ON THE COVER: WOLFVILLE WEDDING CHAPEL

Emily Leeson

It is February and amidst the flurries and freezing rain, there is also love in the Annapolis Valley air. For couples looking to tie the knot, renew their love, or just put on a bit of a show—the Wolfville Wedding Chapel has been making love come true since 2021.

The chapel is the passion project of Sarah Anderson, who also created East Coast Pop Up Weddings. “I’d had the idea of a chapel in the back of my mind for a year or two,” says Anderson. “I’ve been to Vegas, I love colour and kitsch, and I wanted to keep with the one-stop-shopping idea for weddings that has worked so well for me in the past few years.”

While this may be the era of tiny events, there’s no skimping on the possibilities of what a wedding can be when done just right, right here in the Annapolis Valley. “Tiny does not mean lesser than,” says Anderson. “What I love about intimate weddings is that they can be completely reflective of the couple—which is how weddings are intended to be, aren’t they? There’s more room for personality, for splurging on the fun bits, and anything small tends to be more ceremony-focused and real. And that’s what’s at the heart of a marriage, isn’t it? Getting married.”

Since opening its doors, the Wolfville Wedding Chapel has helped to broaden ideas of what a wedding can be.

Whether it’s on a weekend, weekday, in the early hours of the rising sun, or just before a night out on the town, weddings at the chapel are whatever couples want them to be.

“The chapel is the ‘church for all,’ so to speak,” says Anderson. “When we look back at the people we’ve married in the last six months, it’s been everyone: culturally diverse, same sex, parents with young children and adult children, folks on their second marriage, couples in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, introverts and extroverts and everyone in between, folks who’ve always wanted to elope, folks who had plans thwarted by COVID, folks looking for the quick and dirty now and the wild party later, etc. But the common thread is people looking for a wedding where they can just be themselves and isn’t that what it’s all about anyway?”

The chapel is ready to host a ceremony and celebration—but Anderson says couples who have lived and loved in the time of COVID are even making that timeline their own. There’s always the option of getting married now and partying later. “Who says it all has to happen on the same day? If your time is now, have at it!” she says. “Don’t wait for siblings to fly in from out west, don’t wait for this pandemic to be over. Your family and friends will love you regardless of whether or not they’re on the invite list and they’ll celebrate you afterwards with a party or reception when restrictions allow.” And whether couples are dreaming of ‘I do’ with friends and family, or planning an even more intimate pas-de-deux, celebrations here in the Valley can continue long after the ceremony.

Here are Sarah’s favourite Valley spots to celebrate once your ‘I do’s are done:

Baxter’s Harbour: If scenic natural wonders are where you want to start your marital bliss, Baxter’s Harbour Falls won’t disappoint. Accessible via a short trail, you’ll want to check out the tide times before you embark on this little adventure, but once you’ve got the schedule set, this little trek and picnic on site is a picture-perfect way to toast your nuptials!

Annapolis Royal: What isn’t there to love about this gem of Annapolis County. Just far enough away to feel like a little trip, there are scenic spots aplenty for wedding photos, a bustling main street to stroll, and charming B&Bs where you can make a weekend out of it. And if you’re there on a Saturday, the Farmers & Traders Market is worth the trip all on its own!

Grand-Pré National Historic Site: Beautiful in any season and steeped in the history of this land, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the perfect spot to take a stroll and kick off your life together. If your honeymoon plans involve a bit of glamping, the site now also features Otentiks for rent. En route, be sure to pause at View Park on Old Post Road for the best view of Cape Blomidon — it’s the view Valley residents say let’s them know they’re home (it also looks beautiful as a wedding photo backdrop!).

When you’re ready to take the leap, the Wolfville Wedding Chapel has a trio of wedding options—each with its own set of delights. Check out all the offerings at wolfvilleweddingchapel.com.

Cover photo (Sarah and Allan) and above photo (Sarah Anderson) by Janette Downie.

Home Heating

A clear blue gem of a January day Annie Mae’s kitchen. Breakfast time –

Hooray! She’s looking out her window, I’m taking in the view She turns and says, “That thing’s askew” And clicks her tongue, calculatingly “Neither leaf nor bud, it’s dead and gone The wood would burn with the bark still on And it’s leaning so...precipitously” “Not a whisper of wind, no neighbours around Shall we go lay that big ash down?” She laces her boots, enticingly “Anne Mae”, I say, “I got a maul in the car I got a 260 Stihl with a good straight bar Providing 2-stroke reliability” “Picture it down and the brush hauled away Imagine the scene at the end of the day If we do this... industriously” “I’d get the wood, you’d get the view It works for me, if it works for you” “Aahh”, she says, “reciprocity” It’s half-past four, and just as we said Chunked, split and stacked in the lee of her shed And all leans to amber in waning daylight Good straight grain and the length just right While back at window, sweaters entangled, The satisfied glow of the truly bedraggled Coffee perking, dumplings steaming The makings of a pleasant evening Enter the Muse...insouciantly “Far be it from me, of course, to presume That yard, like this house, has plenty of room Consider what’s coming. A south facing lee Is a fine pretty place for hardwood to be These BTUs, essentially free, Could stay ‘till the spring...comfortably.” — Bernard Irvin

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***PLEASE CHECK IN ADVANCE TO CONFIRM WHETHER EVENTS ARE STILL TAKING PLACE*** * Shaded events take place weekly or more than once, as noted

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Art Gallery — 7 Arts, Greenwood 2–6pm • 7Arts Gallery reopening with paintings, jewelry, art supplies, craft kits and knit shop. Come in to discover your creative side at the MakersSpace for more info 7arts@7arts.ca TIX: various prices INFO: 902-765-7278 / 7Arts@7arts.ca Guy Paul — Crystany’s Brasserie, Canning 6–8pm • Guy Paul Thibault is the essence of the east coast music scene: A song, a story, and a laugh. All while his guitar never stops. 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 Don’t Dress for Dinner — CentreStage Theatre, Kentville 7:30pm. ALSO Sat., Feb. 5, 7:30pm • A farce by Marc Camoletti, adapted by Robin Hawdon, directed by Junie Hutchinson, with Ross Chapman, Linda Levy Fisk, Mike Butler, Jane Kerr, Tracy Churchill, and Allan Tupper. TIX: $15 adults, $12 seniors (65 plus), at the door. Call to reserve your seat. INFO: 902-678-8040 / ccentrestage@centrestagetheatre.ca

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5

Breakfast — Lions Club, Kentville 8–10am • Treat your favourite valentine to a hearty Kentville Lions breakfast. TIX: Adults $8 Children $4 INFO: 902-680-2740 / vintagemusic1@hotmail.com Farmers Market — Farmers Market, Wolfville 9am–1pm. WEEKLY! • Our socially distanced, Indoor Market features over 50 vendors. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-697-3344 / wfmassistant@wolfvillefarmersmarket.ca Queer/Trans Friendly Hikes — Willow Park, Wolfville 2–4pm. WEEKLY! • 8-week series. Flying Squirrel Adventures is excited to offer a weekly hiking program created to support queer/trans people and allies in building connections to nature, themselves and their community. These hikes will run every Saturday, starting and ending at Willow Park in Wolfville. All are welcome! Registration required. INFO/Reg: valleyflyingsquirrel.wordpress.com/programs

Always check this source for accurate tides: Canadian Fisheries & Oceans. www.waterlevels.gc.ca

FEB

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MAR

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HIGH

2:15pm 3:02pm 3:48pm 4:34pm 5:22pm 6:12pm ••7:05pm 7:29am 8:23am 9:17am 10:07am 10:55am 11:39am 12:22pm 1:03pm 1:44pm 2:26pm 3:09pm 3:56pm 4:47pm 5:43pm 6:45pm 7:14am 8:23am 9:30am 10:32am 11:28am 12:20pm •1:09pm

LOW

8:00am 8:47am 9:33am 10:19am 11:06am 11:56am 12:48pm 1:42pm 2:37pm 3:30pm 4:20pm 5:06pm 5:50pm 6:32pm 7:13pm 7:31am 8:13am 8:56am 9:42am 10:31am 11:26am 12:27pm 1:33pm 2:41pm 3:47pm 4:47pm 5:42pm 6:33pm 7:19pm

THERE ARE NORMALLY TWO HIGH AND TWO LOW TIDES EACH DAY. •Highest High: 45.8 feet ••Lowest High: 37.8 feet

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6

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 Red Rocket — Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville 4pm & 7pm • Finding himself down & out in Los Angeles, ex porn star Mikey Saber decides to crawl back to his hometown in Texas, where his estranged wife & mother in law live. Limited seating due to covid restrictions. Proof of vaccination & masks required. TIX: $12 cash or debit/ credit at the door OR online @ eventbrite.ca INFO: manager@alwhittletheatre.ca

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7

GriefShare — New Hope Wesleyan Church, Kentville 7–9pm. WEEKLY! • GriefShare offers help and encouragement after the death of a loved one. It is a special weekly seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life. We know it hurts, and we want to help. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-670-9288 / gerrits.bernadine@gmail.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Community Luncheon — Lions Club, Kingston 12–1pm • Full Turkey Dinner. This Luncheon is by PRE-ORDER ONLY. No eat in option, only delivery or take-out. Preorders will be taken on the 2nd and 3rd of February between 8am–noon. TIX: Take-out: $12 / Delivery: $13 INFO: 902-765-2128 Celebrate Recovery — New Hope Wesleyan Church, Kentville 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. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-678-2222 / davetheman161@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9

Wolfville Legion Coffee/Tea Social — Community Hall, White Rock 9:30–11:30am • 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. WEEKLY! • 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 Valley Women’s Business Network AGM — Zoom Platform, Annapolis Valley 6:30–8:30pm • Valley Women’s Business Network AGM and Introduction to Canva. TIX: no charge INFO: programs@vwbn.ca

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10

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

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12

Vision Board Workshop — Rachel Reeve Art, Greenwich 1–3pm • Vision Board Workshop with Visual Artist Rachel Reeve. Map out your dreams and reach your goals! Email to register. TIX: $20 INFO: 902-698-3181 / aiaigasa30@hotmail.com

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13

Nature for Newcomers Winter Series – X-Country Skiing — Kentville 1–3pm • Flying Squirrel Adventures is excited to facilitate monthly nature fun for Newcomers to our region. Transportation support available. INFO: valleyflyingsquirrels@gmail.com / valleyflyingsquirrel.wordpress.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Committee of the Whole — Municipality of the County of Kings, Coldbrook 9am • The meeting will be held in person unless COVID restrictions change. Any persons who wish to attend are required to PREREGISTER. Members of the public can also listen live at countyofkings.ca. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-690-6133 / municipalclerk@countyofkings.ca

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A Matter of Equality: Hon. Don Oliver — AVRL Virtual Program Space, Berwick 7–8:15pm • An online presentation of the autobiography of the former Canadian Senator, The Hon. Don Oliver, CM. ONS. QC. A Matter of Equality: The Life’s Work of Senator Don Oliver examines the legacy of the first man, and the second Canadian, to bring the Black experience directly to the upper house. Lawyer, and outspoken spokesperson for diversity and minority advancement, A Matter of Equality details his life as a Black man working, within the system, to bring change to Nova Scotia and beyond. Growing up in the only Black family in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Donald Oliver felt duty-bound to honor his great-grandparents, who had fled slavery in the US. His family’s fundamental creed was; work hard, be humble, love the Lord, and do all you can to help other people. Donald Oliver would go on to embody those values in a big way. Now retired, he looks back at a life lived in service to others. In his own careful and thoughtful words, he examines his days as a lawyer, social activist, teacher, and his twenty-three years of service as a member of the Senate of Canada. TIX: No charge. Register to receive the zoom link. INFO: valleylibrary.ca

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Flee — Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville 7pm • The extraordinary true story of a man, Amin, on the verge of marriage which compels him to reveal his hidden past for the first time. Limited seating due to covid restrictions. Proof of vaccination & masks required. TIX: $12 Cash or debit/credit at the door OR online @ eventbrite.ca INFO: manager@alwhittletheatre.ca

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Man In Plaid — Paddy’s Pub, Kentville 8–10pm • Spend a winter night with The Man In Plaid as he plays some great classic rock and Maritime tunes. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-483-9261 / maninplaidmusic@gmail.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Virtual Paint Day — 7 Arts, Greenwood 3–5:15pm • Join Artist Jane Beals for a fun virtual paint day “Palm Tree on the Beach” from the comfort of your own home. Supply kit to be picked up from 7Arts building, Greenwood (open 2–6pm, Fri–Mon.) TIX: $40 per person, cash or via e-transfer to janebealsart@gmail.com 7arts Building Greenwood, Open 2 to 6 pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday or e-transfer janebealsart@gmail.com INFO: 902-825-6617 / janebealsart@gmail.com

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Parallel Mothers — Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville 7pm • Pedro Almovodar’s latest film is the story of two mothers who give birth the same day. Limited seating due to covid restrictions. Proof of vaccination & masks required. TIX: $12 Cash or debit/credit at the door OR online @ eventbrite.ca INFO: manager@alwhittletheatre.ca

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Nature for Newcomers Winter Series – Sledding & Snowshoeing — Kentville 6–7:30pm • Flying Squirrel Adventures is excited to facilitate monthly nature fun for Newcomers to our region. Transportation support available. INFO: valleyflyingsquirrels@gmail.com / valleyflyingsquirrel.wordpress.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26

Coldest Night Of the Year — Centre Square, Kentville 5–7pm • Coldest Night of the Year is a Canada-wide walk to raise money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. This is Open Arms’ 10th year hosting CNOY ‘Annapolis Valley’ alongside 168 cities and communities across Ca TIX: donation INFO: 902-599-4326 / coldestnight@openarms.ca Broken Leg Theatre – Eye of the Tiger — Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville 7–9pm • Come enjoy amazing theatre, music, comedy, and dance! A fabulously fun family-friendly frolic! TIX: $10 at the door or by email. INFO: Donna, donnaholmes712@gmail.com

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Sunday Music in the Garden Room — K.C. Irving Environmental Sciences Centre, Acadia University, Wolfville 2 pm • Stéphane Tétreault, cello. The Bach Suites According to Stéphane Tétreault. COVID restrictions apply – proof of vaccination and masks. PLEASE NOTE: The concert will depend on Acadia campus being open to the public. TIX: no charge INFO: Arts Acadia website – artsacadia.acadiau.ca Drive My Car — Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville 7pm • After his wife’s unexpected death, Yusuke Kafuku, a renowned stage actor and director, receives an offer to direct a production of Uncle Vanya in Hiroshima. Limited seating due to covid restrictions. Proof of vaccination & masks required. TIX: $12 Cash or debit/ credit at the door OR online @ eventbrite.ca INFO: manager@alwhittletheatre.ca

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