July 2026 Newsletter

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE - SANDY HENDERSON


I had the privilege of meeting many Guild volunteers at the spectacular 20th anniversary of the Shaw Garden Tour (GT) on June 13. Like last year, volunteers told me they loved volunteering for this annual event. This year was different though—the excitement and pride in being part of the GT and representing the Guild was palpable. Volunteers were “blooming with joy” and that positive energy certainly rubbed off on me. You made me very proud of us!

I also spoke with every artist in each of the gardens. They were so pleased to be part of our event! I was particularly struck by a comment made by one of the artists, Cathy Peters. Her passion for her art, along with the exquisite setting of the beautiful garden, provoked the sentiment that “every garden deserves an artist.” Well put, Cathy. Indeed, the fabulous homes and gardens on this year’s tour absolutely deserved an artist!

I want to extend my personal congratulations to Valerie Hancock and the entire GT committee and, of course, to all GT volunteers. Plus, a personal shout-out to Peggy Bell for her 20-year commitment as a key contributor to the Garden Tour since its inception.

I would like to personally thank the Guild’s hard-working sponsorship team comprised of Mary Garratt and Mary-Louise MacDonnel. This team works tirelessly for several months to secure sponsorship funds that help to offset our costs of the Garden Tour and any other fundraising events we may launch throughout the year. Our sponsors are featured in the Garden Tour magazine and on the Guild’s website. We are very grateful for their generous support. And finally, I would like to thank Patricia Pehar and the volunteer events team for hosting a wonderful GT Appreciation event on June 22.

I would like to welcome Helen Redekopp onboard as the GT convenor for 2027 and 2028. Her term officially began the day after this year’s tour. I know that she and Val will be working with the GT committee to review feedback to create a “garden of ideas” for planning next year’s event.

I hope those of you who were able to attend the Garden Tour can take a moment to reflect on the magnificent gardens you saw, the interesting people you met and the camaraderie with your fellow volunteers. Thinking about these gardens can be a metaphor for life, growth, learning and change.

One of my values is my commitment to continuously improve how we do things. So, if there are aspects of your volunteering experiences that are not meeting your expectations, please don’t hesitate to provide your feedback to your Chair or me. If you would like to remain anonymous, you will have a formal opportunity to let us know what you think via the annual volunteer survey in November.

I personally have a few “review and improve” projects underway with the Executive Committee (EC):

  • We have re-convened the Governance and HR Committee (GHHR) to review the feedback we received from the last AGM regarding our bylaws and to continue to streamline certain EC roles, i.e., the Chairs of Hosting, Greeting and Education Programs. These roles have grown over time, and we want to make sure that they are manageable for the incumbents and their successors. Soon the Hosts, Greeters, Docents and CTC Facilitators will receive a survey to seek their opinions about how we can best make improvements.

  • Along with our new treasurer, Mary Louise MacDonell, we are convening a Finance committee to conduct a deep-dive review of our finances, identify efficiencies and confirm our existing and future financial commitments.

I hope you enjoy the gardens around us, take time to “smell the roses,” enjoy the Shaw performances and enjoy the “garden of friendships” within the Guild.

SEND IN YOUR PHOTOS & VIDEOS!

Now that the 2026 season is in full swing- don’t forget to send in your photos and videos!

Whether it’s hosting, greeting, workshopping or leading backstage tours, we want to see you doing your thing! Better yet, take a photo with a fellow volunteer!

Why are we asking you for this?

Once again, we want to compile a year-end montage video to unveil at the Annual Volunteer Recognition event. The video may also be posted on our website and social media channels.

The 2025 video compilation proved to be a big hit, so let’s do it again! Be a part of the fun and start sending in your selfies to volunteerevents@shawguild.ca

THANK YOU GARDEN TOUR PEOPLE!

The list of people who make the Shaw Guild Garden Tour possible every year is numerous and broad. Cashiers, master gardeners, artists, musicians, committee members and, of course, the homeowners all do their part to make the day a uniquely enjoyable experience for visitors from near and far.

At the Garden Tour appreciation event on June 22, we hope all of you felt the Guild’s gratitude! It takes a village to pull off such the Garden Tour - in fact it took 127 volunteers this year. One of those volunteers, Peggy Bell, has volunteered every year of the Garden Tour - all 20 of them – and was recognized by Guild President Sandy Henderson for her commitment. Thank you, Peggy!

And while we’re on the topic of thanking people, the Events team would like to thank Phil’s Your Independent Grocer for its generosity in donating all the dessert platters for our appreciation event! 

BATTING FOR SHAW'S WICKET CRICKET TEAM!

Shaw Guild President Sandy Henderson presented the Shaw’s Associate Executive Director Melissa Novecosky with a $1,000 cheque on June 22 in support of the Shaw Cricket team.

The 52nd Annual Stratford vs. Shaw Cricket Match will take place on home turf in Niagara Falls in August. Go team go!

SINCE WE MENTIONED THE CRICKET TEAM...

Well... it was so nice we HAD to do it twice! SHAW CRICKET TRIVIA PART TWO IS A GO!!!!!!!!!

Get your best team of 6 ready and get to the Green Room on Friday, July 3rd for some general-knowledge questions, presented by Shaw Cricket's very own Graeme Kitagawa: Yay! And also, prizes again: DOUBLE YAY!!! So get your groups ready, get studying, and most importantly: GET EXCITED!!!!!

All You Need to Know:

Event is Friday, July 3rd in the Green Room at the Festival Theatre

Start time is 9:45pm

Pricing: table of 6 for $100, $25 solo buy-in (solo players will be paired with a team)

Email shawfestcricket@gmail.com to reserve a table

Keep an eye out in the August newsletter for details about the hotly anticipated cricket match between the Shaw Festival and theatre rivals the Stratford Festival! Match taking place August 24th!

TAKE A LOOK AT THE INCREDIBLE GARDEN TOUR PHOTOS

HERE!

Wow what a day!  It could not have been nicer.  How lucky we were to have that narrow window between fronts to experience blue skies, plenty of sunshine and no humidity. The weather indeed brought out the crowds and crowds we had.  This year the numbers in attendance reached 903.  We were thrilled that so many came to celebrate our 20th anniversary.

This year’s gardens were all different and so special in their own way.  From small to large, from historical to new, from woodlands to a calm oasis, to a meandering back that provided many special vignettes and to a spectacular waterfront view, the glory of all shone.  To all the homeowners, we are so thankful that you agreed to be a part of the garden tour.  We are most appreciative of the support you give us allowing our patrons to see your beautiful spaces beyond your garden gates. 

There are so many volunteers who contributed to the success of the day.  First and foremost is the Steering Committee who did all the hard work behind the scenes.  The effort they put into making this day was showcased in the smooth running of the day. You were all great and all of your efforts paid off! To the volunteers who worked on the day, the Garden Managers and the garden volunteers, ticket checkers and cashiers you were all amazing and we thank you for coming out every in year in support of this fundraiser. Our patrons often comment on how they feel warmly welcomed at each site and that you are great ambassadors.

Also volunteering their special talents were the musicians and artists joining art to nature enhancing the ambience of the day. Master Gardeners were on hand to help answer garden questions and offer tips.  We thank you for adding your talents to the garden tour.

It does take a village, and this fundraiser could not happen without the support and participation of all who volunteer to make this day so special.  A huge thank you to every one of you. 

Please enjoy a trip down the garden paths of June 13, 2026

https://youtu.be/jB4JoEN7w_A?si=NUrQvRGuagbt4qNB 

Video courtesy of Rene Bertschi.


https://youtu.be/tnfKo07ZJlA

Video courtesy of Christine Scaini


And that’s a wrap of the 2026 Garden Tour!!!  Have a wonderful summer.

DON'T MISS THE FALL FUNDRAISER!

Tickets are selling quickly for our Barbra Streisand Tribute Event at Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery this September—and with more than half the tickets already sold, now is the perfect time to purchase your tickets.

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the music and magic of Barbra Streisand in the beautiful setting of Ravine. Gather your friends, secure your ticket today and you could be enjoying one of the most beloved musicals of all time as our lucky prize winner.

Tickets are limited—don’t wait!  Visit shawguild.ca to purchase your tickets.



Congratulations to Harriet McLoughlin, the winner of the MVP Contest.  Enjoy your bottle of wine, Harriet!  

Thank you to all who participated!”


VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT - GAIL KENDALL

Gail Kendall is a passionate community contributor, creative spirit, and lover of beauty in all its forms. After relocating from the Beaches area of Toronto to the charm of Queenston Village, Niagara-on-the-Lake in 2018, she quickly immersed herself in the cultural heartbeat of the region. 

Gail joined the Shaw Guild as a docent right away, which allowed her to share her storytelling ability and love of theatre with patron’s and students. She went on to serve in several roles including host, greeter, and former Marketing Convenor, becoming a familiar and welcoming presence within the theatre community. Her involvement extended behind the scenes as well, with time spent working at the Stage Door.

Deeply connected to the Niagara-on-the-Lake community, Gail is an Ambassador and has also worked across local retail shops, wineries, and inns—always drawn to places where conversation, hospitality, and atmosphere intersect. She is the curator of the NOTL Bulletin Board, where she shares and celebrates the region through her own photography, capturing its quiet beauty and seasonal charm. An entrepreneur at heart, Gail owns and operates her own aromatherapy business, blending her love of nature with wellness and sensory experience.

No stranger to the back end of the theatre, Gail’s daughter Carleigh is an established actor who appeared (along with Gail’s dog Ella) in the Mirvish Production of Annie back in 2018. 

A devoted Francophile, she has just returned from another inspiring trip to France and hopes one day to make it her home. Gail is excited to reprise her role as The Shaw Guild’s Marketing Convenor for the upcoming 2027 / 2028 season and looks forward to working closely with the marketing team, other volunteers and staff.

Whether in Ontario or Provence, Gail is guided by a love of place, people, and the art of living well.

MAY AND JUNE WERE VERY BUSY FOR THE EDUCATION TEAM

Docents had a record number of tours in June. Funny Girl and Jeeves and Wooster are popular with the secondary students attending this season and of course Wind in the Willows is a big hit for our elementary audiences. It is a delight to see the reactions of the younger students; many of them are attending the Shaw Festival for the first time. The little ones really know how to ask questions and keep us on our toes! This is our first season of tours without Wardrobe Construction as a tour stop. Both the Design Studio and a fabulous multi-production display that the Design team have set out in the old Wardrobe space have been a wonderful insight into the design process. Wigs Construction has also become a tour favourite with a wonderful array of wigs on display. As always, the Shaw staff have been very generous in sharing their time to welcome the students and make the experience a memorable one.

In addition to the school tours, we have had a large number of adult tour groups. To accommodate the numbers and different groups visiting on the same day, we have used our new tour of the Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre. We are also starting to discover how we can take groups through the new Wardrobe wing in the Shaw Artists Village. We look forward to adding the SAV as a new tour destination later in the season. 

Laurie Harley, one of our veteran Docents, spoke with some of the Roads Scholars group after they had attended a backstage tour and seen a matinee of One For the Pot as part of their visit to the Shaw. Laurie shared with me that several in their group had taken backstage tours on Broadway and said that our tour was “far superior”.  Two of the group who were from New Orleans and involved in local theatre, said they joined the Roads Scholar tour this year because of a referral from fellow “theatre friends” who said it was a “must” for them to experience.  It is wonderful to know that the programs provided by the Shaw Education team and delivered by our volunteers are attracting guests. As Laurie said, “Lots for the Docents and Education to be proud of!”   

Continue the Conversation chats are ramping up with talks on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays after matiness for Funny Girl and One For the Pot on the Members Terrace, Jeeves and Wooster and Sleuth in the Market Room at the Courthouse, and Wind in the Willows and Heartbreak House held in the McDonald Heaslip Lounge. The new program called “How Do They Do That” is on Thursdays after matinees of Funny Girl. Feel free to drop by after your Hosting or Greeting shift for any of afternoon shows and see what people are talking about!

Brenda Weafer reports that the pre-show Family Workshops continue to bring joy and excitement to families and school groups. There is a workshop before every performance of The Wind in the Willows which helps to set the stage for the show. If you are interested in being a volunteer, please email workshops@shawguild.ca.

If you are a new volunteer and have not seen what happens backstage, please join us for any Public tour on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday at the Festival Theatre. Just show up at the Lobby of the Festival Theatre with your Guild lanyard. This special treat is available to all Guild members and we promise that every tour will be different! Bring a friend along to share this fun and informative experience behind the scenes of the Festival Theatre.

Looking forward to seeing you backstage!

Arlene Carson,
Education Programs Chair

IMPORTANT EMAIL REMINDER

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To ensure you don’t miss important Guild news, event updates, volunteer opportunities, and announcements, please check your Inbox as well as your Junk and Spam folders regularly.

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