FEATUREPRENEUR: THE SWIMWEAR HUT’S RELOCATION AND REBRAND

Participating at last year’s Robbie Burns Fundraiser for The Portal Youth Outreach: Bill Lloy, MC and “Ode to the Haggis”; Deana Lloy, Red Label Kilts; Lewis MacKenzie, Director, Office of Gaelic Affairs for Nova Scotia; Catriona Little, Head of Scottish Affairs for Canada, Ottawa; and JD MacCulloch, event volunteer.

BURNS, WHISKY & NOODLES — A SCOTTISH CELEBRATION! Submitted

A group of local volunteers is planning a fundraiser for The Portal Youth Outreach, which will kick off the New Year in style later this month. Get Yer Kilt On: A Celebration of Robbie Burns and all things Scottish! will be held January 24 at the Noodle Guy in Port Williams.

Robbie Burns was an influential Scottish poet and lyricist who inspired many during the Romantic period and beyond. He was born in 1759 to a farm family, and became known for the romantic folk songs that he wrote while working in the fields. Following his death, he became famous worldwide, and his legacy was celebrated annually on January 25, commonly known as “Burns Night”. This usually involves a supper that includes traditional Scottish foods like haggis, poetry readings, and of course, whisky.

In Nova Scotia, Robbie Burns day is still celebrated by those with a connection to Scottish heritage, and those who connect to the universal themes of love and nature in Robbie’s work. His life, however, was one filled with struggle. While his first collection of poems was well-received, he didn’t achieve fame until he passed away in 1786, at the age of 37, and often struggled financially. Still, he managed to maintain a strong spirit, found in the small moments of joy experienced in everyday life. At its heart, Robbie Burns day is a celebration of bringing people together, even in challenging times - one thing which many Nova Scotians can relate to right now.

On Sunday, January 24, Ross Patterson will be opening his café, The Noodle Guy, for a celebration of Robbie Burns and all things Scottish. All proceeds will be donated directly to Portal Youth Outreach, a local non-profit in Kentville that helps find housing and related services for youth in the Annapolis Valley. Attendees can expect a delicious haggis meal and Scottish treats; there will be performances featuring local Scottish music, dance, and storytelling, Submitted Mayor Sandra Snow of Kentville has announced the appointment of Dan Troke as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the Town of Kentville. Mr. Troke is currently working as the CAO for the Town of Pictou, and has over 25 years of experience in provincial, regional and municipal governments in Nova Scotia and Ontario. Mayor Snow said that Council and staff of the Town are looking forward to the arrival of Mr. Troke later in January, “Dan will bring a depth of experience from across a variety of government organizations that will help us move our organization forward. His knowledge of housing and development issues is of and Gaelic speaker and poet Lewis MacKinnon. In addition, there will be samplings of some of the world’s finest Scotch whisky.

Full Covid-19 safety protocols will be in effect: there will be limited seating for lunch and dinner. All tickets will be sold in advance and seating will be assigned. This will enable groups of friends to be in their own bubble if they wish. Safety for all is the priority.

Presenting partner for the Burns celebration this year is The Office of Scottish Affairs for Canada. Catriona Little, Head of Scottish Affairs for Canada, attended the Burns event in Port Williams last year. Due to Covid-19 restrictions on travel she will not be able to attend in person this year but sends the following message: “The Scottish Government is very pleased to be able to support such a worthy event put together by some incredible volunteers. This celebration of one of Scotland’s national treasures, Rabbie Burns the ‘People’s Poet’, is very apt and an opportunity to demonstrate support for local communities and wonderful local businesses such as The Noodle Guy during these challenging and uncertain times. Being able to contribute to the remarkable work of The Portal Youth Outreach, an association providing essential services for the youth of the Annapolis Valley, is a real pleasure and reflective of Scotland’s values of inclusivity, kindness, and making sure nobody is left behind. This event epitomises the strong cameraderie and strength of spirit of people and I want to thank all those involved, especially the Scotland Nova Scotia Business Association, for making this event possible.”

This Year’s Robbie Burns Celebration at the Noodle Guy will be a memorable event for anyone who wants to appreciate and learn more about Scottish culture and have a wonderful time! To learn more and reserve your seat portalyouth.ca or call Marie at 902-790-2073! particular interest to Council as we look for better ways to grow the Town and its services.” As the CAO for the Town of Pictou, Dan has led significant growth in the Town’s commercial tax base through land sales, policy changes and new approaches to doing business with the private sector. Dan has brought about significant change to the organization’s efficiency such that the Province’s Fiscal Indicators have improved in all areas. Mayor Jim Ryan said the Town of Pictou appreciates everything Dan has brought to the Town in his short time there: “Dan has built strong relationships within the ❧

FEATUREPRENEUR THE SWIMWEAR HUT’S RELOCATION AND REBRAND Genevieve Allen Hearn

The turn of the calendar year is a great time to reflect, re-energize, and revisit old goals while establishing new ones. It is also a time for rebirth. Liz Huntley, owner of The Swimwear Hut And Lingerie, has given the store a fresh look and feel in its new location at 8876 Commercial Street, New Minas. If you haven’t visited yet, just find the most splendid looking Christmas tree in the village, and it’s the stately home-turned-commercial space next to it! Huntley has been busy transitioning to the new space while also operating her other business, LIV Fashion Boutique in Kentville (see runner-up for ‘Best Clothing Store’ in our Best of the Bunch survey).

The Grapevine (GV): How long have you been a clothing retailer, and what got you started in this industry?

Liz Huntley (LH): I have been in the fashion industry for over twenty-two years now. I have always had a strong passion for style even from a very young age, and have always enjoyed making others feel good about themselves by getting them into styles and undergarments that would change not only their look, but also their outlook! I know just how good someone can feel about themselves by getting properly “fitted” and into the best styles. It’s a unique industry and I love being a part of it. I love seeing confidence in ladies and watching just how beautiful they can look both inside and out. The dressing room tells this lovely story!

GV: The Swimwear Hut just moved locations. Tell us what we can expect from the new space.

LH: When you visit our new location, you can expect the same quality, professionalism, and compassion that has always been offered, but in a whole new atmosphere! Our new location feels warm and welcoming from the moment you walk in, right through to entering the elegant dressing rooms. The new design and layout helps customers find products more easily and will make their overall shopping experience more enjoyable. Every detail was carefully planned, from visual displays and music, to lighting and design. We carry all the same, well-known brands that everyone loves—they are just now presented in a way that highlights each and every item! The bottom level of the store displays all of our designer bras, lingerie, pajamas, slippers, men’s items, accessories and much more, while the upstairs shows off our large selection of swimwear, cover-ups, and sandals. For anyone who isn’t able to access the upper level of the store, we offer a 3D view of the entire upper level and all the products displayed there! We wanted to ensure our store continued to be accessible for all.

GV: You also own LIV Fashion Boutique. What made you decide to open another store?

LH: I believe in bras and swimsuits for all, and I also believe in fashion and styles for all. Opening a clothing store with all the best styles, designs, and sizes has always been a dream of mine and an exciting “next adventure.” Just as The Swimwear Hut And Lingerie has always been known for its inclusiveness, I wanted Town and beyond, and he has been a valuable supporter of regional services such as the Pictou County Wellness Centre. We will miss him in Town, but we wish him well as he moves to a larger organization.” Mr. Troke will be winding down his activities in Pictou in the weeks to come and is expected to be formally appointed as CAO for Kentville, replacing Interim CAO Brian Smith, at a regular Council meeting scheduled for January 25. to own a clothing boutique that was also size inclusive! LIV offers sizes ranging from XS-3XL, in beautiful styles that flatter all body types!

GV: You have many followers on social media, and consistently win awards for being a favourite clothing store in the Valley. What is your unique selling point?

LH: We focus on superior customer service as well as a very inclusive environment and product range for all. We let everyone know they are welcome in our store, and are also gender inclusive, and we show this by proudly displaying a sign on the door that says “All are Welcome”. From the moment a customer walks through our doors, to the moment they leave, they are treated as our top priority and made to feel welcomed, valued and important.

GV: What advice do you have for other retail entrepreneurs?

LH: Find what works for your business and go with it! And always remember nothing beats excellent customer service! Have fun and enjoy what you do! In the end it’s all how the customer feels, as you want to build that positive relationship with them so they will return again and again. When you believe your product or service can fulfill the lives of others and make a difference, it sure does make it a lot

For more information visit The Swimwear Hut And Lingerie at 8876 Commercial Street, New Minas, on Facebook, or at swimwearhutandlingerie.ca.

DAN TROKE APPOINTED CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER FOR TOWN OF KENTVILLE

easier to sell it!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

Tapestry: Women’s Cancer Support Group — We meet the 2nd Thursday of the month. Please call for time/location. INFO: Dorothy, 902-538-3374 / Pat, 902-678-9100 / Margot, 902-542-1466 / margotwithat@hotmail.com 45’s — Royal Canadian Legion, Canning 6am • 45’s every Thursday night. Open to everyone. Covid 19 rules apply. TIX: $2 INFO: 902-582-3157 / brian.d.hazel@ns.sympatico.ca Committee of the Whole — Municipality of the County of Kings, Coldbrook 6pm • The meeting will be held in person in the Council Chambers. Pre-registration is required as seating is limited due to physical distancing requirements. Face masks required. You can also listen live by visiting www.countyofkings.ca and following the “Listen Live” link. TIX: no charge INFO/Reg: 902-690-2566 / municipalclerk@countyofkings.ca Tom O’leary — The Anvil Lounge, Wolfville 8–10:30pm • Tom O’leary of the Melon Collies with a Live Acoustic night. Reservations Available. TIX: $5 @ the door INFO: 902-542-4632 / theanviloffice@gmail.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15

Interview Skills — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 11am–12pm. ALSO Jan 22 & 28 • An online workshop to help you with your job interviews. Email to register. TIX: no charge INFO: Ronda Spears, rspears@peopleworx.ca John Tetrault brings That Friday Feeling! — Winegrunt Wine Bar, Windsor 7–9pm • John Tetrault brings That Friday Feeling to Winegrunt Wine Bar. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-472-2863 / info@winegrunt.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16

Farmers’ Market — Farmers Market, Wolfville 9am–1pm. EVERY SATURDAY! • Our Saturday morning experience truly is a staple in our customers’ weekend plans. We are fortunate to be able to continue to provide a safe and welcoming market. TIX: no charge Militaria Show and Sale — War Memorial Community Centre, Windsor 9am–1pm • Many interesting military artifacts will be available to view and/or purchase. There are always interesting things to see and knowledgeable vendors to speak with. TIX: $2 admission. Age 12 and under free. INFO: 902-385-8229 / gpsk27558@icloud.com Family Night Hike Series — Wolfville, dusk • Discover the mystery and magic of nature at night! Join Flying Squirrel Adventures for a monthly winter walk that takes you from dusk to dark in three beautiful locations in and around Wolfville. W/ FSA leaders, Emily & Judy! TIX: No charge. Specific time/location given at registration. INFO: 902-599-3693 / recreation@wolfville.ca Gina Burgess — Winegrunt Wine Bar, Windsor 7–9pm • Gina Burgess plays Winegrunt! TIX: no charge INFO: 902-472-2863 / info@winegrunt.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 18

Orientation — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 11am–12pm. ALSO Jan 25 • An online workshop that will give you an overview of the services that Nova Scotia Works offers. Email to register. TIX: no charge INFO: rspears@peopleworx.ca

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19

Committee of the Whole — Municipality of the County of Kings, Coldbrook 9am • The meeting will be held in person in the Council Chambers. Pre-registration is required as seating is limited due to physical distancing requirements. Face masks required. You can also listen live by visiting www.countyofkings.ca and following the “Listen Live” link. TIX: no charge INFO/Reg: 902-690-2566 / municipalclerk@countyofkings.ca Rug Hooking — Rec Centre, Kentville 1–3pm. EVERY TUESDAY! • Join instructors Mona and Lynn to learn and practice your rug hooking. Bring your rug hooking (or any hand sewing or needlework craft) and come join the fun! TIX: $5 drop-in INFO: 902-679-2539 / kentville.ca Volunteer Info Session for Community Health Boards — Virtual Annapolis Valley, Anywhere in The Annapolis Valley 6:30–8pm • Interested in volunteering with your local Community Health Board? Join a live Q&A with current volunteers to learn more about this rewarding opportunity to get involved. Email to RSVP. TIX: no charge INFO: WesternCHBs@nshealth.ca

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20

Coffee & Tea Social — Community Hall, White Rock 9:30–11:30am. ALSO Jan 27 • Wolfville Legion is closed for renovations so please join us for Coffee/Tea/ Sweets at the White Rock Community Hall. TIX: $2 INFO: 902-542-5869 / wolfvillelegion@gmail.com Job Search — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 11am–12pm. ALSO Jan 26 • An online workshop to help you with job searching during a pandemic. Email to register. TIX: no charge INFO: rspears@peopleworx.ca Teen Trivia Night: Books to Movies — AVRL Virtual Program Space, Berwick 7–8pm • Challenge your friends to a game of Trivia, played online with Kahoot! This month’s theme is for those who read a lot and/ or watch movies based on books. Test your book and movie knowledge! Ages 12 to 17. Please provide an email address when you register. Prizes for the top three Trivia Masters! TIX: No charge, but registration is required. INFO: valleylibrary.ca

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21 (Happy Birthday, Erika!)

Storytime Zoom — Online, 9:30am. ALSO Jan 28 • Virtual storytime is for kids and families. Each week, we will sing songs, share books, and more! Join from your own home for 30 min. of library storytime fun with your friends from AVRL. TIX: No charge, but registration is required. INFO: valleylibrary.ca Resume Skills — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 11am–12pm. ALSO Jan 27 • An online workshop to help you create or update your resume, using the Nova Scotia Works Digital Channel. Email to register. TIX: no charge INFO: rspears@peopleworx.ca Teen Book Club — AVRL Virtual Program Space, Berwick 7–7:45pm • ZOOM in for our virtual Teen Book Club. This month we’ll be discussing Don’t Stand So Close to Me by Eric Walters. Registration is required. Ages 10 and up. Download a copy online or call the Berwick and District Library to reserve a copy. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-538-8060

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22

Kim Joy Lake and Jesse Griffith — Winegrunt Wine Bar, Windsor 7–9pm • Kim Joy Lake and Jesse Griffith bring That Friday Feeling to Winegrunt! TIX: no cover INFO: 902-472-2863 / info@winegrunt.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23

Women, girls and female-identifying Winter Hiking Series — Trails in and around Wolfville 10am–12pm • Women, girls and female-identifying individuals ages 16 and up with important girls/female-identifying youth in their lives ages 9 and up are welcome to join Flying Squirrel Adventures for a Winter Hiking Series. Register with someone important in your life and enjoy an adventure together! TIX: Specific location given at time of registration. INFO: 902-599-3693 / recreation@wolfville.ca Try it in Wolfville – Learn to Curl — Curling Club, Wolfville 1–3pm • Join instructors from the Wolfville Curling Club and learn how to curl! Register for the session, and learn the basics of curling! Once you start to feel familiar with the skills, you can take part in a friendly competition. TIX: No charge but registration is required for this event. INFO: 902-599-3693 / recreation@wolfville.ca John B Main — Winegrunt Wine Bar, Windsor 7–9pm • John B Main plays Winegrunt Wine Bar! TIX: no cover INFO: 902-472-2863 / info@winegrunt.com

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24

Get Yer Kilt On — The Noodle Guy, Port Williams. TWO SEATINGS: 12–2pm & 4–7PM • Celebration of Robbie Burns & All Things Scottish! Music, song & dance, story telling, haggis meal, whisky tasting, Scottish sweets. Full COVID safety protocols will be in effect. Fundraiser event for The Portal Youth Outreach Centre, Kentville. TIX: Reserved seating only: $40 per person for lunch, $75 per person for supper. RSVP: Marie, 902-790-2073 / Kelly, kelly@portalyouth.ca INFO: portalyouth.ca Mindfulness Meditation — Town Hall, Berwick 1–2:30pm • Mindfulness meditation group following the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. People of all ages and experience levels welcome. Great stress relief and so much more. If you already meditate or are simply curious, please join us. TIX: no charge INFO: berwick.ca

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26 (Happy Birthday, Mike!)

Interview Skills — Community INC, Kentville 10–11am • Let us help you pass that final step and get the job. This workshop will review do’s and don’ts, and will help you with those hard to answer questions. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7469 / irs@communityinc.ca Virtual Memory Cafe — Online 2–3pm • A free virtual winter social event for individuals, families and caretakers living with memory challenges. We enjoy conversations and musical entertainment in a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere. TIX: No charge, but please register. INFO: 902-670-0131 / recreation@wolfville.ca

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30

Torchlight Snowshoe — Ross Creek Centre for the Arts, Canning 6:30–8:30pm • A firelight adventure to remember! All Ages Welcome! The forest and fields transform into a different world at night. Let our torches guide you through the snowy landscape on this magical tour of Ross Creek’s Primrose Path (approx. 2km). TIX: Admission by donation, please register at www.artscentre.ca/snowshoe Raclette dinner $20 youth and $30 for adults. INFO: 902-582-3842 / pr@artscentre.ca The Miller / D’Amato Duo — Winegrunt Wine Bar, Windsor 7–9pm • The Miller / D’Amato Duo are Nicola Miller on sax and Nic D’Amato on bass. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-472-2863 / info@winegrunt.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Public Hearing & Municipal Council — Municipality of the County of Kings, Coldbrook 6pm • The meeting will be held in person in the Council Chambers. Pre-registration is required as seating is limited due to physical distancing requirements. Face masks required. You can also listen live by visiting www.countyofkings.ca and following the “Listen Live” link. TIX: no charge INFO/Reg: 902-690-2566 / municipalclerk@countyofkings.ca

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THERE ARE NORMALLY TWO HIGH AND TWO LOW TIDES EACH DAY. •Highest High: 45.3 feet ••Lowest High: 38.1 feet MARIE’S OCCASIONAL REPORT MEET JIM PRIME Marie Mossman

What do we need now? Food, shelter, an effective vaccine — and a touch of light humour. Local author Jim Prime offers us a packet of belly laughs in his latest book, Fish and Dicks.

Marie: Tell me about yourself and your co-author:

Jim: “Ben Robicheau is my co-author. He’s from Westport on Briar Island and I’m from Freeport on Long Island, and we’ve been friends since Cub Scouts. We grew up with similar backgrounds and soaked up the culture of the islands.”

Marie: You just naturally had a sense of humour?

Jim: “Ben and I worked summers in fish factories –– skinning fish, gutting fish, all that. It’s amazing the characters you find in a situation like that. They all had a killer senses of humour. Everyone had a nickname. They told stories, not jokes, but actual stories of things that happened during the day, and they were always funny. My dad and Ben’s dad both had stores, and fishermen would gather there and talk about the day’s fishing, spin yarns, and tell stories. All that stuff had a big influence on both of our senses of humour.”

Marie: How did the book develop?

Jim: “A reviewer misspelled my name as Jim Grime. Ben thought that sounded like a tough detective from the 1930’s, and the book grew from there.These two fictional guys, Gurrey and Grime, with viewpoints stuck in the 1960s, worked in the fish industry as fish gutters. The fishery was in decline, so they added a detective agency. They advertised in the Digby Courier, and waited for clients to roll in. Gurrey and Grime started solving the crimes, fish-related, as you can imagine. The detectives aren’t the sharpest hooks on the trawl line. They’re basically based on Ben and me.”

Marie: Does your book have a serious message?

Jim: “It reflects our love of the islands and their people. Everyone knows everyone, and there’s something special about that. The islands breed eccentricities, and these guys have that in spades, but the islands also breed storytelling, and humour, and the fishermen down there are some of the most resourceful and kind hearted people that Ben and I have ever met. The stories are meant to be humorous, but not with a hard edge. Those days, Digby on the mainland was the big city, and It was the first place I saw a neon light. We love the place we’re from.”

Marie: Why do you write, Jim?

Jim: Because I love it. When I get overwhelmed by writing, I go for a walk, and then return to tweaking, and improving. That’s my favourite part of my writing. I spend a lot of hours just looking at the blank screen, not all of them writing. I like the researching. Even though I’ve done a number of books, it’s a joy to see my writing in print, and to receive comments about it.”

Marie: Jim, you’ve received a lot of awards. Is there one we should mention?

Jim: “The People’s Choice Award at Kings shorts, for my play, Fish and Dicks. It was the first play I ever entered. And I won. I was thrilled for that one. It was a new experience to hear my own words spoken on stage. I loved that. Fish and Dicks is a collection of stories about life on the islands of south west Nova Scotia. These stories are universal in their appeal. Ben and I get a good response to them.”

Anyone interested in the book may contact moosehousepress.com or the author at jprime1@gmail.com

Marie Mossman is a Writer of the Round Table, and author of A Rebel for Her Time.