On Saturday, December 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. come to Knox Church in Oakville (89 Dunn St.) and pick up some home-baked goods, browse arts and crafts from local vendors and artists, enjoy a hot beverage and a snack, and bring the little ones to get their photos taken with Santa, courtesy of Duran Place for Kids.

Community Living Huntsville invites everyone to drop by Kent Park in downtown Huntsville and celebrate the season with hot chocolate, apple cider, cookies and community on Thursday, December 8, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Free.

Boston Pizza will donate 10% of dine in food to SFDCI's Clubs 

Hear the puck drop, hockey sticks clash and the crowd cheer - it’s The Leafs vs The Habs as this classic Canadian hockey rivalry plays out — in the concert hall — when Dan Tremblay narrates Roch Carrier’s hilarious family favourite, “The Hockey Sweater” performed by Orchestra Kingston, Sunday December 11th 2:30pm at The Spire, 82 Sydenham St, Kingston K7L 3H4. Plus: Christmas carol sing-alongs for the whole family, and over an hour of musical fun during this “Christmas Cracker“ of a show. Tickets: Free for kids (16 and under), $25 (adult), $20 (senior & student), at eventbright (https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/orchestra-kingston-2023-holiday-concert-tickets-469665711787), Novel Idea, Arden Music, orchestra members, and at the door. 

When Dan Tremblay isn’t playing hockey he can be found teaching his students to play — both hockey and music at Queens University. “Its no surprise,” he says. “I was a hockey player before I was a musician.” Tremblay notes that he “grew up playing hockey in Quebec’s Gaspe and the game still helps me. 

“It gives me the energy, physical endurance and focus I need as a musician,” he explains.

Tremblay actually sets up friendly hockey games for his music students to reduce their stress before a big audition or show. In the winter, he can often be seen teaching them Canada’s national game, at either Mcburney or Victoria Parks near Queens campus, Kingston, before shepherding them back to the classroom. 

Asked how he made the leap from playing hockey to playing trumpet, Tremblay admits he was inspired by the classic musical fanfares he heard at the hockey rinks of his youth. 

“Soon, I got the chance to play those fanfares myself, on trumpet, at many community rinks in Quebec. The excitement still stays with me, to this day.”

Can Tremblay relate to the little kid who tells his story in Roch Carrier’s very Canadian, hilarious tale of “The Hockey Sweater”?

“Oh, yes,” Tremblay enthuses. “My dear Quebec family was so big that we younger ones naturally inherited the older kids’ hand-me-down clothes. When my own hockey sweater needed replacing, we received a new one from my cousin.” He laughs as he recalls opening the package. 

“Half my family were Canadiens fans and the other half cheered for the Nordiques. So naturally, I was devastated to find the package contained the sweater of The Buffalo Sabres!”

How did he react? 

“It was a classic French Canadian example of ‘the two solitudes’. We thanked my cousin and his parents, of course but frankly, I refused to ever wear that thing in public!”

Is he a competitive player?

“Hockey let’s you express your skills but without meanness,” he explains. “Instead, I try to imagine who of my teammates will keep their skill and last the longest.” 

He adds, “you know, Orchestra Kingston’s conductor, John Palmer and I spend much quality time together on the golf course because he’s not only a great trombone player but also a top golfer in his club. We share those interests so that is why I said ‘Yes’ when he asked me to narrate this fun, family show.”

Are music and sports alike?

“Of course. I tell my students: if they are conducting, flick the baton like they are fly fishing or use a pendulum movement like they are playing golf or keep in constant motion but always stay ‘in the zone’, as they would while playing hockey.”

“After all that, how could I say ‘No’ to Canada’s national sport? I think most Canadian families will spend at least one holiday night watching hockey. This concert is the same exact thing. It is lively, plus, it is smartly orchestrated, full of surprises like referee whistles, clashing hockey sticks, cheering crowds, and of course, those thrilling hockey rink fanfares.”

“I hope children (who get into this concert for free) will bring their parents,” Tremblay laughs again, “because it’s fun and engaging and a family show. Music, like hockey, will always reflect back to all of us, the big human emotions.”

_____

Orchestra Kingston gratefully acknowledges the support of the Kingston Arts Council, City of Kingston, and OLG.

Masks are recommended by Public Health Ontario.

18th Annual Festival of Trees

”Deck the Halls”

Tweed Hungerford Agricultural Building - 617 Louisa Street

Admission - Free

Raffle Tickets - $2.00

Purchase a tribute in in name of a loved one.

All proceeds to Youth Activities in the Municipality.

Draws at 3:00pm on Sunday, December 4.

Join Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings as we create a new holiday tradition & celebrate the season.

Through this new tradition, of an Annual Ornament Release, we are hoping to expand the number of homes we can build for our community. Join us as we create a magical evening to support our Build Fund.

Special SALES!
FREE Hot Cocoa Bar!
Limited Edition Ornament for Sale!
Scavenger Hunt for PRIZES!
EVERYONE who attends will be entered in a Grand Prize Draw!

On November 29th, donations will be matched up to $20,000 by Frank Apa and Lexus of Oakville. When you donate $20 or more, you can even suggest a name for one of our future Dog Guides. 

About Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides
Our Giving Tuesday goal is to raise enough for 3 Dog Guide teams. Help us donate the leash that unleashes everything! To learn more, please visit: https://www.dogguides.com/giving-tuesday-at-dog-guides/

To donate and submit a name on Giving Tuesday (November 29th): https://www.dogguides.com/donate/online-donations

The 16 Days of Advocacy runs from November 25 through December 10. To help raise awareness for the Say No to Violence against Women campaign the Zonta Club of Oakville will be hosting a Bridge Walk in downtown Oakville on November 29th at noon.

We are welcoming everyone to join us and wear orange to support the cause - if you can't make the walk, please honk or wave if you’re in the area!
 

We are meeting in front of the OAKVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY - CENTRAL BRANCH at the corner of Navy Street and Lakeshore @ 12 noon on November 29th!