The Grapevine - December 2022

AS THE RIVER BENDS: WHERE NATURE MEETS LUXURY, P.12 WHO’S WHO: THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY, P.4

GARRY LEESON: THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST, P.6 WENDY ELLIOTT’S BOOKS BY LOCALS, P.3

SAMUEL JEAN: LET YOUR GARDEN SLEEP, P.19 CADANCE’S NUTCRACKER TURNS SWEET 16, P.9

BRIDGE

WINTER WONDERLAND

November 20th to January 8th, until 8pm daily Free admission

New this season, come wonder at our vineyard adorned with festive lights! Plan a date night, bring the family, or connect with a friend. And yes, you can order a glass of wine or hot cocoa to enjoy while you take it all in!

FARMWORKS HOLIDAY MARKET

Sunday, November 27th, 12pm to 4pm Free admission

This annual market is a local favourite! Show your local love this holiday season. Enjoy mulled apple cider or a glass of wine while you shop *very* local this holiday season.

COMMUNITY RINK

December 15th through March 5th $5/person*

Enjoy a one-hour skate on our rink, overlooking the picturesque Gaspereau Valley with 50% of proceeds to Feed Nova Scotia. Warm up by the fire with a glass of wine or hot cocoa after your skate!

VINEYARD ADVENTURES

December 2022 to March 2023, Fri to Sun $30/person*

Escape into the vineyard on a journey through our trails until you reach our river landing with firepits. Sculpt a glass out of ice and enjoy rare wines from our cellar.

BOOKS BY LOCALS

Wendy Elliott

Refuge

Out of her family’s experience, Refuge by Susan Surette-Draper of Port Williams is a novel of love, loss, and survival in Acadie. Refuge chronicles the stirring stories of Pierre Suret and Catherine Bro, who escaped the Acadian deportation but not the consequences of the Grand Dérangement. Refuge results from Surette-Draper’s research over several years and connects to her own family history. The book was launched at the Visitors’ Centre at Grand-Pre National Historic Site.

A former interpreter at the site, Surette-Draper, read a selection to the large crowd on hand, and then folks stood in line to get Refuge signed.

Clairmont Publishing released the fictionalized story at the end of October, and it sells for $30.

Books for younger readers

New Minas writer Jim Prime has written a new young adult/youth book entitled ‘Ice Dreams.’ It’s the story of the 1972 Summit Series between Canada and the USSR, generally thought to be the greatest hockey series in Canadian history.

“I wrote this book for a somewhat younger audience. The reasons for that are twofold. First, a whole generation of fans was not born when this 8-game series was played. This book makes the whole experience accessible to them and provides the historical context.”

More importantly, Prime says, young people will easily identify with the players who grew up as Team Canada members. Interviews with Paul Henderson, Ron Ellis, Bobby Clarke and Serge Savard reveal the challenges each had to overcome to make it to the NHL and the Summit Series. All kids face obstacles of various kinds, everything from bullying to shyness to physical issues.

“The four players I mentioned all had those roadblocks. Henderson’s family was poor and unable to afford hockey equipment. His dad was often distant and stern. Ellis was born with a club foot that required early medical intervention; he also developed a speech impediment. Clarke had type 1 diabetes and had to prove that he was tough enough to play in the NHL. Serge Savard was always the tallest player on his team. With advice from his dad, he had to decide what kind of player he wanted to be.”

Nimbus Publishing has produced a new and expanded edition of Wolfville writer Dean Jobb’s 2005 book on the Deportation of the Acadians. This classic work of Acadian history from an award-winning journalist is finally back in print. The Deportation stands as one of the darkest events in Canadian history and is replete with the drama of war, politics, and untold human suffering. While many Acadians returned from exile to establish new communities that thrive today, others made their way to Louisiana and founded the vibrant Cajun culture known worldwide. Now, in a revised and updated edition of the book published to mark the 250th anniversary of the first deportations, Jobb revisits his dramatic and compelling account of “Le grand derangement,” which was immortalized in Longfellow’s famous poem, Evangeline.

With thirty images to complement the storytelling, The Acadian Saga is a bridge across the centuries for the descendants of a founding people of this nation, whose courage and resourcefulness still resonate in modern-day Acadie and Louisiana. It sells for $26.95.

Rooted in Deception

Kentville writer Laura Churchill Duke has just launched her second novel, Rooted in Deception. On the heels of the award-winning novel, Two Crows Sorrow, Rooted in Deception is another true-crime story in rural Nova Scotia. This time the focus is on an Irish con man. On the move in the early 1900s, he was busy spinning stories, turning heads, and lifting whatever was not nailed down. The villain spins tale after tale into a web that entangles credulous Nova Scotians - until he takes one step too far. Secret identities, deception, and greed escalate to murder.

Rooted in Deception is published by Moose House Publications and is available in local bookstores across the Valley and online, both in print and e-reader format.

Without being preachy, he noted, they all speak about those early years and the persistence it took to rise above their difficulties. Ron Ellis, an articulate role model who speaks from experience, wrote the foreword for the book. “I truly think that ‘Ice Dreams’ is a timely book in these days when Canadian hockey is under the microscope for all the wrong reasons. The battles this team fought and the lessons they learned along the way will help elevate youth hockey to the place it deserves.”

Catherine Prime was the illustrator. Prime’s book can be ordered from him directly at: jprime1@gmail.com; or through Moose House Publishing moosehousepress.com

Anna Maria & Maestro Vivaldi

Wolfville writer Jan Coates has written the story of a young orphan whose only joy is the singing of her violin. Also involved in the plot is an 18th-century composer who became one of the most renowned figures in European classical music.

In Anna Maria & Maestro Vivaldi, their fictionalized story unfolds as Antonio Vivaldi guides Anna Maria toward becoming one of the most celebrated violinists of her time and finding a home in the heart of her famiglia musicale. With Anna Maria’s synesthesia - her gift for ‘seeing’ music - there is an imagined context for the creation of Vivaldi’s renowned work The Four Seasons.

Coates is the author of numerous books for young readers, including A Hare in the Elephant's Trunk, a finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award and the Ann Connor Brimer Award. Her middle-grade novels have been finalists for several awards as well.

Francois Thisdate was illustrator for her latest creation. In the Wolfville area, copies of Coates’ new story are available at Artisans of Annapolis on Main Street, the Wolfville Farm Market Store and Stirling Farm Market. ❧

The Acadian Saga: A People's Story of Exile and Triumph

WHO’S WHO: THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY

Mike Butler

Books by Locals p.3

Who’s Who / Margot’s Hidden Gems p.4

From the Editors / Word / Puzzles p.5

School Food / Mike Uncorked / Garry Leeson p.6

Free Will Astrology / Star Drop p.7

Classifieds p.8

Cadance’s Nutcracker p.9

Wolfville Page p.10

The Longest Night / Climate Circles p.11

Ron Lightburn p.11

As The River Bends Retreat p.12

Gallery 360 / Fezziwig / Eco-Holiday Tips p.13

What’s Happening / Tides p.14-16

Poetry / Libraries p.16

Colouring page p.17

Fullstrong Coffee Roasters / Holiday Playlist p.18

Gardens / Raccoon Radio / Acts of Kindness p.19

DANIELLE WISEN Co-Owner and Operator ALLY MANNETTE Co-Owner and Operator

DAVID EDELSTEIN Design, Typesetting, Layout

ADVERTISING

AD DEADLINES:

JANUARY ISSUE: Mon. Dec. 26, 2022

FEBRUARY ISSUE: Mon. Jan. 23, 2023

Ads Issue No. 19.10 December 2022

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It must be the Holiday issue of the Grapevine! This is the one issue of the year that I stray from a local Who’s Who profile and branch into something more holiday-esque, with a character or person of literature, folklore, etc. In the past, I’ve interviewed Santa & Mrs. Claus, The Grinch and Ebenezer Scrooge, Rudolph, Frosty and The Ghosts of Past, Present and Future, but this year, I was able to interview one of my favourite holiday characters of song, The Little Drummer Boy! I snared (drum pun) a sit down with this very busy musician to learn more about his life, lore and how he deals with his fame. Can I get a drum roll for this one?

The Little Drummer Boy is one of my favourite holiday songs. I have very vivid memories of singing this in Christmas concerts in my youth, split into groups to handle the “rum pa pum pum” and the audience was always full of such joy.

The song itself was originally titled, Carol of the Drum and was written by American composer Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941. The song was first recorded in 1951 by the Trapp Family, yes that’s the same Austrian Trapp family singers made popular by The Sound of Music film, and a 1958 recording further popularized the song by the Harry Simeone Chorale; the Simeone version was re-released successfully for several years, and the song has been recorded many times since.

Do you have a favourite recording of this song? I mean, who doesn’t? Over the years, and with many holiday albums added to my collection, I have quite a few favourite versions of this song from artists like Boney M, Meagan Smith, John Denver, Mary J. Blige,

and The Jackson 5. But my favourite version of Little Drummer Boy would be the Emmylou Harris version. I highly recommend you search it out!

I face timed with The Little Drummer Boy, whom we shall call “Carl” (he wished to remain anonymous), to see how he handles all the fame of being the boy behind the drums in this very popular song. “Carl” was born in a poor town. He has two sisters named Anna (Anna One and Anna Two), and his parents were hard workers who always supported his drumming hobby.

“Carl” stated, “Well, my good deeds were never meant to become a popular song, but I love that there are still new artists drumming up new ways to sing and record my efforts. I was just out in the fields one night, just a poor boy working, when I was summoned by the Magi to the Nativity of Jesus. What an invitation eh? To think I attended probably the most famous first birth of all time and there I was, without a gift!”

“Carl” was merely a hard-working boy who frequently played his drums in his free time. He wouldn’t have considered himself a struggling artist because he really didn’t play for money or recognition. Here in the valley, we should feel daily blessed for the venues and possibilities to express our artistic sides. The next time you think it’s hard out there for a struggling musician, please think of “Carl’s” struggles; I mean, there wasn’t even an Open Mic to be had in his town back then.

“Carl” stated, “I walked to the nativity and realized I was without a gift. I’d have to improvise. The animals were so friendly, the

MARGOT’S HIDDEN GEMS

are available

Margot Bishop

December’s ‘Hidden Gem’ is deep inside us but never truly buried so deeply that it cannot be found. It is ‘faith’—in oneself, family, neighbourhood, and community.

storm windows or plastic wrapping the windows in the porch or sunroom. All of these things are great gifts.

wise men welcomed me with open arms, even though I was allergic to the franken scents, but they gave me the stage to present my song to Jesus, and I was a smash hit.”

Depending on the rendition of the song, the lyrics are very poignant and tell the story of the drummer boys’ great efforts to play their best, be confident and strong and encourage audience participation. And with the approval of the animals (the ox and lamb kept time) and Mary (she nodded), the little drummer boy succeeds in providing entertainment and the gift of music to the new baby Jesus. (Jesus smiled, and all was well)

The story of The Little Drummer Boy has been recorded, played, sung, presented in theatre form, and even turned into a celebrated 1968 made-for-TV cartoon film, but “Carl” has stayed grounded with the fame.

He commented, “Like most performing artists, I feel I peaked in the manger. I mean, once you’ve played for Jesus, it’s sort of down hill from there but eventually, my efforts caught on and soon, other artists began performing for Kings, Lords, Queens, and other high-profile people. I wrote a few more songs but my “rum pa pum pum” lick was where I excelled. Now, I walk to the beat of a different drum.”

I want to thank “Carl” for his beautiful story, talent, and ongoing support of other artists. His efforts prove that the gift of music, art, literature and anything creative is one of the best things ever. If you are an artist, use your talents to spread love, light and enjoyment this holiday season. Best wishes!! ❧

Grapevine Publishing, PO Box 2262 Wolfville, NS, B4P 1A0 ALSO

WHERE TO FIND US

WINDSOR: Fry Daddy’s, Gerrish & Gray, 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: Library, Planters Ridge, Post Office, The Noodle Guy

DISCLAIMER

CANNING: ArtCan Gallery, Degraaf's Kwik-Way, ValuFoods

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, Library, Maritime Express, Post Office, T.A.N. Coffee, Valley Regional Hospital

COLDBROOK: Access Nova Scotia, T.A.N. Coffee, Callister's Country Kitchen, Foodland

BERWICK: Jonny's Cookhouse, 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 Horton’s (Central Ave + Mall), Valley Natural Foods

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.

With the holiday season fast approaching, let us think about what we can do to bring the ‘magic’ forth to become a true gift for someone. Gifts can be anything that means something to someone, and it does not have to be a thing that is wrapped. A wonderful gift is help; offering someone time and effort is appreciated. Especially for someone who lives alone, that extra pair of hands to put up some Christmas lights or decorations is genuinely magical. What about helping with a chore, like putting the garden to bed or checking the snowblower? Putting on the

If you have the cash and the time, there are many alternative gift ideas. Give to a food bank, a shelter, a children’s centre, a senior’s daycare, a palliative care facility, or any place that provides for the less fortunate at this ‘festive’ time of year.

You could even help with heating expenses – half of a cord of wood or paying part of an electric bill. This would be very generous. Instead of giving ‘stuff,’ give a gift card or voucher to a show, movie, or live performance for family members and others on your holiday list. Re-gifting some things can be a

good alternative. Again, you must have ‘faith’ in your knowledge of the persons receiving these items.

The very cool thing about the word ‘faith’ is how it CAN be spelled:

F — friends, family A — attention

I — inspiration

T — truth H — healing

I have ‘faith’ in every one of you. That you will be gracious and kind in your dealings with others. Please stay safe, and take care. ❧

From the Editors

A MOMENT TO CELEBRATE YOU

In closing our first calendar year of ownership and operation, we would like to express our gratitude to all our readers and supporters. These past five months have managed to fly by while celebrating the successes and accomplishments of you, our community.

We’ve had the opportunity to meet extremely inspiring, hardworking, and innovative individuals. In every story or interview we are fortunate enough to cover, we are blown away by the uniqueness of the Valley and the amazing people who live here. It’s been a learning curve like no other, and we’re thankful for your support as we continue to learn and grow. It’s people like you who care about your community and your role within it that help in making The Grapevine so special.

We’re excited about what’s ahead and are looking forward to connecting with even more of you in the New Year. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season.

With love, Danielle & Ally

occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. Serendipity is a noun coined in the middle of the 18th century by author Horace Walpole (he took it from the Persian fairy tale The Three Princes of Serendip). “There will always be a unique joy for me in finding a new second-hand shop, with the prospect of discovering something special by sheer serendipity.”

SCHOOL FOOD… IS THERE ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT?

Becca Green-LaPierre, Kings County Community Food Council

The Government of Canada is taking steps to develop a Canadian school food policy to help improve children’s access to nutritious food while at school. Early November they started a series of federal consultations with provincial/territorial governments, Indigenous partners and stakeholders. They also want to hear directly from YOU! An online questionnaire has recently been launched so you can share your experiences with school food programs and offer your views on what objectives and principles should be most important for a national school food policy.

Meals served at school can help improve diet quality, support lifelong healthy eating practices, and improve food skills in students. School meals can also support families by reducing household food costs. Being able to afford food is a real concern for a lot of Canadian families. According to the 2018 Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children Survey, up to 1 in 5 young people report going to school or bed hungry at least sometimes because there is not enough food at home.

Currently school meal programs only reach around 21% of school-age children and rely heavily on volunteers to run the programs, and community groups, parents, charities, and private sector donations to fund the programs. The Kings County Community Food Council would like to see real change here. Our Council is a part of the Coalition for Healthy School Food. The Coalition is a group of over 220 nonprofit member organizations from coast to coast to coast who collectively advocate for the creation of

a universal cost-shared school food program for Canada, that would see all P-12 students having daily access to healthy food at school at little or no cost to students and that food served will be culturally appropriate, local, and sustainably produced to the fullest extent possible.

Does this sound good to you too? Here are four concrete actions you can take:

1. Complete the survey! (Google: Pan-Canadian school food survey 2022)

2. Encourage your work/church/volunteer organization to sign on as a supporter of the Coalition for Healthy School Food.

3. Attend the next Kings County Community Food Council meeting (we meet monthly via ZOOM).

4. Tell your Member of Parliament (MP) that you agree that school food is important and that you want them to push for Budget 2023 to include funding for a School Food Program.

❧

Becca Green-LaPierre is a founding member of Kings County Community Food Council. The Council’s Vision is to have a sustainable, local food system in Kings County, where everyone has access to enough nutritious, safe, ecological and culturally appropriate food. For more information on our work and how you can get involved please contact us info@KCCFoodCouncil.ca or find us on Facebook.

MIKE UNCORKED: MEMORY CAFÉ

Mike Butler

We have all felt the effects of the diseases around us. Who hasn’t been affected by cancer, diabetes, mental health issues, heart disease, and so many more? While there is a cause in all our lives that means something to us, this small Uncorked focuses on the social well-being of persons living with dementia!

Our seniors are the link to our past and the founders of many industries, organizations, and traditions that we still use, love, and pass on to the next generation. We live in a world where our phones and computers are our memory, and we don’t exercise our memory enough.

Have you heard of the Memory Café NS? This is a non-profit community-based project to improve the quality of life and social inclusion for persons living with dementia and their families/ care partners in Nova Scotia. My friend Beverly Cassidy, a geriatric psychiatrist, affiliated with Dalhousie University Department of Psychiatry, is this project’s proud founder.

She stated, “My role is to help design and co-ordinate Memory Cafes around the province, but many people are involved to make Memory Cafes happen. Our team is multi-disciplinary: municipal leaders, businesses, health care providers, artists and musicians, residents, medical students, co-op students, as well as community volunteers.”

The program started in 2019 when Bev met with Nick Zamora from The Town of Wolfville to discuss the idea of launching a pilot Memory Café series in Wolfville. Nick was super supportive of helping make Wolfville an Age-friendly community and increasing social opportunities for persons with dementia.

Bev commented, “We launched the first series in January 2020, and then COVID hit. We adapted…and developed virtual cafes on Zoom that could still incorporate conversation, music, and interactive art while people had their warm drinks at home around their kitchen tables. Getting the technology going was a challenge, but once we worked through that, the Zoom cafes sometimes felt like virtual

kitchen parties! We were surprised how well this worked out, and we still offer some of our Memory Cafes on a Zoom platform.”

Currently, they host in-person Memory Cafes in Wolfville/Kentville area, Cape Breton region, Clare, Argyle/Yarmouth region and Lunenburg. Each cafe has its own unique flavour, and most are housed right in functioning cafes in the community. Memory Cafes incorporate both French and English settings and incorporate the use of music as a primary tool for the gatherings.

Bev commented, “It’s great to see Memory Cafes spreading in many parts of the province now. We are very grateful to the Mud Creek Rotary Club, who gave us funding to get going, and last year, we received federal funding from New Horizons to help spread the project provincially. I am motivated to be part of this project because I see how distressed many people feel when they receive a diagnosis of dementia. They especially fear becoming isolated and marginalized. There is still a great deal of stigma related to dementia and I feel that can be changed much more effectively outside the four walls of an office.”

How do you become involved? Well, the best way to find out about the project is through the website: https://memorycafens.ca. The website houses free resources for running a Memory Café, including how to register in each region, downloadable art, Memory Café music, chair yoga and facilitator guides for hosting a Memory Café. Registration is now open for the Wolfville/Kentville area Memory Café at: recreation@wolfville.ca. Any youth interested in volunteering with the project or doing a co-op placement can contact them at: info@ memorycafens.ca.

I want to thank Beverly and all the helpers who make Memory Café such a special addition to this and many communities. Thank you for helping make the difficult process a bit easier to work with for family, friends, and those with dementia. Best of luck as the Memory Café flourishes. ❧

THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

Garry Leeson

In the 1950s, Toronto was a dirty old town with streets still full of horse-drawn delivery vehicles. Decades of heating with coal and producing gas from it in huge lakeside retorts which belched sulphurous smoke day and night had coated all the buildings in a thick layer of black oily soot.

As the city was affectionately known, Hog Town was reminiscent of the smoky old, polluted cities of Great Britain, where many of the predominantly Anglo-Saxon population had originated. It was the kind of city that Jack the Ripper would have chosen to emigrate to had he been so inclined.

We were living in an old Victorian home on Pembroke St. It had seen better days and was currently functioning as a rooming house. In exchange for the free rent of our small apartment on the ground floor, my parents managed the several scattered rooms on the remaining floors above. I was never very comfortable in that house. The rumour was that there had been a strange death in the original family and that it was now haunted.

On Christmas Eve of 1953, my sister, Donna, and my ten-year-old self returned home from our almost nightly trip to the local movie theatre. We had just seen Reginald Owen as Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, and the trip through the dark streets had been a bit unsettling. Even for me, a boy who habitually ignored curfew and wandered the streets at night, it seemed especially spooky.

At home finally, I had found an empty bedroom on the second floor and settled in for the night, waiting for Santa or anyone else bearing gifts.

In the early hours of Christmas morning, after a nightmare brought on by the previous evening’s movie, I woke frightened and in a cold sweat. I decided to go downstairs to our living room’s more familiar surroundings. I normally slept there on a bed made by lashing

two big old overstuffed armchairs together close to the TV.

As I was heading down the stairs, a second nightmare confronted me. This one was real though, and infinitely more horrific! On the long landing above, where I stood transfixed, a pale ghostly figure clad in what appeared to be white gossamer was moving— almost floating— along in the direction of the room I had just left.

Her face was a pale sightless mask, her wispy white hair spilled down over her shoulders, and she clutched something in her hands.

As she disappeared in the direction of the bathroom, I ran terrified down the stairs to alert the family. It took my mother a while to settle me down and make sense of what I was trying to tell her. Eventually, she decided to go upstairs and investigate for herself.

She claimed later that she almost had a heart attack when she also encountered the apparition still on the second floor and only stopped fearing for her life when one of the roomers, Mr. Marsden, clad only in his flannel nightgown, rushed from his room and came to my mother’s rescue.

“Sorry to disturb you, Mrs. Leeson,” the old man muttered nervously. “I see that you have met my wife.”

My ghost, Mrs. Marsden, was a blind semi-invalided woman in her seventies. She stood silent and unmoving while her husband spoke. He said that Mrs. Marsden had chosen or, as we later surmised, had been forced to live in solitary confinement, entombed in the couple’s small room on the second floor. We hadn’t even known she existed until she appeared to me that night, and we had been living there for several months. God only knows how long she’d been stuck alone in that dark room. She just waited day after endless day while her husband worked long hours at

his job at an appliance factory. She only chose or was allowed, to leave the room to tread through the dark halls of early morning to empty her chamber pot.

Later in the day, after opening all the presents my seven sisters lavished on me, it was decided that I should be taken to Mrs. Marsden’s room. I had been wearing a brave face, but everybody could tell that I was still upset. The thought was that perhaps if I talked to the ghostly lady and saw that she was real, I would feel better. My father took — half dragged me — up the stairs and pushed me passed Mr. Marsden into their room.

It was a long time ago, but when I close my eyes and think back, I can still see my Ghost of Christmas Past sitting on a chair facing the one window of the single room. Several small

brass bells were placed in a line on the sill, the radio was playing Christmas music, and she was picking the bells up one by one and jingling them in accompaniment. I talked to her but couldn’t be convinced to touch her.

It would be nice to say that my family could rescue Mrs. Marsden from her situation, but that didn’t happen. We made plans to, but shortly after Christmas, Mr. Marsden was at our door looking for help. He’d come home from work to find his wife dead in her bed.

The minister presiding at the small memorial for her said that she was now at peace and had gone on to a better place, but I wasn’t so sure.

We had a record of Stanley Holloway singing, “With her head tucked underneath her arm, she walks the bloody tower,” and whenever we played it, I would get shivery flashbacks to my frightening encounter on the second floor.

We moved to a new place shortly after her funeral, and I was glad to be away.

It wouldn’t surprise me to learn that the tortured soul of Mrs. Marsden still occasionally walks the halls of 81 Pembroke Street. ❧

Donna and me in 1953

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Journalist Hadley Freeman interviewed Aries actor William Shatner when he was 90. She was surprised to find that the man who played Star Trek’s Captain Kirk looked 30 years younger than his actual age. “How do you account for your robustness?” she asked him. “I ride a lot of horses, and I’m into the bewilderment of the world,” said Shatner. “I open my heart and head into the curiosity of how things work.” I suggest you adopt Shatner’s approach in the coming weeks, Aries. Be intoxicated with the emotional richness of mysteries and perplexities. Feel the joy of how unknowable and unpredictable everything is. Bask in the blessings of the beautiful and bountiful questions that life sends your way.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Of all the objects on earth, which is most likely to be carelessly cast away and turned into litter? Cigarette butts, of course. That’s why an Indian entrepreneur named Naman Guota is such a revolutionary. Thus far, he has recycled and transformed over 300 million butts into mosquito repellant, toys, keyrings, and compost, which he and his company have sold for over a million dollars. I predict that in the coming weeks, you will have a comparable genius for converting debris and scraps into useful, valuable stuff. You will be skilled at recycling dross. Meditate on how you might accomplish this metaphorically and psychologically.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Tips on how to be the best Gemini you can be in the coming weeks: 1. Think laterally or in spirals rather than straight lines. 2. Gleefully solve problems in your daydreams. 3. Try not to hurt anyone accidentally. Maybe go overboard in being sensitive and kind. 4. Cultivate even more variety than usual in the influences you surround yourself with. 5. Speak the diplomatic truth to people who truly need to hear it. 6. Make creative use of your mostly hidden side. 7. Never let people figure you out completely.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): In my dream, I gathered with my five favorite astrologers to ruminate on your immediate future. After much discussion, we decided the following advice would be helpful for you in December. 1. Make the most useful and inspirational errors you’ve dared in a long time. 2. Try experiments that teach you interesting lessons even if they aren’t completely successful. 3. Identify and honor the blessings in every mess.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “All possible feelings do not yet exist,” writes Leo novelist Nicole Krauss in her book The History of Love. “There are still those that lie beyond our capacity and our imagination. From time to time, when a piece of music no one has ever written, or something else impossible to predict, fathom, or yet describe takes place, a new feeling enters the world. And then, for the millionth time in the history of feeling, the heart surges and absorbs the impact.” I suspect that some of these novel moods will soon be welling up in you, Leo. I’m confident your heart will absorb the influx with intelligence and fascination.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo author Jeanette Winterson writes, “I have always tried to make a home for myself, but I have not felt at home in myself. I have worked hard at being the hero of my own life, but every time I checked the register of displaced persons, I was still on it. I didn’t know how to belong. Longing? Yes. Belonging? No.” Let’s unpack Winterson’s complex testimony as it relates to you right now. I think you are closer than ever before to feeling at home in yourself—maybe not perfectly so, but more than in the past. I also suspect you have a greater-than-usual capacity for belonging. That’s why I invite you to be clear about what or whom you want to belong to and what your belonging will feel like. One more thing: You now have extraordinary power to learn more about what it means to be the hero of your own life.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): It’s tempting for you to entertain balanced views about every subject. You might prefer to never come to definitive conclusions about anything, because it’s so

much fun basking in the pretty glow of prismatic ambiguity. You LOVE there being five sides to every story. I’m not here to scold you about this predilection. As a person with three Libran planets in my chart, I understand the appeal of considering all options. But I will advise you to take a brief break from this tendency. If you avoid making decisions in the coming weeks, they will be made for you by others. I don’t recommend that. Be proactive.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio poet David Whyte makes the surprising statement that “anger is the deepest form of compassion.” What does he mean? As long as it doesn’t result in violence, he says, “anger is the purest form of care. The internal living flame of anger always illuminates what we belong to, what we wish to protect, and what we are willing to hazard ourselves for.” Invoking Whyte’s definition, I will urge you to savor your anger in the coming days. I will invite you to honor and celebrate your anger, and use it to guide your constructive efforts to fix some problem or ease some hurt. (Read more: tinyurl.com/ AngerCompassion)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian comedian Margaret Cho dealt with floods of ignorant criticism while growing up. She testifies, “Being called ugly and fat and disgusting from the time I could barely understand what the words meant has scarred me so deep inside that I have learned to hunt, stalk, claim, own, and defend my own loveliness.” You may not have ever experienced such extreme forms of disapproval, Sagittarius, but—like all of us—you have on some occasions been berated or undervalued simply for being who you are. The good news is that the coming months will be a favorable time to do what Cho has done: hunt, stalk, claim, own, and defend your own loveliness. It’s time to intensify your efforts in this noble project.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The bad news: In 1998, Shon Hopwood was sentenced to 12 years in prison for committing bank robberies. The good news: While incarcerated, he studied law and helped a number of his fellow prisoners win their legal cases—including one heard by the US Supreme Court. After his release, he became a full-fledged lawyer, and is now a professor of law at Georgetown University. Your current trouble isn’t anywhere as severe as Hopwood’s was, Capricorn, but I expect your current kerfuffle could motivate you to accomplish a very fine redemption.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “I stopped going to therapy because I knew my therapist was right, and I wanted to keep being wrong,” writes poet Clementine von Radics. “I wanted to keep my bad habits like charms on a bracelet. I did not want to be brave.” Dear Aquarius, I hope you will do the opposite of her in the coming weeks. You are, I suspect, very near to a major healing. You’re on the verge of at least partially fixing a problem that has plagued you for a while. So please keep calling on whatever help you’ve been receiving. Maybe ask for even more support and inspiration from the influences that have been contributing to your slow, steady progress.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): As you have roused your personal power to defeat your fears in the past, what methods and approaches have worked best for you? Are there brave people who have inspired you? Are there stories and symbols that have taught you useful tricks? I urge you to survey all you have learned about the art of summoning extra courage. In the coming weeks, you will be glad you have this information to draw on. I don’t mean to imply that your challenges will be scarier or more daunting than usual. My point is that you will have unprecedented opportunities to create vigorous new trends in your life if you are as bold and audacious as you can be.

Homework: What do you like a little that you might be able to like a lot? Newsletter. FreeWillAstrology.com.

© 2022 Rob Brezsny • freewillastrology.com • Horoscopes for the week of December 1st

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CLASSES & WORKSHOPS:

Boogie Woogie Piano Lessons: Learn this wonderfully exciting style of music, along with Latin jazz, rock, popular, and ‘world’ music from an experienced professional. INFO: (902) 385-2375 | rodwsmith@mac.com

Cancer Suppot Group: For women with and/or recovering from any type of cancer. Meeting the second Thursday of each month. INFO: (902) 690-5956 | michellereid566@yahoo.ca | (902) 678-9100 | patmutch@hotmail.com | (902) 542-1466 | margotwithatHotmail.com

THRIVE Learning Centre for Mental Wellness and Well-being: A virtual learning centre of free courses, webinars and workshops to learn, gain new skills, and connect with others. Workshops are developed by subject experts and mental health professionals. INFO: novascotia.cmha.ca

Voice & Piano Lessons: With professional music educator, Susan Dworkin. (32 years teaching experience). Studio in Wolfville. Private lessons for children and adults of all ages. Beginner to advanced. INFO: Susanlisadworkin@gmail.com / 902-300-1001

DONATE/VOLUNTEER:

Used Cell Phones Needed: Gently used, unlocked, cleared of personal information cell phones needed, to be given to people without phones. Drop off: Middleton or Kingston Libraries. Contact us for other drop off locations. Sponsored by Kingston CHB and Stop Trashing It. INFO: info@redbearhealinghome.ca / (902) 448-4744

The Revival Shop: A “pay what you” can thrift shop offering gently used clothing for all located at 6 Willow Street Hantsport in Wellwood Hall. Donations welcome, volunteers welcome. INFO: Open Monday & Saturday 9-12pm, Tuesday & Wednesday 2-4pm, Thursday 6-8pm

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Christmas Sale at Carol Pye Gallery: Most art works are on sale from now to December 23rd. Christmas Art Cards are available. Carol Pye Gallery is at 1042 Grand Pre Road, just up the hill from Pete Luckett’s Vinyard, Open most afternoons and by appointment. INFO: (902) 402-4442

Errands by Karen Home Blood Collection: A personalized approach to lending a helping hand. Karen will collect your blood and deliver it to the lab, as well as run your errands and take you shopping or to appointments. Fully certified and bondable. All COVID protocols followed. Please call or email to book an appointment. INFO: (902) 790-2626 / errandsbykaren@hotmail.com

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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: (902) 697-2926

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Wellness Life Coach: Alexandra Gellman, Ph.D., DHM, RNCP, for homeopathy, integrative medicine, iridology (eye health assessment), and nutrition to boost your health, wellness, and cognitive capabilities naturally. Special prices for students & seniors. INFO: (902) 542-5280 | alex@alexgellman.com

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CADANCE’S NUTCRACKER TURNS SWEET 16!

Cadance Academy’s Nutcracker turns Sweet 16, and things couldn’t be sweeter as they gear up for their magical “Nutcracker” December production. This year we will see the return of the Peppermint Twists (Formerly known as Candy Canes). The cast of the Nutcracker has grown larger since last year. There will be a double casting of the Sugar Plum Fairy performed by Aries McDonald and Eliese Groeneveld, who are thrilled to achieve this part. Eliese had this to say about achieving the part of the Sugar Plum Fairy: “It has been a lot of hard work and discipline from taking several dance classes a week, ballet exams, private lessons as well practicing on my own to finally achieve the level of technique to perform this role. I have admired the dancers before me who have achieved this level of excellence, and I want to be a role model to the younger dancers. I want to inspire them the way other dancers have inspired me. It is truly an honour to be the Sugar Plum Fairy in this upcoming Cadance Nutcracker.”

Returning choreographer Allison Carey-Millet will be choreographing the Harlequin Dolls. Allison had this to say about being part of the Production: “I have been fortunate enough to be part of The Cadance Nutcracker in some

capacity, whether choreographer, Mouse King or Mother Ginger, since the first show in 2006, as well as a proud dance mom of my two daughters who has also danced in the production for several years. It is a magical experience both on and off stage. It is truly a gift for these dancers to be part of a production like this! It has become a tradition for many families and a wonderful way to kick start the holiday season.”

A newcomer Nutcracker choreographer this year is Jennah Larkin, who has taught and choreographed with Cadance for many years and choreographed for musical theatre. Jennah had this to say about this new experience: “Over the years, I have enjoyed watching the Nutcracker as an audience member, and I am excited to be choreographing the Party Polka as well as performing as a Peppermint Twist.”

The two lead roles of the Nutcracker – Clara and the Nutcracker – are being performed by the talented Emily Mei and Tayah Strong. Tayah had this to say about getting the opportunity to perform the part of the Nutcracker: “Last year, the 2021 Cadance performance of The Nutcracker was my first glimpse into the intricacies of putting on a ballet that has

such a rich traditional and historical value. Everywhere I looked, various individuals were contributing to the final product in endless forms. There were those in the neverending costume department, the organizers of countless props, the builders of the huge set, a massive collection of dancers of all ages with all forms/levels of experience, and course, the amazing director and choreographers such as Gaea and Laila pulling all the pieces together. I think this joining together of such a diverse community to create a truly unique performance every year makes the experience of being in the Cadance Nutcracker some of my most memorable moments. Not only has it astronomically grown my abilities of onstage performance, but it has also strengthened my skill set and an abundance of friendships created throughout rehearsing offstage. As December is nearing and rehearsals become more frequent, I am reminded that performance weekend is extremely exciting. Still, it is also the time spent in the studio in the months prior that is just as fun, where I get to dance with others every week while contributing to a larger group to dance with others every week while contributing to a larger group effort. Lastly, I see it as a true privilege to be dancing the role of the Nutcracker, something that would never have been possible without the constant support, acceptance, patience and education provided by every single individual

at Cadance Academy, bringing me all the way from my first open level ballet class two years ago, to the present 2022 Cadance Nutcracker performance this December.”

Emily Mei says about getting the part of Clara: “I was shocked but thrilled when I heard that I would be this year’s Clara. I have wanted to since I saw Erin Nafthal perform the role in 2016. I remember being ten years old in Children’s Polka and watching her on stage. I was mesmerized. On top of the fact that she was a beautiful dancer, she also looked like me! Erin quickly became one of my idols and gave me hope that I could one day be cast as Clara because we are both Asian presenting. It has been a lifelong dream ever since.”

As the “Nutcracker” gets closer, Emily is very excited but also a little nervous; however, she hopes to see everyone come out to see the show.

Make sure you don’t miss out on this magical tradition, which will put you in the mood for the holidays! There will be two showings- December 10th at 6:30 pm and December 11th at 1 pm at the Festival Theatre in Wolfville. Get your tickets today! Tickets are available for purchase online via the ticket link at Cadance Nutcracker 2022. ❧

A cultivated experience for the mind, body, and soil. 902.542.5767 | wolfville.ca A cultivated experience for the mind, body, and soil.

MUNICIPAL SPECIAL ELECTION

NOTICE OF ADVANCE POLL

Thursday December 1st

12NOON – 8:00PM

Tuesday December 6th

12NOON – 8:00PM

LIONS CLUB, 36 ELM AVE, WOLFVILLE (electronic voting only)

Any elector who expects to be unable to vote on ordinary polling day (Saturday December 10th) may vote at the advance poll. Please note electronic voting only is available on Advance Polling Days. The use of an iPad or telephone will be available at the Lions Club on those days

Ordinary Polling Day, Saturday December 10th will be paper voting only. No electronic voting will be available on ordinary polling day.

Electronic voting will be available 24 hours a day from Thursday December 1st, 2022, at 12noon until Friday December 9th, 2022, at 8pm

A PIN to enable access to e-voting will be included in your voter’s letter which will be mailed this week

A description of the boundaries of the polling district may be inspected at the Town Hall Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm (except holidays)

Dated at Wolfville, Nova Scotia, this 21st day of November 2022.

Laura Morrison Returning Officer

ARDYTH & JENNIFER’S “THE

LONGEST NIGHT”

CONCERT

December 21st, 7pm at St. James Anglican Church, Kentville, N.S.

Submitted

What? A Winter Solstice Concert of music, stories, good friends and quiet joy.

Who? Harpists, singer-songwriters Ardyth & Jennifer with Pam Mason, Clara Whitman, Lynn Uzans and the Peng sisters.

When? 7pm, December 21st

Where? St. James Anglican Church, Kentville. Why? In aid of those in need of comfort and peace within our troubled communities.

The longest night of the year happens on December 21st when the earth is the farthest from the sun. This is the winter solstice and is an important time in many cultures. For over twenty years Celtic harpists and recording artists Ardyth & Jennifer have presented a quiet concert of music, stories and reflection at St. James Anglican Church in Kentville on this night. This evening provides a more contemplative, quieter celebration for those weary of the hectic rush of a commercial Christmas and the pressures of living up to society’s expectations. For the past few years, a sold-out crowd in a packed church has been a testament to the need for this type of peaceful event.

Traditionally, people feel more alone and mental health becomes fragile during the Christmas season when an over-zealous holiday atmosphere seems to permeate everything. Not all families fit the common holiday image or can live up to perceived expectations. Those who have lost a loved one during the year feel an acute sense

of disconnection. With Covid restrictions in place, Christmas celebrations have been very different over the past two years and we all experienced the stress of isolation and heightened expectations. This year we will once again be able to celebrate the joy of an in-person concert.

Ardyth & Jennifer’s original songs and distinctive style have taken them throughout the Maritimes and into Ontario and the New England States, where they have played folk festivals and concerts for over two decades. With five CDs of original songs and unique arrangements of traditional folk tunes, Ardyth & Jennifer have become well-known ambassadors for Nova Scotia throughout the Maritimes and beyond. The addition of Pam Mason’s solid, joyful bass and Clara Whitman’s creative violin for the Longest Night concert has made this event an important part of many people’s Christmas traditions.

The Longest Night concert will take place on Wednesday, the 21st of December at 7pm. Masking is encouraged and seating will be limited in order to keep some distance between audience members. Tickets will be available through eventbrite for $15 (with an additional surcharge of $1.29 for handling) or for $18 at the door. All proceeds will go to social outreach programs offered by St. James Anglican church in the heart of the valley. ❧

Tickets available at www.eventbrite.ca For more information email longestnightconcert@gmail.com

CLIMATE CIRCLES ARE RETURNING TO THE ANNAPOLIS VALLEY

Emily LeGrande

After nearly three years, Climate Circles, a climate action meeting space where those in attendance can bring their climate action ideas and find like-minded people with whom to work, is returning to the Annapolis Valley! In this decade of climate action window, we have until 2030; it is important to meet in person to energize, inspire and support each other as we determine what kinds of beautiful and necessary climate solutions we need here, in the Annapolis Valley. Will it be climate adaptation projects related to our historic dykelands? New community infrastructure such as community gardens, tree nurseries, public meeting spaces, a more frequent and free public transit system, a community-owned solar garden atop large buildings, restored and high-speed rail connections to Halifax, safe biking infrastructure, or energy-efficient retrofitted affordable housing? Perhaps it will be related to food security or food waste. It is clear that there is much to be done, and none can be done alone.

Climate Circles is only the first step, but an important one. One where we learn about each other: who has which interests and skills and networks are needed to bring which of these projects or others to fruition? And we learn about ourselves, too: What action areas are most interesting to me? What skills am I best suited to share with a group? And the

best part is that while we may be hungry for action, coming together to learn about ourselves and each other in these ways is action, an action that we need to move through to get to these beautiful and necessary projects. And we might as well have fun doing it!

Join us this fall as we reconvene Climate Circles as a program of the Blomidon Naturalists Society.

Help us determine how Climate Circles will look moving forward by attending one of our reconnecting events, as much has changed since it first ran at the Wolfville Farmer’s Market in the winter of 2020. We are offering three sessions before the new year to assess community needs and connect with interested community members:

• December 6th from 7-9 pm online (email coordinator@blomidonnaturalists.ca to register)

December 11th from 2-4 pm at the Valley Community Learning Association, Kentville ❧

To learn more about Climate Circles and to donate to help make them happen, please visit blomidonnaturalists.ca/climate-circles.

I KNOW A PLACE

Winter Wonderland

Ron Lightburn’s art cards are now available at locations throughout the Annapolis Valley: Endless Shores Books in Bridgetown; The Rusty Chandelier in Coldbrook; Tides Art Gallery, R.D. Chisholm and the Kings County Museum in Kentville; Absolutely Fabulous at Home, Coles Book Store and Saunders Tartans & Gifts in New Minas; The Port Pub and Sea Level Brewing in Port Williams; Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards in Wolfville. thelightburns.com

by Ron Lightburn

AS THE RIVER BENDS: WHERE NATURE MEETS LUXURY

This past month, we were lucky enough to spend a night under the stars in The Cedar geodesic dome at As The River Bends Retreat Inc. located in Bishopsville and it was the perfect peaceful getaway to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of today’s world.

Opening in June 2021, As The River Bends Retreat Inc. began as a fusion of a love for nature, celebrating community, and supporting fellow small businesses. With decisions driven by an eco-conscious mind and creating an accessible space for everyone wherever possible, their goal is to do their part in creating a better future for all.

The retreat is ideally located ten minutes from the highway, in the sweet spot between Windsor and Wolfville. Leaving you with countless wineries, restaurants, and breweries to visit should you decide to leave (although we’re not sure you’ll want to). Every detail has been remarkably thought out, leaving guests at ease and able to thoroughly enjoy their experience while staying physically and consciously comfortable.

With a let’s figure it out attitude, The As The River Bends Team has found themselves doing it all to make their visions become reality. With the inability of a print button for the ideas that fill Shawna’s imagination, she has found herself becoming all too familiar with importing regulations (during a global pandemic, mind you), forming a concrete pad, and repurposing what nature has to offer to equip the domes with an esthetically pleasing and cozy space.

The welcoming committee happily greeted us; the Clarke family dog, Ruby (also known as Beyoncé), and Co-Owner, Shawna Johnston-Clarke, who led us through the picturesque retreat filled with gardens, places for moments to pause and reflect, and a soonto-be Japanese-inspired secret garden. Many trails can be found throughout the property,

lined with hammocks and benches, where you may even catch a sighting of Ruby doing her daily fishing at the river’s bend.

We took full advantage of the many amenities the retreat offers. The geodesic domes are equipped with a private bathroom, kitchenette, hot tub, and barbeque, to mention a few. Our evening was spent under the stars watching Christmas movies (it’s never too early –right?) on the outdoor projector from the hot tub and curled up beside the fire in the cool November air. Shawna’s attention to detail is remarkable, with nothing being unthought of. We woke to the calming tip-tapping of raindrops and later a sunrise that filled the dome perfectly with the morning’s orange glow.

With a true appreciation for other Annapolis Valley small businesses, partnerships are thoughtfully placed throughout each guest’s stay. With bed frames made of lumber from Levy’s & Sons, custom blend coffee from The Barking Bean, luffas from Annapolis Valley Luffas, and body wash infused with a custom scent from Casaroma Wellness, it’s hard not to take a step back and recognize all that the Annapolis Valley has to offer and the greatness that comes in partnerships with one another.

We all know that Nova Scotia has its not-so-fantastic months of the year in terms of weather. It can be difficult for resorts to be pleasing all year round; however, even in the cooler days of fall when the snow hasn’t yet arrived, and the trees are bare, As The River Bends has managed to create a magical space that can indeed be enjoyed all year long.

Consider yourself one of the lucky ones who have had the opportunity to experience all As The River Bends has to offer. For those of you who are looking for the perfect staycation with the ability to disconnect and appreciate, you’ll want to book soon – they are just getting started and have much more up their sleeves! ❧

Photos from As The River Bends Retreat

NEW GALLERY OPENS IN WOLFVILLE

Submitted

A new art gallery displaying paintings of local area artists has opened in the town of Wolfville. GALLERY 360 is located at 459 Main St, Wolfville.

The artists of GALLERY 360 are happy to announce the opening of the gallery, and invite the public to take a leisurely stroll through and enjoy the display. The artists are excited about their current show and the opportunity to share their talents with the public.

The artists group have joined together to display collections of their works in oils,

FEZZIWIG

CONCERT

acrylics, watercolours and pastels. A love of the scenery provided by their surroundings –land, sea, sky and architecture are reflected in their work. They are fortunate to have been offered the opportunity to use the display window and main retail space of Light and Lens Photography.

The Gallery benefits from excellent lighting, pleasing space and excellent location. We are happy to announce our venue to display local art in Wolfville. Gallery hours are 11-4 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. ❧

COMING UP!

Fezziwig performers Linda Levy Fisk and Mike Butler will be in character on Dec. 17 for the Fezziwig Family’s Concert of Frolic Favourites

Wendy Elliott

Wolfville, like many towns, has some cherished seasonal traditions. This December, the Fezziwig Family are going to present a Concert of Frolic Favourites.

The Fezziwig Family Christmas Frolic has a tradition going back to 2002 of producing English-style pantomimes. This year’s post pandemic concert will treat audiences to songs from the last ten years.

Many of the community’s favourite actors will back in the cast, including: Wil Laing and Emily Lutz as Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig, Alan Slipp, Donna Holmes, Linda Levy Fisk and Spencer Laing. Much-loved cast member Mike Butler is acting as MC this year, while the talented Graham Howes is back playing keyboard accompaniment in many musical styles.

“We keep having a frolic because it’s been really fun to stage these shows and so many people get enjoyment out of it each year,” says director Wendy Elliott. “It brings a whole

community together to laugh and sing - that’s always the best part.”

There will be two concerts on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Al Whittle Theatre. Admission is by free will donation with proceeds going to the Wolfville Food Bank. ❧

ECO-HOLIDAY TIPS

Krista McDonald & Rachael Butcher, Wholesum Refillery

In the past, the holiday season was marked by family rituals, simple traditions, wholesome food and thoughtful gifting. Today’s version of the holidays is a far cry from even a couple of generations ago. With consumer pressure building as early as August & Black Friday shopping being a holiday in itself, it is easy to get caught up in the consumer frenzy of over-consumption during the excitement of the season.

On average, Canadians increase their household waste by up to 25% over the holiday season. Here are some tips to help you stay sustainable and Earth friendly during the holidays:

• Go thrifting for decor - Second hand shops are a great place to look for holiday items. Christmas themed decor & kitchenware tends to have limited use so you can often find these items in great shape when thrifting.

• Normalize second hand gifting - Does it mean any less if a gift is gently loved? There can be a stigma with second hand gifting, but we need to break down these outdated ideas as thrifting is a gift to the planet Give experiences rather than stuff - Tickets to events or supplies for making something together will create memories that are guaranteed to outlast the latest plastic “must-have” items

• Use eco-friendly and refillable cleaning products - Keep your home guest ready with sustainable cleaning methods in refillable

containers to help cut down on plastic pollution

• Switch to cloth napkins - This is an investment that will pay for itself in the short term and is a win for the environment too

• Eco-friendly wrapping - Paper gift bags & boxes have an almost unlimited shelf life, your family can keep the same items in circulation for years! You can also wrap with items like newspaper, pillow cases or reusable shopping bags, search for festive ones to keep in the holiday spirit

• Handmade always wins - Bake or make a gift, create a garland & decor from gathered natural items, craft something new & source your gifts from local makers - we have so many wonderful artisans and crafters in the Maritimes!

The holidays are a wonderful time to connect with our dearest friends and family, celebrate traditions and create new memories. This year, let’s also celebrate our sweet little planet—it’s the only one we’ve got and we are so very grateful for her, at Christmas and all year round. ❧

Mary Anne Brunelle and Dale Gruchy setting up at Gallery 360 (photo courtesy of Jean Leung)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1

Farmers Market — Greenwood Mall, Greenwood Fun and Fables — Library, Windsor 10:30–11:30am • Join other children ages 2-5 and their caregivers for stories, songs, and crafts! Registration is required. TIX: No Charge

Farmers Market — Greenwood Mall, Greenwood 12–4pm • Our mission is to promote healthy living by eating, drinking, and shopping locally! We’re also helping to grow the local economy by having a venue for farmers, chefs, wineries, local producers, and artisans to have a place to sell healthy products! TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-847-5311 / ej.keats@outlook.com

Student Recital — Festival Theatre, Wolfville 1pm • Acadia University’s School of Music Concert Series. Sometimes it’s a guest performance, sometimes it’s a student recital, sometimes it’s something new, but every time it’s AUSOM! (music.acadiau.ca) TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-585-1512 / somevent@acadiau.ca

Holiday Cookbook Club — Dr. Frank W. Morse

Memorial Library, Lawrencetown 1:30–2:30pm • Have some favourite holiday recipes? Are you ready to try something new? The library will provide the cookbooks in advance, then we’ll meet to talk about what we’ve made. Maybe we’ll even have some samples! Please register in advance. Ages 18+. TIX: No Charge

Caregiver Support Group — Library, Kingston 2:15–4:15pm • The NS Caregivers Support Group meets on the 1st Thursday of each month and is facilitated by trained staff members who offer a confidential, friendly atmosphere for you to discuss your experiences. TIX: No Charge Festoon Night — Library, Hantsport 5–8pm • Pop Up Market and take home crafts at the Hantsport Library, Firetrucks at The Barking Bean, Hot Chocolate and Fire Pits on Main Street, Lights, Shopping Specials, Give Aways, Prize Draws. TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-684-1102 / sconeybeare@gmail.com

Sewing Club — Memorial Library, Wolfville 5–7:30pm • Don’t have a sewing machine or serger of your own? Want to learn how to use a sewing machine or serger? Our Sewing Club offers space, equipment, and instruction. Bring a project to work on. Registration is required. TIX: No Charge

Live Nativity — Baptist Church, New Minas 6:30–8pm • In support of Food Bank. Thurs & Fri, Dec 1-2 (6:30-8pm) experience a wondrous journey as you drive through Bethlehem. Take an interactive stroll through the village while enjoying a free hot chocolate at our indoor cafe. TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-681-7683 / office@nmbc.ca

Anniversary Celebration — Millstone Harvest Brewhouse, Sheffield Mills 6:30–8:30pm • It’s the 4th Anniversary of Millstone Harvest Brewhouse and Sea Level Brewing is now 15 Years Old! - come help us Celebrate! Live Music with Guy Paul Thibault TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-582-2337 / sealevelbrewing@gmail.com

7Arts Open Studio — 7 Arts, Greenwood 7–9pm • 7Arts Open Studio, calling all those who like to be creative, ages 16+ and adults; work independently or join a guest artist to unleash your creativity. TIX: Drop-in fee of $10 with your supplies. $25 with 7Arts Supplies INFO: 902-765-7278 / 7arts@7arts.ca

Trivia Night — Oaken Barrel Pub, Greenwood 7–9pm • Give us a try, here’s how it works. Season play is done over 8 weeks, and teams of 6 are encouraged. We count the 6 best scoring weeks towards our grand prizes! Grand prizes change based on the season’s trivia sponsor! TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-765-8933 / info@oakenbarrel.ca

Open Mic — Valley Community Learning Association, Kentville 7:30–9:30pm • Join us for Open Mic night! Musicians Sahara Jane and Ken Shorley will host the night, and all are welcome to come and play or to sit back and listen! Coffee and Tea will be served, and donations are welcome. TIX: Donation INFO: openmicvcla@gmail.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2

Babies and Books — Library, Kingston 10–10:30am •

Each week caregivers and their babies (newborn to 18 months) are invited to visit us at the Kingston Library for quiet stories, rhymes, and songs. Registration is required. TIX: No Charge Fibre Ops — Library, Windsor 10am–12pm • Calling all knitters, hookers, crocheters, weavers, spinners ... or anyone who enjoys the fibre craft arts. Bring your project and we’ll all work together! All skill levels are welcome, no experience is necessary. TIX: No Charge Let the Games Begin — Bridgetown & Area Library, Bridgetown 1–3pm • Do you enjoy playing cards or board games? Skip-Bo and Scrabble are popular, and we have them here for you to enjoy. If you have a favourite game you’d like to share with others, be sure to bring it along! Registration is not required. TIX: No Charge Christmas Fair — St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Auburn 1–3pm • St. Mary’s Anglican Church Christmas FareWreaths, door swags, centrepieces, festive foods- fudge, tarts, cookies, and some other decorations. This will be held over two days- Dec. 2 and 3. TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-847-9847 / robardecoste@ns.sympatico.ca

Community Coffee — Memorial Library, Wolfville 1:30–3:20pm • Warm up with a coffee, tea and treat with your community. Every second Friday, no registration is required. TIX: No Charge

Middle School Guitar Club — Wolfville School, Wolfville 2:45–3:45pm • Have you thought about learning to play guitar? Join us for 5 weeks of beginner to intermediate Guitar lessons with Reuben Gilbert! Open for grades 6-8. Wolfville School Students Only. Email: recreation@wolfville.ca to register or with questions! Brought to you by Music in Communities and the Town of Wolfville TIX: No Charge INFO: recreation@wolfville.ca

NatureBus Visit & Wildlife Walk at Dusk — Miners Marsh, Kentville 3–5pm • Family friendly event with Flying Squirrel Adventures. Visit with the Nature Canada NatureBus travelling to COP15 biodiversity conference in Montréal. Participate in engaging activities and a guided lantern-lit walk at dusk. Come as you are. TIX: Donation INFO: valleyflyingsquirrels@gmail.com LEGO Club — Library, Kingston 3:30–4:45pm • Join us and build something amazing using our gigantic collection of LEGO. Ages 4-10. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited, so book early. Sign up for just one session or sign up for them all. Call the library for further details. TIX: No Charge

Gnome Paint Night with Jane Beals — Berwick and District Library, Berwick 6–7:30pm • Join us for a gnome-themed painting night with local artist Jane Beals! Suitable for youth and adults. All supplies are provided. Registration is required. If this event is cancelled due to inclement weather, it will be rescheduled for Friday, Dec. 9. TIX: No Charge

Teen Takeover — Library, Kingston 6–7:45pm • The Kingston Library is giving you the run of the place. Hop on our computers, try out our tech stuff, discover a surprise activity, or just hang out with your friends. Ages 13+. Registration is required. TIX: No Charge

Tween Holiday Crafting — Dr. Frank W. Morse Memorial Library, Lawrencetown 6–7pm • Make a mini gingerbread house decoration from a terra cotta pot and some paint and baubles! Ages 8-12. Please register in advance. TIX: No Charge

Open House & Used Book Sale — Bridgetown & Area Library, Bridgetown 6–8pm • Drop by for great deals and tasty treats to celebrate “Light Up the Town” with the Friends of the Library! Registration is not required. TIX: No Charge

Leopoldstadt — Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville 7pm • Tom Stoppard’s Olivier Award-winning new play Leopoldstadt is a passionate drama of love, family, and endurance. Masks recommended. TIX: $13.91 + HST = $16 Cash or debit/credit at the door OR online https:// www.eventbrite.ca/ after August 1 eventbrite.ca INFO: manager@alwhittletheatre.ca

Black Adam — Kings Theatre, Annapolis Royal 7–9:15pm • Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the Egyptian gods and imprisoned just as quickly-Black Adam is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world. TIX: TICKETS Adult: $9.95

Youth: $6.95 Royalty Cardholders get 10% off King’s Theatre Box Office Hours: Tue - Fri 10am - 3pm INFO: 902-532-7704 / boxoffice@kingstheatre.ca

Art Show Opening — Tides Contemporary Art Gallery, Kentville 7–8pm • Small art pieces to make great presents as well as our annual Post-It art show featuring amazing 3x3 original pieces. TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-365-3322 / tidescontemporaryart@gmail.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

Christmas Breakfast — Lions Club, Kentville 8–10:30am • Breakfast with scrambled eggs, 2 slices of bacon, 2 sausage, baked beans, hash brown patties, pancakes, toast, apple juice, coffee/tea TIX: $10 per Adult $5 for children under 10 INFO: 902-679-2367 / myrna_harnum@hotmail.ca

Breakfast — Lions Club, Berwick 8–10am • Berwick Lions Public Breakfast Dec 3, 8-10 $10 each under 12 $5 Eggs, Pancake, Bacon, Sausage, Juice, Tea, Coffee TIX: $10 each, Children under 12 - $5 INFO: 902-844-1440 / tbhenley60@gmail.com

Christmas Craft Fair — Royal Canadian Legion, Annapolis Royal 9am–3pm • Annual Olde Fashioned Christmas Craft Fair at the Annapolis Royal Legion. TIX: $1 Admission INFO: 902-532-5196 / annapolisroyallegion@hotmail.com

Star Skate Event — Centennial Arena, Kentville 9:30am–4:30pm • Figure Skating Competition for level Star 1, Star 2, Star 3, and Beginner Synchro skaters. Sanctioned by Skate Canada and hosted by the Kentville Silver Gliders. Rules by Skate Canada. TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-670-8426 / kimberlee.kehoe@gmail.com

Christmas Craft Sale — Community Hall, Cambridge Station 10am–3pm • TIX: Donation INFO: 902-538-9957 / gands@xcountry

AccessABLE Holiday Craft Fair — Royal Canadian Legion, Windsor 10am–2pm • Join us for the 2nd Annual AccessABLE Holiday Craft Fair in recognition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Celebrating individuals, organizations, and friends of the disability community. TIX: $1 Entrance Fee INFO: 902-798-5627 / jpatterson@communityinc.ca

Christmas Craft Fair & Luncheon — Community Centre, Woodville 10am–2pm • Saturday, December 3, 2022, 10am to 2pm • Stop by to shop from local crafters, the community bake table and stay for lunch! Fish Chowder Lunch $15.00 Sandwich Plate $7.50 TIX: No Charge, Fish Chowder Lunch $15 Sandwich Plate $7.50 INFO: info@woodville-kingscounty.ca

Family Stay & Play — Isabel & Roy Jodrey Memorial Library, Hantsport 10–11:30am • Drop in for a funfilled morning of games, crafts, stories, and songs with Andrea! For children ages 2-8 and their caregivers. Registration is not required. TIX: No Charge

ELF: Christmas Movie — Kings Theatre, Annapolis Royal 10:30am–12:30pm • Elf: “Raised as an oversized elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who doesn’t know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit. TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-532-7704 / boxoffice@kingstheatre.ca

Festival of Trees — Greenwood Mall, Greenwood 11am–3pm • All proceeds to local and regional nonprofit programs. Tickets 10 for $5. You do not have to be there to win. Facebook @14wingcombinedcharities. TIX: Tickets 10 for $5. INFO: 902-599-1833 / cskeddy@hotmail.ca

Makers Space — 7 Arts, Greenwood 12–4pm • 7Arts Makers Space, creative fun and seasonal crafts for all ages, all supplies included. Take & Make only kits $5. Register by email 7arts@7arts.ca TIX: $5 INFO: 902-765-7278 / 7arts@7arts.ca Board at the Library — Library, Kingston 12–2pm • Bring your favourite board game or tabletop RPG to the Kingston Library or drop in and play one of ours. Invite your friends or make new ones over a game of cards or Catopoly. All ages are welcome. TIX: No Charge Check ‘Em Out Book Club — Rosa M. Harvey Middleton & Area Library, Middleton 1–2pm • Have you tried a book club in the past that just wasn’t right for you? Come join the rest of us misfit readers! Open to ages 18+. Registration is required. Book club books will be given out to readers one month prior. TIX: No Charge Festival of Lights — Louis Millet Community Complex, New Minas 2–4pm • Celebrate the season of giving with the Dukes of Kent, NSCC students serving light snacks and signature holiday beverages, and bid in our historic silent cake auction! Proceeds from this event with benefit the Breathe Well Campaign TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-678-5414 / events@vrhfoundation.ca Elf — The Mermaid, Windsor 2–4pm • Elf film screening. $14 includes a bag of popcorn and a bottle of water. TIX: $14 includes bag of popcorn & bottle of water INFO: 902-798-5841 / puppets@mermaidtheatre.ca Carter Lake — The Library Pub, Wolfville 2–5pm • Weekly music by Carter TIX: No Charge

Holiday Harmonies — United Baptist Church, Kentville 2–4pm • An afternoon of music featuring the Valley Voices Chorus, Two in the Morning, and quartets QWiNN, Cooler on the Coast, and Tonic! TIX: $15 via email INFO: Tickets@ValleyVoices.org

Santa Clause Parade — Downtown Weymouth, Weymouth 6–9pm • Santa Clause parade, followed by The Hillbilly Band playing Christmas songs inside the Weymouth Mercantile store. TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-841-0995 / floreen_d@hotmail.com

Live Nativity — Baptist Church, New Minas 6–8pm • In support of Food Bank. Thurs & Fri, Dec 1-2 (6:30-8pm) experience a wondrous journey as you drive through Bethlehem. Take an interactive stroll through the village while enjoying a free hot chocolate at our indoor cafe. TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-681-7683 / office@nmbc.ca

Terra Spencer & Her Good Friends — Dawn Oman Art Gallery, Bridgetown 7–9pm • Award-winning Terra Spencer & Her Good Friends will perform a release show for her new album “Old News” in collaboration with Ben Caplan. TIX: Admission is $25 in advance or at the door. INFO: 902-588-2002

Latin Social Dance (with lesson) — Recreation Centre, Kentville 7–10pm • Latin Dance event with a free lesson and live music by Frederic Mujica. No partner or experience is necessary. Come learn to dance salsa, bachata, merengue and more in a fun and welcoming environment. Great way to meet new people. TIX: Tickets are $15 online or at the door INFO: info@annapolisvalleydance.com

An Evening of Performances — Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville 7:30–8:30pm • On December 3rd, come watch an incredible evening of contemporary dance with choreography by Marrin Jessome, Jessica Lowe & Sarah Prosper. TIX: Student/Arts Worker: $15 Adult: $20 Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/5630651 INFO: 647-525-5728 / nostoscollectives@gmail.com

Dance — Community Centre, Gaspereau 7:30–11:30pm • Dance TIX: $15 Call 902 542 3158

SpeakEasy: The Travels Band — Community Hall, West Brooklyn 8–11pm • THE TRAVELS BAND - A PAT METHENY TRIBUTE Kevin Perkins, guitar, Peter Leblanc, bass and Tim Fisk, drums. $20 Reservations are required. Call Ruth at 542-5424. TIX: $20 Tickets must be reserved in advance. Limited tickets are available so get in touch soon! INFO: 902-542-5424

The Jungernauts — Lew Murphy’s Smoke & BBQ, New Minas 8–11pm • Join The Jungernauts at Lew Murphy’s for an evening of incredible entertainment! TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-277-1788 / jamiejunger@icloud.com

Dance: The Island Boys — Royal Canadian Legion, Kentville 9pm–12am • Adult Dance. Featuring The Island Boys Doors and Cash Bar at 8 pm, Music 9-12pm. Kitchen, 50-50, door prize. Members & General Public, All Welcome. Members $9 (with card). Non Members $10. TIX: Members $9 (with card). Non Members $10.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4

Christmas Ticket Auction — Curling Club, Middleton 9am–4pm • Popular Christmas ticket auction with high-quality gift items, crafts, seasonal decor and gingerbread fantasies. Bake table. The last tickets are sold at 4pm and the draw begins. All winners will be contacted by phone. TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-765-6977 / Karen.sotvedt@eastlink.ca

Artisans Show & Sale — Community Hall, West Brooklyn 11am–4pm • The West Brooklyn Community Hall will be hosting the 2nd annual Artisans Show & Sale on the Mountain featuring beautiful hand-made, unique works of art and heart. A cozy and relaxed way to find the perfect gifts, with no admission charge! TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-542-5424 / susan.davar@gmail.com

7Arts Gallery — 7 Arts, Greenwood 12–4pm • 7Arts Gallery, featuring the NOVA Club and guest artists. A large variety of artwork, styles and sizes. TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-765-7278 / 7arts@7arts.ca

Merrymaking Community Arts Sunday — Ross Creek Centre for the Arts, Canning 1–4pm • Join us for a festive celebration of art, food, and nature on the North Mountain! Bring family and friends for an afternoon forest walk and creative exploration with hands-on art activities. TIX: Admission is by donation, with a suggestion of $15 per family or $5 per person. INFO: 902-582-3842 / mail@artscentre.ca

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever — CentreStage Theatre, Kentville 2pm • Written by Barbara Robinson, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is directed by Davina Melanson and Tracy Churchill and performed by a large cast. Nov 11, 12, 13m, 18, 19, 25, 26, 27m, Dec 4m, 9, 10 TIX: Pay admission at the door: cash, debit, credit. Admission: $18/Adults, $15/Seniors & Students, $7/Children under 12 INFO: 902-678-8040 / centrestage@centrestagetheatre.ca

Susan Dworkin Christmas Recital — Wolfville Baptist Church, Wolfville 2–4pm • Students of Susan Dworkin perform in the annual Food Bank Fundraiser and Christmas Music Recital. Enjoy a diverse variety of music performed by children and adults of all ages. A fun time for TIX: Suggested donation of $10 and a food bank item. INFO: 902-300-1001 / susanlisadworkin@gmail.com

Music in the Garden Room — K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre, Wolfville 2–4pm • Astor Piazzolla

Tribute, on the greatest 20th-century tango composer’s 100th birthday, through the artistry of two Jeunesses Musicales musicians from Montreal, cellist Dominique Beauséjour-Ostiguy, and a guitarist. TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-542-3484 / kirkconnell@ns.sympatico.ca

Christmas at Acadia — Convocation Hall, Wolfville 3pm • Acadia University School of Music Presents a concert by the Acadia University Chorus with the Acadia University Orchestra. All welcome! Acadia mask policy in place. TIX: Adults: $10 (avail at the Door) Students: FREE INFO: 902-585-1512 / somevent@acadiau.ca

Songs for the Season — St. George & St. Andrew United Church, Annapolis Royal 3–4pm • A Royal Consort presents Songs for the Season, its annual Christmas concert, directed by Andrew Cranston, accompanied by Beth Cranston. TIX: Tickets cost $12 and can be purchased from a choir member or at the door. No charge for children 12 years or younger. INFO: 902-665-4520 / jmont@eastlink.ca

The decision to Leave — Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville 4–6:20pm & 7:-9:20pm • A detective investigating a man’s death in the mountains meets the dead man’s mysterious wife in the course of his dogged sleuthing. Korean with English subtitles Masks are recommended. TIX: $10.43 + HST = $12 Cash or debit/credit at the door OR online https://www.eventbrite.ca/ eventbrite.ca or at the door INFO: manager@alwhittletheatre.ca

Holiday Market — Millstone Harvest Brewhouse, Sheffield Mills 5–8pm • We are hosting our 4th annual Holiday Gift Market - We will have local vendors featuring beeswax candles, pottery, soaps, jewelry & crafts, preserves and more! Come get some holiday shopping done & get into the Holiday spirit TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-582-2337 / sealevelbrewing@gmail.com

SlowCooker Mountain East Coast Music — DickieBaxter Taproom & Bistro, Canning 6–8pm • Book your table for this Sunday evening to not only enjoy great food, drinks and service but also be entertained by awesome East Coast music with SloeCooker Mountain Music. A great way to end the weekend on a high note! TIX: no charge INFO: 902-800-2889 / pub@dickiebaxter.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5

Storytime — Library, Annapolis Royal 10–10:45am • Preschool children and their caregivers are invited to our Monday Morning Storytimes. We’ll have stories, crafts, sometimes music, and always a good time! Registration is not required. TIX: No Charge

* Shaded events take place weekly or more than once, as noted

Movin’ and Groovin’ — Library, Kentville 11:30am–12:30pm • Join Lindsay from Between the Mountains Music Therapy for an hour of music and movement for children ages 0-5 and their guardians! Registration is required. TIX: No Charge

GriefShare — New Hope Wesleyan Church, Kentville 7–9pm • Help and encouragement after the death of a loved one, GriefShare 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, DECEMBER 6

Kiddos Story Time — Library, Kingston 10:30–11:30am • Stories and songs with friends! For ages 0-5 years, accompanied by a parent/caregiver. Registration is encouraged. TIX: No Charge

Writers’ Circle — Isabel & Roy Jodrey Memorial Library, Hantsport 2–3:30pm • Need incentive to finish your novel, your short story, or your poem? Join us for writing exercises, brainstorming, feedback, and encouragement. Everyone is welcome to share their work and their constructive criticism in a positive environment. TIX: No Charge

Public Hearing & Municipal Council — Municipality of the County of Kings, Coldbrook 6pm • TIX: No Charge

INFO: 888-337-2999

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7

Legion Coffee/Tea Social & Sale — Community Hall, White Rock 9:30–11:30am • Wolfville Legion invites everyone out to enjoy our weekly Coffee and Tea Social. Drop in for a freshly baked treat and enjoy fellowship (masks are optional). TIX: $2 INFO: 902-542-5869 / wolfvillelegion@gmail.com

Coffee Klatch — Isabel & Roy Jodrey Memorial Library, Hantsport 10:30–11:30am • A casual social gathering for coffee and conversation. Stop into the library on Wednesday mornings for a free cup of coffee and the FHPL’s ‘treat of the week’. Everyone welcome. TIX: No Charge

Fibre Craft — Isabel & Roy Jodrey Memorial Library, Hantsport 1–3pm • A weekly gathering of knitters, weavers, hookers, spinners, crocheters, and any other fibre/fabric artists. A time and place to craft, share stories, tell tales, and spin yarns. Bring your project. Everyone welcome. TIX: No Charge

Madagascar A Musical Adventure — CentreStage Theatre, Kentville 3pm • The Booker School presents Madagascar-A Musical Adventure, based on the Dreamworks Animation Motion Picture. Book by Kevin Del Aguila. Original Music and Lyrics by George Noriega & Joel Someillan. TIX: Cash only at the door: Adults/$10, Children under 12/$5. Limited seating: Please call 678-8040 to reserve your seat. INFO: 902-678-8040 / centrestage@centrestagetheatre.ca

Open Mic — T.A.N. Coffee, Wolfville 6–9pm • Ross Chapman is carrying on the 11-yr tradition of hosting an open mic weekly at T.A.N. Cafe in Wolfville. This open mic remains a cozy acoustic open mic that is welcome to all! TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-698-1660 / therosschapman@gmail.com

Jam Session — Lions Club, Kentville 6–9pm • Kentville Lions Club-Jam Session in Memory of Mark Clarke TIX: $2 INFO: 902-679-2367 / myrna_Harnum@hotmail.com

Youth Art Lessons — 7 Arts, Greenwood 7–8pm • Youth Art Lessons, YAL, ages 12 and under, new projects each week, try new tools & techniques. For info and register at email 7arts@7arts.ca TIX: $25 per class or 4 for $80 INFO: 902-765-7278 / 7arts@7arts.ca

Open Mic Night! — Wayfarers’ Ale Brewery, Port Williams 7–10pm • TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-691-0103 / mauraedmunds84@gmail.com

Acadia Gamelan & Drumming Concert — Harvey Denton Hall, Wolfville 7:30pm • Acadia University School of Music Presents a Gamelan & World Drumming concert directed by Ken Shorley. TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-585-1512 / somevent@acadiau.ca

Brian Borchredt Dusted III — The Church Brewing Company, Wolfville 8–10pm • The Church Brewing Co Presents: Acclaimed Canadian Indie Auteur Brian Borcherdt Returns as Dusted with Dusted III, Singer/ songwriter. Limited tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. TIX: $20 + HST eventbrite.ca Church Brewing Company

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8

Madagascar A Musical Adventure — CentreStage Theatre, Kentville 3pm & 8pm • The Booker School presents Madagascar-A Musical Adventure, based on the Dreamworks Animation Motion Picture. Book by Kevin Del Aguila. Original Music and Lyrics by George Noriega & Joel Someillan. TIX: Cash only at the door: Adults/$10, Children under 12/$5. Limited seating: Please call 678-8040 to reserve your seat. INFO: 902-678-8040 / centrestage@centrestagetheatre.ca

Paint Night — Angela Prive Glass Art, Bridgetown 6–9pm • Paint Night hosted by Patsy Wilson, 308 Granville St. Bridgetown TIX: $50 INFO: 902-824-6526 / angelapriveglassart@gmail.com

Needle Felting Mr. & Mrs. Claus — 7 Arts, Greenwood 6–8pm • Join Deb Kendall for a fun holiday crafting, Needle Felting, and Mr. & Mrs. Claus ornaments. Register by email 7arts@7arts.ca TIX: $25 per person + $15 if you would like to keep the tool kit. INFO: 902-765-7278 / 7arts@7arts.ca

Yuletide Concert and Cake Walk — Kings County Museum, Kentville 7–8:30pm • Enjoy festive musical favourites and have the chance to win a beautiful cake from the best Valley Bakeries. Wondering what the heck is a cakewalk? Well, think of a game similar to musical chairs where the winner wins a cake! TIX: Donation INFO: 902-678-6237 / info@kingscountymuseum.ca

Gingerbread House Tree Ornament — Library, Kingston 7–8pm • Get into the holiday spirit and create your own one-of-a-kind gingerbread house tree ornament! Ages 16+. Registration is required. TIX: No Charge

TÁR — Kings Theatre, Annapolis Royal 7–9:30pm • Renowned conductor faces the unravelling of her career. TIX: Royalty Cardholders get 10% off King’s Theatre Box Office Hours: Tue - Fri 10am - 3pm INFO: 902-532-7704 / boxoffice@kingstheatre.ca

The Lighter Side of Christmas — United Church, Berwick 7–8pm • Christmas Concert by the North Mountain Chorus TIX: Donation INFO: 902-670-3638 / lapierrepw@gmail.com

Open Mic — Valley Community Learning Association, Kentville 7:30–9:30pm • Join us for Open Mic night!

Musicians Sahara Jane and Ken Shorley will host the night, and all are welcome to come and play or to sit back and listen! Coffee and Tea will be served, and donations are welcome. TIX: Donation INFO: openmicvcla@gmail.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9

Let the Games Begin — Bridgetown & Area Library, Bridgetown 1–3pm • Do you enjoy playing cards or board games? Skip-Bo and Scrabble are popular, and we have them here for you to enjoy. If you have a favourite game you’d like to share with others, be sure to bring it along! Registration is not required. TIX: No Charge

Letters to the North Pole — Rosa M. Harvey Middleton & Area Library, Middleton 3:30–4:30pm • Come write, and decorate your letters with us. The library staff will even send it to the North Pole for you! And guess what - you might even get a letter back! Open to ages 1-13. Registration is required. TIX: No Charge

Madagascar A Musical Adventure — CentreStage Theatre, Kentville 4pm • The Booker School presents Madagascar-A Musical Adventure, based on the Dreamworks Animation Motion Picture. Book by Kevin Del Aguila. Original Music and Lyrics by George Noriega & Joel Someillan. TIX: Cash only at the door: Adults/$10, Children under 12/$5. Limited seating: Please call 678-8040 to reserve your seat. INFO: 902-678-8040 / centrestage@centrestagetheatre.ca

The Seagull — Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville 7pm • The Seagull by Anton Chekhov, in a version by Anya Reiss directed by Jamie Lloyd Captured live from London’s West End. TIX: $13.91 + HST = $16 Cash or debit/ credit at the door OR online https://www.eventbrite.ca/ eventbrite.ca INFO: manager@alwhittletheatre.ca

Bob’s Your Elf — Kings Theatre, Annapolis Royal 7:30–9:30pm • Bob the ill-spirited Elf learns a valuable lesson about the meaning of Christmas through this comedic stage play. TIX: Royalty Cardholders get 10% off King’s Theatre Box Office Hours: Tue - Fri 10am - 3pm INFO: 902-532-7704 / boxoffice@kingstheatre.ca

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever — CentreStage Theatre, Kentville 7:30pm • Written by Barbara Robinson, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is directed by Davina Melanson and Tracy Churchill and performed by a large cast. Nov 11, 12, 13m, 18, 19, 25, 26, 27m, Dec 4m, 9, 10 TIX: Pay admission at the door: cash, debit, credit. Admission: $18/Adults, $15/Seniors & Students, $7/Children under 12 INFO: 902-678-8040 / centrestage@centrestagetheatre.ca Dance with Tammy Adams & Wayne Parker — Royal Canadian Legion, Berwick 8–11pm • Adult Dance with Tammy Adams & Wayne Parker. 8-11, 50-50, Kitchen. Open to Members and the General Public. TIX: $10.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

Faerie Lantern Making — Community Hall, Harbourville 10am–12:30pm • A faerie lantern-making workshop in preparation for “Light the Night”, a celebration of the Winter Solstice which will take place at Burlington Hall on December 21st. TIX: No charge

Book Launch: “Ghost Breezes” by Daniel Lillford — Bridgetown & Area Library, Bridgetown 1–3pm • “Ghost Breezes” is a collection of twenty funny, spooky, intense, magical stories by actor, playwright, and writer Daniel Lillford, with illustrations by Jesse Lillford-Brighton. Registration is not required. TIX: No Charge

Home Alone — Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville 2:30–4:20pm • FREE Holiday film screenings from the Town of Wolfville, WBDC & the Al Whittle Theatre.

Home Alone kicks the series off! TIX: no charge INFO: manager@alwhittletheatre.ca

Torchlight Hike — Ross Creek Centre for the Arts, Canning 6:30pm • Thrill your senses and get a glimpse of the nocturnal side of nature with a torchlight hike. Let our torches guide you through the landscape on this magical tour. It will be an all-ages firelight adventure to remember! TIX: Donation INFO: 902-582-3842 / mail@artscentre.ca

Snowy Scene Paint Night — 7 Arts, Greenwood 7–9pm

• Join Sarah for a fun Snowy Scene Paint Night, no previous drawing or painting experience is necessary. Register by email 7arts@7arts.ca TIX: $35 per person INFO: 902-765-7278 / 7arts@7arts.ca

Catherine MacLellan with Special Guest Tanya Davis — Dawn Oman Art Gallery, Bridgetown 7–9pm • We hope you will join us at the Dawn Oman Gallery as Catherine MacLellan presents her Christmas holiday show, with special guest Tanya Davis, featuring guitarist Nick Gauthier. Spreading Christmas cheer for the Christmas Holidays! TIX: Tickets are $40 in advance or at the door. Credit card or E-transfer. Contact the gallery for seating arrangements for larger groups. Pay by credit card: 902-588-2002 Pay by Etransfer: dawnoman@gmail.com (auto deposit enabled) Dawn Oman Art Gallery, 298 Granville St., Bridgetown. Credit card purchases: 902-588-2002. E transfer: dawnoman@gmail.com (please make note “Catherine MacLellan tickets” when using E transfer method) Auto deposit enabled. INFO: 902-588-2002 / dawnoman@gmail.com

It’s A Wonderful Life — Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville 7–9:15pm • FREE Holiday film screenings from Town of Wolfville, WBDC & the Al Whittle Theatre. It’s A Wonderful Life will get you into the holiday spirit! TIX: no charge INFO: manager@alwhittletheatre.ca Nutcracker — Festival Theatre, Wolfville 7pm • Experience the magic of the Valley’s most enchanting tradition of the holidays. TIX: $22 Children/Students/ Seniors $25 General Admission Tickets available at https://28048.danceticketing.com/ INFO: 902-679-3616 / info@cadanceacademy.ca Bob’s Your Elf — Kings Theatre, Annapolis Royal 7:30–9:30pm • Bob the ill-spirited Elf learns a valuable lesson about the meaning of Christmas through this comedic stage play. TIX: Royalty Cardholders get 10% off King’s Theatre Box Office Hours: Tue - Fri 10am - 3pm INFO: 902-532-7704 / boxoffice@kingstheatre.ca

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever — CentreStage Theatre, Kentville 7:30pm • Written by Barbara Robinson, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is directed by Davina Melanson and Tracy Churchill and performed by a large cast. Nov 11, 12, 13m, 18, 19, 25, 26, 27m, Dec 4m, 9, 10 TIX: We strongly recommended you reserve your seats by calling the reservation line, 902-678-8040. Reservations are held until 15 minutes before show time. Pay admission at the door: cash, debit, or credit. Admission: $18.00/Adults, $15.00/ Seniors & Students, $7 INFO: 902-678-8040 / centrestage@centrestagetheatre.ca

Lennie Gallant’s Innkeeper’s Christmas — Convocation Hall, Wolfville 7:30–10pm • Back by popular demand, Lennie Gallant offers the fifth edition of his “Innkeeper’s Christmas”, a big multi-media production presenting Gallant’s original songs for the Season! TIX: $40 $20 (students) Acadia Box Office INFO: 902-542-5500 / pas@acadiau.ca

SpeakEasy: The Sundries — Community Hall, West Brooklyn 8–11pm • THE SUNDRIES will finish off our season with a Country Dance Party - a night of high-energy music with Jeff Hennessy, Sarah Pound, Mike Reese, Nicholas D’Amato, and Mike Carroll! $20 Reservations are required. Call Ruth at 542-5424. TIX: $20 Tickets must be reserved in advance. Limited tickets are available so get in touch soon! INFO: 902-542-5424 Dance: Meredith — Royal Canadian Legion, Kentville 9–12pm • Adult Dance. Featuring Meredith. Doors and Cash Bar at 8 pm, Music 9-12. Kitchen, 50-50, door prize. Members & General Public, All Welcome. Members $9 (with card). Non-Members $10. TIX: Members $9 (with card). Non-Members $10.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11

Turkey a la king Luncheon — Community Hall, White Rock 11:30am–1pm • Turkey ala king luncheon at the White Rock Hall, Sunday, December 11. Gingerbread for dessert. 11:30 - 1 pm. $12 at the door, or phone 902-542-7073 to reserve and prepay takeout. Seasonal craft table. TIX: $12 INFO: 902-542-7073 / saritamacaskill@gmail.com

Nutcracker — Festival Theatre, Wolfville 1pm • Experience the magic of the Valley’s most enchanting tradition of the holidays. TIX: $22 Children/Students/ Seniors $25 General Admission Tickets available at: https://28048.danceticketing.com/ Tickets available at https://28048.danceticketing.com/ INFO: 902-679-3616 / info@cadanceacademy.ca

Jam Session — Royal Canadian Legion, Kentville 1–3:30pm • Jam Session hosted by John Carmichael with MC Basil Davidson. All Ages. Members and the Public All Welcome. Come to sing, play, and listen. Kitchen, 50-50. $2. TIX: $2.

The Santa Clause — Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville 1–2:45pm • FREE Holiday film screenings from the Town of Wolfville, WBDC & the Al Whittle Theatre. The Santa Clause is one for the whole family! TIX: No Charge INFO: manager@alwhittletheatre.ca

Bob’s Your Elf — Kings Theatre, Annapolis Royal 2–4pm • Bob the ill-spirited Elf learns a valuable lesson about the meaning of Christmas through this comedic stage play. TIX: Royalty Cardholders get 10% off King’s Theatre Box Office Hours: Tue - Fri 10am - 3pm INFO: 902-532-7704 / boxoffice@kingstheatre.ca

Bardo, False Chronicles of a Handful of Truths — Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville 4–6:30pm & 7-9:30pm • A journalist-turned-documentarian goes on an oneiric introspective journey to reconcile with the past, the present and his Mexican roots. TIX: $10.43 + HST = $12 Cash or debit/credit at the door OR online https:// www.eventbrite.ca/ INFO: manager@alwhittletheatre.ca

Christmas Sing-A-Long — Black Rock Baptist Church, Berwick 6–7:30pm • An evening of Carols and Christmas songs in support of the local food bank. Our special guests will be the award-winning barbershop harmony group, The Dukes of Kent. A light lunch and time of fellowship will follow the concert. Everyone welcome! TIX: Admission is a donation to the local food bank. INFO: 902-578-0011 / johnhannem@gmail.com

14 Wing Holiday Concert — Annapolis Mess, Greenwood 7–8:30pm • The 14 Wing Greenwood Band is pleased to present its annual holiday concert, featuring the Canadian Military Wives Choir (Greenwood) and the Kingston and District Elementary School Choir. TIX: No Charge

Four Seasons Orchestra Christmas Concert — War Memorial Community Centre, Windsor 7–9pm • Join the Four Seasons Community Orchestra for an evening of seasonal favourites and end the night with our ever-popular sing-a-long. With special guests the West Hants Middle School Glee Club. TIX: $10 at the door (cash only) INFO: 902-798-1730 / four.seasons.orchestra2017@gmail.com

Christmas With Friends — Convocation Hall, Wolfville 7–9:30pm • Rachel MacLean welcomes JP Cormier and Dave Gunning to the 12th celebration of Christmas With Friends. TIX: $28 Acadia University Box Office

INFO: 902-542-5500 / rachelmacleanmusic@gmail.com

A Community Christmas Celebration — Emmanuel United Church, Kingsport 7–8:30pm • To celebrate the joy of the season, Kingsport Emmanuel United Church is pleased to host an evening of Christmas music featuring local talent and community coming together in song. All welcome. TIX: No charge admission with a no-charge will offering to support local charities. INFO: 902-690-7447 / wanda.george@xcountry.tv

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12

Storytime — Library, Annapolis Royal 10–10:45am • Preschool children and their caregivers are invited to our Monday Morning Storytimes. We’ll have stories, crafts, sometimes music, and always a good time! Registration is not required. TIX: no charge Movin’ and Groovin’ — Library, Kentville 11:30am–12:30pm • Join Lindsay from Between The Mountains Music Therapy for an hour of music and movement for children ages 0-5 and their guardians! Registration is required. TIX: no charge

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13

Community Luncheon — Lions Club, Kingston 12–1pm • Complete turkey dinner including dessert. Take out and delivery only. All orders must be placed to (902)765-2128 on Wednesday, December 07 or Thursday, December 08 between the hours of 8am and 12pm. TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-765-2128

Duke of Edinburgh Youth Leadership Program — Valley Community Learning Association, Kentville 4–5:30pm • Goal-setting session for youth 13-18 years old. Focus on skills, physical activity, and community service goals to achieve the Bronze-level Award. Dinner together at Community Suppers afterwards. TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-993-1717 / valleyflyingsquirrels@gmail.com

Friendly Heckler Podcast Live Taping w/ Graham Nicholas — The Union Street, Berwick 7pm • The Friendly Heckler Podcast Presents Episode 5 with guest Graham Nicholas. Graham Nicholas shares his beautiful songs and sharp wit with host Zakary Miller on stage. A night of conversation and songs recorded live for The Friendly Heckler Podcast. TIX: $15 INFO: 902-538-7787

/ thefriendlyheckler@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14

Canadian Federation of University Women — Wu Welcome Centre, Wolfville 6:30–9pm • CFUW Wolfville December meeting, program features the Valley Voices. TIX: No Charge

Die Hard — Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville 7–9:15pm

• FREE Holiday film screenings from the Town of Wolfville, WBDC & the Al Whittle Theatre. Die Hard is the ultimate Christmas or anti-Christmas holiday film... depending on your point of view. TIX: No Charge INFO: manager@alwhittletheatre.ca

Barra MacNeils — Kings Theatre, Annapolis Royal 7:30–9:30pm • Barra MacNeils East Coast Christmas features a highly entertaining mix of traditional seasonal fare along with entertaining stories and dance, stamped with their lush harmonies and brilliant instrumental stylings. TIX: Adults $50 Youth $10 Royalty holders get 10% off King’s Theatre Box Office Hours: Tue - Fri 10am3pm INFO: 902-532-7704 / boxoffice@kingstheatre.ca

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16

Ugly Sweater Party — Millstone Harvest Brewhouse, Sheffield Mills 6:30–8:30pm • Eat, Drink & Be Ugly Ugly Sweater Party at Sea Level Brewing’s Taproom Live Music with Reggie Rand Donations to the Food Bank TIX: Donation INFO: 902-582-2337 / sealevelbrewing@gmail.com

Triangle Of Sadness — Kings Theatre, Annapolis Royal 7–9:30pm • Yacht excursion goes awry in an upheaval of social classes. TIX: TICKETS (+HST): Adult: $9.95 Youth: $6.95 King’s Theatre Box Office Hours: Tue - Fri 10am - 3pm INFO: 902-532-7704 / boxoffice@kingstheatre.ca

Holiday Warm Up featuring Terra Spencer with Freya Milliken! — Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville 7:30–11:30pm • Terra Spencer and the Good Friends Band host the Music In Communities Holiday Warm-Up with Freya Milliken! Tickets are $20 / $10 / pwyc, available at the link on our website. TIX: Tickets are $20 / $10 / pay what you can Available at the door on the day of the event, or via the ticket link below. INFO: 902-698-9611 / info@musicincommunities.com

Black Umfolosi — Evergreen Theatre, Margaretsville 8–10:30pm • Zimbabwe’s greatest ambassadors, their performance inspired by the traditional song and dance of their native southern Africa with unrivalled beauty and enthusiasm. TIX: Adults $40 • Military $35 • Students $25 INFO: 902-825-6834 / evergreentheatre@gmail.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17

Lions Big Breakfast with Santa — Lions Club, Wolfville 8–10am • TIX: Adults - $10.00 Children Under 10 - $4.00 INFO: 902-542-4508 / wolfvillelionsclub@hotmail.com

Wassail! Medieval, Folk, and Traditional Songs for Christmas — North Mountain United Tapestry, Harbourville 3–5pm • Stunning voices and supercharged folk musicians. The annual favourite holiday concert returns to the Chapel! With special guests Ellen Torrie and Kendall Jones. Directed by John Scott TIX: Tickets $20 (suggested). INFO: music@unitedtapestry.com

Christmas Gifts — Wolfville Baptist Church, Wolfville 7:30–9pm • Kings Chorale presents Christmas Gifts, a concert of Sacred Music, featuring Kings Brass. The concert will include Hodie by Z. Randall Stroope for brass and choir, some familiar carols for the audience to sing along to, and other music for the season. TIX: Adults $20, Students $5 Children, under 5 No Charge. INFO: perrot@ns.sympatico.ca

Black Umfolosi — Kings Theatre, Annapolis Royal 7:30–9:30pm • Zimbabwe’s greatest Ambassadors, performing music inspired by the traditional song and dance of their native Southern Africa, with a beauty and enthusiasm that is unrivalled. TIX: Royalty Cardholders get 10% off King’s Theatre Box Office Hours: Tue - Fri 10am - 3pm INFO: 902-532-7704 / boxoffice@kingstheatre.ca

Members Christmas Dance: Lady Rogue — Royal Canadian Legion, Kentville 9–12pm • Annual Members Christmas Dance. 19 +. Featuring Lady Rogue. Doors and Cash Bar at 8 pm, Music 9-12. Kitchen, 50-50 Members & General Public, All Welcome. Members and One Guest are admitted for free. Please bring a card. Non-Members $10. TIX: Members and One Guest are admitted free. Non-Members $10.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18

Physical Comedy Workshop — Kings Theatre, Annapolis Royal 10–11am • Physical Comedy workshop for kids Hosted by Happenstance Theatre TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-532-7704 / boxoffice@kingstheatre.ca

7Arts Gallery — 7 Arts, Greenwood 12–4pm • 7Arts Gallery, featuring the NOVA Club and guest artists. A large variety of artwork, styles, and sizes. More info at 7arts@7arts.ca TIX: no charge INFO: 902-765-7278 / 7arts@7arts.ca

Pinot & Augustine — Kings Theatre, Annapolis Royal 2–3:30pm • Their show bubbles over with physical comedy, virtuosity, and musical surprises from the sublime to the ridiculous: from lyrical melodies on a musical saw to pratfalls and a whoopee cushion. TIX: TICKETS: PAY-WHAT-YOU-WILL! King’s Theatre Box Office Hours: Tue - Fri 10am - 3pm INFO: 902-532-7704 / boxoffice@kingstheatre.ca

Wassail! Medieval, Folk, and Traditional Songs for Christmas — Manning Memorial Chapel, Wolfville 4–6pm • Stunning voices and supercharged folk musicians. The annual favourite holiday concert returns to the Chapel! With special guests Ellen Torrie and Kendall Jones. Directed by John Scott TIX: Tickets are $20 in advance, and $25 at the door (if available). Kids 12 and under $5 INFO: manningchapelchoir@gmail.com

Physical Comedy Workshop — Kings Theatre, Annapolis Royal 4–5:30pm • Physical Comedy workshop for kids Hosted by Happenstance Theatre TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-532-7704 / boxoffice@kingstheatre.ca

Singing for our Supper — Wolfville Baptist Church, Wolfville 7pm • Singing for our Supper is happening at the Wolfville Baptist Church on Sun, Dec 18, 7pm. Bring a Money or Food Donation and enjoy sensational seasonal stories and songs. All proceeds for the Wolfville Food Bank. Contact: donnaholmes712@gmail.com. TIX: Donation INFO: 902-585-1512 / donnaholmes712@gmail.com

The Gilberts - Winterludes — Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville 7:30–9:30pm • Multi award-winning siblings The Gilberts bring soulful lyrics, memorable melodies, close harmonies, and Celtic, choral and contemporary influences. ‘Winterludes’ features their original music and classic songs evoking Winter’s magic and mystery. TIX: $20 INFO: 902-809-5540 / thegilbertstrio@gmail.com

Wassail! Medieval, Folk, and Traditional Songs for Christmas — Manning Memorial Chapel, Wolfville 8–10pm • Stunning voices and supercharged folk musicians. The annual favourite holiday concert returns to the Chapel! With special guests Ellen Torrie and Kendall Jones. Directed by John Scott TIX: Tickets are $20 in advance, and $25 at the door (if available). Kids 12 and under $5 Eventbrite INFO: manningchapelchoir@gmail.com

GRANDMA WAS A GIRL, TOO

A.E. Graham

Come little darling and sit here with me I want to tell you a story

Your nanny ran a theatre company She called it the Maple Finklehurst Academy

The stage floor was made of Peruvian Mahogany The curtains stained ruby and plumb like these pillows Gold ropes pulled them open and stage lights shone brightly On hourglass ladies dancing in rows

Their eyes dazzled beneath blue powdered lids

Their lips smiled widely in ruby-red drips

In corsets and fishnets, they kicked up their heels Swiveled their hips, arched their backs into a finale of cartwheels

“It sounds just delightful!” “And it was darling, sheer pleasure!” It’s part of the reason this red string’s ‘round my finger And there was more to that theatre than pleasure you see Double knots on this ribbon remind me of things bigger

The Finklehurst Academy taught her lessons you can’t learn in books That life is more than fancy pillows, plush curtains, and good looks Take chances, be bold, and get up when you fall Go after your dreams, child, life doesn’t make house calls.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20

Committee of the Whole — Municipality of the County of Kings, Coldbrook 9am • TIX: no charge INFO: 888-337-2999

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21

Blood Donor Clinic — Lions Club, Berwick 12–7pm • In association with the Canadian Blood Services 2 Sessions 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to 7pm TIX: No Charge INFO: 902-844-1440 / tbhenley60@gmail.com

Light the Night! — Community Hall, Burlington 5:30–8:30pm • A free, family-friendly celebration of the Winter Solstice, including a lantern parade, bonfire, fire spinning, live music and more! TIX: No Charge Elf — Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville 7–8:45pm • FREE Holiday film screenings from the Town of Wolfville, WBDC & the Al Whittle Theatre. Elf is a family favourite that will give you all the warm fuzzies just before the holidays. TIX: No Charge INFO: manager@alwhittletheatre.ca

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22

Barra MacNeils — Kings Theatre, Annapolis Royal 7:30–9:30pm • Barra MacNeils East Coast Christmas features a highly entertaining mix of traditional seasonal fare along with entertaining stories and dance, stamped with their lush harmonies and brilliant instrumental stylings. TIX: Adults $50 Youth $10 Royalty holders get 10% off King’s Theatre Box Office Hours: Tue - Fri 10am3pm INFO: 902-532-7704 / boxoffice@kingstheatre.ca

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23

Let the Games Begin — Bridgetown & Area Library, Bridgetown 1–3pm • Do you enjoy playing cards or board games? Skip-Bo and Scrabble are popular, and we have them here for you to enjoy. If you have a favourite game you’d like to share with others, be sure to bring it along! Registration is not required. TIX: No Charge

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27

Theatrical Movement Camp — Kings Theatre, Annapolis Royal 10am–4pm • Their show bubbles over with physical comedy, virtuosity and musical surprises from the sublime to the ridiculous: from lyrical melodies on a musical saw to pratfalls and a whoopee cushion. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-532-7704 / boxoffice@kingstheatre.ca

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28

Banshees of Inisherin — Kings Theatre, Annapolis Royal 7–9:30pm • A former friend resists all attempts to rekindle the relationship. TIX: TICKETS (+hst): Adult: $9.95 Youth: $6.95 King’s Theatre Box Office Hours: Tue - Fri 10am - 3pm INFO: 902-532-7704 / boxoffice@kingstheatre.ca

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30

Let the Games Begin — Bridgetown & Area Library, Bridgetown 1–3pm • Do you enjoy playing cards or board games? Skip-Bo and Scrabble are popular, and we have them here for you to enjoy. If you have a favourite game you’d like to share with others, be sure to bring it along! Registration is not required. TIX: No Charge

Community Coffee — Memorial Library, Wolfville 1:30–3:20pm • Warm up with a coffee, tea and treat with your community. Every second Friday, no registration is required. TIX: No Charge

The Menu — Kings Theatre, Annapolis Royal 7–9:30pm • A couple travels to a coastal island to eat at an exclusive restaurant where the chef has prepared a lavish menu, with some shocking surprises. TIX: TICKETS (+hst): Adult: $9.95 Youth: $6.95 King’s Theatre Box Office Hours: Tue - Fri 10am - 3pm INFO: 902-532-7704 / boxoffice@kingstheatre.ca

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31

New Year’s Eve With The Hypochondriacs — The Church Brewing Company, Wolfville 9pm–1am • NEW YEARS EVE PARTY with THE HYPOCHONDRIACS live at THE CHURCH BREWING CO. Come celebrate the night with a live performance by THE HYPOCHONDRIACS! This award-winning six-piece powerhouse is taking the World by storm with its high-octane live show!

TIX: Tickets $65 + HST Hors d’oeuvres and Bubbly included with ticket purchase! eventbrite.ca & Church Brewing Company INFO: 902-542-2337 / events@churchbrewing.ca

Dinner & Dance — Royal Canadian Legion, Kentville 9–1pm • NYE Dance with Route 12. 19 plus. Cold plate served. Doors and Cash Bar at 8 pm. Music 9 pm to 1 am. $25 per person. Members and Non-Members are All Welcome! TIX: $25. At the Downstairs Bar during open hours. Please see our Facebook page or call for info.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1

New Year’s Day Matinee Dance — Royal Canadian Legion, Kentville 1:30–3:30pm • New Year’s Day Matinee Dance. Route 12. 19 plus. 1:30 to 3:30. $5 per person. Free with your NYE ticket stub from Branch 006. TIX: $5 per person.

New Year’s Day Levee — Royal Canadian Legion, Kentville 11–1pm • NewYears’ Day Levee. 11 am to 1 pm. 19 plus. All Welcome. No admission. TIX: No Charge

BOOKS: THE GIFT YOU CAN OPEN AGAIN AND AGAIN

A. Reynolds, CEO, Annapolis Valley Regional Library

‘Tis the season. Seems like everyone is shopping for gifts. Do you know what makes a really good gift? A book! Of course, you can browse your local bookstore (and we highly recommend this activity).

But if you want something tailored to your gift recipient, the library can help. On our new Same Page catalogue, you can find many booklists. We have recommendations for kids, teens, and adults.

Here’s how to find them – head to the Same Page (via www.valleylibrary.ca). On the green bar, click Explore to open a drop-down menu. Then choose Staff Picks, and you will find the AVRL staff-curated lists. There’s something there for everyone! You might even find your next read, which you can put on hold.

So get out to the bookstores! If you take one of our lists with you, your local store may be able to order it or know right away if they have it in stock. Books are a great gift for any season. And if you want to package it up nicely, head to one of our branches and purchase a reusable “I Love My Library” book bag. Season’s Readings to you all! ❧

7:50pm 8:52pm 9:23am 10:20am 11:13am •12:04pm 12:51pm 1:36pm 2:18pm 2:58pm 3:37pm 4:16pm 4:56pm 5:39pm

7:17pm 7:48am 8:42am 9:38am 10:33am 11:28am 12:22pm 1:14pm 2:05pm 2:56pm 3:46pm 4:38pm 5:31pm 6:26pm 6:56am 7:53am

LOW 1:03am 2:03am 3:03am 4:33pm 5:27pm 6:17pm 7:03pm 7:47pm 8:28pm 9:08pm 9:47pm 10:27pm 11:08pm 11:52pm 12:14pm 12:40am 1:31am 2:55pm 3:52pm 4:48pm 5:43pm 6:36pm 7:28pm 8:19pm 9:09pm 9:59pm 10:51pm 11:44pm 12:10pm 12:38am 1:34am

Jennifer

Calling All Artists!

Grab your crayons, coloured pencils, or markers and help us kick off the New Year with artwork from you! You may even find your masterpiece in our upcoming January issue, so be sure to keep an eye out.

Step #1: Put your best colouring skills to the test!

Step #2: Include your name and age in the banner on the colouring sheet.

Step #3: Use the dotted line to cut out your piece.

Step #4: Feel free to take a picture with your art and tag us on social media (@grapevinepublishing)!

Step #5: Be sure to send us your work by Friday, December 23rd.

Scan and email your copies to sales@grapevinepublishing.ca or mail them to: Grapevine Publishing | Box 2262 | Wolfville, NS B4P 1A0

FULLSTRONG COFFEE ROASTER RELEASES

HOLIDAY BLEND

Fullstrong Coffee Roasters is a small, locally-owned roaster devoted to quality, organic, fair-trade coffee. The Kentville-based company has just released its first-ever holiday blend! This blend is Mexican and Ethiopian, created as a stocking stuffer for the holiday season or to be enjoyed on a slow cold morning. The Mexican beans give an excellent body and smooth flavour, while the Ethiopian adds fruitiness.

For those unfamiliar, Fullstrong Coffee Roasters was founded by Curtis Durocher after a successful career as a high-level athlete. Curtis started his sports career in track and field before he transitioned to bobsledding and then finished his career in sports as a Highland Games participant. In 2018, he retired due to injury, and that’s when he started turning his passion for coffee into a career.

The company’s slogan, “Strong coffee for strong people,” reflects Durocher’s passion for athletics. His coffee targets many athletes who need a boost to perform at their max.

Curtis’ current approach to training led him to name the company Fullstrong. The simple act of lifting a barbell doesn’t make you strong — he believes in addressing our weaknesses when it comes to training. He explains, “My training program is to make you strong, whether from body weight, lifting a stone, or lifting a barbell. The tool doesn’t matter. The goal is to make your body fully strong and to have no weakness.”

The Fullstrong brand successfully grew and even made its way to the Olympic Village at the Tokyo Olympics, securing its spots as a member of the high-level sports community.

A few local places where you can find Fullstrong coffee: Noggins Farm Markets

Simply For Life, Kentville Market Between the Mountains, Berwick ❧

Visit their website and follow them on social media to learn more: www.fullstrongcoffee.com @fullstrongcoffeeroasters

SHHH – LET YOUR GARDEN SLEEP

Samuel Jean, Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens

If you were surprised by the colder temperatures we just experienced and haven’t “cleaned” your garden beds yet, don’t panic! In fact, you probably have much less to do than you imagine.

I used to clean my garden beds meticulously every year at the end of the growing season. I stopped doing so after reading L’autocompostage (auto-composting) from Michel Renaud. In this book, the author explains how beneficial it is to leave fallen leaves and plant stalks in place. According to him, the best mulch for a plant is its own foliage, and by letting it return to the soil, the soil structure improves and gets richer with the seasons. This simple change allowed me to spend more time enjoying my garden instead of constantly having to do maintenance.

Plant litter acts as a mulch. It favours water infiltration (instead of runoff), which helps prevent soil compaction and erosion. In the spring, plant litter quickly disappears under lush new growth and prevents water loss in the summer. It also favours snow accumulation, providing insulation and protecting plants from cold snaps. As it decomposes by micro-organisms, plant litter slowly releases nutrients, reducing or eliminating the need for inputs like compost and fertilizer.

As importantly, many beneficial insects evolved to overwinter in the leaf litter, and many bird species forage in it for prey. Standing stalks of hollowed-stem species like blue vervain (Verbena hastata) and wild beebalm (Monarda fistulosa) offer overwintering habitats for cavity-dwelling native bee species. The original bee hotel! Seed heads of species like

Plant litter is beneficial in the garden.

cut-leaved coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata) and New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) are a great food source for finches and sparrows. The original bird feeder… Dark-eyed juncos have been abundant at the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens in the last few weeks; they have been spotted feeding on the spotted Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum) seed heads near the stream. Have you seen them?

This fall, next spring, and for the years to come, trust the process. Do less.

Our whole team is wishing you a great holiday season. Over the coming weeks, make sure to visit the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre to appreciate the Christmas tree that has been decorated with natural ornaments crafted by the Friends of the Acadian Forest volunteers. If you can’t visit, keep an eyed on the News & Event section of our website (botanicalgardens.acadiau.ca) for photos! ❧

THE YEAR OF THE RACCOON RADIO

Andrea Leeson

It seems that every Christmas, some company will come up with a new toy, advertise the blazes out of it and hook as many kids as possible into absolutely needing it. They invariably under-manufacture and oversell it so that by Christmas Eve, thousands of parents are left searching frantically for something that has disappeared from the shelves.

Gift-wrapped promissory notes under the tree won’t cut it. You will have failed miserably as a parent and have to face the looks of disappointment and the inevitable onslaught of tears.

Over the years, Garry and I have won some, and we have certainly lost some. With four children, the wish lists have been long and sometimes frightening.

One particular year it was late in the game: only one day before Christmas when we realized we had a real problem on our hands. Our four-year-old Zoe told her little sister, Emily, that Santa was bringing her a Racoon Radio. I had finished all the shopping, which was certainly not one of the Christmas surprises.

Zoe, at that age, had barely understood the whole Christmas wish deal, but so many well-meaning older people had bombarded her throughout December with, “And what would you like, dearie?” She had no idea, but at one point, to please them, the light bulb went on and remembering an ad on TV, she finally started answering, “A Racoon Radio.” She didn’t know what it was; it just seemed to make people happy when she said that. She had never purposely listened to the radio, let alone a transistor one. We never gave it a second thought — until now! Our world suddenly became a pressure cooker.

The ad campaign had been most successful: none in the Radio Shack in Greenwood, none in Kingston. Mad phone calls up and down the Valley were answered with definitive no’s. I was reaching a desperation point. Garry took off on the hunt but finally, over a pay phone, I suggested that he change the search: buy a

transistor radio and a stuffed raccoon and I would open it up, put the radio inside, sew it up but for the knob and voila, a Racoon Radio.

Do you think there was a stuffed raccoon to be had? Once again, he travelled everywhere: Middleton, no; Kingston, no; Greenwood, no; Berwick, no. Pushing the old truck beyond its limits, he finally pulled into the mall in New Minas and found what we needed — well — almost! It was a purple skunk with a white stripe and underbelly, but she was so young — she’d never notice the difference.

Full of self-satisfaction at a problem solved, the two of us sat over the kitchen table performing the necessary surgery, and finally wrapped, ribboned, and tagged: “with love, Daddy XXOO,” the precious gift went under the tree. We sighed contentedly together, contemplating her surprised and delighted little face as she opened her gift in the morning. I’ll never forget that little face: a look of shock and disappointment countered so quickly, so sweetly, so generously and thoughtfully with the most considerate, loving lie a kid ever uttered, “I love it, Daddy.” ❧

E.

TO SOLVE:

Random Acts of Kindness

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

My wife fell off her bicycle Saturday, October 29th, in front of the Wolfville Elementary School. When I arrived on the scene she was lying on the road motionless. By the time I got to her two men had already come to her aid. Fortunately she did not break any bones but did suffer a concussion.

(Answer appears elsewhere in this issue)

When she finally got up and appeared to be mobile the two men who had come to her aid left before I had a chance to thank them and ask if they saw how she fell off her bicycle. We think she may have hit one of the speed bumps that are on the street in front of the Wolfville Elementary School.

I was hoping to ask the two men to call or text me at (902) 670-9349 (mobile) or email me at: roadwarrior@eastlink.ca.

(Submitted by Trevor Daeglish)

(Photo: Samuel Jean)