Dave Ogilvie
The monthly “Country Jam” held Friday night at the Emo Legion was extremely successful, with several new musicians and guests coming from far and wide to take part in the musical evening.
Don Wagar came from Ignace with his mandolin while Louie Hawkness, from Dryden, took time out from touring with “Country Blend” to play and sing.
Sheila Hammond of Guelph sang some ballads along with her mother, Luella Hoskins, and their friend, Sandra Pietila.
Vern Silver came from Atikokan with his guitar and accordion while Stan Cottam was on hand from Nestor Falls with his accordion.
As well, Morris Halverson who added some exceptional guitar riffs and runs to all the songs.
Local talent included Maurice Betournay (drums), Bob Brown (harmonica), Emily Smith and Mary Curtis (accordion), Jackie Guimond (keyboard), Gerry Guimond (bass and guitar), and Bob Wepruk, Charleen Gustafson, and Lawrence and Bruce Bellamy (guitar).
It was especially exciting to see the youngest performers who did their best to keep up with all the more seasoned musicians.
Vaughn Wilson picked out some old country classics, Chelsea Brown belted out a beautiful solo, and the youngest performer, a talented Jamie Fiset, was more than willing to pick up the pace with some rock and roll.
Among the audience who sang and danced along were Jeanette Trist and Leroy Turner, who drove all the way from Dryden just to dance to the “old-time” music.
Although there were several requests to have another “Jam” in December, the Legion and many of the musicians already are booked. As such, the next one will be held Friday, Jan. 15.
Thanks once again to the Legion for supplying the building, to the many musicians who have added so much to the “Jams” over the past few months, and to everyone who came out to enjoy an evening of “old-time” country music.
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The Emo & District Hospital Auxiliary will be collecting non-perishable food items during the Santa Claus parade being held Friday, Dec. 4 in conjunction with “Holly Daze festivities.
Organizers will have boxes to collect the food and then deliver it to the Emo food cupboard.
Please help us help them.
As well, the auxiliary will be holding a draw in December for a new toddler quilt made and donated by Marg Ramsdale.
Tickets cost $2 each, with proceeds to go towards the upgrading of X-ray equipment for the Emo Health Centre.
Marg has made many quilts over the years, and has been a great supporter for local causes. The auxiliary thanks her for this, as well as all its supporters who over the years have helped them purchase many things for the hospital.
If anyone would like to join the auxiliary, memberships cost only $2. Call Chris Hartry at 487-2556 if you are interested.
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The next “Men’s Breakfast” buffet will be held Saturday, Nov. 21 in the Emo Legion.
Starting at 8 a.m., this fantastic meal (which costs $10) is a chance to meet with guys from across the district, enjoy the home cooking of the Legion kitchen staff, and listen to a dynamic speaker.
This month’s speaker will be Pastor Archie Dyck from Winnipeg. Born and raised in southern Manitoba he has served as pastor for many years in Dryden, California, and more recently in Winnipeg.
Pastor Dyck is passionate about, and communicates with great excellence, the truth of the Bible and its relevance for today.
He was scheduled to be the guest speaker a year ago, but was unable to attend at that time.
Besides speaking at the “Men’s Breakfast,” Pastor Dyck also is scheduled to speak at the Christian Parents’ Association’s fall harvest supper this Friday evening
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If you missed the “Shiny Penny Table” at the “Sounds of Holiday Cheer” evening at Knox United Church in Emo, the theme baskets will be on display (in picture form) at Meyers Clothing in Emo until “Holly Daze” at the beginning of December.
Tickets will be available for purchase, and the winners will be drawn at that time.
The baskets include themes such as “Guy on the Go,” “Toy Story,” “Movie Night,” “Christmas at Grandma’s,” and many more.
Check out the baskets over the next couple of weeks, purchase some tickets, and choose your favourite theme.
