Country Music Benefit Night at the Piggery
Last year the Memphremagog community learning center (CLC) help it’s very first fundraiser. Those who attended the dance at the Princess Elizabeth Elementary School will remember its resounding success. Christine Hodges, who volunteers at the CLC, said that once again, the center needs help from the community.
Hodges explained that after 10 years of function, the government is cutting the budget of the CLC. “The idea is that we become more self-sustaining. They expect us to partner up with other organizations and all fundraise together, but it’s difficult when we all need the money.”
The CLC provides useful, fun and intriguing courses, both for children and adults. According to Hodges, they register about 100 adult students every year.
“We’re a bridge between the community and the actual schools,” said Hodges. “We have a bookworm program for the children, to encourage them to read. We offer help in math, teach them to knit. There’s also a community garden, where families who live in apartments can come grow produce. At the end of the season we hold a big feast of soup made from all the vegetables grown.”
She added that the evening courses for adults run throughout spring and fall. Volunteers offer to teach in whatever area they are knowledgeable in. Hodges’ husband once took a class at the CLC, given by an actual archeologist who worked on excavation sites.
This year’s fundraiser will be held at the Piggery Theater in North Hatley where Ray Seguin “The Country Stranger” will be back to sing country classics for attendees. Seguin had already gotten the 150 participants from last year’s fundraiser to dance, and he is looking forward to doing so again at the benefit.
“I’m absolutely excited. I’m tickled pink,” laughed Seguin. “In all my years of preforming in honkytonks and bars, it’s been my dream to perform in an auditorium; to have people just sit and listen to my music.”
Seguin, who is hopeful of a full house, said that he is delighted to help the community:
“It’s for a great event and a good cause,” said the musician, who lives in Ontario. He added, “Some of the nicest people, in all sincerity, that I’ve ever met are from Magog and Hatley and those places. They are so warm and receptive. It’s a joy to go back.”
According to Hodges, at least $23,000 needs to be raised to keep the CLC functioning. The upcoming benefit concert will be a step towards that goal.
The concert will be held at the Piggery on July 14. Tickets can be purchased by calling 819-847-2769, 819-843-7687 or 819-238-1285.