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Canada: Sault Ste Marie, Ontario – Bears Videotaping Cubs Fishing
Someone in Sault Ste. Marie has a great sense of humor. We loved the statue of the adult bear with a camcorder on his shoulder videotaping two cubs. It’s down by the waterfront in Dr. Roberta Bondar park.
Canada, Montreal: “Birthmark” Play Reveals Cultural Baggage of Montreal Jewish vs Palestinian Kids
Let’s start with the aim of the Teersi Duniya Theatre group itself, which is to highlight theater focusing on social justice. Different cultures get to take the stage, whether they be Indigenous, Palestinian, Israeli, Armenian, Rwandan, Iranian, Turkish or whatever. The theatre’s goal, as mentioned by their artistic director Rahul Varma, is that we are all one people and it takes stories of everyone else to see ourselves. Varma says, “the only way to tell stories in a new way is to get new storytellers into the room”.
So Stephen Orlov’s story Birthmark is about families. In writing this, he was asking himself why Jews who founded Israel to end their centuries of oppression were now dispossessing another people that had lived there for centuries. Michelle Soifer, the director, says we have in this play, “two young adults filled with passion and drive… and the chutzpah to do something about it”.
Canada as a nation is made up of many communities of people who may have been displaced by war and conflicts. Living here in Montreal we have Jewish and Palestinian cross currents. Though families may have immigrated here and now raise their families in this safe haven, the memories of their living history or those of their parents will always shape them. The children get stuck between the two solitudes: perhaps the need to avenge their families’ past or to just ride along safely here for their future.
Though this is a story of the Israeli vs. Palestinian conflict, it raises the universal problem of parents or caregivers who live with a family member who thinks differently, or even perhaps might be mentally challenged or elderly, and the parent must learn to live with the pain of not being able to fix things (which they might have caused), or even change them.
Natalie Tannous gives a strong performance as a mother conflicted by secrets in the past and fears for her child ‘s future. Howard Rosenstein is her gentler counterpart, with his own untold secrets and the consequences of not listening to a child. Stephen Spreekmester creates two very different characters, and does them well – one of an observant Rabbi and one of a tough RCMP officer. Patrick Keeler as Nelson, the Jewish child finding solace in religion, and Dalia Charafeddine as Karima secretly planning revenge for her parent’s death, give us two very realistic diametric opposites on both sides of this divide.
The simplicity of Sabrina Miller’s set design, using floor squares and wall hangings to identify rooms, walls and doorways was very effective.
We learn that words matter: why do we refer to the Israelis as extremists but the Palestinians as terrorists?
Location: Mai Centre, 3680 Jeanne-Mance
corner: Milton
Dates: Nov 3-18, 2018
Price: $17 – $25
Tel: 514-982-3386
www.m-a-i.qc.ca
US: Wilmington, DE – Let’s Do the Time Warp at The Rocky Horror Picture Show
What better homage to Halloween for adults then The Rocky Horror Picture Show. For over four decades, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has been giving absolute pleasure to adoring audiences.
You aren’t going to want to miss this interactive movie experience at the Theatre N Stage that combines film and live performers. A cult classic for more than forty years, The Rocky Horror Show is a humorous and sinfully twisted tribute to the science fiction and horror B movies of the late 1940s through to the early 1970s.
The musical tells the story of a newly engaged couple getting caught in a storm and take refuge in the eerie mansion of Dr Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), a transvestite scientist. Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker (Meat Loaf) and a creepy biker ((Richard O’Brien). Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named “Rocky.”
Costumes and audience participation are highly encouraged so get in touch with your inner Frankie and come to the party wearing your best Transylvanian costume. Sing along, shout along, and dance along having a great time with the featured live shadowcast.
Location: Theatre N at Nemours , The Nemours Building, Wilmington, DE 19801
Dates and Times: Sat Oct 20 @11pm, Thurs, Fri, Sat Oct 25-27 @8pm
Tel: 302-571-4075
theatren.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitwilmingtonde.com
US: Daytona Beach, FL – Pan American Masters Championships – Open Water Events
Love ocean sports? Why not soak up the beach vibe as Daytona Beach hosts the Pan American Masters Championship – the largest ocean swim competition to be held in Daytona Beach to date. 
Swimmers from all over the world – from youth to adult and novice to Olympian – will descend upon the white sand beaches and the inviting waters of Daytona Beach to compete in the Open Water (1.5K and 5K).
Starting and finishing at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, check out the map and schedule for the best vantage points along the coast to watch the event. Admission FREE.
Discover Daytona Beach, where you have a 500-foot sandy backdrop to unplug, unwind and reconnect with one another.
Location: Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, 100 North Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Date: Sun, Aug 5, 2018
Time: Starting at 7am
2018panammasters.com
For Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: daytonabeach.com
US: Wilmington, DE – This Sunday, How about Brunch and a Drag Show?
Looking for something completely different to do on a Sunday, tired of the same old, same old…how about brunch and a drag show? Join a fabulous all-star cast of Drag Queens for a Drag Diva Brunch. The hysterical all-ages drag brunch takes place Sundays at noon at The Queen Wilmington.
Each general admission ticket includes not only the hilariously entertaining show but also your entree and first mimosa or Bloody Mary (21+ only for alcohol).
Seating begins at noon and while you are being seated the cast of queens will mingle with you making sure you are ready to have a great time. The show starts at 1 pm and runs about 90 minutes. Each show has about 11 performances of pure fabulousness.
Although the Drag Diva Brunch is appropriate for all ages, keep in mind that it’s a Drag Show. The show is described as fun and flirty. The emcees occasionally use adult humor and language, sometimes naughty, but the show is never raunchy, and always fun.
Get ready to have the most amusing and entertaining time at brunch you’ll ever have. The shows feel like a big party and everyone is invited in on the fun. 
Location: The Queen Wilmington, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, DE 19801
Dates: Sun, June 24, July 1, July 8, July 17, July 22, July 29
Time: Doors open at 12pm, show starts at 1pm
Tel: 202-730-3331
dragdivabrunch.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitwilmingtonde.com
US: Portsmouth, NH – FREE Weekly Open House at Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse
Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses hosts open houses at Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse in New Castle every Sunday from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October (Columbus Day weekend).
No reservations are necessary as tours are on a first come, first served basis. Children must be 42 inches tall to climb to the top, and adults are not permitted to carry children up the stairs. 
Visitors get to climb to the lantern room to enjoy the magnificent view and to see the fourth-order Fresnel lens up close. Volunteers will tell visitors about the history of the light station, and there will be souvenirs for sale.
There are 44 stairs to the watch room and a 7-rung ladder to the lantern room. Flat shoes (not sandals or flip-flops) are required to climb the ladder into the lantern room.
Location: Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse Coast Guard Station,
25 Wentworth Rd, New Castle, NH 03854
Date: Every Sun, starting June 3 ’til Oct 14th 2018
Time: 1 – 5pm
Tel: 603-534-0537
portsmouthharborlighthouse.org
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: portsmouthnh.com
US: Wilson, NC – Celebrate Cinco de Barko in Wilson with your Favorite Furry Friend
Join The Maggie Society on May 5th for Cinco de Barko, a family friendly, dog friendly afternoon of fun, food and music all to support a worthy cause.
If you’re an animal lover, grab a tailgating chair, the kids and the dog’s leash and get ready to PAWTY!
Along with the amazing Steve Hardy providing the tunes, food trucks will be on site so make sure to show up hungry. (Valid ID required for adult beverage purchases)
Other event activities include: bounce house, crafts (for children), PAWtraits (for the furry guests), silent auction, demonstrations, photo booth, Maggie Gear and adoptable dogs.
Kids 10 and under Free Admission.
Proceeds will go to: The Maggie SocietyCanine Rescue, Rehabilitation, & Education
Location: 210 Tarboro St. West, Wilson, NC 27893 (The “Grassy Lot”)
Date: Sat, May 5, 2018
Time: 4 – 7pm
themaggiesociety.com/current-events.html
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: wilson-nc.com
US: Darien, GA – Sample and Vote the Best Ice Creams in Darien
Ready for some homemade ice cream? Lucky you, it’s that time again for the annual Ice Cream Churn-Off at Ashantilly Center. What a tasty idea, combining everyone’s favorite dessert with a fundraiser benefiting the nonprofit Ashantilly Center.
Competitors will vie for awards for a people’s choice, best individual ice cream and the best ice cream from a business or organization. The competition is opened to everyone, adults and youth alike, so churners bring your churn and your primo recipe – but no raw eggs allowed, and Ashantilly will provide ice and salt.
If consuming the coveted ice cream is more your speed, you are welcome to bring your own chairs and find a shady spot to enjoy the frozen dessert and the live music. A $5 donation gets samplers two tastings, and ice cream lovers can purchase additional samples – 3/$5.
Ice cream doesn’t get fresher than this! There’s also Free lemonade and popcorn and great raffle prizes and live music.
Location: Ashantilly Center, 15591 GA Hwy 99, Darien, Georgia 31305
Date: Sun, Sept. 3, 2017
Time: 4PM – 6PM
Tel: 912 437-4473
ashantillycenter.org/ashantilly-events/33-10th-annual-churn-off
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitdarien.com
US: Royal Palm Beach, FL – Eat Delish BBQ While Supporting A Great Cause
What started out as a family get together has turned into a great community event. The 12th annual Uncle Gary’s Rock & Rib Fest is a labor of love. Uncle Gary’s lost his 3-year-old daughter 14 years ago to cancer and Started this BBQ event in her honor and to benefit the Kids Cancer Foundation.
This feel good festival has fun for the whole family including: great live music featuring three live bands throughout the day, dancing, bounce houses, kid’s Fun-zone, face painting, balloon artist, playgrounds, grab bags, games and prizes for the kids and adults, raffles, auction, Pet Rescue Puppies petting zone, princesses and super heroes.
Don’t forget the delectable BBQ foods: yummy baby back ribs, smoked pork tenderloins, burgers, chicken, hot dogs, side dishes and cold beverages.
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, sunblock and kids to this admission free event that is so much more than just a chance to have fun with the family, eat ribs and barbecue and listen to local bands. All proceeds will be donated to the Royal Palm Beach-based Kids Cancer Foundation.
Location: Wellington Amphitheater. 12100 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414
Date: Sat, April 1, 2017
Hours: 2 – 9pm
unclegarysrockandribfest.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: palmbeachfl.com
US: Fredericksburg, VA – Early Countdown for New Year’s and Ping Pong Drop with Prizes
Trying to decide how to bring in the New Year? How about a family-friendly, FREE celebration “ Downtown 31st” – Finale Event held for kids and adults in Riverfront Park and at Market Square for teens, both in downtown 
Fredericksburg. This alcohol-free event has an early countdown and is a fun way to culminate the New Year with family and friends of all ages.
With loads of entertainment: Live Music and Dancing, Teen Area, Children’s Area, Games & Interactive Activities, Line Dancers , Entertainers, Crafts, Moon bounce, Food Vendors, Snow Maze, and Burn regrets and share new resolutions. There’s definitely something for everyone at this street party.
The piece de resistance is the Ping Pong Ball Drop at 9 pm that will be dropping 3,000+ ping pong balls including 100+ winning prize balls. Be sure to check out the selfie holiday cards in Riverfront Park.
Location: Riverfront Park, 600 Sophia St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Date: Sat, Dec 31, 2016
Time: 5 pm – 9 pm
Tel: 540-372-1086
downtown31.com/finale-event
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitfred.com