Recently I had the privilege of introducing a theatrical production by a Wingham group called “The Almost Famous Players”.

They perform in the same tradition as “The Famous People Players” of Toronto. All have special needs and they are some of the most delightful individuals you could ever hope to meet.

The group has its origins in the Centre for Community Living in Wingham Ontario and which serves parts of both Huron and Bruce counties.

It was one of the most inspiring evenings I’ve spent in the theatre.

Twenty-five performers under the direction of the tireless and creative Julie Kuik and backed up by a dedicated group of staff and volunteers, played to a packed house and got more than one standing ovation.

It was truly a show to remember – an opportunity for people who once upon a time may have been hidden from view – to perform in public on a big stage under the lights.

The audience loved every number and applauded, laughed, cheered and cried.

Yours truly was choked up once or twice and in the end couldn’t manage to hold back a tear or two.

Altogether, more than 40 people were involved in putting on the show.  The players all performed with energy and enthusiasm and the show came off almost flawlessly, (except for a couple of glaring mistakes by the guy who introduced it). But the audience was forgiving and my mistakes got a couple of good laughs.

Proud parents, families and members of the surrounding community were amazed at the disciplined artistry everyone showed.

Many of you know that great song by Abba, called “The Dancing Queen”. Well when the lights went down and the music played and Jaime Greenway drove her wheelchair into the spotlight and smiled and did special maneuvers, there wasn’t a dry eye in the place.

And of course one of the highlights of the evening was Charles Buck doing his impersonation of Elvis, singing “Are you Lonesome Tonight”?

There isn’t enough space here for me to mention everyone who took part, but I can say without a shadow of a doubt, every single person who was involved, made it a memorable night of excellent theatre.

The evening closed with all the cast members doing a lively interpretation of High School Musical and the evening was rounded off with everybody receiving a long-stemmed rose.

The group took in over $2000. And is donating it to the Heritage Theatre.

What this wonderful production proved for me was that in some ways our society really is making progress.  When you see the kind of community support that was shown for all those special people, it was heart-warming, rewarding, emotional and satisfying.

Originally published in The Bruce County Marketplace, August 2008

During a recent visit to my sons’ restaurant in Meaford – that’s in Grey County – I discovered one of the loveliest parks I’ve ever seen.

deep in the park

It’s not just a lovely place…visiting it is a really moving experience. It’s called “Beautiful Joe Park” and I explored it with the Reed family dog, Linkin.

Linkin

He’s a bit of a Mongrel…part German Shepherd and part Border Collie. But when it comes to being a friend, he really is the best.

The entire park is dedicated to these best friends of the human race and every aspect of it honours our favorite four-legged creatures;  and a stroll around it can bring a tear to ones eye.

Beautiful Joe was owned by Margaret Marshall Saunders (1861-1947). She taught school briefly before starting her career as a novelist.

There is lots more info and more pics here on Beautiful Joe’s Homepage

But here’s one last pic of Mr. Linkin taking a dip in the river that borders the park.

Hard to believe I’d admit it in public, isn’t it?  Really, anyone who still smokes is an addict and well on the way to become a social pariah.  Soon people will be spitting on me as I walk past.

Someday, I’m sure, one of my attempts to quit smoking will stick.  In the meantime I think there may be a market for smoking dens.  Think opium den without the opium.  Somewhere that I can go with my laptop and sit and write and smoke.

I think there must be something in nicotine that helps me concentrate.  And I need all the help I can get concentrating.  Can you tell that I’m living in a no-smoking environment?  I can go out on to the ‘Juliet’ balcony – read ‘ledge with a railing’ – to have a cigarette but I can’t smoke while I’m working.

Hence the smoking den idea.  Of course it would have to be well ventilated – I may be an addict but I’m not crazy – I don’t want to sit in the middle of all that stinky smoke!  I’d like big windows too so that means it would have be not overlooked.  Wouldn’t want to have to cope with a bust when I was in the middle of writing something.

Other than that, electric outlets for the laptops, some desk space, coffee for the coffee drinkers, diet coke for me, and maybe CBC radio playing in the background.

Hmmm…might be time to get on with the renovations.