Island Chocolates Company hosts fall festival in Victoria

by Peggy Miles

Emma and Linda Gilbert at the Island Chocolate Factory in Victoria Forget love, I’d rather fall in chocolate.” That’s the adage written on a little container I have in my home office, and quite succinctly expresses my adoration for the decadent substance. Linda Gilbert shares this passion for confectionery and operates the Island Chocolates Company in Victoria by-the-Sea.

Review  Chuck & Albert

by Peggy Miles

Whether it’s energy or energie, Chuck & Albert have it. Whatever energy elixir Chuck & Albert are tapping, I want some. And if the dynamic duo ever decided to bottle it, they would never be able to keep up with demand.

If you’re an Islander, you’re probably familiar with these Acadian performers who serve up music, dance and comedy to enthusiastic audiences on a regular basis. And if you’re from away, attending a Chuck & Albert show is sure to be unlike anything you’ve ever witnessed before.

Rediscovering creativity at Right Off The Batt Pottery

by Peggy Miles

Darryl Lentz demonstrates at pottery workshop (photo: Peggy Miles) “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”—Pablo Picasso.

That quotationwould describe my recent situation as I stared at the slab of clay in front of me. I was at a workshop hosted by Right off the Batt Pottery. Owners Cindy and Darryl Lentz have recently expanded their studio space at the Kinkora Business Centre, which allows them to offer an enhanced experience for workshop participants.

LEAP program brings art and crafts to manors in Summerside

by Peggy Miles

Artist Lynn Gaudet of “Where Pigs Fly,” with Wedgewood resident Anna Banks. (photo: Peggy Miles) Anna Banks is no stranger to a painting pallet, and was an avid artist throughout the course of her life. Now the distinguished elderly woman is a new resident of Wedgewood Manor in Summerside, and as with any transition in life, adjustments are not always easy.

Summerside Rotary Library is a well-used community resource

by Peggy Miles

Summerside Rotary Library staff Rebecca Boulter (left) and Susan Harris. My typical Saturday might include a few errands—groceries, dropping off recyclables, and leaving my dog eared copies of Style at Home at the magazine exchange table just inside the front doors of the Summerside Rotary Public Library. I’ve used the services of the library on and off since I was a kid. But in the last few years I haven’t made it much past the magazines.

Finding fairs and wares close to home

by Peggy Miles

Elly Cash, production manager, Right Off the Batt Pottery I’ve decided to partake in the 100 Mile Diet—except I’m going to apply the concept to my holiday shopping this year. That means I’ll be “shopping local” and aiming to purchase gifts, holiday décor and table trimmings that have been produced on PEI.

It’s craft fair season on the Island and what better place to get everything I’ll need for a homegrown holiday season but the Three Oaks Craft Fair in Summerside? It takes place November 6 to 8 and features approximately 150 new and returning vendors. Selection is vast, with crafters filling every nook and cranny of the school.