April 2020

This summer, I am scheduled to deliver a workshop at the Blue Skies Music Festival. I was so excited when my application was accepted. Workshop presenters are given a coveted camping pass. Unfortunately, like all summer events, the festival may have to cancel depending on whether the COVID-19 pandemic diminishes.

March 2020

I recently learned that the handshake is thought to originate in Medieval Europe. I’ve read slightly contradictory accounts of how it evolved.  My favourite version is that knights would shake the hand of others in an attempt to loosen any hidden weapons. Another source I found stated that it was a symbol of peace, showing that neither person was carrying a weapon.

February 2020

On its website, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has the following statement written:

January 2020

Well, January 1^st came and went without the re-opening of the parent and grandparent sponsorship program. First, on December 16^th, the government announced that details of the 2020 program would be ‘available soon’. Then, on December 30^th, the government sent out a second announcement that opening of the program would be ‘postponed’. Further information will be available by April 1, 2020.