It's a remarkable sight.
Every evening, between 7:30 and 8 p.m., starlings congregate in the giant, old poplar in the field behind our home. They arrive singly, or in small groups, or in flocks of a hundred or more.
The first to come settle on the top, leafless branches of the dying tree. They are soon joined by others, and the noise begins... not singing, because these are starlings, after all, but their best efforts at chirping.
The first large flock to arrive is an amazing sight, as a hundred or more birds glide across the sky, and then swoop to their chosen perches. Then another flock, and another, until the tree contains more than a thousand loud birds, at a conservative estimate.
Sometimes, they spill over into other nearby trees, including our spruces, but if we clap our hands, they soar up out of the spruce trees and elbow their way into spaces on the poplar.
We try to imagine what they are doing in this nightly gathering. Reporting in? Sharing information about the best places to find edible insects? Or is it a singles bar for starlings?
They arrive over the course of a half hour or so; by the end of the exercise, the tree is quivering like a wet Labrador, even though no other tree nearby shows any movement at all.
The noise hits maximum level, everyone is chattering at once, and suddenly, on some signal that you know humans are never going to figure out, they are off, again. This tree is not their night-time perch... it's their after-work pub. They spend anything from forty minutes to 30 seconds, for the latest-comers, and then they are off to destinations we know not of.
It is not rare to see a lone starling or two soar in just as the crowd is departing. These tail-end Charlies never land, they simply tag along at the rear of one of the new flocks heading off to -- to what? A better bar, or a starling restaurant, now that they have had their pre-dinner cocktail?
It's a fascinating phenomenon, all the more so because it lends itself to no easy explanation. Anything we try to figure out smacks of blatant anthropomorphism, so it's probably better to go all the way and call the popular tree Cheers for the Birds.
Whatever the inspiration, it's loud, it's fraught with danger for human observers under the flight paths of these thousand-plus birds, and its absolutely intriguing.
Plenty of people don't have any affection for starlings... I'm thinking they might change their minds if they saw them in this unusual behaviour. Or, they might simply have a dry cleaning bill of major proportions.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Should we welcome Conrad home?
It's hard to feel sorry for Conrad Black. I mean, he was in the newspaper business, he sometimes uses archaic words, he's married to a talented woman... oh, wait, that seems like a terrifically sympathetic person, after all!
At any rate, here's poor Conrad, sent to jail in the US for what may or may not actually have been a crime (I lean toward the "not" option, personally). If there were crimes, they're probably victimless; on the other hand, Black is certainly the victim of the weird American system of "justice" that involves grandstanding public officials, outrageous plea bargaining (where is David Radler these days?), and penalties don't vaguely fit the crime.
But now, Conrad is out on bail, his sentence for most of his convictions is likely to be overturned, and it well may be decided that he has done his time for the final, still-in-effect conviction.
And thus, he says, he wants to return to Canada.
This may be more related to his current housing crisis than his love for his home and native land. He has apparently sold his homes in England, New York and (as of August), Palm Beach, leaving him only with a spacious dwelling in Toronto.
The apparent problem is, he isn't actually allowed to come to Canada. This is temporarily true because of his bail conditions, but even if they are waived, or he is declared a completely free man due to time served, he still may not be able to come home.
That's because, in a fit of pompous arrogance (I suspect that phrase to be redundant, but he can take arrogance to a whole new level), he renounced his Canadian citizenship back when he lusted after his British peerage... which the Queen graciously bestowed on Lord Black of Crossharbour. Of course, he was rather forced to choose because of the enmity of one Jean Chretien, and the entire thing thus becomes as muddy as certain harbours.
So, does Canada forgive and forget? Well, we're unlikely to forget... Mr. Black is not a person to slip out of one's national consciousness.
But forgive? I vote, yes... not that there is a vote involved. He is a Canadian, despite all the political and peerage machinations. He's more than that -- he's a Canadian character, in a era when too many of our national figures are largely character-less.
I think we demand an apology for his abandonment of Canada (which will hurt him much more than an extended prison term, I suspect) and then welcome him home. He can be an ass, but he is our very own ass, and to leave him in suspended animation as a man without a country, when he very clearly is Canadian and nothing but, would be wrong.
He may have set a record as the proudest Canadian to ever give up his Canadian citizenship; when the time comes and the outrageous American legal system says its okay, let's let him back in.
Maybe we could arrange for Chretien to meet him at the Toronto airport since, given the reports of their current financial situation, the Blacks may need to hitch a ride downtown.
At any rate, here's poor Conrad, sent to jail in the US for what may or may not actually have been a crime (I lean toward the "not" option, personally). If there were crimes, they're probably victimless; on the other hand, Black is certainly the victim of the weird American system of "justice" that involves grandstanding public officials, outrageous plea bargaining (where is David Radler these days?), and penalties don't vaguely fit the crime.
But now, Conrad is out on bail, his sentence for most of his convictions is likely to be overturned, and it well may be decided that he has done his time for the final, still-in-effect conviction.
And thus, he says, he wants to return to Canada.
This may be more related to his current housing crisis than his love for his home and native land. He has apparently sold his homes in England, New York and (as of August), Palm Beach, leaving him only with a spacious dwelling in Toronto.
The apparent problem is, he isn't actually allowed to come to Canada. This is temporarily true because of his bail conditions, but even if they are waived, or he is declared a completely free man due to time served, he still may not be able to come home.
That's because, in a fit of pompous arrogance (I suspect that phrase to be redundant, but he can take arrogance to a whole new level), he renounced his Canadian citizenship back when he lusted after his British peerage... which the Queen graciously bestowed on Lord Black of Crossharbour. Of course, he was rather forced to choose because of the enmity of one Jean Chretien, and the entire thing thus becomes as muddy as certain harbours.
So, does Canada forgive and forget? Well, we're unlikely to forget... Mr. Black is not a person to slip out of one's national consciousness.
But forgive? I vote, yes... not that there is a vote involved. He is a Canadian, despite all the political and peerage machinations. He's more than that -- he's a Canadian character, in a era when too many of our national figures are largely character-less.
I think we demand an apology for his abandonment of Canada (which will hurt him much more than an extended prison term, I suspect) and then welcome him home. He can be an ass, but he is our very own ass, and to leave him in suspended animation as a man without a country, when he very clearly is Canadian and nothing but, would be wrong.
He may have set a record as the proudest Canadian to ever give up his Canadian citizenship; when the time comes and the outrageous American legal system says its okay, let's let him back in.
Maybe we could arrange for Chretien to meet him at the Toronto airport since, given the reports of their current financial situation, the Blacks may need to hitch a ride downtown.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Rideau Hall is the Fortress of Solitude
Ran into an intriguing bit of bureaucratic overkill, this week.
You probably know that David Johnston, President of the University of Waterloo, has been named the next Governor General of Canada. That's pretty good news for our area. For some reason, Waterloo Region has been a hotbed of celebrity this summer -- Stephen Hawking is here, the Prime Minister has popped in, the Queen showed up to pick up her new Blackberry at the source.
And then we learned that Johnston is the new GG. Pretty cool, and perhaps this strikes a blow for all of us old, grey-haired guys who are now the forgotten minority. Grey power! Grey power! What was I saying?......
Joking aside, I wanted to interview Johnston for Exchange magazine, the business magazine which I edit.
Turns out, thanks to relentless bureaucratic power games, this cannot be done.
I have interviewed Johnston in the past, on several occasions. He's a personable guy, articulate, extremely intelligent, and very visionary. He's a great person to talk to, and his comments always make for good articles.
He's also been surprisingly accessible for such a busy man. I've met him in his office, but I have also received a call from him as he travelled somewhere, but chose to respond to my message. I've been impressed.
That side of David Johnston was stifled in about three and a half seconds, the moment it became public knowledge that he will be the GG.
When I called the university media relations people, I encountered a fair level of genuine frustration on their part. They're not happy. Here's the deal -- they have always been the ones who set up interviews with their President. Johnston is their President... and the university is in the middle of a huge fundraising drive. However, the moment he because the Governor General-designate, some Ottawa poohbahs took over. The UW folks were told all requests had to come to the people at Heritage Canada. So, the UW-ites reluctantly referred us on to Ottawa.
Here's what happens.
Me: "I'd like to interview David Johnston."
Them: "Can we get all the information about you and your publication?"
Me: "Sure." And I give it to them.
Them: "We will get back to you in a day or two."
Them (a day or two later): "Interviews with Dr. Johnston are not being scheduled
at this time."
I would be personally paranoid, except I know this is happening to every media outlet trying to talk to the guy.
In the past, there has been some evidence that some people who became Governor General also became... how shall we say this... somewhat snobbish. Elitist. Distant. Maybe that shouldn't come as a big surprise, because from the very second David Johnston was announced as the incoming GG, a cloak of secrecy and elitism -- not of his own making, in any way has closed around him.
Personally, I think this is ridiculous.
David Johnston is known by his friends and colleagues to be a personable, friendly, open person. These should be ideal qualifications to be the Governor General, because the GG is most of all a person who leads by example, not by authority.
Let's hope that our new GG's strength of character is sufficient to overcome the fortress of solitude that the bureaucrats are already trying to build around him.
And David... if by some chance you happen to read this, give me a call. There's
nobody here to prevent it.
You probably know that David Johnston, President of the University of Waterloo, has been named the next Governor General of Canada. That's pretty good news for our area. For some reason, Waterloo Region has been a hotbed of celebrity this summer -- Stephen Hawking is here, the Prime Minister has popped in, the Queen showed up to pick up her new Blackberry at the source.
And then we learned that Johnston is the new GG. Pretty cool, and perhaps this strikes a blow for all of us old, grey-haired guys who are now the forgotten minority. Grey power! Grey power! What was I saying?......
Joking aside, I wanted to interview Johnston for Exchange magazine, the business magazine which I edit.
Turns out, thanks to relentless bureaucratic power games, this cannot be done.
I have interviewed Johnston in the past, on several occasions. He's a personable guy, articulate, extremely intelligent, and very visionary. He's a great person to talk to, and his comments always make for good articles.
He's also been surprisingly accessible for such a busy man. I've met him in his office, but I have also received a call from him as he travelled somewhere, but chose to respond to my message. I've been impressed.
That side of David Johnston was stifled in about three and a half seconds, the moment it became public knowledge that he will be the GG.
When I called the university media relations people, I encountered a fair level of genuine frustration on their part. They're not happy. Here's the deal -- they have always been the ones who set up interviews with their President. Johnston is their President... and the university is in the middle of a huge fundraising drive. However, the moment he because the Governor General-designate, some Ottawa poohbahs took over. The UW folks were told all requests had to come to the people at Heritage Canada. So, the UW-ites reluctantly referred us on to Ottawa.
Here's what happens.
Me: "I'd like to interview David Johnston."
Them: "Can we get all the information about you and your publication?"
Me: "Sure." And I give it to them.
Them: "We will get back to you in a day or two."
Them (a day or two later): "Interviews with Dr. Johnston are not being scheduled
at this time."
I would be personally paranoid, except I know this is happening to every media outlet trying to talk to the guy.
In the past, there has been some evidence that some people who became Governor General also became... how shall we say this... somewhat snobbish. Elitist. Distant. Maybe that shouldn't come as a big surprise, because from the very second David Johnston was announced as the incoming GG, a cloak of secrecy and elitism -- not of his own making, in any way has closed around him.
Personally, I think this is ridiculous.
David Johnston is known by his friends and colleagues to be a personable, friendly, open person. These should be ideal qualifications to be the Governor General, because the GG is most of all a person who leads by example, not by authority.
Let's hope that our new GG's strength of character is sufficient to overcome the fortress of solitude that the bureaucrats are already trying to build around him.
And David... if by some chance you happen to read this, give me a call. There's
nobody here to prevent it.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
What? The do-not-call program do-not-work?
I, for one, am shocked. Well, not.
I'm reading a news story, published today, about the national "do not call" list. You know, the one that prevents telemarketers from calling you. Really.
According to this report, 300,000 complaints have been filed by frustrated Canadians, against unwanted telemarketers.
The federal government has responded, sort of. In two years, it has imposed $73,000 in fines.
Here's the good bit -- it has collected $250 of that. That probably didn't come close to covering the coffee bill for the bureaucrats assigned to the job.
I have tried to use the do-not-call list. I notice no impact at all. I still hear the blare of the ship's horn as some cruise captain or other calls to tell me I have won a cruise. I still seem to win the chance to attend a never-ending sales pitch on time-shares on a regular basis.
The news story -- I'm drawing from CBC.ca -- says that "telemarketers are barred from dialing a number once it is on the list." Well, not so much, in reality.
They are also subject to fines up to $15,000 for offending companies.
Doing the math, it would seem, then, that fewer than five companies have even been assessed maximum fines (and none paid), despite 300,000 complaints. And the Conservatives think the long gun registry in ineffective! Heck, it is a glowing example of efficiency, compared to this!
According to the report, there have been 11 fines imposed since Sept., 2008. And I love this comment: "As of March 1, no company has officially refused to pay the imposed administrative monetary penalty."
This is a brilliant approach. Let's use it ourselves, for 407 charges, taxes, speeding tickets. We accept the penalty, we never officially refuse to pay it... we just don't cough up.
In fact, more than 7 million telephone numbers have been registered with the do-not-call registry. People genuinely want to believe this will work, despite all the supper-time and Saturday afternoon evidence to the contrary.
One critic nailed it, listing all the groups that are exempt from the do-not-call registry: charities, political parties, newspapers, and businesses with a prior business relationship. Add to that businesses that don't give a flying leap, and you pretty much have a telephone ringing, all the time.
The situation is pretty clear. We -- I speak for at least seven million Canadians, which is a pretty heady feeling, let me tell you -- don't want to hear from telemarketers. But we do hear the bell tolling for us. Incessantly. Tougher measures are called for.
I'm thinking, put the callers in a room with a hundred telephones, and allow volunteers from the general public to call at whim.
Or put a tracking bracelet on the offenders, and let public volunteers call them when we know they are asleep, or eating dinner, or playing with the kids.
Or issue a referee's whistle to every phone owner, to be kept right beside the telephone, to use in the case of unwanted telemarketing.
Because hangin' up is too good for these varmints.
I'm reading a news story, published today, about the national "do not call" list. You know, the one that prevents telemarketers from calling you. Really.
According to this report, 300,000 complaints have been filed by frustrated Canadians, against unwanted telemarketers.
The federal government has responded, sort of. In two years, it has imposed $73,000 in fines.
Here's the good bit -- it has collected $250 of that. That probably didn't come close to covering the coffee bill for the bureaucrats assigned to the job.
I have tried to use the do-not-call list. I notice no impact at all. I still hear the blare of the ship's horn as some cruise captain or other calls to tell me I have won a cruise. I still seem to win the chance to attend a never-ending sales pitch on time-shares on a regular basis.
The news story -- I'm drawing from CBC.ca -- says that "telemarketers are barred from dialing a number once it is on the list." Well, not so much, in reality.
They are also subject to fines up to $15,000 for offending companies.
Doing the math, it would seem, then, that fewer than five companies have even been assessed maximum fines (and none paid), despite 300,000 complaints. And the Conservatives think the long gun registry in ineffective! Heck, it is a glowing example of efficiency, compared to this!
According to the report, there have been 11 fines imposed since Sept., 2008. And I love this comment: "As of March 1, no company has officially refused to pay the imposed administrative monetary penalty."
This is a brilliant approach. Let's use it ourselves, for 407 charges, taxes, speeding tickets. We accept the penalty, we never officially refuse to pay it... we just don't cough up.
In fact, more than 7 million telephone numbers have been registered with the do-not-call registry. People genuinely want to believe this will work, despite all the supper-time and Saturday afternoon evidence to the contrary.
One critic nailed it, listing all the groups that are exempt from the do-not-call registry: charities, political parties, newspapers, and businesses with a prior business relationship. Add to that businesses that don't give a flying leap, and you pretty much have a telephone ringing, all the time.
The situation is pretty clear. We -- I speak for at least seven million Canadians, which is a pretty heady feeling, let me tell you -- don't want to hear from telemarketers. But we do hear the bell tolling for us. Incessantly. Tougher measures are called for.
I'm thinking, put the callers in a room with a hundred telephones, and allow volunteers from the general public to call at whim.
Or put a tracking bracelet on the offenders, and let public volunteers call them when we know they are asleep, or eating dinner, or playing with the kids.
Or issue a referee's whistle to every phone owner, to be kept right beside the telephone, to use in the case of unwanted telemarketing.
Because hangin' up is too good for these varmints.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Angry at the lot of them
I am saddened, frustrated, and most of all, really angry. And I find my anger is very widely directed.
Like you, I'm sure, I have been watching images from the G20 in Toronto, which continues today. More to the point, watching images of the violence that has destroyed some of the main streets of Toronto... which is also, we're told, likely to continue today.
I'm angry at the thugs and criminals who have seized the opportunity to go on a rampage. They may see some vague connection between terrorizing a city, destroying private property, burning police cars, and achieving world peace... but it is tough to make that connection, isn't it?
I suspect they really only accomplish one thing -- they turn moderate people into right-leaning people. They push many of us who would at least tolerate peaceful protest to become opponents of protest, because of the inherent dangers.
That's an entirely counter-productive result.
I'm also angry at our Prime Minister. He knew -- everyone knew -- that events like the G20 now attract the lunatic fringe, and none the less he invited them to downtown Toronto. He and his advisors created a situation that has led to violence in the streets, destruction of property -- while thousands of Toronto residents hide behind locked doors in the apartments above those very streets.
I recognize that this is not entirely fair to Harper. If we simply re-order our lives to avoid thuggery, eventually we will have surrendered the streets to the thugs. None the less, this seems to have been a circumstance where the outcome was completely predictable, $2 billion for security or not.
It may also be that the $2 billion was focused on the security of the world leaders gathered at the G20 and if things continue as they are this morning, that may be a resounding success. But at what other cost?
I am angry that the business people and residents of downtown Toronto are left completely to their own resources. It has been made clear that, while the feds could foster the situation that led to the violence, the feds will take no responsibility for the outcome. All those who have lost property are on their own -- it's up to them and their insurance companies.
I am angry with the media. I've been following the story in the media, of course -- on TV, on line, in newspapers. I have noticed a couple of things. First, the live television coverage, a voracious consumer of images, keeps showing us the same video, time after time. I think I heard that four Toronto police cars have been burned; I have seen a Toronto police car burning at least two dozen times. The same images recur, and our concept of what is really happening is skewed by this.
But I am more angry at the attention given to those perpetrating the violence, and those who appear to protest for the sake of protesting. This past week, on particular protester managed to have his picture on the front page of the paper about three times.
This same person is notorious for throwing chocolate milk on Stockwell Day, surely a significant moment in Canadian political history. Or not.
I have long been involved with the Stratford Garden Festival; a few years ago, this fine event was to be visited by then-Prime Minister Paul Martin. That would have been a real feather in the caps of the organizers and all the volunteers and participants in an utterly non-political event.
The protester noted above showed up; I saw him walking through the show. He didn¹t look much like a gardener. Sure enough, when Martin's security people spotted him, the entire Prime Ministerial visit was cancelled.
Now there is a victory for the people, wouldn't you say? And that certainly justifies triple exposure on the cover page of our regional daily. No, it doesn't.
That's an inconsequential story, compared to what is happening in Toronto. But it does show the impact a few thoughtless rowdies -- or worse -- can have. They are certainly having an impact today they're drowning out legitimate protest, they're
terrorizing citizens, they're damaging property, they're alienating every sane Canadian... and they're having no impact at all on the G20 itself.
Makes you angry, doesn't it?
Like you, I'm sure, I have been watching images from the G20 in Toronto, which continues today. More to the point, watching images of the violence that has destroyed some of the main streets of Toronto... which is also, we're told, likely to continue today.
I'm angry at the thugs and criminals who have seized the opportunity to go on a rampage. They may see some vague connection between terrorizing a city, destroying private property, burning police cars, and achieving world peace... but it is tough to make that connection, isn't it?
I suspect they really only accomplish one thing -- they turn moderate people into right-leaning people. They push many of us who would at least tolerate peaceful protest to become opponents of protest, because of the inherent dangers.
That's an entirely counter-productive result.
I'm also angry at our Prime Minister. He knew -- everyone knew -- that events like the G20 now attract the lunatic fringe, and none the less he invited them to downtown Toronto. He and his advisors created a situation that has led to violence in the streets, destruction of property -- while thousands of Toronto residents hide behind locked doors in the apartments above those very streets.
I recognize that this is not entirely fair to Harper. If we simply re-order our lives to avoid thuggery, eventually we will have surrendered the streets to the thugs. None the less, this seems to have been a circumstance where the outcome was completely predictable, $2 billion for security or not.
It may also be that the $2 billion was focused on the security of the world leaders gathered at the G20 and if things continue as they are this morning, that may be a resounding success. But at what other cost?
I am angry that the business people and residents of downtown Toronto are left completely to their own resources. It has been made clear that, while the feds could foster the situation that led to the violence, the feds will take no responsibility for the outcome. All those who have lost property are on their own -- it's up to them and their insurance companies.
I am angry with the media. I've been following the story in the media, of course -- on TV, on line, in newspapers. I have noticed a couple of things. First, the live television coverage, a voracious consumer of images, keeps showing us the same video, time after time. I think I heard that four Toronto police cars have been burned; I have seen a Toronto police car burning at least two dozen times. The same images recur, and our concept of what is really happening is skewed by this.
But I am more angry at the attention given to those perpetrating the violence, and those who appear to protest for the sake of protesting. This past week, on particular protester managed to have his picture on the front page of the paper about three times.
This same person is notorious for throwing chocolate milk on Stockwell Day, surely a significant moment in Canadian political history. Or not.
I have long been involved with the Stratford Garden Festival; a few years ago, this fine event was to be visited by then-Prime Minister Paul Martin. That would have been a real feather in the caps of the organizers and all the volunteers and participants in an utterly non-political event.
The protester noted above showed up; I saw him walking through the show. He didn¹t look much like a gardener. Sure enough, when Martin's security people spotted him, the entire Prime Ministerial visit was cancelled.
Now there is a victory for the people, wouldn't you say? And that certainly justifies triple exposure on the cover page of our regional daily. No, it doesn't.
That's an inconsequential story, compared to what is happening in Toronto. But it does show the impact a few thoughtless rowdies -- or worse -- can have. They are certainly having an impact today they're drowning out legitimate protest, they're
terrorizing citizens, they're damaging property, they're alienating every sane Canadian... and they're having no impact at all on the G20 itself.
Makes you angry, doesn't it?
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
I expected the work, but not as much fun
When I agreed to run for mayor, I knew it would be hard work. I didn't, however, realize how much fun it would be.
But believe me, it is. Both hard work, and fun.
Last week, for instance, I participated in my first two coffee and conversation meetings, both in Stonecroft here in New Hamburg. A dozen or so people came to each one, and they came with questions, comments, and issues they wanted to raise. It was invigorating, and challenging, and... I believe I mentioned this... fun. The desserts served by our hostess helped, of course.
I totally enjoyed interacting with two dozen people who are brimming with ideas, issues... and well-thought-through solutions.
Last weekend, I was invited to help judge the dessert contest at the St. Agatha Strawberry Festival. (Add to this my pie-making event earlier on, and it seems that desserts may well become the dominant theme of this election. Heck, we could do worse!)
The Strawberry Festival is really well planned and presented; there's lots for everyone to do, plenty of interesting displays and activities, good food and
I was especially impressed by this wonderful activities for the smallest children. There was one blow-up, climb-in attraction that was surrounded by smiling parents, and contained what seemed at first glance to be an ant colony of pre-schoolers. Terrific.
I shared the judging responsibility with two other judges one of my opponents in the mayoral race, and MP Harold Albrecht, strategically placed between us.
There were five fabulous desserts. As I tasted the final one, and remembered I was going to participate in eliminating two from the prize list, I realized this was an impossible and thankless task.
At the auction that immediately followed the judging, my wife had the great good sense to buy one of the two superb desserts that didn't get a ribbon; it was terrific, and I realized once again that so is she.
I met a lot of interesting people at the Strawberry Festival old friends, acquaintances, and strangers who quickly became friendly acquaintances. I was especially impressed with the work being done by the couple who run the Bella Misty Meadows Animal Sanctuary, just west of St. Agatha. They -- Kara and Kris -- had organized the petting zoo. They deserve our thanks and support for the work they are doing.
All around the grounds in St. Agatha, I found people who were warm and conversational and interested in the unfolding election for mayor. The buzz is pretty substantial already; it's an exciting year to be involved.
We skipped down to Baden later Saturday afternoon for the Baden Family Fun Fair, a free day of activities organized by four local churches. There was a well-produced puppet show, more animals to pet, games and activities and refreshments and still more friendly people to chat with and share opinions with.
Monday, I helped run the New Hamburg Board of Trade golf tournament, at Dundee. Actually, the organizing committee, which I chair, does all the advance work, but when the day comes, our generous wives take over, and the organizers don our golfing hats and play in the tournament. Not well, but we play.
We raised about $10,000 for the community work of the Board of Trade, and had a ton of fun doing it.
I will say this at the community events, I am greeted with kindness; among golfing buddies, the respect is diminished considerably. It's amazing how many golfing insults can contain the word "mayor".
But a good time was had by all -- and again, I got the chance to spend time with great people from this township.
I signed up for this election because I love these communities; every day the campaign continues, I discover more and more evidence to support that position. And I'm having a really good time.
But believe me, it is. Both hard work, and fun.
Last week, for instance, I participated in my first two coffee and conversation meetings, both in Stonecroft here in New Hamburg. A dozen or so people came to each one, and they came with questions, comments, and issues they wanted to raise. It was invigorating, and challenging, and... I believe I mentioned this... fun. The desserts served by our hostess helped, of course.
I totally enjoyed interacting with two dozen people who are brimming with ideas, issues... and well-thought-through solutions.
Last weekend, I was invited to help judge the dessert contest at the St. Agatha Strawberry Festival. (Add to this my pie-making event earlier on, and it seems that desserts may well become the dominant theme of this election. Heck, we could do worse!)
The Strawberry Festival is really well planned and presented; there's lots for everyone to do, plenty of interesting displays and activities, good food and
I was especially impressed by this wonderful activities for the smallest children. There was one blow-up, climb-in attraction that was surrounded by smiling parents, and contained what seemed at first glance to be an ant colony of pre-schoolers. Terrific.
I shared the judging responsibility with two other judges one of my opponents in the mayoral race, and MP Harold Albrecht, strategically placed between us.
There were five fabulous desserts. As I tasted the final one, and remembered I was going to participate in eliminating two from the prize list, I realized this was an impossible and thankless task.
At the auction that immediately followed the judging, my wife had the great good sense to buy one of the two superb desserts that didn't get a ribbon; it was terrific, and I realized once again that so is she.
I met a lot of interesting people at the Strawberry Festival old friends, acquaintances, and strangers who quickly became friendly acquaintances. I was especially impressed with the work being done by the couple who run the Bella Misty Meadows Animal Sanctuary, just west of St. Agatha. They -- Kara and Kris -- had organized the petting zoo. They deserve our thanks and support for the work they are doing.
All around the grounds in St. Agatha, I found people who were warm and conversational and interested in the unfolding election for mayor. The buzz is pretty substantial already; it's an exciting year to be involved.
We skipped down to Baden later Saturday afternoon for the Baden Family Fun Fair, a free day of activities organized by four local churches. There was a well-produced puppet show, more animals to pet, games and activities and refreshments and still more friendly people to chat with and share opinions with.
Monday, I helped run the New Hamburg Board of Trade golf tournament, at Dundee. Actually, the organizing committee, which I chair, does all the advance work, but when the day comes, our generous wives take over, and the organizers don our golfing hats and play in the tournament. Not well, but we play.
We raised about $10,000 for the community work of the Board of Trade, and had a ton of fun doing it.
I will say this at the community events, I am greeted with kindness; among golfing buddies, the respect is diminished considerably. It's amazing how many golfing insults can contain the word "mayor".
But a good time was had by all -- and again, I got the chance to spend time with great people from this township.
I signed up for this election because I love these communities; every day the campaign continues, I discover more and more evidence to support that position. And I'm having a really good time.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
The "award-winning" New Hamburg Live!
Forgive me, but I must go on a bit about the just-completed New Hamburg Live! Festival of the Arts.
Nancy and I started this thing two years ago, with two admitted goals, and one slightly hidden agenda.
The first goal was to bring the best professional performers available to New Hamburg audiences. The second was to give local singers, writers and artists opportunities to shine.
The hidden agenda was to produce concerts and events that we would love to attend.
For two years running, mission accomplished.
As you may have read elsewhere, the success of the 2010 Festival was underscored on Sunday evening as we received the Kitchener-Waterloo Arts Scotiabank Award as Best New Festival or Event in 2009. We couldn't even be there to collect the award -- we were cleaning up after the final New Hamburg Live! concert -- but we could not be more proud of that accomplishment.
The 2010 Festival left us with a lot of things to be proud about, actually. And more importantly, the events once again gave us the chance to work with wonderful, generous people -- the performers and artists, our volunteers, and the people who attended the events.
For me, these were five days filled with highlights, which started well before the Festival opened its doors. As a bunch of us decorated the community centre (guided by the very talented Wayne and Kevin from Urban Country), we already knew something special was happening.
The opening gala was sold out -- a first for New Hamburg Live! -- and the Toronto All-Star Big Band was terrific. On Wednesday afternoon, one of the band's roadies was sweating profusely, hauling heavy equipment, moving risers, working like a fiend. I was impressed with his energy.
I was even more impressed that evening, when the same guy showed up on stage in a very sharp suit as one of their featured singers. That kind of attitude -- "I'll do anything for the cause" -- lies at at the heart of New Hamburg Live! We have volunteers who gladly take on any task, just so the show can go on. It's really impressive.
Thursday's Gilbert & Sullivan night was a delight, as some of my favourite singers (including my voice teacher, Erin Bardua), not only sang astonishingly well, but also showed their comic acting abilities.
The sleeper hit of our festival was the Capella Intima concert Friday afternoon, as six talented musicians entranced a full house at St. George's church with the music sung by nuns in the 1600's in a program created by tenor Bud Roach. People are still taking about the magic of those moments.
Friday night was historic, as the Elmer Iseler Singers came to New Hamburg, happy to be "back home", and introduced by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic talk by author/educator/politician Walter Pitman. We were very touched that Jessie Iseler chose this occasion for a presentation of a significant Canadian literary award to Dr. Pitman, honouring his book, "Elmer Iseler, Choral Visionary".
The four fabulous singers of Quartette were with us on Saturday night. They told us after the well-attended concert that they had had a ball, and would come back any time. I love their music (see "hidden agenda", above), so when I got the chance to talk to Caitlin Hanford for 20 minutes before the show, I was thrilled. I wanted to talk about their music; she wanted to talk about gardening.
We talked about gardening. It was fun. She's a vibrant, interesting person.
And Sunday afternoon was amazing, as Ken Whiteley again brought his band to town to join Vicki St. Pierre and the New Hamburg Live Mass Choir, pianist Caitlin Hayes, and the very talented Tom Cummings on vibraphone. That was an event full of highlights, especially the moment when our great friend Vicki -- a well known operatic mezzo soprano who performs internationally -- set arias aside and belted out an incredible gospel song. It was spellbinding.
There were super author events organized by Kristen Hahn, and a fascinating art show presented by 16 artists in eight New Hamburg businesses. I mention this last because, if you missed the Festival, the art show continues for a week or two in most venues, so you have one more chance to see at least a bit of our award-winning (did I mention "award-winning"?) New Hamburg Live! Festival of the Arts.
And a word to the proactive -- book June 1-5, 2011. We'll be back!
Nancy and I started this thing two years ago, with two admitted goals, and one slightly hidden agenda.
The first goal was to bring the best professional performers available to New Hamburg audiences. The second was to give local singers, writers and artists opportunities to shine.
The hidden agenda was to produce concerts and events that we would love to attend.
For two years running, mission accomplished.
As you may have read elsewhere, the success of the 2010 Festival was underscored on Sunday evening as we received the Kitchener-Waterloo Arts Scotiabank Award as Best New Festival or Event in 2009. We couldn't even be there to collect the award -- we were cleaning up after the final New Hamburg Live! concert -- but we could not be more proud of that accomplishment.
The 2010 Festival left us with a lot of things to be proud about, actually. And more importantly, the events once again gave us the chance to work with wonderful, generous people -- the performers and artists, our volunteers, and the people who attended the events.
For me, these were five days filled with highlights, which started well before the Festival opened its doors. As a bunch of us decorated the community centre (guided by the very talented Wayne and Kevin from Urban Country), we already knew something special was happening.
The opening gala was sold out -- a first for New Hamburg Live! -- and the Toronto All-Star Big Band was terrific. On Wednesday afternoon, one of the band's roadies was sweating profusely, hauling heavy equipment, moving risers, working like a fiend. I was impressed with his energy.
I was even more impressed that evening, when the same guy showed up on stage in a very sharp suit as one of their featured singers. That kind of attitude -- "I'll do anything for the cause" -- lies at at the heart of New Hamburg Live! We have volunteers who gladly take on any task, just so the show can go on. It's really impressive.
Thursday's Gilbert & Sullivan night was a delight, as some of my favourite singers (including my voice teacher, Erin Bardua), not only sang astonishingly well, but also showed their comic acting abilities.
The sleeper hit of our festival was the Capella Intima concert Friday afternoon, as six talented musicians entranced a full house at St. George's church with the music sung by nuns in the 1600's in a program created by tenor Bud Roach. People are still taking about the magic of those moments.
Friday night was historic, as the Elmer Iseler Singers came to New Hamburg, happy to be "back home", and introduced by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic talk by author/educator/politician Walter Pitman. We were very touched that Jessie Iseler chose this occasion for a presentation of a significant Canadian literary award to Dr. Pitman, honouring his book, "Elmer Iseler, Choral Visionary".
The four fabulous singers of Quartette were with us on Saturday night. They told us after the well-attended concert that they had had a ball, and would come back any time. I love their music (see "hidden agenda", above), so when I got the chance to talk to Caitlin Hanford for 20 minutes before the show, I was thrilled. I wanted to talk about their music; she wanted to talk about gardening.
We talked about gardening. It was fun. She's a vibrant, interesting person.
And Sunday afternoon was amazing, as Ken Whiteley again brought his band to town to join Vicki St. Pierre and the New Hamburg Live Mass Choir, pianist Caitlin Hayes, and the very talented Tom Cummings on vibraphone. That was an event full of highlights, especially the moment when our great friend Vicki -- a well known operatic mezzo soprano who performs internationally -- set arias aside and belted out an incredible gospel song. It was spellbinding.
There were super author events organized by Kristen Hahn, and a fascinating art show presented by 16 artists in eight New Hamburg businesses. I mention this last because, if you missed the Festival, the art show continues for a week or two in most venues, so you have one more chance to see at least a bit of our award-winning (did I mention "award-winning"?) New Hamburg Live! Festival of the Arts.
And a word to the proactive -- book June 1-5, 2011. We'll be back!
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