ZERO-PROOF: MAKING CHAI

Issue No. 19.01 January 2022

Classifieds / Zero-Proof ......................................... p.3 Free Will Astrology / Star Drop .............................. p.4 Best of the Bunch 2021 Results .............................. p.5 Featurepreneur / Benjamin Bridge ........................ p.6 Who’s Who: Brittany Chapman .............................. p.7 Wolfville Page ....................................................... p.8 What’s Happening / Tides ..................................... p.9 Books by Locals / Margot’s Hidden Gems .............p.10 Visually Speaking: Will Cooper .............................p.11

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WHERE TO FIND US

WINDSOR: Fry Daddy’s, Lisa's Cafe, T.A.N. Coffee, Mosaic Market FALMOUTH: Fruit & Vegetable Company, Petro-Canada HANTSPORT: Jim's Your Independent Grocer AVONPORT: Cann’s Kwik-Way GRAND-PRÉ: Convenience Store, Domaine de Grand Pré, Just Us! Café GASPEREAU: Gaspereau Vineyards, Reid's Meats & Kwik-Way, XTR Kwik-Way WOLFVILLE: Carl's Your Independent Grocer, Eos Natural Foods, Just Us! Café, T.A.N. Coffee, Library, Wolfville Farmers' Market GREENWICH: Avery’s Farm Market, Edible Art Cafe, Elderkin's Farm Market, Hennigar's Farm Market, Noggins Corner Farm Market, Stirling's PORT WILLIAMS: Fox Hill Cheese House, Planters Ridge, Sea Level Brewery, The Noodle Guy CANNING: Degraaf's Kwik-Way, ValuFoods, i scream NEW MINAS: Boston Pizza, Captain Sub, Irving Big Stop, Jessy's Pizza, Long and McQuade, Milne Court Petro-Canada, Pita Pit, Swiss Chalet KENTVILLE: Half Acre Café, Jason’s Your Independent Grocer, T.A.N. Coffee, Valley Regional Hospital COLDBROOK: Access Nova Scotia, T.A.N. Coffee, Callister's Country Kitchen, Foodland, Vicki's Seafood Restaurant BERWICK: Jonny's Cookhouse, Luigi's Pizza Palace, North Mountain Coffeehouse, Rising Sun Natural Foods, Union Street Café, Wilsons Pharmasave AYLESFORD: Chisholm's PharmaChoice KINGSTON: French Bakery, Pharmasave, Green Elephant GREENWOOD: Country Store, Tim Hortons (Central Ave + Mall), Valley Natural Foods MIDDLETON: Angie’s, Goucher’s, Wilmot Frenchy’s, Tim Horton, Library

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CLASSES & WORKSHOPS:

Weathering the Storm: ONLINE Mondays, 7:30–9pm, Jan 17–Feb 21. A 6–week intro to mindfulness, facilitated by Heidi Kalyani. Learn simple techniques to keep you anchored during challenging and stormy times. Experience ease and peace by discovering your steady, unshakable core. Cultivate more harmonious relationships with yourself, others and the world around you. INFO/Reg: connect@heartwideopen.ca Gaspereau Yoga Winter 2022: A 9-week session starting Wed. January 12–March 9. All classes will take place on Wednesdays at the Bishop Hall in Greenwich. In the case of cancellations (snow, covid, etc.) the session will continue until we have completed the 9 weeks. Level 1: 4–5:15pm. An introduction to basic yoga poses. Level 1–2: 5:30–6:45pm. A vigorous yoga practice for students who have already done some yoga. Classes are integrating the celebration of the heart, universal principles of alignment, and balanced energetic action in the performance of yoga poses. Instructor: Sophie Bérubé. FEE: $85 per level for 9-week session. Payment by cheque to Sophie Bérubé, by e-transfer or by cash. INFO/Reg: yogagaspereau@gmail.com In-Person Piano & Voice Lessons: Susan Dworkin is a resident of Wolfville and for the past 30 years has offered professional, qualified music education to children and adults of all ages. Susan is a professional classical singer and pianist and instructs voice and piano technique. (special Covid-19 protocol in place for everyone’s safety and protection). Limited space. Call for details. INFO: susanlisadworkin@gmail.com / 902-300-1001 / armonicomusicstudio.com

DONATE/VOLUNTEER:

The Revival Shop: @ Hantsport Baptist Church: Excellent way to recycle good used seasonal clothing. Donate/shop during open hours: Mon. 9am–12pm, Tues. 2–4pm, Wed. 2–4pm, Thurs. 6–8pm, Sat. 10am–12pm. Free will donation only for all items. INFO: Call Shirley, 902-684-3563 PRODUCTS & SERVICES:

Got Mice?: Do you have a MOUSE problem? Or do you have a HOUSE problem? Got Mice Humane Wildlife Services addresses common and uncommon entry points permanently with guaranteed results. Call for a consultation. INFO: 902-365-MICE (6423) / GOTMICE.CA Little Piggies Reflexology: Starting Mid-January we are offering full sessions of “STRUCTURAL REFLEXOLOGY” at 1/2 price. Currently needing case studies with foot pain issues like Bunions, plantar fasciitis and many more. Email for eligibility, dates, times and cost. INFO: littlepiggiesreflexology@gmail.com

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or email to book an appointment. INFO: 902-790-2626 / errandsbykaren@hotmail.com Interior Painting and Cabinets: Women in Rollers is the Valley’s full-service decorating company. We do accurate quotes, show up on time, and perform to perfection. We even leave your home neat and tidy! We have great references! Complimentary design and colour consultations. Call today for your free estimate. INFO: Pamela, 902-697-2926 Get it Published!: Layout and design of books, covers, posters, brochures, and more. E-books too! Reasonable rates and ultra-reliable service. INFO: david@textanddesign.com / textanddesign.com GENERAL:

Adult Skating: Come enjoy a skate with fellow adults at the Kentville Centennial Arena from 9:30–10:30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All participants must answer/pass screening questions and sign in upon entry. Mask must be worn until you are on the ice! FEE: $3 INFO: 902-679-2542 / kentville.ca Wolfville & Area Newcomers Club: Visit our website wolfvillenewcomers.org or Facebook page “Wolfville and Area Newcomers Club” for meeting information. EXHIBITS:

“the body was never a colony”: Tides Contemporary Art Gallery, Kentville • Guest Artist Show: “the body was never a colony” By Echo Nara. Online, and in person through the end of January. INFO: tidescontemporaryartgallery.com

ZERO-PROOF: MAKING CHAI

Avery Peters

In the late fall of 2020 after we’d lived through the first wave of the pandemic, I began a practice of making myself and my husband a special immune-boosting cup of chai every single day. Part of it stemmed from my desire to soothe my anxieties of the fear circulating around me about Covid-19 and part of it stemmed from my desire to do something about my evolving seasonal allergies (if you’d like to learn more about astragalus and its medicinal properties, that is for another article). The act of making this cup of tea every day to share with my husband became so much more than just an immune boost or an allergy ease.

This chai recipe comes from an online course I have been taking called “Taste of Herbs,”which is offered by the Learning Herbs platform and website. The course itself was developed by Rosalee de la Forêt. I found out the chai recipe was one of her favourites and after I did more research on the benefits of astragalus root, I knew I had to make it.

Because this tea/tisane involves roots of plants as well as mushroom, it requires a process called decoction, which involves simmering the herbs and roots in a pot on the stove for a longer period of time than you would steep tea in a pot on the counter. This chai simmers for about one hour and it seems like it uses a lot of herbs to make it. Since it requires a longer simmer and some measuring and weighing of herbs, I would make enough for two days at a time and refrigerate the extra tea for the next day.

We have particularly big mugs that we use every day to drink our chai—mugs that are bigger than the usual tea or coffee cups. Mostly we drink it in the evening after the kids go to bed. If our schedule is different or Zak is working the night shift, I give it to him in a mason jar so that he can heat it up at work. I always make sure that there is enough for both of us. It has become a ritual of calm in a period of uncertainty and isolation, soothing us as we sit for another night of Netflix or reading. I’ll always be thinking of him if our schedules differ: “Oh, you didn’t get your chai today. Do you want me to heat it up for you or do you want me to put it in the fridge for tomorrow?”

Over time after tasting cup after cup, I’ve adjusted the recipe to my own taste, adding more black pepper or ginger to make it spicier or blending fresh and dried ginger to get the flavour profiles of both.

The ritual of measuring and simmering every (other) day nourished and calmed me. I loved the smell of every herb as I would open the jars to prepare another pot and I still do. I’ve memorized and internalized the recipe reaching for each jar of herbs: astragalus root, reishi mushroom, cardamom, clove, orange peel, black pepper, dried ginger, fresh ginger, and sometimes allspice. The first two ingredients may be unknown to you. Astragalus is an immune-boosting herb that has been used for hundreds of years in traditional Chinese medicine and it is the root of the plant that is used. Reishi is a mushroom with longstanding use in Asian countries as well. Astragalus has a wonderful sweet taste and you can also use it in broths, but we’ve especially loved it in this chai.

After measuring all of the ingredients I place them in the pot with 10 cups of water and bring it to a simmer. Since we’d been renting while our house was being built, I had to get used to a few different cooktops along the way and ensure that they were simmering and not boiling. So I’d putter around in the kitchen as the smell wafted out of the pot over the course of the hour. Then I strain off the herbs using a fine mesh strainer (the one I also use for rice) and my biggest Pyrex measuring cup which, depending on the evaporation during the simmer, may or may not be able to hold what was previously 10 cups. I pour it into each of our large mugs and then the rest goes into a mason jar into the fridge for the next day. I add a touch of honey to each mug and to the jar and then a splash of milk.

As the recipe slowly became my own, some batches were a bit bitter from boiling too much, others were too spicy from an overzealous addition of ginger or black pepper. Some batches even reminded me of Froot Loops cereal from adding too much orange peel (something about orange with the sweet astragalus—does Kelloggs secretly add medicinal roots? haha). Each time I make the chai it is a little different depending on my mood and attention, and I think that’s true of many things in life that we repeat. Each time, we enjoy this chai. Sometimes we pay more attention than others, but we always receive the warm physical comfort in addition to the knowledge that we’re doing something good for our health. Making this chai was and still is an important way for me to care for myself and to share that care and affection with my husband.

Making and sharing tea has a long and expansive history. This is a part of my story that keeps evolving and growing. Tea ebbs and flows out of popularity but it will never go away. I challenge you to try a tea you’ve never had before and buy it loose leaf. Get a tea strainer or compostable single-use tea bags and fill them yourself. There is so much more enjoyment to be had from using whole herbs (and, if you’re up for it, foraging, growing, and harvesting your own herbs) rather than using plastic-laden pre-filled teabags at the grocery store.

Next time, I will be sharing a bit more about how to blend your own teas. I’ll start simple and it won’t be too overwhelming.

Find the recipe for the astragalus chai here: learningherbs.com/ remedies-recipes/astragalus-chai

Esoteric (adjective): Something that is known, understood, or appreciated by only a small number of people; obscure. The fox, with lacquered polished eyes Fired against the mouth of night, Denies himself the gold surprise Of the morning paved with light. The mint-cool path, the fern-dark ways Slanting woodward, are to one Who loves the frozen stellar gaze More amorous than noonday sun.

© 2022 Rob Brezsny • freewillastrology.com • Horoscopes for the week of January 13th

ARIES (March 21-April 19): The coming months will be an excellent time for you to explore the art of Soulful Bragging. Do you deserve any of the titles below? If so, feel free to use them liberally throughout 2022. 1. Practical Idealist with Flexible Strategies. 2. Genius of Interesting Intimacy. 3. Jaunty Healer with Boisterous Knowledge of the Soul’s Ways. 4. Free-Wheeling Joker Who Makes People Laugh for Righteous and Healing Reasons. 5. Skillful Struggler. 6. Empathy Master with a Specialty in Creative Compassion. 7. Playful Reservoir of Smart Eros. 8. Purveyor of Feisty Wisdom and Cute Boldness. 9. Crafty JoySummoner.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Most people who use tobacco products are at risk of having shorter life spans than they might have otherwise had. Smoking is detrimental to health. Those who smoke in their twenties and thirties may cut ten years off their longevity. But here’s some good news: If you kick your tobacco habit before age 40, you will regain most of those ten years. I bring this to your attention because I’d like it to serve as a motivational tale for you in 2022. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you will have more power than ever before to escape any harmful addictions and compulsions you have—and begin reclaiming your full vitality. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In May 1974, the Grateful Dead introduced a new wrinkle to their live musical performances. Playing at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, they amplified their music through a “Wall of Sound”: 604 speakers piled high, together channeling 26,000 watts of energy. Had any band ever treated their fans to a louder volume and crisper tones? I’d like to make this breakthrough event one of your top metaphors for 2022. According to my analysis, it will be a great year for you to boost your signal. I invite you to distribute your message with maximum confidence and clarity. Show the world who you are with all the buoyant flair you can rouse. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Philosopher Emil Cioran said he despised wise philosophers. Why? Because they practice prudent equanimity, which he regarded as empty and sterile. In Cioran’s view, these deep thinkers avoid strong feelings so they can live in cool safety, free from life’s nervewracking paradoxes. I agree with him that such a state is undesirable. However, Cioran contrasted it with the lives of the normal people he admired, who are “full of irreconcilable contradictions” and who “suffer from limitless anxiety.” My question for Cioran: Are there no other options between those two extremes? And my answer: Of course there are! And you can be proof of that in 2022, Cancerian. I expect you’ll be full of deep feelings, eager for new experiences, and infused with a lust for life—with less anxiety and fewer irreconcilable contradictions than ever before.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In 1838, 29-year-old naturalist Charles Darwin was early in his career. He had not developed his theory of evolution, and was not yet a superstar of science. He began ruminating about the possibility of proposing marriage to his cousin Emma Wedgwood. If married, he wrote: “constant companion and a friend in old age; the charms of music and female chit-chat—good things for one’s health.” If not married: “no children; no one to care for one in old age; less money for books, loss of time, and a duty to work for money.” I bring this to your attention, Leo, because I suspect that in 2022, you may be tempted and inspired to deeply interweave your fate with the fates of interesting characters. A spouse or partner or collaborator? Could be. Maybe a beloved animal or spirit guide? Have fun making your list of pros and cons! VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): What were your favorite toys when you were a child? Now would be a good time to retrieve fond memories of them, and even acquire modern versions so you can revive the joy they gave you. In my astrological analysis, you’ll be wise to invite your inner child to play a bigger role in your life as you engage in a wide range of playtime activities. So yes, consider the possibility of buying yourself crayons, Legos, dolls and puppets, video games, squirt guns, roller skates, yo-yos, jump ropes, and board games. And don’t neglect the pleasures of blanket forts, cardboard boxes, mud pies, and plain old sticks. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In his novel *The Story of a Marriage*, Andrew Sean Greer asks, “Does love always form, like a pearl, around the hardened bits of life?” My answer would be, “No, not always, but when it does, it’s often extra sweet and enduring.” One of my wishes and predictions for you in 2022, Libra, is that love will form around your hardened bits. For best results, be open to the possibility that difficulty can blossom into grace. Look for opportunities that are seeded by strenuous work. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “It is worth living long enough to outlast whatever sense of grievance you may acquire.” Author Marilynne Robinson wrote that, and I recommend her thought as one of your uplifting meditations in 2022. According to my reading of the astrological omens, the coming months will be a favorable time to dismantle and dissolve as many old grievances as you can. This could and should be the year you liberate yourself from psychic grunge—for the sake of your own mental, physical, and spiritual health as much as for the sake of others’.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Some critics view author Diana Wynne Jones as a genius in her chosen field: fantasy novels for children and young adults. She had a generous spirit, asserting, “I have this very strong feeling that everybody is probably a genius at something; it’s just a question of finding this.” If you are still unsure what your unique genius consists of, Sagittarius, I believe 2022 will show you in detailed glory. And if you do already know, the coming months will be a time when you dramatically deepen your ability to access and express your genius. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn biologist Robin Wall Kimmerer wrote a meditative book about moss. It was her response to questions she had been wondering about: Why has this inconspicuous plant persevered for 350 million years? While so many other species have gone extinct, why has moss had staying power through all the Earth’s climate changes and upheavals? And what lessons does its success have for us? Here are Kimmerer’s conclusions: Moss teaches us the value “of being small, of giving more than you take, of working with natural law, sticking together.” In accordance with astrological omens in 2022, Capricorn, I believe moss should be your role model. (Kimmerer’s book is *Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses*.) AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Author Joyce Carol Oates has been very successful and has won several major awards. But she describes her job as arduous and time-consuming. “I work very slowly,” she testifies. “It’s like building a ladder, where you’re building your own ladder rung by rung, and you’re climbing the ladder. It’s not the best way to build a ladder, but I don’t know any other way.” I wouldn’t always recommend her approach for you, Aquarius, but I will in 2022. As long as you’re willing to accept gradual, incremental progress, you’ll get a lot of fine work done.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): I’ve selected a quote for you to use as one of your guiding principles in 2022. I urge you to undertake a specific action in the next 24 hours that will prove you mean to take it seriously. Here’s the wisdom articulated by Piscean rabbi and philosopher Marc-Alain Ouaknin: “People must break with the illusion that their lives have already been written and their paths already determined.” It’s reinvention time, dear Pisces.

Homework: What’s the most important thing for you to get rid of in 2022? Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com..

FOOD & DRINK

BEST RESTAURANT (CASUAL) MARITIME EXPRESS CIDER CO. Runner-up: The Noodle Guy

BEST RESTAURANT (FINE DINING) TROY Runner-up: Le Caveau

BEST CAFE VILLAGE COFFEEHOUSE Runner-up: Just Us!

BEST BURGER JONNY’S COOKHOUSE Runner-up: Maritime Express Cider Co.

BEST PIZZA TERRA ROSSA TRATTORIA Runner-up: House of Dough

BEST SANDWICH MARITIME EXPRESS CIDER CO. Runner-up: Cumin Kitchen & Drink

BEST BAKERY SOURDOUGH COUNTRY BAKERY Runner-up: Marie & Guy French Bakery

BEST BUTCHER VILLAGE MEAT MARKET Runner-up: Reid’s Meats BEST BREAKFAST/BRUNCH THE NAKED CREPE BISTRO Runner-up: Maritime Express Cider Co.

BEST DESSERT THE NAKED CREPE BISTRO Runner-up: Gerrish & Gray

BEST VENUE FOR DRINKS MARITIME EXPRESS CIDER CO. Runner-up: The Church Brewing Co.

BEST PATIO TROY Runner-up: The Church Brewing Co.

BEST CRAFT BREWERY WAYFARERS’ ALE CRAFT BREWERY Runner-up: Millstone Harvest Brewhouse/ Sea Level Brewing (tie)

BEST WINERY BENJAMIN BRIDGE Runner-up: Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards

BEST CRAFT CIDERY ANNAPOLIS CIDER CO. Runner-up: Maritime Express Cider Co.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

BEST LOCAL MUSICIAN OR BAND DANIEL JAMES MCFADYEN Runner-up: Terra Spencer

BEST LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER BROGAN BENTLEY Runner-up: Colin Chase

Thank you to everyone who participated in our annual ‘Best of the Bunch’ survey! As always, you’ve picked a great list of places to visit, things to do, and experiences not to miss in the Valley. While you are out and about, watch for The Grapevine’s ‘Best of the Bunch’ sticker in the windows of these top-voted businesses.

BEST LOCAL VISUAL ARTIST BOB HAINSTOCK Runner-up: Holly Carr/Celine Gabrielle (tie)

BEST LOCAL AUTHOR AMI MCKAY Runner-up: Christy Ann Conlin BEST LOCAL THEATRE GROUP/COMPANY CENTRESTAGE Runner-up: Two Planks and a Passion BEST ARTISAN/CRAFTER EAST COAST PUNCH NEEDLE ART Runner-up: Denise Aspinall

BEST GALLERY TIDES CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY Runner-up: Harvest Gallery

BEST DANCE STUDIO CADANCE DANCE ACADEMY Runner-up: Dance Conxion

BEST MUSIC VENUE THE CHURCH BREWING CO. Runner-up: The Union Street

LOCAL BUSINESS

BEST NEW BUSINESS (OPENED IN 2021) WILD VALLEY SUPPLY Runner-up: Gerrish & Gray / Wholesum Refillery (tie)

BEST PLACE TO SHOP FOR GIFTS MARKET BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS/ WILD LILY (TIE) Runner-up: The Market General Store

BEST BOOKSHOP ODD BOOK Runner-up: RD Chisholm

BEST MUSIC STORE LONG & MCQUADE Runner-up: Spoke and Note

BEST CLOTHING STORE JANE’S AGAIN Runner-up: Esme

BEST JEWELLERY STORE HERBIN JEWELLERS Runner-up: D.M. Reid Jewellers BEST HOME DÉCOR STORE GIRLITURE Runner-up: Absolutely Fabulous BEST HOME RENOVATION/DESIGN STORE BRAD’S DECOR CENTRE Runner-up: Home Depot

BEST SPA BELEAF SALON & SPA Runner-up: The Landing

BEST HAIR SALON HEADSHOPPE NEW MINAS Runner-up: BeLeaf Salon & Spa

BEST BARBER SAILOR BUP’S BARBERSHOP Runner-up: Sehkahnee’s Ascension Barbershop

BEST SPORTING GOODS STORE WILD VALLEY SUPPLY Runner-up: We’re Outside BEST TATTOO PARLOUR COLLECTIVE TATTOO Runner-up: Zebraskin

BEST YOGA STUDIO YOGA BARN Runner-up: Yoga Life

BEST GYM MOTIV Runner-up: Training For Life

BEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION FREE SPIRIT THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCIATION Runner-up: Landmark East School

BEST U-PICK STIRLINGS Runner-up: Oakview Farm

PUBLIC SPACE & EXPERIENCES

BEST PLACE TO GO ON A DATE JUNIPER Runner-up: Maritime Express Cider Co.

BEST PLACE TO MEET WITH FRIENDS LIBRARY PUB Runner-up: Maritime Express Cider Co.

BEST PLACE TO HOLD AN EVENT MAIN STREET STATION Runner-up: Wolfville Farmers’ Market

BEST PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS COTTON TALE PLAY + CAFE Runner-up: Oaklawn Farm Zoo

BEST TOURIST DESTINATION CAPE SPLIT Runner-up: Wineries BEST FESTIVAL/EVENT DEVOUR! Runner-up: Deep Roots Music Festival BEST PLACE TO VOLUNTEER FREE SPIRIT THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCIATION Runner-up: Wolfville Farmers Market

BEST PLACE TO GET CRAFTY THE CLAYGROUND STUDIO Runner-up: Windsor Makers Studio

BEST COMMUNITY PROJECT MURAL FESTIVAL IN KENTVILLE Runner-up: Truth & Reconciliation Walk BEST MUSEUM/HERITAGE SITE GRAND-PRÉ NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Runner-up: Kings County Courthouse Museum

ank you to our valued gu ts for your continued su ort, p ially this past year! We a r iate each and every one you and look forward to serving you for many years to come!

9049 Commercial St. #411, New Minas ・ (902) 681-1355 ・ www.headshoppe.ca

FEATUREPRENEUR A WHOLESUM START TO THE YEAR

Genevieve Allen Hearn

Krista and Rachael are childhood best friends turned business partners. They co-own and operate Wholesum Refillery, a low-waste retail shop in downtown Kentville that opened in November. Even though it has only been open a short time, Wholesum Refillery tied for second place in The Grapevine’s Best of the Bunch “Best New Business of 2021” category.

The Grapevine (GV): Tell us a bit about Wholesum Refillery’s origin story.

Krista & Rachael (K&R): Rachael left her job of twenty years to move her family to a new life here in Kentville and the timing just made sense. We knew we wanted to start a business together and the idea of a refillery was so appealing to us. We are always working towards being more eco-conscious in our daily lives and the concept of a low-waste venture was the perfect fit for us. It is something that we are passionate about and once we did some research, we realized that many others are too. It was a business that we could build together wholeheartedly. So, we put our heads down, did more research, and applied for a start-up loan through the Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC). The day our funding was approved was just so amazing! Rachael runs the shop day-to-day, while Krista keeps a day job and works behind the scenes and is in the shop on weekends.

GV: What is a low-waste store? What sort of products do you carry?

K&R: The concept of low-waste shopping is quite simple: buy only what you need. For instance, every time you purchase a jug of laundry soap, you keep the container and simply refill it instead of purchasing a new one every time you run out. Our shop is focussed on reducing single-use packaging and plastics and we do this by offering bulk and reusable goods, as well as products with little to no packaging or packaging that is biodegradable or reusable.

We currently carry over 35 bulk products, including laundry soap, dish soap, household cleaners, shampoo, body wash, lotion and even muscle rub! We also offer things like plastic free makeup, deodorant, and dental care products. Our products are sourced from Canadian companies and we try to stick as close to home as possible within our supply chain.

GV: If people are new to the concept of tare shops or refillery markets, what do they need to know? What are a few small changes people can make immediately?

K&R: The idea is to start where you are and within your means. To get started, you can make a habit of cleaning out old containers and instead of putting them in the recycle bin, set them aside to bring into the shop for refilling. Anything works! Mason jars, old laundry jugs, empty shampoo bottles - as long as it’s clean it will work! We also offer various containers in the shop for purchase. Start with small, manageable changes that suit you and your lifestyle. Remember, this isn’t about perfection, it’s about starting small and working your way up. One of our favourite quotes is: “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero-waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly” (Anne Marie Bonneau).

GV: Incorporating low-waste principles when making purchases seems to be something that is growing in popularity. Where do you see this buying philosophy going?

K&R: We realized when doing our research for our business plan that many other countries have already adopted these principles. In some supermarkets in Europe they have implemented refill stations for common items like liquid soap and dry goods. People want to reduce their ecological impact. Seventy-five percent of respondents who participated in a 2019 study in Quebec stated that they are taking action to reduce food loss and waste. Going low-waste isn’t the most convenient route for many people, since it involves some planning and dedication. We see this philosophy evolving to become more convenient as we are all leading busy lives. For Wholesum, we want to make low-waste easy for people. We plan on offering local deliveries in the future and options for busy folks like dropping your jugs off in the morning and picking them up on your way home, and curbside pickups will be coming in 2022!

GV: The two of you started as friends, and then built a business. Any advice on how to manage friendships when working together?

K&R: Be open and honest with each other. We have been friends for 30 years, so we know each other pretty well, but this is all new to us! We try to keep an open mind and be supportive of each other. We lean on each other’s strengths and complement each other’s weaknesses. This is our dream that we built together and we are so proud of each other on this journey. We know that mistakes are going to happen, but such is life. It is how we learn from the mistakes and grow from them that will define our success. We also remember to laugh and have fun along the way: midday dance parties are highly recommended!

Wholesum Refillery is located at 19 Aberdeen Street in Kentville. To learn more, visit their Facebook page at @wholesumrefilleryshoppe.

NEW OUTDOOR RINK AT BENJAMIN BRIDGE

Benjamin Bridge winery is offering a new winter experience for their guests: a one- hour skate on their new outdoor rink, where you can also enjoy a glass of wine or a warm non-alcoholic beverage by the cozy fire pit or in one of their indoor spaces.

This outdoor activity provides a fun and welcoming space for you and a friend or the whole family or a small bubble to enjoy.

All guests wear a CSA-approved helmet while on the ice and follow the posted rink rules!

Keep a close eye on their social media for daily rink updates as bookings are weather-dependent. While walk-ins are welcome, it is strongly encourage you to book ahead to ensure you get ice time. Book via their website at the bottom of the experience page or visit: benjaminbridge.com/ products/outdoor-rink-reservation. ❧