COOKSTOWN NEWS
by Susan Stein

RUTH DRAPER AT ARTS UNIQUE AND GIFTS

At the Art Unique Gallery

Many months have passed since I visited the gallery and knowing, that there is always something new to see, I went there on Saturday and I was not disappointed.

Ruth Draper, owner/ artist of the gallery, had mastered a new art form - that of molding glass into desired shapes, painting and then firing it in her kiln.

First the glass is painted with special glass paints while still flat (artist Ruth uses her imagination in creating special effects), then the glass is heated, molded and fired in her kiln. It is most important to watch the temperature in the kiln, as each item has to be fired at a different degree

The vases, bowls, made with this method, (the catch word is "Warm glass') are works of art, and practical.

Ruth's partner at Art Unique Gallery and Gifts is Pauline, who is doing her share in creating hand painted china and glass ware and mosaic tiles.

The other unique art form Ruth is specializing in is making jewelry: necklaces. bracelets, earrings. While in Florida last winter, she took a two months course in jewelry design. Semiprecious stones, crystal quartz, the finest wire and a hefty dose of patience, nimble fingers, go into the beautiful creations.

Ruth also has a distinctive flair for pottery: Stoneware glazed with green apple and wheat glaze, earthen ware , glazed with midnight stone glaze, used in mugs, cream and sugar sets, plates and bowls, would be perfect shower and wedding gifts.

The gallery offers a venue for outstanding local artists. Marlene Bulas - acrylics and watercolours, Jackie Sture - watercolours, B.J. Thompson - acrylics, John Miller - acrylics, Diane Soward - acrylics, Jack Hendy - watercolours and oils.

The paintings range from abstract to still life and landscapes, from large and small canvasses,fit for homes in modern or antique decor.

Shirley Ford has her silk scarves on display and Brad Kenny his photography.

New at the gallery are Tim Coulter's pencil sketches - a joy to behold..

Friends and family in the gallery are Elizabeth Kobelka (jewelry), Eileen Cooper - stain glass, :Lynn Oborn - handpainted carved wood.

Art Unique Gallery has the following services to offer: Affordable framing, In-home consultations by qualified interior decorator Pauline, Classes for adults in many different media; Ceramics- with a large selection of greenware fired to bisque to be painted at home.

A perfect time to visit Art Unique Gallery and Gifts, located on the 2nd Line R.R. 1 Cookstown (on the corner of Hwy 27, will be at LIght Up Night. Don't miss meeting the artists and enjoy their art.

OUR YOUNG FOLKS

Brennan Rutters, son of Peter and Wendy Rutters is attending Teachers College in Brisbane, Australia; Sister Brittany is continuing her studies at Brock University, St. Catharines, pursuing a career in teaching, Micah is starting university this fall.

The oldest sister Bryden and her husband left for Egypt (his native land) for a two year stay.

Peter and Wendy left for Australia for a visit with Brennan, During their absence their friend is staying at their home caring for their pets.

Jessica Dollin is back at Loyalist College in Belleville, where she is in her 2nd year course, earning a degree in Early Childhood Education.

Julie, daughter of Heather of "Just Because". is training for the Scotia Bank Half Marathon, to be run in Toronto

Received in Baptism

On Sunday, Sept. 23rd, Lucas Robert Barry Martin, son of Steven and Kari Martin; Laura marie Williams, daughter of Kevin and Amanda Kell Williams, received the Sacrament of Baptism from Rev. Heather Power at the United Church in Cookstown They were presented with a candle as the light of Christ, to remember this day and to light this candle each year to mark the anniversary of baptism. Hattie Milne, on behalf of the congregation , made the presentation of a Certificate and gift.

Music at Cookstown

On Friday, Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. the annual Music at Cookstown will be held at Cookstown United Church.

It is presented by the students of the Glenn Gould School; of the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto.and the LOrne Arnold Scholarship.

This year once again the three young tenors, who got a standing ovation last year, will delight the audience with their choice of songs. Also on the program will be a string quartet and probable Three Divas.

Be sure not to miss this fantastic musical evening. For tickets , adults $10, students $5, call 705 458-9701 Cookstown United Church office, Susan 705 435-2136. or at the door.

After the concert you are invited for refreshments at the church hall and to meet the musicians.

To Newfoundland

Newfoundland - the land where the Vikings landed 100 years ago; Newfoundland - the last province to join the Dominion of Canada; Newfoundland - the most eastern land of this continent; Newfoundland- a realm of scenic beauty, of historic sites, of a distinctive culture and cuisine, and Newfoundland recently explored by Doug and Joan Jebb of Cookstown.

Doug and Joan joined the Hanover Quality Tours at Pearson International Airport in Toronto for a flight to St. John's Newfoundland.

Here they were welcomed for their first day by the Tour Director and after a short bus ride booked to the hotel in downtown St. John's. A welcome dinner and the opportunity to get acquainted with fellow travellers concluded the day.

Day 2 they took the guided tour of historic St. John's, one of the oldest communities in North America. Signal Hill, from where the architecture of old St. John's was viewed, the Basilica and the Anglican Cathedral - the oldest parish, dating back to 1699, was visited.

Day 3 included a boat cruise to the Bird Sanctuary, where the Jebbs had the fun to see the colourful Puffins. Then it was off to Cape Spear, the National Park which was officially opened by Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1983, This park lies at the most easterly point in North America. Day 4 Travelling to Conception Bay for a visit at Harbour Grace, the town from which Amelia Aerhardt took off on her famous flight. During the afternoon the tourists drove through the "Heart's" - Heart's Delight, Heart's Desire and Heart's Content to visit the Transatlantic Cable Station. Day 5 - Terra Nova Park/Gander. A stroll through Trinity, the peaceful, historic and most picturesque village , a boat ride to a real working Mussel Farm to learn about the growing industry of Aquaculture were the destinations in the morning. Bonavista, where John Cabot landed in 1497 was visited, and driving through Terra Nova National Park took the group for an overnight stay in Gander - the Crossroads of the World. Day 6 - Travelling to the coast for an insight in Newfoundland's lifestyle and culture, found in manu fishing villages. At the Prime Berth Fishing Centre they learned about Newfoundland Fishing of yesterday and today and after a visit to the Beothuk Interpretation Centre, it was off to Grand Falls. Day 7 - Learning about the salmon's life -cycle, then on to Corner Brook, the most westernly city in the province. It is the province's second largest city with one of the world's largest pulp and and paper mills. Day 8 - St. Anthony - travelling along the Viking Trail, stopping along the way to view the natural wonder of the Arches, carved over centuries by the sea. The Grenfell Mission and Hospital, named after Sir Wilfred Grenfell was visited and then it was off to the first European settlement in North America- L'Anse aux Meadows, the site where Leif the Lucky is believed to have settled in the year 100 Ad. Day 10 - L'Anse Au Mer, Labrador. By ferry across the Straits of Belle Isle, a visit to the Basque Whaling Station , recently discovered by archeologists. Here they learned how a whale is processed and Joan was quite intrigued t see,that the whale's liver (famous for cod liver oil) was white and not like other livers red. Day 11 - Ferry back to Newfoundland, drive along the coastline of Gros Morne National Park, stopping to view the spectacular scenery and then a boat ride to view the deep fjords, vertical cliffs, the Gulf of St, Lawrence and the Long Range Mountains. Farewell Dinner at Rocky Harbour concluded this wonderful trip. Day 12 - Back to Deer Lake Airport to board the plane to Toronto,. Thank you Joan for sharing this great trip with my readers.