaces lined with chairs in which to lounge, live music, a cozy restaurant for pre- or après-ski and mild temperatures, people came out en masse.
From the young to the less young, this event had broad appeal and joyful fellowship was evident in every corner.
Mark your calendars for their next Moonlight Ski on February 17 or head over to www.skipontiac.ca.

Glen Hartle, Reporter

Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

The Pontiac Community Players had a successful run on the Pontiac High School stage with its production last week of The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong. Nearly sold out across all four shows, word of mouth made this the must-see event over the course of the weekend.
At show’s end, director Greg Graham presented PHS vice-principal Luke McLaren with a cheque in contribution to the continuing improvements to the stage and seating of the auditorium which has been generously provided by the school. It’s a win-win arrangement where everything goes right, much like the play just now finished, title notwithstanding.

Glen Hartle, reporter

Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

Ski Pontiac hosted one in a series of Salt and Pepper Club excursions on Saturday morning at Astra Estates in Norway Bay.
Deb Powell and Ariane Cloutier led about a dozen participants out on a cold morning under light snow for a tour of the approximately four kilometres of trails which have been groomed on the golf course in preparation for their season.
The club is part of a federally-funded initiative to help people aged 55 and over become more active. Each Wednesday and Saturday, events are held at various locations throughout the Outaouais in a partnership with Ski à l’école Outaouais where member participants have free access to equipment.
For Ski Pontiac, the Salt and Pepper Club will gather each Saturday at Astra Estates Golf course where it maintains groomed trails.
Their next event is of particular note, as on this coming Saturday, Jan. 27, they are hosting their Moonlight Ski where participants can ski or snowshoe beneath the nearly full moon and on torch lit trails.
For more information, contact Ariane Cloutier or Deb Powell locally via https://skipontiac.ca, or head over to https://skialecole.org.

Glen Hartle, reporter

Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

St. Paul’s Anglican Church has been around a long time. The first Anglican service was way back in 1827. The initial church building held service for the first time in 1842 and the building we now know as St. Paul’s was consecrated in 1880.

While the Hooley hasn’t been around quite that long, it has been a part of St. Paul’s since 2015. Each Friday evening has seen musicians and locals circle to the hall at the back of the church for what has become known as a bit of a shout out to the Irish roots of town and the old-style kitchen parties which took place in the old country.

With little-to-no protocol other than “let’s play music and have fun”, the gathering has always been informal and completely rife with joyful toe-tapping, finger-snapping and lip-syncing accompaniment.
This past Friday saw the Christmas version of the Hooley and it was wholly true to form.
On stage were no less than 17 musicians who spread the width of the hall and spilled into the first row of seats. The entire ensemble cast included faces familiar to the Hooley as Cathy Scullion, Christine Anderson, Joe Burke, Robert Wills, Robert Brown, Paulette Gauthier, Celine Abbott, Barrie Murray, Sandy Ireland, Brian Kilgour, Bobbie Dale, Brent Plouffe, Lynne Tourangeau, Mike Baader and Cliff Welsh all making return trips to the stage. Young new additions included fiddle-playing phenoms, Every Griffen and Laura Sally.

While the official start of the program was 7 p.m., the entertainment began much earlier as musicians prepared themselves and their gear for the show. Bows were rosined, guitars were tuned, mics were adjusted, music sheets were sorted, amps were dialed in, fingers were limbered and anticipation was rampant. Off stage, a growing crowd made clear their intent on having a good time and members of the Anglican Young Women’s Association (AYMA) made ready the hall, stocked the refreshment counter, greeted newcomers and offered tickets for both a 50/50 draw and an annual Christmas basket draw full of goodies valued at more than $700.

Once the music started, it did not stop for almost two and a half hours of joyful celebration. It started with Christmas in the Valley and 41 songs later ended with, naturally, a We Wish You A Merry Christmas singalong for everyone. In between, attendees were treated to everything from known Christmas tunes like Joy to the World, Frosty the Snowman and Jingle Bells, as well as to some outlier and yet equally compelling numbers such as Debbie’s Waltz, Will the Circle be Unbroken and Rollin’ in My Sweet Baby’s Arms.

Robert Wills brought the house down with what could have easily been a part of an encore set with a song he penned himself called The Chicken Song wherein he actually clucks and crows as a part of the lyrics. Celine Abbott created a stir with her all-in rendition of Rita MacNeil’s Working Man as she held nothing back and brought the audience along with her. Brent Plouffe’s blue guitar sang out, as it always does, as he crafted riff and augmented each song with melody, harmony or rhythm and sometimes all at once. It was always delightful to hear Abbott call out “Brent!” inviting him to jump in and take the song she was singing even higher.

There was a familiarity to the whole evening which truly had it feeling like a family gathering. Kids were at the back of the hall playing with toy trucks, there were smiles and quiet chatter all around, people could be seen testing the refreshment bar while stopping to meet and greet along the way, and nowhere was there anything even resembling a hurry.

The Hooley takes a break for Christmas but will be back early in the new year. Check the Community Calendar here at THE EQUITY for dates, and, Merry Christmas from their kitchen to yours.

Glen Hartle, reporter

Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

Shawville United Church will soon celebrate 200 years. For more than a quarter of that time, Cheryl Campbell has been with the choir at the church, first as a member and then, for the last 50 years, as director. She was honoured in a special musical celebration Sunday that saw the church doors thrown wide and the community invited in.
There are many ways to show gratitude and appreciation, and the Shawville United Church demonstrated that it leads by example, not only espousing the message of goodwill accorded to the historical figure of Jesus of Nazareth, but by also putting faith into action with a joyful celebration of humility and community in keeping with the best of verse and, certainly, the best of the season.
The congregation at the church usually consists of some 50 or 60 parishioners and, while not quite full, that number ballooned for this special celebration.
The overall service felt like a well-coordinated event. Ushers Dorothy and Em Morrison, Sandra Barber and Allan Dean were welcoming spirits at the doors, knew everyone who entered and were of great assistance to any and all. Once the congregation was seated, Reverend Schalk W. Naudé took his now familiar, and yet somewhat new, place at the altar and in the loft behind sat a large choir ready to provide backdrop against which the festivities were to unfold. The bright light of day streamed through stained glass windows providing thematic decor and an almost jubilant aura. Commemorative poinsettias were scattered throughout the sanctuary in memory of loved ones past. The scene was set.
The Reverend, newly at the church and of South African roots, ran a balanced service complete with scripture, self-deprecating humour, light stories intended as allegory for moral teachings, engagement with various members of the parish and well-timed to-and-fro with both the choir and the celebrant. From a layman’s perspective, theological positioning aside, he was a very good emcee.
There were a variety of tributes to Campbell and they, individually and collectively, highlighted in turn just what an impact she has had on both the church and the community at large.
Glenda Baker led things off by sharing words sent ahead by former minister of the church, Paula Mullin. “In the midst of an already busy life and teaching career, you made time all those years ago to be a part of our choir and we are so grateful,” Baker shared. She also spoke of the value of Campbell’s leadership, encouragement and willingness to share of herself, and of her impact beyond the church walls. “You were an active member of Pontiac Players, often as the leading lady, and I remember all of those times you directed children at the McDowell Elementary School and accompanied the children to choir competitions throughout the region.”
Joan Conrod shared tales of Shawville from when Campbell first came to town and through the years, Eleanor Hayes shared “best-friend” giggles and Basil Hodgins shared words offered ahead by Beth Armitage, who suggested she may be the only one left who remembers that fateful Tuesday evening when Campbell first came to choir practice. All lent merit to the growing acknowledgement of legacy being crafted.
Reverend Naudé held nothing back in his summary of Campbell’s impact. “You have woven celestial melodies bridging the earthly and the divine, creating a tapestry of unity that binds our community,” he said.
As a part of his delivery, he unveiled a new plaque to be placed on the walls of the sanctuary of the church. “May this serve as a perpetual reminder of Cheryl’s enduring influence – a hymn to her tireless devotion and the lives she has enriched through music,” he said.
Emblazoned on the plaque under her name and praise, are listed phrases from six passages in the Bible all highlighting the joy and the importance of music and song in faith and chosen by members of the choir.
For her part, Campbell was clearly moved by the show of affection, admiration and support. With specific call outs to various pews of the gathered, she summarized with, “Thank you for this wonderful gift of a musical celebration. My life has been enriched by the people I have had the privilege of working with at Shawville United Church and this is wonderful and overwhelming. Blessings and thanks to all of you for this tribute.”
Throughout the service, the choir, still directed by Campbell and accompanied by Vincent Mar, raised their voices to amazing heights. They sang several pieces already familiar to the gathered including Open Our Eyes Lord, A Candle is Burning (Away in a Manger) and The Lord’s Prayer. What truly brought the musical celebration to a pinnacle was the final blessing song, I Believe. Here, the entire cast of musical talent met on an inspired plane offering Campbell both tribute to, and evidence of, her legacy.
Following the service, the entire congregation was invited into the community hall at the back of the church for a potluck lunch hosted by the United Church Women. There, a robust atmosphere of joy was elevated higher with a feast of broad offerings from a team of cheery apron-sporting ladies. The hall was alive.
As if celebrating 50 years as choir director wasn’t enough, the day also represented an 80th birthday party for Campbell and, as such, the potluck lunch was followed with appropriate singing, cake, ice-cream and gifts.
In the annals of Shawville’s United Church, Cheryl Campbell will be remembered and she will be remembered well.

Glen Hartle, reporter

Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

The second annual Warden’s Breakfast, in support of the Centraide Outaouais 2023 campaign, was held at the Recreation Centre in Campbell’s Bay on Monday morning. With 129 tickets sold in advance and more at the door, it was a big success.
MRC Pontiac Warden Jane Toller served as both host and emcee of the buffet-style meal which featured a broad array of breakfast fare and a diverse parade of speakers.
Toller was joined by Centraide team members Denis Harrison (President of the campaign), Cédric Tessier (Director General), Noëlla Beausoleil (Philanthropic Development Director) and Sara Ait Jilali (Philanthropic Development Advisor).
Also in attendance were several mayors including Colleen Larivière (Litchfield), Lynne Cameron (Portage du Fort), Sandra Armstrong (Mansfield and Pontefract), Christine Francoeur (Fort Coulonge) and Doris Ranger (Sheenboro). Those unable to attend contributed their purchased tickets to a pool to enable residents of retirement home Freinds of St-Joseph’s Manor to attend.
The seven associations that Centraide supports locally are Bouffe Pontiac, Centre Serge-Bélair, Comptoir St-Pierre de Fort-Coulonge/Mansfield, Le Jardin Éducatif du Pontiac, Les Maisons des jeunes du Pontiac, Maison de la famille du Pontiac and Patro Fort Coulonge/Mansfield.
A final tally of funds raised from the event is forthcoming, however, Toller suspects it will be more than double last year’s contributions to the association.
“Let’s not see this as an end point, but as a beginning,” she said. “We look forward to growing this event bigger and better with each passing year, ensuring that our community continues to thrive and support one another.”

Glen Hartle, reporter

Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

Local boy Eric O’Brien, from Vinton, came back to his roots and brought some fellow comics with him for the comedy night hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 162, also known as the Pontiac Legion, this past Friday evening.
Mona Woodstock, secretary for the Legion, said “we wanted to try something different,” and big city comedy in small town lights sounds different.
The small building the Legion calls home seats, at most, 50 people and is essentially a walk-in off the street kind of place. There’s a bar at the far end, windows on the sidewalk side sandwiching the main door, a piano, ample community-style seating and commemorative memorabilia on most walls and surfaces. It’s an intimate environment and one that would seem to lend itself well for comedic routines where familiarity is part and parcel of the show.
Enter Eric O’Brien and Friends.
O’Brien is a tall fellow with a jolly disposition and he was clearly in comfortable and familiar territory standing in front of a crowd with a microphone in his hand. He has previously worked at CHIP-FM as a journalist and content creator, has experience in ad work for radio and television and also has experience in podcasts. The fact that the audience was essentially his home turf likely added to his ease. Or did it?
Standing in a casual two-tone hoodie and quilted pull-over puffer vest, he looked at home with his mom, dad and several other family members looking on.
“I don’t usually let anyone I know come to my shows,” he laughed as he got the evening rolling. “However, I now get to embarrass my family.”
With O’Brien were three friends from the city, all comedians with various levels of experience. First up was Jake Daly and, to use O’Brien’s words, his routine was “kind of intense.” That is an understatement. As is the case with comedy, some of his schtick worked and some did not, and the audience of a largely older crowd wasn’t always quite in tune with his – um – intensity.
Next up was Andreas DeChellis, newly testing his comedic chops. His self-deprecating humour and youthful disposition were endearing and, in his own words, he’s still working on things.
After a pause for refreshments, O’Brien once again took the mic and offered some amusing banter before handing the floor to veteran “he’s seriously in the top ten in Ottawa” comedian Jeff Davis. It is here where the show took flight and the audience let loose with their appreciation. Davis is a large man who uses his size as a part of his routine and “accidentally winning a pie-eating contest” was met with enthusiastic laughter. He held court for the remainder of his stint and the Legion came alive.
All in all, O’Brien showed the Legion, family and friends that he has both aspiration and talent, and is surrounded by a fellowship that supports him. For the Legion and its clientele, let’s hope they “try something different” again, because it was good fun this time around and we want more.

Glen Hartle, reporter

Funded by the Local Journalism Initiaitive

Local art association artPontiac held a special meeting on Nov. 8 with a twofold agenda: inform the membership of an existential challenge, and invite them to step up.
ArtPontiac has been around since the early 1990s segueing from a small group of passionate artists into a chartered not-for-profit boasting over one hundred and twenty five members. Over the years it has successfully mounted and run a school of the arts, a studio tour, a gallery and a residency program, among various other activities largely within the community.
Since 2012, they have hosted over 400 students through more than 80 courses or workshops. They have provided space for, and promoted, over 360 artists via exhibitions at the gallery in Portage-du-fort. Association president Cheryl Beillard imports that they have been an integral part of communities on both sides of the Ottawa River for more than thirty years and are recognized as “a driving force for the development of arts and culture” in the region as a whole.
Over the last few years, the tour and residency have fallen off the association’s objectives and they have focused primarily on running galleries both at the Stone School in Portage-du-fort, which doubles as the association’s headquarters, and in various in-situ galleries throughout the region. They have also leaned on activities at the school and a newfound in-house and permanent shop.
Beillard, who has been at the helm for the last two years, led the charge in addressing the membership and interested parties gathered in person and via video link at the meeting. All were clearly vested in what Beillard had to say.
Beillard started by summarizing, generally, the association’s genesis and upbringing before moving into the challenges of the last few years leading artPontiac to the point where they are today.
The gist of her message was clear: the association is at a crossroads and, while severely challenged, she believes that there is a clear way forward.
At the core of things, Beillard indicated that artPontiac has asked for, and was refused, funding relief from the MRC Pontiac to cover the $7,200 rent for the building. This, coupled with dwindling bank reserves and the current trend of difficulty in securing financial influx, has rendered the viability of the association to be called into question.
The majority of annual funding for the association has seemingly come from various grants accorded over the years and these have largely dried up, thanks in part to a reluctance on the part of the various governments to support the association as well as from a lack of dedicated gra,nt-writing expertise from within.
Beillard suggests that “what we are asking for is not something novel. Municipalities generally view supporting art organizations not as a subsidy but as an investment.”
Complicating the picture, continues Beillard, the association has had substantial difficulty in securing participation from the members in the form of volunteerism. For a not-for-profit that relies 100% on volunteer efforts, this is problematic in the extreme.
It should be noted that artPontiac is not alone in this. As reported in THE EQUITY (October 25, Connor Lalande), there is a dearth of volunteers, generally, throughout the region and community groups are struggling everywhere with a lack of participation.
Beillard’s message wasn’t wholly doom and gloom and she intoned that “We can do it.” She envisions a multi-pronged approach to success which relies upon a renewed attention to grant-writing and hinges upon finding a slate of volunteers willing to step up and in. She provided a volunteer signup sheet highlighting a broad list of activities requiring help. “No offer of help is too small”, it starts, and indicates that many of the tasks can be done remotely and in a piecemeal fashion, alleviating the fear that these tasks might be all-consuming.
The association hosts their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 30 and they hope that members will attend en mass, elect a strong board and be ready to engage in a new frontier.
If you would like to help, volunteer or get more information, contact info@artpontiac.com.

Glen Hartle, reporter

Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

In both name and function, the Pontiac Community Players showed what they’re all about in joining forces with the Shawville Lions Club and hosting a whodunnit dinner with city firm Murder Mystery Ottawa. The “community” in their name isn’t just for show, and they set out to prove it.

Val Twolan-Graham, vice-president of the Players, took a bit of a leap of faith in coordinating the evening suggesting, “I really didn’t know where this would go.” The price point was a little higher than usual for Shawville fare and a stage show – audience extravaganza didn’t have the advantage of being well-known in town. Notwithstanding, a near sell-out crowd dressed for the occasion and filled the Lions Hall with anticipation, laughter and joy.

The decorating committee did well to organize seating in a series of chevrons all directed toward a central stage. This guaranteed that there wasn’t a bad seat in the place and also afforded space for the interactive nature of the spectacle. After all, something ill was afoot and a murderer was amongst the gathered.

For their part, Murder Mystery Ottawa entertains. While the murder scenario may have been pretense for their presence, their talent and energy carried the evening aloft. Company president Pete Dillon led the charge as Officer Torque Penderloin and his role was part emcee and part active participant in the scenes unfolding around the hall. Joining Dillon were long-time troupe members Erin McNamara as Judi Rockwell, a somewhat “desperate-housewives-of-Shawville” type character and Gabrielle Mackenzie as Sandy Beach, a Playboy Bunny wannabe.

Rounding out the cast was veteran entertainer and relatively recent addition Byron Brydges as Donnie Cocktail, the slick “Cousin-Guido-From-Jersey” fellow, and making his stage debut with the group, William Wueppelmann as Chip Rockwell, the bruised and battered not-quite-confident backseat husband to fun-loving Judi.

Rounding out the production team was stage manager Elena Ienzi, whose contributions off-stage were no less important than those parading through the chevrons with their tales of woe and intrigue.

Together, they sang, danced, schemed, plotted, lied and generally entertained. Their routine brought audience members into the fray from the get-go, with piano-playing, French language-teaching local Greg MacIntosh being the first to enter the story as the murder victim, staggering into the hall with scissors protruding from his back. From there, Ed Walsh and Mike Richardson became court judges, complete with prop wigs. Joe McCleary and Eric Smith learned some slick dance moves, and various others were seamlessly integrated into a wonderful production of fun. Laughter and engagement was secured in all corners of the hall.

In keeping with the audience participation, all attendees were invited to submit their candidate for “who murdered Greg.” Nineteen got it right, and a sampling of those were rewarded with gifts from the production.

That’s the playbill part of the evening.

The rest of the evening was one of all things community. The door was managed by Lions chair, Chris Graham, and Players treasurer, Marguerite Carmichael. The hall was decorated with a team quarterbacked by Players actor and creative designer, William Bastien. Dinner was catered by Cartrites with Lisa Cartman and her team of five hustling to and fro with buns, salads, roast beef dinners, desserts and coffee. The canteen was handled by Lions Dalton Cluff and Kevin Hannaberry, who made sure that refreshments stayed the course.

Not least of all, there was a list of sponsors which took up almost a whole page itself. It included: Boutique Bronson, Café 349, Candles in the Attic, Cartrites, Chateau de Dollar Plus, Coronation Hall, Euterra, Giant Tiger Shawville, Hursty’s, J&J Grocery, Jolie Folie, K&L Dairy, Kids-Cows-and-Flowers, Marché Bristol Market, Pontiac Community Players, Ron Strutt, Serenity Salon and Medi-Spa, Shawville Lions, Shawville Shooz, Shawville 150 Committee, Stedman’s V&S, Trevor Howard, Uniprix Ahmad Hassan, W.A. Hodgins Store and WePC Inc. How’s THAT for bringing the community together?

All that was missing were the town firemen. Oh – hang on – there they were at table six. Right there next to Shawville mayor Bill McCleary, and across from Arnprior mayor Lisa McGee. The post office person was there and that lady who works at Giant Tiger was there too. That farmer with the dairy just outside town was there and so was his wife. The lady who runs the flower shop was there and so was the one who runs the grocery. The mechanic was there and so was his neighbour, and – wow – who wasn’t there?

Five $100 draws were given out, all with products donated for the occasion, and there was a gift raffle, also with items from the broad list of sponsors. All funds raised by the 50/50 draw went back to the Lions Club and the Community Players as the lucky winner, Ruth Strutt happily donated her winnings.

This event – A Murder Mystery Evening – brought the community together in a way that should long resonate and which could, just maybe, act as a template for future events aiming to bring the best of community together. For it did that, and then some.

Glen Hartle, reporter

Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

The Association Récréative de Bryson (Bryson Recreation Association) hosted an array of wee
ones on Friday for the annual Halloween Party. The energy was high and so was the joy.
On hand was a plethora of everything that makes Halloween come alive. The hall was
generously decorated with everything from spider webs to suspended ghoulish-globes.
There was music spinning a wide array of tunes for all ages including classics like
Michael Jackson’s Thriller and the theme song for the Addams Family. There were nibbles,
refreshments, games and hosts, all designed to convert reality into fiction, if for just a little while.
Most of all, there was a great variety of children in costumes
ranging from princesses to pirates and even a flamengo dancer.
All in all, some 88 youngsters joined the fun and some even
brought an oldster or two along for company. After all, it’s not
easy being a two-year-old-police-boy on your own. Association president Julie Ryan
beamed at the turnout, “Most members of the association have children, and we love doing
all sorts of kids’ activities. From ball soccer to summer camp, we like to keep the kids active and
we love the annual Halloween Party.” Ryan was in charge of the games – including “Pass the
Pumpkin” which heralded in a whole new level of energy amongst the party-goers.
Helping Ryan as emcee and DJ was association vice-president Meghan Griffin. Association sec-
retary Shyloh Pasqua took care of the canteen while volunteers Alexandra Ryan Vaillancourt and
Amanda Baird took care of the door and donations. At evening’s end, Melissa Stewart and Chantal
Gravelle jumped in to help clean up. This was truly a team effort.
There were prizes awarded for Most Original costume and for Best Overall. These were further
divided by age groups: 0-3, 4-7 and 8+. For the 0-3 grouping, soon-to-be-one-year-old Annabelle
Gravelle and her big brother, Ben, absolutely stole the show in their mousetrap and exterminator
getup taking the Most Creative props. Violet Kelly took home Best Overall as a butterfly.
For the 4-7 grouping, Noah Pasqua took Most Creative as Red Among Us and Kennedy Griffin
stunned as a Flamenco Dancer, complete with moves to match.
She took Best Overall. Rounding things out, in the 8+ grouping, Nadia Durocher took
the creative crown for her version of Pennywise, the IT clown; scary never looked so good. And
Best Overall in the grouping went to Jayden Chevalier as a ginormous dinosaur, who, it should
be noted, provided substantial inspiration for all of the would-be Jurassic Park fans in attendance.
Each prize winner received agrab bag of goodies with games, books, play-doh and more.
As for the games – what enthusiasm. Emcee Griffin had her work cut out for her in keeping
things on track as the madding crowd (with nod to author Thomas Hardy) circled. Granted,
they were asked to circle in order to gear up for the first game, Pass the Pumpkin, but this did
nothing to take away from the teeming sea of costumed specificity highlighting the moment.
It was positively delightful and, if deciblage can be used as reference, the excitement already on
display went completely off the charts. Like, way off. Game winners won glow stick
packages that will likely come in handy on Halloween night. All kids left with a grab bag donated
by the association. As if that wasn’t enough goodness for one evening, attendees were invited to bring food and
cash donations for Bouffe Pontiac. Bouffe Pontiac, headquartered in Campbells Bay, aims to
provide access to healthy food for those in need. Director General Kim Laroche intones, “We
have an increase in demand with more and more working families at minimum wage in need.”
She shares that November is usually almost as busy as the Christmas
period for them and that any and all contributions are greatly appreciated.
For their part, the Halloween Party with the Bryson Recreation Association contributed several
bags of non-perishable goods along with an envelope of good will. This dress rehearsal for
Halloween had it all and if that was the rehearsal, the show must have been off the rails.