There are many things synonymous with Christmas time. Among these we find Santa Claus and Rudolph; candy canes and wreaths; carols and pinecones; sleigh-rides and decorations; gifts, wraps and stars. Each of these is individually lovely and collectively, wonderfully imbued with yule spirit.

Perhaps chief among all of these is Ebenezer Scrooge from “A Christmas Carol”. He, that once-was-an-ogre of literature, crafted by Charles Dickens some near 200 years ago, who, in the journey of a night, is transformed into a model of good-will for all; seemingly, the entirety of the biblical sense of humanity wrapped in 110 pages of 1843 copy print.

Or, a two-act radio play brought to life by the combined efforts of the Access Squad of the Pontiac, actor Howard Ryshpan and the Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) of the Outaouais.

Olga Ouellette, from the CISSS, explains, “Access Squad is a group of people that I meet through work as an Occupational Therapist in the area. It is a community in the Pontiac based on meaningful actions for people living with loss of functioning or the grief of losing a loved one.” The squad’s tagline on Facebook sums up their motivation generally as “Positive impact for accessibility.”

Pontiac High School (PHS) played host for the production, largely because it is the only venue in town where the invitation could be true in saying “This production is open and accessible for everyone this Christmas.” This single point provides the clearest evidence of the need for which the evening was inspired with all proceeds going to the purchase of a mobile stair lift to make a difference for people with mobility issues.

The richness of Dickens’ tale came to life quickly under the tenured lead of Ryshpan, a veteran screen and voice actor in radio, film, television and theatre. He has, since 2009, been leading a life of semi-retirement in our own community of Bristol, and came out of said retirement to, as Ebenezer says to the spirit of Christmas Present, “Conduct [us] as you will.”

And conduct he did. Ryshpan’s rich voice and informed measure could easily have been mistaken for Alastair Sim in the 1951 black & white classic. As narrator and Scrooge both, his was an inspired vocalization of print and he was able to turn descriptions into goosebumps and dialog into credence.

This retro version of what we now call an audio-book was mesmerizing. Ryshpan was joined by Carole and Rick Valin and the three of them carried us deep into the meaning of Christmas. Dickens’ liberal descriptions of characters and scenes had words dancing amongst the actors on stage and the clarity of delivery had embodiment in the audience. Even though we may have heard the tale once or twice before, this was different and will be remembered long into Christmases Future.

Members of the choir from the Shawville United Church, with Greg MacIntosh on piano, provided an envelop of musical enjoyment for the matinee performance. Jacques Dicaire, Jim Duncan, Bea Hoopfer, Bonnie Richardson, Janet McCord and Helen McMunn, conducted by Cheryl Campbell, offered carols of faith, joy, prudence and salvation.

From deep within the archives of the church, Rick Valin had found a collection of vintage Ottawa Citizen “Songs of Christmas” booklets and the audience was encouraged to sing out with the choir. It was carolling from the seats of the diminutive coliseum and it was lovely.

At the entrance to the show, Reverend Susan Lewis, from the Anglican Church, was running point on a silent auction whose proceeds are also destined for the Squad’s mobility lift. From the door of the school building right to the auditorium, tables were filled with unique and beautiful items up for bids. Among these were Christmas-themed items, large canvases of both paint and photography, furniture, jewelry, knick-knacks, food baskets and gift certificates. The auction continues online until December 14 and all fund-raising is directed through the local Pontiac Community Service Centre (CLSC).

All in all, this was a tapestry of community, will and good-will. And with Scrooge’s words as anthem, we are invited to affirm that “We will honour Christmas in our hearts, and try to keep it all the year. We will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within us.”

If you would like to help Access Squad or participate in their auction, find them on Facebook or contact Olga Ouellette directly at 819-647-3851 ext: 252534 and Olga.Ouellet@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

Register or subscribe to read this content

Thanks for stopping by! This article is available to readers who have created a free account or who subscribe to The Equity.

When you register for free with your email, you get access to a limited number of stories at no cost. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access to everything we publish—and directly support quality local journalism here in the Pontiac.

Register or Subscribe Today!