Far left sitting Janet Hammock at "Pride October 2015" - a first - in Sackville.. introduced to Ann Bastarache who was being given a tour of the town by me as her guide met and joined in here with us but frosty Janet Hammock impolitely refused to shake Ann's hand.. why? Are these events politically driven? Yes.... Ann Bastarche, single Mum, realtor, and former florist and fostering parent said to me that she had two gay aunts and was very excited to join in even though she had been excluded from the Mt. A. campus political debate leading up to the election [Ann is seen in the brown cardigan sitting holding the banner "Don't Hide Your Pride"] .. we had a good time together touring the town, it was my pleasure to show her around and introduce her to people here - she was impressed by our event.
Ann Bastarache was running as a very hopeful first time politician for the Conservative MP spot in "Beausejour" - she was kind to me and grateful for my help. She was an engaged lady and a good candidate against Dominic Leblanc long time MP for the Liberal Party of Canada.
From Warktimes.com this month... some commentary from entitled Janet about "the arts"..
Struts & Owens galleries call for more municipal investment in arts & culture | (warktimes.com)
"Janet Hammock says:
Paul Henderson and Emily Falvey have done exactly the right thing. They have highlighted to Council, and to those who take the time to listen to the Council Meetings, the importance of the arts in our NB communities, and have drawn attention to the fact that increased support of the arts and artists makes tremendous business sense.
Bruce Wark has included links to two recent enormously informative, imperative-reading reports. I must admit that I had previously only skimmed these reports. As a musician I have been only too aware of the upsetting nature of the almost unbelievable, factual information in reports such as these. But these particular reports — comprehensive, compelling and urgent in what they tell us — are situated right here in NB, and that makes all the difference.
The background to the Falvey/Henderson presentation to Council is clearly written in these two reports, and I would urge readers to read them. As the Mayor said in response to the Falvey/Henderson presentation, the information is “incredible”. I believe he saw with open eyes the possibilities inherent in an intentional decision on the part of our Council to step up and do its part to address the deplorable “support” now given to artists and public institutions. We have a mandate from the Provincial Government to do just that.
As we move into a governmental transition period this is exactly the right time to bring up this issue. Again. And again. And again. Issues not spoken about in public, as Falvey and Henderson just did, will be issues again not addressed. And the arts, and those who create, will continue to remain in last place."
Janet Hammock now has been honoured:
Janet is a comfy, retired local, a social engineer, a supporter & promoter of the PFlag "pride" community, and a vocal 'community' elder ... but what is she 'building'? As she now has a plaque on the "Sackville Arts Wall" is she some sort of unquestioned authority on what is 'art' and what is not?
"Hammock, who holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Yale University, has been named Arts Builder, which recognizes citizens or groups that have “made a significant contribution to the cultural and artistic development of our community.”
The 'arts' are not deserving of any financial support.. they are neither worthy nor valuable... Art is subjective, just like everything else in life.... Why would you want to pick the winners and losers and dictate as to what is special and deserving of money? Who decides who should get government money?
Are you that arrogant to think that you have the corner on knowing what's best for our overall society? Yes, I think you are Janet.
Culture is a lot of things... and lately its been made abundantly clear that culture is only valuable when its provided by the funded and 'approved artists' who are creating it....
I am not a fan of celebrating any singled-out special people around here.... its not my jam.
