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Nature lessons through songs and stories at Chilliwack Library

Lillian Ireland and Rob Dramer bring music with a message to spring break presentation
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Lillian Ireland and Rob Dramer have created a musical

Children need nature now more than ever, say Lillian Ireland and Rob Dramer.

They need to learn about the awesome power of Canada's beavers, to appreciate the delicate lifecycle of the salmon, and to master making bird calls with a single blade of grass.

So, the two educational entertainers have set out to make it so. A few years ago, they created a musical, ecologically-aware show featuring lifelike animal puppets and originals songs. It's called The Well Worn Trail, and it covers off all of the above, and then some. The Well Worn Trail is just one of several performances lined up at the Chilliwack Library over the upcoming two-week spring break, in an effort to keep youngsters engaged and entertained.

When Ireland and Dramer perform on March 17,  they are hoping the room is filled with eager young ones, so they can pass on their love of nature.

"We are honoured to pass on our knowledge, and we've passed it on the best way we know how," Dramer said. Although when he says this, Ireland reminds him it's not their knowledge at all. It's just what they're learning, as retirees and environmentalists. And they're learning through reading, through connecting with like-minded individuals, and traveling to areas where people are protesting, to share their songs and stories. They are passionate about environmentalism, and are proud to speak about it.

But when it's time to talk to kids, they tone down their message and deliver the music and stories of animals. They want children to love nature as much as they do, and the best way they can do that is to teach them about beavers, salmon, ladybugs, and otters. And they keep the message hopefully positive.

"We work hard at creating opportunity for hope," Dramer says.

They have tapped into a wealth of knowledge through their friends, and by meeting with Aboriginal environmental stewards. These relationships have compelled them to share with the next generation, lest the love of nature somehow be lost in this new, high-technology world.

"We have deepened our passion through Aboriginal knowledge, our understanding has grown, our awareness has grown," Ireland says. "This is what we do as elders, as musicians, we love and value the future."

To join in the fun, visit Chilliwack Library on Thursday, March 17 at 2 p.m., and check out the following list of spring break activities taking place at the library.

Spring Break Scavenger Hunt

Visit the Yarrow or Sardis Libraries for some Spring Break Scavenger Hunt fun. Read the clues and follow the map and remember X marks the spot. Participants may enter to win the treasure. Ongoing.

Norden the Magician

Sardis Library: Tuesday, March 15, 1 p.m.

He's back to entertain you with his amazing magic tricks. Norden is an nine-time winner of the coveted Children's Magician of the Year award.

Sand Art

Sardis Library: Wednesday, March 16, 3 p.m.

Create beautiful and colourful sand art. Svetlana from Sparkling Ideas will teach you how to make your glittering sand art. For ages 4 – 10 yrs. Registration required.

The Ta Daa Lady

Sardis Library: Friday, March 18, 11 a.m.

Yarrow Library: Wednesday, March 23, 11 a.m..

Chilliwack Library: Wednesday, March 23, 2 p.m.

An interactive musical show like no other. The Ta Daa Lady is a gentle, fun-loving soul who will delight families as she clowns, dances and mimes her way through all sorts of crazy antics with her lovable puppet Stumpy.

Wire Bracelet Workshop

Sardis Library: Tuesday, March 22, 2 p.m.

In this introductory workshop presented by Svetlana from Sparkling Ideas, you'll learn how to create a simple yet stylish bracelet using memory wire. For ages 10 yrs and up. Registration required.

Crayon Critters

Sardis Library, Monday, March 21, 2 p.m.

Bunnies, frogs and spiders – what else? What kind of creature can you create with a crayon? Bring your imagination to the library for this fun-filled hour where you can create your very own animal, using a crayon as the body.

 

 



Jessica Peters

About the Author: Jessica Peters

I began my career in 1999, covering communities across the Fraser Valley ever since.
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