The Grapevine – June 2021

ARTS | CULTURE | COMMUNITY June 2021 | Issue No. 18.05

Summer Staycation

THE SEQUEL

VISUALLY SPEAKING: 65 YEARS OF DICK GROOT’S PHOTOGRAPHY, P. 12

CONGRATULATIONS GARRY LEESON! P. 9

THE SPEED OF MERCY REVIEWED BY MIKE BUTLER, P. 3

DINNER OUT: CUMIN KITCHEN AND DRINKS, P. 14

WHO’S WHO: MIA LOCKHART, P. 4

NEW IN 2021: THE GREAT ANNAPOLIS RIDE, P. 3

A FREE PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE WHO FIND THEMSELVES IN THE ANNAPOLIS VALLEY

2 | June 2021

ANNOUNCING THE INAUGURAL 100KM GREAT ANNAPOLIS RIDE 2021 Submitted

What: 100 km Non-competitive 2-day cycling ride through the Annapolis Valley When: July 31 and August 1, 2021 Where: Ride from Windsor to Scots Bay, camp in Scots Bay, and then ride Scots Bay to Port Williams.

In partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada and Bicycle Nova Scotia, the first ever 100 km Great Annapolis Ride (GAR) 2021 is set to roll out July 31-August 1 as a welcome return to outdoor, social, and safe recreational activity. Hosted by event specialists Kohkos Events, the ride is intended to offer a fun, friendly, and challenging weekend to help shake off the mental and physical effects of the pandemic lockdown.

The two-day ride begins in Windsor with a scenic route through the wine and agricultural heartland of the region, before settling in for dinner and camp-out overnight in Scots Bay. Day two begins with breakfast at the bay, riding back up and down North Mountain, along the Minas Basin, and finishing up at Planters Ridge Winery.

Kohkos Events Director Sean Davidson has years of destination cycling event experience having worked on the Great Victorian Bike Ride, Australia’s biggest and most iconic ride.

Sean says of launching the GAR 2021: “We want to create a new, fun, and memorable social cycling experience to enjoy the sights that the Valley has to offer, while highlighting Nova Scotia’s passionate cycling community, which is how we came to partner with Bicycle Nova Scotia and Wounded Warriors Canada as a charitable organization to support.”

Wounded Warriors Canada includes a Nova Scotia cycling contingent called The Bluenose Crew. The Bluenose Crew participate in provincial, national, and international sanctioned rides commemorating the roles of peacekeepers and first responders. The charity, Wounded Warriors, raises funds to support programs and services to veterans and first responders, and the Bluenose Crew has raised thousands of dollars for programs supporting mental wellness and PTSD survivors.

Photo courtesy of the Great Annapolis Ride

Dean Peach, Canadian Air Force Veteran, volunteers with Wounded Warriors, and as a cycling enthusiast, has been training with the Bluenose Crew for a big ride to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands, if travel restrictions are lifted this fall. “We’re so thrilled to partner with Kohkos Events and Bicycle Nova Scotia for the Great Annapolis Ride this summer,” says Peach. “It allows the Bluenose Crew to continue to raise awareness for the work of Wounded Warriors while getting in a good training ride, but most importantly, this ride will signal a shift for Nova Scotians through the return to a healthy, social camaraderie post-lockdown with physical activity, excellent sightseeing, laughs, and plenty of fresh air.”

Bicycle Nova Scotia supports cycling culture and infrastructure throughout the province and are excited to see a new cycling event being offered in the province. “We’ve seen a tremendous uptake in cycling throughout the pandemic with demand for bikes going up and entire families participating. We certainly see GAR 2021 as the start of something fantastic in the Valley that we’re thrilled to get behind,” says Rob Carter, VP Touring and Recreation.

According to Davidson, the GAR 2021 will cap this year’s ride at 150 participants based on the maximum allowable people at outdoor events prior to the current lockdown, and if all goes according to plan, will open up GAR 2022 to more riders. “We see the potential for the GAR to grow to become a destination cycling event much like the Great Vic Bike Ride is, but for this year we’re keeping things manageable, with extra precautions on numbers to keep safe, and focus on the fun.”

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MIKE UNCORKED: THE SPEED OF MERCY Mike Butler

So, I have this really cool friend. Her name is Christy Ann Conlin. She’s an author. I will, for as long as I can, name drop her and the fact that we are friends and I know her family and she likes me. Christy Ann Conlin knows I am a very big fan of her and her writing and a few months ago I was so fortunate to receive an advanced reading copy of her latest effort, The Speed of Mercy. It was all I could do not to tear through it at top speed and promote it to everyone. I had to wait until closer to release date to make sure it was fresh and didn’t generate too much envy in my circles.

Well, I am here to confess that I cheated on everyone and read The Speed of Mercy within a few days of receiving it, and as with Christy Ann’s previous works, Heave, Memento and Watermark, I was enveloped in the richness of her language, the images she puts into her works, and the narrative itself. Let me bring you up to speed on this latest novel by one of my favourite people.

Let me sum up my Christy Ann reading experience by saying that I could both read her works cover to cover all in one sitting because of how good they are and because of how tight her narrative is, and I could also take my time, over a few weeks and savour each word and image as it’s presented to me and swim in her stories. I feel that’s an accomplishment few authors have the ability of doing for me.

The Speed of Mercy, like her books before it, had me at page one and the grip didn’t let up until it was done. The structure of this story lays out a funny, inspiring, and sometimes disturbing tale of family secrets and folklore and gothic wonder that has heart, brains, body, and soul. Even if it’s a genre that doesn’t speak to you, The Speed of Mercy is a novel that I highly recommend for the local references, the terrific characters, and so many moments

Photo courtesy of Mike Butler

that make it present in our lives today. Christy Ann has created a stunning book during a pandemic that is the perfect pandemic book. The characters, the setting, the feel are reflective of our struggling times, and while we stay at home, safe in our blazes, this is a perfect opportunity to support a local author and get lost in a suspenseful, deep, and lyrical tale that will have you chatting long after the last page.

The Speed of Mercy is available through Amazon, and other online platforms as well as in bookstores all over the Valley and beyond.

I recommend following Christy Ann Conlin through social media outlets to see about book launches when allowed. Find and read her previous works as summer approaches and let’s all make The Speed of Mercy a book club selection as it’s the perfect piece of literature for analysis and discussion. Bravo to a terrific artist and her equally terrific work of art!

❧

June 2021 | 3

WHO’S WHO

MIA LOCKHART: MAMMA MIA! Love your body, trust your core, feel your power Mike Butler Issue No. 18.05 June 2021

Great Annapolis Ride / Mike Uncorked ................. p.3 Who’s Who / Island Green / Willowbank ............. p.4 Free Will Astrology / Star Drop ............................ p.5 Classifieds / Apple Blossom Season ...................... p.6 Horton High School Citizenship Projects ................ p.7 Garry Leeson / Books by Locals ........................... p.9 Wolfville Page .....................................................p.10 Photography by Colin Chase / The Portal ............p.11 Dick Groot / Crystany’s Brasserie ........................p.12 Flower Cart / AVRL Summer Reading ...................p.12 What’s Happening / Tides / NS Toit ....................p.13 Dinner Out / I Know a Place ...............................p.14 What’s Growing / Acadia Performing Arts ...........p.15 Kody Blois: Budget 2021 .....................................p.15

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4 | June 2021

Mia was born and raised on the west coast just outside Vancouver, and fell in love with an easterner first and then followed him here and fell in love with the east coast soon after. “I’ve been here over 20 years now,” she says, “and it definitely feels like home. After high school I took mechanical engineering, mostly proving that I could do it, but soon, after starting a family young, I decided massage therapy was a better fit for my hands and heart. My husband Steve and I have loved raising our four kids here in the Annapolis Valley and now that they’re starting to leave the nest, we know “the Valley” will always be home to them.” In knowing Mia for the time I have, she is such an incredible mom, and never minces words about how much her family means to her.

Mia has worked as an RMT here in the Annapolis Valley for the past 20 years in different locations, and in the past 5 years has specialized her training in matrix repatterning and neurofascial release—techniques she is very passionate about because it has really helped her ability to help her clients get better, long-lasting results, especially with underlying pain and concussion symptoms.

“In 2017 I was also moved by a mission in my heart to help girls and women with body image,” Mia says. “I feel too much human potential is lost in body shame, too many people

hold back from doing and sharing because of the bully they face in the mirror each morning.

I started a non-profit called Girls on Boards, with the goal of helping girls 8-18 learn to love their bodies, trust their core, and feel their power through learning to paddle board and stand on water, followed by vulnerable, open conversations about body love and finding ways to feel good in our bodies. We’ve expanded to snowboarding and skateboarding programs now as well, all of these solo board sports are challenging, non-competitive, and so rewarding because they get you out of your head, into your body, and are so fun to learn and do in a group of supportive and encouraging girls and women.”

Girls on Boards is now drifting (get it?) into their fifth summer! They’ve grown with the expansion of new leaders (they have 35 now across Canada, Australia, and the UK), and have already taken 500+ Nova Scotian girls 8-18 on their sponsored paddles. The program generates funds by offering paddling tours in the Annapolis Valley and they’ll be offering these trips again this summer so follow them online to keep posted and get out on the water and help support their programs. Follow Girls on Boards at Instagram: instagram. com/girlsonboards.co/, Facebook: facebook. com/moregirlsonboards or visit the website, girlsonboards.co.

Mia opened a new massage therapy and concussion clinic in downtown Wolfville called High Tide Wellness in September 2020 with the goal of providing results-focused treatments and professional, safe care. High Tide Wellness now has four massage therapists and a counsellor working out of their location and even during the challenges of Covid-19, they’ve been able to help locals heal and

GOLF’S HIDDEN GEM IN THE VALLEY Margot Bishop

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WHERE TO FIND US

This Who’s Who was a year in the making. It’s always nice to have some great people on the backburner for articles, and I’ve been so excited to get to this point of the year to introduce and promote this fabulous Valley resident.

This strong, fierce, and beyond friendly business owner is a shining example of community light and inspiration. I am so proud to tell you about Mia Lockhart!

There are three great golf clubs in our wonderful Kings County: Ken-Wo in New Minas, Eagle Crest in Centreville, and Island Green at Kentville/North Alton.

All have two courses, a nine and an eighteen, but Island Green has a hidden gem called The Hummingbird. It is a perfect course for beginners or for players who have been away from the game for a while, and is a joy to play. Island Green has been in operation for only twelve years, but it is holding its own with some of the older and more challenging courses. The best bit is that it only costs $15 per game. An additional incentive is a card that you receive when you start playing the Hummingbird course: every time you play, your card is stamped or punched, and when you have played ten times your eleventh is free. How cool is that! But REMEMBER YOUR CARD. Do not rely on other peoples’ memory.

Put it in a safe place--your golf bag pocket for example .

Oleaginous (adjective): Rich in, covered with or producing oil; oily or greasy

Island Green has been open this year since March, because of some truly fine early spring weather. You could not take electric carts on the courses until the grounds had a chance to firm up, the same as any golf club. I had never played golf in April before this year, and I also played 11 times in the month of May. As I have mentioned before, I play with very old clubs, including two wooden shafted ones of my grandmother’s. I played last year into November, the 13th to be exact. With Covid still with us, playing golf is a great way to be active and healthy and to beat the Covid blues. I wish you good luck and fun and safe activities in these trying times.

Get out and have a wonderful time at Sheri’s and Marty’s hidden gem: Island Green 7005, Highway 12, Kentville (towards North Alton) 902-678-7577 to reserve a tee time.

❧

There was an old man of Calcutta Who coated his tonsils with butta Which altered his snore From a thunderous roar To a soft oleaginous mutta.

Photo courtesy of Mike Butler

maintain physical health during this challenging time.

“I love how supportive the people of the Annapolis Valley are to their local businesses,” Mia continues. “I’ve been privileged to really witness what it feels like to be supported when you’re nervous and starting a new business, when you’re reaching out with new services, ideas, changes and you’re in a really vulnerable place and then the community comes out in full force to lift you up and encourage you. I know this is different than other places I have lived and I really appreciate it. As far as the other thing I love about this place, it’s the land. I’ve had so many wonderful outdoor recreation experiences here, be it paddling, playing soccer, hiking, or trail running groups or solo meanders through the woods, the land is healing and access is amazing.”

The future looks bright and wonderful for this community light. With Girls on Boards growing and evolving along with her work at High Tide Wellness, Mia shows no signs of slowing down. In this sometimes very crazy world, to know we have strong, community-minded, and ambitious role models for women (and men!) like Mia, it makes the low days feel brighter and better.

Get in touch with Mia, so she can get in touch (get it?) with you at High Tide Wellness: hightidewellness.ca.

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WILLOWBANK CEMETERY REORGANIZING Wendy Elliott

According to Wolfville’s civic history, titled Mud Creek, and collected back in 1980, the citizens of Wolfville believe a cemetery is made up of people and their relationships to one another, and each gravestone in a cemetery has a story.

During the last year of pandemic lockdowns, many local residents have been seeking family genealogy and looking for the headstones of their ancestors in Willowbank Cemetery. The thirteen acres that make up the cemetery also provide a much-beloved passive recreation spot or green space.

Interest has also been growing in green burials, which are a kind of a return to age-old practices. Willowbank records include two such burials in recent history.

Reorganizing of the cemetery continues. Current board members are hoping for a decent turnout on Sunday, June 13 in order to set up a full slate of members. The meeting is planned for 2pm at the Wolfville Recreation Centre on Victoria Avenue.

❧ All are welcome to help keep this vital community asset operational. Anyone with questions is welcome to call Wendy Elliott at 542-2533.

(Anonymous)

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© 2021 Rob Brezsny • freewillastrology.com • Horoscopes for the week of June 10th

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries actor Leonard Nimoy became mega-famous by playing the role of Spock, an alien from the planet Vulcan in the Star Trek franchise. He always enjoyed the role, but in 1975 he wrote an autobiography called I Am Not Spock. In it, he clarified how different he was from the character he performed. In 1995, Nimoy published a follow-up autobiography, I Am Spock, in which he described the ways in which he was similar to the fictional alien. In the spirit of Nimoy’s expansive self-definition, Aries, and in accordance with current astrological potentials, I invite you to make it clear to people exactly who you and who you aren’t.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The poet Rumi declared, “A lover has four streams inside, of water, wine, honey, and milk.” With that in mind, Taurus, I will recommend that you seek a boost in the honey department. Your passions and feelings have been flowing along fairy well, but lately they’ve lacked some sweetness. As a result, you’re not receiving as much of the sweetness you need from the world around you. So your assignment is to intensify the honey stream within you! Remember the principle, “Like attracts like.”

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I’m glad you’re not on the planet Saturn right now. The winds there can blow at 1,000 miles per hour. But I would like you to feel a brisk breeze as you wander around in nature here on Earth. Why? Because according to my interpretation of the current astrological omens, winds will have a cleansing effect on you.

They will clear your mind of irrelevant worries and trivial concerns. They’ll elevate your thoughts as well as your feelings. Do you know the origin of the English word “inspire”? It’s from the Latin word inspirare, meaning “blow into, breathed upon by spirit.” Its figurative meaning is “to inspire, excite, inflame.” The related Latin word spiritus refers to “a breathing of the wind” and “breath of a god”— hence “inspiration; breath of life.”

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Cancerian author Franz Kafka put his characters into surreal dilemmas. In his novella The Metamorphosis, for example, the hero wakes up one day to find he has transformed into a giant insect. Despite his feral imagination, however, Kafka had a pragmatic relationship with consumerism. “I do not read advertisements,” he said. “I would spend all of my time wanting things.”

In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to adopt his earthy attitude for the next two weeks. Take a break from wanting things, period.

Experiment with feeling free of all the yearnings that constantly demand your attention. Please note: This break in the action won’t be forever. It’s just a vacation. When you return to wanting things, your priorities will have been realigned and healed, and you’ll feel refreshed.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Author Umberto Eco declared that beauty is boring because it “must always follow certain rules.” A beautiful nose has to be just the right shape and size, he said, while an “ugly nose” can be ugly in a million different unpredictable ways. I find his definition narrow and boring, and prefer that of philosopher Francis Bacon, who wrote, “There is no excellent beauty that hath not some strangeness in the proportion.”

Poet Charles Baudelaire agreed, saying, “That which is not slightly distorted lacks sensible appeal: from which it follows that irregularity— that is to say, the unexpected, surprise and astonishment—is an essential part and characteristic of beauty.” Then there’s the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which reveres beauty that’s imperfect, transitory, and incomplete. Beginning now, and for the rest of 2021, Leo, I encourage you to ignore Eco’s dull beauty and cultivate your relationship with the more interesting kind.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): One of the more evocative passages in J. R. R. Tolkien’s novel The Return of the King is about the warrior Éowyn. It says, “Then the heart of Éowyn changed, or else at last she understood it. And suddenly her winter passed, and the sun shone on her.” I’m predicting a comparable transformation for you in the near

future, Virgo. There’ll be some fundamental shift in the way your heart comprehends life. When that happens, you will clearly fathom some secrets about your heart that have previously been vague or inaccessible. And then the sun will shine upon you with extra brilliance.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Libran actor and author Carrie Fisher had more than the average number of inner demons. Yet she accomplished a lot, and was nominated for and won many professional awards.

Here’s the advice she gave: “Stay afraid, but do it anyway. What’s important is the action. You don’t have to wait to be confident.” I hope you’ll employ that strategy in the coming weeks, dear Libra. The time is favorable for you to work hard on your number one goal no matter what your emotions might be at any particular moment.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio author Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821–1881) had a gambling addiction for many years. At one point, he lost so much money betting on roulette that he had to take drastic measures. He wrote a novella in record time—just 16 days—so as to raise money to pay his debt. The story was titled The Gambler. Its hero was a not-very-successful gambler. Is there a comparable antidote in your future, Scorpio? A gambit that somehow makes use of the problem to generate the cure? I suspect there is.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In her poem “Escape,” Michelle Tudor addresses a lover: “Inside of you: a dream raging to be set free.” She implies that she would like to be a collaborator who provides assistance and inspiration in liberating her companion’s dream. The coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to make a similar offer to an ally you care for—and to ask that ally to do the same for you. And by the way: What is the dream inside you that’s raging to be set free? And what’s the dream inside your comrade?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Author Martha Beck has helpful counsel for you to keep returning to during the coming weeks. “It isn’t necessary to know exactly how your ideal life will look,” she writes. “You only have to know what feels better and what feels worse. Begin making choices based on what makes you feel freer and happier, rather than on how you think an ideal life should look. It’s the process of feeling our way toward happiness, not the realization of the Platonic ideal, that creates our best lives.”

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Aquarian author James Dickey celebrated “the holy secret of flowing.” But he added, “You must be made for it.” In other words, he implied that the secret of flowing is a luxury only some of us have access to.

And because we “must be made for it,” he seemed to suggest that being in possession of the secret of flowing is due to luck or genetics or privilege.

But I reject that theory. I think anyone can tap into the secret of flowing if they have the desire and intention to do so. Like you! Right now! You’re primed to cultivate a robust relationship with the holy flow.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Why do humans enjoy much longer life spans than other higher primates?

Here’s one reason: grandmothers. Anthropologists propose that earlier in our evolution, families with elder females especially thrived. The grandmothers helped care for children, ensuring greater health for everyone as well as a higher rate of reproduction than grandmother-less broods. Their longevity genes got passed on, creating more grandmothers. Lucky! Having older women around while growing up has been key to the success of many of us. In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to celebrate and honor the role your own grandmothers and female elders have played in your life. And if you’re a grandmother, celebrate and honor yourself Homework: Send word of your latest victory. Write to: newsletter@ freewillastrology.com.

June 2021 | 5

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CLASSES & WORKSHOPS: Forest Play Summer Sessions: Nature fun for Little Ones aged 3–5 yrs. Tues & Thurs, Starting July 6 for 6 weeks. 2 sessions available: 9:30am–12pm and 1–3:30pm. Kentville Gorge.

Registration required. INFO: recreation@kentville.ca / valleyflyingsquirrel.wordpress.com Wild Explorations for Youth (12–15 yrs): Meet new people, learn new skills and have fun in the outdoors this summer! A weekly recreation program to foster healthy connections to nature, self and others. Thursdays, 4–6:30pm. Starting June 17 (8 weeks). Registration required. INFO: valleyflyingsquirrels@gmail.com / valleyflyingsquirrel.wordpress.com In-Person Piano & Voice Lessons: Susan Dworkin is a resident of Wolfville and for the past 30 years has offered professional, qualified music education to children and adults of all ages. Susan is a professional classical singer and pianist and instructs voice and piano technique. (special Covid-19 protocol in place for everyone’s safety and protection). Limited space.

Call for details. INFO: susanlisadworkin@gmail.com / 902-300-1001 / armonicomusicstudio.com Food Handling Certification: Offering 100% online food handling certification courses (basic & advanced).

For more information please visit our website. INFO: thecybershop.org

DONATE/VOLUNTEER: Rain Barrel Fundraiser: The Valley Community Learning Association (VCLA) is selling rain barrels to support their new garden spaces and their work in adult literacy in Kings and Annapolis County. FEE: $60 each.

Order by June 21. Pick up in Kentville (118 Oakdene Ave): June 26, 10am–12pm INFO: rainbarrel.ca/vcla / facebook.com/vclakentville Kings Kikima Grannies Yard Sale Items: Start saving your items! The King Kikima Grannies will be having their Giant Yard Sale on Sat, Sept 25, 8am–1pm at 15 Chestnut Ave, Wolfville. Rain or Shine!!. Donated items can be dropped off at the same address on Friday, Sept 24 from 1–6pm. INFO: 902-542-9848 / 902-692-9011

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Rooted Landscaping: Spring clean up, maintenance and preparation. We will get your property looking sharp and ready for a successful season. Mulching, clean-up, trimming, lawn repair and more. We are pre-booking landscaping and hardscaping jobs now! INFO: Rooted.LTR@gmail.com Got Mice?: Do you have a MOUSE problem? Or do you have a HOUSE problem? Got Mice Humane Wildlife Services addresses common and uncommon entry points permanently with guaranteed results. Call for a consultation. INFO: 902-365-MICE (6423) / GOTMICE.CA Interior Painting and Cabinets: Women in Rollers is the Valley’s full-service decorating company. We do accurate quotes, show up on time, and perform to perfection. We even leave your home neat and tidy! We have great references! Complimentary design and colour consultations. Call today for your free estimate. INFO: Pamela, 902-697-2926 Errands by Karen Home Blood Collection: At home Blood Collection has resumed, as well as Errand Services! CoVid screening measures are in effect. Over 25 years experience in blood collection. Please call or email to book an appointment. INFO: 902-790-2626 / errandsbykaren@hotmail.com Live Joyfully in a Well-Designed Home: With a focus on sustainability (of our planet and your resources) Deborah Nicholson Decor+Design will guide you with creative solutions for new builds, renovations, and updates. INFO: deborahnicholson.ca / 902-691-2931 Alcoholics Anonymous: If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, that’s ours. INFO: 902-691-2825 / www.area82aa.org/district3/ Publish Your Book!: Self-publishing is easy with just a little help. I can design a great-looking book and cover, format your e-book, and guide you through the publishing process. Editing help available, too. Work with a person, not a corporation. INFO: david@textanddesign.com / textanddesign.com

GENERAL: The Inaugural 100km Great Annapolis Ride (GAR) 2021: A 100km non-competitive 2-day cycling ride through the Annapolis Valley Wine Region, July 31 & Aug 1. Ride Winsor to Scots Bay, camp in Scots Bay, then ride Scots Bay to Port Williams. In partnership w/ Wounded Warriors Canada and Bicycle Nova Scotia, and hosted by Kohkos Events. INFO: Sean Davidson, 902-818-0145 / kohkosevents.ca/great-annapolis-ride-2021 Seeking Rental: Responsible, reliable and kind queer couple in our 30s (+ one sweet cat) looking for a two bedroom house or apartment in or around Wolfville for under $1300, starting June. INFO: sarah.ayton@gmail.com

APPLE BLOSSOM SEASON Chelsey Stailing

The early settlers from Europe introduced the sweet scent of apple blossoms to the Annapolis Valley as they brought new seeds, grains, fruits, and vegetables to the region.

Here in the Annapolis Valley, we usually celebrate the arrival of the apple blossoms with a grand festival enjoyed by many across Nova Scotia. The very first Apple Blossom Festival parade was hosted in the town of Kentville in 1933.

PLEASE DO NOT WALK-IN WITHOUT A SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT We still offer same-day treatment, however, we must follow social distancing precautions and now assign specific times for emergency examination and treatment.

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL 902-681-9111 Thank you and stay safe!

6 | June 2021

The first organizers of the festival intended for the event to recognize the natural environment of the Valley and the historic background of the apple growing industry.

The intention was to provide an opportunity to foster and develop local cultural talent through participation in festival events. In present day the festival showcases a variety of local businesses while continuing to promote local cultural talent, and highlights the area’s natural environment.

Community involvement in the festival has always been its strength. Due to COVID-19 we will not be holding the annual festival in 2021, but the beauty of the apple blossoms that surround the Annapolis Valley will always

Photo courtesty of Chelsey Stailing

remind us of the strength of the community, especially during this time.

As a community, we will start to blossom in the spring and like the apple in the fall, our hopes will come to fruition after all.

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HORTON HIGH GRADE 9 CITIZENSHIP PROJECTS AUTISM ACCEPTANCE

Kelly Dorman, Grade 9, Horton High School As some of you may know, April was Autism Awareness Month. This has been a Canadian practise since 1993, and is marked across the country by fundraisers, campaigns, and advocacy. This is all well and good, but it’s been almost thirty years since this was created. It may be time to consider updating our approach. For the last several years, the autistic community has been pushing for less awareness, more acceptance. Awareness is still important—especially on autism in women, in marginalized groups, and in adults—but acceptance has become an ongoing battle.

Photo courtesty of Kelly Dorman

HORTON POVERTY PROJECT Noah Kimball

As part of our grade nine Citizenship curriculum, we have been challenged to raise awareness for a problem within the Valley and our group chose to help raise awareness for poverty. We started a gofundme that goes towards the red cross to help combat poverty: https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/ campaign/horton-poverty-project

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I N C A N A D A Y O U R P OS TA L CODE SH O U L D N ' T D E T ER MI N E Y OUR HEA L TH

Let's Talk about Environmental Racism What is Environmental Racism? ''Environmental racism is the condition, and problem of disproportionate exposure of Indigenous, Black, and other communities of colour, to environmental burdens, pollutants, and contaminants.'' According to Dr. Ingrid Waldron

How does it impact Nova Scotia?

Environmental Racism impacts Black and Indigenous communities socially, economically, and politically.

When looking at the map of Nova Scotia, an unsettling connection can be drawn from the locations of Indigenous and Black, and locations of landfills and toxic industries.

Black residents in Shelburne are still living the effects of a dump placed in the town in the 1940s. The dump was closed in 2016. Now there are concerns about what is buried in the ground, and what impact it might have on the water and nearby soil.

Daily, tens of thousands of pulp water waste was piped into Boat Harbour, contaminating the water. As of January 31st, 2020 the pulp mill was required to stop piping it's effluent.

Still, lots of work has to be done. The clean-up process is estimated to take five years and cost over two million dollars to remove toxins like mercury from Boat Harbour.

The hope is that eventually, the area will return to its original state.

These are only two examples of the many in Nova Scotia.

Want to learn more?

Check these out!

SEED (South End Environmental Injustice Society) The ENRICH project https://www.enrichproject.org/ Read "There's Something in the Water" by Dr. Ingrid Waldron or watch the documentary on Netflix Self educate, and support BILL C-230

LIL Y MAT HE SO N -WOOD & KA TE LU KE MAN G RADE 9 CITIZ ENS H IP S L P

Autism is one of the most misunderstood and stereotyped conditions in the world. It’s impossible to divide us into “high functioning” or “low functioning,” into “capable” or “incapable,” or anything of the sort. You can’t label and divide us anymore than you can a neurotypical human being.

During April, we are often spoken over by parents, caregivers, and teachers. Throughout April—and the rest of the year—it is key for people to remember that the only true experts on autistic people are autistic people. We are ready to speak; you just need to listen.

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INFOGRAPHIC CREATED

BY HORTON HIGH STUDENT HANA HUTCHINSON

OCEAN & BEACH POLLUTION "Water and air, the two essential fluids on which all life depends, have become global garbage cans."

- Jacques Yves Cousteau

THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE THE OCEAN IS UNDER SERIOUS THREAT FROM HUMAN INTERVENTION, PLASTICS ARE SET TO OUTNUMBER FISH BY 2050.

OVER 500 DEAD ZONES OVER 100 MILLION MARINE ANIMAL’S DIE EVERY YEAR DUE TO OCEAN POLLUTION 300 MILLION TONS OF PLASTIC GETS CREATED YEARLY, 50% IS SINGLE-USE ONLY. THE GREAT PACIFIC GARBAGE PATCH IS TWICE THE SURFACE AREA OF TEXAS,

PLASTICS TAKE 500-1000 YEARS TO DEGRADE; CURRENTLY 79% IS SENT TO LANDFILLS OR THE OCEAN 8.3 MILLION TONS OF PLASTIC DISCARDED INTO THE OCEAN YEARLY

WAYS YOU CAN HELP! 1) REDUCE YOUR SINGLE USE PLASTIC USAGE 2)RECYCLE PROPERLY 3) SUPPORT PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS ALREADY ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE 4) EDUCATE OTHERS 5) GET INVOLVED, LETS TAKE ACTION TOGETHER!

BE THE CHANGE. HTTPS://WWW.CONDORFERRIES.CO.UK/MARINE-OCEAN-POLLUTION-STATISTICS-FACTS

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June 2021 | 7

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T E K C TI AY W A E GIV CHANCE TO WIN 2 TICKETS TO:

Halls Harbour Ghost Talk Western Beach, Halls Harbour. Thursday, July 8, 7:45pm Draw date: July 3. Enter all draws: valleyevents.ca/win

CALL FOR ARTISTS

Images courtesy of Garry Leeson

CONGRATULATIONS GARRY LEESON! The Grapevine’s own Garry Leeson is the 2021 winner of the Margaret and John Savage First Book Award Published by Nevermore Press, The Dome Chronicles (as readers of Leeson’s longtime Grapevine series know) begins in 1972: “a boxcar left Toronto with a menagerie of farm animals and an eager young couple and pulled into the station platform in Kingston, Nova Scotia bound for a deserted hundred-acre farm on the South Mountain in Harmony, determined to preserve the foundations of farmsteads past while constructing a geodesic dome. Armed with an irrepressible sense of humour, they were back-to-the-landers. Over the next forty years, through flood and fire, triumph and catastrophe, they persevered.”

Garry Leeson is a writer, auctioneer, and farmer from the Annapolis Valley. His work is primarily creative nonfiction and memoir.

He has been published in various periodicals, both in Canada and internationally. His stories have been showcased on CBC Radio. In 2014, Garry received funding from Arts Nova Scotia to develop a collection of short stories about small farming in rural Nova Scotia.

He was long-listed for CBC Writes Creative Nonfiction in 2012. He has participated in various writing workshops through Acadia University and has been part of a weekly writing circle in the Valley for several years. Garry lives in the community of Harmony with his wife (and in-house editor) Andrea, along with a menagerie of animals.

The Margaret and John Savage First Book Award, presented for the first time in 2003, recognizes the best first books published in the previous year by Atlantic writers.

For further information, visit: garryleeson. com

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Kentville Business Community, Town of Kentville and Tides Contemporary Art Gallery are seeking submissions from artists to participate in an outdoor mural festival July 23-25 in Kentville. There are six mural sites available. The theme is "Tell Your Story" and we are offering special encouragement to artists from identity groups that are underrepresented in our public spaces, and/or artists or teams of artists with personal connections to our community.

Deadline to apply is June 25th VISIT WWW.KENTVILLEBUSINESS.CA/MURALFESTIVAL TO FILL OUT AN ONLINE APPLICATION CONTACT INFO@KENTVILLEBUSINESS.CA FOR MORE INFO

BOOKS BY LOCALS: GASPEREAU PRESS Wendy Elliott

Two books published by Gaspereau Press in Kentville were nominated for this year’s Atlantic Book Awards.

Year of the Metal Rabbit by Tammy Armstrong was the winner of the Maxine Tynes Nova Scotia Poetry Award. Shalan Joudry’s Waking Ground was also nominated for the Tynes award and the J. M. Abraham Poetry Award.

The multi-talented Joudry is a writer, performance artist, and storyteller from the Bear River First Nation. Her first book, Generations Re-merging, was published by Gaspereau Press in 2014. She also works as a cultural interpreter and community ecologist and these roles figure strongly in her thoughtful new poems.

Many of them suggest that being still in nature can remind us of the essence of being human.

Gaspereau Press is a unique publishing company in Nova Scotia and indeed in all of Canada. It was founded in 1997 by Andrew Steeves and Gary Dunfield, both of whom are still at the helm. As a typographer, Steeves has won over 40 national book design awards from the Alcuin Society. This firm has always emphasized making books of high quality as physical objects. Expert control over design and manufacturing makes the press one of only a few that continue to print and bind books in-house. The Canadian Booksellers Association has three times named it “Best Small

Photo courtesy of Wendy Elliott

Press of the Year,” and Gaspereau publications have been shortlisted for or won every major Canadian literary award, including the Giller, the Charles Taylor Prize, and the Governor General’s Literary Award.

Located just off Main Street, the press has operated out of the former electrical plant in Kentville since 2004. Among the well-known writers meticulously published by Gaspereau Press are Robert Bringhurst, George Elliott Clarke, Don McKay, Carmine Starnino, John Terpstra, and Jan Zwicky.

Earlier this year Steeves and Dunfield issued A Plague Year Reader, which is a sampler of 13 books they published during a complicated year. Included are five meaningful poems by Shalan Joudry.

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PHOTOGRAPHY AS FINE ART Colin Chase

Not that long ago I was having a deep conversation in the hockey dressing room with a team-mate. As we often do, we were discussing the arts. He made the comment that, as a photographer, my work did not count as art because all I had to do was push a button.

There are many types of photography. Some is purely documentary or photo-journalism: here the photographer is attempting to exactly record what is happening in front of their lens. There is no Photoshop adjustment except for framing and exposure, very much like what one would do with old school film and paper printing. Portrait photography attempts to capture families, groups, and individuals with a high degree of honesty through the skillful use of lighting and position to show the relationships and interpersonal dynamics.

What I try to do with a camera is more honeycrisp and Gravenstein than apples and oranges when compared to what “brush people” do.

The same, but different. Fine art is about the emotional and visual impact a piece of art has on the viewer. It is about feeling. When I capture images around our beautiful Valley, it is not about what I am seeing, but more about what these scenes and elements make me feel, and my hope is to be able to pass this feeling on through the image. A dictionary definition of fine art states, “creative art, especially [but not limited to—think : dance, music, theatre] visual art, whose products are to be appreciated primarily or solely for their imaginative, aesthetic, or intellectual content.” Am I successful in this pursuit? Not nearly as often as I would like, but the Valley is as forgiving as it is beautiful so I get loads of chances to get it right.

THE PORTAL RECEIVES $1.1 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR ANNAPOLIS VALLEY YOUTH TRANSITION HOMES Submitted

The Department of Community Services is providing $1.1 million in funding for youth transitional housing to the Portal Youth Outreach Association. The Transitional Housing Program will have three houses, one each in Windsor, Kentville, and Middleton. The program will support 14 youth, aged 16-21, who are homeless or precariously housed.

The houses will open fall of 2021 and young people can safely stay for three months to three years, depending on their needs and their capacity to transition to permanent housing.

their early 20s that would have been greatly impacted by having this kind of support when they were transitioning from couch surfing (homelessness) to permanent housing.

Transitional housing enables us to provide extra support and take the time to rebuild and instill confidence for youth to take those steps that most of us take for granted between the age of 16 and 21 years of age. We look forward to engaging with the community with a furniture drive and assistance with basic renovations at each site in Windsor, Kentville, and Middleton.”

The program will address the lack of affordable, accessible, and supported housing options for youth. Currently no youth transitional housing is available in the Annapolis Valley from Windsor to Annapolis Royal.

Transitional housing is the entry phase, with the second phase being a Host Home or the Supported Independent Living Program.

In alignment with the Homeless No More Strategy and the developing housing continuum of support, the Youth Transitional Housing Program will significantly contribute to the mandate to see that all youth have a safe, supportive, and nurturing home. Each house will have 4-6 youth supported by partner agencies and a live-in house mentor. Onsite supervision, support, and programming are part of the wrap-around support services youth will receive.

Russ Sanche, Executive Director of The Portal Youth Outreach Association, notes, “I can think back to young people that are now in

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There is also the issue of longevity. Will photographs last? Modern papers and inks are considered to be “archival.” Acid-free matting, and not placing a photograph in direct sunlight, will prevent fading so a work should last decades. Another issue is the fact that photographs are “just reproductions of the same thing.” Many fine art photographers offer their works as limited editions, producing only a small number for sale and then the image is no longer available. Any painting will fade or deteriorate if not properly cared for. Printmakers will also use limited editions in their creative process, but this does not diminish the artist’s creativity or the emotions that a piece can stir in the viewer. The medium is not nearly as important as the emotion or visual interest the photograph conveys.

There are some wonderful local photographers who are showing their work at our local galleries. Dick Groot has an amazing retrospective, From Kodak Brownie to Smartphone, at Art Can Gallery in Canning that has been extended until Saturday, July 3 with a tentative date of June 26 set for an art talk and book signing. Harvest Gallery has work from Ernest Cadegan and Gary Ness. Jaimie Peerless (@ girlphantom13) takes portraiture to the level of fine art to create a visual feast!

Global Indigenous Cinema & Cuisine

Back in the locker room, my counter to my team-mate, who is an excellent keyboard player, was that, as a musician, all he had to do was push on a key and be able to count to four. Exactly!.

❧ Colin Chase (@aperture16photography) is a photographer based in Kentville and shows his work at Tides Contemporary Art Gallery. tidescontemporaryartgallery.com

October 19-24, 2021

Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada

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Image courtesy of Colin Chase

June 2021 | 11

VISUALLY SPEAKING

A RETROSPECTIVE OF PHOTOGRAPHER DICK GROOT Anna Horsnell

Dick Groot sits quietly in a chair. He takes his time absorbing the carefully chosen images hung on the gallery walls around him, a retrospective of his 65 years as a photographer. He pauses occasionally, remembering the stories, the people, and the places, and he is content.

From KODAK BROWNIE to SMARTPHONE is his artistic journey, a very special show currently on exhibit at ArtCan Gallery in Canning.

A Dutch-Canadian, Groot grew up in Amsterdam during World War II and the years of recovery that followed. “For me, photography began in 1954. In my third year of secondary school, I discovered that there was a photo club and the magic of photography changed my life.”

The lovely companion catalogue to the exhibition provides this and many more intimate memories and insights from over the years, including Groot’s move to Wolfville in 2002.

Here he would build a lovely studio overlooking the dykes and Cape Blomidon from where he could finally turn his full attention to photography. That would include publishing several books, including Come from Away: Artists of Minas Basin (2004) and We Wanted it to Last Forever (2015). Indeed, Groot’s photography and writing have recorded poignant times in our local culture and history. All of these things have resulted in a rich creative life deserving recognition. What have the years taught him?

“I was educated as a survey engineer. I liked to be outside and I have enjoyed what I have seen of the world, especially Canada, but I did not like the work all that much,” he explains, “I learned that I am an artist at heart and I feel very fulfilled in that. In my photography I have learned that less is better. There should be a simplicity in what you want to say in your images, not easy to do.”

The nature of creativity invariably exposes an artist and their work to scrutiny. Groot mirrors that thought, “You know when you get complimented and made to feel successful by people, and in the back of your mind is this little voice whispering, ‘wait until they find out what a lousy photographer you are,’ but then there is the truly wonderful, deeply satisfying feeling of having made a fine print.” In the end, the artist’s own creative nature, that desire to make art, propels him forward. “I just did my photography and let it take me wherever. I am very happy and fulfilled by it, and I learned to look at the world like a photographer.”

ArtCan Gallery owner and artist Ron Hayes and his assistant Leah Visser have done a masterful job in hanging the show. “We are very pleased to present another exhibition of Dick Groot’s photography,” Hayes smiles while sharing. “His first show at ArtCan Gallery was in 2004. This new show is even larger. We hope everyone can take the time to visit us and enjoy it.”

From nearly 1000 images, 60 were selected for this exhibition. An emotional choice for Groot, prompting him to turn the decisions over to curator Becky Parsons who thankfully agreed. She chose well, often surprising Groot in her determination. The photos range from several of Groot’s very first photos taken as a young student to more recent work taken on a smartphone, reflecting the changing technology. “This is a beautifully rounded exhibition of Groot’s photo artwork,” says Parsons, “where you’ll see an interlacing of the four major themes that have inspired the artist throughout the years: Abandonment, street, landscape, and portraiture. The unique way this work is

CRYSTANY’S BRASSERIE CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS Submitted

Crystany’s Brasserie in Canning is celebrating five years in business on June 28! It’s an achievement for the family, who have lived in the community for 39 years.

Opening the first certified dedicated gluten-free restaurant in Canada has been an adventure since the beginning. “Our 18th-century building was gutted and brought back to life,” says owner Savannah Maxner. “We found hidden treasures from previous business owners, which hang on the wall upstairs. Our top hats tell the story of a local business lady, who imported hats. The bar is made from the original wood from the second floor. Our red leather benches came out of the United Church in Wolfville, which is known as the Church Brewery today. Those are just a few of the hidden treasurers housed inside.”

The decision to focus their menu on gluten-free cuisine was a personal choice for the family. “In our family there are three of us who suffer from eating gluten and understood how hard it was to dine out and order a meal that was not always a salad or fish dish,” explains Savannah. Their menu is an achievement they’re proud of and the restaurant is even visited annually by a certified inspector to make sure they have indeed purchased all gluten-free products and that the restaurant is up to health and safety standards.

exhibited gives emphasis to how these themes have overlapped and remained a steady muse for Groot’s entire photography practice.“ With this pause and reflection on his work, Groot now looks forward. “Next is to stop making these large shows but to have smaller more intimate work, maybe in innovative ways of display. Also, I want to get more into making books myself, small elegant books that combine photography with well thought out texts printed on beautiful material. I am interested in typography and want to pursue that.” He thoughtfully continues, ”I want to add that both Elisabeth and I feel blessed to be in Nova Scotia, Wolfville in particular.

There is a human dimension in the broadest sense that fits us to a T.” A retrospective is a unique and not-to-bemissed opportunity for both artist and gallery visitor. Here is the passage of time in the artist’s life and work gathered in one space. Much can be learned, such as reoccurring or evolving subject matter, maturing style, and ability.

Here also are the images themselves caught in that decisive moment of light and composition and emotion to which the artist draws our attention. And, most certainly, here is the accomplishment of a serious photographer.

The final words belong to Groot himself in a quote from the exhibition catalogue: “I photograph light disguised as objects in the street, in portraits, and in the landscape…I hope that my love for this art form comes through in this show.”

❧ The exhibition From KODAK BROWNIE to SMARTPHONE, My Journey in Photography continues to July 3, 2021 at ArtCan Gallery, 9850 Main Street in Canning.

Anyone wishing a personal viewing and discussion with the artist at the gallery may arrange a private time to meet him by calling 1-902-670-3218.

Photos courtesy of Dick Groot.

The restaurant truly is a family affair: mother, Crystal, father, Tim, and daughters Savannah and Britany, all play a part in creating the restaurant’s unique menu and environment: “As a family-owned restaurant, you can find each one of us at one time in the dish pit, on the line, serving, cleaning, and always engaging with our staff and customers.”

“For the last three years, we have local musicians play Friday nights. Even during Covid, we did what we could to help and support them, when we were open to the public,” says Savannah. “We still have one of the best rooftop patios in Nova Scotia, which overlooks the Habitant River in all its beauty.”

They’ve taken their role in the community to heart—donating to various organizations, including the Canning Food Bank and the Canning Fire Department, and in the last year, the family business has really seen community support come their way as well.

“When the first round hit and we had to shut down and be open for take-out only, the communities around supported us and we were able to keep our doors open, which we were very grateful and thankful for,” says Savannah.

“Everything at Crystany’s is made in house: desserts, pickles, sauces, pasta, buns, pizza dough, and English muffins,” says Savannah.

“We source all our products locally, which allows us to change our menu seasonally, at least twice a year. Our wines, ciders, and beers are also from local producers, along with organic wines from around the world and gluten-free beers.”

Despite the challenges, the family is still as dedicated as ever their passion: “The focus of the restaurant and why it was created has never changed,” says Savannah. “It was created to offer those with celiac disease a safe place to come and enjoy a beautiful meal with their family and friends and to educate those who are not celiac about what this disease is about and the damage it does to one’s health, and to educate individuals that when food is prepared correctly without gluten, that you will not notice.”

“Over the five years we have had many popular dishes, including our homemade beer-battered fish and chips, hamburgers, and sandwiches, along with any of our made-fromscratch desserts,” she says. Moving into the summer season, local lobster, scallops, and lamb will start to pop up on the menu.

And despite the constraints of life during the pandemic, Crystany’s Brasserie is ready to celebrate. They will be celebrating the anniversary with the launch of a new line of swag, specials over their anniversary weekend, fun ways to engage with our customers via social media, and opportunities to win some prizes.

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THE FLOWER CART GROUP CONTINUES BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES CAMPAIGN New facility will cost approximately $5.8 million Wendy Elliott

Work With Purpose: 50 Years of Supported Training and Employment in the Annapolis Valley sets out the history behind the New Minas centre.

Author Jim Prime has set down many of the personal stories that led to the creation and growth of the social enterprise and vocational training centre, which makes it a good read.

The Flower Cart is about 75 per cent of the way toward a state of the art, purpose-built, and accessible new facility. After five decades, all of the social enterprises and programming will be under one roof not too far from current headquarters.

Campaign co-chair Ramona Jennex says persons with disabilities and complex barriers to employment are ordinary people who have relationships, families, dreams and aspirations just like all of us in the community. “The Flower Cart Group provides an inclusive place and opportunities to realize dreams and work

towards goals by providing meaningful vocational programs and real waged employment.”

❧ To learn more about the campaign and to make a donation, visit flowercart.ca/ building-opportunities Photo courtesy of Wendy Elliott

AVRL NEWS: STAYCATION READING COULD EARN YOU PRIZES Angela Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library Summer reading helps your children keep their reading skills sharp while school is out, and if you already love to read, why not track your reading and win prizes with our Summer Reading Challenge?

We have 4 levels this year: Pre-Reader (ages birth-4) Readers (ages 4-12) Teen (ages 12-17) Adult (Ages 18+)

12 | June 2021

Each Challenge is tailored to the age group, and has activities embedded in the Challenge in addition to reading: activities you can do right here at home in Nova Scotia.

Here’s how it works: Online registration begins June 1and the Challenge begins on June 26. Sign up by June 30 and be entered into our Early Bird draw.

We’ll be giving away a Nova Scotia Museums Family Pass and LED Rainbow Lights. There

will be surprise draws all summer long!

Read for 20 hours to complete the Challenge this summer. For every hour you read, you will get 10 tickets to spend in the Prize Buckets.

When you complete the Challenge, you get 50 extra tickets! There are also fun activities which earn you badges and 1 extra ticket each. There are grand prizes that ages 4+ can enter to win. This year we are giving away a Nintendo Switch, LEGO gift card, and an online Book Outlet gift card.

Tune in on June 26 for our Summer Reading Challenge launch, with prizes and a Zoom magic show!

All summer we will offer Take & Make kits, Virtual programs, Activity Packs, and surprise draws for fun prizes. Get ready to READ! Visit our website at valleylibrary.ca for details and registration.

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Brought to you by

Send your events to listings@grapevinepublishing.ca * Shaded events take place every week

THURSDAY, JUNE 10

Committee of the Whole — Municipality of the County of Kings, Coldbrook 6pm • The meeting will be held by video conference. The public can listen live by visiting countyofkings.ca and following the “Listen Live” link.

TIX: no charge INFO: 888-337-2999

FRIDAY, JUNE 11

Virtual Webinar: Orientation of NS Works Services — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 11am–12pm. MULTIPLE DATES: June 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 • We will discuss job search strategies, skills enhancement, self-employment, employer support etc. Contact to register or for more info. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca Virtual Workshop: Interview Skills — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 2–3pm. MULTIPLE DATES: June 11, 18, 25 • Information on types of interviews, sample questions, what to do during and after an interview, and more.

Contact to register or for more info. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca Come Sing With Us! Musical Meet & Greet! — St. John’s Anglican Church, Wolfville 4–8:30pm • Annapolis Valley Honour Choir is excited to welcome singers in Grades 3–12 for next year’s full return to in-person programming! TIX: no charge INFO: avhc.ca / coordinator@avhc.ca

SATURDAY, JUNE 12

Come Sing With Us! Musical Meet & Greet! — St. John’s Anglican Church, Wolfville 9am–3pm • Annapolis Valley Honour Choir is excited to welcome singers in Grades 3–12 for next year’s full return to in-person programming! TIX: no charge INFO: avhc.ca / coordinator@avhc.ca Wolfville Farmers Market — Wolfville 9am–1pm INFO: wolfvillefarmersmarket.ca Farmers Market — Farmer’s Market, Annapolis Royal 9am–1pm. EVERY SATURDAY! • Fresh local produce, bread, spirits, beer and more. TIX: no charge INFO: manager@annapolisroyalfarmersmarket.com Farmer’s Market — Macdonald Museum, Middleton 9am–1pm. EVERY SATURDAY! • Fresh hot foods, take away meals, produce, baked goods, meats, eggs, pickles, jams and jellies, crafts, Watkins, Scentsy, live music and more. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-825-6116 / macdonald.museum@ns.sympatico.ca North Mountain Market — United Church, Harbourville 9:30am–1pm. EVERY SATURDAY! • Every Saturday until October 9. Covid-19 precautions will be taken. TIX: no charge INFO: nmountainmarket@gmail.com Campbell & Johnston — The Union Street, Berwick 8–11pm • Halifax Blues-Rock power duo, Christine Campbell & Blake Johnston! TIX: $20 +tax (nonrefundable). Call for tickets. INFO: 902-538-7787 / eat@theunionstreet.com

JUNE 10 – JULY 1, 2021

SUNDAY, JUNE 13

Musical Meet & Greet! (Online) — Zoom Platform, Annapolis Valley 10am–8:30pm • Annapolis Valley Honour Choir is excited to welcome singers in Grades 3–12 for next year’s full return to inperson programming! TIX: no charge INFO: coordinator@avhc.ca / avhc.ca Matinee Jam Session — Royal Canadian Legion, Kentville 1–4pm • Hosted by Freedom Sound. Kitchen, Canteen, 50/50. All welcome. Seating by bubble. Masks are required. TIX: $2 INFO: 902-678-8935

MONDAY, JUNE 14

Virtual Webinar: Orientation of NS Works Services — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 11am–12pm TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca Nova Scotia Works Online — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 2–3pm. MULTIPLE DATES: June 14, 21, 28 • We will discuss NS Works online, what it is, how it will help you as a job seeker, and how to get started. Contact to register or for more info. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca Money and Youth: Financial Literacy Webinar — AVRL Virtual Program Space, Berwick 7–8:30pm • This webinar, facilitated by IG Wealth Management consultant, Kathie Pemberton, will touch on: 1.

Relationship with Money 2. Budgeting 3. Building and Keeping Excellent Credit 4. Major Expenditure- Focus on Post Secondary Education 5. Types of Investments – Financial Independence Followed by Q & A. Grades 10–12 and post secondary students. Registration is required. Zoom account not required. This program will be recorded and available for registrants. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-538-8060 / valleylibrary.ca

TUESDAY, JUNE 15

Committee of the Whole — Municipality of the County of Kings, Coldbrook 9am • The meeting will be held by video conference. The public can listen live by visiting countyofkings.ca and following the “Listen Live” link.

TIX: no charge INFO: 888-337-2999 Make a 3-D Maple Leaf — AVRL Virtual Program Space, Berwick 1:30–2:30pm • Register for a kit and then sign in to Zoom to follow along and make a 3-D papercraft maple leaf, just in time for Canada Day. Your kit will include the pre-printed paper you need to create the leaf. You will provide scissors, glue, a ruler, and butter knife. For Adults, ages 18+ TIX: No charge. Zoom link provided upon registration. INFO: 902-538-8060 / valleylibrary.ca Resume Crafting 101 Virtual Workshop — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 2–3pm. MULTIPLE DATES: June 15, 22, 29 • How to create an effective resume, how skills /qualifications can be presented, formats, using Nova Scotia Works online for your resume etc.

Contact to register or for more info. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca Celebrate Recovery — New Hope Wesleyan Church, Kentville 7–9:30pm. EVERY TUESDAY! • A faith based 12-Step program for all who need help with hurts, habits & hangups. Are you struggling with broken relationships, stress, anger, fears, addictions? All welcome. Please wear a mask & maintain social distancing. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-678-2222

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16

Always check this source for accurate tides: Canadian Fisheries & Oceans. www.waterlevels.gc.ca JUN 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 JUL 01

HIGH 1:36pm 2:15pm 2:54pm ••3:34pm 4:16pm 5:02pm 5:52pm 6:45pm 7:42pm 8:09am 9:11am 10:13am 11:13am 12:09pm 1:04pm •1:56pm 2:46pm 3:35pm 4:24pm 5:13pm 6:03pm

LOW 7:35pm 7:59am 8:39am 9:19am 10:01am 10:46am 11:35am 12:27pm 1:23pm 2:22pm 3:22pm 4:21pm 5:19pm 6:15pm 7:08pm 7:39am 8:29am 9:19am 10:07am 10:56am 11:45am

6:54pm

12:36pm

THERE ARE NORMALLY TWO HIGH AND TWO LOW TIDES EACH DAY.

•Highest High: 43.6 feet ••Lowest High: 39.7 feet

Wolfville Legion Coffee/Tea Social — Community Hall, White Rock 9:30–11:30am • Drop by for a treat and enjoy fellowship while we respect social distancing (masks are mandatory). TIX: $2 INFO: 902-542-5869 / wolfvillelegion@gmail.com Farmer’s Market — Centre Square, Kentville 10am–1pm • The best of locally produced fruit and vegetables, meat, and eggs. Freshly baked goods, jams and pickles, craft beer and spirits. Also local face masks, child’s items and soaps. See you there! TIX: no charge INFO: 902-956-1822 / goodwin.carol56@gmail.com Personal Branding Virtual Workshop — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 11am–12pm. MULTIPLE DATES: June 16, 23, 30 • With an emphasis on personal branding, we will discuss how to create a positive, professional online presence. Contact to register or for more info. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca Cover Letters Virtual Workshop — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 2–3pm. MULTIPLE DATES: June 16, 23, 30 • Information on cover letters such as the various types, appropriate format, how to submit electronically, and samples of what it should look like. Contact to register or for more info. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca

THURSDAY, JUNE 17

Job Search Virtual Workshop — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 2–3pm. MULTIPLE DATES: June 17, 24 • Using social media in your search, networking, cold calling, following up, NSW online’ job search features, and job search in a pandemic. Contact to register or for more info. TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca

FRIDAY, JUNE 18

Virtual Webinar: Orientation of NS Works Services — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 11am–12pm TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca Virtual Workshop: Interview Skills — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 2–3pm TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca

SATURDAY, JUNE 19

Farmers Market — Farmer’s Market, Annapolis Royal 9am–1pm INFO: manager@annapolisroyalfarmersmarket.com Wolfville Farmers Market — Wolfville 9am–1pm INFO: wolfvillefarmersmarket.ca Farmer’s Market — Macdonald Museum, Middleton 9am–1pm • INFO: 902-825-6116 / macdonald.museum@ns.sympatico.ca North Mountain Market — United Church, Harbourville 9:30am–1pm • INFO: nmountainmarket@gmail.com Family Nature Play — Kentville Ravine, Kentville 10– 11:30am • W/ Flying Squirrel Adventures & Kentville Recreation. Enjoy a family-friendly nature walk and activities. 3rd Saturday of the month. TIX: Registration required INFO: 902-679-2539 / recreation@kentville.ca SpeakEasy — Community Hall, West Brooklyn 8–11pm • The Jazz Trio featuring Samantha Wilson on guitar, Nick D’Amato on bass, and Andrew Jackson on trombone. Come and enjoy some fabulous live music and our infamous SpeakEasy atmosphere! Remember to wear your mask! TIX: $15 Reservations required.

INFO: 902-542-5424 MONDAY, 21 Virtual Webinar: Orientation of NS Works Services — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 11am–12pm TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca Nova Scotia Works Online — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 2–3pm TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca

TUESDAY, JUNE 22

Resume Crafting 101 Virtual Workshop — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 2–3pm TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca Valley Regional Hospital Foundation AGM — Onlinve via Zoom 7pm • Public invited to attend. INFO: RSVP 902-678-5414 / events@vrhfoundation.ca Celebrate Recovery — New Hope Wesleyan Church, Kentville 7–9:30pm TIX: no charge INFO: 902-678-2222

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23

Wolfville Legion Coffee/Tea Social — Community Hall, White Rock 9:30–11:30amTIX: $2 INFO: 902-542-5869 / wolfvillelegion@gmail.com Farmer’s Market — Centre Square, Kentville 10am–1pm • TIX: no charge INFO: 902-956-1822 / goodwin.carol56@gmail.com Personal Branding Virtual Workshop — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 11am–12pm TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca Cover Letters Virtual Workshop — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 2–3pm TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca

THURSDAY, JUNE 24

Job Search Virtual Workshop — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 2–3pm TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca

FRIDAY, JUNE 25

Virtual Webinar: Orientation of NS Works Services — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 11am–12pm TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca Virtual Workshop: Interview Skills — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 2–3pm TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca

SATURDAY, JUNE 26

Wolfville Farmers Market — Wolfville 9am–1pm INFO: wolfvillefarmersmarket.ca Farmers Market — Farmer’s Market, Annapolis Royal 9am–1pm • INFO: manager@annapolisroyalfarmersmarket.com Farmer’s Market — Macdonald Museum, Middleton 9am–1pm • INFO: 902-825-6116 / macdonald.museum@ns.sympatico.ca North Mountain Market — United Church, Harbourville 9:30am–1pm • INFO: nmountainmarket@gmail.com SRC Launch — AVRL Facebook Page, Berwick 10–10:45am • Tune in on our Facebook page for a Live Launch of the 2021 Summer Reading Challenge.

We will have stories, songs, trivia, and prizes to give away! TIX: no charge INFO: valleylibrary.ca / facebook.com/AVRLibrary Zoom Magic Show — AVRL Virtual Program Space, Berwick 11am–12pm • Kick-off the Summer Reading Challenge with a family magic show! Ottawa magician Chris Pillsworth will amaze and delight with this interactive show. Register to reserve your front-row seat for this at-home show. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. TIX: no charge INFO: valleylibrary.ca / 902-538-8060 SpeakEasy — Community Hall, West Brooklyn 8–11pm • Fabulous acoustic vintage swing with String Theory! Come and enjoy live music and our infamous SpeakEasy atmosphere! Reserve now! Remember to wear your mask! TIX: $10 INFO: Ruth, 902-542-5424

SUNDAY, JUNE 27

Matinee Jam Session — Royal Canadian Legion, Kentville 1–4pm • Kitchen and Canteen Concession, 50/50. Hosted by Country Heat. Come on out for a fun afternoon! All are Welcome! TIX: $2 INFO: 902-678-8935

MONDAY, JUNE 28

Virtual Webinar: Orientation of NS Works Services — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 11am–12pm TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca Nova Scotia Works Online — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 2–3pm TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca

TUESDAY, JUNE 29

Resume Crafting 101 Virtual Workshop — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 2–3pm TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca Celebrate Recovery — New Hope Wesleyan Church, Kentville 7–9:30pm TIX: no charge INFO: 902-678-2222

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30

Wolfville Legion Coffee/Tea Social — Community Hall, White Rock 9:30–11:30am TIX: $2 INFO: 902-542-5869 / wolfvillelegion@gmail.com Farmer’s Market — Centre Square, Kentville 10am–1pm • TIX: no charge INFO: 902-956-1822 / goodwin.carol56@gmail.com Personal Branding Virtual Workshop — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 11am–12pm TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca Cover Letters Virtual Workshop — PeopleWorx, Coldbrook NS 2–3pm TIX: no charge INFO: 902-679-7472 / Kade, kmcmullin@peopleworx.ca

THURSDAY, JULY 1

VIP Ghost Walk — Annapolis Valley 8–9pm • Familyfriendly, historical productions for your private group w/ Jerome the Gravekeeper and 3 of his ghostly friends.

Customizable start times and locations, available in: Wolfville, Kentville, Halls Harbour, Windsor, The Grand Pre Winery, or other. TIX: MUST PURCHASE 14 DAYS IN ADVANCE $250+hst for up to 15 private guests. $75+hst for an additional 10 private guests. $350+hst for up to 15 private guests w/wine samples at the Grand Pre Winery INFO: 902-692-8546 / jerome@valleyghostwalks.com

THE INFAMOUS NOVA SCOTIA TOIT Garry Leeson

It was a long time coming and there was a lot of excitement when they finally got it. Men and women alike had been waiting for years to get it. They couldn’t have got it at a better time.

The Toit, the round version being most preferable, turned out to be the currency of a revolution. People everywhere were getting it and as soon as they got it, things began to change. Suddenly all those things that should have happened began to actually happen and untold numbers of old promises were being kept.

Renovations and small building projects were at an all-time high and all the niggling repair jobs around the place were being addressed.

Recipes that had been languishing in old cookbooks were being dug out and used. Garden planter boxes were being built and plants and shrubs were being attended like never before, lawns nourished and mowed almost to baldness. Overdue tune-ups on vehicles were being addressed. Cars were vacuumed and polished.

Finally finishing War and Peace, and, given the somber atmosphere of the pandemic, getting that will written.

Building supply centres, hardware outlets, nurseries, and grocery stores became inundated with orders for supplies to fulfill promises that had lain dormant for years. The shortage of material became beyond frustrating to those who wanted to use this time as an enjoyable working staycation.

The Toit had cast its broad shadow and retailers found themselves running out of supplies.

Too many walls were being painted, too many wooden decks being built, too many plumbing projects, too much cement being used—the list goes on and on.

A sad state of affairs for those who have finally gotten around to it.

❧

June 2021 | 13

DINNER OUT: CUMIN KITCHEN AND DRINKS Scott Campbell

From the creators of Le Caveau at Grand Pre Winery comes a brand new casual dining experience. With Chef Jason Lynch creating a phenomenal new menu that is both creative and delicious this new gem promises to be sparkling addition to the culinary landscape in the Valley. Cumin Kitchen and Drinks is located in the new building at 21 Roy Avenue in New Minas. Chef Lynch describes Cumin Kitchen and Drinks as an urban café and eatery based on locally sourced and supportive agriculture with fresh and honest food prepared simply. They offer dine-in, take-out, or take-home and are a licensed establishment offering a wide selection of exquisite Nova Scotian wines. If you are a coffee lover make sure you come in and have one of the many coffee beverages that are made on a lever (manual) espresso machine that is lovingly referred to as “The Beast.”

I had an opportunity to tour the sparkling new kitchen on opening day and got to witness the well-oiled machine that produces the mouthwatering menu choices first hand.

The large dining room offers ample room for patrons to maintain social distancing and still enjoy a fantastic dining experience. There is a robust menu full of exciting choices to fit every palate as well as a pasta special each day. I chose the Bolognese. I can say, with no exaggeration, that it was the most delicious Bolognese I’ve ever had. The Mafalde pasta was cooked perfectly and was drenched in a rich meat sauce. Everything was sprinkled with herbs and parmesan cheese and served with a slice of herbed focaccia. I don’t mind telling you that I used that focaccia to swipe

Photo courtesty of Scott Campbell

up every last drop of that meat sauce. The pasta special of the day was Pad Thai offered in mild, medium, or hot. Again, perfectly cooked pasta mingling with pork belly and tofu made this a great choice too. The bright flavours of peanuts, cilantro, and lime all shared the stage in this fantastic dish.

If you have a chance, treat yourself to Cumin Kitchen and Drinks. I know I’ll be back again soon as I work my way through their exciting menu. Cheers.

❧ Follow Scott on Instagram@ ScottsGrapevine

I KNOW A PLACE by Ron Lightburn

season

14

ValleyGhostWalks.com

Valley Ghost Talks

Thursdays, 7:45 - 9:30pm

July 8 - Western Shoreline, Halls Harbour July 15 - Ridge Stile Park, Wolfville July 22 - Landscape of Grand Pre View Park Bring your own lawn chair, blanket, and bug spray! Starting at $50 for group of 2 (fees & hst included)

Family-friendly, sit-down shows

VIP Ghost Walks

Private Ghost Walks for your group Thursdays: July 1, 29, Aug. 19, Sept. 23, Oct. 21 & 30 Starting at $250+hst, must book at least 14 days in advance

No walk-ups sold. Pre-purchase limited tickets through TICKETPRO.CA and their outlets.

All Covid gathering regulations followed.

14 | June 2021

White Point Beach Ron Lightburn’s art cards are now available at locations throughout the Annapolis Valley: R.D. Chisholm and the Kings County Museum in Kentville; The Port Pub and Sea Level Brewing in Port Williams; Bent Ridge Winery in Windsor, Wheaton’s in Berwick, Saunders Tartans & Gifts in New Minas, and Endless Shores Books in Bridgetown.

thelightburns.com

At Acadia

Acadia University | 15 University Ave, Wolfville.

902-542-2201 | Staffed Switchboard. 8:30am-4:30pm. agi@acadiau.ca – General Inquiries

ACADIA PERFORMING ARTS SERIES OFFERS THREE VIRTUAL CONCERTS FOR FREE VIEWING François Côté

This year, for the first time in more than half a century, the Acadia Performing Arts Series did not present live performances in Convocation Hall or Festival Theatre, its two habitual Acadia campus venues. As we all know, the Acadia campus has been off-limits to the general public since the beginning of the pandemic.

It even seems unlikely that we will be able to present performances on campus come next fall.

Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), an invasive plant that is present along the Acadia University Woodland Trails (photo courtesy of Samuel Jean).

WHAT’S GROWING AT THE HARRIET IRVING BOTANICAL GARDENS

INVASIVE PLANTS

Samuel Jean, Conservation and Education Assistant I am writing these lines on the International Day for Biological Diversity and I hope that it will inspire landowners, and gardeners especially, to act on a threat to biodiversity: invasive plants.

from these plants can also disperse the species by floating down a stream or by hitchhiking to a new garden when you share plant divisions with other gardeners or forget to clean your shoes after hiking in an infested area.

Invasive plant pulling is part of the daily work at the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens.

Despite continuous monitoring, several plant species that are not native to the province and that are known to shade, crowd, and overwhelm native plants find their way into the Gardens. Unlike native plants, invasive plants did not evolve for thousands of years along with the wildlife that is present in our region.

As a result, wildlife is not able to use these plants to their full potential. Native bees need native plants. The insects that most terrestrial birds depend on to feed their nestlings need native plants as well. On top of not sustaining wildlife, invasive plants are hard to manage due to their aggressive growth and can have negative impacts on economic sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and tourism.

At the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens, we are currently using the 2019 Maine Advisory List of Invasive Plants (maine.gov/dacf/ mnap/features/invasive_plants/invasives. htm) as a guide to determine which species we need to deal with. We encourage you to do some research about the plants that you currently have in your gardens and about the ones that you want to add to it. Remove or avoid the ones that are listed as invasive in nearby jurisdictions. The plants we choose to include in our gardens can have an impact, positive or negative, on the ecosystems that surround them, and we do have complete control over what grows in them. Let’s make our gardens as inviting as possible for wildlife by growing as many native plants as possible.

Invasive plants came here, and are still getting here, by various paths. Horticulture is one of them. Nowadays recognized as one of the worst invasive plants in the world, Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) was once used as an ornamental plant. Once planted in your garden, an invasive plant is free to produce seeds that can be dispersed by the wind or by birds into natural areas, out of your sight, where they can germinate, grow, reproduce, and disturb the ecosystem. Cuttings and seeds

Keep an eye on our Facebook page over the next few weeks as we will be presenting the invasive plants that we are currently dealing with in the Gardens and other ones that are present in Nova Scotia. If you encounter these plants, feel free to submit your observations through the invasive and potentially invasive plants of Nova Scotia iNaturalist project. For more information about invasive species in Nova Scotia, visit the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council website: nsinvasives.ca.

❧

BUDGET 2021 SUPPORTS NOVA SCOTIA’S WINE SECTOR Kody Blois

As your Member of Parliament, I’m proud to champion the robust agriculture sector that exists in Kings-Hants—including our grape and wine sector, which also serves as a tourism destination, generating jobs and supporting our local economy.

There has been tremendous growth in our wine sector since 2007. This is largely in part due to the entrepreneurial spirit of our wine growers and vineyard operators, but also because of the 100% Canadian Excise Exemption. However, this exemption was deemed non-trade compliant by the World Trade Organization following a challenge from Australia in 2018.

In working closely with stakeholders in KingsHants and across the country in the lead-up to the budget, I know an excise exemption replacement program was a top priority to help support our domestic producers. That’s why I’m pleased that Budget 2021 allocates $101 million over the next two years to support wineries in lieu of the required phase out of the Canadian excise exemption in 2022, as per the negotiated settlement between Canada and Australia. The exact details of the program to support Canadian wineries are not

yet finalized, but I’m committed to being the voice of the sector locally at the policy table to ensure we get this right.

Budget 2021 also invests $21 million in initiatives and resources to continue removing internal barriers to trade across Canada, which will be beneficial to all sectors involved in inter-provincial trade.

Additionally, I was pleased to see many other investments that will support our wine sector, like investments that will lower credit card merchant fees, make e-commerce easier, and increase jobs.

While I am proud of our government’s efforts, it is you, the reader, who has the most power to help drive our local businesses forward.

When thinking about picking up your next bottle of bubbly, think right here in your own backyard—you won’t be disappointed.

❧ For more information on Budget 2021, please visit budget.gc.ca or send me an email at kody.blois@parl.gc.ca.

Normally, at this time of year, we would have released a full 2021-22 Series, nicely presented in our glossy booklet. Thousands of copies of this booklet would have been circulating throughout April, and about 250 people might have renewed their yearly subscription by now, but for a second year, in this Covid fog, it won’t be business as usual.

We have three postponed events that have been re-scheduled during the 2021-22 season: performances by Michael Kaeshammer, Laila Biali, and Wonderheads Theatre. We hope that these tours will indeed happen, even if we have to present these performances off-campus. But otherwise, we must wait and see. Agents are calling. Obviously, artists and presenters desperately need to start working again, but everything is still so uncertain that we can only make tentative plans and hope that Covid clears up enough in the coming months to allow us to confirm more events in 2021-22. Things will hopefully become clearer come September.

So, at this point, for a second year, we are unable to offer a full Performing Arts Series to our subscribers. However we promise that we will find creative ways, on our own or in collaboration with our area’s other non-profit presenters (Music In Communities, Ross Creek Arts Center, Deep Roots Music Coop), to present great performances.

As our fiscal year recently ended, we would like to share with you some of what we have been doing this year. Like many presenters, we had to go online. We produced a series of virtual concerts for our members. They were performed specifically for our audience, video-recorded from Nashville, Boston,

Ontario, and even Mexico. We also supported the Music in Communities production of a hybrid (live/virtual) Christmas concert performed in Wolfville by Measha Brueggergosman. We are also supporting the production of more upcoming MIC events.

We are proud of these performances, co-produced with the artists themselves. We want to share them with a wider audience, so we are making three of our best 2020-21 virtual performances available for anyone to view anytime for free!

1. A performance for the ages from a legendary Nashville studio by pianist and singer A J CROCE (yes, Jim’s son ) and his full band.

Croce is a friend of ours, a friend of Wolfville, and a major Grammy-nominated artist in his own right. The best piano playing in Americana music!

2. A solo performance by the amazing ARI HEST, another American artist who’s made many fans in Wolfville, having performed twice at the Deep Roots Festival a dozen years ago.

3. An enchanting performance by Mexican singer/songwriter TANIA CHAN, direct from Oaxaca. A wonderful artist whom I “discovered” in previous travels to this culturally vibrant city in the south of Mexico.

Go to the Performing Arts Series’ Facebook page (facebook. com/Acadia-Performing-Arts-Series-105215191521). There, you will find direct links to all three performances for you to enjoy whenever you want! (Please, click to “follow” us while you’re there. And tell us with emojis or comments that you are watching).

As we long for the day when the live arts industry will be fully reborn, summer is upon us. I’m optimistic that, in beautiful and safe settings, musicians will be playing, actors will be acting, and dancers will dance. We will have many opportunities to support artists and to share in the connection and the vivid memories that live performances create.

❧

ACADIA SPORTS THERAPY CLINIC INC.

Acadia Arena Complex, Wolfville, N.S. acadiasportstherapy.com • (902) 585-1625 Your safety is ensured with the necessary COVID-19 precautions from the N.S. Health Authority

MANAGEMENT/PREVENTION OF SPORTS/RECREATIONAL INJURIES FOR THE VALLEY COMMUNITY

Congratulations, graduates!

I know this year wasn’t how you envisioned your final year, but through this experience, you’ve demonstrated important skills you will carry with you in your next chapter and beyond. I wish you all the best in the days ahead.

Congratulations!

KODY BLOIS

Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants kody.blois@parl.gc.ca 902-542-4010 June 2021 | 15

Happy

LOVE

SING

SAFE

VOICES MATTER

Community

Education Music

Safety

learn

DIVERSE

Friends

FAMILY

Musicianship

Artistry

KINDNESS

LOVE TO SING? COME SING SAFELY WITH US! Welcoming students Grade 3 to 12 from all over the valley.

MUSICAL MEET & GREETS COMING IN JUNE! Information & sign up visit www.avhc.ca/avhcsing ANNAPOLIS VALLEY’S LEADING PROGRAM FOR CULTURAL, INCLUSIVE, MUSICAL EXCELLENCE FOR OVER 30 YEARS.

#voicesofthefuture

’S

L CAR

396 Main St., Wolfville 542-9680 16 | June 2021

ACCESSIBLE

Heart

HOME

FRESH, COOKED, WHOLE BBQ CHICKEN.

$2 off regular price, valid with no other offer.

Exipry: Friday, July 9th 2021