SPORTS ~ Soccer Was Fun For Isobel ...

Isobel enjoyed participating in the 2011 Manitou Youth Soccer Association earlier this Spring.  Since there was a lack of interest for older age groups, there were only teams for the Under 6 and Under 8-year olds.  Practices began on Wednesday, May 11th and continued until Wednesday, June 22nd, every Monday and Wednesday evening (starting at 6 p.m.).  Isobel's group played for 45 minutes at a stretch.  On the last day, the children played a fun game against the parents.  The players also received frisbees with "Manitou Youth Soccer" printed on them.  Too bad it's such a long wait until the next soccer season begins!

SWIMMING LESSONS ~ Last Session at the Pool. . .

... Time in the Pool ...

Although Alisdair was very reluctant to take swimming lessons, we thought this was an important skill to learn.  He was going to take lessons in Lloydminster back in the fall of 2010, however there was a shortage of instructors at the Leisure Centre and the session (sponsored by the Lloydminster Homeschool Association) had to be cancelled.

Then, we were going to sign him up for another 8-day session at the end of March/beginning of April, at the Leisure Centre, but some of the dates conflicted with the Battleford Kiwanis Music Festival we had already registered for.

At that point we began thinking swimming lessons were no longer an option.  Then, we learned about a series of lessons, sponsored by the Battlefords Homeschool Association.  They were to be held on Friday afternoons from 3 to 4 PM.  Since Isobel's Kindergarten classes occasionally fall on a Friday, we enlisted the assistance of Grandma and Grandpa.  On the days when I couldn't take him to the lessons, his grandparents kindly met us halfway and we would exchange Alisdair in the parking lot of a restaurant!  Sometimes, he would even get lucky and be able to stay with them for a couple of days before returning back home.

... One-on-One instruction
(while other students enjoyed the hot tub
 for the last few minutes of the lesson time) ...

This afternoon is the final session of this series of swimming lessons.  When Alisdair began taking these lessons, he was extremely scared of being in the water.  He didn't even want to get his head wet.  Now, if he is wearing a life jacket and his bright orange goggles, he will even go in the deep end of the pool . . . I call that progress!

So, although we'll be surprised if the instructors present Alisdair with a badge for successful completion of the course, (as some of his skills are still a bit "weak") -- he is a winner in my eyes.

With a little more practise, I am sure he'll soon be successful with his flutter kicks and underwater breathing!

TRACK & FIELD - "I CAN" Games in Dorintosh

It was a long drive - 3 hours each way, and about 575 kms, but like the Battleford Furniture commercials say, "The difference was worth the drive!"

... "Dorintosh ~ 'Where the Prairie Meets the Pine' ...

We left home Monday morning at about 7 AM, with the kids soon falling asleep in the back seat of the car.  I was listening to the radio and driving the backroads, with little traffic, headed north to Dorintosh.  Alisdair had attended the "I CAN" games last year and, even though we were homeschooling this year, his Occupational Therapist made sure we got an invitation to attend this event once more.  The "I CAN" games are a track and field day with a difference.  It doesn't matter if you are athletically inclined, or how you place in any of the events -- as all the participants are "WINNERS."

When we went last year, I didn't know what to expect.  I'd always hated track as a child and didn't know if we'd have fun or not!  And how could people struggling with disabilities compete?  My skepticism, however, was soon gone and after experiencing the inclusive atmosphere at the Dorintosh, "I CAN" Games once, I knew we had to go back again, if at all possible.

And so I found myself headed back to Dorintosh for the 12th Annual "I CAN" Games.  This inspirational event, almost didn't happen for 2011, due to the current teacher's strike.  When volunteer services were withdrawn in late May, the games were postponed, much to the disappointment of many.  Luckily, with the appointment of a mediator in the dispute, the "I CAN" Games were once again scheduled, with many students, parents, volunteers and school staff looking forward to attending. 

When we walked into the Dorintosh Community Hall, it all seemed familiar.  We looked for the sign, taped to the wall, that said, "NEILBURG," and stood underneath it.  Surveying the gymnasium, we scanned the crowd and saw some familiar faces -- people that had participated last year, too.  There were children with leg braces, a girl with neon pink tape wrapped around her crutches, many individuals in wheelchairs, people that looked "different" and others like Alisdair that struggle with disabilities but outwardly appear normal. (He has "dyspraxia" which simply means he has difficulty with tasks requiring certain kinds of fine/gross motor skills - for instance, the hand/eye coordination required to throw a ball or the balance to ride a bicycle.)

Soon it was time to start and the athletes took their signs and went out of the hall. The piano began playing and Mr. MacCormack, the Principal of Dorintosh Central School, began announcing the various schools that were participating. He called out names like the "Flying Dust Reserve", "Marsden", and "J. H. Moore High School."

When the principal called out "Neilburg School,"  Alisdair marched into the gymnasium holding the bristol board sign we had made that said "Neilburg Homeschoolers" in colourful metallic lettering.  Underneath was his photo and his name written in glitter glue.

... Our sign ...

Each athlete walked in a circle around the gym, until they arrived back at their designated spot on the wall.  It was something like the athletes marching in at an opening ceremony for the Olympics.  I quickly snapped a photo and Isobel and I cheered loudly.

Then it was time for "O Canada."  I started to sing the national anthem but then my voice broke, and tears began to spill down my cheeks.  Finally I was able to join in once more. 

Carolyn Forsey, the Superintendent of Student Services for the Northwest School Division, asked all the athletes and their teachers or aides, to form a circle in the center of the gym.  She then retold the story of "The Little Engine Who Could" and got everyone to repeat the phrase, "I CAN," three times.

Then Kier Barker was introduced.  Barker is an inspirational speaker from Ontario, who happened to be in the area, and shared a little of his own story.  Born with spina bifida, his parents were told they would never take their son home from the hospital.  "But I'm here," Kier exclaimed, as he limped up and down the gym, leaning on his black cane.

... Kier Barker and Alisdair ...

"Then they were told I would never walk," he said.  But Kier was fitted with braces and overcame that challenge, too.  One day, he walked into the doctor's office without his brace -- and his physician couldn't believe what he was seeing.  "It's impossible, you're not supposed to be able to do this," the doctor exclaimed, to which Kier replied, "Well, that's your problem" and he continued walking!  Now, despite a stutter, Barker is a motivational speaker.

He told those gathered at the "I CAN" games to remember these things:

"Dreams are possible."

"Create your own plan."

"What you think about matters."

"Words hurt -- What words do you use when you talk to yourself?"

"Never give up."

Soon it was time to break up into groups and to head outside where various events had been set up.  Alisdair was assigned to "Amanda's Awesome" team.  Amanda is the Occupational Therapist who comes to Neilburg on an occasional basis and so she knew both Alisdair and Isobel.  Even though Isobel wasn't pre-registered (and doesn't have any disabilities), she was allowed to fully participate in all the activities -- making it a wonderful day for her, as we cheered her big brother on.

Participants were not competing against each other to be the "top" athlete -- rather each was out on the field simply to have fun and to try to do the best they could.  For example, in one activity, a girl did not want to kick the soccer ball.  So, instead of getting upset with her lack of cooperation, the organizers encouraged her to throw the ball into the net!  It worked ... and she decided to do that!  After each event, the participants were able to choose what colour of ribbon they wanted to pin onto their t-shirts.

For "Non-Wheelchair Athletes" like Alisdair, there were activities like the obstacle course; running in between pylons; a beanbag shuttle run; a rubber boot toss; a duck hunt (shooting rubber ducks with a garden hose); a newspaper toss; toilet paper roll toss; and many other "fun" events.

... The Duck Hunt ...

... Beanbag Shuttle Run. ...
(Also pictured is a participant
who has received a heart transplant
 and another who uses braces. Amanda
is the lady on the far right.)

... Rubber Boot Toss ...

Soon it was lunch time and we all went inside the gymnasium for an hour -- allowing the students who attend Dorintosh Central School to use the playground for their own activities over the lunch hour.  While inside we were served hot dogs, watermelon, juice boxes and popsicles.  Since it was so hot outside, being indoors was a good break from the sun.

Before we knew it, we were back outside for the final hour of the "I CAN" Games.  The group were able to squeeze in another three events before heading back indoors for the "closing ceremony" and ice cream cups "for the road."  Many individuals were thanked for the role they played in making the "I CAN" Games possible -- people like the volunteers from the Dorintosh Lions Club and the dedicated ladies in the kitchen, behind the scenes, who prepared the food.

It was almost 2:30 PM as we headed out to our stifling hot car and began driving home, arriving in Neilburg at 5:40 PM -- just in time to deliver our newspapers and for soccer practise.  We were hot and tired but we were glad we'd been able to participate in the 12th Annual "I CAN" Games in Dorintosh.

According to an archived article from "The Meadow Lake Progress," the concept of the "I CAN" Games began back in 1999, when the then principal of "Dorintosh school, John Carr and teacher Brenda Neufeld, came up with the idea to hold a special organized track and field event to accommodate children with mental and physical challenges."

"They visualized games that would be open to children in the Meadow Lake School district, ranging from Kindergarten to grade 12."

"Carr and Neufeld planned the events to meet the needs of numerous degrees of developmental challenges, ranging from autism, to fetal alcoholism, to Downs Syndrome."

Since it's inception, the good people of Dorintosh have put the "I CAN" Games on for a total of twelve years.  They are to be commended for their efforts, and for the difference this event brings to the lives of each athlete and their parents.

"Can we go to that place, again, Mum?,"  Isobel asked me this morning.  I tried to explain to her that the "I CAN" Games are only held once a year.  It's going to be a long wait . . .



***

Watch for an additional post with more photographs from our day at the "I CAN" Games.

BALLET ~ Isobel's Dance Recital ~ "Friend In Me"

Over the last few months, Isobel was in the "Tutu Ballet" group (of four and five year olds) at the Cut Knife School of Dance.  Throughout the fall and winter, we went to Cut Knife almost every Monday afternoon for practice.

The "Tutu Ballet" ensemble performed a selection called "You've Got a Friend In Me" from the movie Toy Story at the final recital, held on Sunday, May 1st, in the Cut Knife Elks Theatre.  Isobel was a cute little alien!  Grandma and Grandpa came to watch our little dancer on stage for her debut.

At the conclusion of the show, each dancer was given a carnation and a Certificate of Achievement.  Isobel loved being in ballet and she hopes to continue with dance in the future.  With all the driving, Mum's not so sure!

VIDEOS ~ Footage from 2010 "Lose the Training Wheels" Camp ~ Victoria, BC

If you watch this video, you will learn about an exciting program called "Lose the Training Wheels."  This group had a successful Camp last summer in Victoria, British Columbia, sponsored by the Queen Alexandra Children's Hospital.  The group plans to run another camp in 2011 ~ from July 11th to 16th.

Participants will ride the modified bikes shown in the video for 90-minutes per day.  Alisdair's dyspraxia has made it difficult for him to be able to balance enough to ride a two-wheeler and so he is anxious to "lose the training wheels" this summer.

"Whenever I go riding on my bike, with the training wheels, I feel like lots of people are making fun of me," says Alisdair.  "It humiliates me to think that I'm going on 12 and there are children, not much bigger than my little sister, who can ride with two wheels."

Since Alisdair feels so strongly about this, we have decided to attend the upcoming Camp.  When we initially inquired about it, we were told participants from the Queen Alexandra Children's Hospital would be given top priority.  However, after the enrollment deadline, there was a vacancy and we were told Alisdair would be eligible to attend.  After receiving that news, we managed to find a WestJet seat sale and book plane tickets.  The organizers are now holding a space for him in their program.  We even managed to find economical accomodations at a hostel for the week!

Alisdair and I are both looking forward to our adventure on Vancouver Island . . . he'll be "losing the training wheels" and hopefully I'll be losing weight ~ chasing his bicycle around the riding arena!  It makes me tired and out of breath just thinking about it . . . wish us both luck!

HEALTH ~ HEPATITIS 'B' Vaccination Series Completed

The telephone rang.  When I answered, it was the local Public Health Nurse on the other end of the line.  Could Alisdair come over to the clinic for the last of his series of immunizations Saskatchewan students receive in Grade 6?  Reluctantly I made the appointment, as I knew he would be upset.


This was the third time we'd had to meet with her for a Hepatitis 'B' immunization as it is given in three doses.  On one of the first occasions, Alisdair tried to tell the Nurse that he wasn't going to be a drug user and he wasn't going to "sleep with a lot of partners" so therefore he didn't need the shot.

Alisdair was also very concerned about the possibility the vaccines contained "high levels of mercury."  Although she appreciated his knowledge about the reasons for having the shots, the Public Health Nurse didn't "buy" his excuses and neither of us let him off the hook!  She tried to reassure him that she wouldn't have immunized her own daughters, if it wasn't safe to do so.  Regardless, it was a relief to get the procedure over with!

Notice of Immunization

The Public Health Nurse said the next set of booster shots are not until Grade 8 ~ so it's good to know we don't have to go through this again for a while!

In his search to find evidence against getting children vaccinated, Alisdair found this amusing video by Sid the Science Kid called, "It's Gonna Help A Whole Lot," which was made by PBS.  Enjoy!

CURRENT EVENTS ~ The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton ~ Friday, April 29, 2011

The balcony kiss

Although we were far from London and the pagentry of the Royal Wedding, Alisdair wanted to watch "history in the making."  He went to bed early, and after sleeping for a couple of hours, got up again around midnight.  We watched the entire CBC broadcast with Peter Mansbridge.  These are some of Alisdair's impressions of the event:

"Union Jacks were flying everywhere across the screen.  Before the Royal Wedding began, CBC did a short segment on the history of Westminster Abbey.  Prince William and Catherine Middleton are the 16th Royal couple to be wed at the Abbey.  Kate's dress, in my opinion, was very lacy and the design was brilliant.  All the ladies, in attendance, wore hats or fascinators.  Some of the hats were kind of crazy and I am glad I didn't have to wear them!  There were 5,000 security officers on duty and approximately one million people were predicted to line the streets of London for the occasion. My Mother fell asleep before the balcony scene.  I had to poke her, to get her awake, in time for the little peck that was going to happen! ... (That's the second time I've had to wake her up for an important event.  See our blog post, "The Peace of Christ Be With You," dated December 28, 2010). A lot of people were happy the wedding was made an official Bank Holiday in the United Kingdom, so they got extra time off work!"

"I had the day off work, too!  I was so tired, after staying up all night watching TV, that my stepdad said I should go have a nap.  While I was sleeping, Mum and Isobel did my newspaper route.  I also got the day off from regular school work, because I had been learning about history all night!  I hope that the Royal Couple are very happy and will have some good times together."

SAFETY FIRST ~ 97% ~ Saskatchewan Safety Council Baby Sitter Training Course

Alisdair's Manual

We are pleased to announce Alisdair has successfully completed the Saskatchewan Safety Council Baby Sitter Training Course.  We took a trip to the library (to borrow some videos) and the Librarian presented Alisdair with his official card, signed by the Course Leader, Fay Hewko, dated April 19th.

We were also given his "Babysitter Training Course Exam."  There were a total of 100 marks available, broken down as follows:   (30 marks for Short Answer questions; 40 marks for Multiple Choice questions and another 30 for True and False responses.) 

The front page of the test booklet

We were delighted to learn Alisdair had received 97% on this test!  The instructor wrote at the bottom of the exam "Good Job!"

Special thanks to Mrs. Hewko for her willingness to teach the Course and to the Neilburg Branch of the Lakeland Library for sponsoring this valuable training.  I am sure the wealth of information that Alisdair gleaned from the course will serve him in good stead in the months and years to come ~ whether he eventually begins to babysit or not.

SPEECH ARTS ~ $100.00 Scholarship Presented at Gala Awards Concert

Delighted Winner!

It's obvious Alisdair is delighted in the above photograph.  He's learned that "hard work pays off" ~ and some times not quite the way you think!

Scholarship Certificate

Friday evening, Alisdair received a Scholarship Certificate at the Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival's "Gala Awards Concert" for 2011.  The Certificate says the award was for the "Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival Junior Speech Arts Test Piece."  A cheque for $100.00 accompanied the certificate. 

The "hard, cold cash!"

Being new at the Music Festival scene, we weren't sure what a "Test Piece" actually was.  Apparently they are classes where the participants are given a specific poem or passage to perform.  The award, then, was for "Sacred Reading" (Matthew 25:31-40). He received a mark of 89% for that particular entry.

GARDENING ~ Nasturtiums Update ~ Replanting!

Perhaps our loyal readers have been wondering what happened with the little red "Pail of Posies" that Alisdair posted about way back on February 11th?

There has been no updated post because, for some strange reason, the seeds did not germinate, much to our disappointment!  After the 14-day germination period indicated on the packaging had elapsed, we kept watching and hoping that they were just slow to start growing.

We have now officially given up on the original seeds.  After the Lloydminster Homeschool Association meeting on Friday night, I was in Wal-Mart and found another packet of Nasturtium seeds.  So we are going to try again.  Hopefully we will have more success this time round and can post pictures, in a couple weeks, of the shoots emerging from the peat moss.  If this doesn't work, we'll have to plant the remainder of the seeds outdoors in our flowerbed.  After all, if you don't succeed at first TRY TRY again!!

Wish us luck!

SPEECH ARTS ~ Alisdair Wins A Scholarship!

I was out at choir practice tonight.  While I was gone, Alisdair got an exciting phone call.  Cathy Richardson, one of the ladies on the "Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival" board telephoned with some very good news!  He won some kind of scholarship for his Speech Arts performances!

When I got home, I called back for more details.  Mrs. Richardson didn't have the list in front of her, so she wasn't sure exactly what the prize was, (or what it was for), but she said Alisdair would have his name on a plaque and would be receiving a cheque.

In order to receive his prize, we need to attend the Gala Concert at 7 PM on Friday, April 15th at Third Avenue United Church in North Battleford.  There is a $5 charge for everyone who attends (except all prize winners get in free).  After the gala concert (where selected people perform their pieces once again) Alisdair will be called to the stage to accept his prize.

He doesn't have to perform any of his pieces, but it's so encouraging to be singled out for recognition.  At this rate, I'm sure he'll be willing to participate again next year!

Blessings abound ... and surprises continue to pop out from behind the corner every now and again...  Not too shabby for a first time performer.  Good job, Alisdair!!

SAFETY FIRST ~ Looking After Little "Eggy" ~ Sask. Safety Council Babysitting Course

"Sh! sh! sh!  Eggy is tucked in bed, sleeping!"

Alisdair enjoyed the first day of his Saskatchewan Safety Council Babysitting Course.  This is his new little friend "Eggy" ~ and no, it's not hardboiled!  Alisdair was instructed to look after it for the day (the rest of the participants had to look after their egg for two days, but the length of his assignment was shortened as it conflicted with our trip to the opera).  He was also supposed to make a bed for the wee fellow.  As you can see, the young man is resting comfortably in his bed from "Linen and Things" ~ oh, sorry, I mean "Hamburger Helper!"

Eggy is apparently one month old and weighed 9 pounds and 9 ounces when he was born.  Funny ~ that number is strangely familiar to me ~ maybe because it was Alisdair's own birth weight!!

Alisdair also had to complete a logbook to detail when Eggy cried, ate and slept.  He has also created a "Mini-Resume" to handout to potential babysitting customers.  Some of the information he included was:

I prefer children aged 5+ and they MUST BE potty trained.

I can cook things like:

* Hamburger Helper

*Tuna Helper

*Knorr Sidekicks

*Frozen TV dinners

*Soup and Sandwiches

*Toast & Cereal

* Cheese Quesadillas in the Microwave
(I can vary ingredients depending on the child’s personal tastes.)

I have just recently begun swimming lessons. So I could assist children in a small wading pool. I have cared for my sister who is 5-years old, when my mother had to go out for brief periods.

My Hobbies are reading, watching cartoons, Nintendo DS Lite, collecting stamps and postcards, computer games. I am also interested in politics.  I’m homeschooled so I could babysit potty trained preschoolers (3-4 years old) during school hours if an emergency arose and you urgently needed a babysitter.

He also had to prepare a "Babysitting Kit" as another assignment for today's class. His kit contains some "Babysitting Checklist" forms for parents to complete prior to the job (with allergy information and other specific instructions about the care of the child), a message pad, a flashlight, two Postman Pat books, some markers and several colouring pages, some snacks, a tape recorder and a couple of childrens' cassettes, and a Dora the Explorer puzzle.  All these items are stored in a reusable shopping bag, ready to go to a babysitting assignment at a moment's notice.

I wonder what the would-be babysitters will learn at today's class??   

SPEECH ARTS ~ "Lord Ullin's Daughter" ~ By: Thomas Campbell ~ 87%

An old illustrated copy of the

first stanza of the poem

"Lord Ullin's Daughter"

Friday, April 1st was a busy day ... Alisdair was involved in the Sacred Reading category of the Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival at 9 a.m.  Grandma and Grandpa had kept him overnight and they took him to the venue and watched his performance.  Meanwhile, I was at home quickly delivering the Saskatoon Star Phoenix to Alisdair's subscribers, stacking up our overdue library books that needed to be returned in North Battleford (our branch is only open a few hours per week), getting Alisdair's swimming gear organized, packing bottles to return (to the depot) and clothes (destined for the "Mennonite Community Closet") in the car, all the while repeating stanzas from the poem "Lord Ullin's Daughter" over and over in my head... 

This was no "April Fool's" joke... I didn't think it was fair to make Alisdair memorize a poem without being willing to do the same myself, and so when I handed in Alisdair's registration forms, I signed myself up too.  It all seemed logical back in January but when "doomsday" was suddenly upon us, I wondered why I willingly got myself into this!  I was quite tempted to back out but I kept repeating the words to the poem as I drove all the way to North Battleford.  I am sure it was a bit like torture for Isobel, who was strapped into her seatbelt in the back seat and couldn't escape the strains of my voice!

Alisdair finished reciting his poem only a few minutes before his first set of swimming lessons with the Battlefords Homeschool Association were about to begin.  There were still several other performers to recite before my turn would come at the front of the sanctuary.  Grandma to the rescue!  She took Alisdair to the pool while I waited.

Finally, it was my turn.  I got up and announced the title, "Lord Ullin's Daughter" and the author, "Thomas Campbell."

Thomas Campbell
July 27, 1777 - June 15, 1844

And then I focused on the pretty spring green stained glass windows as I stared out over the sparsely populated pews and plunged in...

"A chieftain to the Highlands bound cries boatman do not tarry...

Once, the adjudicator prompted softly as I stumbled and repeated, "The boat, the boat..."  She provided the phrase "has left a stormy land" and I was off again... but very relieved when Lord Ullin was left lamenting and I could bow and sit down in the front pew to await adjudication.

In the end, Phyllis Thomsen (the adjudicator) gave me a mark of 87% and "first in the class" (as I was the only adult entered!)  Her remarks included advice on the rhyming of the words "t a rry and f e rry" as well as the following:

"Some very fine work here.  You knew the poem well, actually and were able to express the pain, loss and regret with understanding.  Try always to feel the conversational aspects, the onward flow of the story.  Thank you for the care you took to prepare and present this poem for us."

The illustration for the final stanza where
Lord Ullin was  "left lamenting."

While researching "Lord Ullin's Daughter," I came across an interesting painting by Kate Underwood.  It was inspired by Campbell's poem.  She describes it as follows:

"June 2007. Largish canvas......acrylics...Scary picture! This is about control......& remorse.

I was working at my charity shop, & I found a book of British traditional poetry.......& on the bus journey home, it fell open at an old Scottish ballad , [the first page, as though meant!] so, by chance ... so I read it.......& it inspired me to paint this!"
(Kate Underwood's Flickr page can be found here.)



My Certificate



OPERA ~ "TOSCA" ~ By: Giacomo Puccini ~ We're Booked for Thursday Evening!

 A tale of desperate choices embroiled in art and politics concludes the Edmonton Opera season with "Tosca," Puccini’s darkest and most powerful masterpiece.

Puccini – Tosca April 9, 12, 14, 2011 – 7:30pm The Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Sung in Italian with English supertitles

Tosca, a fiery and passionate diva, struggles with a deadly decision: will she surrender to Rome’s brutal chief of police to save the man she loves?

As an elementary student (I'm not sure now exactly what grade I was in, but it would have been during the very early Seventies), we were living in the Greater Vancouver area.  Even though it is now almost forty years later, I still remember our school field trips to the opera.  We saw "Carmen" (composed by Georges Bizet) and then the following year, we went again, and saw "Rigoletto" (by Giuseppe Verdi).  These two field trips made a big impression on me ~ the costumes (especially the fancy gowns worn in "Carmen"), the singing, and the vast size of the auditorium and the crowd.

I was excited recently to learn that there was an opportunity to take my own children to see the opera ~ thanks to an Education Program offered by the Edmonton Opera.  They will allow school children (and homeschoolers) to attend their dress rehearsals for a minimal cost ($20 for adults, $12 for Junior or Senior High Students, and $7 for elementary students).  The last production of the current season is "Tosca" by Giacomo Puccini and the dress rehearsal is this Thursday evening at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium on the University of Alberta campus.  I received confirmation this morning that our ticket request has been granted!

We were hoping that we would be able to go, so last Friday (after the Music Festival concluded) I borrowed two cassette tapes and a booklet about "Tosca" from the North Battleford Branch of the Lakeland Library, so we will be a little familiar with the work prior to attending the show.

And so we are "off to the opera" on Thursday night ... picking up our tickets in the lobby from the "Guest and Media Table" before 6:30 p.m. for a 7 o'clock start.  The performance is 2 hours and 45 minutes long ~ with two intermissions.  Since it is the dress rehearsal, the concession will not be open, so we've been instructed to take our own snacks.

I'm sure this will be another "field trip to remember" for the days and years to come!

SPEECH ARTS ~ Poetry ~ Sir Smashem Uppe ~ By: E. V. Rieu ~ 86%



"Great Scott... that was a nasty smash!"

The final class that Alisdair participated in, at the Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival, was #9629 ~ Individual Verse, 12 Years and Under.  Again, there were four contestants ~ all reciting different material.  Alisdair learned "Sir Smashem Uppe" by E. V. Rieu.

E. V. Rieu
(1887 - 1972)

Good afternoon, Sir Smasham Uppe!

We're having tea: do take a cup!

Sugar and milk? Now let me see-

Two lumps, I think?...Good gracious me!

The silly thing slipped off your knee!

Pray don't apologise, old chap;

A very trivial mishap!

So clumsy of you? How absurd!

My dear Sir Smasham, not a word!

Now do sit down and have another,

And tell us all about your brother-

You know, the one who broke his head.

Is that poor fellow still in bed?-

A chair - allow me, sir!...Great Scott!

That was a nasty smash! Eh, what?

Oh, not at all: the chair was old-

Queen Anne, or so we have been told.

We've got at least a dozen more:

Just leave the pieces on the floor.

I want you admire our view:

Come nearer to the window, do;

And look how beautiful...Tut, tut!

You didn't see that it was shut?

I hope you are not badly cut!

Not hurt? A fortunate escape!

Amazing! Not a single scrape!

And now, if you have finished tea,

I fancy you might like to see

A little thing or two I've got.

That china plate? Yes, worth a lot:

A beauty too...Ah, there it goes!

I trust it didn't hurt your toes?

Your elbow brushed it off the shelf?

Of course: I've done the same myself.

And now, my dear Sir Smasham - Oh,

You surely don't intend to go?

You must be off? Well, come again.

So glad you're fond of porcelain!

Alisdair received 86% and a certificate for second place [there were three participants tied with the same mark.  The top spot went to a girl who had an 87.]

Second Place Certificate

The adjudicator said:  "This was well done ~ you captured SO much of the fun of this poem.  The voice is very well projected and we could hear every word.  Occasionally, take a little longer when you see " . . . "  The pauses add another dimension to your expression.  Carefully prepared and well presented."

Sir Smashem Uppe . . .  surrounded by debris!
This cartoon was next to the poem in
"The Random House Book of Poetry for Children," 
 a book we borrowed from the library to give to the
adjudicator  (as they require an original copy of the poem).
The illustration is by Arnold Lobel. 

While preparing for this Class, Alisdair enjoyed reciting his poem over the telephone to various people.  Cousin Erin (who has performed in several Festivals) was a great help!  After reciting it for Grandad Ted, [who lives in Glasgow, Scotland] the lad was told, "That was SMASHING, Alisdair!"  We had to laugh at the pun!

Then, this morning, we learned that a lady, who was unable to attend the speech arts performance on Friday afternoon, has specially requested that Grandma Trudy make arrangements for her to come to see Alisdair, (so he can recite the poem for her), the next time he is staying at their place!  It's not everyday you get a request like that! 

SPEECH ARTS ~ Sacred Reading ~ Matthew 25:31-40 ~ 89%

Sacred Reading

Alisdair was "First" in Class 9704 - Sacred Reading, 12 and Under at the Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival yesterday.  Unfortunately I wasn't able to watch him as he competed, received his resulting adjudication, and was presented with his Certificate.  After all, someone had to stay home to do the newspaper route! So, it was Grandma and Grandpa in a pew at Third Avenue United Church, to see the performance.  I was, luckily, able to witness his effort later that afternoon in the poetry section. There were four competitors in his Class. 

As Alisdair was preparing, I joked that we could just switch the letters around in the word "Sacred" and he would be competing in "SCARED READING!"  Obviously, Alisdair had little to worry about as he took his turn in the pulpit.  Maybe he's a preacher in the making!

The passage Alisdair read was:

The Sheep and the Goats

 ³¹ "The Son of Man will come in all his glory. All the angels will come with him. Then he will sit on his throne in the glory of heaven. ³² All the nations will be gathered in front of him. He will separate the people into two groups. He will be like a shepherd who separates the sheep from the goats. ³³ He will put the sheep to his right and the goats to his left.

 ³⁴ "Then the King will speak to those on his right. He will say, 'My Father has blessed you. Come and take what is yours. It is the kingdom prepared for you since the world was created. ³⁵ I was hungry. And you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty. And you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger. And you invited me in. ³⁶ I needed clothes. And you gave them to me. I was sick. And you took care of me. I was in prison. And you came to visit me.'
 
 ³⁷ "Then the people who have done what is right will answer him. 'Lord,' they will ask, 'when did we see you hungry and feed you? When did we see you thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you as a stranger and invite you in? When did we see you needing clothes and give them to you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
 
 ⁴⁰ "The King will reply, 'What I'm about to tell you is true. Anything you did for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'   (New International Reader's Version)

The adjudicator's remarks [Phyllis Thomson] follow:

"Lower voice goats to the left.  This was well read Alisdair.  You spoke clearly, with authority and with knowledge.  You spaced the words well within each verse.  Perhaps take a little more pause between verses, particularly before Verse 37.  You asked the questions well in Verse 37.  It was a joy to hear you.  Thank you." 

First Place Certificate

SAFETY FIRST ~ "Sask. Safety Council Babysitting Course"

The local Lakeland Library Branch is much more than just a place to borrow books!  Our Neilburg Library is holding a "Babysitting Course" next month that is sanctioned through the "Saskatchewan Safety Council."  For more information about this organization, check out their website.

The course will be held, locally, in five, 2-hour sessions (April 5-7 and again on April 12 and 14th).

"This newly updated course is designed to prepare students for the demands of babysitting in the new millennium. It is strongly recommended that students be at least 12 years old before they take this course.   Session topics include babysitting basics, child care, safety smarts, playtime, first aid, and handling various emergencies such as fires."

Alisdair asked to take the course.  Since you can never have too much knowledge ~ and the $10.00 charge was negligible, I said, "Sure."  He ran down to the library yesterday afternoon, when it was open, and signed himself up.

I'm sure he will find the course interesting and very beneficial, even if he doesn't intend to immediately begin to look after other people's children!

SPEECH ARTS ~ 84% ~ For "Life As A Paper Boy" Speech



Certificate of First Time Performance ~ Speech Arts

It was nerve wracking, but Alisdair made it!  He stumbled a little, at first, but managed to deliver the whole speech "Life As A Paper Boy."  He was the last person on the afternoon program and the only competitor in the Class (there was supposed to be another speech, but the presenter was a 'no-show.')

He had an agonizingly long wait - through eight folk songs/folk ballads delivered by singers 16 years and under.  Then there were six poems, a girl participating in story telling, and another individual who gave a dramatic rendition of a monologue from "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown."  At last it was Alisdair's turn.

He took a copy of Saturday's Saskatoon Star Phoenix up with him.  The bold black headline read "HARPER GOVERNMENT FALLS" and underneath the sub-head was "PM expected to see Governor General today; election in May."

The adjudicator was Phyllis Thomson.  She gave him 84%, which is equivalent to an A- and is defined as a performance with "Definite Merit."


Certificate of Honor
Public Speaking ~ 14 Years of Age and Under

Her remarks were:

"Once you got into the 'stream' you enjoyed yourself more fully.  "cul de sac"  This is a good beginning in public speaking.  Perhaps use the music stand to hold your notes so that you can maintain eye contact as much as possible [we didn't know he was allowed to do so, or he would have!]  Once you know your speech a little more fully, then you will be able to space your words even more completely.  This was a long item to remember and you accomplished well.  Thank you, Alisdair."

It was, in itself, beneficial for Alisdair and I to have the opportunity to watch others perform before competing in the Sacred Reading and Poetry classes.  Now, at least, we know the proper procedures ~ like waiting for the secretary to read out each Class number and the competitor's names, ~ or how they adjudicate items a page at a time.  We'll both be doing a lot of polishing between now and Friday... we need to be at the venue at 9 a.m. so that means leaving home either the night before or about 7 a.m!  The things we do for the love of the arts....!

SPEECH ARTS ~ "Life As A Paperboy" ~ Alisdair's Festival Speech

This is the text of the speech Alisdair plans to give at the Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival tomorrow afternoon. 

"LIFE AS A PAPERBOY"

    I had just read the advertisement on the lamp post it was for the Star Phoenix paper route.

     

      “Mum, can I please have the paper route?” I begged. So she called the number that was on the poster for more information.

      Then after pestering Mum a lot, she called the number once again to make arrangements for me to go around with the old paper boy.

      I helped him for several days until he thought I would be okay on my own.  My first official day as a paper boy was October 19^th, 2010.  I signed a 3-month contract and gave my bank account information to the lady in charge of the carriers.

      My favourite day (other than my birthday or Christmas) is now the 10^th of every month because it is PAY DAY! I run outside to go see my statement that tells me how much I earned. I only earn 17 cents per paper/per day – so it adds up slowly. 

      At first I was excited to do my deliveries each day.  But then the weather got nasty – it was snowy and cold.

      “Why did I ever want this job?” I asked my Mum, as we drove around doing deliveries.  “I want to quit.”

      She told me I had to keep delivering as my three months weren’t up yet.

      I had some encouragement at Christmas time when many of my subscribers gave me cards, gifts and tips.  I especially liked the Quality Street chocolates (they are my favourite!) One lady even gave me a bowl full of homemade baking.  Yum!

      My strangest experience was when we went to deliver papers on a cul-de-sac where I have three subscribers.  My Mum had trouble driving because a big green house was in the middle of the street.  Workmen were putting it on a foundation.  It was blocking my way to one of the houses.  I had to walk around the green house and in behind it to get to the shiny gold mailbox where I put the local school Principal’s paper!

      Another odd experience was when a lady asked us to hold her paper for several weeks, as she was going to British Columbia.  We left all the papers in the Rubbermaid tub that the delivery man uses each day when he drops the papers off on my doorstep.  Somehow, the lid didn’t get properly shut one day and some snow got inside.  Some of the papers we were holding got wet.  The only solution we could think of was to use a hairdryer to heat the papers up and dry them out.  Thankfully she didn’t seem to mind as she didn’t complain to us about the incident.

      Two of my subscribers have mischievous dogs.  One lady often chains the dog outside, near the steps where I have to walk.  Sometimes the dog starts barking very loudly at me.  Once the dog stood on the step barking and barking and I was scared if I went any farther, he would bite me.  After quite a few minutes, and a lot of barking, the owner finally came outside and sent the dog inside and apologized to me for the trouble he had caused.  I’ve also ripped my coat on some nails sticking out of the trim on the door frame of this same house!

      Another problem is when people do not empty their mailboxes.  Sometimes they get so full of papers, which I have to put the new issue underneath the box or in-between the doors.  One lady’s screen door broke and I now have to open her door and throw the paper inside on the floor of her porch.

      I also am concerned about ice as some people have very slippery walks and driveways.

      My list of subscribers changes sometimes.  I have had two people die and two more went to the United States of America for the winter.  I hope they renew their subscriptions when they come back home.  I have also had some new people subscribe because the Star Phoenix does telemarketing to try to get more people to buy the paper by offering a big discount for a four months.

I also have a delivery deadline that I should meet.  The papers have to be delivered by 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday and by noon on Saturdays.  Sometimes we have to rush because we want to go somewhere or are doing something else.  I am lucky because, if I lived in Saskatoon, they would want me to get my work done by 7:30 a.m.

Even though it isn’t always pleasant to deliver the paper to my subscribers, I realize I am providing a valuable service to my customers.  When I deliver a paper with headlines about things like the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, or the pending Canadian election and the unstable political situation at the moment, I know these are important for people to know about.

I’m glad I am a paper boy!