Category Archives: Events

HEART & VISION AWARDS HONOUR LT.GEN’L ROMÉO DALLAIRE & DR. MARY JO LEDDY

This past Monday evening, the Toronto United Church Council honoured 2 of the world’s leading humanitarian activists, Lt. General Roméo Dallaire and Dr. Mary Jo Leddy, for their dedication to human rights by presenting them with Heart & Vision Awards.

Several hundred guests lined the pews of the Metropolitan United Church on Queen East (below)….

….as the evening’s MC, tv & radio personality Michael Williams (below) introduced the presenters and guest performers.

The world renowned Elmer Iseler Singers started off the concert with a beautiful rendition of The Mi’Kmaq Song..

Rev. John Joseph Mastandrea (below) took the stage to open the proceedings….

and welcomed the two honourees (below)

VP of TUCC, Susan Smith (below) was welcomed to the stage to talk about the evening and the honourees…

Susan also paid tribute to Vincent Alfano, the late Executive Director of TUCC (below) before introducing…

….Alexa Gilmour (below) who spoke on the life and work of honouree, Dr. Mary Jo Leddy

…who was then joined at the podium by Michael Kooiman (below), minister of Central United Church in Weston for the presentation.

Dr. Mary Jo Leddy received her Heart & Vision Award, created by Canadian stained glass artist Dianne MacLeod, then spoke at great length about her work with refugees.

The Elmer Iseler Singers took the stage again, and Thom Allison performed a moving song prior to the next honoree

Reverend Ron Ewart (below) then introduced the second Heart & Vision Award recipient, Lt. General Roméo Dallaire

…who was presented with the award by Susan Smith (below)

…and he kept the crowd spellbound with his tales of war and survival.

After thanks were given to all the guests, event sponsors and performers, The Elmer Iseler Singers sang Psalm 148 then were joined by Thom Allison and opera star Jennie Such to end the concert with Make our Garden Grow.

A wonderful post-concert reception was held in the church basement where UrbanSource Catering presented delicious hors d’oeuvres and wine.

While guests were enjoying all the tasty treats, General Dallaire was interviewed by SiriusXM Radio’s Kate Wheeler (below) in the church library for her show What She Said (with fellow former TV network news anchor Christine Bentley). UrbanSource Catering made sure they were well looked after with wine and a tray of food!

Here Kate’s interview with General Dallaire here: https://soundcloud.com/whatshesaid167/lieutenant-general-romeo-dallaire-joins-kate-wheeler

Ticket sales from the concert benefited the Community Relief Fund – you can find out more about the Toronto United Church Council’s work by visiting their website: http://tucc.ca/

If you would like more info on Toronto’s premier corporate and event caterers, Urban Source Catering, please visit their website: http://www.urbancatering.com/

Big thank you to my talented photographer, H.T. Jade Yeh, who shot most of the pics featured here. Please enjoy more photos from the event, including the great team of volunteers who worked hard to present a fabulous evening, the video and sound production team, Music Director Jason Jestadt and of course, I grabbed a few photos with some of the celebs attending (below). Here’s singer/songwriter Micah Barnes with snapd newspaper reporter Britney Townsend, then me with internationally renowned Canadian flutist Ron Korb.

Thank you to everyone who contributed….

URBAN GALLERY FEATURES 4 TALENTED PHOTOGRAPHERS FOR CONTACT FESTIVAL

Every May, Toronto’s galleries host talented photographic artists as part of the annual CONTACT Photography Festival and this year, URBAN GALLERY at 400 Queen St East, is pleased to present OUTSIDE IN, a group show featuring 4 Canadian photographers whose works explore landscapes both familiar and exotic. Their images reveal the extraordinary in the world around us, bringing the outside in.

This afternoon I attended the opening reception and met all four photographers whose beautiful images will grace the walls of this downtown gallery until the end of the month.

Julia Lehmann (below) was born in The Netherlands, raised in Germany and now makes Montréal, Quebec, her home base, travelling and photographing the world. She states “the best way to capture life is through photography.” [www.jklehmann.com]

Toronto photographer Kaspara Albertsen (below) studied performing arts in Norway and continued her studies at Nova Scotia’s Dalhousie University where she discovered her passion for photography. Dimitri Traganis (below) is an Oshawa, Ontario, fine art photographer whose passion is capturing the beauty in nature and people all around the world. “It’s a beautiful way to see the world – through the camera’s eye”. [www.dimitritraganis.com ]

A lifelong photographer, Toronto-based Kathie Tutter (below) studied at Parsons School of Design in Paris, and later graduated from the photography program at OCAD in Toronto, Ontario.

The gallery soon filled up with artists’ friends and family as well as CONTACT festival attendees, all appreciating the fine works of photographic art. Artist, poet and performance artist Brenda Clews (below) dropped by, too. Brenda hosts monthly poetry salons in the gallery so watch for the announcement of her May soiree.

If you enjoy photography, especially beautiful landscapes, do drop into Urban Gallery to view these stunning photos for yourself. For gallery hours and information, visit: www.UrbanGallery.ca

IN PERFORMANCE WITH INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED CANADIAN FLUTIST RON KORB

Last night, St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Newmarket presented a wonderful evening of musical entertainment performed by internationally renowned flutist RON KORB [ www.ronkorb.com ] accompanied by cellist WENDY SOLOMON and pianist LOU POMANTI.

On this warm spring Friday afternoon, I accompanied Ron and his charming wife, Jade (who kindly shot some of these photos), up to Newmarket, a town just North of Toronto, where Ron was performing for the St. Paul’s audience.

The 19th century church (above) was charming and welcoming, surrounded by trees in full blossom and chirping birds…what a nice respite from the downtown hub-bub of Toronto. Ron was joined by Gemini Award winning composer, producer and pianist Lou Pomanti [ www.loupomanti.com ] and Wendy Solomon [ lushcellos.com ], a classical recitalist who tours the world with her beautiful cello. While they set up and rehearsed with local sound man Phil Claxton, I wandered around the church capturing some the stunning stained glass windows and iconography (below)

The kind happy band of church volunteers prepared refreshments for the audience as well as a lovely light dinner for the musicians (and me, too). Thank you to Dorothy Bugden, chef extraordinaire, for the fine soup and salad. We gratefully devoured everything !

The crowd poured into the church around 7pm, ready for an evening of music from around the world….

Ron, Wendy and Lou took to the stage and for over 2 hours the audience was mesmerized by the soulful, spiritually evocative tunes Ron has composed to reflect his travels around the world and his love of all music.

Some of his tunes were very danceable and I caught soundman Phil at the back of the church sharing a quick salsa with wife Dawn during one of Ron’s Latin inspired pieces. They were a whirlwind of exuberance….

Jade took lots of wonderful action shots of the stage (below)

After the concert, the crowd retired to the reception where Ron signed copies of his CDs – I’m glad he brought lots with him as they were selling like hotcakes!!

Even Wendy met a fan and obliged with an autographed CD. (above). Lou seemed very pleased with the response (below) as he, too, met with fans after the show.

Ron and Wendy posed with The Rev. Gordon Sheppard (below) who, along with the church events committee, had graciously invited Ron to perform.

A big THANK YOU to all the volunteers and church officials who made this event possible, and thank you to the very appreciative Newmarket audience – Ron hopes to return for another concert soon. Do visit St. Paul’s new website and Facebook page to support their upcoming events and concerts [ www.stpaulsnewmarket.org ]…and here are some more photos you may enjoy:

CANADIAN MUSIC ICON MICHAEL WILLIAMS TO MC NEXT MONDAY’S “HEART & VISION” AWARDS CONCERT

I’ve known and worked with Michael Williams since the early 80’s when MuchMusic launched it’s all music TV channel across Canada. Michael was one of the founding veejays for Canada’s answer to MTV, covering live concerts and festivals and interviewing just about every living music legend we know. He’s pleased to be MC’ing the annual Heart & Vision Awards Concert, next Monday May 11 at the Metropolitan United Church in downtown Toronto. This year’s award recipients are Lt. General Romeo Dallaire and Dr. Mary Jo Leddy (ticket information at end of story)

Before the internet made us all so easily accessible, Michael became a household name across the country for hosting the popular Soul in the City series for MuchMusic (80’s thru 90’s), which was syndicated in 19 European countries and Japan, as well as The Power Hour and Electric Circus, also on the MuchMusic TV network. Michael has interviewed politicians, newsmakers and international recording artists and filmmakers including Stevie Wonder, Whitney Huston, Quincy Jones, Celine Dion, Tina Turner, Bon Jovi, Queen, Metallica, Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, and Mark Wahlberg. (Below, with Quincy Jones, with young country star Hunter Hayes, with Nile Rodgers & Quincy Jones and with Oscar & Grammy winning composer/singer Paul Williams)

Now a dynamic, talented music producer and host of talk radio and music-related radio and television programs, Michael appears frequently on Toronto’s tv news networks and radio, sitting in as guest host for Newstalk1010 radio talk shows. Michael is also a much-in-demand host and MC for fundraisers and galas, and has introduced such world luminaries as the Dalai Llama and Lt.-General Romeo Dallaire. He has assisted in the audio mix of Living Color, Ice T and Burton Cummings live to air concerts, co-hosted the World Music Video Awards and the Much Music Video Awards and been a Presenter at the Juno Awards.

As owner of Michael Williams Productions Inc. (1993-Present), he has:

Created, produced and hosted the College of Musical Knowledge for 94.7 the Wave, Soul on the Beach for Cool 96 FM, Nassau, Bahamas, and Beach Network, ON
Wrote, produced and hosted Live at the Pearl Company for Cable 14 Hamilton
Co-producer, writer and voice for ten film shorts, Millennium Promise Project
Voiced 24 x one-minute shorts for Black History Month for Rogers national TV network
Co-hosted Cookin’ with Guests on Jazz FM
Guest lecturer, Centre for Creative Communications, Centennial College, and Faculty of Music, York University
Designed, developed, produced and delivered Music Business Overview, an introduction to the history of the music business from sheet music to DVD, International Academy of Design & Technology
Produced the symphony, Afroadia, performed by the Brampton Symphony Orchestra
Author of a weekly column Soul Session published in Canadian Music Network Magazine
Hosted Urban Music Seminar at Canadian Music Week for two consecutive years

Michael recently spoke during Black History Month (2015) with long-time pal and collaborator, Spider Jones (pictured below)

Join Michael on Monday May 11th (7:30pm) as the Toronto United Church Council presents the HEART & VISION AWARDS CONCERT – there are still some tickets available for concert only and the concert & reception: https://www.facebook.com/events/658101637629824/

If you would like to book Michael to host your fundraising event or concert, please contact me at FordhamPR@rogers.com

OH WHAT A THRILL! The Mavericks deliver a new album & new tour

Twenty one years ago, I found myself sitting nervously in a Toronto hotel room waiting to interview a new band that had been tearing up the country music charts with an album that I loved. I could sing all the lyrics to every track, and I had the worst crush on their lead singer. The door opened…my heart pounded…and in walked The Mavericks, sadly, sans their brilliant vocalist Raul Malo who was resting his throat prior to their concert that night. Intellectually I understood, emotionally I was crushed, but after a few minutes of joking with drummer Paul Deakin and their then guitarist Robert Reynolds about their hit album Oh What a Thrill, I was soon at ease and having a blast interviewing these two Mavs.

Skip ahead two decades and here I am again interviewing the band, this time for Cashbox Canada magazine. Paul Deakin and keyboard player Jerry Dale McFadden talked about their new album, MONO, and their April 24^th concert in Toronto. Now, with numerous music awards including Grammys under their belts, I was wondering how life and the music industry had treated the guys – read my interview here: http://bit.ly/1bodHT0

So here we are on Friday night April 24^th, at the Phoenix Nightclub in Toronto – my photographer Gabriella Luchetta weighed down with an array of cameras and me carrying a ton of memories of great Mavericks concerts and recordings. Sadly, the club promoters did not think things through….the audience was mature so you don’t expect 50 and 60 year olds to stand for 4 hours on a concrete floor – but the Phoenix did. Fortunately, the head of security responded positively to my plea for seating (I still have a bum knee from a winter ice slip-n-fall) and led me to the special section for those of us with “challenges” which, as you can see below, was quite delightful!

Not to worry, my focus was the stage so I turned my back on this horrible sight and ignored the constant tinny thunks as empties were hurled into the bin alongside my chair!

First up, the opening act and oh boy, what a fantastic artist we got. The Whitney Rose Band marched onto the stage and kept us entertained for about half an hour with some sizzling country tunes. The talented and pretty young Canadian country music artist Whitney Rose (below) held the audience in the palm of her hand, performing tracks off her new album Heartbreaker of the Year, produced by Maverick’s leader Raul Malo. She apologized profusely to those in the front row for the shortness of her skirt, adding a cheeky “you’re welcome” to those wolf-whistlers further back! www.whitneyrosemusic.com

The Mavericks then took the stage and spent the next two and a half hours driving us all crazy with hit after hit, new tunes off MONO and even some Patsy Cline and Neil Young covers, too.The energy from the band was infectious, especially when keyboardist Jerry stepped away from the keys and danced across the stage to audience cheers (below). Macho guitarist Eddie Perez strutted and posed with a little wink-wink to the audience, and drummer Paul twirled his sticks wildly in time with the back-up musicians (horn section, accordion, upright bass).

But it was Raul Malo who everyone wanted to see and hear. Malo’s voice – tinged with more than a hint of Roy Orbison’s bright falsetto – is phenomenal; he’s been called one of the greatest voices in popular music by many music journalists and critics. And when he stood alone at centre stage singing The Mav’s early hit, “Oh What a Thrill” followed by Patsy Cline’s “Sweet Dreams”, the entire audience swayed in unison with many a tear-filled eye fixed on Malo.

The Mavericks ended their show with a frenetic series of rock, New Orleans voodoo boogie, Tex-Mex and dance tunes filled with solos for each band member, and the crowd was well and truly spent. The audience of silver foxes was partying like it was 1999 – arthritis be damned! The new CD, Mono, sold like hotcakes and everyone was grabbing t-shirts, bandannas and pins from the merchandise sales table. For more information about The Mavericks and their new album, Mono, please visit their website: www.themavericksband.com.

I loved being there with The Mavericks. Then sad concert was over….hope they come back real soon.

Another story/concert review will appear in the May issue of www.TheRider.com

GREAT ARTWORK SHOWCASED @ “LOVE ART FAIR” in TORONTO THIS WEEKEND.

There was such a crush of art aficionados at the VIP/media preview last night at the LOVE ART FAIR http://www.loveartfair.com/toronto/ taking place this weekend in the Heritage Court of the Direct Energy Centre at the Exhibition Grounds in Toronto.

I was thrilled to run into artist friend Stewart Jones (below) who left the city for the wide open spaces of Wellington County last year (http://www.stewartjones.ca/ ) …….

….and Mark Gleberzon of MJG Gallery (below) in Toronto who was busy chatting with media and fans ( http://mjggallery.com/ ).

One of the first booths that stopped me in my tracks was The Art Shop, a Dutch gallery representing a variety of artists whose work encompasses several mediums and styles (pictured below) http://theartshop.nl/en

Then I found the Forest Rain Gallery from Singapore representing numerous exciting contemporary artists from China and South Asia (below). http://forestraingallery.com/

BBAM! Gallery from Montreal offered some amusing (and sexy) paintings that would look fab in any “man cave” http://www.bbamgallery.com/

I enjoyed meeting the lovely senorita who managed the Galeria Standarte (Madrid) booth. She was so enthusiastic about her artists showcased here in Toronto, her joy was infectious. Aren’t these fabulous? http://galeriastandarte.com/

akasha art projects inc. is a great gallery and framing studio located at 511 Church Street in Toronto. Mark Gleberzon had previously told me about them and after meeting the ladies at the show and seeing their framing work, I must say, this is a must for all art collectors looking for unique framing. http://akashaart.com/

I really liked the work of Peter A. Barelkowski and Frances Patella (pictured below) who proudly showcased their work….so nice to speak directly with individual artists like these. Please check out their portfolios at www.peterbarelkowski.com and www.francespatella.com

The Workman Collective booth http://www.workmancollective.com/ hosted three handsome artists (below) – Joe Sampson, Adam Colangelo and Michael Toole. The gallery is located at 1655 Dupont in Toronto so I definitely recommend a visit there to see their stunning works in person if you can’t make it out to the LoveArtFair.

I really liked the work represented by Maine-based Carver Hill Gallery, especially Rose Umerlik (Pics 1+2 below) and Megan Hinton (3rd pic) http://www.carverhillgallery.com/

Fibre artist Sheila Thompson showcased a beautiful felt piece, complete with porcupine quills (pic 2) and photographer Lori Ryerson posed proudly under one of her large format photos (pic 3 below).

www.sheilathompson.ca

www.focalocity.ca

So many cool artists are represented here…I wish I had lots of $s and a ton of wall space! I really recommend you visit this show and I thank you for supporting the Canadian and international artists!

http://www.loveartfair.com/toronto/

IGNITE MAGAZINE / CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS TRADE SHOW INTRO’S LOTS OF COOL SERVICES AND …. STUFF!

Every year, several special events, meetings and incentives organizations host industry expos featuring speakers, workshops, panels and great trade show floors featuring lots of vendors with event venues, catering, nic-nacs and logowear, everything an event planner could wish for. This year, Ignite Magazine and the Canadian Special Events organizations combined forces and held a joint business expo at the Metropolitan Toronto Convention Centre and yesterday, I had a blast wandering the aisles discovering new businesses and products, so come walk the trade show floor with me….

I was greeted by the pretty showgirl working the Hart Entertainment booth http://www.hartentertainment.com/ – a lovely way to start things off with a great big smile, eh?

As I was one of the first people there, I was able to navigate the hall quickly and see how they set up the performance stage…then I turned around to be greeted by the “town crier”. Hear ye, hear ye! Loved the aqua blue and white of the Iris Blu booth below http://irisblu.ca/ and I even won a prize by picking a rose so I now have a discount off their event services (okay clients, who wants to take advantage of this?).

It was time for “breakfast” so I shuffled on over to the PAL Insurance sponsored candy bar to enjoy a Cinnabon…..flavoured vodka shot!!!! LOL (hic)…never do this on an empty tummy (hic)

Thank you to the ladies of PAL Insurance Brokers (below) http://www.palcanada.com/en/

The crazy folks at PartyPix (below) did a great job of entertaining everyone with their interactive customized photobooths. http://partypix.ca/

I just loved the mystical space that Eclectic Events created …only wish I’d had enough time to enjoy a woodland massage. But I did meet the talented glass sculptor, John (bottom pic), who created lots of cute animals…and he kindly gave me a dragon!! http://www.eclecticevents.com/

Always a favourite must-taste exhibitor was the Ninutik maple syrup food artisans (below) ..oh so sweet and deelish! Great for catering fancy-schmancy soirees and they even have gift packages. http://www.ninutik.com/store/home2.php

One of the nicest, funniest and coolest magicians working the corporate and party circuit, Mike D’urso. I highly recommend Mike for all your magical needs! http://www.megamagic.ca/

The Snapshot Photobooth people intro’d their new “Hashtag printer station” enabling events to brand their guests’ Instagram photos. Great marketing opps. http://snapshotphotobooth.com/

An old industry friend, Raviv Krikunets, has just joined another design and events mgm’t firm R5 Events, and I was blown away by his beautiful set-up…wow, check it out below. http://www.r5e.ca/

And here’s Denise and Anna of Lucky Strike Lanes ( below) who always make the trade show fun….http://www.bowlluckystrike.com/

Here’s a new talent supplier – Genevieve Demerchant of You Will Love it Live! She brought in musicians & a magician to entertain the event planners (below)…and they did a great job. http://www.youwillloveitlive.com/

Aussie Aussie Aussie…oy oy oy! That’s our “war cry” when Aussies meet each other and here I ran into Kristen Thomason, originally from Melbourne, who is Dir. of Sales for the exciting new iFLY – the indoor skydiving venue out in Oakville. I really wanna try this out – looks like so much fun. http://iflytoronto.com/

Knights and wenches and swords, oh my! Medieval Times was there, too, and I can never say no to a knight with such a big….sword! The saucy wench kept him in line, tho. http://www.medievaltimes.com/toronto.aspx

Nice to run into Kris and Maria, the sales reps for the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (below). I enjoyed a nice cuppa coffee and a 20min. rest in their relaxation seating area. http://www.mtccc.com/?m=0&t=0&c=1

Have you ever been to Moncton? I have and I love it…the people are so friendly, great facilities, fantastic downtown waterfront. Nice rep. at the City of Moncton booth reminded me what a great place it is to visit either with a business group or on a personal adventure. http://www.moncton.ca/page4.aspx

Clearwater and St. Pete’s are two of my favourite places for a quick vacay from the cruel (and long) Toronto winters, and the ladies at this booth certainly made me feel welcome. http://meetamplified.com/

Michelle of Northwest Territories Tourism (below) welcomed me to her spectacular booth…think I may have to visit myself soon. I wanna see the northern lights before I croak so I’ve just added Michelle to my bucket-list!! http://spectacularnwt.com/

Here’s a great idea for team-building fun – the Bonnie Gordon College of Confectionary Arts offers group candy & sweetie making events. Chef Michael J. Smith (pictured below with events coord. Esther) was doing whisky tastings and food infusions…yumm…hic! http://bonniegordoncollege.com/

Lots more to see and do at the show…

…but I had the most fun at the Ripley’s Aquarium Canada booth where they fed me to the sharks! www.RipleysAquariumCanada.com

Many thanks to the organizers for presenting a great trade show.

www.ignitemag.ca & www.canadianspecialevents.com

HEART & VISION AWARDS CONCERT takes place May 11th in Toronto

Do you know about Toronto’s annual HEART & VISION AWARDS? I didn’t until last year when my friends at UrbanSource Catering asked me to attend and blog about the fabulous concert and awards presented by the Toronto United Church Council (TUCC) – Urban was catering the post-concert reception.

In 2014, awards were presented to Shirley Douglas and Jackie Richardson for their humanitarianism and commitment to social justice, and the concert was both moving and rousing with songs, speeches and lots of love being shared amongst the audience in the pews of the Metropolitan United Church on Queen St East in Toronto. I had the pleasure of chatting with some of the Church dignitaries, ministers, guests and, of course, the wonderful ladies who were honoured. Pictured below: Shirley Douglas and Jackie Richardson being serenaded by her daughter, Kim (2014).

This year, I’m privileged to undertake the publicity and promotions for the Heart & Vision Awards taking place May 11th, this time honouring Lt. General Roméo Dallaire and Dr. Mary Jo Leddy (pictured below). I recently spoke with Jim Patterson, TUCC’s Director, Resource Development and one of the event organizers.

Jim, tell me what the Heart & Vision Awards are all about and how long they have been presented? The Toronto United Church Council’s annual Heart & Vision Awards Concert celebrates a commitment to social justice and recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to social justice initiatives in Canada and internationally. They have been presented annually since 2009 and funds raised support Council’s work with children and youth and its work with social ministries in the GTA and south central Ontario.

The evening’s format is a concert. It has gained a reputation as being an evening of stellar music with performances from some of the leading lights of Toronto’s music scene. The reception is renowned for the sumptuous food catered by UrbanSource Catering.

Who are some your previous recipients, and why? Previous recipients include Shirley Douglas and Jackie Richardson (2014), and in 2013 we honoured Margaret Atwood and the Hon. William G. Davis – below

Maude Barlow and the Reverend Dr. Brent Hawkes (2012) – below

…the Very Reverend Dr. Lois Wilson (below ctr) and Gordon Lightfoot (below right) in 2011….

….as well as Dr. Cathy Crowe and the Hon. David McDonald (2010), and Rev. Gordon Winch and Norman Jewison (2009).

Our Heart and Vision recipients are political and church figures, popular musicians, film stars and directors, social and environmental activists, and writers. Each has made a significant contribution to society’s quest for social and environmental justice. For some the social justice connection is obvious – Cathy Crowe, for example, works as a street nurse and advocates for better care for homeless people and Brent Hawkes is a minister at Toronto’s Metropolitan Community Church and a leader in supporting LGBTQ rights. Others, such as Gordon Lightfoot, Margaret Atwood, or Norman Jewison, have used their creative talent to highlight important social issues and inspire us to deeper empathy for others and respect for the natural world.

This year, you have two deserving recipients for the Heart & Vision Awards: Lt. Gen’l Roméo Dallaire and Dr. Mary Jo Leddy. Can you share the selection process and why these two humanitarians were chosen for 2015? Potential recipients are nominated by Council board members and other close friends of Council. Each year a small committee chooses the recipients from the list of nominees. For example, last year we honoured two women in the arts community (Shirley Douglas and Jackie Richardson) and the year before the recipients were recognized for their contributions to environmentalism (Margaret Atwood and the Hon. William G. Davis). Lieutenant-General Dallaire and Dr. Leddy are both advocates for some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Lieutenant-General Dallaire is known for his work on genocide prevention, mental health and war-affected children and Dr. Leddy for her care and advocacy for refugees and the defense of their rights.

The Toronto United Church Council has coordinated the Community Relief Fund for over 120 years – how have the needs changed and how has the Church supported the communities involved? The Toronto United Church Council is an historic and unique organization within The United Church of Canada. It was founded in 1892 as the Methodist Social Union, with a mandate to address social problems in the city. The “Union” – now the “Council” – oversaw mission and relief work in the city and its suburbs. It founded, owned, and operated the Victor Home for Women, now the Massey Centre (pictured below), where young women becoming mothers receive practical support. Similarly, the Council organized and managed the work of the Fred Victor Mission, which has provided food, shelter, and medical care to those in need since 1894.

Both those organizations have become independent corporations with continuing Council support for their property and program requirements. During the depression, Council trucks distributed food and clothing to churches and missions to pass along to those in need. And early on, Council became involved in fresh-air camping programs for youth (pictured below).

Today, the Council continues to partner with and support social ministry endeavours of the United Church. Affordable housing projects such as Hillcrest Lodge in Orillia, community ministries like the Malvern Community Outreach Ministry, and social service ministries including the Toronto Christian Resource Centre, are in partnership with Council. In addition, Council partners with non-church organizations including Alpha Centre for men recovering from addiction and the Toronto Distress Centre.

Throughout this long history of ministry work, Council’s Community Relief Fund* has provided a conduit for individuals and congregations to share in the mission of partner agencies, missions, and congregations doing outreach in their local communities. From providing funding for appliances for food banks to bedding for women’s shelters, from setting up out-of-the-cold programs to providing venues for a hot meal program, the Fund has been there to help.

As Council’s oldest established fund, the Community Relief Fund continues to play an important role in shaping the ministry of Toronto United Church Council. The Fund’s work demonstrates Council’s commitment to investing in social ministries that represent a breakthrough in local delivery of services rather than a breakdown. In fact, since 1892, the Community Relief Fund has placed a very high value on investing its financial aid in projects and programs that promise solutions to some of society’s big problems.

Recently, much of the Fund’s energy has been invested in the work of the Toronto Christian Resource Centre in Regent Park. That organization’s 40 Oaks project represents such a huge leap in the level of community service it provides to the homeless that Council was delighted to provide property, grants and financing to help ensure the success of the project.

What can attendees expect to see/hear at this year’s Awards concert Monday evening, May 11^th?Attendees can expect an evening of soulful music featuring the Elmer Iseler Singers, Thom Allison and Jennie Such (pictured below). Musical Director Jason Jestadt has been coordinating the musical element of the evening since 2009 and each year the music is stellar. Attendees will hear from the award recipients, Lieutenant-General Dallaire and Dr. Leddy.

And a big thank you to all the enthusiastic volunteers (below) who dedicate time and energy to producing the concert each year, making sure all the technical and hospitality activities run smoothly. Bravo, team H&V!

How can people get involved or support the Community Relief Fund if they can’t attend the concert? Donations to the Community Relief Fund can be mailed to:
Toronto United Church Council
24-30 Wertheim Court
Richmond Hill, ON L4B 1B9

*The Community Relief Fund makes grants to churches and to church corporations to help them renovate their premises to facilitate better delivery of social services to the communities they serve.

If you would like to attend this year’s Heart & Vision Awards Concert, Monday May 11^th at the Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen St East, Toronto. (Doors open 7:00pm), please visit http://on.fb.me/1xTVDe7 for ticketing information, or visit the TUCC website: http://tucc.ca/

Thank you for supporting this outstanding philanthropic event that benefits all of us in the City of Toronto.

URBAN GALLERY’S LATEST SHOW “EVOKE” CERTAINLY DOES PROVOKE!

Last night I attended the opening reception for EVOKE, Urban Gallery‘s current show featuring painter LINDA LANGERAK and sculptor SANDRA BILAWICH.

It’s the perfect antidote to the grey miserable unseasonal weather we’ve been experiencing here in Toronto – the bright colours explode off the canvasses and the tactile sculptures engage and amaze gallery visitors.

Linda (below) showed off a riot of colour and movement in her latest work and it was fun to stand in front of each piece and look for hidden images.

Journalists from Novella arts/lifestyle magazine (www.novellamag.com) also enjoyed the artwork and here they are, Tanya and Bojana, with Linda (below)

Sandra also enjoyed meeting the Novella ladies (below)….

and showing her work to other gallery visitors….

Sandra’s work included metal and marble carvings of nature, some of which you could actually spin on their stands…

….as well as some humorous pieces incorporating musical instruments (below)

Internationally renowned flutist Ron Korb dropped in and was fascinated by the vintage flute inside the skeletal “judy”….

..and Ron also enjoyed meeting Erik Chong (below), another artist who recently showed his work at Urban Gallery, who dropped by to support Linda and Sandra.

I caught gallery curator, Allen Shugar (below), here proudly watching the guests stroll through the gallery, viewing all the pieces he laid out for the artists.

Although the rain poured down outside, the gallery was buzzing with inspired happy guests…

EVOKE runs through end of April.

Please visit the gallery’s website for hours/dates: www.UrbanGallery.ca and visit each artist’s website to see their portfolio of works.

Linda Langerak http://www.lankyratcreations.com/paintings—2014.html

Sandra Bilawich http://elementaldesigns.org/

GIDDY-UP AND DANCE! ODYSSEO HORSES MESMERIZE AT MEDIA DAY

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of attending the media preview of Cavalia’s “ODYSSEO” show featuring 70+ horses and dozens of riders, trainers and gymnasts performing under the big top down in Toronto’s portlands.

We all crammed into the press area and pulled out cameras and spent 55 minutes clicking and rolling as the horses jumped, galloped, and danced to haunting live music, many horses working without reins or any sort of tack – it was amazing to watch how gently and calmly the trainers worked with them.

There are many vignettes featuring medieval style dressage (above), and energetic cowboy rough-riding (below) demonstrated….

It was difficult to capture the fast galloping trick riders (above) but soon the mood changed once again….

Wow….they filled the giant arena with water, turning the scene into a beautiful waterfall pool where the horses danced like 4-legged water sprites.

3 years ago, I attended Odysseo when the show first came to town. But on Tuesday, I still got the chills watching these breathtaking beasties charge around, perfectly choreographed. Congratulations to Artistic Director Normand Latourelle for maintaining such a high standard of professionalism and inspiration. And bravo to all the creative team, the riders and trainers, the musicians and the beautiful vocalist who brought the “middle earth” vibe, and those astounding gymnasts who jumped, bounced, climbed around the arena with such energy and gusto.

Equine artist, Bruce K. Lawes (http://bklawesart.com/) came with me to shoot additional photos and he was in horse heaven!

Local horsewoman, Amanda from Mississauga, rode in the show, too. (below)

And here’s the amazing trainer who worked with 12 “free” horses earlier in the show.

So if you love horses, if you enjoy theatre, if you’re passionate about dance – you MUST visit ODYSSEO while it’s here in Toronto. The show has already been extended for another two weeks so check your newspapers or visit their website for show times and ticket information: http://cavalia.net/en/odysseo/tickets-info/toronto-can