Team Writer, Author at Look Local - Celebrating Community

In Features

Sweet ho-ho-holiday treats!

December 14, 2020 No Comments

There are moments of joy to be found during the holidays. From Christmas carols and Christmas trees to sparkling decorations and pretty lights (not to mention delicious foods), magic is all around.

When it comes to these moments of joy, many of us find them in special traditions that have been passed down for generations.

I recently spoke with my neighbours about their plans for this holiday season – specifically, when it comes to traditional desserts – and it took me on an enlightened culinary journey.

British friends of mine will be enjoying Sticky Toffee Pudding (which happens to be a favourite of Harry Potter). Some indulge in a more exotic recipe known as Sticky Date Pudding. Both, however, pair perfectly with either cream or custard and will often be served alongside a Port or Sauternes, a dessert wine from Bordeaux. See the recipe for Sticky Toffee Pudding from MollyCake in Burlington at this link here.

For a more traditional British dessert, a classic trifle does the trick: a layered dessert with sponge cake, fruit, custard, jelly, and cream.

South Africans have a favourite dessert called Malva Pudding, which contains apricot jam and has a spongy caramelized texture, finished off with a cream and sugar sauce. There are many theories as to the origin of the name, the most popular is that it’s derived from the Afrikaans word malvalekker meaning ‘marshmallow’ because of the pudding’s light texture.

The Dutch often have butter cake or puff pastry log filled with an almond paste called Banketstaaf. Sometimes the dessert is rolled into the initials of family members.

A traditional and popular Mexican dessert could include Tres Leches Cakes, or Milk Cake which has 3 layers and 4 types of milk: whole milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy cream. In spite of all these heavy ingredients, it is actually quite light and is best served with fresh berries. Another popular Mexican dessert is Flan, made with eggs and cream and it is like a baked caramel custard.

Then there are Peladillas, toasted almonds coated with hard sugar. They can also be made with pine nuts. My Mexican neighbour also includes Marzipan on her holiday menu. While it’s not traditionally a Mexican food, it is a globally popular holiday dessert made from sugar, honey, and almond meal, augmented with almond oil. It can also be made into sweets like chocolate-covered Marzipan.

A delicious Indian holiday dessert from Goa is a sweet potato Bebinca (also known as bibik or bebinka). It was traditionally an Indo-Portuguese layered dessert including flour, sugar, ghee, egg, and coconut milk.

Sufganiyah is a round jelly doughnut eaten in Israel and around the world during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The doughnut is finished with powdered sugar. The word Safganiyot can be traced back to the Greek word Sufan meaning ‘spongy’ or ‘fried’. It’s also tied to the Arabic word for a smaller, deep-fried doughnut named Sfenj.

Panettone is a traditional Italian holiday treat, often given as a gift. It originates from Milan, where in the local dialect it is called Panneton. The long process involves curing the dough, similar to sourdough. The proofing process takes several days and gives the cake its fluffy characteristic.

Panettone often contains candied orange, lemon zest, and raisins. It is served in wedges with Italian sweet wine such as Moscato D’Asti or with Amaretto, almond liqueur.

Stollen is a German holiday bread filled with nuts, spices, and dried or candied fruit and is steeped in history and tradition. It was baked for the first time in 1545 at the Council of Trent, but without the addition of butter (it was not allowed because it was a time of fasting). After various appeals to the Pope (known as the Butter Letter) to allow this to change, the use of butter was granted but only for the Prince and his household. Over the years, the bread has changed from something very simple and fairly tasteless to the sweet Christmas bread we see in stores today.

For my own family, being raised in South Africa with a Canadian mother and a father of British origin, we had a mix of traditions. With the weather being so hot, we had a Christmas-cake ice cream bombe, combining sweet fruitcake with vanilla ice cream to make a dessert that suited tradition as well as the climate.

The Australian and New Zealand dessert, Pavlova, made with meringue, cream, and fruit is also a great holiday dessert for warm climates, as is the chilled layered Italian cream dessert Tiramisu.

Fruit mince pies are, for me, the ultimate Christmas treat with spiced fruit mince baked into pastry or shortbread and dusted with baking sugar. Cobbs Bread makes delicious pies with a flaky pastry – perfect to decadently serve with fresh whipped cream.

Holiday treats are what make this time of year even more festive. Whether you are trying a recipe for the first time or making a family favourite, there is always room for dessert!

Where to Find These Sweet Treats

We are fortunate in Oakville and Burlington to have many grocery stores that carry a superb range of holiday desserts. Try Whole Foods in Oakville, or your local Denninger’s, Longo’s, Fortinos, Sobeys, Metro or Cobs Bread. Or you can support one of these independent stores and bakeries for something more unique and/or international.

The Dutch Shop, Burlington: burlingtondutchshop.com
for Almondstaaf

British Pride Bakery, Burlington: britishpridebakery.com
for Sticky Toffee Pudding

MollyCake, Burlington: mollycake.ca
for Sticky Toffee Pudding and numerous other holidays treats

Monastery Bakery, Oakville: monasterybakery.com
for Sufganiyah, Panettone, and Tiramisu

Black Forest Pastry Shop, Oakville: blackforestpastryshop.ca
for Fruit Mince Pies, Yule log, gifting cookies, gingerbread houses

The Platter Company, Aldershot: theplatterycompany.ca
for Pavlova, Mince Pies, and Yule logs

Mango Mirchi Restaurant, Mississauga: mangomirchi.com
for Bebinca

Nostalgia Latin Market, Oakville: nostalgialatinmarket.com
for Tres Leches Cakes, Churros, and Turron

Florence Meats, Oakville: florencemeats.com
for Malva Pudding

Saving Thyme, Burlington: savingthyme.ca
for Choux, Kouign Amann, and Macarons

Familia Fine Foods, Burlington: familiafinefoods.com
for Tres Leches

The Sweetest Thing, Oakville: thesweetestthing.com
for cakes, cookies, and cupcakes

In Arts & Events

Downtown Burlington’s Holiday Cocktails & Cuppas Crawl

December 14, 2020 No Comments

There’s something to be said about the magic of Downtown Burlington. In the summer, our waterfront is a hot-spot for festivals and food and in the winter, we transform into a whimsical, glittering wonderland.

From the Festival of Lights in Spencer Smith Park to our new interactive light display along the Elgin Promenade, the heart of downtown oozes with tradition in the winter months. And this year, we want to help you add a new tradition to your holiday favourites. A tradition you can’t help but say cheers to as it brings warmth to those cold winter nights.

Announcing: our first annual self-guided Holiday Cocktail & Cuppas Crawl.

The holiday season is a time to treat yourself – and this year more than ever, we’re all looking for new ways to have fun and indulge. Our first ever Cocktail & Cuppas Crawl ticks all of those boxes. Throughout the month of December, Downtown Burlington’s cafés, restaurants, and bars will be mixing up their favourite holiday concoctions.

A little peppermint here, a little cinnamon there – as you sip and savour boozy cocktail delights or indulge in a specialty coffee or hot chocolate mounded with whipped cream, you’ll actually be qualifying for an assortment of prizes.

And since nothing about 2020 has been all that easy – we made participating in the holiday crawl a sinch. Just download the free pass on your phone (details are available on our website at burlingtondowntown.com). Check-in on the app as you drink and explore boozy bevies and delectable warm drinks at participating businesses. The more check-ins you make, the greater your chances are to win our weekly giveaways. There’s also a grand prize, where the winner will be treated to $300 in various restaurant gift certificates.

Grab someone in your bubble and take in the sights, sounds, and flavours of the season – all in our charming downtown.

Holiday Cocktails & Cuppas Crawl begins December 1st. Download the passport today to see who’s participating and learn how to check-in on the app at burlingtondowntown.ca

In Arts & Events

Burlington Downtown Bright Nights

December 10, 2020 No Comments

When you think back on the holidays, what do you remember most? Is it gathering with family around the kitchen table? Singing carols around a piano? Maybe it’s baking gingerbread cookies with Grandma on Christmas Eve. We all have something special we hold close to our hearts when it comes to the holidays. For years, Burlington Downtown has played a hand in crafting those memories and traditions.

From the annual Festival of Lights in Spencer Smith Park to the Festival of Trees at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, our charming downtown comes to life every winter – and every winter, magic is made.

While our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa Claus Parade are taking a 2020 hiatus, we’re excited to bring you something new and bright that we call Burlington Downtown Bright Nights.

This interactive instalment will illuminate and transform downtown walkways with glittering lights and interactive displays.

As you enjoy an evening stroll through a picture-perfect postcard setting, you’ll be greeted by charming storefronts, each decorated for the season in their very own way. Entering the Elgin Promenade, you’ll find yourself under a 100-foot canopy of glistening lights, a perfect setting for pictures (or engagements – no pressure). Between Scriveners and Kelly’s Bake Shoppe, The Singing Tree will invite you to interact in real-time. This lighting scheme responds to singing, clapping, or yelling – creating an unforgettable and magical experience for participants.

No matter where you wander, you’ll be met with magic. This is an illuminating downtown experience unlike one we’ve ever done before.

Bright Nights will take place from December 2020 to January 2021. The experience is free to the public and designed to be enjoyed safely outdoors with physical distancing.

In Articles

The Gift of Giving: Local Charities in Need

December 9, 2020 No Comments

The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides resides in Oakville, and the puppies inside of their building are more than just adorable little beings.

For hundreds of people, these dogs have been lifesavers who became the ears, eyes, legs, and more to people who have disabilities. The agency’s seven programs include those for people with epilepsy, autism and diabetes. Since opening in the 1980s, they have helped more than 3,000 people.

No one has escaped the changes brought about by the pandemic, from businesses that were forced to shut down to individuals wearing masks. But charities, like Dog Guides, have faced unique challenges because people in need rely on them.

They suddenly had to find new ways to do what they’d done for decades. At Dog Guides, that meant halting their training and breeding programs, which meant longer wait times for those needing a dog.

They also had to temporarily stop taking new applications for programs and placing fewer dogs with people. It greatly hampered their ability to raise funds, especially with their annual Pet Valu dog walk, which last year raised more than $1 million. This year the walk was done virtually and the number dropped to $548,754.

“We were very happy with the result from the Pet Valu Virtual Walk for Dog Guides since we know how difficult these last few months have been,” said Maria Galindo, communications manager.

Dog Guides relies completely on donations and are hoping people will participate in fundraising events like Stay Home & Bid Online Auction: www.32auctions.com/LFCDGFall2020. Donations can be made at www.dogguides.com

Like all charities, the Kerr Street Mission in Oakville has learned to pivot and alter the way it helps the community. It modified its Children and Youth program by helping and connecting with people online. In the summer, they provided a scaled-down version of their programming (Day Camp and Youth Leadership in Training). When school began, they went back to normal programming with COVID protocols in place.

With their Family Care program, they shifted their focus to food distribution. “When the lockdown was declared our numbers dipped as people didn’t know if we were open, and seniors and those with health risks were told not to go out,” said Gary O’Neill, Executive Director.

However, the agency quickly redesigned its food bank so that it complied with all of the safety protocols and within two months it had launched a delivery program for seniors. The number of people reaching out for help reflects the growing need. Since May, people benefiting from the Food Bank have grown by more than 58 percent from last year. “We just had our biggest week ever with more than 650 people served through our Market,” said O’Neill.

Like Dog Guides, the majority of the Kerr Street Mission’s funding comes from donations. They’ve been heartened by the number of people, families, and local businesses that have supported them. “The compassion and generosity of our community are amazing,” said O’Neill.

To donate, people can go online, or call the office. Their campaign for Our Christmas Wonders and Beyond Program will be online starting November 1st. Donations to the general fund will be used to support programming, including the food program.

The pandemic has also been an opportunity for agencies to change the way they do things and, in some cases, that’s meant becoming more efficient. At the Salvation Army in Oakville, food bank use went up with the pandemic and they were forced to move their operations to the parking lot and offer curbside pickup.

They put programs like the After School Club and Coffee and Conversation group on hold while they worked on ways to offer physically-distanced social opportunities. But by adding an online approach and a designated cell phone for clients, they were able to communicate their client’s needs so orders could be packed accordingly.

“This has avoided waste in that people only order what they can use,” said Captain Kathy Ratcliff, Community Ministries Officer, The Salvation Army Oakville Community Church. “We have encouraged people to give financially as opposed to contributing food as it poses less risk toward spreading the virus,” said Ratcliff, adding, “To those who have given thus far, we offer our grateful thanks.” For those wishing to donate: https://salvationarmy.ca/donations

Whether it’s a toy drive or food or monetary donation, our community charities require our support this Christmas. It’s been a challenging year for many and it’s anticipated that nearly 30 percent more people will need help this holiday season. Put a smile on a child’s face, put a turkey on someone’s table, there are endless ways to give this time of year – and even a small donation makes a huge difference.

LOCAL LINKS

The Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs: dogguides.com
Kerr Street Mission: kerrstreet.com
Salvation Army: salvationarmy.ca

In Community

Lighting our Way: Holiday Sights on our Local Streets

December 4, 2020 No Comments

There’s nothing I love more than grabbing a hot chocolate and venturing out to see the lights. From the comfort of your car – seat warmer on, warm drink in hand – there are endless sights to see among our streets.

Families across Oakville and Burlington are spreading holiday cheer and putting up their infamous light displays to add some festive celebrations in an otherwise strange year.

Gatherings may be limited this holiday season, but it doesn’t mean we have to stop the celebration of the season – cheer is here folks.

Put on your winter gear (and your mask!) and head out for a dazzling light show.

Jovanovic Family

On the corner of Pine Glen Road and Stone Glen Crescent | Oakville

There’s nothing that can ruin the Jovanovic family’s Christmas spirit, not even a brazen attack that left their entire inflatable Christmas display slashed in 2017. Thanks to help from their neighbours, the family was able to relaunch their annual display that same year. Now, three years later, the family is more dedicated than ever, displaying inflatable Christmas décor. Easily spotted while driving down Pine Glen Road, the holiday display fills the home’s lawn with an inflatable Santa, reindeer, elves, and much more.

Jackson Family Lights

113 McCraney Street West | Oakville

Located in Oakville, the Jackson family not only fills their neighbourhood with holiday joy, but the funds raised during their seasonal light show are donated to the Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) and Kelly Shires Foundation. After the 2019 display, the Jackson family donated $1,500 to both organizations. The holiday display, which is referred to as Santa’s Castle, encompasses the entire Jackson family home and includes inflatables on the lawn, and flashing lights on the roof. Visit this link to support their fundraising initiative and keep updated with their festive traditions by following them on Facebook: jacksonfamilylights

Rusty Griswold’s Christmas Light Display

2176 Delvin Drive | Burlington

Bigger and better this year, Rusty Griswold’s Christmas Light Display in Burlington has extra displays, bringing the grand total of bulbs in the display to 7,075. This year’s display will also feature seven new lollipops with twinkling lights, some extra candy canes, and two new songs. The lights and music are tested, programmed, and installed by Rusty himself, and the new lollipops were built by his own two hands. While enjoying the festive display, visitors can also enjoy some holiday music; new to the display this year is Frosty the Snowman and Snoopy vs. The Red Baron.
rustygriswold.ca

Musson’s Famous Christmas Display

3360 Spruce Avenue | Burlington

Arguably one of the best-known Christmas light displays in Halton, the Musson family has been displaying lights for more than 30 years. This passion project was started by Doug Musson when the family lived in Calgary, and they brought it with them to their new home in Burlington in 1976. In 2017, Doug tragically passed away, however, the family continued the light display year after year in his honour. Traditionally, the display guides visitors through the front yard into the back yard, both of which are filled with lights and inflatables. This year, the family will be continuing the tradition despite the uncertainty looming amidst the pandemic with some slight changes to make room for social distancing, because after all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing (or decorating) loud for all to hear.
christmasdisplay.ca

Downtown Oakville & Downtown Burlington

And it’s not just these homeowners that put on a great show. Both Downtown Oakville and Burlington Downtown will be bringing back favourite decorations this year with the addition of a few new attractions.

A must see this holiday season starting November 28th is Downtown Oakville’s spectacular 30 ft Instagram worthy ribbon tree of lights located in Towne Square. The tree-lighting will be virtual this year, but there is plenty of time to visit throughout the holidays. Be sure to visit and take a photo with family and friends. You can also enjoy the extraordinary lighting installations in Centennial Square and throughout the Downtown core.

Celebrating 25 years of magic, the Burlington Lakeside Festival of Lights will be returning to Downtown Burlington. Sixty magical lighting displays will be set up at Spencer Smith Park from November 27th, 2020 to January 8th, 2021. The lights will turn on at 4 p.m. every day and run until midnight – with exceptions on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Orthodox Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, where the lights will be lit all day and night. This outdoor event is a perfect way to experience the holidays in Burlington and also grab some fresh air.

In addition to the Festival of Lights, Downtown Burlington has invested in a unique plug n’ play technology that transforms traditional lighting displays into interactive experiences. The display is powered by a real-time sound-to-light mapping system called Aurora. Located next to Scrivener’s along the Elgin Promenade, visitors can interact with the lighting in real-time by singing, clapping, or yelling. There will also a canopy of lights in other areas of the promenade.

In Community

Molly Cake’s Sticky Toffee Pudding

December 4, 2020 No Comments

Ingredients

2 1/2 C chopped, pitted Dates

1 1/2 C Water

1 1/4 C Orange Juice

2 1/4 tsp Baking Soda

Put dates, water and juice in a pot and slow boil until softened. Add baking soda mix gently and set aside for 18 minutes.

2 1/2 C All Purpose Flour

1 1/2 Tbsp Baking Powder

3/4 Tbsp ground Ginger (or cinnamon depending on flavour preference)

Sift into a bowl and set aside.

1/2 C Unsalted Butter, Room Temperature

1 1/2 C Brown Sugar

5 Eggs

Cream the butter and sugar.
Add eggs one at a time.
Mix in the flour mix, just until fully combined.
Mix in the date mixture until combined.
Pour into a parchment lined or greased and floured 9×13 pan, place in a water bath at 350 for 70-90 minutes or until it springs back when touched gently at the centre.

TOFFEE SAUCE

1 1/2 C Brown Sugar

3/4 C unsalted Butter

1 C Heavy Cream

1 Tsp Vanilla

a drop (or two) of Molasses

tiny pinch of salt

Put all ingredients into a pot, bring to a boil then reduce to simmer approx. 5-7 minutes stirring frequently.

Visit Molly Cake

361 Brant St, Burlington

www.mollycake.ca

Print Pin

Molly Cake's Sticky Toffee Pudding

In Features

Decorating Your Home For The Holidays

December 2, 2020 No Comments

Is there anything more cheerful than holiday décor? Whether your style is minimalist chic, or you prefer to fully deck the halls, we invite you to transform your home and embrace the spirit of the season with our holiday decorating tips.

Merry & Bright

Festive décor always fills the house with extra merriment, but we want our homes to feel cozy the entire winter season. Thankfully, Christmas décor can easily carry through the season. Adding texture is a simple way to do that. Change out your lightweight summer throws for chunky, cozy knit blankets draped on the sofa to add warmth. Embrace flannel and knit accent pillows in plaids, rich reds, greens, and golds to bring subtle pops of colour into a room.

One of the most impactful ways to make your home welcoming and warm all season long is with lighting. “Everybody loves lights!” laughs Rose Luxton of Lakeside Livin’ in Bronte. “I generally love to decorate where we spend the most time.” She notes that the fireplace is a natural gathering place for family and friends, and swathing the mantle with LED or twinkle lights will draw people in. Since not everyone has a fireplace, she suggests using candles to make the home smell wonderful and also give soft light on those dark, chilly days. “I burn crackling wood wick candles during the cold winter months. Scents like Frasier Fir help me get into the holiday spirit!”

The Holly & The Ivy

Adorning your home with greenery adds an organic element to yuletide design. With temperatures dropping, we are less keen to venture outdoors, so consider bringing some greenery indoors or using faux foliage to create a holiday feel. Whether you prefer bright or simple rustic decoration, nothing feels quite as festive as the sight and woodsy smell of natural greenery in your home. Bouquets of twiggy branches, pine boughs, holly, and sprigs of mistletoe add to any vignette and are easily incorporated into your personal interior design. Faux greenery arrangements can give much the same effect and there are many realistic options available.

Najia Shaikh, from The Artisanville in Burlington, advises adding greenery as soon as you enter the house. A seasonal wreath to your front door, a garland on the stair railing, or a small Christmas tree in the entryway is inviting and helps to bring the outdoors, indoors. “These tiny additions are not expensive or permanent but can add so much to your Christmas décor,” she notes.

For Auld Lang Syne

Family traditions are important, especially during the holidays. There is something about honoring those memories that gives Christmas the perfect sentimental touch. “Adding vintage pieces to your décor can give your home a balance of old and new all year round,” says Lorna Parcher, owner of Graham & Brooks in Dundas. “Digging into the box for that tree topper, vintage tree skirt, or Christmas stocking just seems right year after year.” If you don’t have a collection to draw from, she suggests picking up vintage pieces that remind you of Christmases past, or with the intention of starting a new tradition.

Switching up your wall art is an almost effortless way to blend fresh with nostalgic. Najia notes that simple winter prints, old family photos, or framed Christmas carols are neutral enough to incorporate into any design style. If you’d like to display kids’ artwork or special family recipe cards, consider upgrading them with a modern frame.

Setting the table is another area for an elegant personal touch. Grandma’s wedding china may not suit your current taste but using her serving plates or creating a hot chocolate station with her tea service are an elegant nod to Christmases past. Similarly, displaying vintage brass candlesticks on the table add height and warmth while embracing traditional roots and memories.

LOCAL LINKS

The Artisanville, Burlington

Lakeside Livin’ Home Décor, Bronte

Graham & Brooks, Dundas

Nicetys, Oakville

Pure Boutique, Burlington

Rustic Daisy’s, Waterdown

Centro Garden, Burlington

Fairhome, Burlington

Swiss Interiors, Oakville

Bogart Home, Oakville

In Blog

Puckz Pub wins Best Sports Bar ‘Talk of the Town’ award

December 2, 2020 No Comments

Note: Each business listed below has made changes and are taking precautions to ensure customer and employee safety during this time. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm up-to-date products, offers, hours and safety procedures.

This category was a slam dunk, sending Puckz Pub home with our 2020 Best Sports Bar Talk of the Town Award!

This unique watering hole resides in Oakville’s Sixteen Mile Creek Sports Complex in between rinks 1 and 2. Depending on the day, you can catch some live and in-person hockey or figure skating through their expansive glass windows as you indulge in some pub fare.

Though service might look a little different right now, you can still indulge in their famous jumbo wings, fried dill pickle spears and buffalo chicken poutine from the comfort of your couch. Complete your at-home recreation of this beloved sports bar with an order of Locker Room Lager.

Once restrictions ease, you won’t want to miss a night of sports (televised and live) at this local favourite.

Any Blue Jays fans out there? You’ll find a home at Best Sports Bar runner-up, Monaghan’s Sports Pub and Grill!

Home to everything Toronto sports, this local favourite hosts over 22 screens (including one on their patio) that have you covered for every home and away game. Indulge in their daily deals, including wing, rib, beer, burger and fish & chip specials. Bring the experience home with you, or find your favourite booth and never miss a pitch at this sports enthusiast’s haven.

If sports are your religion, you won’t want to miss a game at the Stout Monk, Best Sports Bar second runner-up!

Though this local pub is known best for its extensive selection of wing flavours, you’ll also find something new and unique in the rest of their fare. Keep it vegetarian with their cauliflower bites, indulge in the rich flavour of their mac n’ cheese or satisfy your sweet tooth with their churro donuts. Order takeout now and come back when we can all watch the game together.

Thank you so much to everyone who voted! We will be announcing our next category on November 23, 2020 over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

2020 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Sports Bar

Puckz Pub
Monaghan’s Sports Pub and Grill
Stout Monk
Tin Cup
Firehall

In Articles

Honouring loved ones and spreading Christmas cheer with Ian Anderson House’s Tree of Lights Celebration

December 2, 2020 No Comments

On the first Sunday of each December, the grounds of Ian Anderson House are filled with the sights and sounds of holiday cheer, as a large fir tree is lit with Christmas lights and a choir of staff and volunteers sing carols.

The Tree of Lights Celebration is a Hospice tradition around the world that serves to honour the memories of loved ones passed, celebrate the magic of the holiday season and raise much needed funds so that these hospices can continue to provide quality end-of-life palliative care to residents and supports for their families during their last weeks of life.

Here in Oakville at Ian Anderson House, families are invited each year to join the staff for the lighting of the tree, carol singing, desserts, and hot chocolate and cider. Each family member is given a candle to light in memory of the loved one that they have lost.

This year however, due to the pandemic, the event is being held virtually, live on the Ian Anderson House Facebook page. The staff will on the grounds singing Christmas Carols to families watching at home. Community members are also invited to take part virtually, to show their support and to witness this joyous celebration. The event is being broadcasted live on Sunday December 6^th at 5:15 pm.

Anyone wishing to donate to the IAH Tree of Lights can do through the website www.ianandersonhouse.come and select the “to donate” tab.

About Ian Anderson House: Founded in 1997, Ian Anderson House is Ontario’s first in-resident cancer hospice. It is located at 430 Winston Churchill Drive near the corner of Winston Churchill and Lakeshore Rod in Oakville. In addition to residential bedside care Ian Anderson House also provides outreach support for those families caring for a loved on dying at home.

IAH is dedicated to the memory of Ian Anderson, who was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 1987 and who died in November 1990 at age 59. The creation of IAH arose from the personal experience of Margaret Anderson, who took care of her husband Ian at home during the last three months of his illness. Ian died at home, which was his wish, but Margaret had become aware of the lack of alternatives for those in a similar situation who, for whatever reason, could not be given the necessary round-the-clock care in their own home. IAH was created to provide palliative care in a home-like, safe environment for individuals with terminal cancer. Because of her experience of caring for Ian in the last few months of his life, the physical and emotional toll, the sense of isolation and the feeling of anxiety and uncertainty, Margaret decided to create a residential hospice in memory of her husband so that families in a situation like hers could be cared for and supported.

Seven years later, in 1997, Ian Anderson House, Ontario’s first cancer hospice was finally opened, on the seventh anniversary of Ian Anderson’s death. As of October 2020 more, than 2900 residents and their families have been cared for and supported at IAH.

In Arts & Events

Film.ca wins Best Family Entertainment ‘Talk of the Town’ award

December 1, 2020 No Comments

Note: Each business listed below has made changes and are taking precautions to ensure customer and employee safety during this time. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm up-to-date products, offers, hours and safety procedures.

Looking for safe ways to support local and have fun with your household? Visit our Best Family Entertainment Talk of the Town Award-winner, Film.ca Cinemas!

This community theatre has been a mainstay of Kerr Village since 2005, bringing big box office hits to Oakville for affordable prices. This retro theatre also screens many Canadian and independent films, highlighting up-and-coming filmmakers from all backgrounds.

Looking for a more private experience? Rent out a screen and get the theatre all to yourselves! It’s a safe and fun way to enjoy new films and old favourites on the big screen with your entire household.

Play in the arcade, grab a bite at Zuzu’s Pizza or send the kids to filmmaking bootcamp at this beloved Oakville theatre.

Try for the turkey at Best Family Entertainment runner-up, Hopedale Bowl!

This family-run 5-pin bowling alley is a great destination for families of all ages, as bumpers and coaching tips are always available with help from the friendly staff. Book a time on the weekend to enjoy their glow-in-the-dark sessions and dance along with some of your favourite party tunes from the past and present.

Looking to challenge your household? Take on the escape rooms at Best Family Entertainment second runner-up, Narrow Escape!

You’ll need to work together at this local escape room hub to solve puzzles and riddles that will eventually lead your entire family to the exit. Narrow Escape hosts rooms for all levels of difficulty, including Claustrophobia (moderate), Baker Street Mystery (hard) and Hacked (beginner). This is a great safe way to get the entire family out of the house and working together.

Thank you so much to everyone who voted! We will be announcing our next category on November 7, 2020 over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

2020 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Family Entertainment

Film.ca Cinemas
Hopedale Bowl
Narrow Escape
Aerosports Trampoline Park
iFLY Toronto

Team Writer

Where to Find These Sweet Treats

LOCAL LINKS

Jovanovic Family

Jackson Family Lights

Rusty Griswold’s Christmas Light Display

Musson’s Famous Christmas Display

Downtown Oakville & Downtown Burlington

Ingredients

TOFFEE SAUCE

Visit Molly Cake

Molly Cake's Sticky Toffee Pudding

Merry & Bright

The Holly & The Ivy

For Auld Lang Syne

LOCAL LINKS

looklocal.ca