125 MCKELLER RESIDENTS DANCED THE NIGHT AWAY

THEY DANCED THE NIGHT AWAY, SAYS JOYCE HOPKINS

The Township of McKellar's first Irish settlers would have been amazed at the sold-out crowd for the St. Patrick's Day Dance held on March 17. The colour green dominated the Community Centre and 125 enthusiastic individuals danced the night away to the music of the Michael Granka Band.

The McKellar Recreation Committee organized the dance in honour of McKellar's 150th anniversary and co-hosted with the McKellar Sesquicentennial Committee. Thank you to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 394 Dunchurch and James McMurdo for adding to the enjoyment of the evening, and thanks to Yvette, Devon and Charlotte Thorne for decorating the hall.

An exciting night is planned for the Recreation Committee's Movie Night on March 31 at 7 p.m., with a showing "Beyond the Edge." You will gape at the vistas during this docudrama of Sir Edmund Hillary's and Tenzing Norgay's ascent of Mount Everest.

Admission is free and popcorn will be available.

Prior to the film, McKellar's Mallory family will share their experience becoming the first family of four in the world to summit Mount Everest and stand on top of the world. Each member of the family has summitted the highest mountain on at least one continent. Dan and his daughter, Laura, summitted the tallest mountains on eight continents, a feat accomplished by only a few hundred in the history of mankind. The Mallorys will answer questions following the film. You can read about their adventure in "The Family that Conquered Everest" by Alan Mallory.

Learn about the aging brain with Shawna Torkoff, of the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka, at the McKellar Community Centre on March 28 at 1 p.m. There is no fee or registration. Contact the McKellar Public Library at 705-3892611 for more information.

Each Thursday at 1 p.m., euchre is offered by the McKellar Sunshine Club. Congratulations to the March 9 winners, John Peterson, Gail Mayhew, Tom McKewen, Melanie Alder and Marilyn Jones. Everyone is welcome.

April is an exciting month for the Sesquicentennial Committee. The Live History performance group will present three events in one day on April 15 — an escape room with theatre elements over lunch ($15) or a light dinner ($20) as you solve the mystery of the person from McKellar's past, a magic workshop and a historical dance workshop. Workshops are for all ages and available by donation.

The Firefighters Appreciation Dinner and Yuk Yuk's Show is April 29 ($35). Check mckellar150.com for information on the township's 150th anniversary events.