Chelsea Community Events

Chelsea Books, at 101 Old Chelsea Road, is hosting an exhibition of the work of seven tapestry artists from the area, who have been studying with Thoma Ewen, artistic director of the Moon Rain Centre for Tapestry Arts.  Ms. Ewen says: "They're all from Wakefield, Chelsea, Kazabazua.  Many are professional artists, we have a musician and an anthropologist."

Chelsea Muncipality’s Recreation and Cultural Services Department is planning a series of five open air concerts throughout July, to be given on Tuesday evenings from 7.00 to 8.00 pm.   Locations will be Farm Point Park, Hollow Glen Park, Radapaw Park, South Ridge Park and St. Stephen’s Church.  The project will offer a range of music showcasing Chelsea musicians, as part of the Cultural Policy in Chelsea’s Master Plan (see the Summer 2005 issue of this online Bulletin, in the Chelsea pages).
Anyone interested in applying to the program should send in an application to the Municipality by March 28, 2006.  Information and application forms can be obtained from Nancy Bergeron, coordinator of programming, at (819) 827-1124, ext. 201, or email n.bergeron@chelsea.ca

The municipality of Chelsea has now officially adopted its cultural policy, set out in a 20-page document which has been put together by municipal officials working with a number of local artists and historical society members.  As a first step towards implementation a new Cultural and Heritage Development Committee has been established, which will report twice a month to the Municipal Council on cultural matters.
The policy document emphasizes the need for improved infrastructure, such as a theatre and an expanded public library.  The present library will double in size by the end of the year, at a cost of $800,000 split 50-50 between the province and the municipality.  With regard to other facilities, Chelsea Foundation is holding consultations on the planned community centre on Old Chelsea Road. 
In the course of this year Chelsea, with the help of the Gatineau Valley Historical Society, moved to protect an important part of its historical heritage.   Maintenance of the Pioneer Cemetery is also part of the plans, and the municipality is looking into the possibility of participating in government heritage programs and of establishing a website.

Recently published: "Pierre: Colleagues and Friends Talk about the Trudeau They Knew".  This collection of pieces about the former Prime Minister, edited by Nancy Southam, includes five contributions by Chelsea residents, all centring on canoeing, an activity Trudeau greatly loved. 
The writers are: Joyce Mason and her grown-up children Becky and Paul, Wally Schaber and Jean-Paul Murray. The book is published by McLelland & Stewart Ltd., and is available in all bookstores.