Commemorating Noreen Young – Puppeteer extraordinaire who spread laughter across generations
Rewritten Article:
Meet Noreen Young, a legendary Canadian puppeteer famed for enchanting child audiences with her boundless creativity. Best recognized for breathing life into Gloria Gopher in the hit CBC show, "Under the Umbrella Tree," Young passed away on April 18 at the age of 85.
Art enthusiasts across the nation honor Young as a master storyteller and innovator, celebrated for her knack for bringing puppets to life and crafting captivating entertainment.
Christa Lowry, mayor of Mississippi Mills, was crestfallen upon hearing the news. In an official statement, Lowry commemorated Young as a cherished local treasure. "Noreen was like a national treasure, but nowhere was she more adored than right here – in Mississippi Mills," she stated on the municipality's website.
Recognizing Young's dedication to the arts, Lowry acknowledged her invaluable contributions to the municipality. A member of the municipal arts and culture advisory committee and community and economic development committee, Young designed and painted several murals in Almonte's downtown core through a public art project.
Throughout her illustrious career spanning several decades, Young worked on both "Hi Diddle Day" and Canada's version of "Sesame Street," "Sesame Park." Her talent extended to crafting varied puppets for prominent figures such as Peter Mansbridge, Don Cherry, and Henry Winkler (Fonzie).
Linda Seccaspina, a councilor from Carleton Place, reminisces fondly about her admiration for Young and her enchanting puppets. "I was ecstatic when I discovered that my childhood home, Lake Avenue East (Springside Hall), was used as a backdrop for 'Hi Diddle Day.' In honor of Noreen, I transformed my son's old room into a puppet room," she recalled. "Noreen's memory will forever be intertwined with the magic of my heart."
A passionate advocate for puppetry, Young established and directed the annual Puppet's Up! International Puppet Festival in Almonte from 2005 to 2016 before its recent revival in 2022. The weeklong event showcases captivating puppet shows, parades, and vendors dedicated to the art form.
According to Young, the festival's primary aim was to boost the town's economy by drawing visitors to Almonte and Mississippi Mills. "The festival was initially created to promote the downtown. The goal was to entice people to Almonte and Mississippi Mills so they could discover the shops and restaurants," she shared with Inside Ottawa Valley.
Moved by Young's passing, the community pays tribute by lowering the municipal flag in front of the city office in Almonte to half-mast. As a testament to Young's lasting impact, Lowry stated that "Noreen's legacy shall live on through the Puppets Up! Festival, and we will continue to smile every time a puppet makes an appearance at a local event or when passing by the Gloria Gopher monument situated along the Alameda."
Decorated with the Order of Canada in 1994, Young's contributions to children's education and entertainment were unquestionably remarkable. Through her puppets, she imparted crucial lessons on safety, nutrition, environmental awareness, and addictions. Her work not only demonstrated her artistic genius but also expressed a deep love for her community. In time, there will be a ceremony celebrating the life and achievements of this groundbreaking puppeteer.
- In addition to being a cherished figure in arts and culture, Noreen Young's contributions extended to diverse aspects of community life, including business and local politics.
- The weather didn't seem to dampen the community's spirit as they paid tribute to Noreen Young, with the municipal flag in Almonte lowered to half-mast, symbolizing a share in the collective grief.
- Opinions regarding Noreen Young's legacy are unanimous among locals and public figures, especially Councilor Linda Seccaspina who fondly remembers Young's enchanting puppets and their lasting impact on her heart.
- Aside from captivating entertainment, Noreen Young's enduring impact on the community can be seen in the numerous puppet-themed events and murals around the town of Almonte in the realm of sports and local culture.
