Busy week out and about TMR! I have written of the intergenerational project instigated by the Table de consultation des aînés de Mont-Royal and Carlyle school, recounting their first event, a lunch at Town Hall, and a subsequent afternoon of theatre shared between our Town seniors and the students.
On Friday afternoon, I attended the final event of the project. The gymnasium at Carlyle was set up with tables and the roughly 35 Town seniors who have been part of each phase of these events were treated to a lunch of yummy sandwiches, tea, and home baked dessert squares.
Over two hours, each class came to the gym to present a piece of entertainment, and to share some of their project books with the guests. They sang songs like Imagine, recited poetry, lovely poetry reflecting their individual selves, told stories, and shared scrapbooks of their family trees and other projects they have put together over the school year. After each presentation, the students were asked to accept tiny plants as gifts, perhaps a symbol that the caring and nurturing does not end here.
As a project, this was a huge success! And a lot of work and effort. The Table de consultation is comprised of TMR organizations, and among those involved were the police (Lyne Aidens and Commander Vincent Richer) and the Recreation Centre, particularly Jan Lauer and the giving members of the Town Adult Centre, Gilles Rochette, and Suzette McMaster Clément from the Volunteer Centre.
Also involved, of course, was the staff of Carlyle School. In a world which is way open to suggestiveness and influence, in a world so uncertain, they focus on building up these young minds to be open and loving, thoughtful and creative, building a solid belief and acceptance of both their heritage and their self esteem. The integrity was right there, in the sharing of the projects, and in the bonds formed between the generations. Kudos to all involved, and thanks for the inspiration!
I know this may be hard to believe, but I am a rather shy person. So it was a great surprise to find myself out on a Saturday night, solo, attending the Mayhem and Madness event at the Mount Royal United Church. I thought it might be something to write about, and boy oh boy, was it ever!
This event was a dinner and variety show presented by members of the church to provide fun, pure and simple. The dinner featured deliciously marinated and succulent chicken, and the company was fabulous!
Amongst those who welcomed me at their table were the charming John Mackay, long time TMR resident who is very much involved in our community, Councillor John Miller and his wife Betty Miller, Administrative Assistant of the church, Music Director Michel Gauthier, and choir soloist Jessica Wise. The levity began with dinner and the presentation of many fabulous door prizes, and that was just the beginning.
The variety show of 11 vignettes was touted as the first "annual" event, with a big question mark highlighting the "annual". It better be, because it was fantastic! Skits included Gretel John performing a classical musical piece with words amended to reflect all the stock lines of a manic mom, the Minister's wife, Sue Clinker, Linda Higgins, Jessica Wise, Rev. David Clinker and Terry Higgins in a hilarious scene about the clash of operatic divas (the chemistry between Sue Clinker and Linda Higgins was reminiscent of Absolutely Fabulous, would love to see more!), and Dr. David Stubington performing The Bricklayer's Letter proved himself to be a true thespian.
Who doesn't enjoy a little burlesque? Emsey Elkas, Bill Grier, Ralph Rodschat, Don Cogland and Don Cho both delighted and horrified in glitter dresses, really red lipstick, and a few choreographed moves that can only be complimented. A clever piece featuring Betty Miller as a blonde, nail filing church assistant organizing a basketball competition with invited guests Michelle and Barack Obama (played by Lorna Dougan and Tun Thwin), with special guests John McCain (Bob Henderson) and the infamous Sarah Palin, portrayed by Gay Elkas, providing pop culture references.
Closing the show with nostalgia, the devoted and clever Heather Copeland as the Carol Burnett cleaning lady character. Heather was the driving force behind the Mayhem and Madness...and a great job she and all participants did!
