Most of us were shocked this past week by the sudden death of lovable funny man and multi-talented actor Robin Williams at the age of 63 years. His wild and slapstick comedy and dramatic career took off in the late 1970’s as a stand-up comedian, and then zoomed on for over four decades in over 100 movies and T.V. series and spots that were avidly shared and followed by generations of families from toddlers to seniors.
Some of the favourites that filled theatres, Broadway, and our living rooms full of laughter included: Good Morning Vietnam, the hilarious nanu-nanu antics of Mork and Mindy, Academy Award winning Good Will Hunting, Aladdin, The Fisher King, Mrs. Doubtfire, Happy Feet, Night at the Museum, World’s Greatest Dad, Jumanji, Hook, and on and on into hilarious stardom. Just like me, I know that many of you will try to watch some of them again in honour of this movie icon, but the good news is that several of his newest movies will soon be released. One of my favourite Robin Williams flicks was Patch Adams, and only a few years later I was able to attend a fabulous seminar in Red Deer with 1200 others that featured the real Dr. Patch Adams, and has left a resounding message of hope throughout the world.
We will never forget the great character rolls, antics, and amazing skills of Robin Williams, who has allowed us for close to 40 years to sit back and relax together, forget about our troubles, and laugh out loud at movies that didn’t contain a whole lot of profanity or violence. Along the way, this wonderful little man has entertained millions of people of all ages and walks of life, but so sadly, in the end Robin Williams was unable to find very little joy in his own life. In his precious memory let’s all try to laugh and share a joke with others just a little bit more each and every day.
Green thumbs on display
The annual and traditional Ponoka Agricultural Fair rolls into town this week with their unique home, hobby and horticultural show and many other events featured at the Royal Canadian Legion auditorium from Aug. 22 to 23. The Ponoka Agricultural Society has established a longstanding vision of being a progressive and innovative community leader which strives to promote agriculture, and has for many decades avidly promoted, supported, and encouraged agriculture opportunities in our urban and rural community. This has been accomplished over the years by the dedicated efforts of the Society members, and the ongoing keen support of the fair sponsors and the community.
This annual event allows participants of all ages to display their unique skills to the public in competition divisions that include. 4-H, photography, agriculture, gardening, landscaping, horticulture, culinary, arts and crafts, quilts/rugs/wall hangings, knitting and sewing, a special needs division, and many others. The show will be open for registrations only on Thursday, Aug. 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Friday, Aug. 22 from 8 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with public viewing featured on Aug. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by award ceremonies at 4:30 p.m. The Ag Society will also be hosting a Community Church Service on Sunday, Aug. 24 at 10 a.m. at the complex curling rink to which everyone is welcome. Those wishing to enter are urged to attend the registration days, or for more information please pick up a fair booklet around town, or contact their website at: www.ponokaagsociety.ca.
Also available for visitors at the Legion during the fair will be their great Friday night supper from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., pie and lunch on Saturday, and many nifty interactive sessions on both days. So pamper and primp up your indoor and outdoor treasures just a little more, then get on down to the Ponoka Agricultural Society family fair.
Just a few bits and pieces of fun
● The City of Leduc has come up with a unique and inexpensive method of destroying the expected onslaught of mosquitoes in August because of precious wet conditions and then heat. They will be spraying their entire area with GARLIC, which has shown amazing results, and the whole process only costs around $500.00.
● Wall Street is the only place where people ride in a Rolls-Royce to get advice from those who ride to work on the subway.
● Junk is something that we’ve kept for years and then throw away three weeks before we need it. What the heck, you can always go out and buy it back at the next garage sale.
May I dare ask if there is such a thing as getting you’re ‘Back to School Shopping’ done early? Whatever the case, keep enjoying this balmy weather, look forward to Indian summer, and have a great week, all of you.
HAMMERTIME