BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//MERA - ECPv6.15.11//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:MERA X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for MERA REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Toronto BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260201T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260201T160000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20260113T181607Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260113T184727Z UID:10002106-1769954400-1769961600@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Meet the Artist at MERA: Shelley Leach DESCRIPTION:Meet the Artist at MERA February 1st\nCanadian landscape and Wilderness artist Shelley Leach \nMERA welcomes lovers of picturesque landscapes and beautiful vistas. We invite you to the show opening at our Meet the Artist Event in Dean Hall\, Sunday February 1st from 2 pm to 4 pm. This exhibit features the work of Canadian landscape artist Shelley Leach. \nShelley is Canadian landscape and wilderness artist working in oil\, acrylic\, and watercolour. Her work blends realism and impressionism\, rooted in over two decades of full-time professional practice. She says that her “…work reflects a deep connection to the natural world\, shaped by personal exploration of the Canadian landscape. Through my artwork I hope to inspire your desire to preserve the natural beauty that surrounds us.” \nYou can find her original artworks in permanent collections\, including the City of Ottawa Fine Arts Collection and the Canadian War Museum\, where a work of remembrance was acquired into the museum’s permanent collection in 2012. Although figurative rather than landscape\, this piece reflects the same commitment to creating meaningful art. My work is also represented in numerous corporate and private collections. \nShe often speaks about the stories behind the painting – where it was created\, what inspired it\, and why it matters. This commitment to meaning and connection is central to her practice as an artist. Come to the event to meet Shelley and discover more about her work. Who knows? Maybe you will be drawn to a painting of a landscape you recognize? \nYou can view the exhibit for the entire month February. In fact\, why not swing by during MERA’s Saturday Café from 10 am to 2 pm? To arrange to see the exhibition at times other than this\, please contact Tim Booth at timothybooth9@gmail.com. URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/meet-the-artist-at-mera-february/ LOCATION:MERA Schoolhouse\, McDonald’s Corners CATEGORIES:Art,Art exhibits ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://meraschoolhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Shelley-Leach-Bio-Photo-2025.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260202T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260202T140000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20251016T194537Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T194801Z UID:10001989-1770026400-1770040800@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Open Artists Studio DESCRIPTION:MERA members are welcome to come to the MERA schoolhouse on Mondays for the Open Artists Studio. Bring your own work\, and enjoy the light and the warmth during the fall\, winter and spring seasons. The MERA room beside the kitchen can hold up to 7 people comfortably. We’ll begin with a drop in\, so come for all or a part of the time slot. \nMondays\, 10-2\, excluding statutory holidays.\nStarting Oct 20\, 2025 \ncontacts:\nSandy McNulty sandymcnulty8@gmail.com\nDeb Shea debjshea@gmail.com URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/open-artists-studio/2026-02-02/ LOCATION:MERA Schoolhouse\, McDonald’s Corners CATEGORIES:Art circle,Open Art Studio END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260202T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260202T210000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20251121T195518Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251215T151113Z UID:10002094-1770057000-1770066000@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Intro to Pottery DESCRIPTION:MERA’s pottery studio is always keen to welcome new potters. \nThe best way to join us is to enroll in our introduction to pottery class – a 6 week series of 2 ½ hour classes offering a taste of wheel work\, hand building\, sgraffito and glazing. The objective of the six week session is to introduce potential potters to working with clay\, and to participating in a shared studio. The fee is $200 (with MERA membership). We’re ready to run two sessions this winter. \nBEGINNING students on Monday evenings 6:30 to 9:00pm The 6 week session will run from January 12th through February 16th. Six spaces available. All supplies provided. \nOnce you fall in love with potting you can become a studio member by \n1 – becoming a member of MERA\, (individual or new family membership $60.00) \n2 – paying the annual studio fee of $60.00\, \n3 – signing up for our WhatsApp chat (ask Alexis to add your address)\, and \n4 – buying your first block of clay. We sell the clay for $35.00/bag.Clay used in the studio must be bought through the studio (the easiest way to ensure that we are all using the same clay. It makes creating glazes and firing our work less complicated). The studio fee and clay purchases give you access to the studio’s tools and equipment and cover the cost of glazes and firing. \nPlease reach out for more information about classes or the studio through me lyndal.neelin@gmail.com or Alexis meraschoolhouse@gmail.com. URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/intro-to-pottery/2026-02-02/ LOCATION:MERA Schoolhouse\, McDonald’s Corners CATEGORIES:Pottery END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260203T050000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260203T070000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20240624T183413Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250907T194533Z UID:10000685-1770094800-1770102000@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Closed for Cleaning DESCRIPTION: URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/closed-for-cleaning-53/2026-02-03/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260203T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260203T150000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20240624T183413Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T183337Z UID:10000816-1770123600-1770130800@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Pottery Studio DESCRIPTION:Meeting Space: Pottery Studio (basement) \nContact Person: Lyndal Neelin \nWe are a joyful group of potters who share space\, tools and experience in the basement of the MERA schoolhouse. We are organized as a co-operative\, sharing responsibility for making our studio a fun\, open\, supportive and safe place to enjoy creating works in clay both on and away from the wheel.\nEach studio member is encouraged to participate in both individual and collective projects\, to contribute to studio maintenance tasks\, and to teach and learn from the other potters. MERA potters also organize learning and teaching opportunities in the form of in-house workshops and sessions led by professional potters and contribute to the Annual MERA Christmas Fair. URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/pottery-studio-106/2026-02-03/ LOCATION:MERA Schoolhouse\, McDonald’s Corners CATEGORIES:Pottery END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260203T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260203T200000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20240624T183411Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250907T201144Z UID:10000923-1770141600-1770148800@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Board Meeting DESCRIPTION: URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/board-meeting-13/2026-02-03/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260204T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260204T150000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20240624T183411Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250907T203006Z UID:10000990-1770210000-1770217200@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Pottery Studio DESCRIPTION:Meetings Space: Pottery Studio (basement) \nContact Person: Heather Vriends URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/pottery-studio-101/2026-02-04/ LOCATION:MERA Schoolhouse\, McDonald’s Corners CATEGORIES:Pottery END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260204T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260204T160000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20240624T183412Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250907T203212Z UID:10001111-1770210000-1770220800@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:MERA's Needle Pushers DESCRIPTION:  \nMeeting Space: MERA Room \nContact Person: Bonnie McQuatt \nWe welcome anyone who might have new techniques or designs to share or perhaps just has a desire to try something new. \nMost of the fun of quilting is being with the people we quilt with. Newcomers learn by doing. If you would like to try quilting with us we will share our supplies with you until you figure out if quilting is your thing or not. The requirements for quilting are minimal. Those who have a portable sewing machine\, rotary cutter and mat will bring that equipment when we are starting a quilt and we work together cutting out the pattern and assembling the quilt. Once the hand quilting begins each person needs their own thimble\, scissors and quilting needles. \n  URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/meras-needle-pushers-50/2026-02-04/ CATEGORIES:Quilting END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260205T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260205T140000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20240624T183412Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250907T203629Z UID:10001233-1770282000-1770300000@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Heritage Weavers DESCRIPTION:Meeting Place: Dean Hall \nContact Person: Lise Loader \nThis collective has expanded significantly from a core group over the last few years. \nThe weavers gather to plan and work on projects and are available to share ideas\, advice and enthusiasm with each other and newer weavers. It’s an apprentice-like learn-as-you-go environment suited to those who have taken an introduction to weaving weekend workshop at a guild. \nWe have 7 looms of various sizes and styles at MERA. Some of these looms are set up with extra-long warps which become cooperative projects that various members work on when they can. \nAs with all groups at the Schoolhouse\, you must have a MERA membership to become a regular member of the MERA Heritage Weavers. URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/heritage-weavers-101/2026-02-05/ CATEGORIES:Weaving END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260206T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260206T120000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20240624T183412Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T223943Z UID:10001883-1770372000-1770379200@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Art Circle DESCRIPTION:Join us and  learn from and be inspired by what others in the group are working on. There is plenty of time to work on your own piece and also trade ideas and techniques with others in a casual way. URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/art-circle-51/2026-02-06/ LOCATION:MERA Schoolhouse\, McDonald’s Corners CATEGORIES:Art,Art circle END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260206T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260206T141500 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20251016T140402Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251016T140402Z UID:10001951-1770382800-1770387300@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Recorder Consort DESCRIPTION:The MERA Recorder Consort is an ongoing\, flexible group of players. We meet regularly\, playing intermediate level music in 2-5 parts\, soprano\, alto\, tenor and bass. We play for our own enjoyment\, and we sometimes play for a MERA event such as the Wassail. \nIf you already read music and play the recorder\, we would love you to join this group of enthusiastic amateur players\, with teacher Helen Mogford providing guidance and music. We have a 75 minute class most Fridays. URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/recorder-consort-51/2026-02-06/ LOCATION:MERA Schoolhouse\, McDonald’s Corners CATEGORIES:Recorder END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260207T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260207T140000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20260207T141937Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260207T141938Z UID:10002023-1770458400-1770472800@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Saturday Cafe DESCRIPTION:Come in from the cold and enjoy a warm Saturday at MERA \nCoffee\, Tea and Hot Chocolate and fun conversations (free) \nHomemade soup\nBaked goods \nDonations and volunteers are more than welcome! \nArt Show in Dean Hall by the MERA Art Circle \nLet you kids create at the Children’s Art Table! URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/saturday-cafe-3-5-2-2-2/ CATEGORIES:Community ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://meraschoolhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cafe.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260209T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260209T140000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20251016T194537Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T194801Z UID:10001990-1770631200-1770645600@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Open Artists Studio DESCRIPTION:MERA members are welcome to come to the MERA schoolhouse on Mondays for the Open Artists Studio. Bring your own work\, and enjoy the light and the warmth during the fall\, winter and spring seasons. The MERA room beside the kitchen can hold up to 7 people comfortably. We’ll begin with a drop in\, so come for all or a part of the time slot. \nMondays\, 10-2\, excluding statutory holidays.\nStarting Oct 20\, 2025 \ncontacts:\nSandy McNulty sandymcnulty8@gmail.com\nDeb Shea debjshea@gmail.com URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/open-artists-studio/2026-02-09/ LOCATION:MERA Schoolhouse\, McDonald’s Corners CATEGORIES:Art circle,Open Art Studio END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260209T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260209T210000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20251121T195518Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251215T151113Z UID:10002095-1770661800-1770670800@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Intro to Pottery DESCRIPTION:MERA’s pottery studio is always keen to welcome new potters. \nThe best way to join us is to enroll in our introduction to pottery class – a 6 week series of 2 ½ hour classes offering a taste of wheel work\, hand building\, sgraffito and glazing. The objective of the six week session is to introduce potential potters to working with clay\, and to participating in a shared studio. The fee is $200 (with MERA membership). We’re ready to run two sessions this winter. \nBEGINNING students on Monday evenings 6:30 to 9:00pm The 6 week session will run from January 12th through February 16th. Six spaces available. All supplies provided. \nOnce you fall in love with potting you can become a studio member by \n1 – becoming a member of MERA\, (individual or new family membership $60.00) \n2 – paying the annual studio fee of $60.00\, \n3 – signing up for our WhatsApp chat (ask Alexis to add your address)\, and \n4 – buying your first block of clay. We sell the clay for $35.00/bag.Clay used in the studio must be bought through the studio (the easiest way to ensure that we are all using the same clay. It makes creating glazes and firing our work less complicated). The studio fee and clay purchases give you access to the studio’s tools and equipment and cover the cost of glazes and firing. \nPlease reach out for more information about classes or the studio through me lyndal.neelin@gmail.com or Alexis meraschoolhouse@gmail.com. URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/intro-to-pottery/2026-02-09/ LOCATION:MERA Schoolhouse\, McDonald’s Corners CATEGORIES:Pottery END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260210T050000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260210T070000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20240624T183413Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250907T194533Z UID:10000686-1770699600-1770706800@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Closed for Cleaning DESCRIPTION: URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/closed-for-cleaning-53/2026-02-10/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260210T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260210T150000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20240624T183413Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T183337Z UID:10000817-1770728400-1770735600@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Pottery Studio DESCRIPTION:Meeting Space: Pottery Studio (basement) \nContact Person: Lyndal Neelin \nWe are a joyful group of potters who share space\, tools and experience in the basement of the MERA schoolhouse. We are organized as a co-operative\, sharing responsibility for making our studio a fun\, open\, supportive and safe place to enjoy creating works in clay both on and away from the wheel.\nEach studio member is encouraged to participate in both individual and collective projects\, to contribute to studio maintenance tasks\, and to teach and learn from the other potters. MERA potters also organize learning and teaching opportunities in the form of in-house workshops and sessions led by professional potters and contribute to the Annual MERA Christmas Fair. URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/pottery-studio-106/2026-02-10/ LOCATION:MERA Schoolhouse\, McDonald’s Corners CATEGORIES:Pottery END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260211T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260211T150000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20240624T183411Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250907T203006Z UID:10000991-1770814800-1770822000@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Pottery Studio DESCRIPTION:Meetings Space: Pottery Studio (basement) \nContact Person: Heather Vriends URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/pottery-studio-101/2026-02-11/ LOCATION:MERA Schoolhouse\, McDonald’s Corners CATEGORIES:Pottery END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260211T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260211T160000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20240624T183412Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250907T203212Z UID:10001112-1770814800-1770825600@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:MERA's Needle Pushers DESCRIPTION:  \nMeeting Space: MERA Room \nContact Person: Bonnie McQuatt \nWe welcome anyone who might have new techniques or designs to share or perhaps just has a desire to try something new. \nMost of the fun of quilting is being with the people we quilt with. Newcomers learn by doing. If you would like to try quilting with us we will share our supplies with you until you figure out if quilting is your thing or not. The requirements for quilting are minimal. Those who have a portable sewing machine\, rotary cutter and mat will bring that equipment when we are starting a quilt and we work together cutting out the pattern and assembling the quilt. Once the hand quilting begins each person needs their own thimble\, scissors and quilting needles. \n  URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/meras-needle-pushers-50/2026-02-11/ CATEGORIES:Quilting END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260212T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260212T140000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20240624T183412Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250907T203629Z UID:10001234-1770886800-1770904800@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Heritage Weavers DESCRIPTION:Meeting Place: Dean Hall \nContact Person: Lise Loader \nThis collective has expanded significantly from a core group over the last few years. \nThe weavers gather to plan and work on projects and are available to share ideas\, advice and enthusiasm with each other and newer weavers. It’s an apprentice-like learn-as-you-go environment suited to those who have taken an introduction to weaving weekend workshop at a guild. \nWe have 7 looms of various sizes and styles at MERA. Some of these looms are set up with extra-long warps which become cooperative projects that various members work on when they can. \nAs with all groups at the Schoolhouse\, you must have a MERA membership to become a regular member of the MERA Heritage Weavers. URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/heritage-weavers-101/2026-02-12/ CATEGORIES:Weaving END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260213T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260213T120000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20240624T183412Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T223943Z UID:10001884-1770976800-1770984000@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Art Circle DESCRIPTION:Join us and  learn from and be inspired by what others in the group are working on. There is plenty of time to work on your own piece and also trade ideas and techniques with others in a casual way. URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/art-circle-51/2026-02-13/ LOCATION:MERA Schoolhouse\, McDonald’s Corners CATEGORIES:Art,Art circle END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260213T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260213T141500 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20251016T140402Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251016T140402Z UID:10001952-1770987600-1770992100@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Recorder Consort DESCRIPTION:The MERA Recorder Consort is an ongoing\, flexible group of players. We meet regularly\, playing intermediate level music in 2-5 parts\, soprano\, alto\, tenor and bass. We play for our own enjoyment\, and we sometimes play for a MERA event such as the Wassail. \nIf you already read music and play the recorder\, we would love you to join this group of enthusiastic amateur players\, with teacher Helen Mogford providing guidance and music. We have a 75 minute class most Fridays. URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/recorder-consort-51/2026-02-13/ LOCATION:MERA Schoolhouse\, McDonald’s Corners CATEGORIES:Recorder END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260214T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260214T140000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20260207T142021Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260207T142028Z UID:10002024-1771063200-1771077600@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Saturday Cafe DESCRIPTION:Come in from the cold and enjoy a warm Saturday at MERA \nCoffee\, Tea and Hot Chocolate and fun conversations (free) \nHomemade soup\nBaked goods \nDonations and volunteers are more than welcome! \nArt Show in Dean Hall by the MERA Art Circle \nLet you kids create at the Children’s Art Table! URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/saturday-cafe-3-5-2-2-3/ CATEGORIES:Community ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://meraschoolhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cafe.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260215T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260215T160000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20251127T135111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T233201Z UID:10002097-1771164000-1771171200@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Music at MERA: Sarah Hagen DESCRIPTION:An exceptional classical pianist\, collaborator\, visual artist\, comedian\, Sarah Hagen is a unique musician on a mission to demystify classical music with a performance style all her own\, perhaps inspired as much by Victor Borge as Glenn Gould. \nGrowing up on Vancouver Island\, Sarah took to the piano at an early age and studied widely across Canada. Her busy professional career in North America and Europe as soloist and collaborator has yielded 4 albums and numerous awards. Sarah’s most recent album J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variations\, has been heralded by Whole Note Magazine as “something to absolutely die for” and won two 2022 Music PEI awards for Instrumental Recording of the Year and Album Art of the Year. \nSarah’s live performances invite audiences into her world of stories and music by presenting a variety of programs such as the Goldberg Variations (her own acclaimed interpretation)\, Wonder Women! (forgotten women composers) and “Perk up\, Pianist!”(the trials and joys of a touring musician). \nAt the MERA Schoolhouse on February 15\, the day after Valentine’s Day\, Sarah will present her most recent program: “Lovesick!”\, a concert exploring romance and heartbreak in classical music. Through storytelling and music by Satie\, Bach\, Piazzolla and others\, Sarah delves into the love stories (good and bad!) of some of her favourite composers. \nCLICK HERE for more information and video about Sarah Hagan. \nTickets are available at TicketsPlease.ca \nThanks to the generous support of the Ontario Arts Council we are able to offer a $20 discount to those 30 years and under\, and if they wish\, an additional $20 discount for their “guest” of any age. \nRegular – 31 years & older: $30 plus fees\nDiscount Single – 30 years & under: $10 plus fees\nDiscount Pair – 30 years & under with guest of any age (2 tickets): $20 plus fees \nFunding support provided by the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/music-at-mera-sarah-hagen/ LOCATION:MERA Schoolhouse\, McDonald’s Corners CATEGORIES:Classical music,Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://meraschoolhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/McKlinnon-Photography.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260216T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260216T140000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20251016T194537Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T194801Z UID:10001991-1771236000-1771250400@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Open Artists Studio DESCRIPTION:MERA members are welcome to come to the MERA schoolhouse on Mondays for the Open Artists Studio. Bring your own work\, and enjoy the light and the warmth during the fall\, winter and spring seasons. The MERA room beside the kitchen can hold up to 7 people comfortably. We’ll begin with a drop in\, so come for all or a part of the time slot. \nMondays\, 10-2\, excluding statutory holidays.\nStarting Oct 20\, 2025 \ncontacts:\nSandy McNulty sandymcnulty8@gmail.com\nDeb Shea debjshea@gmail.com URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/open-artists-studio/2026-02-16/ LOCATION:MERA Schoolhouse\, McDonald’s Corners CATEGORIES:Art circle,Open Art Studio END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260216T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260216T210000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20251121T195518Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251215T151113Z UID:10002096-1771266600-1771275600@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Intro to Pottery DESCRIPTION:MERA’s pottery studio is always keen to welcome new potters. \nThe best way to join us is to enroll in our introduction to pottery class – a 6 week series of 2 ½ hour classes offering a taste of wheel work\, hand building\, sgraffito and glazing. The objective of the six week session is to introduce potential potters to working with clay\, and to participating in a shared studio. The fee is $200 (with MERA membership). We’re ready to run two sessions this winter. \nBEGINNING students on Monday evenings 6:30 to 9:00pm The 6 week session will run from January 12th through February 16th. Six spaces available. All supplies provided. \nOnce you fall in love with potting you can become a studio member by \n1 – becoming a member of MERA\, (individual or new family membership $60.00) \n2 – paying the annual studio fee of $60.00\, \n3 – signing up for our WhatsApp chat (ask Alexis to add your address)\, and \n4 – buying your first block of clay. We sell the clay for $35.00/bag.Clay used in the studio must be bought through the studio (the easiest way to ensure that we are all using the same clay. It makes creating glazes and firing our work less complicated). The studio fee and clay purchases give you access to the studio’s tools and equipment and cover the cost of glazes and firing. \nPlease reach out for more information about classes or the studio through me lyndal.neelin@gmail.com or Alexis meraschoolhouse@gmail.com. URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/intro-to-pottery/2026-02-16/ LOCATION:MERA Schoolhouse\, McDonald’s Corners CATEGORIES:Pottery END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260217T050000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260217T070000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20240624T183413Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250907T194533Z UID:10000687-1771304400-1771311600@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Closed for Cleaning DESCRIPTION: URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/closed-for-cleaning-53/2026-02-17/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260217T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260217T150000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20240624T183413Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T183337Z UID:10000818-1771333200-1771340400@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Pottery Studio DESCRIPTION:Meeting Space: Pottery Studio (basement) \nContact Person: Lyndal Neelin \nWe are a joyful group of potters who share space\, tools and experience in the basement of the MERA schoolhouse. We are organized as a co-operative\, sharing responsibility for making our studio a fun\, open\, supportive and safe place to enjoy creating works in clay both on and away from the wheel.\nEach studio member is encouraged to participate in both individual and collective projects\, to contribute to studio maintenance tasks\, and to teach and learn from the other potters. MERA potters also organize learning and teaching opportunities in the form of in-house workshops and sessions led by professional potters and contribute to the Annual MERA Christmas Fair. URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/pottery-studio-106/2026-02-17/ LOCATION:MERA Schoolhouse\, McDonald’s Corners CATEGORIES:Pottery END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260217T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260217T210000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103501 CREATED:20240624T183412Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T204727Z UID:10000952-1771354800-1771362000@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Book Club DESCRIPTION:Meetings are usually held the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7pm to 9pm. We are a friendly\, respectful\, no rules book club. \nEach month one person will facilitate a discussion about the book chosen for that month. Discussions are always informative and lively. New members are welcome. If you see a book that peaks your interest and would like to join us for an evening’s discussion we also welcome drop-ins. \nYou can join us by contacting Jean Dunning at 613-259-2636 or email here.    \nMERA Bookclub Reads 2025 – 2026 \nSeptember There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak\nOctober James by Percival Evertt\nNovember Gourmet Rhapsody by Muriel Barbery\nDecember Project Hail by Mary Andy Weir\nJanuary Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy\nFebruary The Troublesome Young Men by Lynne Olson\nMarch Women Watching by Marilyn Simonds\nApril The Women by Kirsten Hannah\nMay The 100 Foot Journey by Richard Morris\nJune Choose next year’s reads URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/book-club-12/2026-02-17/ LOCATION:MERA Schoolhouse\, McDonald’s Corners CATEGORIES:Bookclub END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260218T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260218T150000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103502 CREATED:20240624T183411Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250907T203006Z UID:10000992-1771419600-1771426800@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:Pottery Studio DESCRIPTION:Meetings Space: Pottery Studio (basement) \nContact Person: Heather Vriends URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/pottery-studio-101/2026-02-18/ LOCATION:MERA Schoolhouse\, McDonald’s Corners CATEGORIES:Pottery END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260218T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260218T160000 DTSTAMP:20260418T103502 CREATED:20240624T183412Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250907T203212Z UID:10001113-1771419600-1771430400@meraschoolhouse.org SUMMARY:MERA's Needle Pushers DESCRIPTION:  \nMeeting Space: MERA Room \nContact Person: Bonnie McQuatt \nWe welcome anyone who might have new techniques or designs to share or perhaps just has a desire to try something new. \nMost of the fun of quilting is being with the people we quilt with. Newcomers learn by doing. If you would like to try quilting with us we will share our supplies with you until you figure out if quilting is your thing or not. The requirements for quilting are minimal. Those who have a portable sewing machine\, rotary cutter and mat will bring that equipment when we are starting a quilt and we work together cutting out the pattern and assembling the quilt. Once the hand quilting begins each person needs their own thimble\, scissors and quilting needles. \n  URL:https://meraschoolhouse.org/event/meras-needle-pushers-50/2026-02-18/ CATEGORIES:Quilting END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR