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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLakeshore Advance, 2011-08-24, Page 5R Wednesday, August 24, 2011 • Lakeshore Advance 5 letters to the editor Standing ovation for flar:lsse he play Dear Editor, A rich experience and a standing (ii ttion for the original idea of isse, the Play: All my thanks and appreciation go to the amazing and humanist, Paul Ciufo, playwrite for Narcisse; Joseph Wooden, who wrote "A drum to beat upon" (a basic element to Narcisse's Play); Duncan McGregor; artistic director and great collaborator in giving Nardsse such a tribute. Many credits to St -Joseph Historical Society (a tremendous organizadon) for taking the initiative to bring the history of Narcisse Cantin and the French Community of St.Joseph. Thank you, Joan, for insisting on me sharing my culture and my language to benefit the whole community. Many thanks to lead actors Sue Arm- strong (tosephine) and Rob Bundy (Narcisse) and Cam Laurie (Cabana) ..., dedicated artists for understand- ing me while struggling in English as my second language and encourag- ing me in my new passion for acting. Shawn and Tania comforted me and helped me with my lines; Roberta, Aimee, Christa, Bev, Lora -Lea and Barb boosted my confidence with smiles and warmth. Cappy Onn playing violin with expertise for "the Chorus, and acting professionally (as MP Shenitt) was a great incentive to me playing the role of MP mrtre, in the ''House of Commons "scene! Steve was so kind and even more chain Moliere's language!fl An honourable mention to Tyler playing 'Sir W.Laurier sitting at my side and inspiring me confidence! Matthieu Burdan , a young non experienced trilingual (French, Gernan,English)actor played Nap with charisma and charm; Marcel Richard (French Canadian) added authenticity with his skill and talents through French Canadian traditional instruments such as: button accordion, harmonica, wooden spoons and "Le gigueur" , also olaying "Brother Anda" known as Aikl...re Andra in Quebec (who was 'llEnonised last fall and now Saint -An- dre Bessette). Thank you for accept- ing this huge challenge and being an asset to the production! A special mention should go to the non French speaking Chorus, young girls and quick leamers (Veronica, Larissa, Courtney, Sydney, Cosette, Courtney Groot, Katrina, Abby) and women (Roberta, Aimee, Christa, Bev, Lora -Lea) who invested great efforts and time in learning songs working on pronunciation, intona- tion, grammar, verbs, punctuation, phrasing, and finally memorizing in French. Each individual talent delivered perfect harmony, Roberta Walker; gifted soloist, sang beautifully in French: ale vous salue Marie" et "Les trots cloches" and joining the Chorus for all other songs. Also singing "Love is a treasure (her own composition) and for playing violin too. Well done! Furthermore, not to forget the talented musical director, Arlene Ambrough who looked after technical effects and musical arrangements. All musicians were really impressive, exhibiting their talents in playing violin, guitar, banjo, flute, piano -accordion and Irish whistles! This unique and unbelieva- ble story could not have been told without costumes, set design and building, props, technical expertise, stagehands and ushers! Donna and Leigh -Ann kept a close eye on the entire cast and crew, caring for everyone in the extreme heat! I cannot name you ail individually but I remember everyone of you! A+ to the families with members (some with four and more...) involved beside their everyday work and parental obligations. You touched my heart! I was privileged in being able to select traditional French music and songs from the personal collection I have gathered over the years through different choirs and my teaching. A la Claire Fontaine, Les trots cloches, Il keit une bemire from France and Aupri's de ma blonde, Vive la com- patgnie, Bonsoir mes amts, Envoyons d'1'avant nos gens, La bastringue, rat tant dense, Wilke rustique, Dans nos vieilles maisons from Canada. All the comments that I have received from local friends were very positive, and visitors from Quebec and France were astonished to find so much interest in French Canadian Culture and Music in this area, Although the songs were sung in French it did not prevent the audience from understanding the Essence of the Play. 1 cannot say how supportive the team was toward my input as a French Canadian. It was a privilege to contribute to "Nardsse". CHAPEAU! (Hats Off) Duncan and Paul, you have made my dream to share my French Canadian Culture (one of the THREE founding cul- tures) come true! You brought to life the story of Nardsse and given the Cantin family and the Community of St -Joseph the place in History they deserve. That is what 1 call a CANADIAN LEGACY! DE 'POUT MON COEUR, MERCI A VOUS TOUS!!! Claudette Leger OCTAD SPOSOR www, lakeshoreadvance.com Mark Burr Special to lakeshote Advance Horse plowing Lyle Douglas provides a horse plowing demonstration at the Western Ontario Steam Threshers at the Forest Fair grounds. The Western Ontario Steam Thresher's Association is the oldest club of its kind In Ontario and has been described as the "Best Steam and Heritage Show in Canada". Increasing awareness about children vision QM1 Agency Lakeshore Advance With just a few short weeks until children head hack to school, Ontario's optometrists want to challenge parents' knowledge about the facts of children's vision. "There are many myths about kids and their vision. These age old myths often prevent parents from taking preventative steps to have their child's eyes examined," says Dr. Shirley Ha, Oakville area optometrist and a past president of the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO). Troubling statistics show that despite the fact that one in six chil- dren has an eye or vision problem significant enough to impair their ability to learn, only a relatively low percentage of children under five years of age have a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist. Children who cannot see well will struggle to learn and to participate fully in school. Experts agree that 80% of a child's learning is done through their visual system. To dispel these myths, the ()A() has developed ten quick true and false questions for parents to test their knowledge. The Eye -Q test can be found on their website www.E:ye- SeeEiyeLearn.ca. "For example, one myth is that children should have their eyes examined only if they complain to a parent and this is false. Children at a young age don't know what their vision is supposed to look like, limy have no way to compare so they just try to cope," says Dr. Ha. "Many par- ents are shocked to learn that their son or daughter has been struggling to see after an exam." The Ontario Association of Optometrists, with funding assist- ance from the Ontario Government, is also increasing the awareness about the importance of early iden- tification of vision problems through the Eye See...Eye Learn program. The program encourages parents of Junior Kindergarten children to book eye exams with participating local optometrists. If the child needs glasses, they will be provided free of charge through the assistance from industry partners. The program will be expanding across the province over the next five years. 'lhe prognun is currently running with Halton, llamilton-Wentworth, Dufferin- Peel and Windsor -Essex school boards. Eye exams are covered under the Provincial Health Insurance or your child's health card annually until they are 19 years of age. Early detection is critical for con- ditions such as lazy eye (amblyopia) and turned eye (strabismus), which can often be treated successfully if they are diagnosed early enough by an optometrist, ophthalmologist or family physician. 'lin take the Eye-Q'I'est or to learn more about children's vision, please visit the Ontario Association of Optometrists' website at www.Eye- SeeE:yeLearn.ca or call toll free (855) 424 -ESE[. (3735) Optometrists are providers of primary eye care in the province of Ontario who are univer- sity educated and clinically trained to diagnose and treat disorders of the t'i'e an(t visual system. Founded in 1909, OM) is the voluntary pro- fessional organization that repre- sents more than 1,-10) optometrists in Ontario. Partners in learning launches new fall program Lakeshore Advance When: Monday, September 19, continuing every Mon- day until November 28 Time: first session - 10 -2 second session - 2-4 (pre- registration required) Location: The Pine Dale Motor Inn Sanatyana once said "The wisest mind has some- thing yet to learn" Partners in Learning is a local, non-profit group of volunteers who have undertaken to provide the Grand Bend and area community with interactive learning to enrich the mind. it is based on a peer -learning con- cept that has proven to be a great success in many communities throughout Canada and the world. Courses are conducted in small groups, consisting of not more than 20 members. It is an affordable and stimulating way to keep your mind active, to learn something ne v and to meet others in your commu- nity, who share the same interests. Participants are encouraged to research and make a presentation based on the course that they are taking. It is a very casual and fun learning environment and "Partners" continues to grow in membership every year. 'l here is also a Winter session and a series of one day courses in the Spring. Courses offered this Fall include Trials of the Fatuous and infamous, Pitch Your Passion, and Bridges. Past course's have included (;hosts'I'owns, Grave- yards and Unusual Places, Shipwrecks of the Great lakes, Food, 'Travel the World and Unsung Canadians. "There is something for everyone! For more information email Iwilbur(&hay.net.