Our favourite picks for spring 2010

Our own highly selective “picks” of just some of the things that make life such a distinctive pleasure here in the hills.

Must Munch ~ Pia’s Bakery in Orangeville

When Pia’s Bakery opened on Broadway last year, the idea of the quick take-out lunch in Orangeville was transformed. Our favourite lunch indulgence is Pia’s wickedly scrumptious cobb sandwich.

It’s a very hearty combination of avocado, blue cheese, bacon, homeroasted turkey, tomato and lettuce, served on your choice of bread fresh from the store’s bake ovens.

At $9.50, the cobb costs a little more than your average fast-food take-out, but taste and quality make it worth every penny.

While you’re there, consider picking up a few slices of Pia’s melt-in-your mouth quiche to treat your family for dinner.

Pia’s Bakery
177 Broadway
519-307-1258
piasbakery.com

Must Dance ~ Serengeti Sunset

On Saturday, May 1, the Orangeville Agricultural Centre will be transformed with the sights, sounds and flavours of the Serengeti, where the nights are warm and the beat is irresistible.

Serengeti Sunset is the theme of this year’s 13th annual dinner, dance and auction in support of Headwaters Health Care Centre. The evening will feature African drummers and dancers, a full course, African-themed dinner by Gourmandissimo, followed by the foot-tapping rhythms of Night Train. You’ll definitely want to buff up your dancing shoes and trip the light fantastic.

Tickets for Serengeti Sunset are $175 per person (a portion is tax deductible).

To order, call 519-941-2702 x2303.

For more info:

Headwaters Health Care
www.headwatershealth.ca

Must Laugh ~ Dan Needles

 

Mono’s native son, Dan Needles, is back, but Walt Wingfi eld is on vacation.  Instead of Walt, stockbroker-turned-farmer, we meet Ed, farmer-turned mechanic – and mystic.

Needles’ new comedy, premiering at Theatre Orangeville, delivers the laughs when Cassandra, an urban psychotherapist, sets up a private practice next door to Ed’s garage and he seizes the opportunity to expand his skill set.

After his star turn playing all the roles in the Wingfield plays over the past couple of decades, with this new play, the inimitable Rod Beattie catches a break.  He plays Ed, and only Ed.

Ed’s Garage runs from May 6 to May 23 at the Old Town Hall Opera House in Orangeville.

Box office:
519-942-3423
www.theatreorangeville.ca

Must Plant ~ Native Plants

Gardening by definition is about imposing order on nature. But it is a whole lot easier if nature is on your side.

Instead of coddling exotic cultivars in your perennial border, consider increasing the population of native plants.

There are all kinds of good environmental reasons for doing this, but ease and beauty are probably reason enough.

For sunny spots, consider bergamot, black-eyed susans, echinacea. You might even want to bring in some goldenrod from the fields. It is tall, elegant and non-invasive in the border (just ask the Europeans who treasure it!)

You’ll find a good selection of native plants for sunny, shady and wet areas, along with advice to get you started at:

Glen Echo
15070 Airport Road (map)
South of Caledon East
905-584-9973
www.glenecho.com

Plant Paradise
16258 Humber Station Road (map)
Caledon
905-880-9090
www.plantparadise.ca

Must Read ~ Louise Penny and Gordon Korman

Dufferin’s three public libraries have joined forces with BookLore to present Dufferin Reads! One Book, One County.

Two books have been selected for county residents to read, and talk about, together: a Quebec-based mystery called The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny, and for young readers, One False Note (part The 39 Clues series), by Gordon Korman, who will be in Dufferin on Sunday, May 30 for the wrap-up of the children’s event.

But don’t spend all your time with your nose in a book. Between now and the beginning of June, several events related to the themes of the books have been planned to enhance your reading pleasure, including a presentation by a forensic scientist, an antiques seminar, a wood carving workshop, and a weekly contest and draw.

You can borrow both books at the libraries in Orangeville, Shelburne and Grand Valley.

Purchase them at Booklore: 121 First Street, Orangeville.

Details of related events are available at all four locations.

Orangeville Public Library
www.orangeville.library.on.ca/

Shelburne Public Library
www.townofshelburne.on.ca/siteengine/activepage.asp?PageID=149

Grand Valley Public Library
www.grandvalley.org/Pages/2Default.aspx

Must Help ~ Starthrower Foundation

Like those of Canadians across the country, the hearts of the citizens of Headwaters were deeply touched by the plight of Haitians following the devastating earthquake in January.

Local churches, banks, businesses, musicians, artists and schoolchildren quickly got on board, digging deep into their pockets and their talents to assist the relief effort.

Although Haiti has faded from the daily headlines, the needs of its citizens remain desperate.

Among the organizations still on the ground is Starthrower, founded as a registered Canadian charity in 2004 by Orangeville resident Sharon Gaskell.  Its goal is to raise and distribute funds for the education of Haitian youth.

Donations may be made in person at Acheson’s, 78 First Street, Orangeville (map) or by mail to Startthrower Foundation, 2-123 Broadway, Orangeville L9W 1K2.

For more information, including Sharon Gaskell’s regular reports, visit starthrowerfoundation.org.