The Opeongo Line

The second part of the second Township of Madawaska Valley's All Candidates meeting held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 406, in Barry's Bay on Sunday, September 25th to sort out who will be the next mayor of the township and who will be elected to the four council seats. This event was sponsored by the Valley Gazette and moderated by its publisher, Michel Lavigne.

The first part of the Township of Madawaska Valley's All Candidate’s debate was held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 406, in Barry’s Bay on Tuesday evening, September 13th, to sort out who will be the next mayor of the township and who will be elected to the four council seats. The debate was moderated by Sean Conway.

The second part of the Township of Madawaska Valley's All Candidate’s debate was held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 406, in Barry’s Bay on Tuesday evening, September 13th, to sort out who will be the next mayor of the township and who will be elected to the four council seats. The debate was moderated by Sean Conway.

To honour the Madonna House's 75th Anniversary this year, Mary Davis, Mary-Lynn Murray and Christina Milan discuss their history and deep commitment to the continued existence of this very unique lay apostolate established by Catherine and Eddie Doherty along the Madawaska River in Combermere, ON in 1947.

In celebration of the return of the 'Irish Gathering' festival in Killaloe ON after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic, the Opeongo Readers' Theatre kick off the shenanigans and malarkey that go on all weekend long. Here's Nicole Zummach, Jane Corbett, Kristin Marchand and Rob Filipkowski with an unforgettable evening of stories and verse.

In celebration of the return of the 'Irish Gathering' festival in Killaloe ON after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic, the Opeongo Readers' Theatre kick off the shenanigans and malarkey that go on all weekend long. Here's Nicole Zummach, Jane Corbett, Kristin Marchand and Rob Filipkowski with an unforgettable evening of stories and verse.

Back in the Day host, Martina Coulas, interviews Robbie Hanna Anderman about his more than fifty years living on Morninglory Farm in the Wilno Hills. A story of grit and determination, music and art, it's a remarkable memoir like no other.

Back in the Day host, Martina Coulas, interviews Robbie Hanna Anderman about his more than fifty years living on Morninglory Farm in the Wilno Hills. A story of grit and determination, music and art, it's a remarkable memoir like no other.

Back in the Day host, Martina Coulas, interviews Robbie Hanna Anderman about his more than fifty years living on Morninglory Farm in the Wilno Hills. A story of grit and determination I, music and art, it's a remarkable memoir like no other.

Taken from a recording of a live Opeongo Readers' Theatre show performed on August 27th, 2018 in Whitney, ON, this show includes rare readings drawn from early local history including an 1819 trip down the York, an 1829 exploration of the Opeongo, and David Thompson's 1837 journal of charting the Madawaska.

Taken from an audio vault of 2018 live performances by the Opeongo Readers' Theatre, this show presents Thomas G. Devine's "On the Opeongo Line," "The Shanty Teamsters Marseillaise," "A Wesleyan Methodist's Ride Through Rockingham," and "The 1874 Inspection of the Bark Lake School."

The Opeongo Readers' Theatre presents the curious story behind the founding of Algonquin Provincial Park. Lesley Betts, Lynn Stewart and Jeff Bowman perform the original writings of two very different men who shared the same wilderness dream.

The Opeongo Readers' Theatre honour three local women -- Helen Dombroski, Teresa Beanish, and Mary Cybulski -- who all made significant contributions to the economic growth of the Upper Madawaska Valley, but whose lives should also remind us of the significant cultural contribution made by local people of Polish-Kashub heritage.

Born in the Wilno hills on November 12th, 1927, Agnes Coulas was in grade school when her mother died and yet she also unexpectedly met the love of her life, Stanley Chippior, at a church bazaar shortly after he returned from the Second World War. But if there's one thing she knows for certain after nearly 95 years of living, it's to take life as it comes. She chats with 'Back in the Day' host, Martina Coulas.

Born in 1880, Thomas Patrick Murray not only witnessed the coming of the OA & PS Railroad to Barry's Bay in 1894, he helped build it. Tom's great grandson, Graham Conway, performs a one-man show of Tom reliving those early years in his own words.

Thomas Patrick French was no ordinary man who came to Renfrew County in 1855. He was the Crown Land Agent charged with bringing hundreds, if not thousands, of immigrants to settle on free farm land along the newly opened Opeongo Colonization Road. It's was no ordinary job and he was no ordinary man from County Mayo.

Thomas Patrick French was no ordinary man who came to Renfrew County in 1855. He was the Crown Land Agent charged with bringing hundreds, if not thousands, of immigrants to settle on free farm land along the newly opened Opeongo Colonization Road. It's was no ordinary job and he was no ordinary man from County Mayo.

The 'Local' host, Sean Conway, chats with Joanne Olsen, Mark Woermke and Karen Yakabuski about the history of celebrating St. Patrick's Day among the Irish as well as the non-Irish of Barry's Bay throughout the 20th Century.

The 'Local' host, Sean Conway, chats with Joanne Olsen, Mark Woermke and Karen Yakabuski about the history of celebrating St. Patrick's Day among the Irish as well as the non-Irish of Barry's Bay throughout the 20th Century.

The Opeongo Readers' Theatre gives a rousing performance of William Henry Drummond, a writer sometimes consider controversial but still considered an extraordinary Canadian poet in places like the Upper Madawaska and Opeongo River Valleys where people say we talk funny!

Lesley Betts, Jeff Bowman and Lynn Stewart of The Opeongo Readers' Theatre perform selections from Joshua Fraser, George Thompson and Gilbert Parker's books about shanty and river life as it was carried on among lumberjacks in the Upper Ottawa Valley during much of the 19th Century.

In honour of Dougald Finley McIsaac (1917-2008), a Cape Breton fiddler who once lived in Barry's Bay and was beloved for his Scottish airs, The Opeongo Readers' Theatre celebrates with a rousing show of the Ploughman's Poet, Rabbie Burns.

Ann Omanique-Bruder talks with 'The Local's' host, Sean Conway, about her grandfather, John Omanique, one of the great foundational characters who helped develop Barry's Bay, beginning in 1894. Ann also sheds light on her own parents and their own contributions to the Omanique Legacy.

Two more memoirs written and presented by Barry Conway, about the joy of being a young boy growing up in Barry's Bay, thanks to a cast of wonderful characters and interesting places around town.

The Madawaska Valley Public Library presents its 'Old, New, Borrowed, Blue,' Christmas Show. Head Librarian Karen Filipkowski and her very able troupe perform 'Twas the Night Before Christmas,' as well as one of its best comedic parodies, 'A Politically Correct Christmas Poem.' Not to be missed!

The Opeongo Readers' Theatre perform four unique Christmas short stories written by four of the world's best writers, A. A. Milne, Anton Chekhov, Guy du Maupassant and Charles Dickens. Jeff Bowman, Lynn Stewart, Lesley Betts, Rob Filipkowski and Cathy Chapeskie all give one of their best performances of the year -- Merry Christmas!

The Madawaska Valley Public Library in Barry's Bay presents its fourth show involving some very old local history about the village of Barry's Bay, some new things happening at the library, some of the hottest books borrowed from the library this month, and last but not least, the tale of Rumplestilizkin, taken from Andrew Lang's Blue Fairytale Book.

The Opeongo Readers' Theatre presents this Remembrance Day show based on twelve unique moments, all drawn from the First World War. From those first two shots fired in Sarajevo to Lawrence of Arabia's ultimate revenge, it's a show meant to look at the stuff that utterly changes a warrior's soul, as much as it's meant it to honour Canada's many war dead.

The Opeongo Readers' Theatre presents its annual Halloween show with Jeff Bowman, Cathy Chapeskie, Brian and Carol Peterson, and Lynn Stewart; all serving up as an appetizer, five horrible bits of poetry, quickly followed by a grotesque main course -- three short stories by H.P. Lovecraft, Ambrose Bierce and Edgar Allan Poe. Enough to make your skin crawl!

The Opeongo Line again present's the third episode of the Madawaska Valley Public Library's new podcast, 'Old, New, Borrowed, Blue.' In this episode, the library staff recounts the fascinating early history of Barry's Bay, brings us all up to date on the many new and borrowed books available at the library and finishes off with a flourish with the original 17th Century fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood.

Joanne, Linda and Marilyn Plebon chat with Barry Conway about the many joys and memorable sorrows of being part of the family that built, owned and operated one of the great cultural venues that ever graced the shores of Kamaniskeg Lake near Barry's Bay.

Joanne, Linda and Marilyn Plebon chat with Barry Conway about the many joys and memorable sorrows of being part of the family that built, owned and operated one of the great cultural venues that ever graced the shores of Kamaniskeg Lake near Barry's Bay.

Sean Conway, host of "The Local," returns with a great story about Chippawa Lodge, once one of Ontario's premier summer resorts located on Lake Kamaniskeg. It was the 1950s and it was a place as exotic and carefree as it now seems lost forever, except in the vivid memories of two gracious women who once first met there as children, Julie Fisher-Ryall and Julie Maloney.

Sean Conway, host of "The Local," returns with a great story about Chippawa Lodge, once one of Ontario's premier summer resorts located on Lake Kamaniskeg. It was the 1950s and it was a place as exotic and carefree as it now seems lost forever, except in the vivid memories of two gracious women who once first met there as children, Julie Fisher-Ryall and Julie Maloney.

The Opeongo Line proudly presents the second of the Madawaska Valley Public Library's soon-to-be launched independent podcast, "Old, New, Borrowed, Blue." This month's episode brings together an old story of Barry's Bay that includes it's original Algonquin name, some new books that grace the shelves of the library, more than few things you can borrow, some of which will get you into places for free, and wonderful story from Andrew Lang's Blue Book of Fairy Tales.

Wendy Jocko, the chief of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation at Golden Lake, and her cousin, Jane Ann Chartrand, who hails from Madawaska, talk about growing up in Madawaska and the Algonquin heritage that they both share.

In celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Madawaska Valley Public Library, The Opeongo Line launches a new monthly podcast produced by the library's current staff. Made up of four distinct elements, "Old, New, Borrowed, Blue" will remind us all of things past, keep us abreast of new books, popular titles, and finish up in style with a gripping story from The Blue Fairy Tale book.

Barry Conway reads "Vicker's Creek Mourning," "Bentley's Winchester," "The Acorn Wars," and "Stafford Mountain Starlight," four personal essays, or memoirs if you like, that he wrote about what it felt like to grow up as a young boy in Barry's Bay in the 1960s and early 1970s.

Barry Conway reads "Vicker's Creek Mourning," "Bentley's Winchester," "The Acorn Wars," and "Stafford Mountain Starlight," four personal essays, or memoirs if you like, that he wrote about what it felt like to grow up as a young boy in Barry's Bay in the 1960s and early 1970s.

The Opeongo Readers' Theatre present Lesley Betts, Cathy Chapeskie, Carol Peterson and Lynn Stewart each reading one of four classic short stories by Katherine Mansfield. These include "The Singing Lesson," "The Garden Party," "A Cup of Tea," and "Bliss," all masterful works of World Literature.

The Opeongo Readers' Theatre present Lesley Betts, Cathy Chapeskie, Carol Peterson and Lynn Stewart each reading one of four classic short stories by Katherine Mansfield. These include "The Singing Lesson," "The Garden Party," "A Cup of Tea," and "Bliss," all masterful works of World Literature.

As part of The Opeongo Line's effort to both celebrate Canada Day today yet recognize the need for some Indigenous Canadians not to celebrate Canada Day this year, we have brought together Art Milnes and Sean Conway, two seasoned observers of Canadian political history, to discuss how we became an independent nation on July 1st 1867. They look at how our very fallible Fathers of Confederation created Canada in the midst of the 19th Century; what they got right and what they definitely failed to understand.

As part of The Opeongo Line's effort to both celebrate Canada Day today yet recognize the need for some Indigenous Canadians not to celebrate Canada Day this year, we have brought together Art Milnes and Sean Conway, two seasoned observers of Canadian political history, to discuss how we became an independent nation on July 1st 1867. They look at how our very fallible Fathers of Confederation created Canada in the midst of the 19th Century; what they got right and what they definitely failed to understand.

In honour of Father's Day, the Opeongo Line presents a show dedicated to the memory of Henry Nicholson, a lumberman of the old school, an extraordinary local baseball player, a wonderful Little League Baseball coach, and a man who left a lasting impression with his six children, eleven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. A man of infinite jest and genuine good humour, Henry was a dad for all seasons.

In honour of Father's Day, the Opeongo Line presents a show dedicated to the memory of Henry Nicholson, a lumberman of the old school, an extraordinary local baseball player, a wonderful Little League Baseball coach, and a man who left a lasting impression with his six children, eleven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. A man of infinite jest and genuine good humour, Henry was a dad for all seasons.

'Back in the Day' host, Martina Coulas, chats with Bernice Mintha who was born in 1930 in Barry's Bay when everybody in town seemed to have a cow, a pig and a gaggle of chickens. Bernice eventually became a nun but in the 1930s her childhood was second to none. Join her for the first part of her very own story of her life and times.

'Back in the Day' host, Martina Coulas, chats with Bernice Mintha who was born in 1930 in Barry's Bay when everybody in town seemed to have a cow, a pig and a gaggle of chickens. Bernice eventually became a nun but in the 1930s her childhood was second to none. Join her for the second part of her very own story of her life and times.

The Opeongo Readers' Theatre celebrates this Victoria Day with a curious collection of classic Victorian literature, everything from Elizabeth Barrett Browning's famous love poem to a young Winston Churchill's thrilling report of his 1899 escape from a POW camp in South Africa.

'Back in the Day' host, Martina Coulas, chats with Don Palubeskie, born just before Christmas, 1945 in Barry's Bay, Ontario. A first-rate fiddler and story teller, Don worked in his parent's store -- Jason's'-- on main street Barry's Bay, all while pursuing his musical and sporting interests, as well as becoming one of the most successful pranksters in his home town in the 1950s and '60s. His story is like no other but it's also the reason the Upper Madawaska Valley has the unique character, culture and heritage it does.

'Back in the Day' host, Martina Coulas, chats with Don Palubeskie, born just before Christmas, 1945 in Barry's Bay, Ontario. A first-rate fiddler and story teller, Don worked in his parent's store -- Jason's'-- on main street Barry's Bay, all while pursuing his musical and sporting interests, as well as becoming one of the most successful pranksters in his home town in the 1950s and '60s. His story is like no other but it's also the reason the Upper Madawaska Valley has the unique character, culture and heritage it does.