DISCOVERING THE VALLEY’S BEST DISTILLERIES, P.3 WHAT’S HAPPENING, P.16
SEA LEVEL BREWING CELEBRATES NEW BEER, P.7 THE WHISKEY TELLER, P.14
FRIDAY HAPPY HOUR AT BENJAMIN BRIDGE
Every Friday from 3pm to 6pm, gather with friends and family at our winery and enjoy a rotating food and wine special, plus $5 o bottle service.
Weekend cheese and charcuterie boards
Drop-in wine service
Unique guided tasting experiences Special events
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Open daily from 12pm to 7pm
Only a five-minute drive from the town of Wolfville.
DISCOVERING THE VALLEY’S BEST DISTILLERIES
Jeremy Novak, Where It’s At Tours
Issue No. 22.4 April 2025
CONTRIBUTORS: Alan Warner, Annita Phagoo Nichol, Annapolis Valley Community Food Council, Bea Smith, Chirs O’Neill, Danielle Wisen, Emily Kennedy, Garry Leeson, Jermey Novak, Jenn Manuel, Laura Churchill Duke, Mackenzie Francis Tomlin, Margot Bishop, Mark Oakley, Rob Butler, Thea Burton, Wendy Elliott
DELIVERIES: Angie Govier, Conrad Schofield, Fred Phillips/Sarah Roberts, Karen & Earle Illsley, Katie Forman, Sue Clarke
ADVERTISING SUBMISSIONS
Ads are available in colour or black & white, in sizes ranging from a single block to a full page.
See our ad rate card at: grapevinepublishing.ca/ advertise or contact sales@ grapevinepublishing.ca for more info.
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SNAIL MAIL: Grapevine Publishing, PO Box 2262 Wolfville, NS, B4P 1A0 ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE: grapevinepublishing.ca and issuu.com/thevalleygrapevine
WHERE TO FIND US
WINDSOR: Gerrish & Gray, Lisa’s Cafe, Mosaic Market, Spitfire, Post Office, Library, Makers Studio
FALMOUTH: Falmouth Fruit & Vegetable Company
HANTSPORT: Post Office, Library, Essentially English Bakery & Cafe, GRAND-PRÉ: Just Us! Café:, Benjamin Bridge Winery, Reid’s Meats, XTR Gas Station, Luckett Vineyards
WOLFVILLE: Acadia Athletics Complex, Annapolis Cider, Beverage Arts Center, Blomidon Inn, Church Brewing, Charts, Eos Natural Foods, Joe’s Food Emporium, Just Us!, KCIC, Kings Arms Commons, Legion (Branch 74), Library, Muddy’s, Paddy’s, Perkin’s, Post Office, T.A.N., Tattingstone Inn, The Odd Book, University Hall, Wickwire Place, Wolfville Farmers’ Market, Wu Welcome Centre
GREENWICH: Elderkin’s, Hennigars, Blomidon Nursery, Noggins, Old Orchard Inn, Stirling’s
PORT WILLIAMS: Library, Pizzeria Robust, Post Office, Port Pub, The Noodle Guy, Wayfarer’s
CANNING: Art Can Kitchen and Studios, Canada Post, Canning Library & Heritage Centre, Dickie-Baxter Taproom & Bistro, Huntley’s Village Meat Market, Lee’s Shop, Ross Creek Annex, Sam’s Grocery / ValuFoods, The Canning Cider House / PayDay Cider, The Village Coffeehouse
One challenge of being a tour operator is that, since I’m the only one who can’t sample, my guests often understand the products better than I do. Thankfully, this yearly article is a good way to correct that.
With the Where It’s At Tour team slowly growing, I finally had the chance to take my own private, custom tour. Michelle drove while Terena and I jumped into the back of one of our two new Honda Odyssey Touring minivans.
In addition to Beausoleil Farmstead, we stopped at four of the Valley’s five—or is it six?—distilleries, picking up mix drink options along the way.
In a complicated world, we made simple drinks. We’re no mixologists, but it was fun to play with quality, local ingredients. Here are a few new favourites:
The Blushing Garden Crow Mojito
0.5 oz Spruce Tip Gin (Raging Crow Distillery)
NEW MINAS Avery’s Farm Market, Cumin, International News, Irving Big Stop, Louis Millet Community Centre
KENTVILLE: Centennial Professional Centre, Centrestage Theatre, Half Acre Café, Library, Lisa’s Your Independent Grocer, Maritime Express, NSCC Kingstec, Post Office, T.A.N. Coffee, Wheelhouse Coffee
COLDBROOK: Access Nova Scotia, Callister’s Country Kitchen, Credit Union Rec Complex, Municipality of the County of Kings, Post Office, Scott’s Fish & Chips, Scotian Gold Country Store, T.A.N. Coffee
BERWICK: Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education, Kings Mutual Century Center, Kellocks, Library, North Mountain Fine Coffees, Post Office, The Union Street, Town Hall, Wheaton’s ALYESFORD: Chisholm’s PharmaChoice, Dempsey Corner Orchards, Post Office
KINGSTON: Green Elephant Café, Library
GREENWOOD: Country Store, Family Natural Foods
MIDDLETON: Angie’s Restaurant, Library
WILMOT: Goucherst, Spurr Brothers
LAWRENCETOWN: Bee’s Knees General Store & Bakery, Ebb & Tide Café, Library, The Perky Loaf
Muddle mint and lemon. Add everything else and stir. Now you have a local, easy, breezy, citrusy gin mojito.
Tarty Pants
• 1 oz Triple Distilled Vodka (Cherry Tree Distillery)
1.5 oz Black Currant Liqueur (Barrelling Tide Distillery)
0.5 oz Lime Cordial (Cherry Tree Distillery)
• Squeeze of fresh lime
Topped with Blueberry Pomegranate Bubly
Tart and fruit-forward, like sucking the sour off a candy to get to the sweet part. We’ll make this one again.
Beau Cherry Spritzer
Hopped Chard (Beausoleil Farmstead)
• 2 squirts Grapefruit Cocktail Syrup (Cherry Tree Distillery)
Refreshing, crisp and summery. Beausoleil products don’t need anything added, but as cider-maker Mel Eelman says, there are no rules.
Mar-Caw-Rita
1.5 oz Can’t Call It Tequila (Raging Crow Distillery)
• 1 oz Lemon Thyme Cordial (Tangled Garden)
• 1 slice Spanish lemon 1 slice Mexican lime
• Naturally carbonated spring water
• Pinch of flaky sea salt
You can’t call it tequila, but you can call it a Mar-Caw-Rita. I was curious about this Raging Crow product. Its flavour profile does match tequila, and it pairs well with Tangled Garden’s Lemon Thyme Cordial.
Birds of a Feather
• 1 oz El Cuervo Furioso Coffee Liqueur (Raging Crow Distillery) 2 oz Winter Wanderer Mocha Moonshine Cream Liqueur (Still Fired Distillery)
Poured over ice, this is a decadent, rich espresso martini. That moonshine won’t last long in my cupboard.
Distilleries in the Valley
Cherry Tree Distillery, Windsor
A charming 20-seat speakeasy. They can make over 80 tiny mixed samples in one of the original buildings constructed after the Great Windsor Fire.
Raging Crow Distillery, Canning
“I’m so thankful for everyone who has been so kind, loving and supportive since we opened up in town,” said owner Todd Gates.
Barrelling Tide Distillery, Port Williams
Three new products to check out: Pina Colada Seltzer, Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade and Pickleback Whiskey.
Still Fired Distillery, Annapolis Royal We didn’t make it there this year, but be sure to stop in—and don’t forget to visit the Lequille General Store across the road on your staycation.
Tangled Garden, Grand Pré
Technically the oldest distilling license in the province, they infuse their products and craft jams, jellies, chutneys, ice creams, liqueurs and more on their five tangled acres. The stunning gardens open May 17.
James Roué Beverage Company, Windsor Not open to the public yet, but rumour has it you can stop by throughout the week using the back door.
This delicious Valley is Where It’s At!
Jeremy Novak Where It’s At Tours 902-692-8546 info@whereitsattours.com
Photos courtesy of Jeremy Novak. Pictured: Jeremy, Michelle, and Terena sampling with Beverly from Tangled Gardens. ❧
THE IMPORTANCE OF LEAVE NO TRACE ON VALLEY TRAILS
Emily Kennedy
As signs of spring start to appear around the Annapolis Valley, many of us are coming out of winter hibernation and are ready to reconnect with nature. Luckily, the Valley is home to countless trails offering a wide range of landscapes to explore. Whether you’re walking for exercise, looking to escape the daily grind, or seeking creative inspiration, there’s a trail waiting for you. However, when it comes to our trails, we have an important responsibility — one that requires all of us to do our part in preserving these natural spaces for future generations.
The seven principles of Leave No Trace are key to ensuring that we can continue to enjoy these trails while protecting the biodiversity and ecosystems that make them so special. It’s easy to forget that when we step onto a trail, we’re entering someone else’s home — one shared with plants, animals, fungi, and countless other species. Every step we take can have an impact, and it’s up to us to keep that impact to a minimum. That’s where the seven Leave No Trace principles come in, offering simple yet powerful ways to reduce our footprint and protect the environment around us.
One of the most common issues in the Valley’s popular spots, like Cape Split, is trail widening due to muddy sections. This happens when hikers stray off the path to avoid puddles, inadvertently damaging the surrounding habitat. It’s tempting to create shortcuts, but that can harm ecosystems and disturb nearby habitats. By sticking to the trail and using the right gear, such as proper hiking boots, we can avoid causing damage to the natural world.
It’s not just about physical impacts either. Many people overlook the importance of leaving what they find. Picking flowers, rocks, or even taking a unique mushroom
home might seem harmless, but it disrupts the ecosystem and robs others of the same experience. The solution is simple: take a photo or sketch what you see instead. This lets you keep the memory without disturbing the environment.
Equally important is being considerate of others. Noise on the trail — whether from loud conversations or music — can detract from others’ experiences. Keeping the volume down or using headphones ensures that everyone can enjoy the serenity of nature. Remember — noise travels, so even if you think you’re the only one listening, it may have a much wider impact.
The principles of Leave No Trace are not just about our enjoyment. They are also about respecting the land and protecting it for future generations. Whether you’re hiking on the Harvest Moon Trail or any one of our numerous trails, the key is to plan ahead, stick to the trail, and pick up after yourself. For those new to hiking in the Valley, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to be perfect from the start. It’s about learning, practicing, and doing your best to minimize your impact.
As hikers, we are all part of the solution. By following Leave No Trace principles, we ensure that the Valley’s trails remain beautiful and enjoyable for everyone.
Emily Kennedy is the owner of One Star Hiking. She offers slow-paced, small group guided hikes across the Annapolis Valley, including workshops on Leave No Trace. Learn more at onestarhiking. com. To learn more about Leave No Trace, visit leavenotrace.ca.
Photo courtesy: Emily Kennedy
JOIN US FOR FOOD LINK’S SPRING SYMPOSIUM!
Annapolis Valley Community Food Council
The Annapolis Valley Community Food Council is hosting the “Food Link Spring Symposium” on Wednesday, May 7, at the Berwick Fire Hall.
We’re excited to expand from Kings County to become the Annapolis Valley Community Food Council. This will be our first Food Link Spring Symposium, aimed at better connecting and equipping individuals and organizations working to improve food security in the Annapolis Valley.
The symposium will feature educational sessions on media training, running a non-profit, exploring the root causes of food insecurity, growing food for personal and community gardens, and food rescue in the Valley. There will also be dedicated time for networking and working on action plans for income security, infant feeding and food security, school food, social food hubs, gleaning and mobilizing food, and seed saving and preparedness.
Nova Scotia has the highest rate of food insecurity among Canada’s 10 provinces. Collaboration and cooperation across grassroots organizations and all levels of government are essential to addressing this crisis. The Food Link Spring Symposium planning team is excited to connect and equip participants in this work.
If this has piqued your interest, please keep an eye out for registration information on our website: ValleyFoodCouncil.ca.
The Annapolis Valley Community Food Council’s vision is to create a sustainable, local food system in the Valley, where everyone has access to enough nutritious, safe, ecological, and culturally appropriate food. For more information on our work and how you can get involved, please visit ValleyFoodCouncil.ca.
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WFM2GO: WELCOMING SPRING WITH SEEDS AND FOSTERING COMMITMENTS TO LOCAL
Annita Phagoo Nichol
It’s time to start thinking about your home garden, and with these mild weather days, you’ve probably already started! Do you have a vegetable garden, or are you thinking about starting one? Perhaps you love flowers and are considering a cut flower garden this year? It can feel overwhelming to start, but research shows there are many benefits to spending time in nature, including reduced cortisol levels, the stress hormone. Plus, you get to enjoy the process of watching your garden grow and reap the harvest.
Using seeds and transplants harvested from your local area can significantly impact your
MABEL AND SIRI
Garry Leeson
OK, I’ve had it. Everything has gone too far!
My wife Andrea, as a gift for her seventyfifth birthday, has just received something that looks like a Dick Tracy wrist radio. She’s started using it like a cellphone, communicating with someone who seems to always be on the line.
“Siri, do this. Siri, do that.”
What the hell is that all about?
I don’t know who this Siri person is, but the way Andrea talks to her reminds me of how we used to talk to Mabel.
Let me explain.
There were very few secrets in Harmony, Nova Scotia. How could there be?
When we moved into the area in 1972, our telephone service was still on a party line.
Most people had only recently replaced their big old wooden wall-mounted units with shiny new black rotary dial phones.
You didn’t have to crank the new ones and request an operator to connect you anymore, but other than that small innovation, not much had changed.
We were quite a while getting a phone of our own. First, I had to clear a path through the woods for the line and install the posts myself.
HIDDEN GEMS
Margot Bishop
April can be a month of spirituality, lightness, and joy. Her spirit animal is the butterfly, and her bird is the duck, symbolizing endurance and cheer.
This creates the perfect atmosphere for enjoying drinks, whether alcoholic or not. With all the wineries and craft beer producers in the Annapolis Valley, it’s a delight to explore the many places to go. Ciders are also a wonderful beverage choice. To sample unique tastes, visit the Malt House at Horton Ridge—the only malt house east of Quebec.
My favourite beers are lagers, though my dad enjoyed all types—from lagers and ales to pilsners and stouts. He even made beer, and so can you. There are several beer- and wine-making kits available. But there’s something special about going to your favourite local spot with friends and enjoying an IPA. A winery tour with the “wine bus” is a great activity for groups, whether for birthdays or when family is visiting. With so many
garden’s success. Local seeds have been adapted to our climate, soil, and growing conditions. There’s also a greater chance that local seeds have adapted to the pests and diseases in the area, increasing their odds of thriving.
If you’re looking for local seeds and transplants this spring, check out our selection at WFM2Go and stay tuned for an upcoming online plant sale.
Want to connect directly with the people who grew and harvested these local seeds and plants? Come by the Wolfville Farmers’ Market on Saturday, April 12, for our annual
Cultivating Biodiversity: A Seedy Saturday Event. This is a great opportunity to celebrate seeds, gardening, and sustainability with fellow growers, seed savers, and plant enthusiasts. With exciting workshops, a community seed exchange booth, kids’ activities, and more, it’s sure to be a fun day for everyone!
Not into growing your own garden? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered at WFM2Go . Shop our seasonal Produce page, updated weekly, for the freshest veggies, or secure your spot in the 20-week Medford CSA for a big bag of organic produce with weekly pickup. We’re also your connection to three flower farms
in the Annapolis Valley, offering 13 different bouquet subscriptions available during the April–October growing season. Visit our CSA & Subscriptions page at WFM2Go for more information.
WFM2Go began in 2017 to strengthen relationships between customers and farmers by creating more ways to access local products. We currently offer over 1,000 local products to shop from online, with delivery to pickup hubs spanning from Lawrencetown to Halifax. Reach us at WFM2Go.
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Before that happened, we depended on our neighbours when an important call was necessary.
That was when, under the careful tutelage of Francis Spinney next door, we learned how to navigate the primitive, complicated system that was our only connection to the outside world.
“The first thing you need to know,” Francis said, “is that there are twenty or so people on the mountain up above you sharing this line. They all have their own phone numbers and their own ring code. You know you’ve heard my phone ringing — mine’s one long, one short.”
I nodded. “I was told what our ring is going to be, but I guess I should keep it secret.”
“You can if you want, but it won’t be a secret for long. We all know each other’s rings up here. If a new one starts ringing, it can only be you.”
“But would they want to listen in on our calls?”
“Does a bear poop in the woods, son? Of course they’re going to want to know what you ‘Come-From-Aways’ are up to. But I’m not like those nosy parkers up on the mountain who have nothing better to do.”
Just then, the phone rang one long, two short, and he picked up the receiver.
wineries nearby, you don’t need a special occasion—just pop in for a quick hour-long break. I enjoy most white wines and all of the rosés. I used to drink reds but can’t anymore, though my friends say they’re wonderful too.
What’s also fun about April is its focus on reading and learning. The first week is Library Week—during this time, the 4th is School Librarian Day, and the 5th is Read a Road Map Day. Note that NS Walks, which previously met at the Wolfville Library on Tuesdays at 10 a.m., is now meeting on Wednesdays at the same time and place. To round out the first week of literary celebrations, William Wordsworth’s birthday falls on the 7th (1770). The 8th marks National Library Workers’ Day. The second week focuses on gardening. While it may be too early to garden here, you can plan and design your plot. The third week is about files and laboratories. Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday is on the 15th (1452), National Librarian Day is on the 16th, and there’s even a day for newspaper columnists on the 18th. The first performance of Macbeth occurred
“That’s not your ring, Francis,” I said. “I know. It’s Bertram’s, but I saw him go by on his tractor headed to the woods, so I figure I should take a message for him.”
Then he almost shouted into the mouthpiece, “No, this ain’t Bertram, it’s Francis, Raymond. Now what the hell do you want? OK, OK, I’ll tell him.”
“Now, where was I? Oh, yeah: here’s what you’ve got to do. As soon as you get a call, you answer it. Say hello, and then say, ‘Mabel, get the hell off the phone!’”
“What? I can’t say that.”
“Of course you can — everybody does. That old bird has got her nose in everybody’s business. She heard me on the phone the other day talking to the drug store asking about Pepto-Bismol, and within minutes, everybody at the quilting bee knew I had diarrhea. And that ain’t the worst. One time she was a little slow getting to the phone and jumped halfway into a conversation. I was talking with the veterinarian about a sick calf. I had just said I’d come down and get the penicillin myself, doctor. A half hour later, she had spread the rumour that I must have the clap, and over half of Kings County knew!”
“So, you make sure you let Mabel know that you’re onto her. It won’t stop her, but as you say those words, it will remind you to be careful what you say.”
Andrea and I heeded those words of wisdom, and in truth, that old party line strangely became a source of comfort to us. When you were on the phone, you were never alone. There were always several other people sharing the good and bad news.
When Donald Morse’s barn roof was blowing off in a storm, he made one call to the Kingston Fire Department, and before they could arrive, every able-bodied man in Harmony was “somehow” aware of what was happening and showed up with tools in hand to save the day.
That was a long time ago; Francis, Bertram, Donald, and even Mabel — like the old party line — are gone now.
Now, Andrea is walking around talking to her wrist, and we are debating whether or not to forsake our faltering old landline in favour of our cellphones and tablets.
Any place in the world is just an easy call away now. We’ve become a minuscule part of a worldwide party line. I participate in FaceTime or Zoom meetings, never completely sure that someone hasn’t hacked in and is filling in for old Mabel. It’s all strange and wonderful, but sometimes, just sometimes, I think fondly back to a simpler time when a length of thingauge wire tied a small community of caring neighbours together.
Say goodbye, Siri ❧
at the Globe Theatre in London on the 20th (1611). The fourth week, which is part of Poetry Month, celebrates Shakespeare’s birthday on the 23rd (1564). Another interesting birthday is that of Robert Bailey Thomas, founder and first editor of The Farmer’s Almanac on the 24th (1766). For centuries, no one planted or harvested crops without consulting this book. To round out the month, there’sTell a Story Day on the 27th, Astronomy Day on the 28th, and International Dance Day on the 29th. All of these events can be researched at your local library.
The libraries in the Valley are absolutely wonderful. Not only are they open during daylight hours for typical library activities, but they also host evening events, including meetings, game nights, and workshops. Staffed by some of the kindest, most knowledgeable people you could meet, our libraries offer tutorials, special events, and children’s programs. They truly are the hidden gems of this month. Acknowledgement and thanks are always appreciated.
If April is a month of new beginnings and openness, perhaps it’s a time to try new things in our own lives. Plan a garden and watch it grow—it can be very calming. Consider planting daisies or sweet peas, the flowers of April. Or perhaps find a new hobby at your local library.
Christian and Jewish people observe the 13th as Palm Sunday and Passover, respectively. Good Friday falls on the 18th, and Easter Sunday is on the 20th. Easter Monday is a paid holiday in many countries.
April showers may bring May flowers, but spring always brings a little joy to our hearts and souls. Take time for yourself this month. Relax, stay safe, and with the warmer weather, enjoy your favourite drink while sitting outside in the sun. Be good to yourself and treat others with kindness and respect. Like the flower bulbs planted in the fall, we too can appear as “hidden gems.”
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BOOKS BY LOCALS
Wendy Elliott
Messier celebrates 40th book
Mireille Messier has written 40 books for children, and she has a new one coming out. The launch for Nevin Knows! is set for Saturday, April 5, at The Inside Story in Greenwood. The event will run from 1 to 3 p.m., with Messier reading and signing both the English and French versions.
A Montreal-born, Ottawa-raised author, Messier has a background in theatre and broadcasting. She works in children’s television as a scriptwriter for various programs and as a voice actor. She also does translation and corporate writing focused on youth-oriented material.
On average, Messier gives 100 in-person and virtual school presentations per year to French, French immersion and English groups across Canada. She divides her time between Toronto and the village of Paradise, N.S.
Registered dietitian Dr. Catherine Morley, who lives in Hantsport, has written an informative and instructional book titled No Love Like It: Feeding Someone Who Is Sick.
The book is based on decades of experience offering nutrition counselling to individuals and families, personal family experiences with illness and loss, and research with people who, due to illness, disability or aging, could no longer eat as they once did.
Morley combines research, memoir, journal entries, excerpts from interviews rewritten for theatre, and a self-study workbook. No Love Like It: Feeding Someone Who Is Sick was written to reassure readers they are not alone in the challenges they face.
The book is available from FriesenPress or directly from the author.
Photos courtesy of Wendy Elliott
BURGER WARS: 10TH ANNIVERSARY
Laura Churchill Duke
A Burger War is underway in the Annapolis Valley, with more than 45 restaurants from Windsor to Digby participating. The goal is to surpass last year’s 17,000 burgers sold, all to raise funds for kids in financial need in Kings County.
Here’s how it works:
Participating restaurants have created unique burgers to feature throughout the month. From April 1 to 30, burger lovers travel the Valley to try these burgers. They can then log on to Burger Wars for Campaign for Kids to leave comments and rate each burger.
At the end of the month, the restaurant with the top ratings will receive a fun, burger-themed trophy and earn bragging rights for the year. For every designated burger sold, $1 will be donated to Campaign for Kids to support children in financial need in Kings County.
New this year:
Where It’s At Tours is offering private burger tours, allowing participants to choose which restaurants to visit from a list.
GRANT-WRITING SEASON: WHY
PUBLIC FUNDING FOR THE ARTS MATTERS
Chris O’Neill
When the earth finally starts shaking off its blanket of snow, crows fly by with twigs in their beaks, and the majestic geese return, marking the skies with their way-finding chevrons, we know that grant-writing season has arrived. The yellow shimmer of willows against warming blue skies signals a time of both reflection and planning.
Normally, we use these pages to talk about our passion for the work we do, our programs, and why they matter. But at this time of year, we’re deep in spreadsheets and narratives. We’re also actively involved in the non-partisan ArtsVote movement across Canada, and we thought it was worth explaining what it means and why it’s important.
Understanding Arts Funding
Many people don’t realize the balance between public, private, and earned revenue that keeps places like the Ross Creek Centre for the Arts and Two Planks and a Passion Theatre alive.
Earned revenue comes from program fees, ticket sales, and advertising—any service that carries a fee, even in non-profits.
Private revenue includes donations from individuals, businesses, or foundations— funds given for the greater good, often with charitable tax receipts.
Public funding comes from government grants at all levels, awarded based on strong administrative and programming cases. While elected officials sometimes have input on special projects, most public funding is reviewed and awarded by expert juries who assess its impact on a provincial or federal scale. At Ross Creek and Two Planks, public funding accounts for about a third of our budget, and we are accountable for every dollar.
Why This Matters Now
As we write grant applications to secure funding, we’re also in the midst of a federal election campaign—one that is critical to Canada’s future. At a time when our country faces economic and political challenges, it’s important to talk about the role arts and culture play in our communities and the role public funding plays in making that work possible.
Writing grants can be stressful, but it is also a time to reflect and to dream. We assess what has worked, what can be improved, and what impact we hope to have in the future. We are rooted here—literally. Our work is created on the land and serves our community through everything from arts programs and community suppers to performances and workshops for all ages. We are an economic driver and a tourism draw, deeply committed to making our programs accessible and contributing to what makes this community thrive.
There is never enough time or money to do everything we need to do. We just replaced our kitchen floor after it rotted through. But when we have funding, we spend it in our community. As a non-profit, every dollar we receive is reinvested into our work to serve you better.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about Ross Creek and Two Planks. Across Canada, this story is repeated in small towns and large cities, from coast to coast to coast, thanks to public funding. There are 850,000 cultural workers in this country—more than in agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, oil, and gas combined. This includes individual artists, musicians, writers, and craftspeople who each contribute their unique voices, shaping Canada’s identity through self-expression. It also includes those who perform, teach, and work in arts organizations like ours, connecting artists and communities.
Without public funding for the arts, Ross Creek and Two Planks simply wouldn’t exist. Community suppers, residencies, camps, performances, the Annex—none of it would happen without the baseline (and it is very baseline) of public funding that allows us to begin.
Why We Need More Support
Public funding is essential, but it is also limited. Most artists in Canada live in financial precarity, facing the same challenges as their neighbours—housing, food insecurity, transportation, and low wages. At a time when our sovereignty is at stake, we need artists more than ever. We need places to gather, create, and foster the next generation of creative thinkers. As the world grows increasingly uncertain, we must equip young people with the skills to express themselves and tell the world who we are through art.
How You Can Help
As you prepare to vote, consider what the arts mean to you, your neighbourhood, and your country. The Canadian Arts Coalition is asking all parties to commit to a minimum of 1% of the annual federal budget for the arts—an increase of just 0.06% from current levels. This would support the CBC, increase Canada Council for the Arts funding (which helps keep our doors open), and expand Department of Heritage funding for festivals and cultural infrastructure. It wouldn’t eliminate the need for fundraising, but it would allow arts organizations across Canada to keep going and help Canadians tell our collective story.
Learn more at www.CanadianArtsCoalition.ca. ❧
Additionally, 7Arts, a non-profit community art space in Greenwood, is hosting a burger-themed art show. The show is open to all mediums and ages and will accept submissions after March 25. It runs from April 1 to 30 at the 7Arts studio at 619 Central Avenue (beside Avery’s). More information is available at Burger Wars for Campaign for Kids.
Beyond restaurants, local businesses are also supporting the campaign by selling items like socks, earrings, and candles, along with burger-themed merchandise such as t-shirts, keychains, and stickers. Purchase details can be found at Burger Wars for Campaign for Kids.
Campaign for Kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for youth in financial need in Kings County. For more information, contact info@campaignforkids. com.
courtesy of Laura Churchill Duke
Photo
Answers to Suduko found on page 19
SEA LEVEL BREWING CELEBRATES WOMEN’S DAY WITH NEW BEER
Danielle Wisen
In honour of International Women’s Day on March 8, Sea Level Brewing launched a special brew to celebrate women in the craft beer industry. The collaboration beer, Ninkasi’s NEIPA, features a unique blend of hops and highlights the contributions of women in brewing. We sat down with the team at Sea Level Brewing to learn more about the inspiration behind this beer, the collaboration process and how this initiative supports women in the brewing industry.
What inspired Sea Level Brewing to create this Women’s Day beer?
A few years ago, we participated in a “Pink Boots” collaborative brew day at Annapolis Brewing, alongside other breweries including Lunns Mill and Church Brewing. We enjoyed the experience and decided we wanted to hold our own Women’s Brewing Day in the future, especially since we have such a strong team of women here at Sea Level Brewing. Our Pink Boots beer is called Ninkasi’s NEIPA. Ninkasi is the Mesopotamian goddess of brewing, and historically, women were the primary brewers. We felt this was an ideal name to represent our special Women’s Day collaboration beer.
Can you tell us more about the Pink Boots Hop Blend and how it influenced the beer’s flavour?
The Pink Boots Hop Blend is a special blend of hops released each year by Yakima Hops. A portion of the proceeds from each purchase of this hop blend supports women in the brewing industry through scholarships for women pursuing brewing education. This year’s hop blend comes from the 2023 harvest and is the seventh annual Pink Boots offering. The blend includes Ahtanum®, El Dorado®, HBC 638 and Idaho 7®. Breweries also have the option of using a special malt blend and yeast variety that supports the Pink Boots initiative. As an on-farm craft brewery, we grow our own malting barley on our family farm in Sheffield Mills and have it malted locally at Horton Ridge Malthouse. Naturally, we used our own malt in making Ninkasi’s NEIPA.
What style of beer is it, and what tasting notes can people expect?
Ninkasi’s NEIPA is a New England IPA style beer with juicy flavours of pineapple, stone fruit and berries.
Who was involved in brewing this beer, and what was the collaboration process like?
In team meetings with our head brewer, Joe Schagen, we discussed the idea of having our female staff members lead the brew day under Joe’s guidance. We talked about the flavours and beer styles that would complement the hop blend profile. We decided on a NEIPA style beer. Joe then worked on designing a beer recipe based on our input. We made the beer in mid-January, aiming for a release on International Women’s Day. Most of the female team members participated in the brew day. It was a full day of camaraderie, laughs and hard work, with Joe guiding and supporting the team. When the beer was ready, our female team members also led the canning and labelling process.
How does this initiative support women in the brewing industry?
Pink Boots Canada provides scholarships to women in the craft brewing, distilling and winemaking industries. A portion of the sales from Ninkasi’s NEIPA will go toward this program.
Is this a one-time release, or do you plan to bring it back in future years?
This is likely a one-time release, as the hop blend for each year’s Pink Boots collaboration changes.
Where can people find or purchase this beer?
Ninkasi’s NEIPA is available directly from us in 473 ml cans and on tap at our Millstone Harvest Brewhouse location – 9146 Hwy 221, Sheffield Mills.
What has the response been like from customers and the community?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many people have come specifically to try Ninkasi’s NEIPA and buy cans to take home. We’ve also had return customers who come back to enjoy a pint. People love the beer and appreciate the program it supports.
Are there any upcoming events, tastings or collaborations related to this release?
We launched the beer on International Women’s Day, so we encourage people to visit and try Ninkasi’s NEIPA while they still can.
WOLFVILLE THEATRE COLLECTIVE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF STORYTELLING
challenging both its members and audiences alike.
The Heart of the Collective
As the group marks its 10-year anniversary, it remains dedicated to tackling serious dramas and musicals,
What sets WTC apart is its deeply collaborative nature. While a director ultimately
Beyond this brew, how does Sea Level Brewing support women in the craft beer industry?
At Sea Level Brewing, we have a strong team of women involved at all levels of our operation. One of our owners is a woman, as is our general manager and taproom manager. We also have a female staff member who is part of our brewing team, along with three other women in our taproom staff. We often receive compliments from tourists and customers who are surprised and impressed by how many women we have on staff, especially in an industry perceived as male-dominated. They’re also amazed by our staff’s knowledge of craft beer and its connection to local agriculture. We’re very proud of that.programs for people in our community.
Photos courtesy of Nicole Harvey ❧
makes the final call, rehearsals are a dynamic process where cast and crew work through the text together, ensuring a rich and immersive experience for everyone involved.
“The best plays we’ve produced are those with serious subject matter enveloped in humour,” says a WTC member.
Selecting the right play can take months, with the collective reading through numerous scripts before finding one that excites the group. This dedication to quality and shared enthusiasm has helped define WTC’s identity.
A Legacy of Innovation
Founded in 2015, WTC was born out of a desire to bring challenging plays to the local community. What started as four theatre enthusiasts reading Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? quickly turned into a full-scale production. The process of analyzing, understanding and embodying the characters led to a profoundly moving experience—one that left a lasting impact on both performers and audiences.
Since then, WTC has continued to evolve, staying true to its roots while expanding its repertoire. In 2018, the group performed Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, adding musicals to its growing body of work.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, WTC demonstrated remarkable adaptability. As one of the only theatre companies in Nova Scotia to continue producing shows under limited seating restrictions, the collective proved that even in challenging times, the arts endure.
Celebrating 10 Years With Two Powerful Productions
To mark its milestone anniversary, WTC is staging two poignant and socially relevant productions: Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tracy Letts’ The Minutes and the iconic musical Cabaret by Joe Masteroff.
The Minutes is a sharp, fast-paced commentary on small-town politics, identity and the narratives communities tell about themselves. Set during a council meeting planning a Founder’s Day celebration, the play exposes the disturbing truths hidden beneath an idealized history, forcing audiences to confront difficult questions about power and memory.
Meanwhile, Cabaret transports audiences to 1930s Berlin, where the infamous Kit Kat Klub serves as a backdrop for two doomed romances amid the rise of antisemitism and fascism. At its core, Cabaret explores themes of denial and complacency, as its characters struggle to face the shifting realities outside the club’s doors.
Get Involved
As WTC looks ahead to the future, it continues to welcome new members who share a passion for theatre. Whether you’re interested in performing, directing or working behind the scenes, there’s a place for you in the collective.
For more information or to join, contact WTC at wolfvilletheatrecollective@mail.com.
Photos courtesy of Thea Burton
Thea Burton
For a decade, the Wolfville Theatre Collective (WTC) has brought thought-provoking plays to the stage, engaging audiences with powerful storytelling and a collaborative creative process.
L’ACADIE VINEYARDS CELEBRATES
20 YEARS OF ORGANIC WINEMAKING
Danielle Wisen
When Bruce and Pauline Ewert moved to Nova Scotia in 2005, they had a vision: to establish the province’s first certified organic vineyard and pioneer traditional-method sparkling wine.
Now, 20 years later, L’Acadie Vineyards has helped shape Nova Scotia’s wine industry while staying true to its commitment to sustainability.
“We moved back from a winemaking career in B.C.’s Okanagan Valley to establish a sparkling winery,” said Bruce Ewert, winemaker and co-owner. “We wanted to grow organically for our health, the health of our community and for enhanced flavours. We make wine for people who care.”
Another challenge was market confusion. As L’Acadie Vineyards introduced Nova Scotia’s first traditional-method sparkling wine, artificially carbonated wines were also entering the market.
“Wine standards for transparency in labelling weren’t there — and they’re still lagging today,” he said. “Consumers deserve to know how their wine is made.”
A sparkling reputation
L’Acadie Vineyards was the ninth winery established in Nova Scotia and played a key role in shaping the province’s emerging wine industry. Drawing from his experience in the Okanagan Valley — where the Vintners Quality Alliance standardizes wine
Early challenges
Starting an organic vineyard in Nova Scotia wasn’t easy. The couple’s 30-acre property had previously been a horse farm, and while the land had never been sprayed, the tools and resources available for organic viticulture were limited.
“There weren’t many supportive tools for organic farming at the time, so we had to work hard and rely on our knowledge from B.C.,” Ewert said.
sustainability. The winery is not only certified organic but also certified Biocyclic Vegan, a European-based certification that recognizes sustainability and ethical practices beyond organic farming.
“Living soils help vines access more minerals, flavours and water — a complex ecosystem of fungi, worms and bacteria that we carefully manage,” Ewert said. “This link between terroir and organic farming is the foundation of the world’s best wines.”
Looking ahead
As the winery marks its 20th anniversary, L’Acadie Vineyards is celebrating with new offerings, including plant-based grazing boxes for visitors to enjoy on its vineyard-side patio. It has also re-released its 2007 Prestige Brut Estate, the first traditional-method sparkling made in Nova Scotia, with more special library wines set for release throughout the year.
Ewert hopes to see more vineyards transition to organic grape growing, especially as climate concerns intensify.
“Organic wine takes more effort, but it’s worth it,” he said. “Organic grape growers don’t have the chemical toolbox of conventional farming, so they must be more proactive and holistic in the vineyard. A deeper care and knowledge of the land is required.”
Looking to the future, L’Acadie Vineyards continues to innovate. In 2020, it invested in specialized equipment to produce charmat-method sparkling wine, the same natural fermentation process used for Prosecco. This complements its traditional-method portfolio, offering earlier-release sparklings that are fresh, fruity and display signature creamy bubbles.
classifications — Ewert saw potential for Nova Scotia to make a name for itself in sparkling wine.
“We advocated for protecting the quality and creation of sparkling wine,” he said. “We shared knowledge with other wineries as they developed their own sparkling programs, and together, we created a strong industry that continues to grow and impress international audiences today.”
Over the years, L’Acadie Vineyards has gained recognition for its commitment to
“We’ll keep striving for excellence, innovation, authenticity and evolving sustainable practices,” Ewert said. “When we know better, we do better.”
L’Acadie Vineyards reopens for the 2025 season on May 1.
Photos courtesy of Alexa Ewert
❧
HOW ABOUT SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT?
Alan Warner
These are challenging economic times, and there is a need for rapid and effective action at the community, provincial and federal levels. The Nova Scotia government’s recent response has been to prioritize non-renewable resource extraction, particularly promoting natural gas fracking and uranium mining as paths forward for economic development.
In addition, the government has continued to push for wood harvesting for low-value products in the proposed Chain Lakes Wilderness Area in Kings County. This area was submitted for protection in June 2023 because of its ecological, recreational and tourism benefits and is part of the province’s goal to protect 20 per cent of its land by 2030.
In short, the Nova Scotia government is choosing to prioritize extraction activities that threaten ecosystems, waterways and public health while exacerbating the climate crisis through increased emissions. These activities also offer little economic return within a meaningful timeframe.
In contrast, there are a wide range of sustainable economic development strategies with broad community support that, if implemented with proper consultation, could create lasting benefits. Solar and wind energy are obvious choices—Berwick Solar Garden is one example. Community and nature-based tourism also have great potential, such as the FoodArtNature program, supported by the Wolfville Farmers’ Market, Earth Rhythms
FLICKING FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Rob Butler
The Wolfville Crokinole Club hosted its second annual charity fundraiser tournament at The Church Brewing Co. on March 10, in support of the Wolfville Children’s Centre. It was a great success and a wonderful event for families and crokinole enthusiasts alike.
The afternoon session was a free-to-play event open to people of all ages and skill levels. There were eight professional-grade crokinole boards available for free play, plus two other boards dedicated to games of skill and chance for the opportunity to win raffle tickets. Over $400 worth of raffle prizes were given away to lucky ticket holders. The Church Brewing Co. offered lunch specials and happy-hour beer prices to patrons. Approximately 40 people attended during the afternoon.
In the evening, the Wolfville Crokinole Club hosted a pay-to-play round-robin crokinole tournament to raise more funds for the Children’s Centre. It was the club’s biggest tournament to date, with 24 registered players competing for prizes from a $200 prize pool. There were players from four different crokinole clubs in Nova Scotia spanning three counties. The club’s board sponsor, Jeremy Tracey of Tracey Boards, came from Ontario to play. A father-and-son duo from Maine, who recently moved to Nova Scotia, signed up at the last minute. They were thrilled to discover the club and were delighted by the friendly and welcoming nature of its members
and supporters.
Almost all prizes from both sessions were provided by or sponsored by local Wolfville businesses, and all proceeds from the tournament and afternoon games were donated to the Wolfville Children’s Centre. The Church Brewing Co. was the recipient of the “Brew Good, Do Good” initiative for March. The Church Brewing Co. is a prominent supporter of the Wolfville Crokinole Club, and the club is honoured to help support their causes whenever possible. Together, the club and brewery raised more than $300 for the Wolfville Children’s Centre.
The Wolfville Crokinole Club would like to thank all prize donors for their generous support, The Church Brewing Co. for opening their doors on a Monday (when they are normally closed this time of year), the Hants Shore Crokinole Club for loaning extra boards, Tracey Boards for sponsoring and mentoring both the Wolfville Crokinole Club and the Hants Shore Crokinole Club, and all the players and supporters who came out to support the fundraising efforts. None of the club’s endeavours would be possible without all of you!
Photos courtesy of Rob Butler ❧
and the Blomidon Naturalists Society.
High-value, small-scale forest product development and sustainable wood harvesting could also be explored. Hutchinson’s Maple Syrup in Lake Paul, for example, exports products worldwide and wants to expand production but is unable to obtain a larger lease of public forest land. Similarly, promoting the local agriculture and wine industry across the region and country could generate significant revenue.
There are many possibilities with broad support that offer both short- and long-term income generation in a sustainable manner. Yet, instead, the government is trying to attract large corporations to extract resources,
leaving behind environmental scars while profits flow elsewhere. Large industrial mines and wells take years to develop before providing any economic return. As the world shifts away from fossil fuels and works to reduce emissions, the potential for economic return from fracking will only decline.
Let’s promote positive, sustainable economic development rather than chase mega-projects that put our community, ecosystem and economic future at risk. By working together, we can strengthen our assets rather than threaten them.
PLUG INTO THE SUN WITH
sk ylit.ca
Email your classified to: sales@grapevinepublishing.ca and, if there's room, we'll get you in. Or, to reserve a placement, pay $5 per issue (3-issue minimum commitment). Please keep listings to 35 words or less.
The Little Town Choir: An opportunity to join a 7 week program of fun, educational, and inspiring choral singing. No experience necessary. $120/7 Weeks. INFO: 902-300-1001 | susanlisadworkin@gmail.com
Violin Lessons, Repairs, Bow Rehairing: Fiddle lessons at my home for kids and adults, beginners and beyond. Free estimates on repairs. 30 years experience. Rehairing $45. INFO: gagliano31@hotmail.com | 8087 Highway 1, Ardoise
Voice and Piano Lessons: With professional music educator, Susan Dworkin. Studio in Wolfville. INFO: 902-300-1001 | susanlisadworkin@gmail.com
Want to be a Ghost?: Open Casting Call for Valley Ghost Walks’ 18th season. Drop-in Studio Z, Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville. Thursday, April 17 & Monday, April 28, 1-7pm. INFO: 902-692-8546 | jerome@valleyghostwalks.com | valleyghostwalks.com
PRODUCTS & SERVICES:
FREE 15-minute Feng Shui Consults: Improve the
Nine Areas of your life through the energy in your home.
Also, EnerChi Empowerment readings are available using various modalities. Virtual or in-person. INFO: fengshuibysuzanne@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
Kingston Farmers Market: We’re looking for produce, dairy, seeds/transplants, wine, and preserves vendors for the 2025 season. Come join the market family! INFO: kingstonfarmersmarketns@gmail.com
Music Therapy: Kate Harbaruk BMT, MTA is offering individual or group sessions in-home, and in facilities for people of all ages. INFO: kate.harbaruk@gmail.com
Psychic Medium /Spiritual Guidance & Sound Events: Find peace and rest during challenging times. INFO: www.prisitnevibes.com | magicriver3@gmail.com
SUPPORT GROUPS:
Alcoholics Anonymous: Is alcohol causing problems in your life? We can help! INFO: 902-691-2825 | aa.org
Tapestry Cancer Support Group: Meets every second Thursday of the month at 1 PM. INFO: 902-538-1365
Wildflowers of Nova Scotia
ova Scotia is home to many beautiful and vibrant wildflowers. Found in woodlands, on coastal cliffs, in meadows, sun drenched fields, on the road side and oftentimes right in your backyard. Native wildflowers provide beauty and colour to our landscape and they also provide sugar-filled nectar and proteinrich pollen for beneficial insects such as local butterflies, many bird species and wild bees.
Learning to recognize and appreciate wildflowers as you travel about can be a satisfying and enriching experience. And there
are so many amazing flowers! While some field guides of eastern Canada wildflowers are available, they often are too big and bulky to easily fit into a jacket pocket as you walk, hike and explore the many trails and forests.
Wildflowers of Nova Scotia is designed as an easy-to-use, pocket sized guide for the non-specialist. This beautifully-imaged reference guide with details about each flowere is ideal for identification of over 170 common wildflower species found in Nova Scotia. To purchase a copy, email us at info@blomidonnaturalists.ca
On Sale for $20.00 plus shipping if applicable
Blomidon Naturalists Society
www.blomidonnaturalists.ca or email us at info@blomidonnaturalists.ca
Random Act of Kindness
I was at a café in Wolfville, feeling drained from a rough morning, when the barista handed me my coffee with a smile.
“It’s already paid for,” she said.
Confused, I asked who had done it, but the person had already left—no note, no recognition, just a quiet act of kindness.
I sat down, wrapping my hands around the cup, and for the first time that day, I felt a little lighter.
It was a small thing, but in that moment, it reminded me that even on hard days, kindness finds a way in.
THE
WHISKEY TELLER: A HISTORIC GATHERING PLACE IN ANNAPOLIS ROYAL
Danielle Wisen
In the heart of Annapolis Royal, The Whiskey Teller stands as a testament to history, hospitality and the art of scratch-made cooking. Housed in a former bank building from 1884, the restaurant’s story is one of resilience, community and an unwavering commitment to quality.
The journey began in 2018 when the Owner and General Manager of Founders House Dining & Drinks Roland ‘Poudie Hamilton and Laura Hamilton learned that Ye Olde Town Pub was for sale. While expanding was not part of the original plan, a suggestion from bartender Gavin Robichaud led to the creation of Thistle Hospitality Group and the purchase of the historic space. Renovations began in early 2019 but were paused due to the COVID19 pandemic. Work resumed in late 2020, and The Whiskey Teller officially opened in spring 2021, bringing a new dining experience to the region.
The Whiskey Teller quickly gained a reputation for its welcoming atmosphere, deep, smoky flavours and a menu rooted in from-scratch cooking. From its decor and historical charm to the wood-fired rotisserie and passionate team, the restaurant creates an unforgettable experience for guests. The fast-paced nature of service, particularly in the summer months, makes for a fun and energetic work environment, where staff thrive in the camaraderie of a busy kitchen and dining room.
One of the most defining aspects of The Whiskey Teller is its dedication to crafting dishes entirely from scratch. While some may question menu pricing, the restaurant takes pride in avoiding shortcuts and processed ingredients. Every dish is created with care, from recipe development to the final plate, reflecting a philosophy that prioritizes quality over convenience.
The building’s history plays a key role in shaping the restaurant’s identity. Originally a bank, the space later housed a liquor commission, serving port workers and rail employees in the early 20th century. The Whiskey Teller embraces this rich past, integrating historic elements into its brand.
PUSHING THE ENVELOPE
Bea Smith
This is the third of a ten-part mystery series set in the Annapolis Valley. Follow Elspeth and Bea, two consulting detectives, as they unravel secrets and solve puzzling cases. With charm, wit, and a shared love of cats, they’ll keep you guessing in each episode.
When it comes to solving mysteries, Elspeth and I are usually on the same page. So, it came as a surprise when she didn’t share my curiosity over a mysterious diary entry that found its way to us. Now that I had managed to procure the journal it was torn from, I enjoyed the rare treat of seeing her flummoxed.
“Shall I put on a pot of tea?” I asked, presenting the diary for her inspection as I prepared the kettle. Earl grey is our go-to when discussing cases.
“Oh... alright! What do you make of it?”
“Considering the uppercase letters on the cover suggest it’s a diary, the odd warning to hurt those with wandering eyes struck me as a funny smokescreen.”
“Ruth must have been a lover of ciphers and puzzles,” Elspeth mused, tracing her fingers over the front of the diary as the kettle began to boil. “Clearly, ‘h-u-R-t’ is a rearranging of her name, but the other words are anagrams too. When unscrambled, ‘preDictions: trIteness, dominAtions, huRt. (eye straYers)’ becomes ‘Description: Interests, Admonitions, Ruth. (Yesteryears)’ — DIARY, like you said.”
We’re often on the same page, but not necessarily the same paragraph. Before the kettle started to emit its shrill whistling, I turned off the heat and set the tea to steep.
“That’s quite in keeping with the book’s interior, though I haven’t read it all yet. Her entries are an awkward mix of near-poetic
However, after a fire in 2023, a major rebuild was required, altering some of the original renovation plans. Despite the challenges, the team persevered, reopening in December 2024 at the downtown location.
Over the years, The Whiskey Teller has experimented with various event offerings. While an upstairs lounge with billiards, darts and live music was initially part of the vision, the space has since evolved. Today, the restaurant hosts food and beverage events such as taco nights and Secret Bartender, keeping things fresh and engaging for guests.
Among the many beloved dishes on the menu, one stands above the rest: the Brussels sprouts. Featured since opening day, this simple yet flavour-packed dish has turned skeptics into fans. It remains a staple, proving that even the most unexpected ingredients can become customer favourites.
For the owners and staff, being part of the Annapolis Royal community is deeply meaningful. For those who grew up in the area, it’s about maintaining connections with familiar faces. For newer team members, it’s about building relationships with the locals who support them. The town’s tight-knit nature fosters a strong sense of belonging, making the hard work feel even more rewarding.
The most memorable moment in The Whiskey Teller’s journey so far came with its postfire reopening. The first fire in the hearth symbolized a hard-fought victory, proving that passion and dedication can carry a business through even the toughest challenges. Looking ahead, the team is eager for the upcoming summer season, when the patio will reopen and Market Square will once again come alive with vendors and visitors. Guests can stay up to date on events and offerings by following The Whiskey Teller on Facebook and Instagram or visiting the website at www. thewhiskeyteller.com. Located at 9 Church St., adjacent to Market Square, The Whiskey Teller continues to welcome guests into its historic space, offering great food, rich history and a warm community spirit. ❧
daydreams and frenetic chastisements of family members, peppered with lists of rhyming words, synonyms, or random symbols,” I relayed, despite the distracting embellishments and marginalia.
The summer of her 12th year saw Ruth returning to stay with her paternal grandfather on a homestead not far from Kentville. It seemed a regular arrangement for her to spend summers in the valley while her father worked on a midwater trawler off the Emerald Basin. Allusions to her mother were scarce.
In 1954, everyone was eager to understand what to make of Ruth’s great-grandfather, Jacob, who had recently caused a scandal by taking up residence at the Cornwallis Inn. Yes, he had been involved in its construction, having worked with the Dominion Atlantic Railway since before the Wolfville station burned down. But it was considered an extravagantly selfish way to squander his earnings. Anyone who insinuated this to him was threatened with disinheritance.
As I was triumphantly recounting that Ruth had more interest in the characters of books than nosy neighbours, it dawned on me that Elspeth had finished her tea.
“Ah, well, there you have it,” she said dismissively. “Nothing more than some family gossip and doodles — like any teenager’s journal.”
Crestfallen, I reached out to take the diary back. As it changed hands, a slip of paper fell from between the pages and landed on the floor. It was an envelope, empty and unmarked save for a hurried scrawl:
PR6045.I577B5
Jenn Manuel
Do you have a drink recipe that’s been handed down through generations? Maybe it’s a mulled cider, a remedy for a nagging cough or a special tea blend that reminds you of someone. There’s something special about drinking a beverage you’ve crafted with your own hands—one that comes with a story. At FoodArtNature, we invite you to experience the Annapolis Valley through its flavours, creating and enjoying unique libations that connect you to nature, tradition and creativity.
In Angie’s Evangeline, Expulsions, Enchantment & Elixirs experience, you’ll mix your own Evangeline Elixir, a botanical drink inspired by the region’s rich history and local plants. Over at Michelle’s Herb Farm Exploration & Tea Ceremony, guests wander through vibrant gardens before taking part in an Appalachian tea ceremony—an experience worth trying.
For those seeking something bold, Rachael’s Fire Cider Workshop offers a hands-on opportunity to make fire cider, a tangy, immune-boosting tonic brimming with herbs and spices. In the forest, Wil serves fresh forest tea during his Nature Immersion or Forest Bathing experiences, an earthy
infusion of locally foraged plants. You might discover wild flavours you’ve never tasted before.
If you’re curious about herbal medicine, Benna’s Botanical Medicine experience teaches you how to make a flavourful oxymel, blending honey, vinegar and herbs for a sweet-tart remedy. On the Good Food Adventures, Ayzhia keeps guests refreshed with homemade iced tea—an ideal beverage after a morning on the farm.
Local apple cider also makes an appearance at Julie’s Printmaking With Natural Materials experience and the South Mountain Goat Walks at Tipsy Toad Grove Farm.
Whether you’re crafting, sipping or simply savouring, the libations enjoyed in every FAN experience are more than just drinks— they are a taste of place, memory and connection. Check out the online calendar at foodartnature.ca to reserve your spot. Bottoms up!
Photos courtesy of Jenn Manuel ❧
Answers to Crossword
* Shaded events take place weekly or more than once, as noted
TUESDAY, 1
The Valley Men’s Shed — Men’s Shed, Berwick 9am–2pm
• TIX: Donation INFO: 647-381-8765
Fitness Fun for Seniors & Others — Community Hall, White Rock 9:30–10:30am • No signup required. $3 drop in fee. TIX: $3 per class INFO: 902-542-7234
Newcomers In Community Singalong — VCLA Community Hub, Kentville 6:30–8pm • Drop in, between 6:30 - 8pm every second Tuesday. TIX: Free INFO: 902-698-9611
Crib — Windermere Community Hall, Berwick 7–9pm • INFO: 902-538-7820
Dukes of Kent Barbershop Chorus — Bethany Memorial Baptist Church, Kentville 7–9pm • Bethany Baptist CE Centre, 539 Aldershot Rd Kentville! TIX: Free INFO: 902-679-9912
Trivia Night — The Spitfire Arms Alehouse, Windsor 7–9pm • TIX: $2 INFO: 902-792-1460
Cribbage Group — Royal Canadian Legion, Wolfville 7–9pm • Everyone welcome. TIX: Free INFO: 902-542-5869
Benefit Concert for Jane Paul Indigenous Centre — Festival Theatre, Wolfville 7:30–8:30pm • Admission by donation TIX: Donation
WEDNESDAY, 2
Special Municipal Council Budget Deliberations — Municipality of the County of Kings, Coldbrook 9am TIX: Free
Coffee and Tea Social — Royal Canadian Legion, Wolfville 9:30–11am • All welcome. TIX: Donation
Makers Meet — Community Hall, White Rock 10am–2pm • Open to anyone looking for space & friends to bring your projects and work alongside other like-minded people. TIX: $3 drop in INFO: 902-542-3733
Printmaking with Natural Materials — Julie Rosvall, Textile Artist & Printmaker, Wolfville 10am–12pm • TIX: $79 (age 12+) Price is subject to 6% booking fee. INFO: 902-385-8080
Care Partners of People with Dementia — Chipman Building, Kentville 10am–12pm • TIX: Free INFO: 800-611-6345
Coffee Klatch — Isabel & Roy Jodrey Memorial Library, Hantsport 10:30–11:30am •. TIX: Free Well-Come Wednesdays! — Community Hall, West Brooklyn 12–2pm • Well-Come Wednesdays! Hot lunch; chair exercise; music. $7 410 W. Brooklyn Mtn Rd. Details: 902-385-5426 TIX: $7 INFO: 902-385-5426 Coffee & Colouring — 7 Arts, Greenwood 1–3pm • TIX: Donation
Fibre Craft — Isabel & Roy Jodrey Memorial Library, Hantsport 1–3pm • TIX: Free Tai Chi and Qigong — Lions Club, Wolfville 2–3:30pm TIX: $10 per class or $80 for the 8 weeks of lessons. Games — Paddy’s Pub, Kentville 6–9:30pm • KTABS invites you to an evening of board game fun! Enjoy delicious food, snacks, and drinks while you play. TIX: Free Fun With Fibre — 7 Arts, Greenwood 6:30–8:30pm • Drop-in fibre crafting group (knitting, crochet, cross stitch, felting, etc). TIX: Donation
Irish Set Dancing — Bishop Hall, Greenwich 1–3pm • Irish set dancing (similar to country square dancing) - no experience needed. TIX: $6 INFO: 902-679-9267
Jam Session — Royal Canadian Legion, Wolfville 2–4pm TIX: Free INFO: 902-542-5869
Karaoke and Wing Night — Royal Canadian Legion, Wolfville 5–10pm • Open to everyone. Please drop in. INFO: 902-542-5869
Kentville Book League — Kentville Library, Kentville
6:30–7:30pm • The first Thursday of each month to discuss the month’s book selection. Ages 18+. TIX: Free INFO: 902-679-2544
Trivia Night — Millstone Harvest Brewhouse, Sheffield Mills 6:30–9pm • Call or email to book your table. Max 6 per team. Pizza by the slice available. TIX: Free INFO: 902-582-2337
Chair Exercise — Community Hall, White Rock 11am–12pm • Chair Exercise (not yoga) for aerobics & strength while seated. $3 drop in fee; no signup required. TIX: $3 per class, drop in Acadia Lifelong Learning — K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre, Wolfville 2–3pm • The Kentville Research Station by Sonia Gaul TIX: Free INFO: 902-679-8604
First Friday Exhibition Opening — Tides Contemporary Art Gallery, Kentville 5–7pm • TIX: Free INFO: 902-365-3322
Dinner — Royal Canadian Legion, Wolfville 5–7pm • The Wolfville Legion is hosting Friday night suppers with Chef Wayne Arnold, previously of Dickie Baxters. TIX: $5-$25 menu items INFO: 902-542-5869
Terry Jagger — Kings Arms Pub, Kentville 5:30–9:30pm
• Terry Jagger will be playing classic rock and more. Come on down for great food and a fun night out. TIX: Free INFO: 902-790-3091
Devin Cuddy — Bent Ridge Winery, Windsor 6–8pm
• Bent Ridge Winery-Devin Cuddy TIX: Free INFO: 902-472-2212
Lauri Bolivar - Feel Good Friday — Millstone Harvest Brewhouse, Sheffield Mills 7–9pm TIX: Free INFO: 902-582-2337
Friday Night Dancing Fund Raiser — Royal Canadian Legion, Kentville 7–9pm • Friday Night Dancing Fund Raiser for the Kentville Legion hosted by DJ Peter. Dance tunes from the 50s - 90s. All Welcome! TIX: $5/ person INFO: 902-678-8935
Music Jam — Falmouth Hall, Falmouth 7–9pm TIX: Donation
Black Rock Jam Session — Black Rock Culture and Recreation Hall, Black Rock 7–10pm TIX: Donation INFO: 902-538-1259
Live Music — The Spitfire Arms Alehouse, Windsor 7:30–10:30pm • Featuring Kevin Myers. TIX: Free INFO: 902-792-1460
Karaoke — West Side Charlies, New Minas 9pm–1am TIX: Free INFO: 6819378
SATURDAY, 5
Breakfast — Belmont Community Hall, Newport 7:30–10am • TIX: $10 each $5 for children under 10 years
Big Breakfast — Lions Club, Kentville 7:30–10am • ONLY $10 to fill you up. TIX: $10 $5 for kids under 10 years INFO: 902-679-2367
Craft Supply Sale — Lions Club, Coldbrook 9am–12pm •
Join us at our Craft Supplies Sale! 3 hours of great buys and lots of fun! TIX: Free Blooming Spring Craft Show — Community Centre, Port Williams 10am–3pm • TIX: Free Acadia Spring Fling 1-Mile Run/Walk & Turf activities — Raymond Field, Wolfville 10am–1pm • 1 Mile race. The event also includes: - 4 by 400m relay race in commemoration of Richard Foot - Activities on the Turf led TIX: $7.69
Opening / The Masks I Wear — ARTSPLACE, Annapolis Royal 12–2pm • Art therapy masks by military personnel, veterans and families during facilitated “Life Through a Mask” workshops. TIX: Free INFO: 902-532-7069
Opening / Honest Animals, James & Jaime Lee Lightle — ARTSPLACE, Annapolis Royal 12–2pm • Original pen & watercolour animal caricatures from “Honest Animals Talk: a cheeky commentary for a post pandemic world” book TIX: Free INFO: 902-532-7069
Harmony in Motion — 7 Arts, Greenwood 1–2pm • Enjoy wellness through music and creative movement during our Harmony in Motion session with Terri. TIX: Free Doubles Crib Tournament — Royal Canadian Legion, Middleton 1–5pm • First Place Prize $500 TIX: $30 per Team INFO: 902-825-4751
Coactive Community Meeting — Community Hall, Morristown 1–4pm • TIX: Donation Pop up Study Cafe — St. John’s Anglican Church, Wolfville 2–8pm • TIX: Free BIG Documentary & Discussion — Lions Club, Berwick 2:30–4pm TIX: Free Terra Spencer and Kim Dunn — Sea-Esta, Delhaven 7–9:30pm • TIX: $40. INFO: 902-692-1662
Jam Session — Community Hall, Mount Denson 7–9pm • Jam Session with The John Janes Band and Friends TIX: Donation INFO: 902-791-0333
Casablanca Night with Gregory — Kings Theatre, Annapolis Royal 7pm TIX: $25 King’s Theatre Box Office Hours: Tue - Fri 10am - 3pm INFO: 902-532-7704
SpeakEasy: The Cynthia Myers Trio — Community Hall, West Brooklyn 7–11pm •TIX: $20. . INFO: 902-385-5426
Square Dance — Oakdene Centre, Bear River 7:30–10pm • Family-friendly square dance with the fantastic Rabbit Square Dance band, and caller Zakary Miller. TIX: Sliding scale $15 - $20 / families $20 INFO: 902-698-9611
Dance — Royal Canadian Legion, Berwick 8–11pm • Dance at the Berwick Legion with Route 12. TIX: $10 INFO: 902-680-1302
Comedy Night — Troy Restaurant & Grill, Wolfville 8–10:30pm • A night of comedy at Troy Restaurant! Live music, open mic comics and feature headliners! Don’t miss out! TIX: $10 Troy Restaurant INFO: 902-542-4425
Dance featuring Joker’s Right — Lions Club, Auburn 9pm–12:30am TIX: $10 at the Door **Cash Only** INFO: 902-847-9374
Charlie A’Court — The Church Brewing Company, Wolfville 9pm • Join us for a special evening with five-time ECMA winner Charlie A’Court live at The Church Brewing Company. TIX: $34.50 + tax INFO: 902-542-2337
Dance with The Crossover Band — Royal Canadian Legion, Kentville 9pm–12am • Saturday Night Dance with live music (The Crossover Band). All welcome (19+). Cash bar 8:30. Kitchen, 50/50, Door Prize TIX: $10 at the door INFO: 902-678-8935
DJ Hot Cue — West Side Charlies, New Minas 10pm–2am TIX: $5 INFO: 681-9378
SUNDAY, 6
Sheffield Mills Market — The Sheffield Mills Community Hall, Sheffield Mills 10am–2pm • Woodworking, Jewellery, Baked Goods, Pottery and More! All Vendors are local to the Annapolis Valley TIX: Free Community Meditation Group — Bishop Hall, Greenwich 10:30am–12pm • Explore your experiences. Sitting & walking meditation, readings, and discussion (tea, cookies). All welcome. TIX: Donations INFO: 902-542-7993
Silent Auction — Anglican Church, Berwick 12–2pm TIX: Free Ink, Paper, Possibility in Linocut — Elephant Grass Printmakers Society, Annapolis Royal 1–3pm • A fun introduction workshop to the exciting possibilities of Linocut printmaking over 4 weeks. TIX: $140 (EGPS members) $165 (non-members) INFO: 902-476-3051
Acoustic Jam Session — Wayfarers’ Ale Brewery, Port Williams 2–5pm • Jam session, inviting everyone of all skill levels to come join and share songs, upstairs at Wayfarer’s Ale Brewery. TIX: Free INFO: 902-698-1660
Terra Spencer and Kim Dunn — Sea-Esta, Delhaven 2–4:30pm • A weekend of two talented artists sharing great music and stories. This second chance to cat TIX: $40 INFO: 902-692-1662
Irish Session Band — Paddy’s Pub, Wolfville 7:30–10pm • Come down and join us for an evening of musical pleasures with your host “Jenny” TIX: Free INFO: 902-542-0059
Save & Buy Children’s Sale — Civic Centre, Brooklyn 8–8pm • Come find new outfits and items for your kids. There will be baked goods, 50/50, and a quilt raffle. TIX: Free INFO: 902-790-8106
MONDAY, 7
Life Drawing — ARTSPLACE, Annapolis Royal 1–4pm TIX: $20/session or $90 for all 5 sessions (10% discount) INFO: 902-532-7069
Community Supper — Ross Creek Annex, Canning 3–6pm • Join us for a Community Supper - all are welcome TIX: Donation INFO: 902-582-3842
Wilmot & Area Neighbourhood Watch Meeting — Wilmot Community Centre, Wilmot 6–7pm TIX: Donation Open Mic — Paddy’s Pub, Wolfville 8–11pm • TIX: Free INFO: 902-542-0059
TUESDAY, 8
Morning Activities Program — VCLA Community Hub, Kentville 10am–12:30pm • An adult day program for the whole community! TIX: $180/10-weeks. Full/partial bursaries are available. INFO: 782-583-1230
Community Luncheon — Lions Club, Kingston 12–1pm TIX: Pick up meals - $15 Dining in meals - $15 Delivered meals - $16 INFO: 902-765-2128
New Novel, Book Launch — Baintons Tannery Outlet & Mad Hatter Bookstore, Annapolis Royal 3–5pm • “Deadly Sea Weed” book launch. TIX: Free INFO: 902-526-4417
Afternoon Activities for Older Adults — VCLA Community Hub, Kentville 3–5:30pm • An adult day program especially for older adults! Activities TBA but may include games, crafts, art, and more! TIX: $180/10-weeks. Full/partial bursaries are available. INFO: 782-583-1230
Landmark East School Open House — Landmark East School, Wolfville 5:30–7pm • TIX: Free INFO: 902-542-2237
Song Circle — VCLA Community Hub, Kentville 6:30–8:30pm • TIX: Free INFO: 902-701-3162
Your Voice Matters — Fire Hall, Lawrencetown 6:30–8pm •. TIX: Free INFO: 902-526-0220
WEDNESDAY, 9
Frauds and Scams — Royal Canadian Legion, Berwick 2–4pm • TIX: Free INFO: 902-670-0950
Turkey Dinner — Lions Club, Auburn 5pm • Served @ 5:30pm a Full sit down Turkey dinner with all the fixings. TIX: $20. INFO: 902-760-0661
Recreational Crokinole Tournament — The Church Brewing Company, Wolfville 6:30–9:30pm • Casual Crokinole Tournament, 6:30-9pm, $15 each, $10 for members, cash prizes! Registration req’d. Free play from 6-630pm! TIX: $15 registration, $10 for club members Valley Women’s Business Networking Meeting — Be the Change Health and Wellness, New Minas 6:30–8pm • A relaxing and restoring evening with holistic wellness practitioner Whitney Yeaton at her Wellness Centre in New Minas. TIX: Free Zachary Lucky, Steam Mill Band — Ross Creek Annex, Canning 7:30pm • “Laureate of the lonesome song”, Zachary Lucky returns to Canning for a show at the Annex with the Steam Mill Band supporting TIX: $15 advance / $10 students ~ $20 at the door / $15 students INFO: 902-698-9611
THURSDAY, 10
Morning Playgroup — Emmanuel United Church, Kingsport 9:30–11:30am • Morning Playgroup in Kingsport - open to caregivers and children (0-4) TIX: Free INFO: 902-698-9584
Morning Activities Program (MAP) — VCLA Community Hub, Kentville 10am–12:30pm • An adult day program for the whole community! TIX: $180/10-weeks. Note that no one is turned away due to cost. INFO: 782-583-1230
Senior Drum Circle — 7 Arts, Greenwood 1–2pm • The HealthRHYTHMS drum circle helps you feel calm and connected. We explore creativity through rhythms and wellness exercises TIX: Free
Teens’ Grief Group - Making Memories Matter — Elementary School, Windsor 3:45–5:45pm • Join us for a photo project and sharing grief experiences from death loss. For ages 13-17. TIX: Free INFO: 403-467-7923
Crokinole Night — Community Hall, Centre Burlington 7pm • Crokinole-All Welcome TIX: $2 entry $5 to join a tournament INFO: 902-817-3109
Wolfville and Area Newcomers’ Club — Royal Canadian Legion, Wolfville 7–9pm • Fun and food. TIX: Free INFO: 226-972-5197
Your Voice Matters — Fire Hall, Nictaux 7–8:30pm • We need your input to ensure that future housing developments meet the needs of people living & working in our communities. TIX: Free INFO: 902-526-0220
Seniors Fun Afternoon — Royal Canadian Legion, Kingston 1–3pm TIX: $2 INFO: 902-765-4228
Fusion — Bent Ridge Winery, Windsor 6–8pm • Bent Ridge Winery-Fusion TIX: Free INFO: 902-472-2212
Peter Fillman - Feel Good Friday — Millstone Harvest Brewhouse, Sheffield Mills 7–9pm • TIX: Free INFO: 902-582-2337
Open Mic — Royal Canadian Legion, Kentville 7–9pm • All welcome (19+). TIX: Free Motherhood & Summerhouse — Ross Creek Annex, Canning 7:30pm • All-ages show. TIX: $10 youth / $20 adults / pay what you can INFO: 902-698-9611
Songs from Home — Wolfville Baptist Church, Wolfville 7:30–8:30pm • CONDUIT Chamber Choir. TIX: $20 at the door. U16 FREE. INFO: 782-414-2977
Live Music — The Spitfire Arms Alehouse, Windsor
7:30–10:30pm • Featuring The Beer Nuts. TIX: Free INFO: 902-792-1460
SATURDAY, 12
Big Breakfast — Community Hall, Centreville 7–10am TIX: Adults $10, Children $5 INFO: 902-678-3999
Community Breakfast — Masonic Hall, Berwick 7:30–10:30am • TIX: $12 Adults $6 Children (12 and under) INFO: 902-538-5888
Your Voice Matters — Wilmot Community Centre, Wilmot 10–11:30am • We need your input to ensure that future housing developments meet the needs of people living & working in our communities. TIX: Free INFO: 902-526-0220
Easter Egg Hunt — Brooklyn District Elementary School, Brooklyn 11am–12:30pm • The Easter Bunny will be hopping to see you at the annual Easter Egg Hunt! (No registration required) TIX: Free Craft Fair — Kings County Academy, Kentville 11am–3pm • KCA Grade 7 Acadia Fundraiser: Spring Craft Fair TIX: $2 Admission at the door
Family Day — ARTSPLACE, Annapolis Royal 11am–1pm • Drop in for 10 min. or stay as long as you feel creative! Family activities inspired by an exhibition in one of our galleries TIX: Free INFO: 902-532-7069 KTABS Games Day — Recreation Centre, Kentville 12–9pm • Bring your own games, or borrow from our library. Families welcome. TIX: Donation 45s Card Tournament — Belmont Community Hall, Newport 1–4pm • Bring a Partner and enjoy 45’s and community. TIX: $10 per team
Nature Immersion in the Acadian Forest — McMaster Mill Historic Park, Kingston 1–4pm • TIX: $80 per adult (14+) + HST + booking fee, $50 per child (7-14) + HST + booking fee. Children under 7 are free. INFO: 902-385-8080
Easter Bonnet Tea — All Saints Anglican Church, Kingston 1–3pm • TIX: Free will offering INFO: 902-765-4023 The Studio of Susan Dworkin — Royal Canadian Legion, Wolfville 2–4:30pm • TIX: Donation INFO: 902-300-1001
Childrens Easter Event — Community Hall, Centre Burlington 2–4pm TIX: Free INFO: 902-817-3109 Fish Supper — Fire Hall, Summerville 4–6pm TIX: Range from $12 to $18. INFO: 902-633-2680
Teen Art Jam — 7 Arts, Greenwood 4–6pm • Embark on a journey of collaboration and inspiration! Unleash your artist within. Ages 13-18. TIX: Free Sip and Stroll — Avon Valley Floral, Falmouth 6–9pm •. TIX: Free Roast Beef Dinner — Community Centre, Port Williams
6:30–9:30pm • Roast Beef Dinner to celebrate the 55th Charter Anniversary of the Port Williams and District Lions. TIX: $15. INFO: 902-542-3933
The Little Town Choir — Lions Club, Wolfville
6:45–8:15pm • Spring session, 7 weeks, from April 15-May 27. New members welcome. TIX: $120 INFO: 902-300-1001, susanlisadworkin@gmail.com Kizomba Dance Workshop — YogaLife, Wolfville
7–8:30pm • TIX: Price is $20 in advance or at the door. Opening Reception — ArtCan Gallery & Cafe, Canning 7–9pm • “Annapolis Valley, Small Works” by local painter Lisa Tondino. TIX: Free INFO: 902-582-7071
Zakary Miller Concert — Macdonald Museum, Middleton 7–9pm • Doors open at 6pm. Cash bar. TIX: $20 INFO: 902-825-6116
SpeakEasy: Mark Bezanson & Them Handsome Devils — Community Hall, West Brooklyn 7–11pm • TIX: $20 INFO: 902-385-5426
Dance with South of the River Band — Community Hall, White Rock 8–11pm • TIX: 20. INFO: saritamacaskill@gmail or 902-542-3014
Celine Dion Drag Experience — Kings Arms Commons, Wolfville 8pm • TIX: $15 in Advance $20 at the door 90’s vs 00’s Video Dance Party — Walkers, Windsor 8pm–12am TIX: $10
Dance with Reminiscent — Royal Canadian Legion, Kentville 9pm–12am • Saturday Night Dance with live music (Reminiscent). All welcome (19+). Cash bar 8:30. Kitchen, 50/50, Door Prize TIX: $10 at the door INFO: 902-678-8935
DJ Layton — West Side Charlies, New Minas 10–8pm TIX: Free INFO: 681-9378
SUNDAY, 13
Spring Craft Fair — Town Hall, Berwick 10am–2pm TIX: Free INFO: 902-698-6277
Annapolis Valley Forest Bathing — McMaster Mill Historic Park, Kingston 1–5pm • TIX: $140 per adult (14+) + HST, $100 per child (7-14) + HST. U7: free. Community Arts Day — Ross Creek Centre for the Arts, Canning 1–4pm • TIX: Donation INFO: 902-582-3842
Spring Quilling — 7 Arts, Greenwood 1:30–3:30pm • Learn the basics of paper quilling while completing a spring scene with instructor Anne Tilt. TIX: $35
Vintages & Vines — Benjamin Bridge, Wolfville 2–4pm • Connect to nature as we explore indoor gardening with an exclusive Nova 7 Vintages tasting at this relaxing Plant n’ Sip. TIX: $60 Men’s Mental Health Hike — Ravine Hiking Trail, Kentville 2pm • This is a casual, peer-led easy walk where men will gather for camaraderie, time in nature and informal support. TIX: Free INFO: 902-691-2464
Ludwig Van Beethoven’s Fidelio — Kings Theatre, Annapolis Royal 3pm TIX: $15.95 HST INFO: 902-532-7704
Manning Chapel Choir - The Song Among Us — Manning Memorial Chapel, Wolfville 7:30–9:30pm • With special guest, singer-songwriter Blessing Tangban TIX: $20 advance. $25 door. Kids U12 $5 with adult. Ventanas — Evergreen Theatre, Margaretsville
8–10:30pm • Ventanas is a six-piece global music/ flamenco band based in Toronto, founded by JewishIndigenous artist Tamar Iliana. TIX: Adults $40 • Members $ 30 • Military $35 • Students $20 INFO: 902-825-6834
MONDAY, 14
Valley Gardeners Meeting — NSCC Kingstec Campus, Kentville 7–8:30pm • TIX: Non-members can attend for $5, which can be applied toward a membership Your Voice Matters — Lions Club, Kingston 7–8:30pm • TIX: Free INFO: 902-526-0220
TUESDAY, 15
SchoolsPlus Art Show — St. Mary’s Elementary School, Aylesford 9am–3pm TIX: Free INFO: 902-680-5371
Community Connections and Career Fair — Royal Canadian Legion, Windsor 1–7pm TIX: Free Frauds and Scams Prevention — Pereaux Baptist Church, Pereau 2:30–4pm • TIX: Free INFO: 902-670-0950
SchoolsPlus Art Show — St. Mary’s Elementary School, Aylesford 5–7pm TIX: Free INFO: 902-680-5371
WEDNESDAY, 16
Makers Meet + Card Making — Community Hall, White Rock 9:30am–2pm •. TIX: $3 drop in INFO: 902-542-3733
Singing Back The Buffalo — Kings Theatre, Annapolis Royal 10:30am TIX: FREE SCREENING! General Seating INFO: 902-532-7704
Take Out Luncheon — United Baptist Church, Port Williams 11:30am–12:15pm TIX: $10 INFO: 902-542-3681
Vous n’êtes pas seuls, CanFilmDay — ARTSPLACE, Annapolis Royal 2–3:45pm • TIX: free INFO: 902-532-7069
Black Christmas, CanFilmDay — ARTSPLACE, Annapolis Royal 4–5:45pm • 1974 cult classic/slasher. TIX: Free INFO: 902-532-7069
THURSDAY, 17
Death Café — School Street Glass , Hantsport 10–11:30am • All are welcome to join in an open & honest discussion about death. With coffee, tea & sweet treats. TIX: Free INFO: 902-452-4357
Your Voice Matters — Fire Hall, Middleton 7–8:30pm
• We need your input to ensure that future housing developments meet the needs of people living & working in our communities. TIX: Free INFO: 902-526-0220
Zed: Led Zepplin Tribute — Kings Theatre, Annapolis Royal 7:30–9:30pm TIX: Adult: $40 Youth $15 INFO: 902-532-7704
Earth Day Celebration — Reservoir Park , Wolfville 1:30–4pm • Preregistration for some activities required. TIX: Free Tamar Ilana & Ventanas — Festival Theatre, Wolfville 7:30pm • With power-house singer/dancer Tamar Ilana and five remarkable musicians, Ventanas is a “World Music Super-group” TIX: $42.50 INFO: 902-542-5500
Garrett Mason - Blues Show — Royal Canadian Legion, Bear River 8pm • TIX: $15 INFO: 506-639-1098
SpeakEasy: John Tetrault, Terry Pulliam, Bob Shepherd & The Housecatss — Community Hall, West Brooklyn 8–11pm • TIX: $20. INFO: 902-385-5426
Dance: FisherKings — Royal Canadian Legion, Kentville 9pm–12am • All Welcome (19+). Door 8pm & Cash Bar 8:30pm. Kitchen, 50/50, Door Prize TIX: $10 INFO: 902-678-8935
MONDAY, 21
Nature Talk — Royal Canadian Legion, Wolfville 7:30–8:30pm • Nature Talk on frogs and snakes by the Blomidon Naturalists Society with guest speaker Prof. Todd Smith. TIX: Free
Nature Immersion in the Acadian Forest — McMaster Mill Historic Park, Kingston 1–4pm • TIX: $80 per adult (14+) $50 per youth (7-14) INFO: 902-385-8080
After School Art / Create Outside the Norm — ARTSPLACE, Annapolis Royal 3:30–5pm • For ages 7-11. TIX: $180 ($30/class) INFO: 902-532-7069
Your Voice Matters — Fire Hall, Bridgetown 7–8:30pm • TIX: Free INFO: 902-526-0220
Music Jam with Maura — 7 Arts, Greenwood 2–4pm • TIX: Donation
Kentville Home Show — Centennial Arena, Kentville 5–9pm • TIX: Adult $5 Senior $4 Student $4 U12 Free INFO: 902-679-7177
Music with Kim Doolittle — Spurr Brothers Farm Market, Wilmot 6–8pm • TIX: Free INFO: 902-363-2333
Hatfield & Lafleche — Bent Ridge Winery, Windsor 6–8pm • Bent Ridge Winery-Hatfield and LaFleche TIX: Free INFO: 902-472-2212
Youth Open Mic — Ross Creek Annex, Canning
7–9:30pm • Youth Open Mic is back, with Sh!tgoblins headlining. TIX: Donation Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks — CentreStage Theatre, Kentville 7pm • TIX: Adults/$18 Children under 12/$7 Students and Seniors/$15.INFO: 902-678-8040
Justin Wood Duo - Feel Good Friday — Millstone Harvest Brewhouse, Sheffield Mills 7–9pm • TIX: Free INFO: 902-582-2337
Black Bag — Kings Theatre, Annapolis Royal 7–9:17pm TIX: $11.95 Adult $7.95 Youth (U18) INFO: 902-532-7704
Sacred, Secular and Silly XVII — Dawn Oman Art Gallery, Bridgetown 7:30–9pm • TIX: Donation INFO: 902-665-4520
Live Music — The Spitfire Arms Alehouse, Windsor 7:30–10:30pm • Featuring Mark Merrin & Chelsea MacIntosh. TIX: Free INFO: 902-792-1460
SATURDAY, 26
Community Breakfast — Community Hall, Centre Burlington 8–10am • Community Breakfast Free Will Offering, All Welcome! TIX: Donation INFO: 902-757-2121
Parish Breakfast — St. James Anglican Church, Kentville 8–10am • TIX: $10 . INFO: 902-678-3123
Pride Hike — Irishman’s Road Trail, Newport Station 9–11am • Pride hike for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Preregistration required. TIX: Free Workshop/Exploring the Mask I Wear — ARTSPLACE, Annapolis Royal 10am–2pm • TIX: $75 INFO: 902-532-7069
Spring Pop up Market — Luckett Vineyards, Wallbrook 11am–4pm • TIX: Free INFO: 902-691-5551
African Violet Society Meeting — Community Hall, Nicholsville 1–4pm • Learn how to grow beautiful houseplants and get exciting new varieties. TIX: Free INFO: 902-825-4600
Scam & Fraud Prevention — Christian Fellowship Centre, Wilmot 1:30pm • TIX: Free INFO: 902-698-9467
Spaghetti Supper — Black River and District Community Hall, Black River 4–6pm • Spaghetti Supper with dessert.Eat In or Take Out. TIX: $15 per plate INFO: 902-542-5173
Milford Maplefest — Milford & Area Community Hall, South Milford 4–6pm TIX: Adults: $18 Children under 12: $9 INFO: 902-532-5606
Hustle Dance Workshop — YogaLife, Wolfville 7–8:30pm • Beginner and experienced dancers welcome. TIX: $20 Fougere and Friends — Festival Theatre, Wolfville 7–9pm • Charity Concert in support of the Landmark East Student Bursary. TIX: Donation INFO: 902-542-2237 Dominion Atlantic Railway — Ross Creek Annex, Canning 7:30–9:30pm • TIX: $20 advance / $25 /$10 students INFO: 902-698-9611
Live Music — The Spitfire Arms Alehouse, Windsor 7:30–10:30pm • Featuring Nine Mile River. TIX: Free INFO: 902-792-1460
SpeakEasy: Kevin Fletcher — Community Hall, West Brooklyn 8–11pm • TIX: $20. INFO: 902-385-5426
Dance with Slightly Slanted — Royal Canadian Legion, Kentville 9pm–12am • All Welcome (19+). Cash bar opens at 8:30pm. Kitchen, 50/50, Door Prize TIX: $10 INFO: 902-678-8935
SUNDAY, 27
Jam, Bake Sale & Auction — Royal Canadian Legion, Kentville 1–4pm • All welcome, all ages. TIX: Donation INFO: 902-678-8935
Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks — CentreStage Theatre, Kentville 2pm •. TIX: Adults/$18 Children under 12/$7 Students and Seniors/$15 INFO: 902-678-8040 Old Time Gospel Sing Along — United Church, Aylesford 3pm • Everyone is welcome! TIX: Donation Newfoundland influences, Maureen, Karen and Teresa are infectious storytellers. TIX: Adults $40 • Members $ 30 • Military $35 • Students $20 INFO: 902-825-6834
TUESDAY, 29
Mindfulness Meditation — Anglican Parish Hall, Berwick 3–4:30pm • Guided, walking and silent meditation in Zen tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Great for stress. Everyone welcome. TIX: Free
Paper Quilling Mother’s Day Cards — 7 Arts, Greenwood 4–5pm • Learn some basic paper quilling techniques with artist Christine. We will be making Mother’s Day (or Spring) cards. Ages 6-12 TIX: $10 per child
Paper Quilling — 7 Arts, Greenwood 7–8:30pm • Learn paper quilling techniques to make your own piece! For ages 13+. TIX: $35 (includes take-home quilling tool)
WEDNESDAY, 30
Financial Literacy for Nonprofits — Virtual, Annapolis Valley 7–8:30pm • An overview of nonprofit financial management for Board members, including: regulations and annual filing requirements. TIX: $5 (zoom link will be sent prior to the event) INFO: 902-365-2099
Matilda — West Kings District High School, Auburn 7–8pm • Matilda the Musical is being performed by The Theatre at West Kings opening 30 April for a 5 day run. TIX: Adult - $17 Student - $12 INFO: 902-847-4440
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join us for the 2nd Annual Valley Wine Festival! We aim to unite the diverse array of wineries and vineyards in the Annapolis Valley, alongside a selection of wines hailing from Nova Scotia, the Maritimes and Canada. Guests can also expect to sample culinary delights from winery chefs and local restaurants, as well as engaging displays from local tour companies and local food product purveyors.
Two Can Wine! VIP Package
Sip and Stay for two
oldorchard.com/events
Includes two-nights' accommodations for Friday and Saturday night, two weekend wine tasting tickets, four-course Table d’Hôte dinner, two weekend Barn Dance tickets, and breakfast for two.
Includes one-night accommodation, two wine tasting tickets (12 glasses each), and a breakfast for two.
