Archive for January, 2011

Imagine the delightful responses to renown novelist Jane Urquhart’s readings from her latest novel “Sanctuary Line” (see a review of her latest novel at
www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/books/article1694290.ece )” as well as “The Stone Carvers” and “Away”. Jane was pure magic as she interacted with the enthusiastic audience over 100 strong. Responding to questions, she spoke eloquently about her passion for our heritage and reminded everyone that this Legion, in Colborne, was named after a local war hero Charles (Charlie) Smith Rutherford. V.C. Victoria Cross, M.C. Military Cross, Military Metal, M.M. Mr. Rutherford fought at Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele, and the Village of Monchy-Le-Preux. For his bravery, he was awarded the Commonwealth of Canada’s highest awards. Jane, also gave us insights about her exhaustive research when she spoke of her own involvement with Vimy Ridge and the incredible Canadian Monument located there. Check out the January interview by Linda Richards at januarymagazine.com/profiles/urquhart.html It was a delighful evening and quite serendipitously we were able to introduce Ian Simpson to Jane’s husband Tony Urquhart, a well known international artist. More about Ian Simpson in another blog appearing soon.

Presqu’ile Provincial Park

Calendar of Events – 2011

February 19: NatureWorks Winter Soup Hike, from 1:00 pm

See how much life there is in the dead of winter on this 90-minute guided walk, followed by a hot bowl of soup and a slide show.  $2 person/$5 family.  Registrations required – to make your booking please telephone 613 475 1688, ext 2.

March 19 and 20: Waterfowl Weekend, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

World-class waterfowl viewing during the spring migration.  Volunteer naturalists will help you view and identify over 25 different species of ducks, geese, and swans.  Also check out the children’s activities in the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre.   Join The Friends for BBQ lunch at the Lighthouse, on Saturday and Sunday, from 11:00 am.  The Lighthouse Interpretive Centre and The Friends’ Gift Shop will be open.

May 21 and 22: Warblers and Whimbrels Weekend, starting at 6:30 am

View the elusive Whimbrel and many colourful Warblers as they migrate to their northern nesting grounds.  Enjoy guided nature walks, bird-banding, and evening programs.  Join The Friends for BBQ lunch at the Lighthouse, on Saturday and Sunday, from 11:00 am.  The Lighthouse Interpretive Centre and The Friends’ Gift Shop will be open.

June 4: Annual General Meeting at Stonehedge

Come and meet with other Friends and Park supporters.  Coffee will be available from 10:30 am.  The AGM will begin at 11:00 am, and it will be followed by BBQ lunch.

June 4 to 26: Spring Interpretive Program

Guided nature walks each weekend.  The Lighthouse Interpretive Centre and The Friends’ Gift Shop will be open weekends.

June 25 to September 4: Summer Interpretive Program

Programs will be posted on our website, www.friendsofpresquile.on.ca, and throughout the Park, every week.  Daily Family Programs (except Wednesdays) – guided walks, children’s programs, evening talks, and campfire sing-alongs.  Every Saturday lunchtime, The Friends will hold a BBQ, near the amphitheatre, from 11:00 am.  The Nature Centre, the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre, and The Friends’ Gift Shop will be open daily.

July 30 and 31: History Weekend

Relive Presqu’ile’s storied past and take part in events such as the Calthumpian Parade, old-fashioned field games, children’s boat-building bee and regatta, 1812 re-enactments, ghost walks, a history play, and more.

September 3 and 4: Monarchs and Migrants Weekend, starting at 8:00 am

Bird-banding, Monarch tagging and guided nature walks celebrate this weekend of fall migration.

September 9 to October 10: Fall Interpretive Program

Friday video presentations and guided hikes on select weekends.  The Lighthouse Interpretive Centre and the Friends’ Gift Shop will be open weekends.

November 5 & 6, 9, 12 & 13: 20^th Christmas at Presqu’ile Juried Arts and Crafts Show

Fine arts and crafts on sale, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, at the Nature Centre and at the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre.  Visit the tea room at Stonehedge and enjoy our famous rum cake and hot drinks.

For more information on events,

visit The Friends of Presqu’ile Park’s website at www.friendsofpresquile.on.ca or

contact Presqu’ile Provincial Park at 613 475 4324, ext 225.

The perfectly awesome Colborne Art Gallery, located in a building circa 1860 is getting ready to open their latest exhibit “Eileen Menzel: The Wall Series”. January 29 – March 6, 2011 with 
the opening reception:
 2 – 4 pm, Saturday, 
January 29, 2011. The Colborne Art Gallery is an artist owned and operated Co-operative gallery. Known nationally and internationally for its innovative art and exhibits, the gallery features one of a kind artworks, miniatures and full size canvases. Their members’ work include a broad range of styles and materials. The artists open a new show every six weeks. At intervals, a member or visiting artist may present a solo show in one of the Gallery’s three rooms, in conjunction with the regular group shows. Work by Gallery artists is for sale.
Guest Artists: They exhibit regional artists outside their permanent members, 2 times a year.
Music Events: They showcase local music talent right in the Gallery.
Poetry Events: Occasionally they have readings from talented Bards.
Call 905-355-1798 for more information, www.thecolborneartgallery.ca or visit them at 51 King Street E in downtown Colborne. It is worth the drive! Here at Loughbreeze B&B we are looking forward to seeing you.

Here at Loughbreeze B&B and around the world the last six months have delivered a cornucopia of heavenly activity. (www.spacenews.com)  I know you heard about the moon eclipse.  (www.nasa.gov) Yes, here at Loughbreeze we were up peering at the moon around 2 AM, it was awesome, when normally we are soundly sleeping.  (www.nasaimages.org)  And what about those meteor showers?  It was literally raining heavenly bright lights across the sky.   Those shooting stars were spectatular!   But I really want to share with you our blessings of crystal clear night skies that allow us to frequently observe a number of planets, stars and the Milky Way.  (www.jpl.nasa.gov)   The Big Dipper, the Little Dipper, the North Star, the ever changing face of the moon and a host of other constellations are our evening friends casting their light like millions of tiny LEDs allowing us to enjoy an illuminating evening.  (www.imaginova.com)  - watch the video.   Come to Loughbreeze and visit with us.  We are looking forward to seeing you.  Have a great day!