ARTS | CULTURE | COMMUNITY January 2022 | Issue No. 19.01
BEST OF THE BUNCH 2021 P. 5
BOOKS BY LOCALS: ANDRIA HILLLEHR AND MICHAEL BAWTREE, P. 10
FEATUREPRENEUR: KENTVILLE’S WHOLESUM REFILLERY, P. 7
WHO’S WHO: BRITTANY CHAPMAN, P. 7
ZERO-PROOF: MAKING CHAI, P. 3
VISUALLY SPEAKING: WILL COOPER, P. 11
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Issue No. 19.01 January 2022
Classifieds / Zero-Proof .......................................... p.3 Free Will Astrology / Star Drop .............................. p.4 Best of the Bunch 2021 Results ............................... p.5 Featurepreneur / Benjamin Bridge ......................... p.6 Who’s Who: Brittany Chapman ............................... p.7 Wolfville Page ........................................................ p.8 What’s Happening / Tides ...................................... p.9 Books by Locals / Margot’s Hidden Gems ..............p.10 Visually Speaking: Will Cooper .............................. p.11
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
CONTRIBUTORS: Margot Bishop, Mike Butler, Margaret Drummond, Wendy Elliott, Genevieve Allen Hearn, Anna Horsnell, Bernard Irvin, Allan Williams DELIVERIES: Margot Bishop, Earle & Karen Illsley, Robert Knee, Andrea Leeson, John Morrison, Julie and Mugen Page, Fred Phillips, Sam Rhude, Mark Rogers, Lorna Williamson
CLASSES & WORKSHOPS: DONATE/VOLUNTEER: Weathering the Storm: ONLINE Mondays, 7:30–9pm, Jan 17–Feb 21. A 6–week intro to mindfulness, facilitated by Heidi Kalyani. Learn simple techniques to keep you anchored during challenging and stormy times. Experience ease and peace by discovering your steady, unshakable core. Cultivate more harmonious relationships with yourself, others and the world around you. INFO/Reg: connect@heartwideopen.ca Gaspereau Yoga Winter 2022: A 9-week session starting Wed. January 12–March 9. All classes will take place on Wednesdays at the Bishop Hall in Greenwich. In the case of cancellations (snow, covid, etc.) the session will continue until we have completed the 9 weeks. Level 1: 4–5:15pm. An introduction to basic yoga poses. Level 1–2: 5:30–6:45pm. A vigorous yoga practice for students who have already done some yoga. Classes are integrating the celebration of the heart, universal principles of alignment, and balanced energetic action in the performance of yoga poses. Instructor: Sophie Bérubé. FEE: $85 per level for 9-week session. Payment by cheque to Sophie Bérubé, by e-transfer or by cash. INFO/Reg: yogagaspereau@gmail.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
ZERO-PROOF: MAKING CHAI
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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
In the late fall of 2020 after we’d lived through the first wave of the pandemic, I began a practice of making myself and my husband a special immune-boosting cup of chai every single day. Part of it stemmed from my desire to soothe my anxieties of the fear circulating around me about Covid-19 and part of it stemmed from my desire to do something about my evolving seasonal allergies (if you’d like to learn more about astragalus and its medicinal properties, that is for another article). The act of making this cup of tea every day to share with my husband became so much more than just an immune boost or an allergy ease. This chai recipe comes from an online course I have been taking called “Taste of Herbs,”which is offered by the Learning Herbs platform and website. The course itself was developed by Rosalee de la Forêt. I found out the chai recipe was one of her favourites and after I did more research on the benefits of astragalus root, I knew I had to make it. Because this tea/tisane involves roots of plants as well as mushroom, it requires a process called decoction, which involves simmering the herbs and roots in a pot on the stove for a longer period of time than you would steep tea in a pot on the counter. This chai simmers for about one hour and it seems like it uses a lot of herbs to make it. Since it requires a longer simmer and some measuring and weighing of herbs, I would make enough for two days at a time and refrigerate the extra tea for the next day. We have particularly big mugs that we use every day to drink our chai—mugs that are bigger than the usual tea or coffee cups. Mostly we drink it in the evening after the kids go to bed. If our schedule is different or Zak is working the night shift, I give it to him in a mason jar so that he can heat it
The Revival Shop: @ Hantsport Baptist Church: Excellent way to recycle good used seasonal clothing. Donate/shop during open hours: Mon. 9am–12pm, Tues. 2–4pm, Wed. 2–4pm, Thurs. 6–8pm, Sat. 10am–12pm. Free will donation only for all items. INFO: Call Shirley, 902-684-3563
PRODUCTS & SERVICES: Got Mice?: Do you have a MOUSE problem? Or do you have a HOUSE problem? Got Mice Humane Wildlife Services addresses common and uncommon entry points permanently with guaranteed results. Call for a consultation. INFO: 902-365-MICE (6423) / GOTMICE.CA Little Piggies Reflexology: Starting Mid-January we are offering full sessions of “STRUCTURAL REFLEXOLOGY” at 1/2 price. Currently needing case studies with foot pain issues like Bunions, plantar fasciitis and many more. Email for eligibility, dates, times and cost. INFO: littlepiggiesreflexology@gmail.com 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: Are you busy with holiday preparations or can’t get an appointment at the lab? Let Karen come to you! Certified medical lab tech with over 30 years experience. CoVid protocols and screening in effect. Karen will also take you shopping or run those errands for you. Please call
up at work. I always make sure that there is enough for both of us. It has become a ritual of calm in a period of uncertainty and isolation, soothing us as we sit for another night of Netflix or reading. I’ll always be thinking of him if our schedules differ: “Oh, you didn’t get your chai today. Do you want me to heat it up for you or do you want me to put it in the fridge for tomorrow?” Over time after tasting cup after cup, I’ve adjusted the recipe to my own taste, adding more black pepper or ginger to make it spicier or blending fresh and dried ginger to get the flavour profiles of both. The ritual of measuring and simmering every (other) day nourished and calmed me. I loved the smell of every herb as I would open the jars to prepare another pot and I still do. I’ve memorized and internalized the recipe reaching for each jar of herbs: astragalus root, reishi mushroom, cardamom, clove, orange peel, black pepper, dried ginger, fresh ginger, and sometimes allspice. The first two ingredients may be unknown to you. Astragalus is an immune-boosting herb that has been used for hundreds of years in traditional Chinese medicine and it is the root of the plant that is used. Reishi is a mushroom with longstanding use in Asian countries as well. Astragalus has a wonderful sweet taste and you can also use it in broths, but we’ve especially loved it in this chai. After measuring all of the ingredients I place them in the pot with 10 cups of water and bring it to a simmer. Since we’d been renting while our house was being built, I had to get used to a few different cooktops along the way and ensure that they were simmering and not boiling. So I’d putter around in the kitchen as the smell wafted out of the pot over the course of the hour. Then I strain off the herbs using a fine mesh strainer (the one I also use for rice) and my biggest Pyrex measuring cup which, depending on the evaporation during the simmer, may or may not be able to hold what was previously 10 cups. I pour it into each of our large mugs and then the rest goes into a mason jar into
or email to book an appointment. INFO: 902-790-2626 / errandsbykaren@hotmail.com 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 Get it Published!: Layout and design of books, covers, posters, brochures, and more. E-books too! Reasonable rates and ultra-reliable service. INFO: david@textanddesign.com / textanddesign.com
GENERAL: Adult Skating: Come enjoy a skate with fellow adults at the Kentville Centennial Arena from 9:30–10:30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All participants must answer/pass screening questions and sign in upon entry. Mask must be worn until you are on the ice! FEE: $3 INFO: 902-679-2542 / kentville.ca Wolfville & Area Newcomers Club: Visit our website wolfvillenewcomers.org or Facebook page “Wolfville and Area Newcomers Club” for meeting information.
EXHIBITS: “the body was never a colony”: Tides Contemporary Art Gallery, Kentville • Guest Artist Show: “the body was never a colony” By Echo Nara. Online, and in person through the end of January. INFO: tidescontemporaryartgallery.com
the fridge for the next day. I add a touch of honey to each mug and to the jar and then a splash of milk. As the recipe slowly became my own, some batches were a bit bitter from boiling too much, others were too spicy from an overzealous addition of ginger or black pepper. Some batches even reminded me of Froot Loops cereal from adding too much orange peel (something about orange with the sweet astragalus—does Kelloggs secretly add medicinal roots? haha). Each time I make the chai it is a little different depending on my mood and attention, and I think that’s true of many things in life that we repeat. Each time, we enjoy this chai. Sometimes we pay more attention than others, but we always receive the warm physical comfort in addition to the knowledge that we’re doing something good for our health. Making this chai was and still is an important way for me to care for myself and to share that care and affection with my husband. Making and sharing tea has a long and expansive history. This is a part of my story that keeps evolving and growing. Tea ebbs and flows out of popularity but it will never go away. I challenge you to try a tea you’ve never had before and buy it loose leaf. Get a tea strainer or compostable single-use tea bags and fill them yourself. There is so much more enjoyment to be had from using whole herbs (and, if you’re up for it, foraging, growing, and harvesting your own herbs) rather than using plastic-laden pre-filled teabags at the grocery store. Next time, I will be sharing a bit more about how to blend your own teas. I’ll start simple and it won’t be too overwhelming.
❧ Find the recipe for the astragalus chai here: learningherbs.com/ remedies-recipes/astragalus-chai
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Esoteric (adjective): Something that is known, understood, or appreciated by only a small number of people; obscure.
The fox, with lacquered polished eyes Fired against the mouth of night, Denies himself the gold surprise Of the morning paved with light.
The mint-cool path, the fern-dark ways Slanting woodward, are to one Who loves the frozen stellar gaze More amorous than noonday sun.
Excerpt from “Esoterics of the Fox” by Willard Maas
January 2022 | 3
© 2022 Rob Brezsny • freewillastrology.com • Horoscopes for the week of January 13th
ARIES (March 21-April 19): The coming months will be an excellent time for you to explore the art of Soulful Bragging. Do you deserve any of the titles below? If so, feel free to use them liberally throughout 2022. 1. Practical Idealist with Flexible Strategies. 2. Genius of Interesting Intimacy. 3. Jaunty Healer with Boisterous Knowledge of the Soul’s Ways. 4. Free-Wheeling Joker Who Makes People Laugh for Righteous and Healing Reasons. 5. Skillful Struggler. 6. Empathy Master with a Specialty in Creative Compassion. 7. Playful Reservoir of Smart Eros. 8. Purveyor of Feisty Wisdom and Cute Boldness. 9. Crafty JoySummoner. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Most people who use tobacco products are at risk of having shorter life spans than they might have otherwise had. Smoking is detrimental to health. Those who smoke in their twenties and thirties may cut ten years off their longevity. But here’s some good news: If you kick your tobacco habit before age 40, you will regain most of those ten years. I bring this to your attention because I’d like it to serve as a motivational tale for you in 2022. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you will have more power than ever before to escape any harmful addictions and compulsions you have—and begin reclaiming your full vitality. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In May 1974, the Grateful Dead introduced a new wrinkle to their live musical performances. Playing at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, they amplified their music through a “Wall of Sound”: 604 speakers piled high, together channeling 26,000 watts of energy. Had any band ever treated their fans to a louder volume and crisper tones? I’d like to make this breakthrough event one of your top metaphors for 2022. According to my analysis, it will be a great year for you to boost your signal. I invite you to distribute your message with maximum confidence and clarity. Show the world who you are with all the buoyant flair you can rouse. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Philosopher Emil Cioran said he despised wise philosophers. Why? Because they practice prudent equanimity, which he regarded as empty and sterile. In Cioran’s view, these deep thinkers avoid strong feelings so they can live in cool safety, free from life’s nervewracking paradoxes. I agree with him that such a state is undesirable. However, Cioran contrasted it with the lives of the normal people he admired, who are “full of irreconcilable contradictions” and who “suffer from limitless anxiety.” My question for Cioran: Are there no other options between those two extremes? And my answer: Of course there are! And you can be proof of that in 2022, Cancerian. I expect you’ll be full of deep feelings, eager for new experiences, and infused with a lust for life—with less anxiety and fewer irreconcilable contradictions than ever before. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In 1838, 29-year-old naturalist Charles Darwin was early in his career. He had not developed his theory of evolution, and was not yet a superstar of science. He began ruminating about the possibility of proposing marriage to his cousin Emma Wedgwood. If married, he wrote: “constant companion and a friend in old age; the charms of music and female chit-chat—good things for one’s health.” If not married: “no children; no one to care for one in old age; less money for books, loss of time, and a duty to work for money.” I bring this to your attention, Leo, because I suspect that in 2022, you may be tempted and inspired to deeply interweave your fate with the fates of interesting characters. A spouse or partner or collaborator? Could be. Maybe a beloved animal or spirit guide? Have fun making your list of pros and cons! VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): What were your favorite toys when you were a child? Now would be a good time to retrieve fond memories of them, and even acquire modern versions so you can revive the joy they gave you. In my astrological analysis, you’ll
4 | January 2022
be wise to invite your inner child to play a bigger role in your life as you engage in a wide range of playtime activities. So yes, consider the possibility of buying yourself crayons, Legos, dolls and puppets, video games, squirt guns, roller skates, yo-yos, jump ropes, and board games. And don’t neglect the pleasures of blanket forts, cardboard boxes, mud pies, and plain old sticks. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In his novel *The Story of a Marriage*, Andrew Sean Greer asks, “Does love always form, like a pearl, around the hardened bits of life?” My answer would be, “No, not always, but when it does, it’s often extra sweet and enduring.” One of my wishes and predictions for you in 2022, Libra, is that love will form around your hardened bits. For best results, be open to the possibility that difficulty can blossom into grace. Look for opportunities that are seeded by strenuous work. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “It is worth living long enough to outlast whatever sense of grievance you may acquire.” Author Marilynne Robinson wrote that, and I recommend her thought as one of your uplifting meditations in 2022. According to my reading of the astrological omens, the coming months will be a favorable time to dismantle and dissolve as many old grievances as you can. This could and should be the year you liberate yourself from psychic grunge—for the sake of your own mental, physical, and spiritual health as much as for the sake of others’. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Some critics view author Diana Wynne Jones as a genius in her chosen field: fantasy novels for children and young adults. She had a generous spirit, asserting, “I have this very strong feeling that everybody is probably a genius at something; it’s just a question of finding this.” If you are still unsure what your unique genius consists of, Sagittarius, I believe 2022 will show you in detailed glory. And if you do already know, the coming months will be a time when you dramatically deepen your ability to access and express your genius. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn biologist Robin Wall Kimmerer wrote a meditative book about moss. It was her response to questions she had been wondering about: Why has this inconspicuous plant persevered for 350 million years? While so many other species have gone extinct, why has moss had staying power through all the Earth’s climate changes and upheavals? And what lessons does its success have for us? Here are Kimmerer’s conclusions: Moss teaches us the value “of being small, of giving more than you take, of working with natural law, sticking together.” In accordance with astrological omens in 2022, Capricorn, I believe moss should be your role model. (Kimmerer’s book is *Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses*.) AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Author Joyce Carol Oates has been very successful and has won several major awards. But she describes her job as arduous and time-consuming. “I work very slowly,” she testifies. “It’s like building a ladder, where you’re building your own ladder rung by rung, and you’re climbing the ladder. It’s not the best way to build a ladder, but I don’t know any other way.” I wouldn’t always recommend her approach for you, Aquarius, but I will in 2022. As long as you’re willing to accept gradual, incremental progress, you’ll get a lot of fine work done. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): I’ve selected a quote for you to use as one of your guiding principles in 2022. I urge you to undertake a specific action in the next 24 hours that will prove you mean to take it seriously. Here’s the wisdom articulated by Piscean rabbi and philosopher Marc-Alain Ouaknin: “People must break with the illusion that their lives have already been written and their paths already determined.” It’s reinvention time, dear Pisces. Homework: What’s the most important thing for you to get rid of in 2022? Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com..
Thank you to everyone who participated in our annual ‘Best of the Bunch’ survey! As always, you’ve picked a great list of places to visit, things to do, and experiences not to miss in the Valley. While you are out and about, watch for The Grapevine’s ‘Best of the Bunch’ sticker in the windows of these top-voted businesses.
FOOD & DRINK BEST RESTAURANT (CASUAL) MARITIME EXPRESS CIDER CO. Runner-up: The Noodle Guy BEST RESTAURANT (FINE DINING) TROY Runner-up: Le Caveau BEST CAFE VILLAGE COFFEEHOUSE Runner-up: Just Us! BEST BURGER JONNY’S COOKHOUSE Runner-up: Maritime Express Cider Co. BEST PIZZA TERRA ROSSA TRATTORIA Runner-up: House of Dough BEST SANDWICH MARITIME EXPRESS CIDER CO. Runner-up: Cumin Kitchen & Drink BEST BAKERY SOURDOUGH COUNTRY BAKERY Runner-up: Marie & Guy French Bakery BEST BUTCHER VILLAGE MEAT MARKET Runner-up: Reid’s Meats BEST BREAKFAST/BRUNCH THE NAKED CREPE BISTRO Runner-up: Maritime Express Cider Co. BEST DESSERT THE NAKED CREPE BISTRO Runner-up: Gerrish & Gray BEST VENUE FOR DRINKS MARITIME EXPRESS CIDER CO. Runner-up: The Church Brewing Co. BEST PATIO TROY Runner-up: The Church Brewing Co. BEST CRAFT BREWERY WAYFARERS’ ALE CRAFT BREWERY Runner-up: Millstone Harvest Brewhouse/ Sea Level Brewing (tie) BEST WINERY BENJAMIN BRIDGE Runner-up: Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards BEST CRAFT CIDERY ANNAPOLIS CIDER CO. Runner-up: Maritime Express Cider Co.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
BEST LOCAL VISUAL ARTIST BOB HAINSTOCK Runner-up: Holly Carr/Celine Gabrielle (tie)
BEST TATTOO PARLOUR COLLECTIVE TATTOO Runner-up: Zebraskin
BEST LOCAL AUTHOR AMI MCKAY Runner-up: Christy Ann Conlin
BEST YOGA STUDIO YOGA BARN Runner-up: Yoga Life
BEST LOCAL THEATRE GROUP/COMPANY CENTRESTAGE Runner-up: Two Planks and a Passion
BEST GYM MOTIV Runner-up: Training For Life
BEST ARTISAN/CRAFTER EAST COAST PUNCH NEEDLE ART Runner-up: Denise Aspinall
BEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION FREE SPIRIT THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCIATION Runner-up: Landmark East School
BEST GALLERY TIDES CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY Runner-up: Harvest Gallery BEST DANCE STUDIO CADANCE DANCE ACADEMY Runner-up: Dance Conxion BEST MUSIC VENUE THE CHURCH BREWING CO. Runner-up: The Union Street
LOCAL BUSINESS BEST NEW BUSINESS (OPENED IN 2021) WILD VALLEY SUPPLY Runner-up: Gerrish & Gray / Wholesum Refillery (tie) BEST PLACE TO SHOP FOR GIFTS MARKET BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS/ WILD LILY (TIE) Runner-up: The Market General Store BEST BOOKSHOP ODD BOOK Runner-up: RD Chisholm BEST MUSIC STORE LONG & MCQUADE Runner-up: Spoke and Note
BEST PLACE TO VOLUNTEER FREE SPIRIT THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCIATION Runner-up: Wolfville Farmers Market BEST PLACE TO GET CRAFTY THE CLAYGROUND STUDIO Runner-up: Windsor Makers Studio BEST COMMUNITY PROJECT MURAL FESTIVAL IN KENTVILLE Runner-up: Truth & Reconciliation Walk BEST MUSEUM/HERITAGE SITE GRAND-PRÉ NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Runner-up: Kings County Courthouse Museum
BEST U-PICK STIRLINGS Runner-up: Oakview Farm
PUBLIC SPACE & EXPERIENCES BEST PLACE TO GO ON A DATE JUNIPER Runner-up: Maritime Express Cider Co. BEST PLACE TO MEET WITH FRIENDS LIBRARY PUB Runner-up: Maritime Express Cider Co. BEST PLACE TO HOLD AN EVENT MAIN STREET STATION Runner-up: Wolfville Farmers’ Market BEST PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS COTTON TALE PLAY + CAFE Runner-up: Oaklawn Farm Zoo BEST TOURIST DESTINATION CAPE SPLIT Runner-up: Wineries BEST FESTIVAL/EVENT DEVOUR! Runner-up: Deep Roots Music Festival
BEST CLOTHING STORE JANE’S AGAIN Runner-up: Esme BEST JEWELLERY STORE HERBIN JEWELLERS Runner-up: D.M. Reid Jewellers BEST HOME DÉCOR STORE GIRLITURE Runner-up: Absolutely Fabulous BEST HOME RENOVATION/DESIGN STORE BRAD’S DECOR CENTRE Runner-up: Home Depot BEST SPA BELEAF SALON & SPA Runner-up: The Landing BEST HAIR SALON HEADSHOPPE NEW MINAS Runner-up: BeLeaf Salon & Spa
BEST LOCAL MUSICIAN OR BAND DANIEL JAMES MCFADYEN Runner-up: Terra Spencer
BEST BARBER SAILOR BUP’S BARBERSHOP Runner-up: Sehkahnee’s Ascension Barbershop
BEST LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER BROGAN BENTLEY Runner-up: Colin Chase
BEST SPORTING GOODS STORE WILD VALLEY SUPPLY Runner-up: We’re Outside January 2022 | 5
FEATUREPRENEUR
A WHOLESUM START TO THE YEAR Genevieve Allen Hearn
Krista and Rachael are childhood best friends turned business partners. They co-own and operate Wholesum Refillery, a low-waste retail shop in downtown Kentville that opened in November. Even though it has only been open a short time, Wholesum Refillery tied for second place in The Grapevine’s Best of the Bunch “Best New Business of 2021” category. The Grapevine (GV): Tell us a bit about Wholesum Refillery’s origin story. Krista & Rachael (K&R): Rachael left her job of twenty years to move her family to a new life here in Kentville and the timing just made sense. We knew we wanted to start a business together and the idea of a refillery was so appealing to us. We are always working towards being more eco-conscious in our daily lives and the concept of a low-waste venture was the perfect fit for us. It is something that we are passionate about and once we did some research, we realized that many others are too. It was a business that we could build together wholeheartedly. So, we put our heads down, did more research, and applied for a start-up loan through the Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC). The day our funding was approved was just so amazing! Rachael runs the shop day-to-day, while Krista keeps a day job and works behind the scenes and is in the shop on weekends. GV: What is a low-waste store? What sort of products do you carry? K&R: The concept of low-waste shopping is quite simple: buy only what you need. For instance, every time you purchase a jug of laundry soap, you keep the container and simply refill it instead of purchasing a new one every time you run out. Our shop is focussed on reducing single-use packaging and plastics and we do this by offering bulk and reusable goods, as well as products with little to no packaging or packaging that is biodegradable or reusable. We currently carry over 35 bulk products, including laundry soap, dish soap, household cleaners, shampoo, body wash, lotion and even muscle rub! We also offer things like plastic free makeup, deodorant, and dental care products. Our products are sourced from Canadian companies and we try to stick as close to home as possible within our supply chain. GV: If people are new to the concept of tare shops or refillery markets, what do they need to know? What are a few small changes people can make immediately?
Thank you to our valued guests for your continued support, especially this past year! We appreciate each and every one of you and look forward to serving you for many years to come! 9049 Commercial St. #411, New Minas・(902) 681-1355・www.headshoppe.ca
K&R: The idea is to start where you are and within your means. To get started, you can make a habit of cleaning out old containers and instead of putting them in the recycle bin, set them aside to bring into the shop for refilling. Anything works! Mason jars, old laundry jugs, empty shampoo bottles - as long as it’s clean it will work! We also offer various containers in the shop for purchase. Start with small, manageable changes that suit you and your lifestyle. Remember, this isn’t about perfection, it’s about starting small and working your way up.
One of our favourite quotes is: “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero-waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly” (Anne Marie Bonneau). GV: Incorporating low-waste principles when making purchases seems to be something that is growing in popularity. Where do you see this buying philosophy going? K&R: We realized when doing our research for our business plan that many other countries have already adopted these principles. In some supermarkets in Europe they have implemented refill stations for common items like liquid soap and dry goods. People want to reduce their ecological impact. Seventy-five percent of respondents who participated in a 2019 study in Quebec stated that they are taking action to reduce food loss and waste. Going low-waste isn’t the most convenient route for many people, since it involves some planning and dedication. We see this philosophy evolving to become more convenient as we are all leading busy lives. For Wholesum, we want to make low-waste easy for people. We plan on offering local deliveries in the future and options for busy folks like dropping your jugs off in the morning and picking them up on your way home, and curbside pickups will be coming in 2022! GV: The two of you started as friends, and then built a business. Any advice on how to manage friendships when working together? K&R: Be open and honest with each other. We have been friends for 30 years, so we know each other pretty well, but this is all new to us! We try to keep an open mind and be supportive of each other. We lean on each other’s strengths and complement each other’s weaknesses. This is our dream that we built together and we are so proud of each other on this journey. We know that mistakes are going to happen, but such is life. It is how we learn from the mistakes and grow from them that will define our success. We also remember to laugh and have fun along the way: midday dance parties are highly recommended!
❧ Wholesum Refillery is located at 19 Aberdeen Street in Kentville. To learn more, visit their Facebook page at @wholesumrefilleryshoppe.
NEW OUTDOOR RINK AT BENJAMIN BRIDGE Benjamin Bridge winery is offering a new winter experience for their guests: a onehour skate on their new outdoor rink, where you can also enjoy a glass of wine or a warm non-alcoholic beverage by the cozy fire pit or in one of their indoor spaces.
Book via their website at the bottom of the experience page or visit: benjaminbridge.com/ products/outdoor-rink-reservation.
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This outdoor activity provides a fun and welcoming space for you and a friend or the whole family or a small bubble to enjoy. All guests wear a CSA-approved helmet while on the ice and follow the posted rink rules! Keep a close eye on their social media for daily rink updates as bookings are weather-dependent. While walk-ins are welcome, it is strongly encourage you to book ahead to ensure you get ice time.
6 | January 2022
Open for Lunch
Try our new menu!
WHO’S WHO
BRITTANY CHAPMAN Mike Butler
Welcome everyone to the first Who’s Who of 2022! After a tumultuous year (again) and a bit of a wonky holiday season, I felt it necessary to start off the year with one of the most pleasant little rays of sunshine I know. This wonderful mound of wonderfulness has become a familiar face to live theatre-goers and local musicians. Let me introduce you to Brittany Chapman. Brittany Chapman was once a Keddy, but this past fall she got hitched to a fine local named Ross Chapman, decided to take the name and here we are. This is not only a profile of the former Keddy, but an introduction to the new Chapman. Please try to keep up. Brittany is from Blue Mountain, where most of her family still lives, but she’s spent the majority of her life growing up in Coldbrook (she still has the Blue Mountain accent though!). She attended Central Kings (Class of 2014!) and then moved to Moncton to take a policing and corrections course at Oulton College. She wanted to be a Sheriff but she injured herself so she decided to move back home and attend NSCC to take office administration. She went back a final time to take the Continuing Care Assistant course and now Brittany is the school secretary at Aldershot Elementary, in North Kentville. Secretary of an elementary school is pretty much like a Sheriff so congrats on the goals Britt! “I love getting to talk to all of our students and getting to know their families,” Brittany enthuses. “My colleagues are also all wonderful people to work with. It’s such a healthy environment at Aldershot, our hidden gem of the Valley! It’s never a chore to get up and head to work, even with the strange pivoting of the past two years. We all work together for fun and safety!” Now to the fun stuff: the hobbies! I first met Brittany through theatre. She was easily my favourite theatre groupie, always at a show with her camera for a selfie, and always so
supportive. I saw Brittany as Alice in Alice in Wonderland while she was at Central Kings and she was a darling—and this girl can sing! Eventually Brittany, like most of us, got asked to be part of the Valley Ghost Walks,, and for the past 9 years Brittany has haunted the rail lines as the DAR Girl in Kentville. It was during her stint as a ghostly gal that she met Valley Ghost Walk superstar Ross Chapman and if you read the opening paragraph (it was a good one) then you know how that meeting ended. Brittany and Ross have been dabbling in theatre stuff for the past while but 2022 is opening up with a bang as Brittany takes the helm as producer for CentreStage Theatre’s Don’t Dress for Dinner, the 2022 season opener starring Ross in one of the lead roles. Both Ross and Brittany became CentreStage Board Members in 2021 and this dynamic duo is sure to assist in many ways to reboot the theatre after a few pandemic years. We love the energy they bring! Don’t Dress for Dinner is tentatively running in late January through February at CentreStage Theatre so peek at the website and come have a laugh or twenty!
Wolfville, New Minas, Kentville, Canning, and beyond. We get the best views and we’re only a short drive to everything we need!”
Photo courtesy of Mike Butler
beautiful agricultural and historical area, full of some of the most wonderful people you will ever meet. I love that it feels like such a welcoming environment, you can never go somewhere and not see somebody that you know. Our area is definitely not lacking in talent, and that shines through especially in the Wolfville area. Ross and I chose to live in Port Williams because it is such a beautiful go-between for
So what does 2022 look like for Brittany Chapman? Well, she plans to chill out until Covid passes a bit. Being in the school system has made her more aware that the bubbles can be big and we have to take care of the youngsters. She would love to do more theatre and film once things get a bit safer and more of that industry opens up with background work, and there’s always her dog, her family, and her friends to keep her busy. Trust me, in the valley, it doesn’t take long before opportunity comes knocking and you’re busy again. Brittany has always been a terrific person to call on when needed. She’s always a smiling, bounding force of sarcasm and joy and I am one proud friend. All the best to one of my favourite ghosts! Muah!
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ON THE COVER: THE BEST OF THE BUNCH! Top Row: Bob Hainstock: Best Artist; Wholesum Refillery: Best New Business (runner-up); Yoga Barn: Best Yoga Studio
A few years ago, Brittany branched out to film by becoming very involved in the Nova Scotia film industry as a background actor and that’s what she spends most of her summers doing, with a goal to become part of ACTRA. Her background work can be found on shows like Pure, Mr. D, Diggstown, The Sinner and The Good House.
Second Row: Sailor Bup’s Barbershop: Best Barber; Free Spirit Therapeutic Riding Association: Best Nonprofit, Best Place to Volunteer
No matter how many ambitions Brittany has for the small screen, this Valley girl is home to stay with friends and family nearby. It’s no secret that her mother would seriously lose it if Brittany ever moved away. I’ve seen her mom in action and she’s fierce. I was appointed the very proud (and flexible) flowerboy at Brittany and Ross’ wedding and although my performance was clearly the highlight of the day for most, Brittany looked incredible and her family was more than welcoming to all of us. I was even allowed to act as moderate decorator and egg-salad-sandwich-maker for the reception: they clearly know my strengths!
Keith Irving
Third Row: Wild Valley Supply: Best New Business, Best Sporting Goods Store; Brogan Bentley: Best Local Photographer; Mural Festival in Kentville: Best Community Project Fourth Row: Devour!: Best Festival/Event; Maritime Express Cider Co.: Best restaurant (Casual), Best Sandwich, and more; The Village Coffeehouse: Best Café
MLA Kings South
Congratulations to all of the Best of the Bunch winners!
keith@irvingmla.ca ∙ 902-542-0050
As Brittany notes, “the Valley is such a
Aligning your Investments with Social and Environmental Values does not require lower performance expectations
WE CAN SHOW YOU HOW Tues-Fri 10am-5pm Sat 9am-4pm Sun 12-4pm
With offices in Windsor, Kentville, and Greenwood
wolfvillefarmersmarket.ca Over 50 of your favourite WFM vendors 6 days a week year-round
902-765-8437 www.evangelinewealth.ca Left to right: David Morse, Chuck Shields, Brenda Spinney, John Burris
Mutual funds and exchange traded funds are offered through Investia Financial Services Inc.
January 2022 | 7
902.542.5767 | wolfville.ca
On December 21, 2021, Wolfville Town Council adopted the Town's first Climate Action Plan __________________ View the Plan at: www.wolfvilleblooms.ca/climateplan
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN DECEMBER 2021
This is a friendly reminder that all shortterm rentals in Wolfville must be registered.
Have you registered your
Short-term Rental with the Town?
To learn more, visit www.wolfvilleblooms.ca/shorttermrentals
8 | January 2022
A cultivated cultivated experience experience for for the the mind, mind, body, body, and and soil. soil. A
Send your events to listings@grapevinepublishing.ca ***PLEASE CHECK IN ADVANCE TO CONFIRM WHETHER EVENTS ARE STILL TAKING PLACE*** * Shaded events take place weekly or more than once, as noted
THURSDAY, JANUARY 13
Farmers Market — Recreation Centre, Kentville 10am–1pm. WEEKLY! • Vegetables and fruit, meat, eggs and baked goods are all presented by the farmers and makers who produced them. A selection of local artisans are ready to greet you. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-956-1822 / kentvillefarmersmarket1@gmail.com Special Committee of the Whole — Municipality of the County of Kings, Coldbrook 10am • The meeting will be held in person unless COVID restrictions change. Those who wish to attend are required to PRE-REGISTER by phone/email. The public can also listen live at countyofkings.ca. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-690-6133 / municipalclerk@countyofkings.ca
FRIDAY, JANUARY 14
Special Committee of the Whole — Municipality of the County of Kings, Coldbrook 10am • The meeting will be held in person unless COVID restrictions change. Those who wish to attend are required to PRE-REGISTER by phone/email. The public can also listen live at countyofkings.ca. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-690-6133 / municipalclerk@countyofkings.ca Job Search (Virtual) — Zoom Platform, Annapolis Valley 11am–12pm. ALSO Jan. 26, 10–11am • Our workshop teaches you about using social media in your job search, networking, cold calling, following up, NSW online’s job search features, myths and misconceptions, and job search in a pandemic. TIX: no charge INFO: 866-609-9675 / workshop@peopleworx.ca Jon Duggan — Crystany’s Brasserie, Canning 6–8pm • Jon Duggan is one of Atlantic Canada’s most beloved solo performers. His connection to his audience and sense of humor makes for a memorable evening. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-582-3663 / crystanysbrasserie@gmail.com Celebrate Recovery — New Hope Wesleyan, Kingston 7–9:30pm. WEEKLY! • A faith based 12-Step program for all who need help with hurts, habits & hangups. Are you struggling with broken relationships, stress, anger, fears, addictions? All are welcome. Please wear a mask & maintain social distancing. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-678-2222 / davetheman161@gmail.com
Brought to you by JANUARY 13 – FEBRUARY 3, 2021
SATURDAY, JANUARY 15
Farmers’ Market — Farmers Market, Wolfville 9am– 1pm. WEEKLY! • TIX: no charge INFO: 902-697-3344 / wfmassistant@wolfvillefarmersmarket.ca
SUNDAY, JANUARY 16
Community Meditation Group — Bishop Hall, Greenwich 10:30am. WEEKLY! • Beginners are welcome. Sitting and walking meditation followed by tea and discussion. TIX: donation INFO: Stephen.Brown@nscc.ca / Joan Norris, 902-542-7993 C’mon, C’mon — Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville 4pm & 7pm • When his sister asks him to look after her son, a radio journalist embarks on a cross-country trip with his energetic nephew to show him life away from Los Angeles. Limited seating due to covid restrictions. Proof of vaccination & masks required. TIX: $12 Cash or debit/credit at the door / eventbrite.ca INFO: manager@alwhittletheatre.ca Debut Atlantic: Pianist Jean-Luc Therrien – CANCELED — Dear friends and supporters of Debut Atlantic, due to the ongoing rise in cases and new restrictions, we have had to postpone our upcoming tour with pianist Jean-Luc Therrien. Please stay tuned for new date announcements in the coming weeks and stay safe! INFO: facebook.com/debutatlantic
TUESDAY, JANUARY 18
Committee of the Whole — Municipality of the County of Kings, Coldbrook 9am • The meeting will be held in person unless COVID restrictions change. Those who wish to attend are required to PRE-REGISTER by phone/email. The public can also listen live at countyofkings.ca. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-690-6133 / municipalclerk@countyofkings.ca Interview Skills (Virtual) — Zoom Platform, Annapolis Valley 9–10am. ALSO Jan. 27, 3–4pm • Our virtual workshop provides you with information on types of interviews, sample questions, what to do during and after an interview, and more. TIX: no charge INFO: 866-609-9675 / workshop@peopleworx.ca Celebrate Recovery — New Hope Wesleyan Church, Kentville 7–9:30pm. WEEKLY! • A faith based 12Step program for all who need help with hurts, habits & hangups. Are you struggling with broken relationships, stress, anger, fears, addictions? All are welcome. Please wear a mask & maintain social distancing. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-678-2222 / davetheman161@gmail.com
THURSDAY, JANUARY 20
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1
FRIDAY, JANUARY 21
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2
NS Works Online — Zoom Platform, Annapolis Valley 2–3pm. ALSO Jan. 31, 11am–12pm • Nova Scotia Works Online is a digital tool to help individuals access tools and resources in their job search. We will discuss what it is, how it will help you as a job seeker, and how to get started. TIX: no charge INFO: 866-609-9675 / workshop@peopleworx.ca S.O.A.R. Peer Support Training — Survivors of Abuse Recovering, Kentville 9am–4pm • Survivors of Abuse Recovering is offering a 16-session peer support training to train survivors of childhood sexual abuse to be peer supporters to other survivors. Register at https:// survivorsofabuserecovering.ca. Deadline for registering is Jan 28. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-993-0077 / peer.mentor@survivorsofabuserecovering.ca Resume Skills (Virtual) — Zoom Platform, Annapolis Valley 12–1pm • In this session, you will learn how to create an effective resume by exploring how your skills and qualifications can be presented, various resume formats and templates, NSW Online and more. TIX: no charge INFO: 866-609-9675 / workshop@peopleworx.ca Inigo Cuartero — Crystany’s Brasserie, Canning 6–8pm • Inigo performs classic to modern songs showing his unique approach and passion for music. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-582-3663 / crystanysbrasserie@gmail.com Dawn, Her Dad and the Tractor — Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville. Jan. 21, 22, 7pm & Jan. 23, 4pm & 7pm • John MacGinnis begins an odyssey towards understanding when his son Donald, now Dawn, comes home to mourn her mother and repair the estrangement with her Dad. ALSO, JAN. 21 SHOW ONLY: Gala Wolfville premiere includes Q & A after with the director and actors. Limited seating due to covid restrictions. Proof of vaccination & masks required. TIX: $15 Cash or debit/credit at the door / eventbrite.ca INFO: manager@alwhittletheatre.ca
SATURDAY, JANUARY 22
Christmas Ceilidh Dance — Louis Millet Community Complex, New Minas 6–9pm • A truly fantastic night out for your WHOLE family! Enjoy live music and dancing, AND yummy Irish stew, with your loved ones in an enchanting (belated) Christmas setting! TIX: $12+HST in advance, $18 at the door. Age 5 and under FREE! INFO: 902-993-0013 / info@valleyirish.com
MONDAY, JANUARY 24
Cover Letters — Zoom Platform, Annapolis Valley 1–2pm • Cover letters provide an opportunity to make a pitch to a specific job. In this webinar, we discuss different types of cover letters, format, submitting electronically, and some samples. TIX: no charge INFO: 866-609-9675 / workshop@peopleworx.ca
Beat the winter blues with our family combos; available for takeout only Crystany’s Brasserie 9848 Main Street, Canning 902-582-3663 CrystanysBrasserie.com
Public Hearing & Municipal Council — Municipality of the County of Kings, Coldbrook 6pm • The meeting will be held in person unless COVID restrictions change. Those who wish to attend are required to PRE-REGISTER by phone/email. The public can also listen live at countyofkings.ca. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-690-6133 / municipalclerk@countyofkings.ca Wolfville Legion Coffee/Tea Social — Community Hall, White Rock 9:30–11:30am • Wolfville Legion invites everyone out to drop in for a fresh baked treat and enjoy fellowship (masks and proof of vaccinations are mandatory). TIX: $2 INFO: 902-542-5869 / wolfvillelegion@gmail.com Network Knitting — Library, Kentville 1–3pm • Bring your projects (knitting or crochet) and come join the fun. For adults, everyone is welcome! Registration is required. Masks and proof of full vaccination are required. TIX: no charge INFO: valleylibrary.ca Miss Lori’s Infant Massage — The Playful Pumpkin Play Cafe, Windsor 9:30pm • Join Lori for some fun, informative and quality time with your infant. Infant massage is great for all babies from 2-12 months and can help so many things, such as colic, gas, sleep, attachment and an overall happier baby. 4-week course TIX: $99 for all 4 sessions INFO: 902-472-3020 / theplayfulpumpkincafe@gmail.com
EAGLE WATCH 2022 Eagles are typically fed once daily around 9:30-9:45am from January until March at the corner of Middle Dyke Road and Bains Road in Sheffield Mills. Please remember eagles are wild animals and no one can predict when they will feed. Please keep dogs in your vehicles, children behind the barriers, and stay out of the woods to avoid disturbing the birds. Remember to drive slowly and be mindful of pedestrians. The shoulder can be closer than it appears when the roads are plowed, so please park with caution and avoid a trip to the ditch! Check sheffieldmills.org for Eagle Watch 2022 information.
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26
L’nu Beading with Marlene Joudry — AVRL Virtual Program Space, Berwick 1:30–2:30pm • Register to receive your kit, then tune in on Zoom for instruction. Marlene will share the meaning of the symbol we will be beading, and show you how to get started beading on deerskin leather. The kit will contain the supplies you need: deerskin, glass beads, thread, and needles. Please add the branch where you will pick it up in the NAME field (example: Mary Ann, Hantsport) The Zoom link will be sent to you the day before the event. Kits will be available beginning January 17. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada. Ce projet est finance en partie par le gouvernement du Canada. Ki’j ka na sulieway wejia’q koplnu’ltuk. TIX: no charge INFO: valleylibrary.ca
FRIDAY, JANUARY 28
Jill Boudreau — Crystany’s Brasserie, Canning 6–8pm • Jill Boudreau has recently taken on the challenge of writing and performing her own songs, which have been well received. She has many musical influences which are evident when you hear her sing, however she derives great inspiration from Winnipeg’s Romi Mayes and the Annapolis Valley’s own Hupman Brothers. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-582-3663 / crystanysbrasserie@gmail.com
SATURDAY, JANUARY 29
Girls’ Outdoor Adventure & Leadership Program — Kentville Parks and Trails 1–4pm • Saturdays from 1–4pm, starting Jan. 29 for 8 weeks. A weekly outdoor program for female-identifying teens ages 13–16 years. Meet new people, connect with nature, develop leadership skills, and build confidence in the outdoors. Hosted by Flying Squirrel Adventures and Kentville Recreation. TIX: Pay what you can. Register at valleyflyingsquirrel.wordpress.com INFO: 902-993-1717 / valleyflyingsquirrels@gmail.com
SUNDAY, JANUARY 30
King Richard — Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville 4pm & 7pm • A look at how tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams became who they are after the coaching from their father Richard Williams. Limited seating due to covid restrictions. Proof of vaccination & masks required. TIX: $12 Cash or debit/credit at the door / eventbrite.ca INFO: manager@alwhittletheatre.ca
Always check this source for accurate tides: Canadian Fisheries & Oceans. www.waterlevels.gc.ca JAN 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 FEB 01 02 03
HIGH 9:03am 9:54am 10:42am 11:27am 12:09pm 12:49pm 1:28pm 2:08pm 2:50pm 3:34pm 4:21pm 5:12pm 6:08pm ••7:09pm 7:38am 8:43am 9:47am 10:48am 11:44am
LOW 3:16pm 4:07pm 4:54pm 5:38pm 6:19pm 6:59pm 7:15am 7:56am 8:37am 9:21am 10:07am 10:58am 11:53am 12:52pm 1:56pm 3:01pm 4:04pm 5:03pm 5:59pm
12:37pm •1:27pm 2:15pm
6:51pm 7:12am 8:00am
THERE ARE NORMALLY TWO HIGH AND TWO LOW TIDES EACH DAY.
•Highest High: 45.6 feet ••Lowest High: 39.7 feet
January 2022 | 9
BOOKS BY LOCALS Wendy Elliott
Woman on a Mission: Katherine Bell Fraser in Armenia, 1892-1897: From Christian Missionary to Refugee Advocate by Andria Hill-Lehr These days it’s common for twenty-something women to seek adventure and life experience through travel. Some people are moved to work in other countries to gain an understanding of other cultures, or to help in humanitarian crises. Katherine Bell Fraser’s reasons for going to Armenia in 1892 weren’t much different. The young woman from Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia, travelled as a young Christian missionary full of zeal, but relatively ignorant of the world and informed by untested ideals. Within a couple of years she witnessed events that were previously unimaginable—well beyond the poverty and want she was told to expect. Such affronts to her notions of justice and human decency shaped her, and gave her credibility and a voice to speak passionately about crimes against humanity she witnessed. Her story, told with the help of historical photos, diaries, and personal letters, sheds important light on the efforts by missionaries, many of them women, to provide relief and to save lives during the Armenian Massacres of 1892 to 1897.
Wendy Elliott (WE): How did you hear about Katherine’s life story? Andria Hill-Lehr (AH): One day in 2005, while waiting in the Nova Scotia Archives for a box of research materials, my gaze wandered to the card catalogues lining one wall. In the days before internet search engines and computerized catalogues these were how we looked for information. They offered a serendipitous, tactile opportunity to find something one wasn’t necessarily looking for. At least, that’s how I sometimes used them, rather like when you open a book to a random page to seek guidance or an answer to a question: a bibliophile’s divination. I scanned the labels on the drawer fronts. I can’t now recall whether the label that caught my eye said “biography” or “people,” but whichever it was, it evoked “story.” I slid the drawer open, ran my fingertips lightly along the tops of the cards, and randomly selected one. On it was Katherine Bell Fraser: papers of her missionary work in Armenia, 1892–1897. I recorded the call number in my notebook and returned some weeks later to see what was there. Two small archive boxes containing a few photographs, a journal, and almost two hundred letters drew me into a tale of travel, adventure, hardship, and atrocity, seen through the eyes of a young Nova Scotia woman who went to Armenia as a missionary and then coordinated relief work for nine thousand Armenian refugees in Bulgaria—all before she turned thirty. In this book I quote extensively from Fraser’s papers, letting stand her misspellings, lack of punctuation, and sentence fragments, all of which allow us to hear her voice and get a sense of the person behind this remarkable story. WE: What about her gumption appealed to you AH: My initial interest in her was what moved her to make the choice to move halfway around the world simply on the basis of her untested ideals. I can’t say that I fell in love with her or have become so thoroughly engaged with her as I did Mona Parsons. Mona had privilege but had lived enough not to be naïve about her choices to become involved in risky business during the Nazi occupation, whereas Katherine’s choices were based on thoroughly untested ideals and black-andwhite notions of what the world should be. WE: How did the recent book signing in Sherbrooke, her home town, go?
AH: The signing in Sherbrooke was amazing, both for the opportunity to share her story with those who had never heard of her, and for two encounters with people who had! I was at the Village Treasures Gift Shop. I’d ask people where they were from, and if they said they were the local area, I’d point to the enlarged copy of the book cover and ask whether they knew her story. Two-thirds of the book order was gone in three hours. But the best part was when I saw a couple who had passed my table chatting with one another, and then the fellow made a call on his mobile. Eventually, he and his partner came back to the table. He said that he’d been talking to his cousin, who is a GP in Sherbrooke, asking if he’d heard about the book. Then he told me that he and his cousin are both related to Katherine Bell Fraser. I was stunned! I’d made trips to Sherbrooke in the hopes that someone would know of her—even ‘stalked’ a guy who lives near the Air B&B where I was staying because the surname on his mailbox was Fraser. Nothing. And then this fellow turns up: Sandy MacDonald. The synchronicities that came about because of Mona were numerous and remarkable, but even this little connection was amazing! The other person, who knew of her, identified her when I asked if she was aware of a woman in the Riverview Cemetery with the epitaph “Doing a man’s work with more than a man’s capability.” Her eyes widened and she said, “Why, yes, I know of her. I cleaned her headstone a few years ago, and I wondered what that epitaph meant!” Katherine Bell Fraser’s story might not captivate or endure in the same way that Mona’s has, but hers is a remarkable story, given the times in which she lived. As we continue to learn just how much women’s stories have been overlooked, or eradicated from history for the last 2000 years, hers is an important piece in the narrative, and it’s wonderful to see how her black-and-white view of the world changes as she moves from her familiar, 19th century Christian Nova Scotia where, as a woman, she is educated but not emancipated, to a country where women are even more inferior to men (e.g. women are not allowed to practice medicine, so are limited to midwifery), and she was a minority Christian working among the minority Christian population.
Hill-Lehr, who lives in Port George, is published by Nimbus in Halifax. She is the author of two previous non-fiction books: Mona Parsons: From Privilege to Prison, from Nova Scotia to Nazi Europe and A Mother’s Road to Kandahar.
The Pegasus Bridge Show by Michael Bawtree This story, told in “free-cantering” verse, is a dramatized account of the critical operation to capture Pegasus Bridge by Allied forces in 1944, in the opening stages of D-Day. It is based on an earlier show and DVD presentation by Wolfville’s Michael Bawtree, with original words and music that set the event within the history of previous cross-Channel campaigns. This account draws on the memories of some of those involved and the author’s own experience of serving in the same regiment. Profits from the sale of this work have always gone to the support of veterans. For this Canadian edition, as an active member of his local Royal Canadian Legion Branch in Wolfville, Bawtree has donated all net proceeds to the Branch’s “75” Fund, which is dedicated to the renovation of the century-old Wolfville Legion building. The renovations will make the building fully wheelchair-accessible and provide new spaces for resources and workshops for veterans.
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Images courtesy of Wendy Elliot.
JANUARY’S HIDDEN GEMS Margot Bishop
With the holiday season neatly over and the first weeks of winter under our belts, try for some hidden gems that are truly just for yourself. Not being selfish in a bad way but taking time for self. There is an old expression: every day, in every way, I am getting better and better. Try for those things that make you feel better about yourself. Do not try for big or impossible or impractical things. These types of goals seldom work and are often very discouraging when they fail, as they often do, through no fault of the person. That is why I never make New Year’s resolutions. I prefer the power of positive thinking. It is a lot more fun and encouraging and gives a great sense of self worth. A much better way to start a new year.
identify the specimens that you see. It is a hobby that you can either do alone or with people in your bubble. With the good photos that can be taken with cell phones, you can capture your observations and then share and compare them with others. Just think, you might be the first person to observe a rare (or seldom seen in our area) species. How cool would that be?
What things could be our hidden gems? What would we like to do for ourselves? Baby steps are better when trying something new. Start small, and if you really like the activity, then you can make bigger advances. Deciding something is not as interesting as it was when you started is easier to stop if you do not have a lot of effort put into it, and there is no shame in stopping something if you want to. After all, this is something for your self.
What about trying a new language? Not conversational or perfect grammar, but just a few words and phrases. It is fun and gets the brain working in a different way. It will help with memory retention also. Surprise and interest your family when you ask them for a cup of tea in Gaelic. My ancestors are Irish, French, and Flemish, maybe that is a good place to start? Or get a pen pal—what we used to call a person living in another country that we started a letter-writing relationship with. Now with so many nationalities living in the Valley, we have a perfect opportunity to get to know people from other cultures, but with the restrictions on meetings, maybe you will have to resort to the internet. Newcomers’ clubs are fun, but also are suspended from meeting just now. Check things out in your area.
What to do? How about going for a walk? With the mild weather and no ice under foot, going for a walk around the block has been easier than in most Januarys. If there is a January thaw, it will pass, so take advantage of the weather while it lasts. If you do not like to walk alone, find a neighbour with a dog and offer to walk with them. Very quickly it will become a habit and something to look forward to. Bird watching is a great pastime. Either Miner’s Marsh in Kentville or the Guzzle near Evangeline Beach are wonderful ‘birding’ spots. There are good field guides at the library, or use the internet to look up and
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Maybe learn a new skill. Knitting or crocheting or simple sewing projects are all fun ways to challenge yourself and add another accomplishment to your list of positives. Learn from a patient baker or cook, one or two simple-tomake but wonderful-to-eat dishes. Then wow your family and friends.
You could start some seeds indoors. Many herbs are easy to grow in little pots on your windowsill. You could use a grow light and be as fancy as you want to be or just use a wide mouth jar and some cheesecloth and grow mung beans for your stir fry. Anything goes. If you cannot visit with fellow gardeners in person just now, visit on the phone or social
media. All positive contacts with friends and family can and should be extended to those people that you do not see on a regular basis, but probably would love to hear from you. There are computer tutorials and board game nights at most libraries. Check with your local library to find out about and register for some free classes or activities. There is even a recording studio upstairs at the Wolfville library. Board game nights are fun with the family as well or movies or card games. All of this can help with early evenings and a sense of winter blues. I have also tried the only stand-up tanning booth in the Valley at The Golden Tan in New Minas. It is only $1/ minute. Remember every day, each day is actually getting longer with more and more daylight. Spring is less than three months from now, less than 11 weeks, but there are things you can do this winter season, with help from your community’s recreation department. They lend equipment. Just call and find out what is available, and go from there. Yoga is good for you and fun. There are classes locally and it is also on TV. I have friends in the construction business, and also a couple of retired police officers, who say that they start their days with yoga. The regime has now become a way of life for them. Remember to be pleasant during these trying times. A smile and a kind word will go a long way to cheer not only yourself but another person. St. Teresa (our lady of flowers), believed that it was the little things that mattered. Sometimes the best things that we can do for ourselves are very simple but hard to do in our busy lives. Take time for yourself, read a book, have a nice soak in a bubble bath, have a nap, go for a walk, or sit back and do absolutely nothing at all. Positive thinking for your ‘self’.
Another old expression comes from Shakespeare: to thine own self be true. Please stay safe, wear your masks, sanitize your hands, and think good thoughts. We will get through this together. Positively.
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VISUALLY SPEAKING: WILL COOPER Anna Horsnell
scan and colour it in Photoshop. Once I know the colours I project and trace the sketch onto a sheet of sealed plywood, and then I get cutting. My second favourite part of the process is painting, where I get to take off the headphones and see the magic of colour bring my work to life.”
Simplicity speaks clearly. So it is with Will Cooper’s wooden mosaics. Their whimsical innocence unpretentiously portrays the very heart of Maritime life and our primal connection to the sea. From lighthouses and fishing boats to eagles and landmarks like Cape Blomidon, this is art that touches gently and with joy. Born in England, Will Cooper lived and worked around the world before putting down roots in Nova Scotia. About ten years ago, his wife bought him a scroll saw. He’d always loved to draw and quite literally the pieces came together. As he recalls, “I wanted to make something to donate to Hope for Wildlife for their gift shop, so I came up with the idea of a painted wooden fox. People loved the fox so much that I made a seal, and then an owl, and then a scene of the Valley.” He hasn’t looked back, and what began as a hobby has now become a full-time art career offering originals, prints, and cards. Every medium has its own challenges and working with wood is no less unique. Cooper’s technique involves cutting out his designs from sheets of birch plywood, then carefully sanding, painting, varnishing, and gluing the pieces back together. “The cutting and sanding are noisy and dusty and working with wood means my artwork takes a long time to make. I work very hard to minimize the dust with dust extractors, a Shop Vac plugged into my tools, and for extra safety, I often wear a full-face respirator. To deal with noise, I use noise-cancelling headphones while I operate my saw and sander. One challenge with painting on wood is preventing tannins from
bleeding through, which I accomplish by using Baltic birch plywood (which has almost no knots) and also applying multiple coats of a specialized wood sealer. Another challenge is gluing. Each piece needs to have just enough glue and be clamped with just enough force to hold it in place without squeezing excess glue between the pieces and onto the face of the painting. This is the only nerve-wracking part of my process.” Cooper’s art is characterized by strong colours and sweeping lines that instill a sense of movement. “Design is my favourite part of the process. Often while I’m out for a walk I’ll see something or imagine something I want to make into a piece of art. I probably do a dozen sketches for every one that makes the cut. Once I have a sketch I’m excited about, I walk away and come back to it later with fresh eyes. This is essential. I used to rush to the next stage but then I would often end up with something that I wasn’t fully happy with. Now I sit with my designs and let them evolve over several days. Once I have a sketch I like, I
What’s next? “This year will be very different since I will have my gallery open. Instead of going out to art fairs and markets like I did pre-Covid, people will be able to come and see my work here, which I’m really excited about. I’m currently working on a piece that will be travelling to Paris and beyond, and I’m planning on creating a virtual tour of my gallery. Before Covid I was in talks with Lee Valley about travelling across Canada to lead workshops at their stores, and I’m hopeful that will still happen once things get back to normal. This year I’d also like to get my cards and prints into more shops and I’ve always wanted to do a large public piece of art.” Clearly the future looks bright.
❧ The newly-opened Will Cooper Art Gallery is located at 2132 Saxon Street, Lower Canard. Hours of operation are 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Friday, 1pm to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, or by appointment. For more details, visit willcooperart.com or on Facebook and Instagram @willcooperart. Photo courtesy of Will Cooper.
ET K C I T Y A W EA GIV No ticket giveaways at this time. To see what’s happening around the Valley, check out ValleyEvents.ca.
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DO YOU WANT TO LEARN HOW TO BE A PEER SUPPORTER? Starting Feb 5th, 2022, S.O.A.R. is offering a free online 16-session peer support training for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse of all genders who have progressed sufficiently in their recovery that they feel ready to assist others in healing. Training will be held on alternate Saturdays. Volunteer Peer Supporters are asked to commit at least two years following the end of training. Trainees must attend all 16 sessions to receive a certificate of completion. For information or to register, go to the link below: https://tinyurl.com/soar-pst
PLEASE DO NOT WALK-IN WITHOUT A SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT We still offer same-day treatment, however, we must follow social distancing precautions and now assign specific times for emergency examination and treatment. TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL 902-681-9111 Thank you and stay safe!
Application Deadline: Jan 28th
Learn More S.O.A.R. is a community-based, volunteer-run charitable organization, We offer peer and group support services in Nova Scotia to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and provide public education to the community. https://survivorsofabuserecovering.ca
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WATERCOLOUR PAINTING CLASSES
Starting February 15 5:00 – 6:30pm Second block:
PAINTING THE WINTER LANDSCAPE Third block:
BUILDING EFFECTIVE COMPOSITION Four Tuesday classes per block $110 per block A materials list for you to have on hand for the classes will be provided . Limited to 10 students for each block. Instructor: Jean Leung, Art Club Location: Wolfville Baptist Church, Main St., Wolfville Register: Jean_leung@hotmail.com Phone: 902.670.8800 To register online go to tinyurl.com/ArtClass2022
’S
L CAR
396 Main St., Wolfville 542-9680
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FRESH, COOKED, WHOLE BBQ CHICKEN.
$2 off regular price, valid with no other offer.
Expiry: Friday, February 11th 2022
