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Where to Eat Pancakes This Shrove Tuesday

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Here come the frying pans and the batter – today is Shrove Tuesday. Historically celebrated by Christians around the world, Shrove (or Pancake) Tuesday signifies the beginning of Lent. In the Middle Ages, the Tuesday before Lent was an opportunity for Christians to confess their sins and ask for forgiveness, allowing them to enter Lent (and Easter) with a clean spirit. 

After confession, Christians would return home and prepare a feast – typically consisting of pancakes. And today, that tradition continues with Shrove Tuesday, modernly known as Pancake Tuesday. 

Pancake Tuesday has now become an opportunity for churches, organizations, and even restaurants to gather patrons for a traditional pancake meal while raising money for worthy causes. 

This year, Pancake Tuesday falls on February 25th and there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate in Oakville and Burlington: 

Restaurants

All Sunset Grill franchised restaurants (sunsetgrill.ca) will be offering their annual Pancake Tuesday Fundraiser. All signature buttermilk pancakes will cost only $1 in support of Canadian Cancer Society programs and research. All proceeds from each pancake sold will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society. 

From 11 a.m. through dinner, QB Sports Bar Grill Games (qbsports.com) in Burlington will be serving a delicious all-day pancake breakfast. While you’re there, check out their newly renovated bar or play a friendly game of pool. 

Oakville Pump & Patio (theoakvillepump.com) has a special treat for you this Tuesday. Enjoy 5 choices of pancakes (buttermilk, chocolate chip, banana and chocolate, raspberry coulis, or blueberry coulis) during lunch or dinner, served with home fries and choice of bacon or sausage for only $12.99. Yummy!!⁣ 

Did you know Audi of Oakville (audioakville.ca) has a cafe on-site? This Tuesday at their Quattro Cafe, Audi will be offering $5 all-you-can-eat pancakes. 

Churchs

The Salvation Army Oakville Community Church (225 Rebecca Street, Oakville) is opening its doors for a delicious pancake feast. Enjoy delicious pancakes and help support their Partners In Mission fundraiser, with the focus of The Bahamas, India Central, and Bangladesh.

St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Burlington (1382 Ontario Street) is hosting their pancake supper from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February, 25th. Tickets can be purchased at the door (families $20, adults $7 children $5 and lids under 5 are free). Meals include sausages, pancakes, bacon, and ice-cream for dessert.

Join Walton United Church Oakville (2489 Lakeshore Road, West) for their Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on February 25th from 5 p.m to 7 p.m. Proceeds from the freewill offering will be donated to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. 

This year, Appleby United Church in Burlington (4407 Spruce Avenue) is celebrating their 17th Annual Appleby Family Pancake Supper. Fest on all-you-can-eat pancakes drizzled with regular or sugar-free syrup and a side of sausages (3 per adult & 2 per child). Remember to leave room for dessert and a drink! $25 for a family of 2 adults + 2 children. 

Also, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., St. Matthew On-The-Plains in Burlington (126 Plains Road, East) is hosting a pancake and sausage supper. All proceeds from this free-will offering will go to St. Matthew’s Messy Church and Out 4 Lunch programs. 

Yum, yum! Knox Presbyterian Church (89 Dunn Street) in Oakville invites you to celebrate Lent and Easter the best way – with pancakes, sausages and maple syrup. Their Pancake and Sausage Supper is set for Tuesday, February 25th and they would love to have you join them. There are two sittings: One is at 5:30 and the second is at 6:30 p.m. Regardless of when you join it is $6 per person or $12 per family. They will also have pancakes and sausages that are gluten-free. 

This is just a dent in Shrove Tuesday offerings. We encourage you to contact your local church for other opportunities to partake in these celebrations.

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Our Coffee Shop and Café List 2020 – The Best of Oakville

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For many, a cup of coffee is simply part of a daily routine. But with Oakville’s vibrant coffee scene, cafes and coffee shops are becoming more than just a place to perk up. Whether you’re looking for a cozy nook to catch up with a friend or simply a warm bevy on a cool day, Oakville has you covered. Here are some of our favourite independent cafes and coffee shops.

Vereda Central Coffee Roasters 

Veredacentral.ca | 310 Kerr Street 

Vereda Central is a wonderful new addition to bustling Kerr Street. Born from the idea of finding the best possible coffee beans from a variety of Columbian veredas, or small villages, their coffee is personally sourced, and all processes of milling, roasting, and packing are done onsite. They are extremely knowledgeable, friendly and talented baristas. They also offer one of the rarest finds in Oakville – FREE PARKING in the back. Be sure to check them out and enjoy the cozy space the husband and wife team have created.

Kerr Street Café 

Kerrstreetcafe.com | 298 Kerr Street Oakville | 289-837-1535 

This hip, environmentally conscious café focuses on clean, healthy eating, serving everything from an (outstanding) cup of coffee to a full meal. Start your day with a modern spin on traditional breakfast offerings, with a wonderful selection of loose-leaf teas and excellent coffee, locally roasted by Brothers Coffee Roasters.

Taste of Columbia Fair Trade Coffee Shop 

Tasteofcolombia.wordpress.com | 67 Bronte Road 

This quaint, South American style café perched on Bronte pier is truly something special. With everything from their coffee to their nibbles, organic and fair-trade, you can feel good about eating here. Enjoy coffee, music, social justice, and equality all under one roof.

Tribeca Coffee Co 

Tribeccacoffeeco.com | 174 Lakeshore Road East 

Located in the heart of downtown Oakville, Tribeca Coffee Co. is the perfect little hideaway serving outstanding coffee. Cozy and community-focused, it’s a great place to work remotely, play a board game with a friend, or stop for a warm drink after a busy day exploring downtown. The inviting coffee shop specializes in offering an array of different coffee blends, from house batch brewed coffees, to single origin. Looking for a hand pour or Chemex brew? This is the place for you.

Hexagon

Hexagonrestuarant.com | 210 Lakeshore Road, East

This modern, upscale French restaurant, largely known for its unique multi-course dinners, wine pairings, and chic decor, also has a stylish little cafe tucked around the corner. In the summer, their floor to ceiling windows open wide and it makes the perfect spot to enjoy an outdoor coffee and pastry. Inside, you can enjoy Sunday brunch alongside a specialty coffee, such as a black sesame latte, or take it with dessert on a Friday night. We highly recommend the Lavender Latte!

Yellow Door

yellowdoorstudio.com | 114 Thomas Street

Half coffee shop, half nail studio and lounge. Customers are able to get their nails done, all while enjoying Yellow Door’s cafe and bar. They offer wines and signature cocktails, but also delectable coffees poured to perfection. The coffee is sourced from De Mello Palheta Coffee Roasters, a local micro roaster that prides themselves on their high-quality ingredients. Bonus: the cafe space is one of the most stylish in town.

Marylebone Café and Creamery 

Marylebone.ca | 216 Oak Park Boulevard 

Bright, fun, and truly one-of-a-kind, Marylebone Café and Creamery is the ideal spot to come together with family and friends. Their hand-crafted freakshakes, pleasure jars, and baked goods are made with premium ingredients, and each treat includes a special touch. You really have to see it to believe it.

Bean There 

106 Reynolds Avenue 

A staple in downtown Oakville for nearly a quarter-century. This independent coffee shop is casual, friendly, and inviting. From soup and sandwiches, to hot coffee, lattes, and dessert, this café not only serves up a large selection but brings out all the stops to make you feel right at home.

Croissant Bakery Express 

Croissantexpress.ca | 325 Lakeshore Road East 

Boasting some of the best croissants this side of Paris. This cozy little café renowned for its croissants offers delicious cups of coffee, tea, lattes, and an assortment of handmade baked goods. All croissants, breads and pastries are individually hand rolled and made with 100% natural butter and finest quality ingredients.

La Dolce Vita Oakville 

Ladolcevitaoakville.com | 22 Lakeshore Road West 

Although famous for their gelato, La Dolce Vita has a wide assortment of drinks available at their café. Smooth espresso to Italian sodas, to gelato frappes and vegan chocolate mochas . No matter what you opt for, you’re in for a treat.

Honourable Mention:

Firebat Coffee Roasters

firebatcoffee.com | 407 Speers Rd. Unit 7 back

Firebat Coffee Roasters is truly a one of a kind. The founders of this roastery, husband and wife team Gustavo and Leena, decided to create a bridge between Canada and El Salvador through coffee. And while they aren’t necessarily a café, you can drop in to pick up a bag of beans and sample their coffee. They are especially knowledgeable on the coffee industry, and source all of their beans from small to medium scale producers in El Salvador, including coveted Gold Cup winners that you can’t find anywhere else. The result: some of the best coffee you will ever taste. This is a true hidden gem in Oakville.

Didn’t see your favourite coffee shop? Submit yours here.

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Youth Centres
In Articles

Learn, Have Fun, Develop New Skills – A Safe Space For Youth

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Growing up in Oakville, I had my typical hang-out spots. As a youth, my friends and I would frequent our local playground for a game of hide-and-seek. As a teen, there was a convenience store and a local pizza joint where would we spend hours eating sour keys and pepperoni. On weekends, it was the movie theatre, or maybe a friend’s basement. While we always seemed to have somewhere to gather – the place wasn’t always ideal. Usually, there was some sort of need to spend money, or there was a risk of loitering, and in winter months – we would hibernate indoors with nothing more than a teenage imagination.

Today, there are a number of programs in both Oakville and Burlington designed especially for our youth. They have been established in part to keep them safe, but also to give them a space to build relationships and have fun, safely. 

The Town of Oakville and City of Burlington both lead extensive youth programs, while other not-for-profits in the community have created spaces and designated resources for youth.    

The Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre, at 2200 Sawgrass Drive in Oakville has an after school drop-in program for grades four to eight. The program, which runs Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., provides an opportunity for students to stay active and take part in age-appropriate activities for just $1. There is also a peer-to-peer support program on Fridays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. for ages 17-22 and a Community Youth Action Network that provides meaningful volunteer opportunities for ages 12 to 17. 

The Recreation and Culture Department at the Town of Oakville has developed an extensive youth program. Jim Black, Recreation Assistant Youth Services at Nottinghill Youth Centre, says he sees 25-45 youth visit a day, and they engage in all the centre has to offer, including pool, ping-pong, board games, video games, cooking programs, as well as outdoor activities, and community clean-ups. The centre has free WIFI, as well as computer access.  

In addition to Nottinghill Youth Centre, Oakville has the QEPCCC Youth Centre, which opened its doors in 2012. The centre offers many drop-in activities including ping-pong, board games, video games, tournaments, crafts, cooking, and open gym-time.

The Oakville Public Library is another service available to youth. On Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sixteen Mile Library Branch, youth have access to the facility as well as great staff, Nintendo Switch, board games, and craft materials. 

In addition, the Town of Oakville offers several pre-registered programs for learning and life skills such as Employment Readiness, S.T.A.R. (a program for youth with disabilities), Junior Engineers, Cupcake Craze, and SPA Day. 

In Burlington, the Burlington Public Library offers activities for teens any time they visit. In January, teens can participate in collaborative art or a DIY book club, taking place at all branches during open hours. The library also understands exam season is busy for students and has Exam Cram during January and June of every year. 
The library invites teens to drop by any branch for quiet and group study and provides treats, giveaways, and encouragement to students preparing for exams. In addition, to help students manage their stress, the library holds Puppy Rooms with St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs.  Dates in January are:
• Brant Hills Branch on Tuesday, January 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Central Branch on Wednesday, January 22, 7-8 p.m.
• Tansley Woods Branch on Thursday, January 23, 6:30-8 p.m.

 The City of Burlington was awarded a Platinum Status Youth-Friendly Community Recognition Award by Play Works, and makes sure their youth (ages 13-19) have continuous access to play. Their No Socks for Ivan program, which takes place at rec centres across the city, offers students grades 6+ free swim, skate, basketball, video games, snacks, and other activities such as ping-pong. 

Learning new skills, having fun, and meeting new friends has never been easier thanks to these special community programs.

by Annelise Lawton

Local Links

Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre
Opnc.ca

Nottinghill Youth Centre 
Oakville.ca

Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre
Oakville.ca

Burlington Public Library 
Bpl.on.ca 

City of Burlington
Burlington.ca

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Joseph Brant Museum
In Articles

The New Joseph Brant Museum

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It’s impossible to miss the newly reconstructed Joseph Brant Museum that’s perched high on a mound at a major intersection in Downtown Burlington.

The new museum, at the corner of Maple Avenue and North Shore Boulevard East, represents the culmination of almost two years of construction that cost more than $11.4 million. 

While the exterior of the white two-storey museum looks much the same, inside it’s a new expanded version of its former self, and includes a modern addition that’s built into the grassy area under the old structure.

It’s little wonder the costs for the reconstruction, which were shared between the City of Burlington, the Federal and Provincial governments, and Joseph Brant Museum Foundation, were so high. The new square footage of the museum is 17,000 square feet, with contractor Aquicon Construction adding more than 12,000 square feet of space.The added space will allow the museum to host national exhibitions and there’s more room for gallery displays and interactive programming. Inside, there are three permanent galleries as well as a programming area for school groups and education programs, plus a collection of more than 25,000 items that includes historical costumes, artifacts, and archival materials, all of which are enjoyed by the 18,000 plus visitors the museum currently
receives a year.   

The new museum is completely accessible and includes an elevator to the second-floor roof garden and to the Joseph Brant home.

The history of Joseph Brant and the museum are important parts of Burlington’s history and that’s why the renovation, which has literally heightened the museum’s profile, are so important. Joseph Brant, “Thayendanegea”, was a Mohawk and British army captain who was born in March 1743. His name in the Mohawk language means “two wagers (sticks) bound together for strength” or “he who places two bets.”

According to the Burlington Museums Foundation, Brant fought for the British from the age of 13 and was said to have distinguished himself as a courageous warrior.  In 1798, to commemorate Joseph Brant’s loyalty for his services during the Seven Years War and the American Revolution, King George III granted Brant and his followers 3,450 acres at what was then known as the head-of-the-lake (Burlington Bay).

Brant built the Brant Mansion, a two-storey Georgian style home, at the head of Lake Ontario, which was later known as Wellington Square.
When Brant died on November 2, 1807, after a short illness at the age of 64, he was remembered as a leader who had advocated for his people.

Canadian historian, James Paxton, has written that Brant chose not to fight against European colonization as he understood it was inevitably going to happen. Instead, he chose to secure the best future for his people by seeking to accommodate the Europeans.

In 1888, Brant’s two-storey home sold and was turned into the Brant House Hotel resort, which was the beginning of Burlington becoming a popular place for summer visitors. The Joseph Brant Museum was built in 1937 to honour Brant as the first citizen of Burlington and the official opening was May 22, 1942. The earlier museum was a replica of Brant’s house.   

Some downtown streets, including John and Elizabeth, were named after Brant’s children, and Brant Street and the Tyandaga neighbourhood were named in his honour.

Organizers who attended the September 15th grand opening described the new museum as the culmination of a 25-plus year dream and said the current location for the museum will likely be it’s last.

As Burlington MP Karina Gould, Minister of International Development, said of the importance of the museum, “Knowing our history helps us create a brighter future.”

The first exhibition at the museum is the Canadian premiere of “Part of the Machine: Rock & Pinball” from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.

by Denise Davy

For more information on upcoming events: https://museumsofburlington.ca/events/

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Outdoor-Skating-Oakville-Burlington
In Arts & Events

Outdoor Skating Rinks – Oakville and Burlington

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Winter, in all its numbing glory, is back in full swing. As tempting as it might be to stay inside and be a couch potato, a better way to spend a snowy day is hitting an outdoor rink and going skating. It’s a fun activity to do with family and friends, especially over the holidays – and let’s be honest, skating outside is a bit of a Canadian right of passage! Here are the local outdoor rinks in Oakville and Burlington. Be sure to check this website to make sure the rinks are open before you head out!

Trafalgar Park | Oakville | 133 Rebecca Street |Open 10:00AM to 9:00PM Daily | Weather permitting

Bloomfield Park | Oakville | West Oak Trails | 2531 Westoak Trails Blvd

Nottinghill Park | Oakville | Glen Abbey | East of Third Line | 1150 Nottinghill Gate

Glenashton Park | Oakville | Iroquois Ridge | 1051 Glenashton Drive

Clearview Park | Oakville | Clearview | 1260 Sir David Drive

Falgarwood Park | Oakville | Iroquois Ridge | 1349 Gainsborough Drive

Millbank Park | Oakville | Uptown Core | 166 Clenashton Drive

Sixteen Hollow Park | Oakville | West Oak Trails | 355 Nautical Boulevard

Langtry Park | Oakville | Glen Abbey | West of Third Line | 2186 Brays Lane

Wallace Park | Oakville | South Central Oakville | Outdoor Lighting until 11:00PM 245 Reynolds Street

Sixteen Hollow Park | Oakville | West Oak Trails | 2140 Westoak Trails

Windrush Park | Oakville | Outdoor Lighting until 11:00PM | 1255 Windrush Drive

Rotary Centennial Pond | Burlington | 1340 Lakeshore Road | 10:00AM to 10:00PM | Weather Conditions Permitting

Didn’t see your favourite outdoor rink? Contact us and let us know!

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New Year’s Eve Event Guide: Oakville and Burlington

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Looking for a fun way to say goodbye to 2019? We have a full list of New Years’ Eve events to help you start 2020 with a bang! Whether you’re looking for some family fun, a romantic dinner, or a great night out, we’ve got you covered. Here are the New Years Eve events happening in Oakville and Burlington for 2019.

Family Events

Midday Family NYE Party 2020

4:00PM – 8:00PM | 2021 Winston Park Drive, Oakville | Website

This event hosted by Dave and Buster’s was designed specifically for families. It provides a fun way for families to ring in the new year together, offering lots of excitement that is sure to appease all generations. They offer two different packages that consist of food, games, and entertainment suitable for the whole family.

Magical Family New Year’s Eve

Doors 6:00PM; Dinner Served at 7:00PM | 2020 Lakeshore Road, Burlington Website

Families can come and enjoy a delicious dinner at the Marquis Gardens on New Year’s Eve. This is an all-ages event, equipped with a dinner menu made to suit everyone. The event doesn’t just stop after dinner, there will be live DJ entertainment, a photo booth, party favours, as well as a balloon drop. Families are sure to have a blast at this event, which also offers a cash bar from 6PM to 1AM.

Royal Botanical Gardens Holiday Traditions

10:00AM to 3:00PM | 680 Plains Road West, Burlington | Website

The Royal Botanical Gardens are hosting a family-friendly event during the day on New Year’s Eve. The event will consist of a magical train show, festive lights, and a Candy Cane Garden for the whole family to walk through. There will be some craft making for the kids too.

Adult Events

Chop & Wop Ristorante New Year’s Party

Doors 7:00PM | 4045 Harvester Road, Burlington | Website

Head to Chop & Wop Ristorante for an elegant night at the fine dining establishment. Guests are able to choose between two packages that provide them with dinner and drinks. Once the dinner portion of the night is over, there will be a DJ starting at 10:00PM to get the party started.

Hexagon New Year’s Eve Tasting Menu

Dinner Service 6:00PM | 210 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville | Website

Hexagon is a modern French restaurant located in the heart of downtown Oakville. To ring in the new year, the fine dining establishment has created a special four-course tasting menu for dinner, featuring white and black truffles. This menu was carefully curated for anyone who feels like experiencing the ultimate fine dining experience this New Year’s Eve!

New Year’s Eve Dinner at La Toscana Ristorante

165 Main Street East, Milton | Website

If you’re just looking for dinner this New Years Eve, or have it be just the beginning of your night, check out La Toscana Ristorante. The oyster and wine bar has introduced a New Year’s Eve menu especially for people to have a fabulous last dinner of 2019! Relax in an elegant atmosphere with some delectable dining before you hit your nighttime events on New Year’s!

https://www.facebook.com/419555128105932/photos/a.419563864771725/429692467092198/?type=3&theater

Noble Bistro Chef-Inspired Menu

Seating 5:00PM | 218 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville | Website

Noble Bistro, a farm to fork cuisine restaurant created a special chef-inspired menu just for New Year’s Eve. This evening features a three or four-course meal. Why not spend your New Year enjoying some fabulous food?

West End Social

Doors 9:00PM; Dancing 10:00PM | 2432 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville | Website

Looking for a glamorous way to spend your New Year’s Eve? Check out West End Social’s Glitz & Glam New Year’s Eve Party! The evening will consist of cocktails, appetizers, party favours, sparkling beverages at midnight, as well as a DJ and dancing. What better way to send off 2019?

https://www.instagram.com/p/B53pjdfFS6x/

Did we miss a New Year’s Eve event? Contact us and let us know!

Written by Ashley Stefureak

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Buca Di Bacco Oakville
In Community

Buca Di Bacco wins 2019 Best Wine Menu ‘Talk of the Town’ Award

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Say cabert-”yay” to the Best Wine Menu Talk of the Town Award-winner, Buca Di Bacco! 

This beloved Downtown Oakville restaurant serves up the best wine and Italian “soul cooking” in town, including traditional dishes like Bucatini Bacco, Risotto Funghi and Osso Bucco. 

They are closed every Sunday for private functions, so go the extra mile and treat your wine-loving family and friends to this exclusive experience. 

Taste the tradition as you step onto the streets of Italy with one sip at this local hot spot. 

Travel the world through your glass at Best Wine Menu runner-up, Paradiso! 

This Downtown Oakville staple carries bottles from all over the world, including France, Italy, Spain, Puglia and South Africa. Save some of your bottle and take the rest home to enjoy at a later date. 

Explore local lore while indulging in vivacious vintages at Best Wine Menu second runner-up, Seasons! 

The original cells from a former local police station are still located in this restaurant’s beautiful wine cellar/dining room. Book a private function and stimulate the senses at this one-of-a-kind experience. 

2019 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Wine Menu

  1. Buca di Bacco
  2. Paradiso
  3. Seasons
  4. Jonathan’s
  5. Cucci

To see all of the Visit Oakville 2019 Talk of the Town Award-winners, click here: visitoakville.com.

Article provided by: visitoakville.com

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In Community

Our Coffee Shop and Café List 2019 – The Best of Hamilton

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If you can’t start your day without visiting your local café for a cup of coffee (or almond milk latte) you’re not alone. We have so many great cafés in Oakville and Burlington, but there’s also so many to explore in the surrounding area – and all of them offer something a little different. So why not switch up your routine and check out one of these Hamilton coffee shops? Hamilton has a thriving, unique café and coffee scene, that is sure to ‘perk’ up your day. Whether you’re looking for a new place to meet and catch up with friends, or interested in trying various locally roasted beans, Hamilton has got you covered. Here are some of our favourite independent cafés and coffee shops.

Redchurch Café

68 King Street East | Website

Redchurch Café provides a unique setting for its customers, located on the ground floor of a classic Hamilton building. And, unlike other cafés in the area, Redchurch is an art, coffee, prosecco, and beer café. The café is in partnership with The Assembly Gallery, an artist-run contemporary art co-op. There is always a curated art exhibition within the shop, and they also hold regular art events. It is a perfect spot to hang out and grab some beverages with friends, as you can check out the featured art exhibit at the same time.

Mulberry Street Coffeehouse

193 James Street North | Website

Mulberry Street Coffeehouse provides the Hamilton community with high-quality coffee, mouth-watering baked goods, and a truly unique atmosphere. The building was originally built in 1887 and was converted into a hotel lobby and bar in 1906. In order to keep the history of the building alive, they have maintained the original medallion ceilings. As for their coffee, they only serve fair trade, organic, bird-friendly beverages.  

Salty Espresso

175 John Street South | Website

This Australian inspired café should be on your radar. Salty Espresso provides simple and fresh food to the Hamilton community, as well as offering a beautiful beach-inspired atmosphere that makes it feel like summer. They proudly serve 49th Parallel coffee and tea from Vancouver, who work directly with the farmers who source their beans.

Steel Town Garage Co.

8 Barton Street East | Website

Steel Town Garage Co. is one of a kind in Hamilton. This coffee shop is more than ordinary, as it is also a lifestyle brand and shopping experience. The shop designs its own premium apparel, in addition to serving up amazing specialty coffees and espresso. The shop prides itself on its lack of conformity, providing an atmosphere with loud music and good conversation, perfect for the free spirits out there.

Durand Coffee

142 Charlton Avenue West | Website

Durand Coffee has been around since 2016. The small shop named after the neighbourhood in which it resides was established by Christine Larabie and Chris Redmond. They pride themselves on their quality brewed coffee and offer a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. This coffee shop is located in a converted house and is frequented by the members of the Durand Neighbourhood.

Democracy*

202 Locke Street South | Website

Democracy* is a local ingredient inspired café that is sure to satisfy anyone who walks through their doors. The café makes sure it emphasizes the importance of community in their shop through its inviting atmosphere. They specialize in everything from breakfast to fresh baked goods and scrumptious coffee. Democracy* also proudly features an array of vegan and vegetarian options so anyone can enjoy!

Vintage Coffee Roasters

977 King Street East | Website

Vintage Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roastery that provides delicious bold coffee, transparent with where they source their beans, and accessible for everyone. They provide a sense of community within their shop and surrounding community, striving to make positive contributions to Hamilton’s artistic culture. Their café is where they showcase their coffees that they roast fresh every week. Each coffee has its own unique flavour profile, allowing the shop to have a diverse array of coffee to choose from.

Café Oranje

312 King Street East | Website

Café Oranje can be found within Hamilton’s International Village. The café offers locally sourced baked goods that you can enjoy with one of their espresso-based drinks. Café Oranje offers a warm Euro-styled atmosphere that is perfect for anyone to enjoy. While you’re there, make sure to give one of their Dutch treats a try as well!

Smalls Coffee

8 Cannon Street East | Website

Smalls coffee is a petit, all-white, coffee take away spot tucked away from James Street North. The small coffee shop provides artisanal coffee and delectable pastries. The shop sources their coffee beans from Ontario micro-roasters such as Detour and De Mello Palheta.

https://www.facebook.com/smallscoffee/photos/a.1611191985858468/1634294556881544/?type=3&theater

Didn’t see your favourite coffee shop? Submit yours here.

Article Written by Ashley Stefureak

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The Best Way To Give Is To Give From The Heart

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As a mom of two young boys, I feel I have a special duty in my role as their mother. I want them to experience magic – the kind I did as a little girl. But when it comes to the holidays, we can’t have magic without gratitude. At the ages of three and nearly two, my boys don’t quite grasp the true meaning of the holidays. They understand Santa, they understand their gizmos and gadgets, and they certainly understand the word ‘present’. And while the Christmas magic that comes with those luxuries is a reality for them – it’s not a reality for many individuals within our community, including children.

As my boys grow and experience the holidays, I want them to experience another form of magic my parents entrusted to me – and that’s the magic of giving back. According to the Halton Round Table 2018 Community report, there are 18,700 residents in Oakville and 13,200 residents in Burlington living in poverty. Many of them do not have the opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas – but we can change that. Through charities in Oakville and Burlington, residents like you and me can help provide basic necessities to create magical moments for families across our region.

Here are a few recommendations on where to start:

Kerr Street Mission

485 Kerr Street, Oakville
Kerrstreet.com

Kerr Street Mission in Oakville was created to provide help for the present and hope for the future for all those living in need in Oakville. Besides creating a place for people to gather and find help and resources, the Mission is known for its Christmas Wonders and Beyond Program. For more than 15 years, KSM has rallied the community together to help families in need to celebrate this joyous season. Through financial donations from our community, they have been able to bless over 1,200 families with gifts of food for a holiday meal, pajamas, and gift cards. Their goal this year is to once again help these families have a special and memorable holiday. The Christmas Wonders and Beyond Program runs from November 1st to December 31st.

Be A Santa to A Senior

Beasantatoasenior.com

Be A Santa to a Senior is a true community program. The program, launched by Home Instead Senior Care, partners with local businesses, charities, and volunteers to identify seniors who might not otherwise receive gifts over the holiday season. Home Instead then works with local businesses and retail stores to help facilitate the purchase and distribution of gifts by placing trees and ornaments within their various locations. Volunteers then collect, wrap, and deliver these specials gifts – just as Santa does.

Holiday Giving Program

Compassion Society
Compassionsocietyofhalton.com

The Compassion Society is an organization with over 1,000 clients living on or below the poverty line in Halton. For these individuals, the holidays are difficult and challenging to say the least. Through their Holiday Giving Program, the Compassion Society organizes and offers a Christmas Market where new, unwrapped gifts and retail cards are distributed to adults and children in need. In a tangible way, you can demonstrate your compassion and support to these individuals by donating gift cards or unwrapped gifts by December 9th, 2019.

Toy Mountain

Burlington Salvation Army
Salvationarmy.ca

The Salvation Army Community and Family Services in Burlington hosts an annual Toy Mountain drive. 2019 marks the 24th anniversary of the VTC Toy Mountain Campaign benefiting The Salvation Army – and it’s so easy to make a difference. Simply donate a new, unwrapped toy to their east-end office at 5046 Mainway, Unit 2, Burlington. And please do not forget the tweens, teens, and babies. In Oakville and Burlington, The Salvation Army also runs its annual Christmas kettles campaign, which raises money to fund year-round assistance programs offered to local residents. If you see a Salvation Army volunteer with their kettle and bell, drop a few dollars in – anything helps.

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December A Time Of Celebration For All

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December is a wonderfully holy time of year with several religious holidays throughout the month. People of all faiths and nationalities have something special to celebrate.

The Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe 

December 12th is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe which is observed by Catholics, especially those of Hispanic descent. The story of Guadalupe dates back to the year 1531 when it’s said a native Mexican peasant named Juan Diego experienced a vision of a young woman at a place near to what is now known as Mexico City.

There are many ways to celebrate this holiday, by eating festive foods, such as gorditas, and bringing roses into one’s home – a tradition that’s important because Our Lady is said to have presented Juan Diego with roses.

Hanukkah 

Hanukkah is an eight-day wintertime Jewish Festival of Lights which is celebrated from Dec. 22 to 30. The celebrations begin at sunset and in honour of the holiday, eight candles are lit on a menorah. The tradition comes from the story that there was only enough oil to light a Temple lamp for one day, but the flame burned for eight.

During Hanukkah, a typical Jewish household will likely celebrate with specific foods, such as latkes, and light the menorah once per night for eight nights. Special prayers are also recited.

Yule 

Yule is celebrated on December 22 by Germanic peoples around the world who celebrate the Winter Solstice. Yule is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and is the ancient name in the Germanic lunar calendar for a winter festival corresponding to December and January.  Yule is a festival which refers to the 12-day holiday associated with the Feast of the Nativity.

Christmas

Next, we come to a holiday that’s celebrated by millions around the world. Christmas is celebrated on December 25th because that date is recognized as the birth-date of Jesus Christ. While the religious holiday has been observed by Christians since the Middle Ages, it is also widely celebrated by millions of non-Christians around the world. The holiday has grown to include many fun traditions, such as a red-suited fellow named Santa Claus who scurries down chimneys laden with presents.

Kwanzaa

December 26 is the starting date for Kwanzaa, a week-long, African-American and Pan-African celebration of family, community, and culture. Introduced in 1966, it was named for the time of year when African tribes celebrated the first harvest of crops. Some people who celebrate Kwanzaa believe the festival has a spiritual overtone because of its emphasis on faith.

Bodhi Day

January 2, 2020, commemorates Bodhi Day, a Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, experienced enlightenment. (Buddha means “awakened one.”) It is also known as bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali.

Siddhartha Gautama is said to have vowed to sit under a peepal tree, a popular sacred fig tree, found in what is now Bodhgaya, India. According to tradition, Siddhartha meditated until he found the root of suffering and discovered how to liberate himself from it. He did not rise until he was enlightened.

Bodhi, which is also spelled Bodie or Bode, is synonymous with the state of nirvana – being freed from hate, greed, and ego. The day is observed by many mainstream Mahayana traditions who celebrate by decorating a ficus tree with beads, coloured lights, and ornaments that represent the three jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Others mark the holiday by meditating and visiting shrines that serve special cookies shaped like Bodhi trees or heart-shaped leaves.

While these aren’t all of the cultural celebrations that take place in December (there are a total of 14), these holidays provide a look into the way many of our friends and neighbours celebrate the holidays. Whether you’re lighting your menorah, singing carols under a Christmas tree, or feasting on gorditas – we wish you the happiest of holidays.

by Denise Davy

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