A LOVE LETTER TO THE ANNAPOLIS VALLEY Jenn Manuel
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Issue No. 22.2 February 2025
FoodArtNature/Access Wellness/Hideen Gems...............p.3 Horoscopes/StarDrop....................................................p.4 Horton Music/Books by Locals/Suduko.......................p.5 The Annapolis Valley Community Food Council............p.5 Word of the Issue........................................................p.7 WFM2GO/The Pie Auction/WAICC...............................p.8 Community Thank You/Blomidon Naturalists..............p.9 CentreStage/Best of the Bunch Voting.......................p.10 Crossword Solution.....................................................p.11 What’s Happening.........................................................p.12 Loving Local This Winter, Don’t Say “No,” Say “Oh!”....p.14 A Page from Someone Else’s Book................................p.14 Solution Suduko/Dog of the month/MIC.......................p.15 Celebrating African Heritage Month..............................p.15 Classifieds/Crossword...................................................p.15
Dear Annapolis Valley, BROUGHT TO YOU BY AN AMAZING TEAM OF CONTRIBUTORS: DANIELLE WISEN Co-Owner and Operator ALLY MANNETTE Co-Owner and Operator
CONTRIBUTORS: Wendy Elliott, Margot Bishop, Horton Music, Kathleen Purdy, Kimberly Smith, Jenn Manuel, Annita Phagoo Nichol, Patrick Kelly, Mike Butler Graysen Parker, Bea Smith, Yana Tan, Kim Barlow, Garry Leeson, Toshia McDonald, MK Dawson , Rob Wolf, Mark Oakley, Mackenzie Francis Tomlin, Della Blossom Anderson DELIVERIES: Fred Phillips/Sarah Roberts, Conrad Schofield, Karen & Earle Illsley, Angie Govier, Sue Clarke, Katie Forman
ADVERTISING SUBMISSIONS DEADLINES: MARCH ISSUE: Mon. Feb 17, 2025 Best of the Bunch
CONTACT
APRIL ISSUE: Mon. Mar 24, 2025 Local Libations
Ads are available in colour or black & white, in sizes ranging from a single block to a full page. See our ad rate card at: grapevinepublishing.ca/rates or contact sales@ grapevinepublishing.ca for more info.
ADVERTISING: sales@grapevinepublishing.ca GENERAL INQUIRIES: info@grapevinepublishing.ca CONTENT SUBMISSIONS: info@grapevinepublishing.ca CLASSIFIEDS: sales@grapevinepublishing.ca SNAIL MAIL: Grapevine Publishing, PO Box 2262 Wolfville, NS, B4P 1A0 ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE: grapevinepublishing.ca and issuu.com/thevalleygrapevine
WHERE TO FIND US WINDSOR: Gerrish & Gray, Lisa’s Cafe, Mosaic Market, Spitfire, Post Office, Library, Makers Studio HANTSPORT: Post Office, Library GRAND-PRÉ: Domaine de Grand Pré, Just Us! Café GASPEREAU: Reid’s Meats & KwikWay, 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, Elderkin’s Farm Market, Hennigar’s Farm Market, Noggins Corner Farm Market, Stirling’s PORT WILLIAMS: Library, Post Office, The Noodle Guy CANNING: ArtCan Gallery, Degraaf’s Kwik-Way, ValuFoods KENTVILLE: Half Acre Café, Jason’s Your Independent Grocer, Library, Maritime Express, Post Office, T.A.N. Coffee, Valley Regional Hospital
DISCLAIMER
COLDBROOK: Access Nova Scotia,
T.A.N. Coffee, Callister’s Country Kitchen, Foodland BERWICK: North Mountain Coffeehouse, Rising Sun Natural Foods, Union Street Café, Wilsons Pharmasave KINGSTON: Green Elephant Café, Library, Roof Hound Brewing Co GREENWOOD: Post Office, Family Natural Foods, Country Store MIDDLETON: Library, Post Office, Angie’s Restaurant WILMOT: Gouchers Farm Market, Spurr Brothers Farm Market LAWRENCETOWN: Ebb & Tide Café, Library, Bee’s Knees General Store & Bakery BRIDGETOWN: Nob’s CJ Farm Market, Library ANNAPOLIS: Library, King’s Theatre, Sissiboo Coffee, Mad Hatter Wine Bar, The Garrison House Inn, Annapolis Brewing Co., The Red Onion Market, MareGold Bookstore
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.
This February we are reflecting on all the ways we’ve fallen for you. You are more than a collection of communities; you are a feeling, a rhythm, a way of life that captures the hearts of those who are lucky enough to know you. We love your beauty, the kind that shines in every season. From the misty mornings when the fog settles between the mountains, to the fiery sunsets that light up our skies and the ocean cliffs along your shore, we are reminded that nature is the greatest artist of all. We love your bounty, the fruits of your fertile soil and the work of the hands that nurture it. The crisp apples, the sweet berries, the hearty root vegetables and the wines that speak of your terroir all tell a story of care and connection.
Most of all, we love your people. The farmers, artisans and makers who pour their hearts into their craft. The communities that gather at farmers’ markets, festivals and kitchen tables, sharing food, stories and laughter. You help us to slow down, to savour, to appreciate. You remind us that love is not just a feeling, but something we do - whether it’s nurturing the land, supporting our neighbours, or welcoming visitors in a way that feels good. Thank you for being a place where love grow in the soil, in the air and in the daily connections we make. With all our hearts, FoodArtNature Photo courtesy of Wes Booth
ACCESS WELLNESS: MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT Rob Wolf
Mental health is something we all need to support, and there are many ways to look after our mental well-being, such as exercise, sleep, nutrition, positive self-regard, and social supports. However, there are times when we may need the help of a trusted friend, relative, or a trained professional to manage the challenges we face. People often ask, “How do I know when to seek professional help?” Here are a few signs that reaching out to a mental health professional may be the right step: Changes in behaviour or personality, disrupted eating or sleeping patterns, or difficulty coping with daily activities. Emotional distress, trouble regulating emotions, or prolonged sadness, depression, or apathy. Unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse or destructive behaviour. Suicidal thoughts, or statements about suicide or harming others. Excessive anxiety or anxiety that has become debilitating. Relationship issues you want to address. Going through an unsettling transition or experiencing a traumatic event.
These are common human experiences that we can often manage on our own, but sometimes we need help. If you have a counsellor, don’t hesitate to reach out. If you haven’t worked with a counsellor before, Nova Scotia offers free mental health consultations through Access Wellness. Access Wellness is a free, single-session supportive counselling service for individuals, couples, or families. Professional counsellors can help with stress, mild to moderate depression or anxiety, relationship issues, general mental health concerns, grief and more. The service is covered by Nova Scotia Health. Consultations are available in person in Kentville, Halifax, New Glasgow, and Sydney, or via virtual meetings or phone, depending on what works best for you. Most appointments can be booked within 48 hours, with a maximum wait time of five days. All consultations are confidential. As we continue into the winter months, when many of us struggle with our mental health, it’s a great time to take that important first step. Remember, you are worth it! Access Wellness Nova Scotia Phone: 1.833.691.2282 Website: accesswellnessnovascotia.com
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HIDDEN GEMS Margot Bishop
February’s hidden gem could be the love you show yourself and others—a respect that will stay with you forever. As the song lyrics say, “Love will keep us together.” This attitude can brighten the shortest month of the year. The romance of February is also reflected in some unique designations for the month. It’s known as Creative Romance Month, Spunky Old Broads Month (tongue firmly in cheek), Weddings Month, and An Affair to Remember Month—though it’s unclear if the latter refers to the movie or a fond memory. February 2025 marks the start of the Year of the Snake. The snake symbolizes wisdom, and since 2025 ends in an odd number, it is considered a yin year, representing coolness, contemplation, and receptivity. Start the month in style with Broken Leg Theatre on Feb. 1. Hugs and hisses for the Year of the Snake, of course! February is also Black History Month, a time to honour and remember important figures: Feb. 1: Frederick Douglass (1818) Feb. 4: Rosa Parks (1913) Feb. 16: Ice-T (1958) Feb. 17: Jim Brown (1936) and Michael Jordan (1963) Feb. 20: Sidney Poitier (1927) Feb. 27: Fats Domino (1902) Astrologically, Aquarius (the water bearer) rules until Feb. 18, followed by Pisces (the fish). There are no religious holidays in February 2025, but recognized Canadian observances include: Groundhog Day on Feb. 2 Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14 National Flag of Canada Day on Feb. 15 Family Day on Feb. 17 As you move through this second month of 2025, consider your actions carefully. Every decision has consequences, big or small. Think before you speak. Remember those who came before you. The love and respect you show others will reflect your goodness. Stay safe. Smile. Show wisdom. Be a gem and shine brightly in the dark months of winter.
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February 2025 | 3