I greatly admire people who take up a cause and make a positive difference in the world.  This past weekend, I paid a visit to a dynamic duo who fit that description perfectly, Debbie and Carolyn, the bird rehabilitation specialists of Swift Care Ontario! 

I was in town to instruct a workshop for the Swift Ladies and the day was loads of fun.  We had gloomy rain to start the morning, but it did nothing to dampen the energized group who showed up to draw.  I love how everyone was asking questions during the group lesson and afterwards as I went around to each person.  On top off all the friendly conversation, the home made butter tarts were just delicious!  Thank you Carolyn.  And thank you to everyone who showed up to the class, it was an absolute pleasure.  I’m so sorry that a few people are missing in the photos below...I have a hard time teaching and remembering to take photos at the same time.

Our assortment of birds were generously loaned from taxidermist Dave Snook.  Dave and his wife Kathy are highly successful entrepreneurs and their well known shop has been in business for over 30 years. 

You can read about their fascinating lives here:  Mapleton Taxidermy and Cheese

The other highlight for me was a stop into local landmark, the Hyde Park Feed & Country Store.  This family owned business has been in operation for 61 years and you can learn all about the store here: Hyde Park Feed

I first chatted with the lovely Cathy Frank a year ago as she was one of the first people to purchase a Screech Owl print.  Along with stocking bird seed, hand-made bird houses and local goods, Cathy and her husband Charlie are involved in the community and support local charities like Swift Care Ontario.  The next time I visit I’ll have to leave more room in my luggage, I regret only having space for single jar of local honey to bring home with me!  

www.hydeparkfeed.com

Enjoy these photos from the workshop.

- Alan