“Find out where joy resides, and give it a voice beyond singing. For to miss the joy is to miss all.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson
Joy certainly resided during all of the sold-out performances of Shake Rattle & Roll! The energy and excitement of everyone involved in the production was palatable, and translated to the audience. Some of the comments from the audience included ’What a professional production!”; “They are so good!”; “There was something happening all the time, amazing!”; “…unbelievable how many people were on the stage!”; many said it all with one word, “Wow!” The comments also showed that the love for Elvis continues, and also that an appreciation for opera was ignited in many. There were also several comments that there should have been a second weekend of performances as they would have loved the opportunity to go again, and that everyone should be able to get to see this show.
Thank you to Louise Atchison for your creativity, vision and focus. You are certainly multi-talented, from writing, compiling the music, directing and gathering the phenomenal group of people together. Also, many thanks to Helen MacGregor, who in her role as producer looked after so many moving parts, and kept things organized. Many thanks to everyone involved, I am so very grateful to all of you. This production was 100% voluntary – truly a labour of love!
All the proceeds of this event go to support Kemptville & District Home Support’s seniors’ services. Beyond government funding, United Way funding and any client fees, we have to raise $76,000 every year. This event will go a long way to ensure the services continue.
Thank you to the sponsors of this event and to those who purchased tickets. Also, a huge thank you to the KDHSI volunteers and staff who looked after the canteen area and who, along with Brewed Awakenings, donated the goodies. Please check out our website for information on Shake Rattle & Roll.
We have our ‘Comfort & Joy’ raffle taking place, with the prizes donated by some of the Shake Rattle & Roll sponsors. The first prize is a $250 VIA Rail voucher donated by Far Horizons travel in Kemptville; the second prize is a voucher for 2 passes to the National Arts Centre (some exceptions apply); and, the third prize is a beautiful gift basket. All these prizes would be perfect for Christmas giving. The draw will take place at our Seniors’ Centre, 215 Sanders Street, Suite 101 in Kemptville on December 12. Our ‘Comfort & Joy’ bake sale will be held that day, with offerings of both sweet & savory items.
There are many events planned in the coming months. KDHSI’s Christmas meal will be taking place Wednesday, December 4 at the United Church in Kemptville.
Plans are coming together for the Arts and Aging” events supported by Government of Ontario’s ‘Seniors Community Grant’. The first event is a bus trip to Upper Canada Playhouse on December 11. The other events being held this winter include a bus trip to the National Art Gallery; a bus trip to Brockville Arts Centre; a Creative Dance workshop; and ‘Afternoon & The Arts’ featuring presentations by local artists showcasing different art forms. There will also be a meal planned with all these events.
For more information, and to reserve you spot, please call the Centre at 613-258-3203. These events are sure to fill up quickly as space is limited.
A fun idea for Christmas giving is tickets for our Big Band Dance “A Black & White Affair’, featuring ‘The Jivewires’. This is a dinner and dance taking place on Saturday April 25, 2020 at the North Grenville Municipal Centre.
To find out about events or any of our programs or services, including volunteer opportunities, please give us a call at 613-258-3203; or, stop by the Seniors’ Centre at 215 Sanders Street, suite 101 in Kemptville.
Keep Joyful!
Until next time, Susan
Susan E. Smith, Executive Director Kemptville & District Home Support (KDHSI)
