Canning News

Two Planks and a Passion Theatre presents the production of Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer-Prize winning drama Our Town, directed by artistic director Ken Schwartz. Our Town opened July 3 and runs to July 27.

The live outdoor theatre performance transpires on the picturesque grounds of Ross Creek Centre for the Arts with an acclaimed cast of 12.

The stage is set in the early 1900s in the small town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire. Cast members enter the stage area from the forest, from beside and behind the audience, and even from treetop platforms making for an unforgettable, unique experience. Our Town is a touching story that focuses on the appreciation of life. It’s a must-see, with a profound impact.

Take note: With such a tremendous response so far, Two Planks and a Passion have added a 1 p.m. matinee Sat., July 26 for Our Town.

Performances run from Thursday through Sunday until July 27. Seating is limited so book your tickets ahead at the box office at 1-888-895-4545 or e-mail boxoffice@twoplanks.ca.

The debut performance of the world premiere of Jerome: The Historical Spectacle by Ami McKay, bestselling author of The Birth House, opens Aug. 2 to Aug. 17.

Also, Ross Creek Centre for the Arts gallery features exceptional works by artist Barbara Hill-Taylor until Aug.30. Taylor’s three-dimensional layered quilts depicting beautiful landscapes are displayed on four-sided tapered pyramid-style wrought iron stands as well as traditional wall quilts. You can also view her work at Dalnews.dal.ca.

Gallery opens Tuesday-Friday. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Weekends by appointment or chance. Gallery is closed from Aug. 17-28.

Summer workshops at the centre are designed for beginner to advanced with art for youth 5-13, and writing, art, theatre and film for teens. Adult classes have already focused on poetry and prose with Carole Langille, puppetry with Alice Green and printmaking with Tony Myers.

Still ahead, digital photography and jewellery workshops with Georgia Vandewater; watercolour Aug. 9 with Sara Hartland-Rowe; and singer/songwriter workshop with Laura Smith Aug. 9.

Contact 582-3842 or visit www.artscentre.ca for further information.

The Canning Library offers free membership and is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summer student Candice Davison invites youngsters 3-10 to join her for free storytime, crafts and activities until Aug. 14. Summer reading programs are also available for all ages. Call 582-7699 to register.

Don’t forget to visit the Canning Fieldwood Heritage Society museum above the library and speak with summer student Debbie Chute.

Bookmobile arrives at the Lions Hall July 22 from 7-8 p.m.

Churches of Blomidon Country tour: The Canning Fieldwood Heritage Society and Interchurch Council are organizing a tour of churches north of the Canard River Sun., Aug. 17 from 1–4 p.m.

Fifteen churches are participating so far. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the interior of the buildings and find out what they mean to their communities and visit some of the old graveyards if they choose. A map will be provided and refreshments will be served at some of the churches.

Hall's Harbour Wharf and lobster pound will be open for tours and visitors and a Gospel Sing is scheduled for 7 pm. that evening. Brochures will be available prior to the event.

Participating churches include: First Cornwallis Baptist, Canard United, Centreville Baptist, Emmanuel United, St. Michael and All Angels Anglican, St. Thomas Anglican, St. Lawrence Roman Catholic, Trinity United, Canning United Baptist, Union Church of Scott's Bay, Hall's Harbour Baptist and possibly Pereau Baptist. Gibson Woods United Baptist Church wished to take part, but declined due to previous commitments.

Kings Early Years Screening for School (KEYSS) is a project offered by the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board in partnership with Valley Child Development Association and supported by the Kings County Children's Foundation that will ease the transition between home and school for both parent and child and build relationships between schools, families and community agencies.

KEYSS is registering children for its free fall clinics now that start the end of September and run until November. If you have a three-year-old child starting school in September 2010 contact project coordinator Mary Cunningham at 678-0097.

Canning summer activity camp is free until Aug. 24 at the Glooscap Elementary gym Monday to Thursday from 8:45 a.m. to noon. Age 5-8 on Mondays and Wednesdays and ages 9-12 Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Canning Recreation Commission is offering free traveling summer activity camps located at local community halls for ages 5-11. Mondays in Sheffield Mills from 8:45 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.; Tuesdays in Kingsport, 8:45 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.,; Wednesdays Scott’s Bay, 8:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Thursdays Kingsport, 8:45 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thursdays Sheffield Mills, 8:45 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Fridays Scott’s Bay, 8:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Contact the Canning Recreation office at 582-2033 or e-mail canningrec@ns.sympatico.ca

A blood collection clinic takes place at the Canning Pharmasave Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-10 a.m. at a cost of $6. A free monthly cholesterol and blood pressure clinic is also available. Seniors’ day is the last Thursday of the month.