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Things to do in and around Chatham-Kent!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

This column will list happenings within and around Chatham-Kent. If you or your group would like to have your event listed e-mail us at editor@cktimes.ca or phone 519-627-5978. Daily March 21 to September 20: The Ridge House Museum is open daily from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Appease your senses with a personally guided tour of this beautifully restored 1875 home. Large groups are welcome with advanced booking. General admission is by donation. For more information or to book a tour please contact the Ridge House Museum curator @ 519 674 2223 or email ckridgehouse@chatham-kent.ca First Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m., October thru March Sydenham Field Naturalists meetings and Indoor Programs are held on the 2nd floor of the Wallaceburg Municipal Service Centre, Dufferin Ave., Wallaceburg. See individual dates for Program details. 2nd Wednesday of every month The CK Dramatists Society will meet at the Chatham Cultural Centre beginning on February 10th and will be modified by musical theatre writer Jenne Watson Pickard. The CK Dramatists Society is a forum for dramatic writers to come together, share their work, and receive feedback from their peers. Anyone who writes plays, screenplays, television shows, or musicals is encouraged to participate. Anyone who wishes to join should contact Mark Reinhart at 519 350 7477 or tredmark@hotmail.com 4th Wednesday of every month, 8:00 p.m. The KENT COUNTY STAMP CLUB meets in the library at John McGregor Secondary School, 300 Cecile Ave., Chatham every month except July, August and December. Third Wednesday of the month, 7:00 p.m. The CHATHAM KENT QUILTERS' GUILD meets at St. Paul's Congregational Church Hall, 450 Park Ave., W., Chatham. New members and guests welcome. Contact ltrinacty@hotmail.com for more information. Wednesday afternoons or Friday mornings Join the Wii Bowling League at the Wallaceburg Seniors’ Community Centre. No stairs to climb. This can be done sitting in a chair if you are unable to stand. A FUN SOCIAL 2 HOURS. All gaming equipment will be provided. No prior experience with the Wii console is necessary. The league using the Wii electronic game console will be composed of two-person teams. Teams do not have to attend every week, but will need to attend enough days to complete the league schedule. Teams will vie for the “Golden Shoes” Trophy . Less impressive prizes will be handed out to the teams managing the best average score, the best single game score and whatever other milestones or achievements we deem worthy, Sign up dead line by: Oct. 2nd. Fall league 10 weeks ( Oct. 8 Dec. 10th) Wed. 1 3pm or Fridays 9:30 -11:30am. Everyone welcome. Call the Centr at 519-627-6224 for more information. Every Thursday, Sept. 1 to June 30, 6:30 p.m. The Kiwanis Club of Ridgetown meets weekly in the basement of the Mount Zion Presbyterian Church, 59 Main St. E., Ridgetown. Summer meetings are hosted by members at various local addresses. Every Second and Fourth Friday of each month, 7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. TEENS ROCK for teenagers in grades 7 - 10 meets at the Gym at Charlemont Free Methodist Church, 30127 Brigden Road, R.R.#5, Wallaceburg for basketball, volleyball, soccer, table games, outdoor games, campfires, cookouts, camping trips, community service projects and more. Call 627-8170 or 627-4965 for more details or e-mail janice_smith@cogeco.ca. Fourth Wednesday of every Month Located in the Region of Chatham-Kent, Tulip Tree Needlearts is a chapter of the Embroiderersí Association of Canada www.eac.ca. The aim of the organization is to preserve traditional techniques and promote new challenges in the Art of Embroidery through education and networking. Meetings are the 4th Tuesday of every month. For information on meetings or classes please phone 519 674-5538 or 519 354-8590. Workshops are designed to offer members an opportunity to learn both new and advanced methods of needlework. Projects and Classes are ongoing throughout the year. Stitch-ins are held regularly in members homes throughout the region of Chatham-Kent. These offer an opportunity for members to share expertise and ideas. Tulip Tree Needlearts offers group and individual courses through the Embroiderersí Association of Canada. Membership is $50.00 and includes a subscription to the quarterly national magazine Embroidery Canada. January 8 to February 21 Kernel Memory consists of 9 acorns and one pinecone which have been enlarged (at the ratio of 1:12), fitted with USB plugs and sculpted in marble. No longer disposable or seasonal, the marble creates permanency. These fictitious forms create tension between two worlds of understanding. In form the objects are tangible but in concept they remain intangible because they are impossible. The addition of the USB plugs asks us to imagine what these forms might plug into, communicate with, or enable. By replacing the stems with USB plugs, the sculptures have their connection to the tree that nourished them replaced with an umbilical link to the contemporary techno-cultural world. Laura Moore grew up in Chatham and currently resides in Toronto. Moore has a BFA from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and an MFA from York University in Toronto. She has taught various sculpture techniques as well as drawing at York University, Toronto School of Art and Koffler Centre of Art. The opening reception for Kernel Memory will take place on January 23rd, at 8pm as part of the Thames Art Gallery’s second annual Winter ARTcrawl and coincide with the opening of In the Manner of Manet a Thames Art Gallery Community Arts Initiative. Laura Moore will be on hand to talk about her work. The Thames Art Gallery is located at 75 William Street N, Chatham, ON and open 7 days a week from 1pm-5 pm. January 11 to February 19 Chatham-Kent Teachers and Principals can now book their grade 6 and grade 5/6 classes for safety education programming at the Children’s Safety Village, located in C.M. Wilson Conservation Area. Chatham-Kent Police will address Internet Safety and Cyber Proofing, Chatham-Kent Paramedics will teach Basic First-Aid and the role of the paramedic, and C-K Farm Safety Association will focus on ATV, lawnmower and farm safety. All programs presented are set as per the Ontario School Curriculum guidelines. This service is free of charge thanks to the many sponsors and donors who care about the personal safety training of the youth of Chatham-Kent. Bookings are based on a first come first serve basis. Call 519-360-1270 or visit www.cksafetyvillage.org to book your class or for more information. Thursday evenings, January 14 to February 18, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Thames Art Gallery is offering a Waterless Lighography workshop as part of their Spring Exploring the Arts session. No previous experience necessary. All materials are included. Cost is $150. Call 519-354-8338 or go on line at www.cktickets.com. February 3-27 The ARTspace exhibit The Secret Life of Crows explores the imaginary world of crows which we humans do not see. As loyal and clannish creatures, these crows go about their daily lives and exhibit unique personalities. Like humans, they have families, jobs and "characters" in their communities. Viewed from a distance as dark and ugly, these birds have a flair for bright colours and shiny things. Legend has it that only sympathetic humans can catch a glimpse of the "real" crow behind the feathers. Beverly Fish is a full time artist residing in Chatham Kent. She works in mixed media, and her subject matter usually involves an imaginary world of animals presented in a whimsical manner. Attracted to bright and shiny things, much of her work includes embellishments that shimmer and sparkle. Besides creating work in her studio, she teaches private art lessons and conducts workshops at galleries. She is a visual arts graduate of Lambton College, University of Windsor (BFA) and Western university (BEd). ARTspace is a gallery featuring artwork for sale created by Chatham-Kent artists. ARTspace is located at 165½ King Street in downtown Chatham, Ontario. ARTspace is open 12p.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. ARTspace is a Thames Art Gallery community arts initiative in partnership with the Community Futures Development Corporation and Municipality of Chatham-Kent Community Partnership Fund. February 4, 5, & 6, 8:00 p.m. nightly Theatre Kent presents The Elephant Man by Bernard Pomerance. This Tony-Award winning play, based on the life of John Merrick, will be directed by Jane Ingraham. For tickets call Chatham Cultural Centre Box Office, 75 William Street North in Chatham, or by calling 519-354-8338, or on cktickets.com. For more information on Theatre Kent or to get involved either on stage or backstage, visit www.theatrekent.org or call 519-436-0043. Friday, February 5 Choreographers Wanted. Proposals are due today for Dances in the Park this summer. This event is an outdoor dance festival held in Tecumseh Park July 15-17, featuring local choreographers and performers. Dances in the Park is the Chatham-Kent version of Dusk Dances, a hugely popular summer event that has brought contemporary and traditional dance to public parks across Canada since 1993. The first step in producing this event is to choose choreographers who will each develop a piece, choose their dancers & their music, conduct rehearsals and present their piece during the 3-day festival. Here are the details: Anyone interested in creating an original work for this festival is asked to submit a letter of interest and proposal containing the following: • Choreographer’s Resume • Description of the idea/theme/concept for the dance • Estimated number of dancers to be involved and their ages • If available, it would be beneficial to submit a dvd containing a sample of your work – something that would represent the type of dance you would create for this event. Potential candidates should keep in mind that the focus of this event is contemporary and modern dance. Traditional/ethnic dance submissions are also welcome. We are looking for individuals who can create a unique piece that will excite, challenge, and entertain our audience. Proposals are due by Friday, February 5th, 2010. For more information regarding Dances in the Park or for questions regarding your proposal, please contact Jamie Johnston either by phone or email (see below). There are 5 choreographer positions available for the 2010 event. Choreographer positions are only open to current residents or natives of Chatham-Kent. Pending grant approvals, an honorarium will be given to choreographers. We welcome all submissions however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We will also be compiling a list of interested dancers which will be given to the choreographers to assist them in casting their pieces. Interested dancers should submit their name, age, contact information and brief description of their dance background by February 5th, 2010. Saturday, February 6 Owls are the focus of the annual Moonlight Winter Family Hike event at Longwoods Road Conservation Area. Join us for an extraordinary evening hosted by the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority in partnership with the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Foundation. Bring the family to enjoy the many activities offered both inside the Resource Centre and outdoors. Pre-registration for this event is mandatory. Admission for this fun-filled event is $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for youth 6-17, and children under 6 are free. Enjoy a 30-minute guided hike through the forest in a moonlight search for owls. Hikes start just outside the Resource Centre at 6:15, 7:00, 7:45, and 8:30 p.m. Due to the popularity of this event, pre-registration for your specified hike time is necessary for all participants (children and adults) as there are a limited number of spaces per hike. A bonfire will also be blazing outdoors to warm up by and hot dogs will be roasted for the kids to enjoy. Come before your scheduled hike time or stay later to take part in various activities inside the Resource Centre. ● At 6:30, 7:30 or 8:30, a special presentation by Lynn Eves and her feathered friends from the Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation will take place. She will teach you about our local owls and the important role they play in the environment. ● Master Carver George Wickham will provide wonderful creations and demonstrations of wildlife woodcarving. ● Enjoy some homemade chili and a hot drink. ● Make an owl craft. ● Enjoy an Owls in Ontario educational presentation in our theater. ● View Resource Centre displays. ● Investigate an owl pellet. Please bring your own bowls, mugs and spoons so that you can enjoy some homemade chili, a fresh roll and a hot beverage. Don’t forget to dress appropriately for the weather! No dogs and/or cross-country skis will be permitted at the event. To register call the Resource Centre at 519-264-2420 during regular business hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Saturday, February 6, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mall Day for Junior Achievement Company Programs at Lambton Mall. Their products will be on display and for sale and achievers will be available for any questions the public may have regarding JA. Saturday, February 6, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Celebrate Black History Month with an old fashioned afternoon at the Buxton Museum. Challenge your intellect with black heritage games such as the Buxton spin on Jeopardy and Trivial Pursuit. Tease your taste buds with decadent desserts. The Buxton Historical Society invites you to wander down their newly created “The Paper Trail” featuring historic documents and memorabilia from the Buxton Museum. Admission free. For further information telephone 519 352 4799. Web site: wwwbuxtonmuseum.com Sunday, February 7 Everyone is invited to the Charles Dickens Community Banquet. Discover Chatham-Kent between 1812 to 1870. Guest speakers will be local historians Jim & Lisa Gilbert discussing the history of Chatham-Kent during the life span of Charles Dickens. Begin your bicentennial celebration of the War of 1812 with us at the Armory, Tecumseh Park, William St., Chatham. Festivities begin at 3:00, Dinner at 4:30. Tickets by calling 519-354-9786. Monday, February 8, 7:00 p.m. The Kiwanis Theatre is featuring one of the greatest romantic comedies in film history, “It Happened One Night”. A pioneer of the screwball comedy genre, this movie holds up very well 76 years after it was made. This is the story of spoiled heiress Ellie Andrews (Claudette Colbert), who jumps ship from her father's yacht (literally!) in Florida after an argument with said father (played by Walter Connolly) over her marrying wealthy playboy King Westley (Jameson Thomas) without her father's consent. Ellie is on a mission- to get to New York to King Westley. But how will she do it? That's how Peter Warne (played by a delightfully handsome Clark Gable) comes into the story. Recently fired from his newspaper job, Peter meets Ellie on the Night Bus to New York, and, realizing who she is (Her story is all over the news, after all!), offers to help her get to NY and Westley if she gives him an exclusive story- to win him back his job. And so the fun begins. Colbert and Gable have great chemistry as the mismatched couple thrown together after a series of unusual circumstances. The trip isn't a smooth one- and we are taken on a wild ride with Peter and Ellie, which gives us great scenes such as the doughnut-dunking lesson, Walls Of Jericho and the now-classic hitchhiking scene. The humour is still fresh and fast-paced over 76 years later. There is the classic 'no undershirt scene' where Gable sexily gives Colbert a lesson in how a man undresses, to reveal (shock horror!) no undershirt, but a bare chest! This had a bad effect on the sales of men's undershirts, which dropped dramatically after the film's release (one of the first examples of product placement in film). It Happened One Night won 5 Oscars- Best Picture, Best Director (Frank Capra), Best Actress and Best Actor for Colbert and Gable and Best Adaptation. Tickets for Cake & Classics: “It Happened One Night “ are $10 each and include the movie, a piece of decadent cake, and a glass of wine. There will not be an intermission. To reserve your seat and piece of decadent cake, contact the Cultural Centre box office at 519.354.8338, come in to 75 William Street North, or log onto www.cktickets.com. Tuesday, February 9 Open House for the Junior Achievement Company Program located at the Sarnia Lambton Business Development Corporation (SLBDC) 109 Durand Street, Sarnia. Junior Achievement of South Western Ontario has offered the Company Program to area high school students for over 40 years. This evening program has benefited thousands of local youth throughout the years. Young people from across the Municipality have taken this opportunity to organize and manage a business with the assistance of advisors from the local business community. The Company Program creates a practical learning environment in which profit and loss are secondary to comprehending fundamental business principles and developing marketable skills. This year Companies have been sponsored by Suncor Energy and Ontario Power Generation. JA is presenting an open invitation for everyone to attend our Open House Day. Young people participating in the JA Company Programs will be present and will have their products on display and available for purchase. Members of the JA Staff and Board will also be on hand to answer questions and promote public awareness for JA’s ideas, principles and philosophies. February 9, 10, 11, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Job Search Workshop- Entering the Canadian Workplace. Job Search Workshop for newcomers to Canada who have not found a job of their choice. This is a free three-day workshop that provides resume writing and cover letters tips, interview preparation, strategies to tap hidden job markets, self-branding and networking, and more. To register or for more information call Connie or Norma at 519-354-7424 Adult Language & Learning Centre 48 Fifth St., 3rd floor Suite 310, Chatham. Thursday, February 11, 7:00 p.m. This is the first evening in the Chatham-Kent Museum's Winter Lecture Series: Winter Tales and Words of Wisdom. During the "Loyalist's Tale", Doug Robinson will regale the audience with his portrayal of Shamus Gunn. This first person story of struggle, courage, and friendship in early Upper Canada will begin with the American Revolution, and end at the beginning of the War 1812. All lectures include refreshments, and will take place in Studio One of the Cultural Centre. Tickets may be purchased by calling 519.354.8338, visiting the Cultural Centre box office at 75 William Street North Chatham, or visiting www.cktickets.com Limited tickets will also be available at the door. Thursday, February 11, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Chatham-Kent Etsy Team Valentine’s Trunk Show at The Paper Pickle, 44 Fourth Street, Chatham. Come to buy or come to sell handmade or vintage items, art and supplies with the Etsy Team, part of the world's most vibrant handmade marketplace. For further information contact Brenda Braun brenda--braun@hotmail.com Thursday, February 11, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wabash Womens Institute is holding its annual chili dinner at the Wabash Hall. Proceeds in support of Chatham-Kent Childrens Centre. All welcome. Freewill donation. Friday, February 12, 6:00 p.m. The Rotary Club of Chatham Sunrise is holding its 4th Annual Mardi Gras Dinner and Dance at the Active Life Style Centre at 20 Merritt Ave., Chatham. Proceeds will benefit the new YMCA facility and other Rotary sponsored projects. Dinner and Dance (featuring Blutonium), Live and Silent Auctions, Beads and Coins, New Orleans style fare, coffee and desserts. $45 per person. For tickets or information call 519-354-5172. Friday, February 12, 10:00 a.m Ontario Heritage Week kicks off at The Armoury with the Theme – “Our Changing Landscape”. Senior Ontario Heritage Trust members will be in Chatham-Kent for the start of Ontario Heritage Week. Arts and Heritage organizations are encouraged to create information displays. To request space at tables provided by the organizers please contact Mike Sawchuck of the Ontario Heritage Trust Michael.Sawchuck@heritagetrust.on.ca . For additional details as they become available check the web site http://www.heritagefdn.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/nts_1_2804_1.html Friday, February 12, 8:00 p.m. Valentine's Pop, a concert by Orchestra London. A selection of love songs with songstress Sonja Gustafson and conductor Jeff Christmas at the Kiwanis Theatre, Chatham Cultural Centre. For tickets call 519-350-8338 or visit www.cktickets.com. Saturday, February 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Daniel and Josh (gr.8 boys from St. Vincent School) will be selling candy kabobs at Sobey's, 215 Park Ave., Chatham to benefit the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Chatham-Kent. February 13, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Park Street Place Dresden is having a Heart Healthy Luncheon featuring the Red Hat Society and “Elvis”. Saturday, February 13 Charity Valentine Ball to Benefit Local Youth. This Valentine’s celebrate in style by attending the Winter Palace Valentine Ball. Being held on Saturday, February 13th, 2010, at the newly renovated Chatham Armoury , the charity ball will feature an enchanted evening of live auction packages, a gourmet dinner and live music. Dress is black tie optional and local shuttle service home will be available (Chatham only). The evening is being held by and for the Chatham-Kent Children’s Safety Village, a non-profit organization that provides free safety education to thousands of local youth. Host for the evening is Police Chief Dennis Poole. Tickets are $75.00 each and can be purchased by calling 519-360-1270 or by email alzirac@cksafetyvillage.org. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are still available. To learn more about the Children’s Safety Village visit www.cksafetyvillage.org. Saturday, February 13, 5:00 p.m. The annual VON Chocolate Lovers' Dinner Gala takes place at Club Lentinas in Chatham. Doors open at 5 p.m. Come and enjoy exquisite cuisine, wine tasting by local wineries, raffle and Silent and Live Auctions as well as the signature Chocolate Lovers' Buffet. Entertainment by Ryan St. Denis. Tickets are $90 ($40 tax receipt) each or two for $175 and are available from the VON office at 519-352-4462. Saturday, February 13, 7:00 p.m. Come to East Side Prides' February Valentines Fun Bingo at the W.I.S.H. Centre, 177 King St. E., Chatham. Entrance fee is 6 cards for $10, extra cards are $1. Must be 18 years of age to play. Bring your own bingo chips or use supplied corn. Dabbers or markers for special games only. Refreshments available. Call 519-351-6629 for more information. Saturday, February 13 Enjoy Valentine's Day with a Twist when Thamesville Rotary Club and United Church men's Club present "O. Henry Meets Doo-Wap" at Thamesville United Church. The Love Stories of O. Henry will be read to you by a few good men (Keith Bruce, Michael Dick, Doug Mitton and Eric Shaw) and you'll enjoy the songs of Five Guys and Dulce Jubilo. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. , show starts at 7:00 p.m Dinner and show is $30, show only $15. For tickets call Janet at 519-692-4645. Sunday, February 14, Talbot Street United Church at 3741 Talbot Trail (aka Hwy#3) is having their Annual Pancake Supper. Price includes a full course, coleslaw, desserts and beverages. Adults $10, 6-12 year olds $5, 5 years and under free. Monday, February 15, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Looking for a great way to celebrate Ontario’s newest holiday? The Friends of Rondeau are sponsoring our 2nd annualFamily Day Tracks and Trails Scavenger Hunt. Bring your family out to Rondeau Provincial Park and spend some time together as you explore nature, search for clues and learn to recognize the tracks left behind by our wild neighbours. Start your adventure at Rondeau’s Visitor Centre to get your scavenger hunt map and trivia challenge. The Visitor Centre will be open on Monday, from 10am to 4pm. Wednesday, February 17, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The 2nd Annual Dream Wedding Giveaway will take place at Retro Suites Hotel with a grand Prize package worth over $10,000 during an exclusive wedding showcase. Contest rules and a detailed list of prizes can be found at www.winaweddingchatham.com along with a downloadable passport needed to enter the contest. February 17-20, 8:00 p.m., Matinee on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Chatham-Kent Secondary School presents Footloose, The Musical at the Chatham Cultural Centre. Tickets are $16 for adults, $15 for seniors, $12 for students and are available from the Chatham Cultural Centre Box Office or online at www.cktickets.com. Thursday, February 18, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Hearty Soup Lunch and Recognition Event – 20th Anniversary at The Armoury 44 William St N (Warrener New Armoury) by Armoury Four Diamond Catering – 11am to 1pm $7 at door or in advance by calling Heart & Stroke at 519-354-6232 – Delivery orders of 10 or more at $5 each fax orders or call orders to Heart & Stroke (PH 519-354-6232 FAX 519-354-6351) Saturday, February 20 Local enactor Doug Robinson as Shamus Gunn tells the story of Richard Pierpoint - slave, soldier, settler. Brought from Senegal as a slave for a British officer, Pierpoint won his freedom fighting for the crown during the Revolutionary War. At the start of the War of 1812, while already inhis sixties, he raised an all-black company of volunteers to fight the Americans again! The tale will be told at a benefit dinner for the Amherstburg Heritage Homecoming Association at the Amherstburg Legion. There will be a candle light dinner of roast chicken, period music, Shaymus' story and more. Tickets are $12, available after Feb. 1. Saturday, February 20, 7:00 p.m. The Foundation of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance holds its 3rd Annual Dancing for the Stars at the Kinsmen Auditorium. Dancing for the Stars will feature five local physicians and on nurse practitioner performing with professional dancers from Toronto and a special musical performance by Brooke Nicholls. Proceeds from the event will benefit Chatham-Kent Health Alliance's Highest Priority Needs. Tickets are $90 each which includes an evening of entertainment, a late night buffet and an open dance featuring social, Latin and club-style dancing. Tickets can be purchased at the Foundation of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance at 9 Ursuline Avenue in Chatham or by calling 519-436-2538. Sunday, February 21, 7:00 p.m. “Heart and Stroke gets Marooned” see you at the Chatham Maroons Game. Heart and Stroke draws this evening. Door prizes and donations to sponsor this event are welcomed. E-mail lkbritton@hsf.on.ca Tuesday, February 23, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce hosts the second part of its 2010 Agribusiness Workshop Series, "Business Planning", presented by Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association. Cost per workshop is $12 members and $30 non-members (+GST) . There is a discount if booked with the January 26th workshop. Continental breakfast at 7:45 a.m. Workshops are at the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce Office, 54 Fourth St., Chatham. To register or for information call 519-352-7540. Wednesday, February 24, 7:00 p.m. Dresden Horticultural Society meets at Trinity Christian Centre. Thursday, February 25, 8:00 a.m. 122nd Annual General Meeting of the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce will take place at Smitty's Banquet Room, 307 Grand Ave.W., Chatham. Buffet Breakfast. $15 per person. For reservations call Sarah Smith, Administrative Assistant, 519-352-7540, ext. 21. February 27, March 6, 13 and 20 Two great Saturday classes are beginning. For kids ages 5-7, join Irene in creating a “busytown” out of cardboard boxes. Kids will create their own characters to live in their kid sized town. Build a beauty shop, police station, fire station, boat dock, house or playground for your characters to play, live and work in! All supplies are included. Children should dress to get dirty as some art supplies don’t wash out! Cost is $55. Time: 10 am - noon. For kids ages 8-12, join Melissa Pierce for a fun and reflective class. Participants will create collaged memory boxes based on their own memories and important aspects of their lives. Have your child capture a snapshot of their lives in art that they can keep for years to come. Participants will also use found objects to make real working clocks as Melissa the class explore Time and Memory. Participants are asked to bring personal memorabilia, all other supplies are included. Cost is $60. Time: 1-3 pm. Spaces are limited. To reserve, call the box office at 519-354-8338, come into 75 William Street North, or log on towww.cktickets.com. Wednesday, March 3 Patricia M's Luncheon Fashion Show takes place at Rossini's Restaurant, 634 Grand Ave. E., Chatham. Call 352-2920 for reservations. Proceeds to Chatham Block Parents Program. Fashion stores: Janie's Fashions. Friday, March 5, 10:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Dufflebag Theatre is known for fun-filled and hilarious, interactive storytelling theatre! Since 1992, the “Nearly World Famous” DuffleBag Theatre has become one of the most celebrated companies at festivals and schools across the country. The DuffleBag actors begin the retelling of original adaptations of select fairy tales and Shakespearean classics full of wit and humour. Just when the audience becomes enthralled by the story - a twist is created! Before your very eyes, students (and maybe even a teacher) are asked to come up on stage and join in the action. This unpredictable performance is a hilarious experience for all ages and a truly unique interactive theatrical experience where the dream of living a fairy tale actually does come true! Tickets are $10 per person or $5 for groups of 10 or more. To reserve your seats for the 10:30am show or the 7:00pm show, please come in to 75 William Street North, phone 519.354.8338, or log on to www.cktickets.com. Saturday, March 6 & 13, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Ridge House Museum in Ridgetown presents Knit-a-Slipper, a workshop designed for beginners who know the basics of knitting and are looking for their first project. the workshop will give participants the tools and practice they need to make a warm pair of slippers for the winter. The cost will be $21, including gst and yarn; participants are asked to bring their own knitting needles (size 5mm or U.S. 8). This workshop is recommended for individuals with an understanding of the basics of knitting, including: casting on & off, knitting & purling. Our knitting instructors will set the pace accordingly. This workshop aims to please, with lots of fun, some great learning, and of course some social activities too! There will be refreshments and small snacks served. So come on out and knit yourself a pair of slippers! To register for The Ridge House Museum’s Knit-a-Slipper Workshop please call Nicole at 519. 354. 8346 ex 39 or email ckridgehouse@chatham-kent.ca. Space is limited so book before March 1 now to avoid disappointment. Monday, March 8, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Chatham Kent Women’s Centre invites you to celebrate International Women’s Day with their event, “Through Women’s Hands” an exquisite display of local talent. The art show and sale will take place at the Portuguese Canadian Club. All are welcome. If you are interested in submitting a piece of art for sale at this event or have any questions, please contact the Chatham Kent Women’s Centre at 519-351-9411 ext 0. Thursday, March 11, 7:00 p.m. This is the second evening in the Chatham-Kent Museum's Winter Lecture Series: Winter Tales and Words of Wisdom. Mario Cini, a book and paper conservator will pass on his words of wisdom to help preserve book and paper treasures, as well as what can be done to improve the condition of these objects during the presentation of “Caring for your Book and Paper Treasures” . Examples of 16th century hand made papers, 17th century prints and 18th century bound books will also be on display. All lectures include refreshments, and will take place in Studio One of the Cultural Centre. Tickets may be purchased by calling 519.354.8338, visiting the Cultural Centre box office at 75 William Street North Chatham, or visiting www.cktickets.com Limited tickets will also be available at the door. Friday, March 12, 8:00 p.m. Brooke Nicholls returns home to Chatham for a concert at the Kiwanis Theatre. Brooke Nicholls is a Singer/Song Writer/Performer who was born and raised in Chatham, Ontario. She is working on her debut album and her most recent tracks have expanded successfully into the R&B/Pop/Soul genre, showing a wider variety of her vocal ability and versatility. Tickets to see Brooke Nicholls in concert are $25. Member discounts are available. To reserve your seats, please come in to 75 William Street North, phone 519.354.8338, or log on to www.cktickets.com. Saturday, March 13 At a benefit for the Maidstone and Area Bicentennial Museum, Shaymus Gunn (acted by Doug Robinson) tells of the Life and Times of General Brock. From his boyhood on Guernsey to the duel on Barbados, from the Mutiny at Fort George to his victory at Detroit and his tragic death at Queenston Heights, Brock earned the title "The Hero of Upper Canada"! This event will be held at the Essex Legion. Tickets are $12 and are available after Feb. 20th. Included are a candlelight dinner (pasta buffet), period music, story by Shaymus and more. March 15-19, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (March Break) The Stars will Shine this March Break for children ages 5 - 16 as Take A Bow Productions conduct a full-day Monday - Friday 9:00-4:00, exciting drama program. Students will work with Dance, movement, blacklight theatre, plays, skits, mask making and will perform a variety show on their final day for family and friends. Class size is limited to 20 students. Lunch is supervised and early drop-off and late pick-up is offered. The cost of this 5-day March Break Drama program is 135.00 and all materials are included. To register, call the Chatham Cultural Centre at 519.354.8338 or register online at www.cktickets.com and click on the event calendar. Saturday, March 20, 8:00 p.m. The Glass Onion Folk Club of the Wallaceburg and District Council for the Arts presents Daddy Long Legs, last year's Best New Artist at the Maple Blues Awards. They'll be at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 18 in Wallaceburg for a great evening of blues. Tuesday, March 23, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. At either the Thames Art Gallery Studio One or the Kiwanis Theatre, there will be an opportunity to link arts groups, heritage organizations and artists with business leaders in the community with matching financial support from the provincial government. Workshops on both days are open to artists as well as art and heritage organizations. For further information contact Patricia Peters patriciap@chatham-kent.ca Thursday, April 1, 7:00 p.m. The third instalment of the Chatham-Kent Museum's Winter Lecture Series: Winter Tales and Words of Wisdom will be an enthusuast's guide to finding, growing and landscaping with Carolinian trees. All lectures include refreshments, and will take place in Studio One of the Cultural Centre. Tickets may be purchased by calling 519.354.8338, visiting the Cultural Centre box office at 75 William Street North Chatham, or visiting www.cktickets.com Limited tickets will also be available at the door. April 6 to 16 and April 27 The Chatham Kiwanis Music Festival Committee has recently announced the dates for the 65th Annual Chatham Kiwanis Music Festival. The Festival will be held from April 6 to April 16, 2010. The Grand Concert is scheduled for Tuesday, April 27. Free copies of the Festival syllabus are available at Tony’s One Stop Music Shoppe, Frank’s Music Centre, Strings ‘N’ Things and Gospel Text Book Store in Chatham. Entries must be postmarked no later than November 16, 2009. Band and Choirs entries must be postmarked no later than Dec. 1, 2009. Registrations can be submitted online, for a reduced entry fee, to www.chathamkiwanis.com/musicfestival, beginning November 1. Registrants are encouraged to use online registration but entries can still be submitted by mail. For further information, contact Lois Pepper at 519-354-8644 or Mary Alice Marchand at 519-354-0962 or mamrelxd@mnsi.net. Wednesday, April 7 Patricia M's Luncheon Fashion Show takes place at Rossini's Restaurant, 634 Grand Ave.E., Chatham. Call 519-352-2920. Proceeds to Outreach for Hunger. Saturday, April 10, 8:00 p.m. Chatham-Kent singer and recording artist Jade Lester will be launching her new CD, "Love's Funny That Way" at the Kiwanis Theatre in Chatham. This compilation of country/pop songs contains material written by top songwriters from Ontario to Nashville to L.A. CD's will be available this night only for $10. Tickets for this special evening are $20. Call the Cultural Centre at 75 William St. N., Chatham at 519-354-8338, or visit www.cktickets.com. Wednesday, May 5 Patricia M's Luncheon Fashion Show takes place at the Satellite Restaurant, 145 King St.E., Chatham. Call 519-352-5281 for reservations. Proceeds to Chatham Kent Big Sisters. May 6, 7, 8, 2010 Theatre Kent’s subscription season wraps up with Opening Night. This hilarious comedy written by Canadian favourite Norm Foster and directed by Jan Holt tells the story of an unusual evening out at the theatre. For tickets call the Chatham Cultural Centre Box Office, 75 William Street North in Chatham, or by calling 519-354-8338, or on cktickets.com. For more information on Theatre Kent or to get involved either on stage or backstage, visit www.theatrekent.org or call 519-436-0043. Saturday, May 8 Doors Open Chatham-Kent will have Heritage Buildings in the west side of Chatham-Kent open for viewing. For further information contact Sheila Gibbs at 519-351-2958, Sgibbs@doorsopenchatham-kent.com http://www.doorsopenchatham-kent.com . Saturday, May 15, 8:00 p.m. Susu Abdo, Megan Robbins, and The Kiwanis Theatre present a night of Egyptian dance. In partnership with local dancers, Sahara: An Evening of Middle Eastern Belly Dance will take you on a journey back in time along the banks of the Nile River to ancient Egypt where Pharaohs ruled the land. Professional belly dance artists Abdo and Robbins, along with their respective dance troupes Troupe Abdo and Ala Naar and The Sultanas will entertain you with a professional action packed evening representing all forms of Middle Eastern Dance. Tickets are $17/adults, $12 for seniors and students. Call the box office at 519.354.8338, come in to 75 William Street North, or log on to www.cktickets.com. Wednesday, June 2 Patricia M's Luncheon Fashion Show takes place at Glitters Fun Eatery, 162 King St., Chatham. Cal 519-352-0820 for reservations. Proceeds to the Kidney Foundation. June 11, 12, 13 Annual conference under the auspices of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario and Community Heritage Ontario. The three main areas of exploration will be Places of Worship, Barns and other rural architecture, Kent County Architecture. Main venue will be University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus with numerous excursion lectures around much of Chatham-Kent. For further information contact President/Chair John Taylor on 519 674 3022 or rondeau1@xplornet.com June 12-24 Desmond Juried Art Exhibition & Sale at the Alumni Lounge, University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus. “Celebrating Canadian Rural Living” is the theme of this sale show of art in any medium. For further information contact Douglas Desmond on 519 674 1955 or douglasdesmond@desmondlawoffice.ca July 8 to July 18 CK on the Edge, a new Chatham-based edgy arts festival featuring 30 performances – 15 venues. Multidisciplinary – literary, dance, music, visual art by local, provincial and other Canadian artists. Web site being launched on 28th January - www.ckontheedge.com July 15-17 Following the success of last year’s premier event, CKdances will be presenting Dances in the Park again this summer. This event is an outdoor dance festival held in Tecumseh Park featuring local choreographers and performers. Dances in the Park is the Chatham-Kent version of Dusk Dances, a hugely popular summer event that has brought contemporary and traditional dance to public parks across Canada since 1993. July 24, 25 Festival of Porches and Verandahs, Ridgetown. The second year of this successful event offering Victorian fare and festivities in a Victorian town. Added to elegant luncheons on private porches and verandahs will be a chalk art event, Faire Tyme Toys display, Art in the Park, period church service in Watson Grove, a picnic and band concert in the park and a Victorian fashion show with high tea. Other Ridgetown events on the day include the Ridgetown Farmers’ Market, Town-wide Yard Sales and Olde Time sales in local stores. For further information and reservations contact John Taylor on 519 674 3022 or email rondeau1@xplornet.com Saturday, July 31 Art on the Boulevard takes place in Erieau. Tables will be provided for art displays – or artists may provide their own background. All kinds of art is encouraged including music, poetry reading, theatrical performances. For further details contact Mary Anne Patterson PATTERMA@lkdsb.net September 3-6 86th Annual North Buxton Labour Day Weekend Homecoming Celebration takes place in North Buxton. Inaugurated in 1924 as a one-day festival this event which draws thousands of visitors now lasts four days. Friday September 3rd - History & Genealogy Conference Saturday September 4th - Family Feud Baseball Tournament & Party In The Park Sunday September 5th - Special Church Services & more. Monday September 6th - Parade, Car Show, Craft Booths, Food Vendors, Children's activities. Buxton Museum Open to visitors all four days. For more information call 519-352-4799 or check www.buxtonmuseum.com    