Free - The Art of Katherine Muir Miller p.3 - theHumm
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
MARCH 2021
free
p.2
March Events
p.6
The Art of Katherine Muir Miller p.3
Reimagining Maple Season
p.7
M o r e F u n , L e s s S t u ff
p.4
Winterwords
Thank You, Humm Patrons!
Who’s Reading theHumm
Belated thanks to awesome Humm supporters Heather Phaneuf
and Peter Baran, and welcome to our newest patrons: Bob & Diana
Davison, Russell Wardell & Susan Tough, Brad Jones, and Cathy
Blake. We so appreciate your support and that of all our patrons! PO Box 1391
Congratulations also to this month’s winners of our Red Carpet Almonte ON K0A 1A0
draw. Jen and Patrick Kelly won a delicious Bouffage Love Box Phone: (613) 256–5081
!
If you like what we do, please consider supporting us! A few Editor:
options include visiting for links to our patronage Kris Riendeau
campaign, subscribing to our weekly “Hummail” newsletter (find editor@thehumm.com
a link on our website), and telling our advertisers you saw their ad
in theHumm. Thanks for your support! Layout and Design:
Rob Riendeau
March Events
rob@thehumm.com
Advertising/Promotions:
Kris Riendeau: (613) 256–5081
ALL MONTH THEATRE
Perth Library presents Catherine Or- Fri, 7 , Studio Theatre Perth: TIFF-
pm
kris@thehumm.com
fald’s paintings acclaimed movies. Details: Calendar Submissions:
Sivarulrasa Gallery presents Compan- Tix:
ions, Mary Pfaff’s paintings [to Mar 26] Rona Fraser
& Jim Hake’s sculptures [from Mar 10] calendar@thehumm.com
YOUTH theHumm is a monthly arts, enter-
VISUAL ARTS
Mar 15, 7-9 , Almonte Quilters’
pm
Mar 2, 3-4:30 , Lanark Youth for
pm
Climate Action Mtg. 698-9343 or
for Zoom
tainment and ideas newspaper de-
livered free to businesses and visitor
Mtg. Spkr: Gudrun Erla. For Zoom link: link/computer access.Ages 13+ attractions in Almonte, Perth, Car-
leton Place, Westport, Pakenham,
Mar 17, 7–8:30pm, Artist Talk/Vernis-
sage: Jim Hake. For Zoom link: COMMUNITY
Men’s Sheds (almontecarver@gmail.
Carp, Arnprior, Smiths Falls, Burn-
stown, White Lake, Balderson, and
Mar 23, 7-9pm, LC Camera Club Mtg. com for Zoom invite): Ottawa. Our mandate is to connect
All levels. for Zoom link. 1 mtg free
st
visit to Almonte, and brought a couple issues back home the small towns and rural commu-
Mar 23, LC Quilters’ Guild Mtg: Bat- Current Events Discussion;
Thu 10am Naismith Shed (Al- to the north of Scotland. Here he is at the Black Isle Show, nities of the Ottawa Valley — where
ting. for link.Annual $30, guests $5 monte). the arts flourish and entertaining
Thu, Mar 11-Apr 1, 7-8:30pm, MERA breed of cattle: a heelan’ coo. characters run amok!
LITERATURE
Mar 23, 7-9:30pm, Winterwords Café
Speaker Series: Mar 11 Chandler
Swain: art in community; Mar 18Victoria
Walsh: spring hiking,: Mar 25 Claudia Submissions
#3: Keep Calm & Write On. Coutu Radmore: writing daily; Apr 1 By email or on disk.
Jacob Berkowitz & Sophie Tamas talk Dr. Paul Keddy: Lanark Co. natural areas.
re writing in challenging times & (mis) subscribe: Content Deadline:
uses of the personal narrative. for Zoom link. ing on Earth as if We Want 20th of the month prior to publication
Mar 26, 7pm, Poetry Reading (Park to Stay. Mike Nickerson about
Ex) & Discussion. w/Claudia Coutu changing our cultural narrative — Advertising Deadline:
Radmore. “Park Ex Girl: Life with Gas- more fun, less stuff! Zoom link: 22nd of the month prior to publication
ometer” on CP Library’s Facebook page
Mar 16, 7:15pm, Huntley Township
Subscriptions
MUSIC
Bowie’s (Smiths Falls): Mar 5 Jimmy Tri-
Historical Soc Talk. Authors of
History of the Huntley United Cemetery. cost $40 (includes HST) for one
for Zoom year (12 issues). Send a cheque
Tone Band, 8pm link
Golden Arrow Pub (Perth, 267-4500): Mar 17, 7:30pm, Pakenham Hort: with your name and address to:
9pm, Wed (excl 17) Karaoke w/Joel theHumm PO Box 1391
Cutting Gardens, w/Sylvia Van
Brown, Sat Dirt Truck Oort. Zoom link:
Mar 12 Ted Lalonde Mar 26, 7:30pm, Almonte Lectures: Opinions and information pub-
Mar 19 Eric Widzinski Antiques in Canada. w/Janet Carli-
Mar 17 Brock Zeman, 3-7pm lished in theHumm in letters, press
le. Zoom link: releases, or individual columns do
Mar 17 Joel Brown, 8pm-1am Mar 31, 7pm, MMLT Talk w/John Muir
The Waterfront Gastropub (CP, Trust & AGM. Register: . Zoom. $10, members free of this newspaper.
3-6pm; Sun Blues w/Redneck Limousine All writing, artwork, and pho-
3-6pm
tographs published in theHumm
are copyright to the author, or to
theHumm in the case where no
author is specified. Reprinting any
content without permission vio-
lates copyright and is prohibited.
Thumm’s up this month to:
Jill Heinerth, resident of Carleton
Place and Explorer in Residence
at Royal Canadian Geographical
Society. Dolly Parton is adding
Jill’s book The Aquanaut to her
Imagination Library and will send
out 8,000 copies to young readers.
Once a month, Dolly sends each
child a new, carefully selected, age-
appropriate book, addressed to
them, delivered to their mailbox.
So Thumm’s up to Dolly too!
2 www.thehumm.com March 2021
Art… and Soul Katherine Muir Miller — THE HUMM
Falling in Love with Art
Landscape artist Katherine Muir Miller’s her career as an ER nurse at the Queensway-Carleton
brilliant paintings tap into the same subject Hospital in Ottawa. It also put an end to all of the
matter that inspired Canada’s beloved Group sports activities that had characterized her exception-
of Seven artists — the great northern Cana- ally active role as a mother — hockey, skating, skiing,
dian landscape in all its seasonal glories. This running — even walking was out of the question for
is where she finds her inspiration — rooted in quite a while.
her mother’s deep love of trees and fostered Her healing process included physical therapy,
by her own and her five children’s passion for chiropractic care, vision and balance therapy, and
the magnificent and wild Canadian outdoors. rebuilding torn neck muscles. The most important
part of her healing didn’t start until several months
by Sally Hansen after her traumatic accident. In an attempt to cope
ARTIST TRADING CARD
with the devastating losses to her sense of identity
Many Canadians can’t look at a painting of stark and purpose, Muir Miller pulled out a canvas and her oil paint colours as she does painting the scene she has been
pines outlined against the sky at the edge of a north- decided to paint. She had dabbled in art before, but visualizing in her mind’s eye for days. Her most successful paint-
ern lake without thinking of Tom Thomson or A. Y. never seriously. Six hours later she realized she had ings are those she has thought about for the longest time. Her least
Jackson. The Group of Seven clearly succeeded in been symptom-free for the entire time — no diz- favourite question is “How long did it take you to paint that?”. Her
realizing their stated ambition back in the 1920s to ziness, no headache, no pain. “And from then on, I advice to novice painters is to be patient; creativity will come “all
create a fertile ground from which a new genera- never even looked back.” in the goodness of time.”
tion of uniquely Canadian art would grow. For Eventually, as their home was filling up with her exuberant art
Katherine Muir Miller, their success is a double- works, she sought independent validation beyond the growing
edged sword. Newcomers to the eponymous encouragement from family and friends. In 2018 she applied
founder’s stunning new art gallery in Perth for the “Artist Project” show in Toronto and was thrilled to be
frequently react with comments comparing waitlisted. As a result, the “One of a Kind” show in Toronto
her vibrant landscapes to those painted by our invited her to exhibit her works, and with her family’s help and
best-known national art figures. support, her professional career was off and running. For three
What sets her work apart is her unique use of years she participated in a growing variety of shows, but early
their established language. Her playful, experi- in 2020, Covid put an abrupt end to all her exciting new show
mental use of colour, the textures she builds, the plans. She isn’t sure how the stars aligned to present her with her
gestures, and the freedom of her brushstrokes newest opportunity, but a walk in Perth with a friend resulted in
combine to produce her fresh take on a familiar her current reinvention of herself. At her companion’s urging,
natural world. A literary analogy comes to Katherine checked out a “For Lease” sign at 22 Gore St. East,
mind. Many writers use the same language to and, with her supportive family’s urging and help, created the
explore similar subject matter. Some produce Katherine Muir Miller Gallery.
literature that is mundane; others achieve the Muir Miller is a realist — she knew she was and wanted to be
sublime. Muir Miller’s landscapes have the a painter, not a businessperson. So she listened to her life coach
power to transport you to a sublime place. and friend Darlene Kelly, and has hired the business and techni-
What she loves most about her paintings cal support she needs to stay focused on her painting. During
is the stories they represent. Katherine bases Gallery hours you can drop in at 22 Gore St. East and catch her
her landscapes on memories of cross-country painting with her dog Meeko at her side. Her coordinates are
travel, and on photos her adult kids and friends listed on the back of her Artist Trading Card in the righthand
take on their harrowing canoeing and hiking corner above, and her Virtual Assistant keeps her information
and skiing trips across Canada’s incredible rugged The injuries to her head obviously did not quench current on her website at and all her other
outdoors. Photographers claim that looking at an her “just do it” spirit. As she puts it, “I’m a highly social media. Katherine thanks her fantastic family for their support
image they have taken transports them back to the motivated person. When I dive into something I do in enabling her to turn a catastrophe into a gift.
time and place and circumstances of the shoot. Kath- it 110%.” At first she painted therapeutically, but then
erine’s impressionistic realism paintings evoke and she embarked on an energetic and targeted path to
intensify the same response for viewers and clients pursue her passion to paint Canadian landscapes.
who are fortunate enough to reconnect with the She started taking lessons at the Ottawa School of
scenes she celebrates. Art in 2014, and from 2015 to 2018 she studied with
Ottawa artist Gordon Harrison.
Falling Headfirst Katherine credits Harrison with encouraging Perth, Ontario
Katherine’s own story is one of reinvention — her her to tap into her own creativity and find her (613) 315-8540
art is her salvation. Six years ago a catastrophic fall own path to expressing her passion for the Ca- info@dogwooddesign.ca
caused serious damage to her face and head; broken nadian wilderness. Her fascination with colour is www.dogwooddesign.ca
bones resulted in vestibular damage, visual damage, the key to her success and her greatest pleasure.
and neurocognitive damage that permanently ended Sometimes she spends as much time “making”
March 2021 www.thehumm.com 3
THE HUMM
WHO Katherine Muir Miller
WHAT Canadian Landscape Artist
WHERE Katherine Muir Miller Gallery, 22 Gore St. E.,
Perth, , 201–6448;
,720-5307;
IG ,FB, LinkedIn
WHEN Katherine Muir Gallery, open 11am–4pm, Wed–
Sun or by private appointment at 201–6448;
Mar. 2-29, Twist Gallery: Crossing Boundaries,
Toronto, (416) 588–2222
WHY “Rooted in my mother’s love of trees, I paint
landscapes to celebrate my love of Canada and
our magnificent four seasons.”
ARTIST TRADING CARD
Need ‘em… need ‘em… got ‘em… Winterwords Café #3
Clip and save the Artist Trading Card Keep Calm and Write On
A ll the cool kids do it! On Tuesday, March 23, theHumm invites you to practice of research and teaching as an Associate
Zoom in from 7–9:30pm for a conversation with Professor of qualitative methods.
Robynne Eagan, writer Jacob Berkowitz and associate Both guests will reflect upon what “writing back to
professor Sophie Tamas. This will be the third in our better” means to them, and how this is manifested in
series of Winterwords Cafés, and is open to everyone! their work and lives. Time permitting, there will be
Speaking on the topic of “writing in challenging an opportunity for Café participants to ask questions
times”, Jacob will share his creative experience during and share their thoughts.
the pandemic of writing a play, a non-fiction book, To receive the Zoom link for this event, just email
and working at his day job as a science writer. . For information about this
Sophie will talk about “the (mis)uses of personal Café, other Winterwords events, and artistic and
narrative”: why and how we tell our own stories and cultural initiatives throughout the Valley, please
what those stories do, especially in difficult times. She consider subscribing to our weekly e-newsletter
will discuss the ethical risks and potential benefits “Hummail”. It’s free, it’s upbeat, and you can subscribe
of using personal narrative to produce connection, at .
knowledge and change, drawing on her story-based
We All Belong —
Mississippi Mills
Would you like to be part of a new video project in Mills? Would you like to be interviewed for the
Mississippi Mills? We All Belong — Mississippi Mills project?
(WABMM) is a fledgling group started in response to • What kind of question would you want to ask an
acts of intolerance in our community. It plans to offer interracial couple if you had no “filter” to prevent
projects through which people can feel supported you from asking this question? Don’t worry, ques-
to share their stories, knowledge, and perspectives, tions are asked anonymously! The deadline for
in order to increase understanding and acceptance sending in questions for this first video is March 31.
in our community. We hope to share projects that • Topic ideas for future productions.
illuminate and celebrate our existing and growing Please visit and fill out our
diversity in Mississippi Mills. We are a Town full online survey, or email
of interesting people, from all walks of life, with all to let us know how you can help.
kinds of lived experiences. The more we know about As we learn more about this project, we will likely
what it’s like to BE any one of us, the more we realize put out a call for questions and participants for the
that we all belong. next production, then we would go from there. We
Our first project is a video series entitledMy are excited about the possibilities of this endeavour!
Mississippi Mills. It is inspired by the You Can’t — The WABMM Team
Ask That video series from Australia. In this
series, people answer the types of questions
that we all might be a little too polite to ask
(though we d owonder) about our differences.
In taking the time to listen to the answers,
it ultimately highlights common fears and
dreams.
Our first video will showcase interracial
marriage in Mississippi Mills. This is where you
come in: we are looking for project support!
• Technical: Do you have capabilities in video
production, editing, or working with sound? A fledgling group that started in response to acts of
Would you like to volunteer to help with intolerance is soliciting questions for their first video,
production? which will focus on interracial marriage.
• Do you and your partner identify as an Send yours in by March 31, and read on to find out
interracial couple who live in Mississippi how you can support this initiative!
4 www.thehumm.com March 2021
The John Muir Trust We’re
Contest
Winners!
MMLT Presents John Muir’s Legacy in the Land of his Birth
Each year the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust, in association with
its Annual General Meeting, has a guest speaker who entertains and
informs us on nature or other issues associated with the preservation
of wild land. On March 31 the talk will be a little unusual for the Land
Trust, but a very special event for our members and the general public.
Our guest speaker will be Mike Daniels, Head of Policy and Land
Management at the John Muir Trust based in Pitlochry, Scotland, not
far from the small town of Perth. Mike has graciously agreed to stay
up late (the presentation will start at 7pm our time, which is midnight
in Scotland) to talk to us about John Muir’s legacy in the land of his
Our seasonal
birth — The John Muir Trust, wild land, communities and conserva-
tion in Scotland.
Mike will explain how the John Muir Trust manages land for wild- window won
ness and wildlife in Scotland. He will explore the challenges posed by 3rd place in the
concentrated private land ownership, the legacy of Victorian hunting This year, the guest speaker for the MMLT AGM, Mike Daniels (left),
8th Annual Glerups
Display Contest
estates, over-tourism and large-scale windfarms in a wild landscape will be Zooming in from the John Muir Trust in Scotland!
shaped by the continual influence of humans. The opportunities posed
by land reform and community ownership, natural carbon capture
and increasing public concern about intensive hunting systems offer
hope for the future.
Although Scotland is far from home, the conservation challenges
faced by an organization with similar objectives to ours but in a very
different landscape will, I’m sure, be of interest to all of us. And the
photos that Mike will present of their unique properties, many in the
Highlands, will amaze us as well.
Attendance for this event is by registration only. Please visit us at
or call 253–2722 to register.
— Bob Betcher is the president of the MMLT
CFUW “Staycation” Raffle
CFUW Perth and District is raffling off a “Staycation” gift basket The Canadian Federation of University Women is committed to
worth over $1,000, with contents generously donated by local busi- the improvement of the status of women, the pursuit of knowledge
nesses. The prize includes a two-night stay at Clyde Hall B&B in and the promotion of education. Since 2005 the annual Heritage
Keep your
feet warm
Lanark , two dinners, two lunches and a basket of Perth Christmas House Tour has raised well over $150,000, which has
goodies and gift cards. A limited number of tickets are on sale until been distributed through Education Awards, donations to libraries,
March 10 for $20 each, and the draw will be held on March 22. To schools, literacy and arts programs and other education-related grants
inside
and outside!
buy a ticket, email Cathy McParlan at in Perth and surrounding areas. The group supports programs that
or call her at 464–0808. benefit women and girls, and they welcome new members — please
visit for detailed information.
14 Mill Street, Almonte
613.461.2000
SHOP ONLINE
VAMOSOUTDOORS.CA
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
March 2021 www.thehumm.com 5
Reimagining Maple
An Interview with Shirley Fulton-Deugo
The first Covid lockdown hit pretty much right in provincial directives. In November 2020, we were
the middle of maple season in 2020. Here we are fortunate to be able to rehire some staff to help
almost a full year later, and local sugar bushes are with a fantastic Christmas season filling corporate,
still dealing with pandemic pressures. Never one to wholesale and online orders for our customers. Our
shy away from a challenge, Shirley Fulton-Deugo business model has completely changed from where
— with help from her family and Fulton’s “Team we were on March 16, 2020.
Awesome” — has been pivoting like crazy to open What are some of the major challenges you
their 400-acre property to the public and get maple and other sugar bush owners have had to deal
No Maple Weekend;
products safely into the hands of all of us who are with that the general public may not be aware of?
starved for a taste of Spring. Sugar Bush owners lost their staff to help with
theHumm: We are so glad to hear that Fulton’s production last season due to the province-wide
Lots of Maple Syrup! Pancake House and Sugarbush can open to the shutdown. This added a lot of extra work for the
public this year! How will maple season 2021 be maple syrup producers’ families. With the shut-
different from past years, particularly in terms tering of many of the retail stores and restaurants,
The Ontario Maple Syrup Producers’ Association (OMSPA) is of what you can offer and how you are working many producers lost a huge part of their market.
disappointed to announce that Maple Weekend has been can- to keep everyone safe? Some producers who sold to food stores (deemed
celled for 2021. The event, which takes place the first weekend of Shirley Fulton-Deugo: In August of 2020, Scott essential) saw their sales increase. The uncertainty
April each year, sees more than 15,000 visitors visit participating and I decided we would not open the restaurant/ of the rules for the upcoming season makes it very
sugarbushes in Ontario. pancake house section. We
“We are very sorry to cancel Maple Weekend for the second year were unsure of what the regu-
in a row,” said OMSPA president Frank Heerkens. “Unfortunately, lations would look like come
the spread of COVID-19 has made it so we cannot safely host the March/April 2021. Instead,
weekend this year. OMSPA and our members are committed to we started planning the use of
ensuring we are conforming with health advisories and are doing our entire retail and restaurant
our part to combat the spread of the virus.” areas. First, we set up six sepa-
As they prepare the first agricultural crop of the year, maple rate areas for staff to work in
syrup producers are following all guidelines for safe production to maintain social distancing.
practices, and continue to produce a wonderful made-in-Ontario Then we turned our efforts
product for customers. This year will mark the second in a row in to planning our “Maple Farm
which the syrup season has been impacted. Store” that now fills our main
Production will be starting in most parts of Ontario in early pancake house seating area.
March, once temperatures remain above zero during the day and fall The really fun part was sourc-
below zero at night. Maple syrup and maple products will continue to ing delicious foods from all
be available at sugarbushes throughout the sugar season. The public across Ontario to complement
is encouraged to reach out to their local sugarbush to confirm if they your favourite Fulton’s prod-
are offering in-person visits, curbside pick-ups or online sales. An ucts — from maple summer
interactive map of maple syrup producers, along with nutritional sausage to chocolate-covered
information and recipes, is available at . maple sponge toffee and salted
maple chocolate bombs. To ac- As an essential business, Fulton’s is open for the season, but with some
company these delicious foods, notable changes from previous years. Visit them online, then come on
we also sourced Ontario art to out and enjoy the beautiful trails and delicious maple!
add beauty to our store. We
have been creative too, adding Breakfast Bundles difficult to plan. Supply chains are also a worry — for
(since we can’t make breakfast for you) and DIY instance, we bought all of our retail Maple Syrup
kits (such as Making Taffy at Home, Kids’ Pancake containers in the fall of 2020 to ensure that we can
Breakfast Bundle, Tap a Maple Tree, and Backyard package spring 2021’s crop for sale.
Birding). People are understandably feeling isolated
We now have a farm curbside pickup area, we and restricted this winter. How can getting out
have installed many plexiglass barriers to ensure into a sugar bush help?
that our staff and visitors are safe, we require all Fresh air, sunshine and exercise on our trails will
our guests to wear masks while inside, we provide really lift the spirits! Our groomed trails have been
lots of sanitizing stations inside and out, we limit widened and lengthened so our guests now have
numbers in our new farm store and have one-way 8km of trails to enjoy without fear of crowding. New
traffic while shopping to ensure social distancing. this year is a site fee of $10/car/day or a monthly
This past year must have been a bit of a roll- fee. Visit for details.
ercoaster ride for you. How has Covid impacted On a personal note, what is helping you get
you, your staff and your business model? through this first full Covid winter?
All our staff were laid off after the province-wide For me, this first full Covid-19 winter is filled with
closure was announced on March 17, 2020. The discussions, planning and set up. Also walks in the
management team was relocated to their home sugarbush, Zoom yoga, church, meetings, friends,
offices where they continued to support our small good movies and books to escape into during the
business and help navigate the ever-changing long evenings.
6 www.thehumm.com March 2021
More Fun, Less Stuff
A meme to remember when the challenges of For shelter, buildings can be assembled that
climate and inequality get you down: MORE FUN, require almost no outside energy. Comfort is main-
LESS STUFF. tained by facing the Sun to capture its warmth
On a good day one can sense, through the fog when needed, and for cooling we can engage shade
of our world’s problems, a faint light. A glimmer trees, hold onto the cool of the nights and tap the
of a place where humans live in balance with the chill of underground.
Earth and with each other. Health care at the preventative level, as well as
Viewed from the challenges of today, that place education, rely mostly on the unlimited resources
seems to be another dimension. And it is. The of knowledge and our willingness to help each
values by which people manage themselves are other.
dimensions of worlds we might build, and this If secure healthy life is what we want, we can
alternate dimension can be entered through More quickly shift our over-productive economy to
Photo by Robert Collins on Unsplash
Fun, Less Stuff. systems that fulfill our basic needs. The energy
Renewable energy and electric equipment will
be needed, but they are not enough. A positive
from wind and sun can keep these systems going,
with the surplus used to make other useful items Living on Earth as if
future requires a shift in social values.
No longer can Growth be our goal. No more
producing and consuming, earning and spending
designed for durability. The problems facing us
today will become a chapter in history books.
More Fun, Less Stuff. These four syllables can
We Want to Stay:
ever more! We need to maximize fulfilment from lead us out of our overgrown self-destructive place A Discussion with Mike Nickerson
living, with the least possible material entangle- toward a place that can assure the grandchildren As we emerge from the Covid lull, we have an oppor-
ment. We can compete with one another to see a world in which to raise children of their own.
who can get the most satisfaction from living with Hard to imagine? Let the meme “More Fun,
tunity to recreate our world.
the least material throughput. Less Stuff ” dwell in your consciousness. Bring it to On Tuesday, March 16 at 7pm, theHumm presents a
Almost every dollar we spend represents ex- mind each time you feel disheartened in the face Zoom discussion with Mike Nickerson, author of Living
tracted resources and pollution. The benefits go of climate change, pollution, resource depletion on Earth as if We Want to Stay.
to enrich the top 1% and leave the bottom part and inequality. Let it soak in. Share it with others. The story about work, pay, investment, profit, living
of the population to deal with the waste. If your The goals we pursue are the seeds from which off other’s efforts, and perpetual economic Growth is
purchase won’t cause waste or inequity, go for it! our future grows. Thought by thought, contact
Learning, love and laughter, sport, music, dance, by contact, choice by choice, step by step, we can
running out of room on our finite planet — Mike will
creativity, appreciation and helping others all offer be amazed by the joy of this shift. discuss changing the cultural narrative. What are the
unlimited opportunities for satisfaction with Can such a meme nudge its way past the well- economic myths that keep us captivated in the money
minimum material requirements. And they’re fun. funded directives to earn and spend, earn and paradigm? How else might the economy (mutual provi-
Material necessities of food and shelter can be spend, grow, grow, grow? It can, if we share it each sion) be organized?
sustained by integrating with the natural world. time people appear unable or unwilling to address The new story about re-integrating with life processes
Nutrient flows have maintained all life since it the issues facing us.
began. Humans can eat well forever if we use our More Fun, Less Stuff.
and seeking satisfaction from living, rather than from
intelligence to avoid overshooting local capacity. Pass it around. material accumulation, offers a possible sustainable
Air, water and a handful of soil elements are the For more on this journey of transformation, future. Join us for a presentation by Mike, followed by
building blocks for all living things. These elements please visit . a Q & A session.
can cycle indefinitely through soil life, plants, — Mike Nickerson lives near Lanark, Ontario, and is Find out how to have More Fun, Less Stuff! Email
animals, ourselves and back to the soil. By caring the author of Life, Money & Illusion: Living on to receive the Zoom link.
for soil, communities can have everlasting life. Earth as if we want to stay.
March 2021 www.thehumm.com 7
Tackling Menstrual Inequality —
One Tampon at a Time
On July 1, 2015, the federal government removed the “luxury” tax (GST) soap, warm water and a means to dry hands that must A group of women in Almonte is teaming up
from all menstrual products. This was a monumental shift in beginning already be provided by private-sector employers in with The Period Purse and Lanark County Interval
to combat period poverty in Canada. Many provinces followed suit the federal jurisdiction (including banks, railways and House and Community Support (LCIHCS) to run
and exempted menstrual products from provincial sales tax as well. airlines), Crown Corporations, and the federal public a local drive during the month of March to collect
Prior to this, householders already saved GST on items like cocktail service. The conversation is happening; however, the menstrual products for their clients. LCIHCS does
cherries, wedding cakes and products required for incontinence. final decision has not yet been publicized. not have a budget for menstrual products, and it is
What was monumental was not the 27 cents saved on a $5.49 box of Just this January, the Ottawa Carleton District estimated that 1000 menstruators come through the
16 tampons; it was the recognition that menstrual products are not a School Board passed the resolution to make men- shelter each year. This does not include the ones who
luxury but an essential item for all menstruators in Canada. strual products accessible to all grade 4–12 students. are supported by community outreach.
This hopeful shift was seen not as a solution to gender, health and This will make a difference to a large percentage of Ensuring menstruators an appropriate supply
economic inequality, but rather a solid step in the right direction. Even young women: according to Plan Canada International of sanitary products provides them with a sense of
though the bill was passed in 2015, two prior attempts had been made (2018), one-third of women under 25 lack access to dignity during their 5–7 menstruating days of each
to government and were ignored. Like all social movements, the road is menstrual products because of financial constraints. month. By making a small financial donation or by
often long, but with persistent effort by many individuals, movements Without a doubt, all these milestones are to be donating products, you will be a part of the long
can continue to make small hopeful steps. This has been the case in celebrated. road to end menstrual inequity and to help make
the movement to normalize menstruation. Yet still, in Canada, we are far from establishing menstruation respected as the natural and normal
More recently, in 2019, the Government of Canada published a Notice menstrual equity. British Columbia and Nova Scotia process that it is.
of Intent seeking feedback on amending Part II of the Canadian Labour now require that all schools in the province provide
Code to include menstrual products as a basic necessity in federally free menstrual products to their students. We should Call for Donations and Support
regulated workplaces. This would be in addition to the toilet paper, have this in all schools across Canada. Even harder Donations to the March Menstrual Product Drive
hit than the one-third of young menstruators are will be accepted throughout March. If you would
those who are experiencing homelessness and those like to donate products, please email Jesse Carson
who have fled their homes due to violence and seek at or call 292-0450. You
safety at shelters. Women often leave home with few can either drop them off at an Almonte location or
belongings and little, if any, money. there will be a pick-up time during the month in
Women’s shelters in Canada rarely have an ad- Carleton Place, Almonte, Pakenham and Arnprior.
equate budget to allocate for menstrual products, Products accepted include pads, tampons, new
if they are budgeted for at all. Shelters, including underwear and new cloth masks. If you would like
Lanark County Interval House in our community, to make a financial donation instead, please go to
receive many donations, but sanitary products are . A tax receipt will
often overlooked. be provided for online donations. Every $15 donated
One Ontario woman who was experiencing home- will purchase a one-month supply of period products,
lessness describes her experience of having to get and every $180 provides a one-year supply.
creative each month by fastening multiple smaller — Jessie Carson
pads together and, at times, having to use toilet paper
to attempt to contain the blood. Other individuals
who have spoken out about their struggles have
shared that they have used socks, newspapers and
Maple Run Tour
paper towels. What menstruator out there has not
been caught in a bind out in public, at work, or at
Cancelled for 2021
home out of supplies? Many of us are able to quickly The organizers of the Pakenham Maple Run Tour
run to the store and stock up. But for some of us, are very sorry to announce the tour is reluctantly
this is not always possible. cancelled for this year. We are so disappointed that
For all menstruators who cannot pay for their we will not be welcoming enthusiastic visitors to
menstrual products, it is an uncomfortable, demean- our community and to our unique small venues
ing and shameful experience that recurs every month. to discover beautiful art, fine craft and local food.
A non-for-profit organization called The Period Be assured we will be back as soon as we can.
Purse was started because Jana Girdauskas saw this In the meantime, the Maple Run artists and ar-
gap and has made it her mission to achieve menstrual tisans continue their creative magic, and the busi-
equity by providing marginalized menstruators with nesses that host them are open and would welcome
access to free menstrual products, and to reduce your support. Please visit
the stigma surrounding periods. The Period Purse to learn more about what a typical fantastic Maple
receives financial and product donations and assists Run Tour is like, and use the contact information
communities, like ours, to initiate menstrual product to reach out.
drives for marginalized menstruators.
we are back
and
Spring
is in the air!
SPECIALTY COOKWARE | KITCHEN GADGETS | UNIQUE GOURMET ITEMS | GIFT BASKETS
613-256-5764
fine food, fun kitchen & artful dining ware 89 Mill St. Almonte
8 www.thehumm.com March 2021
Spring is here!
Step Out of the River
freshen up with
Girl Gone Good
PremiumClassic
Eggshell & Pearl
Is it me, or does the pandemic bring Officers walked by, special forces, cowork-
SALE
Cloverdale
the term “March madness” to a ers… Even the infamous Gurkhas next door
3588
whole new level?! Even with some gave a giggle at my toothless grin when I went
solid positive coping strategies, I to supper. I spent the rest of the night on shift $
still feel it. and staring at that dental aid with humility. light base tints only
This feeling reminds me of the My chances of looking “cool” and “badass”
Paulo Coelho quote: “You drown were drowning at the bottom of that glass. Ecologic®
not by falling into a river, but by As sulky as I was that night, there were Eggshell & Pearl
staying submerged in it.” Let’s step some solid lessons learned that I still carry
out of the river. with me over twenty years later. SALE
by Vickie Walsh
1. It’s healthy to laugh at yourself and the
situation at times. Paint $
4988
2. Always pack spares. Then pack some
light base tints only
In 1999, I was 21 years old, relatively new more.
in the military, and on my first deployment 3. International relationships matter. A lot. Prices in effect March 1 to March 31, 2021
to East Timor. Two years prior to that I had 4. Celebrate the small wins.
a tank accident that left me wearing den- 5. Treat yourself how you want to be
Cloverdale Paint is family-owned and proudly Canadian.
tures for a few years until I was able to have treated.
surgery. To my absolute horror, the dentures
cracked two months into this deployment.
Straight down the middle of the palate. If
6. Nobody gives a damn what you look like
when you excel at your craft or are an
overall good human.
Custom Cabinetry
from our Family to Yours
these #@$! things broke, it meant that I’d How does this apply today? Well, it helps
have no front teeth — for months. me “step out of the river” and back into
That possibility was more mortifying living life.
than the time I stepped out of the ladies’ Lesson 1: Our habits have changed this
room in high school and walked to home- past year, and it’s good to have a sense of
room with toilet paper unknowingly stuck humour! If you run into me in the grocery
to my butt. No. Thank. You. store you may just hear me talking to myself
So we took a vehicle patrol out to visit under my mask. In full sentences. It’s ridicu-
the Australians, the only contingent with a lous and a little funny. Oh, and you can’t tell
dental section in-country. The dental tech me I’m the only one…
patched up my sad looking dentures. With Lesson 2: Getting out into nature is a
their bare hands. On an old wooden table. fantastic way to balance out a wild world
With flies buzzing around. It was a tropical around us. This last year, more than ever, I’ve
environment — hot and dirty as all get-out. made sure to carry “the ten essentials” and
Nothing was really all that hygienic, let keep spare clothing/gear in the car. There is
alone their unwashed hands and the wood a day-pack ready to go at the door so there’s
table. I drove back to base with my den- no excuse not to go out on the trails and
tures in my pocket and went back on shift enjoy some fresh air. Even a few moments
working communications. There, placed outdoors daily make a significant different
between the radios and the switchboard, in wellbeing. You can find free packing lists
sat my dentures bobbing up and down in a on .
glass that was full of every single polydent Lesson 3: Have you noticed a surge or
tab I could spare to clean those puppies. intentionally leaned towards purposeful
Understand that this was a time when I connections lately? In the world of Girl-
wanted to do all the badass things in the mili- GoneGood® it’s been a year of connection Custom Cabinets
tary. I was young, female, and full of spitfire. and collaborating with local businesses,
organizations and other outdoor adventur- Design Services
ers to help each other bring our
best to the community.
The point is, we can stay sub-
Installation
merged, or we can celebrate the
small wins, treat ourselves with
Competitive Prices
compassion and respect, and
hold value in doing our best to VISIT OUR SHOWROOM SHOWROOM HOURS
be our best.
So raise a glass or write your
6557 Highway 43 Tuesday to Friday 10AM to 4PM
own list to celebrate the lessons
Perth, ON Saturday by appointment
you’ve learned throughout life
613–264–2865 Closed Sunday & Monday
www.ovhickitchens.com
that benefit you today! And, of
course, cheers to forever seeking
our wellness in the wilderness.
March 2021 www.thehumm.com 9
Climate Network Lanark
The Ground Beneath Our Feet
“Think globally, act locally. To resolve a planetary crisis like can re-introduce fungal life into overworked soil.
climate disruption, we need change from the top, but without Fungi fill a complex, supportive role for most plants
localized support, that’s difficult to achieve.” —David Suzuki to reduce water consumption, improve yields and
This month’s focus is on a small group in our community improve nutritional density of crops.
called the Farm Working Group, one of nine working groups When we have mastered the method, our vision
within the Climate Network Lanark (CNL). is to build a bridge between town and farm. Towns-
For a taste of what they are doing, let me introduce three people who bag their leaves in the fall could come
members to talk about why they are participating to bring together, roll up their sleeves, divert the leaves away
farms into the conversation about their important role in from landfill and help process them into compost /
Climate Action. inoculant for use on neighbouring farms.
What do you expect the farm working group
by Chandler Swain may achieve? This month, meet three members of Climate
I hope we can raise both town and farm commu- Network Lanark’s Farm Working Group: Scott
Scott Hortop nities’ awareness of actionable solutions to climate Hortop (above), Hilary Moore and Janet Duncan
Scott, you are the facilitator of the Farm Working Group for disruption that involve the farm; facilitate concrete
CNL. I know the group is still in its formative stage. Can you tell support to farmers to deliver ecological services; and support for this to happen. I also think that we need
us why you are involved? channel particular initiatives of group members. to engage in the conversation about holistic soil
Scott Hortop: In 2012 my son came home from Germany with We are also making real progress towards startup health, which in my mind is inherently intercon-
a master’s degree in Environmental Science and was on fire about of an ALUS (Alternative Land Use Services) com- nected with the overall ecological and economic
environmental opportunities such as biochar. I was awakened by his munity for Lanark County. ALUS is community-de- health of our farming community. I would like to
energy. I was soon retiring and wondering what was next for me. A veloped and farmer-delivered. Active in six provinces stress that “climate change and agriculture” isn’t solely
single TED talk about humus seized me by the throat (lookup TED, to date, the ALUS program helps farmers produce about capturing carbon in our fields. It is about a
Humus, Graeme Sait). Eight years later it has retained or even gained valuable ecological services on Canadian farmland. healthy and resilient food system and about respect-
relevance. ALUS Canada channels the funding provided by ing the knowledge and variety of challenges that
Listening to the Canadian narrative about climate disruption, we individuals, governments, foundations and corpo- farmers face in Lanark County. So I am involved to
are given to think it must be all caused by our excessive use of fossil rations where it can have the greatest real-world bring that point of view and experience to the table.”
fuels. But surprise — 24% of the problem releases of carbon dioxide impact for the Canadian environment. Specifically, Hillary also works with the Ottawa Food Security
heating up our atmosphere have come from the way we use soil. ALUS helps farmers and ranchers restore wetlands, Council, and the National Farmers Union.
No amount of electric vehicles, heat pumps or cancelled pipelines reforest, plant windbreaks, install riparian buffers,
was going to get that carbon back to where it came from. Thus began manage sustainable drainage systems, create pollina- Janet Duncan
my soils journey. tor habitat, and establish other ecologically beneficial Janet Duncan is another well-known sustainable
When I retired to Almonte, I engaged in finding agricultural path- projects on their properties. organic food producer, and owner of Dunbrae Farms
ways and community connections to make smarter use of the natural in Almonte. A woman of few words but lots of action,
carbon cycle to address our climate emergency. I am determined to Hilary Moore she told me that she and her late husband Bruce
have something to say to my 13 grandchildren when they ask what I Hilary Moore is well known as a local grower from began farming organically in the early 1980s when the
did about the climate crisis. In my seventy years, very few things have her involvement with the Almonte Farmers’ Market. health of their young family became a priority in their
been so clear. Hilary has been farming organically for twenty years. lives. They went on to become certified organic in the
I’ve come upon an uncommon way to address the soil aspect of She apprenticed on one of the first CSA farms in mid-90s and remained so until they retired in 2016.
the climate emergency with a special kind of compost. Building on North America, in Amagansett, NY, after graduating Of her role on the CNL Farm Working group,
good-old-fashioned leaf mold, Dr. David C. Johnson (a professor at with Honours in Environmental Studies at Carleton Janet says: “I joined because I continue to care about
New Mexico State University) has developed a low-cost method for University in 1999. She worked on a mixed edu- regenerative agriculture and hope that our work will
farmers or their friends to produce fungal dominant compost that cational farm in Lincoln, MA, which was her first bring others along the continuum towards that goal.”
introduction to livestock and driving horses. For
sixteen years Hilary ran her own CSA as a full-time Join the Network
visit in person vocation, eventually landing at Dunbrae Farms in There is a place for anyone who wants to contribute
Almonte in 2002, where she continued to run her to the Farm Working Group. Email Scott Hortop
Thurs.-Sat. 11am-4pm
CSA for seven years. Today, from her farm near and help collect our
or shop online Lanark Village, she raises organic pork (farrow to leaves and put them to better use! We can also eat
finish), laying hens, bees, vegetables, firewood to local, organic food and buy directly from growers at
Fox with Lilies keep warm and hay for her animals. our Farmers’ Markets.
20 x 30” mixed-media on canvas
“I am particularly interested in being involved in If you are interested in the work of Climate
by LILY SWAIN
the Farm Working Group because I am interested in Network Lanark, please see previous CNL articles
seeing the ALUS program come to Lanark County,” in past issues of theHumm. To become involved,
she notes. “I would like to see municipal financial email Gordon Harrison .
Otter I
23” tall ceramic sculpture
by MARY PHILPOTT
ceramic art pottery glassware jewellery textiles
woodware painting printmaking mixed-media
www.generalfinecraft.com
63 Mill Street, Almonte ON
10 www.thehumm.com March 2021Planting the Seed
Who Ya Gonna Call? Jim Hake:
Ladies Night
As someone who is intensely interested in and error to see what works for you. So what follows
local gardening, particularly vegetable gar- are a few hints from my own personal experience
dening, I frequently peruse local gardening (of more decades than I like to admit) of starting
Facebook groups. Some of my favourites seeds indoors.
are Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton, Sivarulrasa Gallery is delighted to launch a program of simultaneous
Almonte and Carleton Place Gardeners, Starting from Seed exhibitions this year! A solo exhibition of paintings by Almonte-
Edible Ottawa Gardens, and Eat Local, Buy The key to growing seedlings successfully indoors is based artist Mary Pfaff entitled Mary Pfaff: Companions is currently
Local in Lanark County. I often find that lots of light. I use utility wooden shelving and suspend running in Gallery I, where it will continue until March 26. For
there are some really good responses from fluorescent fixtures by chains between the shelves so the inaugural show in Gallery II, they are pleased to present Jim
the Ottawa Master Gardeners. that I can adjust them to keep them within a couple Hake: Ladies Night, an immersive solo installation of sculpture by
of inches of the seedlings. I use only the cheapest Toronto-based artist Jim Hake. This show will run from March 10
by David Hinks four-foot fluorescent tubes, as my results have been to April 16.
just as good as using special “grow” tubes. Jim Hake’s work is inspired by personal narratives, by situations
What strikes me about posts this time of year I turn on the lights first thing in the morning and and people that have touched his life. His work demonstrates a wide
is the number of questions and comments about turn them off when I go to bed. I water only when versatility with materials including clay, porcelain, wood, metal,
starting vegetables from seed early indoors. Many the growing medium is dry to the touch but before plaster, glass, and recycled and found materials. In Ladies Night,
folks are eager to chime in with words of wisdom or the seedlings wilt, and then I drain off any excess Jim Hake continues his two decades of experimentation with ideas
to share stories of their own successes and failures. water that has not been absorbed in a couple of of portraiture, metonymy and facets. He employs stained glass —
I do not always agree with the approach or the hours — watering from the bottom is preferable. several pairs of elegant, larger-than-life sized shoes hang from the
suggestions of well-meaning folks and I sometimes Seeds contain all the nutrients required for ger- ceiling. Crystal and Ronette, two sculptures made from CDs and
find myself asking why they did not just go to an mination. I use a diluted organic fish-based fertilizer vinyl records, are loosely based
authoritative source. On the internet, the website of weekly after seedlings have been growing for a few portraits of musical groups
OMAFRA (the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food weeks. The Crystals and The Ronettes,
and Rural Affairs) is one of my main “go-to” sites — I Seedlings are very vulnerable to certain kinds respectively. The installation
find it has really solid horticultural information, but of viral diseases. I have found that this is virtually can be seen in-person during
its recommendations are often more appropriate for eliminated by using a commercial soil-less mixture Gallery hours (11am—5pm
commercial growers. Many university websites are and new plastic inserts and by ensuring good air Wednesdays to Sundays) at
also great sources of information. I go to sites that circulation by keeping a fan running constantly. The 34 Mill Street in Almonte.
air movement also produces stronger, stockier plants. Everyone is invited to an
It is important not to start too early. Tomatoes Artist Talk & Virtual Vern-
in particular can become very tall and difficult to issage via Zoom on Wednes-
keep healthy if grown too long under lights. The day, March 17 from 7–8pm.
length of time that seedlings can grow indoors before Just email to receive the link, or
considerably. Tomatoes only need six to eight weeks, visit for
peppers and eggplant eight to ten weeks, broccoli more information.
and cabbage five to eight weeks, and onions and
leeks ten to twelve weeks Pinkstar Shoes (left) will
I have tried starting peas, corn and beans early be featured in the exhibit
indoors, and have found virtually no benefit. Also, Jim Hake: Ladies Night at
root vegetables such as beets and carrots do not Sivarulrasa Gallery
have information germane to our local conditions, transplant well. Peas can be planted directly in the
such as the University of Guelph or the University ground probably by mid-April; carrots and beets
of Minnesota. Of course, I could always pull down by the first of May; and corn and beans close to
one of the hundreds of gardening books that are Victoria Day.
gathering dust on my shelves… Vine crops, such as cucumbers and melons, do
After some sober second thought, the wisdom of not like to have their roots disturbed when they are
going directly to local gardening peers struck me. I transplanted into the garden, but they do benefit
have conducted dozens of workshops on introduc- from an early start, so I plant them in pots that I
tory organic vegetable gardening — it is really dif- can put directly into the garden. I use a pot that is
ficult to know what to include in a one- or two-hour biodegradable and will break down over time as it
presentation. The reality is that no matter how hard lets the plant’s roots grow through the pot wall.
one listens, it is nearly impossible to retain enough It is necessary to harden-off seedlings before
information to put it all together. It takes a whole lot planting them in the garden. They need to be given
of hands-on experience — and what better source gradual exposure to outdoor conditions. As I plant
than other local gardeners who may have already these lush green growing plants into the garden, it
grappled with the issues that are bedevilling you? always seems miraculous to me that just two or three
I always try to speak from my own personal ex- months ago they started from small, hard, apparently
perience and what has worked for me. But my way lifeless objects.
is not the only way — there is no substitute for trial Happy planting!
Zero Waste
REFILLERY
Cleaning & Body Care Providing
Cost
Products in Bulk
Effective,
Zero Waste
Available at The Granary
Solutions.
107 Bridge Street in
Downtown Carleton Place Because
there is no
www.granary.ca Planet B
Open 7 Days a Week
Laundry - Dish - All Purpose - Hand Wash - Hair Care - Body Wash - Lotion - More
March 2021 www.thehumm.com 11Happiness is a Good Book
Meet Ann Shea, Almonte’s Newest Bookseller
In the strangest of times, Ann Shea’s happy story “I was delighted to meet so many children of all
just seemed to fall into place, neatly if unexpectedly ages at our store. I really look forward to getting to
— rather like chapters in a good book. know them, listening to their suggestions and encour-
Once upon a time, she found herself shoe shop- age their love of reading. Growing up, I always found
ping with her sisters in Almonte. great comfort in books. Really at every stage of my
“I grew up in Aylmer, and my three sisters still live life, there has been comfort to be found in books.”
in Ottawa and the Valley,” Ann explains. “They are Ann, along with her husband Dean, has raised
frequent visitors to Almonte, particularly drawn to three wonderful children: Isaac, Julia and Olivia.
the shoe selection at Crush Marketplace. In August, I They are her greatest pride and joy in life. “Being a
was in the area and they invited me along for the day.” mom to these three has been my greatest accom-
And so it began. Although there was a bit of a plishment,” she says.
preface.
“My daughter Julia had purchased some
books at Mill Street Books during the pan-
demic,” Ann says, “and she encouraged me
to stop in. I spent about an hour in the store,
chatting a bit with Debbie [Debbie is a long-
time, beloved employee at the shop] and just
Pick up theHumm in Perth at soaking up the atmosphere. I asked her who
owned the place and complimented her on
the twisted fork the book selection.”
After that visit, something clicked.
“For whatever reason, I started following the
store on Facebook,” Ann explains, “and when
I saw in October that the bookshop was for
sale, I sent Mary and Terry an email to begin
a conversation with them.”
That conversation eventually led to Ann
buying Mill Street Books from Mary and Terry
Lumsden, who have made their eclectic shop Ann Shea (right) is the new owner of Mill Street Books in
one of the loveliest and most charming inde- Almonte. She is pictured here with her daughter Julia Jenne.
pendent bookstores in the province, if not the
country. For Ann, the timing was perfect. As for the challenges she faces with her new job as
“I have been working full-time in engineering a bookseller, and with taking ownership of a beloved
and sales management for the past 25 years,” she bookshop during a pandemic, Ann says she really
says, “and I knew I was ready for a change. I knew I doesn’t know since she’s just getting started. “I have a
wanted to do something different, and I was so very lot to learn about running a small business and I will
glad that this opportunity presented itself.” welcome all suggestions and tips local entrepreneurs
Ann knows she has a lot to learn about being are willing to share. I look forward to the day when
a bookseller and running a store, but she’s started I can see everyone’s full face and smiles. I met many
training in the shop, along with her daughter Julia, smiling eyes this week, and I will welcome the day
who will be working with her mom in the store a when we see each other’s full faces… in full safety,
few days each week. of course.”
“Mary, Terry and Debbie have all been very Ann feels that among the greatest rewards of
generous and helpful in sharing their knowledge her new job will be meeting interesting people and
and insight with me,” Ann says, and for that she’s sending them off with something that will bring
extremely thankful. “It feels wonderful to be set- them joy.
tling in at the shop. I am blown away by the warm “Making connections with new and interesting
welcome that I have received, and the friendliness people sounds like something fun and rewarding that
and enthusiasm of our customers. It was wonderful shouldn’t even be called a job!” she says. “Bringing
to be greeted by such kindness over the past few joy to customers through reading is really offering
days here in town.” them a gift, isn’t it?”
When Ann visited Mill Street Books last summer, This job brings other exciting and important op-
one thing caught her eye straightaway. portunities as well, Ann says. “Having worked in a
“When I first entered the store last August, I had male-dominated technical field for the past thirty
never seen such a well curated book selection and years, I am looking forward to connecting with a
I am so impressed by Mary’s taste in books. I think greater variety of individuals and expanding… my
she knows her customers very well. My goal,” she knowledge and skill in new areas. I have so much
says, “is to continue to offer our customers what they to learn! I am thrilled to be buying a business from
have come to expect in the past, and to introduce a a female entrepreneur, and it sounds like there are
few new things now and then. I think the people of a great number of them on Mill Street, so I am very
Almonte have wonderful taste in books, and they eager to meet them.”
appear to be voracious readers. My goal is to not Everyone involved with Mill Street Books is plan-
let them down.” ning a delightful celebration come springtime.
Some of Ann’s favourite authors? Ann Patchett, “Mary, Terry and I will be co-hosting a customer
Colm McCann, Anne Enright, Alice Munro, Lauren appreciation event in May,” Ann says, “at which
Groff, and “many, many others.” She’s also a fan of we will celebrate the transition of ownership and
short stories and essays, and “who,” she says, “doesn’t — more importantly — also mark the retirement
love a good cookbook or a beautiful picture book that of the fabulous Debbie. We are hopeful that some
sends you flying off into another world?” restrictions will be lifted by then, and we will be
However, she promises, “I certainly don’t intend to able to gather together outside among friends, old
be pushing any specific books onto our customers.” and new, to enjoy some great stories, and delicious
In her time in the shop so far, Ann’s been happy food and drinks.”
to meet and talk to so many young people. Ann is looking forward to that chapter too.
— John Pigeau
12 www.thehumm.com March 2021You can also read
