The fable Stone Soup has been told many times and in many ways. All versions generally begin with a group of weary strangers entering a town. The townspeople, who had grown hard and distant by hardship, are reluctant to offer the strangers any food or lodging. Undeterred, the strangers begin to make “stone soup” out of nothing but a large stone and water. They remark to passers-by that a pinch of salt or a handful of carrots might help. Bit by bit, the townspeople come forward with this and that, as little or as much as they can bring, culminating in a beautiful, bountiful soup and a rollicking good time by all.
On Thursday,October 3, 2013, the Ontario Early Years Center, Bradford held a “Stone Soup” night in which participants were asked to bring one cup of their favourite vegetable to add to a pot of stone soup. The evening served as a celebration of family and community. Organizer Debbie Young stirred the soup. Program facilitator Leanne Ross read Stone Soup to the children and family members. Courtney led a dance. A grandma from Barrie brought banana cookies. Many children helped themselves to seconds. Two ten-year-old boys helped a baby clean up blocks. It was a beautiful night and as dusk fell, cars pulled away, transporting families back to homes, the town and surrounding area felt a little closer.
Up next: Fall Harvest Circle at 9:30am, Thursday, October 17 2013. “Come out to hear Tine Olhman, Aboriginal Coordinator with the Simcoe Ontario Early Years Centre, talk about what First Nations people traditionally ate. There will be a special craft, circle time and afterwards you can enjoy Three Sisters Soup and Bannock. no registration required.” (OEYC, Bradford) 118 Barrie Street, Bradford 905-775-3039 ext 229.
Photo credits: CDeep
