Interview with Jon Law

Jon Law
Manager
Peterborough Concert Band

JON LAW... COMMUNITY PARTICIPANT
The current Manager of the Peterborough Concert Band is Jonathon Law, who has been an active part of this group since January 2011. Music is not new to Jon, as he has being playing the trombone during his high school years. He also participated with the Newmarket Concert Band and several smaller groups. It is interesting that Jon was part of a festival that Ontario Visited owner, Gary McWilliams (aka The Festival Nomad), founded in the Port Hope area. The Great Farini Festival ran for three years in Port Hope back in 1998-1990 and included musical entertainment at several gala’s held during the event. The Newmarket Concert Band made the journey to Port Hope and preformed during the festival. A testament to Jon’s strengths, as a contributor to community, is his innate nature of helping others. Before his concert, one year at The Great Farini Festival, there was an urgent dilemma. The organizers had not been able to find a “human” to wear the Great Farini costume. It required a tall slender person, who had the courage to walk around greeting visitors and “kids”. The head of the costume was extremely large (made of paper mashie). Jon stepped right up to the plate and volunteered to wear the costume and “save the day”!
(To Be Continued)

Interview with Jon Law

Jon Law
Manager
Peterborough Concert Band

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE … GOOD OR BAD

In today’s society we seem to be getting used to the idea of change! With festivals and events these changes are constant. Some groups or organizations prosper, some find the need to amalgamate to combine their efforts, in order to succeed, and some dwindle in membership numbers, as an aging population is not replenished with youthful vibrant folks with fresh ideas and concepts. And, sometimes, once in a while, you may come across a group of folks, members of an organization, who hold festivals or events that have remained a vibrant constant in a community. I feel that such a group is a vital link to a community. It helps promote fellowship, economic strength and provides a forum for the community citizens and visitors alike to have comradely. One such group, we found, is the Peterborough Concert Band. We were told that they are one of the longest continuous bands, performing for over 150 years. It is interesting that the members range in age today from youthful to 93 years old, yet exist as equals. Jon Law, the Band's Manager, tells us that the “Peterborough Concert Band – Celebrating over 150 of musical excellence playing music from Beethoven to Glee”. We recently had the pleasure of listening to the Peterborough Concert Band at the Riverview Park and Zoo in Peterborough. With this being said, I thought, since I know a member of the band, that I would get the INSIDE SCOOP and share some insight into this vibrant community organization.
(To Be Continued)

Interview with the Honourable Michael Chan

The Honourable Michael Chan
Minister of Tourism and Culture
Province of Ontario

PART SIX

My final question to Minister Chan made him chuckle, as he told me that he had just, the other morning, had the same discussion with “himself”. The Festival Nomad and I had been discussing if it were possible to have too many festivals and events in Ontario. We found ourselves conflicted recently by being asked to attend two different festivals in two very far away regions of Ontario! We wanted to attend both, but this was not physically possible. Minister Chan feels that this question is a challenge indeed. He feels that the key to success for everyone lies with "CO-ORDINATION”! He feels that communications and co-ordinated efforts will benefit all communities with their efforts. Mr. Michael Chan states … “that organizations need to seize efficiencies, seize opportunities to better coordinate efforts, locations and communications. He feels the whole province can be vibrant. That not one or two have just is the destination, but all of them being sustainable. The government obviously has many priorities; however it would be best to streamline efforts. We need to focus on results. Question ourselves as to “are we getting the preferred targeted expected results?” Minister Chan feels that from our diverse culture we can constantly be learning new ideas and perspectives. As Muku pointed out, our society today lives their lives as “just in time lives”. It took a moment for me to digest what Muku had said, however I feel he is right. With technology, our fast pace of life, our cultural diversities, our own interests and values … both Minister Chan and Muku are right. We need to “seize the moments”, “get out of the box”, “engage people” to Ontario, its Tourism and Culture!

Interview with the Honourable Michael Chan

The Honourable Michael Chan
Minister of Tourism and Culture
Province of Ontario

PART FIVE

Minister Chan seems very excited about the upcoming War of 1812 Bicentennial Celebrations. As you may know, Ontario Visited has a dedicated website for these celebrations and to the future beyond. (link: War of 1812 Celebrations). What the Scoop here is, that Michael Chan is a first generation immigrant himself. He feels the War of 1812 gave Canada an identity and that it is important to remember the War and the heroes of that time! Minister Chan was emphatic again as he stressed the importance of engaging New Canadians, as it will enhance the integration of these people into Canadian life and society. He said he would like these celebrations to be highly promoted to help “pull the new immigrants from their own box into Ontario”. It will be an opportunity to enhance integration, Mr. Chan states. He considers himself a “pioneer voyager”. He reminds us that in 25 years from now, these New Canadians will not be new. They will be integrated and form our Canadian communities. These folks will continue to immigrate and become the supply of the new people. Michael Chan said he appreciated the effort and direction that our Prime Minister. Apparently Prime Minister Harper is a War of 1812 fan.
(To Be Continued)