Saturdays at 7 season wraps up June 24

For a decade, Saturdays at 7 concerts at St. Andrew’s United Church have entertained local residents.

The final concert of the 10th anniversary season takes place June 24, at 7 p.m., with the theme 10 Years and Counting.

The program will celebrate the accomplishments of those past years by looking back at shows from the last decade. It will feature the full force of St. Andrew’s music program, along with several guest performers from concerts past.

It will bring back familiar musical presentations from Gershwin to opera to Italian music.

The 60-voice St. Andrew’s Concert Choir and 30-member Chatham-Kent Chamber Orchestra will perform.

The concept was the dream of the then newly hired director of music at St. Andrew’s, Devon Hansen. He provided leadership for the concept, resulting in the pre- sentation of 63 concerts since that first concert in 2013.

Most concerts featured local musicians, but some music groups from across the province have taken to the stage for some amazing performances. Hansen has played the piano and pipe organ keyboards in solo performances as well as an accompanist in many of the concerts. There was a hiatus during the COVID years, but with a couple virtual concerts and some hybrid concerts of live perfor- mances made available online, the series. Plans for the 2023-24 season will be announced at the June 24 performance. Donations (suggested $15 per person) will be accepted at the door and will go towards the music program at St. Andrew’s.

Ag hall names class of ’23

The Kent County Agricultural Hall of Fame has named its inductees for 2023.

Two of the five – Ron Anderson and Doug Arbour – are being honoured posthumously for the vital role they played in supporting agricultural in Chatham-Kent.

Anderson, formerly of Dover Township, is being cited for his passion for farming. According to a KCHOF media release, Anderson was both a visionary and an agricultural specialist. He oversaw the local agricultural sector and helped many in agri-business with growth and expansion opportunities.

Arbour is also being honoured for his role in making Chatham-Kent a safer place. Along with his ambulance services, the Chatham resident spearheaded education and safety courses for the rural population.

Diane and Robert Devolder of the former Dover Township have been given the nod for being leaders in adopting the latest technology, helping advance agriculture in efficiency, improve economic returns and lessen the environmental impact from farms.

Palmyra area resident Kathleen “Kay” Quinton is being recognized for her many roles supporting the farming community in the former Orford Township. She has been active in farming, leading 4H and teaching adults, as well as promoting a healthier environment.

The official Hall of Fame ceremony will be held Nov. 21 at the Hidden Hills Golf and Country Club at Oungah.