2018 10th Annual SMUG Summer Picnic

Well, we did it. We had a summer picnic after all, with a bit of Gospel music added for flair. Our original date of July 21st had to be cancelled so Aug 4th was the accepted date but because of at least 13 cancellations we ended cancelling that too. As a result we planned a Gospel Hour at Hillsboro on their back lawn and brought in some Pizza for lunch( which wasn't quite enough, I'm afraid)(But we're learning) Last year we had two pizza's left over. We had 29 of our group not able to make the morning today, but those of us that did make it had fun and a very warm taste of picnic air under the trees at Hillsboro. The rain held off but the weather was very humid. The thought of having a fall picnic when we return in the fall could become a possibility......a good thing to do, but when it is a bit cooler maybe.As I am writing this the sun has come out and there is blue sky everywhere. Thanks to you all who were able to make it this morning.... a good time was had by all.

ANDREWS OF STRATFORD CANADA DAY PARTY 2018

Once again SMUG was honoured to play at Andrews of Stratford for their Canada Day Celebrations. Complete with cake and ice cream the group sang their hearts out for about an hour in a completely new program that presented all new songs for the audience. We did a couple from The Platters, two from The Seekers and three of Willie Nelson's favorites. Rita MacNeil's " Working man" was a great hit as was Oscar Peterson's "Hymn to Freedom". We did Bobby Gimby's "CANADA" , The Coca Cola Song and finished up with "Memories of Old Prince of Wales" which found about fifteen present who had attended PWC. O Canada wound up the program which seemed to be well received. Our thanks to Sharon for her hospitality, as always.

Senator Catherine Callbeck wishing the residents well

IN MEMORIAM- RALPH KENNETH MACLEOD 1932-2018

Ralph was one of the original members of SMUG, left for a short time and returned later in early 2009 along with his wife Vera, both who became loyal attenders rarely missing a Saturday morning jam or a gig anywhere. Sadly Ralph passed away on May 24, 2018, at the age of 85. Ralph always had a good word for everyone in the group, loved to sing, and did it well. SMUG attended his funeral in a body at Belvedere Funeral Home on Monday May 28. Our condolences to Vera and all of their families.

WINDSOR WEDDING TWINS RETURN

Fresh from the Royal Matrimonial Magic at Windsor Castle, Audrey and Gloria arrived early this morning with their head feathers still in tact. A grand morning to be up early to see the Pomp and Pageantry.

Good fun again as we even found the coffee pot still worked, and some ginger snaps mystically appeared. My thanks to Kelly for her great effort....we're getting better and will soon have the program down and ready for Canada Day.
Have a good week.....hoping a tad warmer too,
David

.

MANITOBA HAL PRESENTS A BLUES WORKSHOP

Internationally known Ukulele Artist Manitoba Hal Brolund from, most recently, Shelburn Nova Scotia, gave a BLUES UKULELE WORKSHOP today at The Vessel in Downtown Charlottetown. About 30 enthusiastic ukulele players from the Queens County area were in attendance to participate in the Blues Workshop and listen to Hal strumming and picking some great BLUES. The event was brought about by Guy Sonier, a long time friend of Hal who recently moved to PEI from British Columbia. Guy represents Cloud Music and sells ukuleles, many which were on display at the workshop today. Also displaying was Heidi Litke of Red Sands Ukuleles, who builds ukuleles, as well as Adam Johnston who is the luthier who runs AMJ Guitars in Oyster Bed and also is building some beautiful ukuleles. Following the workshop Hal drew a ballot for a Heidi Litke Red Sands CD which was won by Almut Lecours, and finally the grand prize, a beautiful ukulele donated by Guy's Cloud Music which was won by Aiden Galloway.(Shown above with Guy Sonier and Manitoba Hal).

MARIE'S LAST DAY AT SUPERSTORE

President Maurice's wife, Marie, retired from her long time duties at Atlantic Superstore on Thursday. She was paid a visit by Mary Weeks and Ann Campbell and presented with retirement gifts as shown above. Marie has worked at Superstore for many years, I think since Maurice and Marie moved from Nova Scotia to Charlottetown about 12 or so years ago, and her many customers I'm sure wished her well on her last day at work. Congratulations Marie, now you can enjoy retirement too.