OUTDOOR RECREATION

Issue No. 18.03 March 2021

Smokehouse Nano Brewery / Valley Credit Union. p.3 Flying Squirrel Adventures ................................... p.4 Kings Kikima Grannies / Men’s Mental Health ..... p.4 Star Drop / Free Will Astrology ............................ p.5 Classifieds / Transition Wolfville .......................... p.6 Books by Locals / Art Spot: Connie Veinotte ......... p.6 Who’s Who / Marie’s Report ................................ p.7 Where It’s At: What to Try 2021 ........................... p.9 Wolfville Page ....................................................p.10 Schoolhouse Brewery / Wandarian .....................p.11 Local Libations Guide .........................................p.12 What’s Happening / Tides ..................................p.13 Let’s Make Stuff: March Monster Madness ............p.14 Visually Speaking / Jack’s Gallery .....................p.15 Black Leadership Awards / I Know a Place ..........p.15

BROUGHT TO YOU BY AN AMAZING TEAM OF CONTRIBUTORS:

EMILY LEESON Editor-in-Chief

GENEVIEVE ALLEN HEARN Operations Manager

EMILY KATHAN Managing Editor

MONICA JORGENSEN Events & Lists

DAVID EDELSTEIN Design, Typesetting, Layout CONTRIBUTORS: Mike Butler, Margaret Drummond, Genevieve Allen Hearn, Kathryn Himsl, Anna Horsnell, Ron Lightburn, Judy Lipp, Marie Mossman, Jeremy Novak, Allan Williams

DELIVERIES: Margot Bishop, Guy Breau, Earle & Karen Illsley, Andrea Leeson, John Morrison, Julie and Mugen Page, Fred Phillips, Jacob Rhude, Lorna Williamson, Peter Rice

ADVERTISING

ISSUE DEADLINES:

APRIL 1 ISSUE: Mon. Mar.. 22, 2021 MAY 6 ISSUE: Mon. Apr. 26, 2021 DEPENDING ON THE COMMITMENT LENGTH & COLOUR OPTIONS, RATES RANGE FROM: SINGLE BLOCK $45 - $62 DOUBLE BLOCK $88 - $123 FOUR BLOCK $168 - $237 HALF PAGE $427 - $624 ARTS EVENT POSTER $76 - $117

ADVERTISING: sales@grapevinepublishing.ca GENERAL INQUIRIES: info@grapevinepublishing.ca CONTENT SUBMISSIONS: editor@grapevinepublishing.ca EVENTS/CLASSIFIEDS: listings@grapevinepublishing.ca

SNAIL MAIL: Grapevine Publishing, PO Box 2262 Wolfville, NS, B4P 1A0 ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE: grapevinepublishing.ca and issuu.com/thevalleygrapevine

WHERE TO FIND US

WINDSOR: Fry Daddy’s, Lisa's Cafe, T.A.N. Coffee, Mosaic Market FALMOUTH: Fruit & Vegetable Company, Petro-Canada HANTSPORT: Jim's Your Independent Grocer AVONPORT: Cann’s Kwik-Way GRAND-PRÉ: Convenience Store, Domaine de Grand Pré, Just Us! Café GASPEREAU: Gaspereau Vineyards, Reid's Meats & Kwik-Way, XTR Kwik-Way WOLFVILLE: Carl's Your Independent Grocer, Eos Natural Foods, Just Us! Café, T.A.N. Coffee, Library, Wolfville Farmers' Market GREENWICH: Avery’s Farm Market, Edible Art Cafe, Elderkin's Farm Market, Hennigar's Farm Market, Noggins Corner Farm Market, Stirling's PORT WILLIAMS: Fox Hill Cheese House, Planters Ridge, Sea Level Brewery, The Noodle Guy CANNING: Degraaf's Kwik-Way, ValuFoods, i scream NEW MINAS: Boston Pizza, Captain Sub, Irving Big Stop, Jessy's Pizza, Long and McQuade, Milne Court Petro-Canada, Pita Pit, Swiss Chalet KENTVILLE: Half Acre Café, Jason’s Your Independent Grocer, T.A.N. Coffee, Valley Regional Hospital COLDBROOK: Access Nova Scotia, T.A.N. Coffee, Callister's Country Kitchen, Foodland, Vicki's Seafood Restaurant BERWICK: Jonny's Cookhouse, Luigi's Pizza Palace, North Mountain Coffeehouse, Rising Sun Natural Foods, Union Street Café, Wilsons Pharmasave AYLESFORD: Chisholm's PharmaChoice KINGSTON: French Bakery, Pharmasave, Green Elephant GREENWOOD: Country Store, Tim Hortons (Central Ave + Mall), Valley Natural Foods MIDDLETON: Angie’s, Goucher’s, Wilmot Frenchy’s, Tim Horton, Library

DISCLAIMER

The opinions expressed are solely those of the authors, and the publication of these opinions does not signify the endorsement by the staff or owners of The Grapevine Newspaper. Opinions expressed within this publication are not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional or medical advice. While we make every attempt to ensure accuracy with all published content, GV Publishing Inc. assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or truthfulness of submitted copy. In the event of an error, GV Publishing Inc. is only responsible for the price of the individual ad in which the error occurred.

NATURE TIME FOR ALL: ADDRESSING BARRIERS TO OUTDOOR RECREATION

Judy Lipp, Program Coordinator, Flying Squirrel Adventures

Many of us by now have heard about and understand the need for regular nature time, and perhaps have even implemented a regular routine to support our health and wellness. Scientific research has shown consistently that time in nature can support physical, mental, and emotional well-being at all ages. Indeed, access to nature is a fundamental human right that should be available to all. The pandemic does seem to have raised our collective consciousness about the importance of regular time outside, but follow through is not always easy, and for some it’s not even possible. Despite our many beautiful green spaces, natural areas, and outdoor recreation opportunities here in the Valley, access to these spaces is not distributed equally and there are real barriers to participation for many, but especially for racialized and economically marginalized people.

The inequities that prevent participation in nature programs are many, often complex, and certainly linked to systemic racism and oppression inherent in our society. As providers of nature programming in the Valley, we notice that we don’t often see people who are racialized or marginalized economically regardless of where outings are held. For two years Flying Squirrel Adventures (recently adopted as a program of the Blomidon Naturalists Society) ran a free monthly program for all ages in Kentville and wonderful people attended, who we enjoyed meeting and serving—thank you to all who came and joined us on those outing. However, we were also noticing who was not showing up, and so we have embarked on an ongoing effort to understand the barriers to participation. To this end, we have been partnering with organizations that serve under-represented groups to help address access barriers and we are raising funds to lower barriers that may be related to financial constraints.

So far we have had modest success in diversifying participation thanks to the efforts of community partners like the Portal Youth Outreach Association, Kids Action, Autism Nova Scotia, and others, who have worked with us to bring families and young people to events who would not otherwise have been there. These programs have been made possible through financial support by various groups that help cover a variety of expenses that relate to removing barriers to participation: transportation, suitable outerwear to keep participants safe and comfortable, food access during program time, and direct outreach. Funders include the Province of Nova Scotia (Communities, Culture and Heritage), Nature Canada, Community Health Board Wellness Funds (Eastern, Western and Central Kings), and Kings County (Active Kids, Healthy Kids Fund), as well as individual donations and municipal in-kind contributions (Town of Kentville, Village of Canning, Town of Wolfville). We are grateful to all who support this work.

Our latest program offering—a result of a year of learning and collaboration—is a March Break nature program for youth aged 12-15 years. Wild Explorations 4 Youth is a four-day session modelled on and informed by our weekly recreation program of the same name designed to encourage youth to cultivate healthy connections to nature, themselves, and others, and supports the learning and deepening of outdoor skills, nature awareness, relationship building, and fun in the outdoors. We know adolescence is a tricky period of life at the best of times, but with the pandemic, young people are struggling more than many and we want to offer an outlet for healthy connections, personal growth, nature fun, and learning. This program is offered on a sliding scale (starting at $0). Food is included and transportation support is available. We have spots for 10 youth.

We are also pleased to be partnering with municipalities in Kings County to offer a range of free programs this winter and spring, including but not limited to a Women, Girls, and Female-identifying Hike Series (with Wolfville and Kings County), A Family Night Hike Series (with Wolfville), Spring Thaw Celebration (March 13) and Family Nature Club series in Canning, and a Spring Wild Explorations session for youth. Please check the Flying Squirrel Adventures website or Facebook page for event listings.

We recognize that we are just in the beginning stages of our learning journey as individuals committed to supporting and enabling nature time for all people in our beautiful area. We are just scratching the surface of barriers to participation, many of which are rooted in the colonial and systemically racist history of Canada. We are committed to reckoning with what this means for the work we do and how we show up as individuals. We welcome comments, questions, and concerns that will help us improve our offerings, approach and ourselves. valleyflyingsquirrels@gmail.com! ❧

KINGS-KIKIMA GRANNIES SPRING SALE

Kathryn Himsl for the Kings Kikima Grannies

The Kings Kikima Grannies are saluting spring with a giant sale at The Lions Club in Wolfville, May 8, from 9am-3pm.

Here’s how you can be a part of our life-giving mission:

1. Come and discover great jewellery, craft supplies, artwork and intriguing surprises. There are always unexpected fabulous treasures at bargain prices on our silent auction table!

2. Consider donating items and feel the love from our extended family in Kikima, Kenya, where each dollar spent means children attending school and food being put on their tables.

Our humanity will be measured by how we care for the weakest and the poorest in our troubled world. Every dollar goes directly to the needs of children who have lost both parents to AIDS.

Items to auction can be dropped off after March 4 at Betsy Baillie’s, 15 Chestnut Avenue, Wolfville, or call 902-542-7591 and someone could pick your donated items up. Items also are needed for our June 5 yard sale, so just maybe this is the time to declutter those crowded spaces in your home and bless someone else’s world at the same time. Those items are welcomed on June 4 (1pm -6pm) at Betsy’s as well. All public health protocols will be followed for each event. Thank you from the bottom of our socks! (Much farther down than our hearts!). ❧

© 2021 Rob Brezsny • freewillastrology.com • Horoscopes for the week of March 4th

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In late April of 1969, Cambridhgeshire, UK hosted the first-ever Thriplow Daffodil Weekend: a flower show highlighting 80 varieties of narcissus. In the intervening years, climate change has raised the average temperature 3.24 degrees Fahrenheit. So the flowers have been blooming progressively earlier each year, which has necessitated moving the festival back. The last pre-Covid show in 2019 was on March 23-24, a month earlier than the original. Let’s use this as a metaphor for shifting conditions in your world. I invite you to take an inventory of how your environment has been changing, and what you could do to ensure you’re adapting to new conditions. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Author Leo Buscaglia told us that among ancient Egyptians, two specific questions were key in evaluating whether a human life was well-lived. They were “Did you bring joy?” and “Did you find joy?” In accordance with your current astrological potentials, I’m inviting you to meditate on those queries. And if you discover there’s anything lacking in the joy you bring and the joy you find, now is a very favorable time to make corrections. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): At age 11, the future first President of the United States George Washington became the “owner” of ten slaves. A few years later he “bought” 15 more. By the time he was president, 123 men, women, and children were struggling in miserable bondage under his control. Finally, in his will, he authorized them to be freed after he and his wife died. Magnanimous? Hell, no. He should have freed those people decades earlier—or better yet, never “owned” them in the first place. Another Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin not only freed his slaves but became an abolitionist. By my count, at least 11 of the other Founding Fathers never owned slaves. Now here’s the lesson I’d like us to apply to your life right now: Don’t procrastinate in doing the right thing. Do it now. CANCER (June 21-July 22): During World War II, the Japanese island of Ōkunoshima housed a factory that manufactured poison gas for use in chemical warfare against China. These days it is a tourist attraction famous for its thousands of feral but friendly bunnies. I’d love to see you initiate a comparable transmutation in the coming months, dear Cancerian: changing bad news into good news, twisted darkness into interesting light, soullessness into soulfulness. Now is a good time to ramp up your efforts. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “Scars speak for you,” writes author Gena Showalter. “They say you’re strong, and you’ve survived something that might have killed others.” In that spirit, dear Leo, and in accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to authorize your scars to express interesting truths about you in the coming weeks. Allow them to demonstrate how resilient you’ve been, and how well you’ve mastered the lessons that your past suffering has made available. Give your scars permission to be wildly eloquent about the transformations you’ve been so courageous in achieving. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): According to novelist Doris Lessing, “Everybody in the world is thinking: I wish there was just one other person I could really talk to, who could really understand me, who’d be kind to me.” She implied that hardly anyone ever gets such an experience—or that it’s so rare as to be always tugging on our minds, forever a source of unquenched longing. But I’m more optimistic than Lessing. In my view, the treasured exchange she describes is not so impossible. And I think it will especially possible for you in the coming weeks. I suspect you’re entering a grace period of being listened to, understood, and treated kindly. Here’s the catch: For best results, you should be forthright in seeking it out. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “How much has to be explored and discarded before reaching the naked flesh of feeling,” wrote composer Claude Debussy. In the coming weeks, I hope you’ll regard his words as an incitement to do everything you can to reach the naked flesh of your feelings. Your ideas are fine. Your rational mind is a blessing. But for the foreseeable future, what you need most is to deepen your relationship with your emotions. Study them, please. Encourage them to express themselves. Respect their messages as gifts, even if you don’t necessarily act upon them. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You may never wander out alone into a dark forest or camp all night on a remote beach or encounter a mountain lion as you climb to a glacier near the peak of a rugged mountain. But there will always be a primeval wilderness within you—uncivilized lands and untamed creatures and elemental forces that are beyond your rational understanding. That’s mostly a good thing! To be healthy and wise, you need to be in regular contact with raw nature, even if it’s just the kind that’s inside you. The only time it may be a hindrance is if you try to deny its existence, whereupon it may turn unruly and inimical. So don’t deny it! Especially now. (PS: To help carry out this assignment, try to remember the dreams you have at night. Keep a recorder or notebook and pen near your bed.) SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “What damages a person most,” wrote philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, “is to work, think, and feel without inner necessity, without any deep personal desire, without pleasure—as a mere automaton of duty.” Once a year, I think every one of us, including me, should meditate on that quote. Once a year, we should evaluate whether we are living according to our soul’s code; whether we’re following the path with heart; whether we’re doing what we came to earth to accomplish. In my astrological opinion, the next two weeks will be your special time to engage in this exploration. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): What are your edges, Capricorn? What aspects of your identity straddle two different categories? Which of your beliefs embrace seemingly opposed positions? In your relations with other people, what are the taboo subjects? Where are the boundaries that you can sometimes cross and other times can’t cross? I hope you’ll meditate on these questions in the coming weeks. In my astrological opinion, you’re primed to explore edges, deepen your relationship with your edges, and use your edges for healing and education and cultivating intimacy with your allies. As author Ali Smith says, “Edges are magic; there’s a kind of forbidden magic on the borders of things, always a ceremony of crossing over, even if we ignore it or are unaware of it.” AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): According to intermedia artist Sidney Pink, “The idea of divine inspiration and an aha moment is largely a fantasy.” What the hell is he talking about?! That’s fake news, in my view. In the course of my creative career, I’ve been blessed with thousands of divine inspirations and aha moments. But I do acknowledge that my breakthroughs have been made possible by “hard work and unwavering dedication,” which Sidney Pink extols. Now here’s the climax of your oracle: You Aquarians are in a phase when you should be doing the hard work and unwavering dedication that will pave the way for divine inspirations and aha moments later this year. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): For you Pisceans, March is Love Yourself Bigger and Better and Bolder Month. To prepare you for this festival, I’m providing two inspirational quotes. 1. “If you aren’t good at loving yourself, you will have a difficult time loving anyone, since you’ll resent the time and energy you give another person that you aren’t even giving to yourself.” —Barbara De Angelis 2. “Loving yourself does not mean being self-absorbed or narcissistic, or disregarding others. Rather it means welcoming yourself as the most honored guest in your own heart, a guest worthy of respect, a lovable companion.” —Margo Anand.

Homework: What’s your theme song for 2021 so far? FreeWillAstrology.com.

This section works on a first-come, first-served basis. Email your classified to: listings@grapevinepublishing.ca and, if there's room, we'll get you in. Or, to reserve a placement, pay $5 per issue (3-issue minimum commitment). Please keep listings to 35 words or less.

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS:

Learn to Drum!: Starting March 27 @ Recreation Centre, Wolfville 1–2:30pm. As part of this 4-week hands-on class, learn rhythms, songs from West Africa. Instruction provided by Bruno Allard with Djugdjug Ensemble. No prior experience needed. Drums are provided. TIX: $40 ($35/students) Register through Eventbrite. INFO: brunoallard7@gmail.com DIY Family Nature Club Series: March 27, April 10, and April 24. Canning Recreation and Flying Squirrel Adventures are teaming up to offer a 3-part program for families interested in cultivating their own nature club with friends and family. Topics covered: outdoor safety, ice-breaker games, activities on the trail, scoping a location, logistical considerations, and recruiting other families. INFO: director@canningrecreation.com In-Person Piano & Voice Lessons: Susan Dworkin is a resident of Wolfville and for the past 30 years has offered professional, qualified music education to children and adults of all ages. Susan is a professional classical singer and pianist and instructs voice and piano technique. (special Covid-19 protocol in place for everyone’s safety and protection). Limited space. Call for details. INFO: susanlisadworkin@gmail.com / 902-300-1001 / armonicomusicstudio.com Victory Taekwondo: Proper technique is imperative to preventing injury. At Victory Taekwondo we believe it is important to keep training partners on the mats, not at home nursing an injury. We do this by drilling the basics often and not rushing students through to the next level. The instructors at Victory Taekwondo consistently practice and teach correct and safe execution during class and in their own training. They have over 30 years’ experience. Classes available in Taekwondo, Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Contact us for class times and try out 2 free classes. INFO: tkdvictory@hotmail.com / 902-670-7897 PRODUCTS & SERVICES:

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Combining Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology to enhance your wellness. 18 years experience! Specializing in Anxiety and Depression, Insomnia, Menstrual and Menopausal issues, Digestive health, Ear Acupuncture for Addictions. INFO: Jane Marshall D.TCM, D.Ac located at 112 Front St, Suite 209, Wolfville. 902-404-3374 janemarshallacupuncture.ca Live Joyfully in a Well-Designed Home: With a focus on sustainability (of our planet and your resources) Deborah Nicholson Decor+Design will guide you with creative solutions for new builds, renovations, and updates. INFO: deborahnicholson.ca / 902-691-2931

Professional Branding, Logo and Web Design,

Writing, Translation, & Training: Helping you convey your message effectively since 2006. We offer a remarkably responsive, dependable, and results-driven approach. INFO: 902-691-2932 / michaelgabrielcommunications.com Errands by Karen Home Blood Collection: At home Blood Collection has resumed, as well as Errand Services! CoVid screening measures are in effect. Please call or email to book an appointment. INFO: 902-790-2626 / errandsbykaren@hotmail.com Autism Special Delivery: Need something moved? No job too small! Covid 19 precautions. INFO: 902-300-6335 Interior Painting and Cabinets: Women in Rollers is the Valley’s full-service decorating company. We do accurate quotes, show up on time, and perform to perfection. We even leave your home neat and tidy! We have great references! Complimentary design and colour consultations. Call today for your free estimate. INFO: Pamela, 902-697-2926 Alcoholics Anonymous: If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, that’s ours. INFO: 902-691-2825 / www.area82aa.org/district3/ EXHIBITS:

Melt Away the Winter Blues: Jack’s Gallery, 450 Main St., Wolfville. Through March 7 • A group show featuring the work of Adriane Jacquard, Mirella Furan, Elizabeth Cole, and Alexandra Merkx-Jacques. INFO: jacksgallerywolfville@gmail.com “From Kodak Brownie to Smart Phone”: ArtCan Gallery and Cafe, 9850 Main St., Canning April 17–May 22 • A retrospective by Dutch Canadian photographer Dick Groot. This is a compelling glimpse at a sixty-five year old relationship with photography. INFO: artcan.com GENERAL:

Cottage For Sale: Cottage at Lake George, Kings County. 300+ feet of waterfront, 4 bedrooms, sleeps 8, 1/1 baths, septic, drilled well, new metal roof. 1 1/4 hour from Halifax, 1/2 hour from Wolfville. INFO: 902-809-6007 for details. Kings Kikima Grannies: Upcoming Sale Dates: May 8, 9am–3pm AND a yard sale on June 5! All public health protocols will be followed for each event. We are collecting FABRIC, SEWING NOTIONS, and YARN, JEWELRY, and other items for upcoming fundraising sales this spring, at Wolfville Lion’s Club. If you have donations please drop off at 15 Chestnut Ave., Wolfville, or call for pickup. Proceeds benefit our extended family in Kikima, Kenya, where each dollar spent means children attending school and food being put on their tables. INFO: 902-542-9848 / 902-692-9011 Porch Project!: The West Brooklyn Community Hall (410 West Brooklyn Mt. Rd.), home of the SpeakEasy, invites you to buy your $10 50/50 ticket Friday & Sat. nights, 7–8pm until April 30. Don’t miss your chance to win $2000 and help us build our new covered porch and ramp. INFO: Ruth, 902-542-5424 Ostomy Annapolis Valley: Ostomy Annapolis Valley is a non-profit volunteer group dedicated to providing ostomates and their families with meaningful support to help normalize their life experiences with an ostomy. Accomplished through support, education, collaboration and advocacy. INFO: Coordinator: Blanca Baquero, 902-300-2428

Men’s Mental Health Support Group

(Non Clinical): The Canadian Mental Health Association - Nova Scotia is looking for participants from the Hantsport–Middleton area. Sessions held Wednesdays, 8pm via Zoom. INFO: Shoba Gashus, education02@novascotia.cmha.ca Volunteers Wanted!: The Wolfville Memorial Library Innovation Lab is looking for volunteers to supervise our Innovation Lab open hours. The typical commitment is one shift per week from 1–4:30pm. The supervisor’s role is to open the Lab, switch on computers and assist patrons with emailing, printing, etc, following Covid-19 protocols. If you have any of these skills they would be an asset for our other Innovation Lab activities: computers, audio recording, video recording/editing, graphic design, 3D printing, VR, sewing. Please email if interested. You will be helping your community during these difficult times. INFO: wolfvilleinnovation@valleylibrary.ca

INTRODUCING TRANSITION WOLFVILLE AREA

Submitted

Transition Wolfville Area first got going in 2016, went into a dormant phase in 2018-19, and then sprouted anew to become incorporated as a non-profit in 2020, only to have its growth spurt stunted by the multiplying challenges of that year. Given the constant state of upheaval we all find ourselves in, it is all the more urgent that in 2021 we come together to find creative and local ways of living in more respectful, reciprocal, relational, and joyous ways. With that in mind, we are announcing our spring plans for Locavisioning with verve and verse!

We welcome all participation, be it in the form of infrastructure, such as shop windows, bulletin board spaces, Town posts (especially those at Clock Park and the Community Oven and Chimney Swift shelter in Wolfville), or ideas: poetical word and picture ideas (the seeds of change) community members of all ages can display in/on these spaces throughout April. We encourage other Villages and Towns in the area to join in too! You are hereby invited to join in on this community effort however you can. The more of us there are, the better the results will be. Once the poetical “what-if seeds” are gathered up at the end of April, they will be celebrated and pondered in May, and followed up on throughout the rest of the year.

Transition Initiatives and Towns started in Totnes, England in 2006 and have since rapidly multiplied around the world as people recognized that their communities lacked resilience. According to Rob Hopkins, who started this movement, the best way to remedy this problem is with grassroots gatherings of our ordinary and abundant “collective genius” to “build ways of living that are more connected, more enriching, and that recognize the biological limits of the planet.”

The goal is an “emerging and evolving approach to community-level sustainability.” This goal is underpinned by rebuilding resilience through a holistic group approach based on hope, optimism, and creative proactivity. Our collective engagement, on a variety of levels and through the intentional design of a local economic renaissance, and a return to the sharing of arts, crafts, and hands-on skills of various kinds, will then rapidly move us to a carbon zero society.

The nature of Transition Initiatives is that they should be a hearty blend of playful and sagacious action, which simply means actions that are open, wise, intelligent, astute, and discerning. We hope that anyone reading this whose interest is piqued will sign up on our mailing list or contact us to let us know what projects and ideas you have on the go—there are already a great many small businesses and groups doing work that is Transition-minded, and we would like to help bring these together under one umbrella so that the area and its inhabitants come to thrive through mutual aid. Check our website (transitionwolfvillearea.ca) and Facebook page for updates and further details. ❧

Wendy Elliott

Julia Coldwell is the author of a novel, Stolen Lives, a children’s book, Fred’s Friends Hold a Contest, and a poetry collection, Spoken Waves.

A collection of free verse poems, Spoken Waves offers an exploration of words, cycles, and relationships. The poems bring together observations of water, light, and dark imagery interspersed with playful use of language. They draw on life experiences in Nova Scotia with a stir of creativity.

Stolen Lives is about a young teen named Tessa. At the outset, she and her family are recovering from a devastating fire. Tessa grows in strength, acting to defend her sister and reunite her family.

Julia’s children’s book is a delightful little story about Fred the pink bunny and how his friends show they care about his welfare. Fred might be different from other bunnies, but he has two best friends who help him see that his own special talents are important. There’s a great lesson.

Julia graduated from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Arts in English, minoring in women and gender studies. She resides locally with her family. With her strong interest in creative writing, she says she has been developing stories since childhood, learning to hone her skills in school and at home with practice. In recent years, she has had seven poems published in an online journal, in The Athenaeum, the Acadia student newspaper, and finally in Estuary, Acadia’s Creative Arts Magazine.

Julia self-published her first three works on Amazon.ca in both ebook and print formats with her own cover illustrations. She also began a writing blog last year called May Rose Well.

Walk into The Market on Main Street in Wolfville and you can see directly that there’s a tidy display of slim books of poetry by Jeremy Lutes. A perfect vantage point for a poet born and raised in Wolfville. There are four small volumes to choose from, including Notes From the Black Book, Across the Hall They Are Restless, and Then They Left the City. The latest, from 2019, is called Regal, like the gorgeous bird that adorns the cover.

An entrepreneur with an environmental focus, Jeremy calls writing an outlet to share his personal ideas. He’s been polishing poems for well over a decade. Included in Regal are poems about fresh snow, dating apps, and a touching elegy to the late singer Gord Downie.

Jeremy’s working on live shows for 2021. In recent months he’s offered readings at the Union Street Cafe in Berwick with Garret Mason and online with Wes Booth and Daniel McFadyen. More to come! ❧

ART SPOT: CONNIE VEINOTTE

In a few sentences, please tell us about yourself:

I am a long-retired teacher. I am active in my church and community (Health Auxiliary). I am concerned about the environment and issues surrounding poverty. I walk and exercise to keep fit.

What is your artistic medium? how did you come to this style?

I paint in watercolours and sometimes acrylics. I started painting in oils but when I moved to Wolfville in 1984, local painting groups seemed to be mostly using watercolours so I made the switch.

Where do you work and where can we find your work?

I am currently painting at home but before Covid I was painting with a group. This is my first solo exhibit. In the past I have displayed paintings at Valley Regional Hospital.

At what point did you describe yourself as an artist? at what time of day do you work on your art?

I am an amateur painter so I find it difficult to call myself an artist. I still think of myself as an “artist-wanna-be!” I paint whenever I have the urge — usually have a couple of paintings “in the works.”

Why art? Why your art? Why the Annapolis Valley?

I have, from a young age, enjoyed drawing. A school history project caught the attention of my teacher who encouraged me to try painting and that’s how it all began! I have lived in parts of the Annapolis Valley most of my life so it is my home. I enjoy the landscape and try to paint it in all its glory in all seasons.

Connie Veinotte’s paintings are on display at the Wolfville Memorial Library, 21 Elm Avenue, throughout March and April.