Canning News

Jerome: The Historical Spectacle by Ami McKay, bestselling author of The Birth House, premieres Aug. 2 to Aug. 17 on the picturesque grounds of Ross Creek Centre for the Arts.

McKay’s inspiration came from the true story of Jerome a mute amputee who mysteriously washed ashore at Sandy Cove, Nova Scotia in 1863 with world speculation of who the male was: a lost love, escape felon, or worse. An 1899 newspaper article read, “Jerome to be exhibited.”

The live outdoor theatre performance of Jerome transpires with cast Sue-Leblanc Crawford, Allex McLean and Ben Stone (title role) from Zuppa Circus Theatre plus Katie Swift, Burgandy Code, Ryan Rogerson, Simon Henderson, Graham Percy, Alexis Milligan and Chris O’Neill.

Two Planks and a Passion Theatre artistic director Ken Schwartz will lead the accredited cast through what’s sure to be an incredible unique journey into the past.

The authentic 1890s gypsy wagon and steamer trunks strategically placed among the cattails near an unrippled pond will establish the tone while accordion, banjo and clarinet music and vibrantly designed costumes by Denyse Karn will delight the imagination.

Preview begins Aug. 1 at 6 p.m. Evening performances begin Aug. 2 and run Tuesday through Sunday at 6 p.m. until Aug. 17. Afternoon matinees will be held on Aug. 7, 9, 14 and 16. Aug. 5 and 12 are pay-what-you-can performances.

For information, call 1-888-895-4545 or e-mail boxoffice@twoplanks.ca.

Ross Creek Centre for the Arts: Whether beginner or advanced, inspiration and imagination have no boundaries when it comes to creativity at Ross Creek with Saturday adult art workshops.

A session in watercolor with internationally renowned visual artist Sara Hartland-Rowe will be held Aug. 9 or you can attend a workshop with award-winning singer/songwriter Laura Smith, who will give assistance with sculpting both music and lyrics.

Teen academies are available to increase knowledge and skills in visual arts, theatre, dance, creative writing and film with professional artist guidance while meeting new friends. Contact Ross Creek for details.

Ross Creek Centre for the Arts gallery: artist Barbara Hill-Taylor displays three-dimensional layered quilts illustrating beautiful landscapes displayed on four-sided tapered pyramid styled wrought iron stands as well as traditional wall quilts until Aug. 30. To view more of her works visit Dalnews.dal.ca.

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

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.

Churches of Blomidon Country Open House Tour: The Canning Fieldwood Heritage Society and Interchurch Council have structured a tour for Sunday, Aug. 17 from 1-4 p.m. with 12 churches participating from Scott’s Bay to Hall’s Harbour, Centreville to Kingsport, Canard through Canning to Pereaux.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view the interiors, exteriors, and graveyards while appreciating the significance each has to their communities. Refreshments will be served at some stops.

Hall's Harbour Wharf and lobster pound will be open for tours/visitors and a Gospel Sing is scheduled for 7 p.m. that evening. Brochures and maps will be available soon.

Historical sketches: Pereaux Baptist Church is the third daughter of the Cornwallis (Canard) United Baptist Church that was established in 1862. The building was renewed in 1844, 1862, and 1898 with many changes since. Pastor Dr. Daniel Gibson and the congregation invite you to view the three stained glass windows, Cherry Hall, (named in honour of Dr. Millard Ross Cherry) and the digital Rogers Organ. History pictures are available and light refreshments.

Centreville Baptist Church (CBC). The first Baptist church in Centreville was established in 1918 as a branch of first CBC when the congregation met at the old schoolhouse until the church was complete in 1920 on donated land. Pastor was shared with First Cornwallis until 1974 when the CBC went on its own. A pastor has been employed to minister to youth as well since 1999. In 1997, on donated land, a new church was built with an additional expansion soon after.

Union Church of Scott’s Bay was built in 1856 and was free to all ministers as it is today. Scott’s Bay became an appointment of the Canning circuit in 1882 and was incorporated in 1912. In 1919, additional land was purchased for a cemetery that was fenced in1923. In 1914-1915 a porch with a tower and steeple was constructed as well as other renovations to the entrance and choir loft, and in 1958 the church hall was added to the east side. Everyone is welcome to attend the tour and light refreshments will be served.

Historical sketches plus photographs, artifacts and documents will be available in the 200th anniversary book available during the tour.

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 on 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.