Georgetown Choral Society (GCS) participated in a combined mass performance at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center, New York City, on January 18. Some of the night’s proceeds are going to relief efforts in Haiti. Here are more details about this exciting concert and great honour for the GCS, sent to us by Iris Derke, General Director, Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY) of New York City.

     On January 18, the Distinguished Concerts Orchestra International and Distinguished Concerts Singers International, comprised of more than 400 auditioned chorus members from across North America, including the Georgetown Choral Society (A. Dale Wood, director), presented the Inaugural concert of DCINY’s 2010 Season at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall, home of the New York Philharmonic. Featured soloists included Erica Powell, Cherry Duke, Adam Russell, Mark Watson and Geraint Llyr Owen. 
     Under the baton of DCINY principal conductor Jonathan Griffith, the Distinguished Singers/Orchestra International performed two pieces by world-renowned living composer Karl Jenkins, in a celebration of peace commemorating the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Both pieces, Requiem and The Armed Man, were set with film accompaniment, and were dedicated to the victims of the crisis in Haiti, with a portion of the night’s proceeds being donated to the relief efforts. 
     The audience enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s vision of peace, and what we all must do to help others in their time of need. The performance was memorable for audience members and performers alike, and the occasion was more than well celebrated with a standing and enthusiastic ovation at the end of each work. 
     DCINY would like to congratulate the Georgetown Choral Society and looks forward to inviting them to participate in future concerts on the DCINY Concert Series.

     This must have been a spectacular performance and is sure to be a lifelong memory for everyone who took part. Now GCS singers can answer the question “How do you get to the Lincoln Center in New York?” by saying “Get invited.”

     We’re happy to pass on this news about Habitat for Humanity Halton (HFHH) and their work in Haiti. They want to emphasize that donations from individuals until February 12 will be matched by the Canadian Government.

     HFHH will provide support to the disaster response efforts of Habitat for Humanity International to help low-income Haitian earthquake victims with immediate and long-term shelter solutions.  Donations to the Habitat fund from individual Canadians will be matched by the Canadian government up to February 12.
     “Habitat for Humanity will mobilize all available resources to address shelter solutions for low-income families affected by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti,” said Torre Nelson, area vice president of Habitat for Humanity International’s Latin America and Caribbean office. 
     Habitat’s early response to the earthquake is threefold, with the extent of the interventions depending on the amount of support that they are able to mobilize:
1)       Cleanup: This involves mobilizing people to clear the way for shelter construction and home rehabilitation;
2)       Shelter Kits: Habitat will distribute building materials and tools in shelter kits; and,
3)       Transitional Shelter: Transitional housing can be built quickly and provide permanent base structures that can be expanded over time.  These shelters will include the provision of water and sanitation, and will include hurricane- and earthquake-resistant features.
     Consistent with the Habitat capacity-building approach of giving a “hand-up, not a hand out,” Habitat International’s approach will engage local residents in the rebuilding process.
     “I feel privileged to have joined an organization that focuses on helping the 6.5% of Halton residents who live in poverty, while also helping our community respond to the gut-wrenching need that we all feel to help Haiti at this time of trauma,” said Anne Swarbrick, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Halton.
     Habitat for Humanity has been at work in Haiti for 26 years and will use its local expertise and mobilize resources as part of the rebuilding efforts.  Habitat has provided more than 2,000 Haitian families with housing solutions through a variety of initiatives including new home construction, developing local construction skills, and disaster mitigation. Habitat works in coordination with community and government agencies. 
     To make a donation that will be matched by the Canadian government up to February 12, or to get more information about the work being done by Habitat for Humanity in Haiti, visit www.habitathalton.ca – or visit ReStore at 1800 Appleby Line, Burlington.

About Habitat for Humanity Halton
Habitat for Humanity Halton is a community-based, non-profit organization working for a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Founded in 1999, it is a member of Habitat for Humanity Canada, and part of a worldwide network that spans 100 countries. With 10 homes completed and three more currently underway, Habitat Halton provides low income families with a hand up to home ownership to break the cycle of poverty.
For more information, visit: www.habitathalton.ca 

About Habitat for Humanity Canada
Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national, non-profit, faith-based organization working for a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Their mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty.
     Habitat for Humanity Canada was founded in 1985, consists of over 50,000 volunteers and 72 affiliate organizations from coast to coast, and is a member of Habitat for Humanity International, which spans 93 countries and has built over 350,000 homes worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.75 million people.

 About Habitat for Humanity’s Disaster Response
Habitat’s Disaster Response focuses on the housing needs that arise from natural disasters and humanitarian emergency conflicts. Habitat offers expertise in technical information; program design and implementation; and disaster response policies, protocols and procedures. They also provide support and informational resources for disaster mitigation and preparedness; helping communities in disaster-prone areas protect themselves against future threats.

     This news item just came in to Escarpment Views:

     The chairperson of the Oakville Community Centre for Peace, Ecology and Human Rights (OCCPEHR), Mervyn Russell, will be a keynote speaker at the upcoming “Rally Against the Proroguing of Parliament” on Saturday, January 23 at 1 pm.
     The Rally will take place at Heritage Park in Oakville which is located at 337 Kerr Street opposite MP Terence Young’s office. Other speakers will include James Ede, Oakville NDP Executive member, Marion Schaffer, Green Party activist, Willie Lambert, Oakville and District Labour Council past President, and Kim Ford, local activist.
     All are welcome to attend this public event.
     For more information, please contact Mervyn Russell at 905 845-3250 or OCCPEHR at 905 849-5501.

     Yesterday Mike & I attended an important media event at the Art Gallery of Hamilton (AGH) where some new African works of art were unveiled. We hope to publish a photo of this in our spring issue, but meanwhile, here’s the information straight from AGH themselves:

Noted Canadian Philanthropists and Art Collectors Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Donate Significant Collection of African and Tribal Art to Art Gallery of Hamilton

   Over 100 works of art from Joey and Toby Tanenbaum’s collection of African and tribal art will find a home at the Art Gallery of Hamilton.  The works bring together ritualistic and functional everyday objects, including masks, sculptures, containers, and architectural elements. Primarily from east, central, and west Africa, the majority of artworks date from the late 19th through the early 20th centuries, and are crafted from such materials as wood, terracotta, bronze, shell, bone, feathers, fibres, textiles, and other organic materials.  The collection also contains artworks from Oceania.
     “Without art, society would have no soul.  Art fulfills so much within us, in our hearts,” said Joey Tanenbaum.  “We’re very excited about this gift we’re giving to Hamilton.”
     “This multi-million dollar donation of African and tribal art will truly transform our collection and our activities,” said AGH President and CEO Louise Dompierre. “The Art Gallery of Hamilton is honoured and touched by the Tanenbaums’ confidence and trust in our institution for giving us the opportunity – yet again – to enrich our programming with such a magnificent gift.”
     In 2002, Joey and Toby Tanenbaum gifted the AGH with their extensive collection of 19th-century European art.
     “In addition to appreciating these masterworks from Africa and Oceania on purely aesthetic grounds, these magnificent artworks also help us understand how similar objects inspired artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Braque and Brancusi, to name a few,” added Dompierre.
     A selection of the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum collection of African and tribal art will be on display at the Gallery from May 22nd to September 6, 2010, as part of Vital Africa, the Art Gallery of Hamilton’s year-long celebration of African arts and culture and its influence on the world.  Presented by TD, the celebration includes exhibitions, performances, talks, film screenings, and activities for families and children.
     Founded in 1914, the Art Gallery of Hamilton owns one of the finest collections in Canada. Its collection strengths include European historical, Canadian historical, contemporary – and now – African art.

     There’s a Niagara Escarpment community connection to Haiti. Georgetown is the location of the Canadian offices of Healing Hands for Haiti International Foundation Inc., which provides physical medicine and rehabilitation programs to Haitians with disabilities.

     Eric Doubt of Georgetown is the executive director. Marnie Hughes of Georgetown shares this information: “Last November I had the privilege of being project coordinator for the International Conference of Healing Hands for Haiti in Toronto. I was fortunate to meet many individuals from Haiti, Canada and the U.S. who have dedicated the past 10 years to providing rehabilitative medicine and education to the disabled of Haiti. After yesterday’s devastating earthquake, what is left of their facility will be put to use helping, where possible, even more vulnerable Haitians. It would mean a great deal if you would consider directing your help to http://www.healinghandsforhaiti.org/. Thank you very much for considering this.”   

     While watching The National on TV last night, I was struck by the discussion about our Prime Minister proroguing Parliament again, and the question of what citizens think about it, whether they’re rising up and objecting.
     The topic came up earlier yesterday at a family birthday celebration, and all of us there expressed concern. We had also previously been talking about Nazi Germany, and it was easy to think of Hitler’s actions after being elected.
     I have also had emails before now, about this latest act of our Prime Minister, from friends and associates who are not normally given to political commentary, all alarmed, displeased or cynically amused at what has happened.  I believe that even when the Olympic excitement is over, we will remember this as an attempt to trick us with bread and circuses.
     So the answer to Peter Mansbridge’s commentators’ question is yes, citizens are upset and talking. Consider this blog post one more expression of disapproval.
     And whatever you think, your comments on this are important to the national discussion. I wonder what the Niagara Escarpment community thinks about it. Why not share your opinion here? It can’t hurt; it may help.

     Escarpment Views is a media sponsor for the Guelph Organic Conference again this year. It will take place at University of Guelph from Jan. 29 to 31, 2010. Here is some more information about it:

     We all have a shared goal of protecting the common environment. This includes the biodiversity of landscapes, climate, habitats, air and water. To this goal, in late January, hundreds of eco-minded individuals will flock to Guelph to tap the knowledge of agriculture’s best minds.
     Anne Freeman, Manager of the Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers’ Market and representative for the Greenbelt Farmers’ Market Network, will facilitate ‘The Farmers’ Market Forum: Challenges, Opportunities & Connections For Producers & Communities.’ When asked why she believes this to be a timely and important offering at the 2010 conference, Freeman replied “Farmers’ markets play a key role in connecting urban and rural communities and contributing momentum to support of sustainable food choices. Through the forum we aim to discuss key features needed to make the markets engage a broader public and really work for producers.”
     The speakers include successful farmers and educators who are on the cutting edge of progress in harmony with nature. Together, they represent hundreds of years of experiencing the very challenges you might be facing. Whether you farm 80 acres or grow a small garden in your backyard, you’ll find the Organic Conference to be a great value for your money and well worth your time.
      Visit www.guelphorganicconf.ca

      With 30+ informative introductory and advanced workshops, 150+ trade show exhibitors and tasting fair on Saturday & Sunday, locally-sourced organic food, an inspirational keynote speaker and an interactive public forum, the GOC is considered one of the foremost educational and networking events in the organic community.
     From its humble beginnings with a handful of attendees as an afternoon seminar in 1982, the most recent 2009 event attracted an estimated 1750+ farmers, distributors, retailers, advocates and students.  

     How do you support organic agriculture, farming or gardening?

     While surfing around one day last month, I came upon a page about Escarpment Views magazine on the new Niagara Greenbelt website. Information had been posted about our magazine from published issues and our own website. It was surprising to see this and I felt honoured that they had decided to create a page for us. After contacting the organizers, we offered to provide some missing images and information, which they quickly added. Now we have a complete profile that we’re proud to point to people.
     The Niagara Greenbelt website is a comprehensive and impressive source of information for visitors to the beautiful Niagara Region. It is user-focussed and innovative, letting people design and create their own trips and itineraries. The site uses several web technologies to provide as much detailed information as desired. See their overview description of what’s included in their site.
     The website is evolving and growing and some of the indexing looks like it needs tweaking. This will probably happen as people let them know about fixes that are needed. Another point to note is that the site probably works best with high-speed access. Without it, the pages take a long time to appear. A lot of patience is needed to get around.
     It’s a mammoth project to create a searchable, customizable database of this scope, so the organizers should be congratulated on their achievement.

     Just in time for last-minute Christmas shopping, we’re announcing a new page on our website, where we hope to offer unique products for sale. We have begun by showing Escarpment Views blank notecards.
     I always have blank notecards available. I use them for all occasions, writing my own messages for birthdays, congratulations, sometimes condolences. I even use them for letters to friends and relatives. A “real” card in the mail can be a great pleasure.
     Our notecards feature some of Mike Davis’ most popular photography of places near the Niagara Escarpment: the first four magazine cover photos, Scotsdale Farm and flowering lilac bushes. These photos have produced a lot of “Aahs” from viewers.
     You get eight cards and envelopes for $10 plus GST and mailing. If you happen to want more copies of any images, let us know. We’ll customize your order at no extra charge! If you want the notecards by Dec. 24, let us know and we’ll rush them to you.
     Do you have other photographs from the magazine that you’d like to see as notecards? And do you have ideas for other interesting products we can offer through our website? Don’t be shy about promoting your own work if you have something cool. Leave a comment and share your ideas.

     We’re starting our third year of publishing Escarpment Views, which is a significant achievement for any small business, let alone one that’s facing the current challenging economy. If I knew how, I’d insert a graphic image here of horns and streamers and confetti and Congratulations! Can anyone tell me how to do this here?
     We’re pretty happy about this. Things are looking better for 2010, as the economy improves and the magazine gets better known and recognized for consistency of quality.
     We thank all our advertisers and subscribers for supporting and encouraging our vision in our critical first two years. Despite being filled with a massive amount of work, the time has truly flown by. We certainly wouldn’t be at this point without your involvement.
     More than one objective, impartial business person has told us recently that we need to celebrate our achievements more, and to realize that we’re doing very well. We’re trying to do that, but there are community events and performances to go to, people to introduce ourselves to, and always, the next and future issues to think about and work on.
     What do you have to celebrate about this year? Are you taking a moment to congratulate yourself on your efforts?