in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
June 09, 2023
BY BARRY PENHALE — A very exciting program in the South Grey Museum 2023 Speakers series is scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, June 21st at Annesley United Church in Markdale, beginning at 7:00 pm. Doors open at 6:30. Those attending will be in for a treat when a remarkable Ottawa-based couple, Max Finkelstein and Connie Downes, take centre stage to deliver a powerful presentation titled Connie and Max’s Most Excellent Road and Rowed Trip, based on their post-retirement dream trip. A program guaranteed to delight those with outdoor and Canadian travel interests.
The now retired duo of Finkelstein and Downes, both with backgrounds as biologists, realized a post-covid ambition to drive from Ottawa to the Yukon, pulling a ‘new-to-them’ trailer named Uri. In addition to paddling down two highly challenging rivers, including the famous Tatshenshini, they experienced a Canada that is truly a country of awesome beauty, endowed with endless adventure and very friendly people. Many memorable highlights of their travels within Canada will provide their audience with an opportunity to comfortably enjoy an exceptional journey of Canadian discovery.
Under the auspices of Friends of the South Grey Museum, this June 21st program showcases not only a Canada worth discovering but also introduces attendees to two exceptional Canadians. Their most impressive background speaks volumes. Connie Downes is a trained Songbird Biologist, with an imposing record of field work with the National Wildlife Research Centre of the Canadian Wildlife Service, part of Environment and Climate Change Canada. Downes shares a variety of outdoor interests with her husband the greatly admired Max Finkelstein, prominent Canadian paddler, author, and lecturer on canoeing, rivers, and environmental issues. Max is also recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Living Explorers. Known affectionately across Canada as the 'Rivers Guy,' he is the recipient of numerous honours and awards, including the prestigious Bill Mason Award for lifetime achievement in Canadian River Conservation. In 2017 he was awarded the Nature Inspiration Award from the Canadian Museum of Nature for his ongoing efforts to connect Canadians to Canada.
Together, Max Finkelstein and Connie Downes are delighted to be bringing to Grey Highlands an exceptional program celebrating the Canada they know and love. Organizers suggest this is a rare occasion not to be missed. Mark June 21st on your calendar of events. Books available for signing by Max Finkelstein.
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