Philippa Murray Philippa Murray

WHAT’S ON MY MIND....
Susan MacDonald, Editor
From a late and cold spring into a wet and humid summer, everyone has been severely
complaining about the weather. Turn an eye to Calgary, folks, things could be a lot
worse and my heart-felt sympathies go out to our fellow Canadians who will continue
to suffer the physical and emotional trauma caused by the flood devastations of this
year for a long time to come. In comparison, we have little to complain about so let’s
count ourselves lucky and look ahead to what’s coming up in our picturesque Laurentians
over the next few months.
Ilania Abileah has done a wonderful job compiling an extensive repertoire of local
festivals, theatre presentations, art exhibits, live music shows and several other cultural
events that will be happening throughout every region of the Laurentians. Not a day
goes by when she does not send in another email saying, “here is something else that
must go in Main Street.” God bless her, she doesn’t want to miss one single event in
her column, Out and About (starting on page14). Well, unfortunately, we can’t list
them all in the newspaper, but we can still share them with you on our facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Main-Street-News/160780830742589. If you haven’t
already signed in, and given the old “thumbs up,” now would be a good time to do so.
Elsewhere in the pages, you will find a few writers have shared their points of view on
some political issues in their columns, Youthful Perspective (Yaneka McFarland- p. 34),
Ramble On (Barry Young - p. 36) and Run for Cover (Frans Sayers - p. 35). The topics
all differ, but their perspectives are interesting. Oh, and by the way, don’t let the headline
of Simply Words, “Order Pizza - While You Still Can” fool you (Jim Warbanks - p.
10). Although a personal favourite, great pizza is not what this article is all about.
Residents facing the Hydro-Quebec high-tension wire project will be happy to read the
open letter from Mayor Réjean Gravel from St. Adolphe d’Howard on page 7. It seems,
TERRACE
LOTTERY VIDEO
19, rue Morin, Sainte-Adèle
Across the street from Cinema Pine.
450 229-5555
Café Bar Joes: June 2013 Main Street Ad
is your
in the Laurentians.
Come for a relaxing
drink or try your luck
at Sainte-Adèle’s
premium luxury
café-bar & casino.
Joe’s is the ideal
complement to a night
at the movies
or a gourmet dinner.
July 2013
that for the moment at least, the project has been put on hold, much to everyone’s
relief. While evident that a continued population growth and a higher energy consumption
rate in the area is causing a demand for an increase of energy supplies, it is hoped
that an alternative solution to the present project will be found, one that will be more
suitable to the residents and the environment. While that remains to be seen, quoting
the mayor, “the initial battle has been won.”
As I well know, the Laurentians has been a hot spot for several film shoots and the Harrington
Valley, my home, is one prime location. Even as I write this, a film is underway
in the area and others are planned for later this year. It was interesting to check out
how many of the “screen stars” have visited our area. There is a short article mentioning
some of the films shot in our hills and valleys along with the website where you
can peruse them all; it’s always fun to see familiar scenes from home on the big screen.
On a final note, there are a few anniversaries worth mentioning this month. La Grange,
Morin Heights celebrated its first anniversary in June, Route des Arts is geared up for
its 14th edition and Arts Morin Heights reached its glorious 30th anniversary; what a
milestone! Congratulations to all and best wishes for continued success.
That’s the wrap-up for this month. Grab your coffee, relax and enjoy this month’s read.
Writer’s Profile
This month, June Angus has a few words to share.
Main Street’s founder Jack Burger was a close friend
so we often had passionate discussions about community
newspapers and occasionally I wrote about local
activities for the paper. Jack also knew I had written
gardening articles for a few magazines so he encouraged
me to do a regular column for Main Street, which
I began in 2009. Since gardening and writing are two
of my passions, writing about gardening for Main
Street is a labour of love.
While I don’t have formal horticulture training, I’ve lived
with avid gardeners all my life, taken seminars, read lots
of books and regularly scour the Internet for answers to gardening questions. Handson
experience comes from my home and cottage gardens in the Laurentians. I also
share a joint-venture vegetable garden with a friend. I’m a big fan of public gardens, so
no matter where I travel - I love to travel too - I have my camera ready.
Born in BC and raised in southern Ontario, I have lived all my adult life in Quebec,
most of that in the Laurentians. I love walking the rolling hills in summer and
snowshoeing in winter. I have a journalism degree and worked in corporate communications
and marketing for over 30 years for companies large and small including
a decade as a freelance writer/editor while raising two sons with my husband
in Morin Heights. Now that my children are grown up and I work just part-time, I
can pursue my many other interests. These include helping Theatre Morin Heights,
running the English Cancer Support Group, singing in Joyful Noise Choir and taking
time to breathe with yoga. And of course, writing for Main Street and helping
out as associate editor too.
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