Every year, our dads are granted a day in their honour to celebrate how truly awesome they really are. For those of you who have lost track of the days of the week – this year, Father’s Day falls on Sunday June 21st. This means, you have a little over two weeks to snag dad that perfect gift. While we may have to celebrate from a distance, more than ever, the dads of 2020 need a little extra comfort and love. Retailers and restaurants in Oakville and Burlington have hustled to come up with the perfect gifts Father’s Day – and we have them all right here.
Nickle Brooke Brewing, founded by two mad scientists in Burlington, has beer down to a science. While their shop is closed to the public, they want to help you share a virtual beer with your Dad, Uncle, Grandpa, Father-like-figure…heck even yourself – because things have been tough and you deserve it. You can pre-order your main-main’s favourite beer via their website or snatch up one of their special Father’s Day kits which includes:
6x beers, including Naughty Neighbour, Head Stock, Metal Head, Cold Pop, Raspberry Uber, and Kentucky Bastard
1 Gift
Access to 6 food pairing recipes and videos, with their pal Romaine from @accessgourmet, that will be released on all forms of social media
Zoom access code
A night with Ben, their Head Brewer and Liam, the best co-host around
Some dad’s love their coffee almost as much as they love their children. For the coffee loving dad, Vereda Central is sure to please. They’ve made it easier than ever to get the great taste of Columbian Coffee right at home. Whether it’s picking up a fresh brew from the café on Father’s Day, or pre-ordering a bag (or two) of their carefully sourced, small farm, Columbian coffee beans for free delivery right to his door – you may just earn some brownie points with your java lovin’ Pops.
Time to dig in! Many butcher shops have been allowed to reopen as long as they follow social distancing protocols set out by the Province of Ontario – and Florence Meats is one to check out. A second-generation family business with over 40 years in Oakville, they specialize in local dry aged beef, in-house smoked meats and poultry, and a wide range of premium products. Florence operates a small freestanding meat plant in Oakville that allows them to source mainly from Southern Ontario farms – some of the best in the world. Grab your dad something for the BBQ or check out their pantry goods such as mustards, rubs, and sauces.
If Dad has more of a sweet tooth, Christy’s Gourmet has your back. Pre-order their Father’s Day sampler, loaded with chocolate covered goodies (including chips and popcorn), grab their Father’s Day Cookie Kit – or even snatch up a chocolate covered Dad’s root beer. Basically, this is a fool-proof option for the chocolate loving dad. And really, who doesn’t love chocolate?
Looking for a gourmet, prepared meal, delivered straight to Dad? The Platter Company makes all food same-day and displays it on a beautiful wooden, reusable platter. Weekend brunch, fresh salads, artisan platters & boards, and even a market – there’s something for every palate. Besides the all of the yummy options, the presentation will certainly make Dad feel special.
Bring the restaurant experience home. Choose from dad’s favourite restaurant or try something new – there are endless in Burlington and Oakville takeout options available (and many restaurants will have Father’s Day specials as well!)
Fashion
For the fashion forward dads, Jeff’s Guy Shop is offering contactless pick-up. Their Peace Polos from John Varvatos are unbelievable soft and super lightweight – perfect for hot summer days. Check out their Instagram page for current stock and styles (or maybe even let Dad pick something out for herself) @jeffsguyshop. Also offering curbside pickup: Scriveners and Bush’s Menswear, while Burrows Too is offering free Canada-wide shipping.
Grab dad a graphic tee from Scriveners and a pair of fun socks or a tie from Bush’s. Burrows Too also has a great selection of menswear and is offering 50% off regular priced merchandise until the end of June. Not totally sure what Dad will like? A gift card is always a safe choice.
Self-Care
Sometimes dads forget that their bodies need a little TLC. Anise apothecary, a completely plant-based biz right in the heart of Burlington, put together a wonderful gift guide just for Him. From cedarwood + fir body soap to muscle bombs and stubble cream, there’s something for every guy – and even more importantly, these are products you can feel good about.
There’s a good chance Dad is going to come out of quarantine with a pretty wonky hairstyle (unless someone at home has exceptional skills). While the barbers at Village Cigar Co. currently remain closed, you can snatch up a gift-card for Dad to use once they re-open. Or, he can use it to purchase a cigar from their online shop, open 24/7 with secure delivery direct to your home.
Shop Local!
This is going to undoubtedly be a unique Father’s Day, given everything that is going on in the world. We hope that with this list of local businesses you can still make the most of it, and above all make Dad feel special!
Like many events in 2020, the Oakville Festival of Film and Art (OFFA) is taking a different approach to their usual programming. Due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and physical distancing, this year’s festival will be fully digital – allowing everyone an opportunity to catch some great flicks.
Taking place between June 17-22, the festival features 60 short films, and 8 features and documentaries. With talented directors, actors, and screenwriters, and thrilling plots, from family-friendly to thrilling documentaries – this year’s festival has a little something for everyone.
In addition to taking the festival online, the OFFA has decided to run a more community-oriented approach this year: raising money through donations, partnering with community organizations to raise awareness about social issues, and offering nursing homes and long-term care facilities across Canada free screenings.
There will also be a series of free industry workshops/panels and Master Classes available for the public. The Industry Virtual Summit will run over 7 weeks (on Thursdays) and include sessions on taking your script to the next level, the perfect pitch, roundtable networking, and more. Space is limited. Register at offa.ca/2020-offa-online-industry-summit
Pre-release passes are on sale now. For $49.99, pass holders can access everything during the festival – all films, special events, and Q&As. Single tickets are also on sale. Tickets can be purchased at offaonline2020.eventive.org/welcome
With the online festival, the OFFA can appeal to cinephiles and the film community while still supporting filmmakers as well as community organizations, charities, and those hit hard by the pandemic. Check-out their full line-up and stay tuned for other exciting announcements to come.
Wednesday June 17th, LAUNCH EVENT 7:00 pm LOCAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL (in partnership with Sheridan Alumni)
Short films from Oakville and surrounding communities – 2hrs 4min
541: a Place for the Community – Dir: Amanda Wright, Gabriel Dinardo (Sheridan College)
The Paperboy – Dir: Michael James Regan, Mark Brombacher
Online – Dir: Courtenay Lazorka (Oakville)
Willa – Dir: Corey Mayne (Etobicoke)
Mute – Dir: Constance Hilton (Sheridan Alumni)
Backseat – Dir: Emily Sadler (Oakville) Sheridan College Animation
The Day of Hitman – Dir: Ji Suhuaun (Sheridan College Animation
I Am Here – Dir: Amalia Williamson & Matt Long (Sheridan Alumni) Q&A: to follow TBC
Thursday June 18th, 7:00 pm QUEEN OF THE MORNING CALM Trailer.
Digital Festival Premiere| Canada | Drama | 1hr 26m
Synopsis: Follows 29-year-old immigrant sex worker Debra, and her self-aware 10-year-old daughter Mona, as they embark on a journey of emancipation. Debra attempts to escape cycles of abuse and poverty while learning to become a more nurturing mother and discovering her own self-worth.
Director: Gloria Kim
Starring: Tina Jung, Eponine Lee, Shaun Benson, Jesse Lavercombe
FILM FACT: Dir. And writer Gloria Ui Young Kim won the Toronto Screenwriting Conference’s Telefilm Canada New Voices Award for her script in 2013.
SHORT FILMS: Showstopper (Canada, 12 min, Dir: Jacquile Kambo), The Writing Room (Canada, 2 min, Dir: Alexandria Phillip), Our Home (Canada, 9:33,Dir. Andy Alvarez)
Q&A: to follow film with Director Gloria Kim and lead actress Tina Jung.
Friday June 19th, 7:00 pm MILITARY WIVES (in partnership with Capstick McCollum and Associates) Trailer.
UK | Comedy/Drama | 1hr 52m
Synopsis: With their partners away serving in Afghanistan, a group of women on the home front form a choir and quickly find themselves at the center of a media sensation and global movement.
Director: Peter Cattaneo
Starring: Kristin Scott Thomas, Sharon Horgan, Emma Lowndes
FILM FACT: The film was inspired by the true story of the Military Wives Choirs, a network of 75 choirs in British military bases across the UK and overseas, featured in the UK television series The Choir.
SHORT FILMS: A Long Weekend with May Blossom (Canada, 7 min, Dir: Chorong Kim), Tokens (Canada, 12 min, Dir: Winnifred Jong)
Q&A: to follow film at 9 pm with representatives from the Canadian Military Wives Choir.
WORLD PREMIERE | Canada | Documentary | 35m (made in collaboration with School of the Environment and Department of Geography, University of Toronto
Synopsis: We live on “the blue planet”, abundant with water. Yet, we are now facing a crisis created by decades of mismanagement, unlimited depletion and pollution of the earth’s water bodies, issues accelerated now by climate change. So how did we reach this crisis point? Our documentary shows that by not following the four pillars of water sustainability – science, economics, governance AND spiritual connections, we have damned one of our most precious resources. Through the lens of the Satluj river in Punjab, India, we trace the story of challenges, hopes and aspirations of water’s will to survive and rejuvenate.
Director: Vanita Khanna, Writer/Producer Dr. Romila Verma and Prab Kainth
FILM FACT: This screening is the World Premiere of the documentary Water Be Dammed
Synopsis: Sockeye, a species of wild salmon, is born in Kamchatkan waters and spends its entire life in the Pacific Ocean. Only once does it return to fresh waters – to give offspring, start the circle of life, and die. It is an inexhaustible resource that feeds billions of people on the planet, restored every year. But soon, we may find ourselves facing the unimaginable: humans will exhaust the inexhaustible.
Directors: Dmitriy Shpilenok, Vladislav Grishin
FILM FACT: salmon poaching is so dangerous in the Kamchatkan wildlife sanctuary that the filmmaker faced insurmountable delays shooting. Every night, over 700 kilos of sockeye caviar was poached causing filming to shut down for a time.
SHORT FILMS: Traces (Belgium, 12:05, Dir. Sebastien Pins), It Only Takes a Minute (Oakville, 1:35 Dir. Katie Wang & Hayden Chan, Our Plastic Legacy (11:58, Dir. Dave Tourchin), Halton Climate Collective: Every Action counts (Oakville, 2:50, Dir. Nicholas Wandel), Guardians of the Grasslands (Canada, 12 min, Dir: Sarah Wray and Ben Wilson)
Q&A: with Romila Verma (Writer/Producer Water Be Dammed) and other filmmakers to follow screening.
Saturday June 20th, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm THE GREAT DISCONNECT Trailer CANADIAN PREMIERE | Cayman Islands | Documentary | 1hr 6m
Synopsis: This timely documentary invites us to reflect on the relationships we have with those around us and raises the question: is it possible to overcome our modern culture of disconnectedness and rediscover how truly essential we are to one other?
Director: Tamer Soliman
FILM FACT: While filming took the filmmakers to megacities like Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, the idea to pursue a film about community well-being was sparked during a trip to a small mountain camp in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica.
SHORT FILMS: Once Upon a Pandemic (Canada, 15 min, Dir: Ryan Northcott), Instant Doctor (USA, 7 min, Dir: Bernardo Romero), Hypernova (Canada, 14 min, Dir: Tate Young), Yarne (Nepal – Canadian Premiere, 15 min, Dir: Andrew Krakower)
Q&A: with Producer, Director, Co-Writer Tamer Soliman and Sarah Douglas (Writer, Story Editor)
How Does Animation Work – Dir: Tyler Pacana (Sheridan animation, Canada)
Puppy Love – Dir: Jennifer Yun (Sheridan Animation, Canada)
Rororo! – Dir. Camille Alonzi (Sheridan Animation, Canada)
The Hockey Cares Story – Dir: Mark Holmes (Canada)
Q&A: to follow with short filmmakers for families.
Sunday June 21st, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm A CELEBRATION OF DADS FILM COMPILATION (In partnership with A 71 Releasing Inc. and Caju Multimedia) FROM THE VINE Trailer Digital Premiere | Canada/Italy | Comedy/Drama | 1hr 37m
Synopsis: A downtrodden man experiences an ethical crisis and travels back to his hometown in rural Italy to recalibrate his moral compass. There he finds new purpose in reviving his grandfather’s old vineyard, offering the small town of Acerenza a sustainable future, and reconnecting with his estranged family in the process.
Director: Sean Cisterna
Starring: Joe Pantoliano, Wendy Crewson, Paula Brancati, Marco Leonardi
FILM FACT: the film is based on a novel called Finding Marco, by Italian-Canadian Ken Cancellara. Ken grew up in Acerenza, where the film takes place, and the filmmakers were able to access many of the locations because of Ken’s close connection to his former hometown.
SHORT FILMS: Catch (Canada – World Premiere, 2 min, Dir: Jenny Dayen Kim), Father By Law (Canada, 18 min, Dir: Maria De Sanctis), European Tour ’73 (Canada, 16 min, Dir: Ross Munro)
Q&A: with Director Sean Cisterna, Actress Wendy Crewson, and actor Joe Pantoliano
Sunday June 21st, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm NATIONAL INDIGENOUS DAY SCREENING (in partnership with Kakekalanicks Indigenous Consulting Co.)The film will feature a traditional welcome address by the MCFN ( Mississagua of the Credit First Nation) THE BODY REMEMBERS WHEN THE WORLD BROKE OPEN Trailer Canada | Drama | 1hr 45m
Synopsis: After a chance encounter on the street, a woman tries to encourage a pregnant domestic abuse victim to seek help.
Starring: Violet Nelson, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, Charlie Hannah
Film Fact: the film is nominated for six Canadian screen awards, including best motion picture.
SHORT FILMS: Laura (Canada, 13 min, Dir: Kaayla Whachell), Even In the Silence (Canada, 4 min, Dir: Jonathan Elliott)
Q&A: with filmmakers Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers and Kathleen Hepburn to follow screening (9 pm)
Monday June 22nd, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm SHORTS FOR ALL SORTS FILM COMPILATION (in partnership with Film.ca) Canadian and International Comedy and Dramatic Shorts – 1hr 50min
House of Balls (USA, 9 min, Dir: Kristina Thomas)
La Benvinguda – Dir: Carmen Puche Moré (Spain)
The Empire’s Surgeon – Dir: Guillaume Main (Switzerland)
Headshots – Dir: Shane Murphy (Canada)
Cheat Meal – Dir: Jacqueline Godbout (Canada)
White Feather – Dir: Daniel Arbon (UK)
Anna – Dir: Dekel Berenson (UK)
Sah Mata – Dir: Thomas Gailhard (France – World Premiere)
Every year, 1 in 5 Canadians will personally face a mental health illness or crisis – and 1 in 3 Canadians will experience mental illness in their lifetime. Canadians affected with mental illness may not be able to cope with the simplest aspects of everyday life – throw in the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, and day-to-day life can feel pretty daunting.
The stress and anxiety caused by our current situation have taken a toll on our collective mental health. In an online survey recently released by the Angus Reid Institute, half of Canadians polled reported that their mental health has gotten worse during the pandemic.
Now, more than ever, it’s important to be aware of your feelings and emotions. Even more so, it’s important to know you’re not alone and that there’s no shame in reaching out for help. Many people are sharing the same pain, stress, and anxieties brought on by the unique circumstances of our time.
For people from the Baby Boomer generation, like my parents, there’s a fear of the complications that come with contracting COVID-19. They’re also experiencing unique loneliness from not seeing children, grandchildren, and loved ones. They may even be worrying about their retirement during these uncertain economic times.
For people like me – a young adult with a young family – it’s navigating energetic children at home – some with special needs – while trying to balance careers, homeschool, and typical daily household tasks.
For small business owners, it’s worrying about making to the next month.
For our community – it’s wondering how and when we can get ourselves back to a place of normalcy. We have unique shops, a beautiful lakefront, and one-of-a-kind restaurants we’re all itching to support.
At this time and under these circumstances, we all have something weighing heavy on our hearts.
The Therapy Centre, with locations in Oakville and Hamilton, wants to make it easy for the public to reach out for help and navigate these types of thoughts and feelings. Not only are they continuing to treat patients by phone and through videoconferencing, but they recently launched FREE online workshops on an as needed basis to help parents and adults navigate the stress of COIVD-19. Anyone is able to access these free virtual workshops (not just their patients). The Therapy Centre understands current circumstances are especially unique and have put these sessions together below for anyone who may be in need. To arrange a free virtual workshop, contact The Therapy Centre at info@thetherapycentre.ca or visit their website at thetherapycentre.ca/
We’re all in this together. Hang in there and stay safe.
For 46-years, retailers along Oakville’s historic Lakeshore Road have pulled product to the street in celebration of Downtown Oakville’s Annual Sidewalk Sale. However, this year – year 47 – is going to look a little different than years passed. Great sales will abound, but online through a giant ‘cyber’ sidewalk sale that allows you to get the deals you look forward to regardless of physical distancing restrictions. Those businesses that can open may offer in-store sales.
Due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, the Downtown Oakville BIA and its retailers have stepped outside the box and are determined to make this year’s Sidewalk Sale better than ever. With a special online platform, folks can shop #DTOakFromHome at their Cyber Sidewalk Sale. From May 28 – 31, shoppers can access ‘bigger than the sale rack’ sales from participating #DTOakville retailers online.
What does this mean for you? Some pretty great stuff, actually. With the Sidewalk Sale taking a virtual approach, shoppers can access great deals at any time (day or night) throughout the event. There will also be free shipping and local delivery offered by many retailers. Now is the perfect time to stock up on gifts and support #smallbusinesses when they need us most.
With street-facing retailers permitted to reopen as of May 19, some stores will also be open for in-store shopping with physical distancing measures in place. Be sure to follow the Downtown Oakville BIA on Facebook (@downtownoakville), Instagram (@oakvilledowntown), and Twitter (@oakvilledwntown) for regular updates leading up to and through the event.
In addition to the Cyber Sidewalk Sale, the BIA is working hard to support the community and downtown businesses through an Instagram LIVE Auction on Wednesday, May 27th at 7 p.m.
The auction, which features items from local businesses, also brings with it a lot of fun and community spirit; not only do you leave with great items but with a smile and full heart! While we cannot get together in person, we can still come together to support local, with a live chat with fellow shoppers. The auctions support local businesses, with previous sales of over $5000 in a few short hours, as well as local charities, with over $2,500 donated (past recipients include Fare Share Food Bank Oakville and Lighthouse for Grieving Children). The next LIVE Auction is anticipated to be just as successful with a lineup of great items up for bid (details to be released soon). Tune in by following Downtown Oakville on Instagram (@oakvilledowntown).
The Downtown Oakville BIA truly believes that even under physical distancing circumstances and the unknowns of these strenuous times, together we can continue to support the community, our local charities, and our small business.
Every year, our moms are granted a day in their honour to celebrate how truly awesome they really are. For those of you who have lost track of the days of the week – this year, Mother’s Day falls on Sunday May 10th. This means, you have a little over two weeks to snag mom that perfect gift. While we may have to celebrate from a distance, more than ever, the moms of 2020 need a little extra comfort and love. Retailers and restaurants in Oakville and Burlington have hustled to come up with the perfect gifts Mother’s Day – and we have them all right here.
Flowers
Flowers are always a welcome way to celebrate Mom, but now more than ever, flowers are a wonderful way to lift mom’s spirits and bring spring vibes into her home. Brant Florist has beautiful arrangements available for delivery, and Centro Garden has pots, planters, and everything the great-out-doors available for curbside pick-up and delivery.
Your mom is unique and deserves a one-of-a-kind gift that reflects her true charm. Through local makers and Artisan shops, there are endless options to find that perfect gift. Artisanville and Little Pop Up Shop have carefully crafted, artisanal products ranging from décor, clothing, food, and more. Everything is available by either curbside pick-up – or deliver straight to mom.
This gift idea is perfect for the mom of toddlers – or even teens. At the end of a long day of balancing work, home, and family life – there’s nothing like sliding into a warm bath for a little pampering. Whether it’s bath salts, body scrubs, or essential oils Anise Modern Apothecary have everything you need to bring the spa home. Draw mom a bath, light her a candle, and give her the gift of peace (even if it’s just for five minutes).
Dimond’s (and photos) are forever. In partnership with Coles and Village Studios, Harmony Fine Jewellers is offering the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. For $140 (a value of $230), your mom will receive an Orchard Serenity Planter, $75 photo session gift card, and $75 gift card to Harmony Jewellers.
For custom pieces and keepsakes, Laura Tedesco creates timeless pieces. Available virtually or by phone, Laura Tedesco will involve you in the creation and design process of fine custom jewellery. She also has her own stunning line including one-of-a-kind pieces, and personalized and monogram pendants and name necklaces.
For the chic and fashionable mamas, Joelle’s is offering contactless pick-up. Check out their Instagram page for current stock and styles (or maybe even let mom pick something out for herself) @Joelles. With spring/summer on the horizon, Zahara’s Boutique is another stylish destination that offers comfortable, fashionable pieces that are undoubtedly flattering. You can visit their Instagram page here @zaharasboutique
Does your mom dig DIY – or do you have it in you to be a maker? Pure Boutique has a beautiful assortment of chalk paint and supplies, DIY kits, gift items such as jewellery and décor – and more. Their online store just went live and you can also check them out on Instagram, Facebook.
If you’re not really into “making” your own gift – there are still plenty of stores to purchase unique, carefully crafted gifts.
With nationwide shipping and local no-contact delivery, Fairhome Interiors has a full online shop waiting just for you. Their Emma Bridgewater mugs make the perfect gift (especially the one that says mom!) but they also have cozy throws, candles, and other beautiful mom accents.
Carol’s Nicetys also just launched a new online shop! This family-friendly kitchenware and gift shop located Downtown Oakville has everything from adorable cookie jars, coffee essentials, or vases for a beautiful arrangement of flowers. While Nicety’s storefront is currently closed, when you shop online, you’re eligible for free delivery in Oakville and curbside pick-up.
Looking for something cute and quaint? There are two local retailers you must explore. Nestled in the heart of Bronte Village, Lakeside Livin’ Home Décor is loaded with home décor pieces, adorable dinner and serving wear, and perfect gifts for every style. Their online shop makes it easy to find something special just for mom. We recommend checking out their #MomLife canvas tote bag. It’s adorable, trendy, and an absolute must have! Order online and have your items shipped directly to mom, or pickup at the store in Bronte Village.
In Waterdown, you’ll find the equally adorable Rustic Daisy’s – a little shop that provides household accessories and gifts all made within Canada. They have a variety of packages available for sale on their website, along with some special Mother’s Day gift bags that recently launched on Instagram (@rustic_daisys). The gift bag themes are: porch edibles, home essentials, spring gift baskets, and pampering bags. Get yours before it’s too late!
One-of-A-Kind Consignment Treasures
The beauty of consignment is that everything you purchase comes with a little story. If you’re looking for that “signature” piece for mom, you can find it at The Millionaires Daughter. They recently launched online sales with curbside pick-up. Customers can purchase items, pay in advance, and then pick-up curbside at a scheduled time. Keep in mind, all sales are final.
For upscale fashion consignment and absolutely unique finds, Posh Couture has it all. Visit Instagram posts for daily offerings – and be sure to snatch items up before it’s too late. The same goes for Wish Boutique – offering local delivery available after 2pm. Call 905-634-1883 or DM via Instagram.
Arts and Crafts from Little Ones
Unfortunately, adorable school crafts won’t be making their way home in little hands this Mother’s Day – but Chickadee Family Café has you covered. Their at-home craft kits include everything you need to recreate three adorable simple crafts designed for ages 1-5. Each kit comes with individually packaged crafts and contains all the supplies you need, including glue.
Their Mother’s Day Craft Kit includes a Mama Bear card, a flower in a pot (comes with two sweet poems: one for Mom and one for Grandma), and a tissue paper pieces heart (you can customize to read Mom or Grandma and your own sweet message). All craft kits are $16.50 each and include free porch delivery anywhere in Halton. Chickadee Family Café also has a selection of locally made loose leaf teas available on their website. Add to your craft order for a perfectly relaxing Mother’s Day gift. Prices range from $8.75 – $16.
Restaurants
Bring the restaurant experience home. Create a menu, dress-up, lay out the table linens and fancy china – and give mom the gift of a night off. Choose from mom’s favourite restaurant or try something new – there are endless in Burlington and Oakville takeout options available (and many restaurants will have Mother’s Day specials as well!)
Support Local!
This is going to undoubtedly be a unique Mother’s Day, given everything that is going on in the world. We hope that with this list of local businesses you can still make the most of it, and above all make mom feel special!
As this unique situation unfolds and our economy grinds to a halt, many of us will undoubtedly be impacted, both financially and emotionally. Although we live in two of the best cities in Canada the World, there are many residents of Oakville and Burlington who will need a little extra support during this trying time. If you have the capacity to help, there has never been a greater need than now. That help can come in many forms, and doesn’t necessarily have to be financial in nature. We’ve put together some ideas below to help your fellow neighbours.
Support local business
Our local businesses are the fabric that help shape our community. For many residents, the reason they move to cities like Oakville and Burlington is because of the vibrant local economy. It’s already tough to be an entrepreneur, but an event like this can be devastating. There are many ways that we can support these small businesses.
Please Consider:
Shopping locally online.
Ordering take-out/delivery from local restaurants.
Ordering baked goods, grocery, and personal items from local pharmacies, grocery stores, and bakeries.
Rescheduling appointments instead of cancelling.
Purchasing gift cards for future use – they’ll receive the revenue now while foot traffic is down, and you’ll have something to look forward to!
Check in with local retailers to see how you can support them.
Share, tweet, post about your favourite small business – let’s spread some positivity!
Call a senior – or draw them a picture
By now we’ve all heard horror stories about Covid-19 spreading through retirement homes in certain parts of the world. To help control the spread of the virus here, seniors are no longer able to receive visitors. This has exasperated what can be an already isolating environment, and in all likelihood a senior would love to hear from you. So make their day a little brighter and give them a call – or have your kids draw them a picture.
Donate goods and funds
The Food Bank is going to experience a huge spike in demand over the next few months, even in communities like Oakville and Burlington. Self-isolating obviously complicates the act of donating – but it’s still doable, and so important at a time like this. Follow the instructions on the Oakville Food Bank or the Burlington Food Bank page for more info on how to donate.
Deliver groceries and medicine
If you know someone who needs help getting groceries or picking up a prescription, now is the time to lend a hand. Something as simple as going to the grocery store could mean standing in line for 30 minutes – and for many residents that is a task too daunting.
Donate blood
Our blood banks could use your support. If you don’t have any symptoms, consider donating blood at your local blood bank. Visit this site for more information.
Stay informed
There is a lot of information swirling around and it can be overwhelming at times. We recommend checking the news only once or twice a day and staying up to date on current best practices. This will pass, and we will all get through this together. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and help spread the positivity! #supportlocal #allinthistogether
If you’ve been looking for the best Easter treats (or simply have a craving for the world’s best chocolate), consider this your guide to local gems. Between carefully-crafted handmade chocolate, cupcakes, chocolate bunnies, jelly beans, and more, many of these goodies are available for curbside pickup or delivery right to your door!
It’s basically impossible to pick just one of the gorgeous, handcrafted treats from this specialty chocolate shop located in Burlington. With online ordering now available, you can choose from an assortment of Easter Basket goodies, including chocolate bunnies, chocolate covered pretzels, Belgian bites, and even candied fruit.
Enjoy 10% off when your order is placed online and free porch delivery in Oakville, Burlington, and Waterdown with a $50 minimum purchase.
These mini-egg mini cheesecakes really are the sweetest thing. With a special Easter Menu, The Sweetest Thing has a variety of treats perfect for dessert. Grab a variety from Easter cupcakes (carrot or mini egg), sugar cookies, bunny cake, and personalized cookies. They’re also offering an adorable DIY cookie decorating kit – including 6 themed cookies, three bags of icing, and a million sprinkles. While you may not be able to gather with your extended family this Easter, you’ll certainly build some amazing memories with your immediate family over these yummy treats.
Orders can be made over the phone or by email. There is a minimum order of $25 for free delivery in Oakville and a minimum order of $30 for delivery to Burlington (Thursdays) or Milton (Fridays).
Saving Thyme in Burlington is taking preorders til Thursday’s day-end, For your digital Easters with family and friends! Call or email hello@savingthyme.ca for the detailed menus and pricing. To help you celebrate together – even when you’re apart – they will deliver Easter meals to all of your family’s households for a single delivery fee. Check out their instagram post for their easter menu!
Sugar Suite Cakes’ Easter menu is here – and there isn’t one thing they haven’t thought of. An assortment of cupcakes (mini egg, lemon, toasted coconut, vanilla bean, cream egg), sugar cookies, mini egg cookies, personal mini egg cheesecakes (seriously, cannot get enough mini eggs), cake pops, and more! The best part – they’re 100% gluten and nut-free! Vegan options are available upon request.
Place your delivery order via email, Facebook or DM, by 6 p.m to have it delivered the following day (closed Mondays). They are also open for pre-orders for Easter weekend! Deliveries will be made on Good Friday, Saturday and Easter Sunday.
In business for over 25-years, Black Forest Pastry Shop is an Easter tradition for many. While their bakery is closed due to COVID19 – they are accepting orders and offering curbside pickup this Easter weekend. Visit their Instagram page for a full menu – but some things you can expect to find include gourmet cookies, butter tarts, pies, squares, cakes (yes, they have mini eggs), and sausage rolls.
They will be available for curbside pick-up on Friday, April 10 from 10 am-3 pm and Saturday, April 11 from 10 am-3 pm
You can place your pre-orders on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Easter Bunny delivery! Located in beautiful downtown Burlington, La Crème de la Crème Creamery has their online shop up and running offering no-contact shipping on all their treats! This artisanal shop is offering hand-crafted Belgian chocolate Easter lollipops, molded Easter eggs, and solid Belgian chocolate bunnies – a perfect addition to any Easter basket.
Hop on over to their website to place your order – the Easter Bunny will deliver these right to your door.
As a way to keep their business afloat during these uncertain times – and to send a message – Sweet Bites Bake Shoppe has crafted the “quarantine cake”. A delicious and silly spin on a typical dessert, this treat is perfect to send to friends, family, or even indulge in yourself.
The cakes serve two to four people, depending on how hungry you are, and come adorned with messages like, “don’t touch your face”, or “social distance & chill”.
Flavours include Chocolate Sundae, Salted Caramel Vanilla, Chocolate Strawberry, and Vanilla Sprinkle.
Cakes are $45.00 and include delivery in the Greater Oakville Area) Delivery outside of Oakville is available for a discounted rate.
Behavioural scientists have spent a lot of time studying what makes us happy (and what doesn’t). While our culture and society have marketed material things (and money) as the key to happiness, scientists have found happier people have similar things in common: strong, close relationships, making time to have fun, and spending time with friends are just a few of the things that contribute to a happier, more fulfilling life.
Brenda Jasmin, a certified positive psychologist and life coach in Oakville, says there’s a formula for happiness. We all begin life with a baseline of happiness – a genetic predisposition which roughly accounts for half of our overall happiness. While some of us win the genetic lottery and have a high predisposition to happiness, some of us fall a little lower on the scale. However, the good news is that we’re in complete control of the other fifty-percent. Our external circumstances, such as job, money, the car we drive and the house we live in, all account for only 10% of our total happiness – proving that material things don’t truly make us happy.The remaining 40% of our happiness is based on our internal state of mind, such as our attitude and optimism.
Therefore, happiness comes from within. It isn’t just something that happens to you, it’s something you have to work towards.
In 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution that recognized happiness as a “fundamental human goal.” And in 2012, the first-ever UN Conference on Happiness took place and the UN General Assembly decided that the International Day of Happiness would be observed every year on March 20. It was celebrated for the first time in 2013, and all 193 United Nations Member states have adopted a resolution calling for happiness to be given greater priority.
This campaign is a global celebration, co-ordinated by Action for Happiness, a non-profit movement of people from over 160 countries and supported by like-minded organizations.
The Art of Living is one of those organizations. Founded by Sri Sri Ravishankar, the goal of The Art of Living is to help people create a stress-free society with a trauma-free mind through a 3-day workshop called The Happiness Program. The Happiness Program, which runs globally with upcoming workshops in Oakville and Burlington, was developed to help people live a happier, more stable life through the practice of yoga and rhythmic breathing, providing the skills to remain calm and mindful, even in the middle of a challenge.
So, what can you do to be happier? Brenda Jasmin says, “One simple yet effective tool to boost your happiness is an exercise called “Three Good Things”, developed by Dr. Martin Seligman, the founding father of Positive Psychology. You can practice this tool each evening by recalling threethings that went well that day. For each thing that went well, take some time to journal or reflect on why that good event happened.” Research shows that implementing this simple technique for just one week can increase your happiness and decrease symptoms of depression for several months afterward. The effects can be even longer-lasting if this becomes a daily practice, which it does for many because once they start doing it, they see the advantages of remembering good events and not taking them for granted.
Other strategies include “intentional acts of kindness” – performing 5 to 7 acts of kindness in one day. You could also attend one of Brenda’s popular “Positivi-Tea Talks”. At these workshops, she teaches tools and strategies based on Positive Psychology that help people to live happier and more meaningful lives. Topics include everything from relationships, resilience, mindfulness, gratitude, purpose, strengths and managing mindset.
Even local schools see the benefit of teaching happiness. Amanda Bartucci, communications officer for the Halton Catholic District School Board said some principals will be working with Child and Youth Counsellors to develop activities during the month of March in celebration of International Day of Happiness.
This year’s theme on the International Day of Happiness is Happier Together, focusing on what we have in common, rather than what divides us. Everyone wants to be happy – and life is happier when we’re together. So, let’s celebrate our common humanity. Join the community and be part of this special day.
Sybil Rampen was 20-years-old when her father bought a large parcel of land in north Oakville,back in 1950. The 14-acre oasis of meadows and trees immediately had Sybil’s heart, and she envisioned that maybe one day, the grounds would be home to an arts centre.
In 2008, that dream came true with the opening of the Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre. Sybil, who turns 91 in April, is an accomplished artist and writer and wanted to provide a space that would inspire and nurture creative talent. The centre itself is located inside a converted barn, with the original structure built in 1852.
Since opening almost 12 years ago, thousands of people have visited the gorgeous site and enjoyed the many unique workshops and courses. The courses include Sound Bath Meditation, designed to soothe the soul, relax the mind, and inspire a creative awakening, an art course where participants create ink from foraged plants and avocado stones, and a writing workshop that helps unleash the power of creativity.
But, perhaps the most unique class is the Kintsugi Bowl workshop, which is based on ancient Japanese healing practices. Instructor Rami Shami has been leading classes across the country for several years and said the workshop is especially helpful for people who work in the field of bereavement and palliative care, such as Personal Support Workers, clergy, physicians, and grief counsellors.
In the first of two workshops, participants break a bowl, and the second workshop focuses on gluing it back together again. While it sounds simple, Rami said participants practice deep listening during the process, and can even slow down and deepen their brainwaves and heartbeats. Many people, especially those who have been through a deep loss, find it very therapeutic.
“The experience creates somewhat of a ripple or an echo in peoples’ lives that leaves them shifted, to some measure,” said Rami. The magic happens, he continued, when the “process accesses the subconscious mind and draws up, in a safe and facilitated manner, any harboured expressions or feelings.”The potency of the shift is determined by the depth of the person’s engagement. “Most everyone walks away feeling different, like something has shifted or changed about them,” said Rami.
The bowl workshop is representative of many workshops offered at the art centre. However, you don’t have to participate in a course to enjoy the centre – anyone can drop by. In the gallery, there are rotating exhibits, one of which includes an art exhbit by special needs artists, showcasing the different ways they see and experience the world.
Many come to the Spring and Holiday Handmade Markets while others rent the barn, which was rebuilt into a pioneer gallery, forweddings and retreats. The gallery has space for films, workshops, receptions, book launches, lectures, meetings, and tea parties.
Then there’s the 11-circuit labyrinth that’s based on the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth in France. The path through the labyrinth is perfect for meditating, exercising, or just taking a walk in a country setting. It takes approximately 60 minutes to complete.
There is also farmland available to members who want to rent affordable plots for growing organic herbs, fruit, and vegetables. Some of the fruit and vegetables are donated to needy families.
Those wanting to visit the centre can sign-up for a group tour called Tea and Tours – an opportunity to enjoy a cup of tea in a “welcoming and engaging atmosphere.”
Whatever it is that takes you to the Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre, chances are that when you leave, you’ll walk out feeling inspired and reconnected with yourself.
Wow in this one-piece swimsuit by Opera. Fabulous striking feather designs placed on a rich electric blue background. Moulded cup with twin straps and plunge neckline.
Top off your tropical sightseeing outfits with this beautiful paper braid hat, accented with a beaded tassel hatband and contrast trim around the brim. Pair it with this ultra-chic handbag that flaunts a unique shape that would fit right in with beautiful Palm Springs circa 1963.
This organic cold-pressed blend of Rosehip, Carrot, Raspberry, Pomegranate and Camellia seed oil has many skin-nourishing benefits that will help prep your skin for the warm weather!
