Inspired by hints of spring
Valley residents welcome March, even if it did come in “like a lion” and we look forward to spring time later in the month. Our gardeners have a host of “seedy” activities on their calendars:
- If you missed yesterday’s 18th Annual Ottawa Valley Seedy Sunday in Rankin, there are still plenty of opportunities for gardening enthusiasts to exchange seeds. You don’t always have to bring some to give away, you can attend and get some seeds to start your garden for free!
- Saturday, Mar.8 at the Spring Market, Combermere Community Centre, 10am – 2pm
- Saturday, Mar.8 at South Algonquin Library (both Madawaska and Whitney branches), 11am – 2pm
- Saturday, Mar.15 at Hastings Highlands Centre (Emond Hall gymnasium), Maynooth 10am to 2pm plus a Terrarium event at Hastings Highlands Public Library starting at 1pm
- Other local Seed Libraries: Killaloe & District Public Library is entering its third year as a seed repository/exchange, and Madawaska Valley Public Library in Barry’s Bay is starting its own Seed Library now. If you find yourself with insufficient seeds (or too many!!!) remember to check your local Public Libraries – bring your seeds in labelled, sealed envelopes.
- Reminder: Madawaska Valley Gardening Club will hold its February meeting at the Opeongo Seniors Centre in Barry’s Bay on Thursday, Mar.6th at 7:30pm. The topic is “Tomatoes from Seed to Table.”
- Daylight Savings Time begins in Ontario at 2am on Sunday Mar.9th. Remember to set your (analog) clocks FORWARD ONE HOUR when you go to bed on Saturday evening. You may lose an hour’s sleep, but just think of the extra sunshine you will gain.
International Women’s Day
Saturday, Mar.8th is the 2025 date to celebrate women’s achievements and equality for women. This year’s theme is #IWD 2025 #AccelerateAction. For more information, please visit International Women’s Day 2025 Here are some events to mark the occasion in the Valley:
- Renfrew County Women’s Initiative Network is holding an evening at Bistro 900 in Pembroke. The program includes A Journey in Journalism with Connie Tabbert and Marie Zettler, long-time local journalists.
In an interview style panel, they will each tell her Journey in Journalism here in the Upper Ottawa Valley (especially with The Eganville Leader and with The Cobden Sun). Next as a panel, they will answer prepared questions and will address the importance of local newspapers – past, present, and what’s next. And then they will answer your questions. To register and pre-order your meal, email Colette Taylor at win_group@bell.net before Mar.7th. - South Algonquin Public Library hosts an event on Thursday, Mar.20th at 2pm with award-winning journalist and author, Clara Bingham, as she chats about her new book, The Movement: How Women’s Liberation Transformed America, 1963-1973. For details please visit https://libraryc.org/southalgonquinlibrary/68851
Embrace 3D technology this spring
The Killaloe & District Public Library now boasts a 3D printer and is running regular workshops to aid library patrons in the use of this technology. All the March Workshops are fully booked, but please contact the Library to get on the waiting list for next month by email: info@killaloelibrary.ca or by phone: 613-757-2211.
Engage your creative self in Barry’s Bay
Ottawa Valley Community Arts (OV-CAOS) hosts a FREE Intergenerational Open Studio for all creative persons on Saturday, Mar.22nd from 1pm – 4pm at the Paul J. Yakabuski Community Centre in Barry’s Bay. All materials and snacks are provided, and NO experience of art is required. The event is supported by the Barry’s Bay Recreation Committee and funding from Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. Participants will have the opportunity to experience a range of materials. Children under the age of 10 years must be accompanied by an adult. Spaces are limited; to register please contact OV-CAOS by email admin@ov-caos.org or by phone 613-805-1117.
Questions about measles or other infectious diseases?
The Renfrew County & District Health Unit offers advice and regular immunization clinics throughout the region. For upcoming immunization clinics, please visit the RCDHU website or see The Current’s Classified/Notices section HERE.