ASSINIBOIA - My granddaddy used to say, “If you walk through the barnyard, Grandson, you’re bound to get manure on your boots.” As usual, Granddad was right. I have manure on my boots.
Most of what I said recently in my column, “From Where I Stand”, was true. Some of it, sadly, was not.
In the Assiniboia Times, on July 8, I wrote a quick piece entitled “Batter Up, Generation X."
In this column about the recent Blacktop Hop fundraising event for the Shurniak Art Gallery I made a couple of errors.
I stated that young Jyanne Williams from Assiniboia was the current owner/operator of the Fresh Start Cafe located in the Shurniak Art Gallery. Jyanne has recently moved to the city, and is no longer the owner of the cafe; her mother, Marita Williams, is.
Also in this piece, I stated that the Shurniak Gallery’s board of directors had recently “issued a statement” concerning the present state of their finances and their need for fundraisers now and in the future. The board of directors never actually issued a public statement concerning the gallery finances — poor choice of words on my part.
The rest of the information we published regarding their need for fundraising events was accurate.
Below is a recent statement provided to me by the Shurniak Art Gallery concerning their July 2 Blacktop Hop event in Assiniboia:
“The recent Black Top Hop fundraiser was a huge success to benefit the Shurniak Art Gallery. Many community members enjoyed an evening out that included student dance performances, barbecue dinner, gallery tours and live music with a street dance. Opportunities to win amazing prize packages were plentiful! Thank you to all who participated by attending, sponsoring or donating.
“Why is the Shurniak Gallery fundraising? Chairperson Heather Shurniak answers this question: ‘After Bill Shurniak’s passing, a trust fund was set up for the gallery. A specified amount of funds [are to] be distributed to the gallery annually for a number of years to come. This yearly bequest will help pay for many operating costs, but certainly not all. In order to keep the gallery serving the public at the level we currently enjoy, fundraising will be a part of our objectives and goals.’
“The Shurniak board of directors is working toward increasing programs for our local community’s enjoyment. Gallery events and exhibitions will be aligned with public interest and availability, resulting in a cultural hub where all will feel welcome.”
