It’s never too late to support community

Turtle concert photo by Cheryl Anderson

I had the pleasure of attending a fundraising concert at the beautiful historic Picton United Church last week, held by local musicians and entertainers to help defray legal costs of the Prince Edward County Field Naturalists as they proceed to the Appeal Court of Ontario. Their very worthwhile goal is to keep Prince Edward County’s south shore turbine free.

I have one word for the calibre of music at this concert –  Outstanding. This was a very fast-paced show with Ed Sullivan, a.k.a. Mark Davis introducing the performers. Even though the concert was over three hours long, I did not want it to end  The fact that these entertainers enjoyed performing with each other was not lost on the audience. You could tell that they were having a “swell time” harmonizing or supporting each other as backup singers.

I think  Jeannette Arsenault said it best when she stated that she had performed many times with these local entertainers and performers but that “afternoon was magical”.  They included the Reasons, the Reasonettes, Mark Davis,  Suzanne Pasternak, the Frere Brothers, Mark McGreevy, John, Penny and Roanna  Kitchen, Lenni  Stewart, Jeanette Arsenault, Tom Leighton, Rita de Ghent, Little Bluff, Judy Fraser and her father Bud Gregory. The amazing fact about Bud is that he not only sings, plays the harmonica and does a great George Burns impression , but whenever he is asked to perform in a fundraiser he does so without hesitation. By the way, Bud is 88 years young. I believe that there is a message here for many of us. It is never too late to help your community.

I have mentioned the musicians that appeared at this concert but there are many, many other County entertainers who also willingly give of their time to help local causes. The next time you see an entertainer or musician think about thanking them for “giving back” to their  community. If you  have an opportunity to attend a concert (fundraising or otherwise) where any of these musicians are performing consider doing so. I don’t believe that you will be disappointed as you will experience outstanding music from the 30s to today. It might even prove to be a magical time for you.

Fran Renoy, Picton