regional news - Performance Printing

REGIONAL NEWSRural ThemedVendors WantedRegister NowHey Ewe! Bring the family toBIA Lambs Down ParkFestival in Carleton Place Connected to your communityChubby Checker becomes honourary resident of Beckwith TownshipBy TARA GESNERtgesner@perfprint.caEMC News – He was born Ernest Evans, butpeople worldwide know this American singersongwriteras Chubby Checker.In the area last month for a performance at theCasino Lac Leamy in Gatineau, Checker called onhis longtime friend, Beckwith Township residentChuck Darnell-Stokes.“The day before the show (May 16) he was visitingand wanted me to show him around,” saidDarnell-Stokes.The duo made a special stop at the municipal office,thrilling both staff and Reeve Richard Kidd.“I was honoured to have Chubby Checker dropinto the township office,” said Kidd. “Having aninternational entertainer sing while playing ourpiano will go down in Beckwith history.”He thanked Stokes for organizing the afternoon.In recognition of his visit, the township’s leaderpresented Checker with a plaque on behalf ofcouncil, declaring him an honourary resident ofBeckwith Township. The performer was thrilledwith the recognition.Darnell-Stokes said Checker is a very downto-earthperson, someone who always remembershis friends. “He is a shy type,” he continued, “andwhen he is not performing, he is very reserved.”Darnell-Stokes would love to bring his friendback to Beckwith Township to headline a fundraiserfor the Carleton Place and District MemorialHospital. Unfortunately, associated costs would bein the region of $35,000 and backers would be required.He said the show could be held at the BeckwithRecreational Complex, and other entertainers – amixture of country and rock and roll – might includeMarty Stuart, a five time Grammy-winnerand Grand Ole Opry star, as well as Canadiangroup Ambush (made up of Mark McDonell, RiqTurner and Tom VanCoughnett).Approximately 2,500 people attended Checker’sshow on May 17 at the Casino Lac Leamy.Any businesses, organizations or individuals interestedin supporting a possible concert can contactDarnell-Stokes by email at westone@storm.ca.“We need a new hospital,” he said. “The populationis just booming.”Darnell-Stokes and Checker pair met in 1960 atthe Montreal Forum. They immediately hit it off.“I was there as a guest of thepromoter,” he said.Over the years the two have stayed close, visitingand staying with each other.Checker resides in Philadelphia with his wife ofnearly 50 years, Catharina.In the summer of 1960 he became a sensationwith his version of Hank Ballard’s song, ‘TheTwist’. What’s more, Checker’s dance, The Twist,transformed movement on the dance floor – peopledancing apart to the beat.His career is laced with honors and legacies,including 36 hit records, 250 million records soldand a 2012 induction into the National RecordingRegistry of the Library of Congress.These days, Checker still maintains a plumpschedule of concert performances and personal appearances.Darnell-Stokes is also a musician. During the‘60s and ‘70s he performed throughout Ontario,Quebec and the eastern U.S. with his band, theXL’s.Submitted photosChubby Checker, fourth from right, with members of Beckwith Township’s municipalstaff, above. Beckwith Reeve Richard Kidd, fourth from left, declared themusic icon an honourary resident of Beckwith Township.Chubby Checker performs a song on the piano atthe Beckwith Township municipal office on May 16.He was in the area visiting Chuck Darnell-Stokes, hislongtime friend and resident.R0012141409_0606At Satellite Truss, we know our successis directly coupled to the satisfactionand success of our customers.We provide free quotations for all of yourroof truss & floor design needs, with quotestypically available in 5 to 10 days.Phone: 613-269-3310Toll Free: 1-800-561-0146www.satellitetruss.comThe Roof Truss Specialists – Since 1974Sat, June 15th 10am to 4pmCanadian Co-operative Woolgrowers142 Franktown Rd, Carleton PlaceR0012108080/0523www.downtowncarletonplace.com www.wool.caContact Info613-257-8049cmcormond@carletonplace.caTHE EMC - 17 - Thursday, June 6, 2013Designed by: M. PowerR0012140749_0606