The Perth County Family Network is excited to invite families, living in Perth and Huron counties, to join us for a day of connection, community and fun! We want to get to know other families in our region and grow a sense of community within our network. We want people to leave inspired and connected to one another. Come on out and join us!
This is a whole family event!
Location: Stratford Perth Museum, Cooperators Room
4275 Huron Road
(Highway #8, just west of Stratford)
Stratford, Ontario Canada
N5A 6S6
Regular and Accessible Parking is available at the Museum.
Have questions?
Email: familynetwork@facileperth.ca
Phone: 519-271-6565
Register Here
Registration is required to attend this event. Spots are limited. This event is FREE to families.
Bringing Families Together
Agenda:
8:30-8:45 am: Arrive and Check-In
Refreshments Available
9:00 am: Keynote Speaker Michael Jacques Presenting: The Importance of Community
10:15 am: Break
10:30 am: Drumming Circle Community Activity with Barry Payne
11:30 am: Break
11:45 am: Network Lunch
Let’s share a meal together!
Keynote Speaker: Michael Jacques
Michael is a public speaker and activist, who in 2018 wrote and self-published Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s My Book using speech-to-text technology.
In 2020 he released a children’s book that he co-authored with Heather Gale titled, I Belong: Can I Play?
At a young age, Michael was diagnosed with autism and an intellectual disability. Never one to shy away from obstacles, Michael has made his authorial debut, sharing experiences from his life to help audiences understand accepting and belonging. His story demonstrates the empowerment that comes from being comfortable in your own skin, knowing your strengths, valuing relationships, and giving back to your community.
Michael looks for opportunities to inspire and educate people on diversity and inclusion. What Michael has learned being part of this conversation is that diversity is a reality, we need to embrace and celebrate differences. On the other hand, inclusion is a choice, we have a responsibility to make sure everyone in our world belongs.
Through his brave story, witty personality, and positive outlook on life, Michael is an inspiration to many. He speaks to schools (elementary, secondary, and post-secondary), educators, organizations, parents, communities, etc. both in-person and virtually. Michael gives back by donating partial proceeds of his book sales to Special Olympics Canada and Community Living, two organizations doing great work in these areas.
Drumming Circle with Barry Payne aka String Bone
Canadiana/Americana best describes the music of singer-songwriter Barry James Payne (String Bone). Well worn by the rumble of the road, Payne writes songs that bring his true to life narratives close to the ear with tender arrangements and gruff sincerity. Mixing folk, blues, country, rock, and other contemporary and traditional elements, his sound is both fluid and solid, thus true to its name. A good story teller, he was roaming the streets of his old stomping grounds in, London, ON at the early of 14 and experienced some truly legendary musical shows (before he reached the age of majority) by the likes of Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy & Junior Wells, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, James Cotton, Long John Baldry and countless others coming through the Chicago circuit in the mid-seventies as well as all of the big rock bands of the day. Payne loves all kinds of music and this contrasting love provides all sorts of influences for his meaningful lyrics and melodies to emerge.
Barry’s first instrument was the drums at the age of 12. He uses his knowledge of drumming and rhythms in his music and songwriting and this was very evident while he was a member of Rant Maggie Rant. Through drum circles, Barry attempts to create a synergistic and spiritual connection with all participants and them with each other. This process brings people together quickly to work as one unit of their many moving parts.
What's In It For You?
We know that the best source of information and support for families is other families. Finding and building connections with others, who share our lived experience, can be rewarding and comforting. We don’t have to walk this journey alone. Our loved ones deserve a good life and so do we. Join us, in person, we can’t wait to meet you and be introduced to your loved one.
Check Out The Event Flyer
