Upper Canada Playhouse welcomes Linking Hands

Lunch and a backstage tour of the Upper Canada Playhouse was on the menu for this month’s Linking Hands Lunch and Learn program. 

Linking Hands is a project of the The House of Lazarus Community Outreach Mission. 

Although its mission is to give a voice to people living in poverty in the communities of Dundas County by raising awareness, and offering networking, empowering and supporting opportunities, Linking Hands welcomes all residents of Dundas County to join in their activities. 

Community Lunch and Learn is an opportunity to socialize and enjoy a free lunch while learning about various topics of interest.

This month, two dozen people were at the Upper Canada Playhouse, which opened its doors for the luncheon. Lorne Pardy, a former actor and director with the Great Canadian Theatre Company spoke about acting.

“This is a rare opportunity where my past and present are intersecting,” said Pardy, while centre-stage at the playhouse. 

Pardy is now the coordinator for Linking Hands Dundas County. For the first time in about five years, he also acted performing a moving dramatic piece for the audience assembled for the luncheon.

Following Perrin’s performance, Upper Canada Playhouse director Donnie Bowes took guests on a tour backstage of the playhouse were they saw the ‘green room’ dressing rooms, prop room and workshop were all of the sets are built on site. 

Participants enjoyed the backstage tour, seeing the modest facility behind the scenes of this area’s popular attraction.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone to get out, socialize while enjoying a new experience,” said Pardy. 

“We are really pleased to be able to offer this program,” said Janet Carkner,  executive administrative manager with the House of Lazarus. 

She said that the program offers a free social opportunity for those who may be feeling isolated, which so often happens in a rural setting. 

They will arrange transportation and child care for those who may need it at each of their Lunch and Learn sessions.

They hope to grow their club, and at each meeting ask those attending to come back to the next one, and if possible, to bring a friend.

Nancy Christie with the Lunch an Learn program was pleased with Friday’s event. 

“We had such a great opportunity here,” she said. “Everyone who comes to Lunch and Learn, always learns something.” 

Since Linking Hands is a Dundas County initiative, events alternate between North and South Dundas. 

The next Lunch and Learn will be at a Chesterville area sugar bush. The next South Dundas event will be in May when mental health will be the focus.