Cape Breton Tourism Spotlight: January 2020

Wednesday 22 January 2020

A Great Way to Start the Month of February is with the Newfie Brunch at the Riverdale Community Centre in Richmond County

Saturday, February 1

9am to 12pm: - Newfie Brunch will be held at the Riverdale Community Centre in Lower River.Cost $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children under 12 years of age.

Tuesday 21 January 2020

Come Celebrate Valentine's Day At La Picasse - The Perfect Way To Celebrate With Your Valentine!!!

With Valentine's Day Quickly Approaching, here is the Perfect Cookie For Your Valentine.

Here is an amazing cookie recipe for Raspberry Linzer cookies one of my friends gave me: This is the perfect cookie to prepare for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup white sugar, divided

2 eggs, separated

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

confectioners’ sugar

1/3 cup ground almonds

1/2 cup raspberry preserves

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter.

Gradually add 2/3 cup white sugar, beating until light and fluffy.

Add egg yolks, one at a time (keep the egg whites for later), beating well after each addition. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Shape dough into a ball; cover and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes or until firm.

On a surface dusted with confectioners’ sugar, roll half of the dough to 1/8-in. thickness (I made some of my 1/4 in for extra thick cookies). Note: When the dough first comes out of the fridge it might seem a bit hard and crumbly when you roll it. Don’t freak out like I did!!! It will become less crumbly as you work with it.

Cut with a Heart shaped cookie cutter. Brush each cookie (even the ones with the holes) with egg white. Combine almonds and remaining sugar. Sprinkle all cookies with the almond mixture.

Place on greased baking sheets (I put mine on Silpat). Bake at 350 degrees F for 6-8 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Spread raspberry preserves over the middle of the plain side of solid cookies. Don’t go all the way to the edges or the jam will ooze out the sides

Enjoy your gorgeous Raspberry Linzer cookies with your Valentine!

The Annual Robbie Burns Dinner & Entertainment to Take Place in St. Peter's on January 25.

I love the Scottish tradition of celebrating Robbie Burns Day! This will be the 18^th Annual Robbie Burns Dinner and Entertainment Celebration to be held in St. Peter’s. What a great way to keep our culture alive. So, unpack your clan tartan and reserve your ticket for this year’s Robbie Burns Dinner and join us in St. Peter’s on January 25th.

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6pm: - The 18th Annual Robbie Burns Dinner & Entertainment will take place at the St. Peter’s Lions Hall in St. Peter’s. Meet & Greet at 6:00 pm, Dinner at 6:30 pm, Tickets $25.00 per person. Please contact Dianne Landry at 902-535-2334 or diannel@stpeterscable.com for more information.18th Annual Robbie Burns Dinner & Entertainment. For an evening celebrating the Immortal Memory of Robbie Burns which also features dance, song and music by young and older participants honoring Scottish culture and heritage of so many residents of Richmond County. A highlight of the evening is the procession of the haggis led by a piper to the center of the gathering, followed by the “Address to a Haggis” - written by Robert Burns - delivered with great flourish!

Monday 20 January 2020

Valentine's Weekend is appoaching quickly, here are some events in Richmond County that you will want to attend..

With the Valentine's Weekend coming our way, here are a few things you might want to mark on your to do list for February in Richmond County.

Friday, February 14

2:30pm – 4pm: - Snowshoeing and maple shoot at La Ecole Beau School, in Arichat. Sponsored by: La Ecole Beau-Port School. Contact: Yevtte Tougouri, 902-631-4243 or Email: tougouriny@sepne.ca.

7pm -9pm: The Friday night OPEN MIC Jam Session at MacBouch Restaurant & Lounge in St. Peter's. Come enjoy the music. No cover charge.

6pm – 10pm: - Dinner Theatre/Play Matinee at the St. Peter’s Lions Hall in St. Peter’s. Sponsored by: St. Peter’s Community Club. Contact: Clair Rankin, 902-631-1601 or Email: crankin@ns.sympatico.ca. Tickets go on sale February 1st at C&M Video in St. Peter's.

6:30pm: - Valentine's Day Dinner at Centre La Picasse, Petit-de-Grat. Sponsored by: La Picasse, cultural centre. Contact: Lynn Theriault, 902-226-0149 or Email: programmation@lapicasse.ca.

Saturday, February 15

10am – 4pm: - Riverdale Annual Shuffleboard Tournament will take place at the Riverdale Community Centre, Lower River. Sponsored by: Riverdale Comm. Services Society. Contact: Graham Windsor, 902-625-2183 or Email: graham.windsor@bellaliant.net.

11am – 1pm: - Valentine’s Tea at the L’Ardoise Jolly Club. Sponsored by: L’Ardoise Jolly Club. Contact: Elaine Sampson or Email: e.blinn.sampson@gmail.com. Winter Festival

1pm – 4pm: - Winter Festival will take place at the West Bay Community Centre. Sponsored by: Head of the Bay Seniors Club and West Bay Community Centre Association. Contact: Murray MacPhie, 902-345-2988.

1:30pm – 3pm: - Dinner Theatre/Play Matinee at the St. Peter’s Lions Hall in St. Peter’s. Sponsored by: St. Peter’s Community Club. Contact: Clair Rankin, 902-631-1601 or Email: crankin@ns.sympatico.ca.

Sunday, February 16

9am – 12pm: - Community Breakfast at the St. George’s Channel Hall in St. Georges Channel.

10am -2pm, The Bras d’Or Lakes Inn LockMasters Pub in St. Peter’s will be offering their brunch menu on Sundays, including their signature crafted lattes, mimosas, and dishes curated by Chef Dustin Wapen! Hope to see you!

2pm – 5pm: - Robert Service Poems by Reg Landry &Fish and Corn Chowder Lunch will be held at the St. Peter’s Legion Branch 47, Grand Anse. Sponsored by: St. Peter’s Legion Branch 47. Contact: Wes Peeples, 902-345-2260 or Email: wesley.peeples@ns.sympatico.ca.

New feature comes to the Bras d'Or Lakes starting January 25th. Free admission.

Nicolas Denys Players Dinner Theatre Set to Take Place on February 14th at the St. Peter's Lions Hall in St. Peter's.

With Valentines Day quickly approaching, you maybe racking your brain for that perfect Valentines gift that you must get. This year, why not treat that special someone to a night out at the Nicolas Denys Players Dinner Theatre, being held at the St. Peter’s Lions Hall on February 14^th.

This year The Nicolas Denys Players will presents "Electile Dysfunction". Just the name of the show alone should create enough interest to bring out the crowd to see what the Villages talented theatre group is preparing for their audience. The show this year will centre around Disney World offering to set up a state of the ark theme park in St. Peter’s. The only problem with this offer is that St. Peter’s has to become a town in order to fit with Disney’s plans. Not wanting to miss out, St. Peter’s plots their course of action and 8 residents vie to become the mayor of the new town. Want to see, how this turns out, make sure to get your tickets before they are all sold out.

The theatre production and dinner will take place on Feb 14^th, from 6pm to 10pm and there will be a repeat Matinee performance on Feb 15^th. from 1:30pm to 3pm. Tickets go on sale Feb 1^st. at 1:30pm at the C&M Video Store in St. Peter’s. *New this year: a seating plan will be in place allowing the seats for dinner to be reserved in advance. There is a limit of 4 tickets per person, and they are only accepting cash payments for ticket sales. *This play is intended for Adult Audiences, viewer discretion is advised, plus there will be a cash bar available.

All proceeds from the production will go to the Nicolas Denys Museum. The Village of St. Peter’s is so lucky to have a dedicated group of citizens who band together each year to create this production, so theatre goers get to see the finished product, but it takes a lot or work to pull something like this off. The group of writers, actors, directors, meal prep and meal servers, etc. do this production out of love of acting and love for their community, hats off to all involved.

So make sure to come out and join your friends and family for an evening of fun and laughter. They say laughter is good for the sole, so do yourself a favor and take in this amazing show,

Tuesday 14 January 2020

The Best Corn, Potato & Bacon Chowder to Chase the Winter Blues Away!!!

Corn, Potato & Bacon Chowder

Ingredients

1/2 pound bacon strips, chopped

1/4 cup chopped onion

1-1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (about 5 medium), peeled and cubed

1 can (14-3/4 ounces) cream-style corn

1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions: In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard drippings, reserving 1-1/2 teaspoons in pan. Add onion to drippings; cook and stir over medium-high heat until tender.

Meanwhile, place potatoes in a large saucepan; add water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium; cook, uncovered, 10-15 minutes or until tender. Drain, reserving 1 cup potato water.

Add corn, milk, salt, pepper, potatoes and reserved potato water to saucepan; heat through. Stir in bacon and onion.

Now sit back, curled up in your favorite chair and enjoy this delicious Corn Chowder. It will chase away the winter blues for sure.

Monday 13 January 2020

Richmond County Events Calendar for the period January 13 to February.

Hi Folks lots of great events taking place in Richmond County, Cape Breton during January and February 2020. Don't let the weather keep you in the house, there is lots of entertainment and opportunities to get out with family and friends to enjoy the winter season. Check out the schedule of events.

Richmond County Events Calendar from January 7 to February 29

https://www.visitstpeters.com/things-to-do/

St. Peter’s is a natural hub from which to seek out Cape Breton activities, attractions and experiences whether on land or sea/inland sea. We are within walking distance or a short drive away from some unique Cape Breton attractions and firmly anchored among many traditions and cultures. Friday,

Monday, January 13

4pm: - LobsterFest Volunteer Meeting, first meeting of 2020 will take place at Louie’s Cosy Corner Restaurant in St. Peter’s. This event is hosted by Seaside LobsterFest.

Calling all volunteers. Lobsterfest Meeting Jan 13^th. at 4 pm at Louie’s. 1st meeting of the year. Bring your friends. Talk to local businesses and organizations. Invite them. Bring your community spirit, and some new ideas. Let’s plan the best Festival yet!

Tuesday, January 14

6pm: - Beginner & Yin Yoga will take place at the St. Peter’s Fire Hall in St. Peter’s. Hosted by Richmond County Recreation. Join us for a wonderful combination of Hatha & Yin Yoga. Both classes are suitable for beginners. Yin Yoga is a meditative style which allows us to experience the poses fully through longer holdings of the poses. Our Hatha practice encourages us to connect our breath with our movement as we flow through the poses. We will alternate between the different styles each week. Please bring any props that you may have such as a blanket, blocks, bolsters, straps and of course your yoga mat. Hatha Yoga will take place on January 7, 21 & Feb. 4 and Yin Yoga – January 14, 28 & Feb. 11. Fee: $36.00. Instructor: Michele MacPhee, please register for this program by calling 902-226-0663.

Wednesday, January 15

Thursday, January 16

7pm – 9:30pm: - Open Mic Night at the Lockmasters Inn at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter’s. Bring your instruments for a great evening of music. No cover charge.

Friday, January 17

7pm: - Jam Session held at the Isle Madame New Horizon’s Seniors Club, in Arichat. Sponsored by: Isle Madame New Horizon’s Seniors Club. Contact: Susan Marchand, 902-631-3853 or Email: susan_marchand@msn.com.

7pm -9pm: The Friday night OPEN MIC Jam Session at MacBouch Restaurant & Lounge in St. Peter's. Come enjoy the music. No cover charge.

4:30pm – 7pm: - Fish Fry Supper at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 150 in Arichat.

Saturday, January 18

Sunday, January 19

9am – 12pm: - Community Breakfast at the St. George’s Channel Hall in St. Georges Channel.

1:45pm – 4pm: - Merchandise Bingo at the Tara Lynne Center, in River Bourgeois. Sponsored by: River Bourgeois Seniors Club 50+. Contact: Sharon Chilvers, 902-535-2512 or Email: sharon.chilvers@hotmail.com.

Monday January 20

Tuesday, January 21

Wednesday, January 22

3pm – 5pm: - A Talk with the Palliative Care Team, Your Friends for Life at the Riverdale Community Center, in Lower River. Sponsored by: Strait Richmond Palliative Care Society. Contact: Nancy Cameron, 902-631-2470 or Email: derrick.cameron@ns.sympatico.ca

Thursday, January 23

11:30am – 1pm: - Crepe and Pancake Brunch at La Picasse French Cultural Centre in Petit de Grat. Come and enjoy Crepes Suzette and pancakes with whipped cream, fruit, syrup and chocolate sauce, tea coffee or hot chocolate for $8.00. For more information call La Picasse at 902-226-0149

7pm – 9:30pm: - Open Mic Night at the Lockmasters Inn at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter’s. Bring your instruments for a great evening of music. No cover charge.

Friday, January 24

7pm -9pm: The Friday night OPEN MIC Jam Session at MacBouch Restaurant & Lounge in St. Peter's. Come enjoy the music. No cover charge.

7pm: Charity Trivia Night! At the Island Nest is being hosted by St. Joseph's Credit Union at 2344 Hwy 206, Arichat, Nova Scotia B0E 1A0

We are back! Come join us! Must be 19 or over! 10 bucks to get in on the action! Maximum of 6 people per team! Lots of awesome prizes! Message us now to book your team! Come on out and have a blast with us to support a great cause!

Saturday, January 25

7am – 10am: - Winterfest Breakfast at the Grand River Fire Hall in Grand River. Sponsored by: Grand River Volunteer Fire Dept. Contact: Joanne McCormack, 902-587-2143 or Email: bilmac1111@yahoo.com

6pm: - The 18th Annual Robbie Burns Dinner & Entertainment will take place at the St. Peter’s Lions Hall in St. Peter’s. Meet & Greet at 6:00 pm, Dinner at 6:30 pm, Tickets $25.00 per person. Please contact Dianne Landry at 902-535-2334 or diannel@stpeterscable.com for more information.18th Annual Robbie Burns Dinner & Entertainment. For an evening celebrating the Immortal Memory of Robbie Burns which also features dance, song and music by young and older participants honoring Scottish culture and heritage of so many residents of Richmond County. A highlight of the evening is the procession of the haggis led by a piper to the center of the gathering, followed by the “Address to a Haggis” - written by Robert Burns - delivered with great flourish!

1:30pm – 3pm: - Skating Party at 9735 Grenville St., St. Peter’s. Sponsored by: St. Peter’s Community Club. Contact: Clair Rankin, 902-631-1601 or Email: crankin@ns.sympatico.ca.

Sunday, January 26

8am – 12pm: - A Community Breakfast will be held at the Louisdale Lions Community Centre in Louisdale.

12pm – 3 pm: - The Island Nest Restaurant is hosting another Senior appreciation "Open Mic" in Arichat. Come listen to some oldies and enjoy a senior meal special! Senior Special : Your choice of Tea or Coffee, Roast Turkey Dinner and Strawberry Shortcake for $13.00. Food Special available for anyone over the age of 55! Food hosted by The Island Nest. January 26

11am – 12pm: - Souper Sunday at the West Bay Community Centre. Sponsored by: West Bay Pastoral Charge. Contact: Donna Flynn, 902-345-2484 or Email: ronnie.flynn@sympatico.ca.

Monday, January 27

Tuesday, January 28

Wednesday, January 29

Thursday, January 30

7pm – 9:30pm: - Open Mic Night at the Lockmasters Inn at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter’s. Bring your instruments for a great evening of music. No cover charge.

Friday, January 31

7pm -9pm: The Friday night OPEN MIC Jam Session at MacBouch Restaurant & Lounge in St. Peter's. Come enjoy the music. No cover charge.

10am – 2pm: - Journée de créativité at Centre La Picasse, Petit-de-Grat. Parrainé par: La Picasse, centre comm. Culturel. Personne contacte: Lynn Theriault, 902-226-0149 or Email: programmation@lapicasse.ca

2pm – 4pm: - Floor Shuffle at the St. Peter’s Legion, Branch 47, in Grand Anse. Sponsored by: St. Peter’s Legion, Branch 47. Contact: Wes Peeples, 902-345-2260 or Email: wesley.peeples@ns.sympatico.ca

Saturday, February 1

Sunday, February 2

8am – 11am: - Community Breakfast sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 150, in Arichat.

11am – 1pm: - Fish Chowder at the Tara Lynne Community Centre, in River Bourgeois. Sponsored by: River Bourgeois Mariner Society. Contact: Sherry Baccardax, 902-535-3182 or Email: psbaccardax@gmail.com

2pm – 4pm: - Snowshoeing at the park at the Lennox Passage Provincial Park on Isle Madame. Sponsored by: Friends of Isle Madame Provincial Parks. Contact: Marg Herdman, 902-227-8303 or Email: margareteherdman@yahoo.ca.

Monday, February 3

Tuesday, February 4

Wednesday, February, 5

Thursday, February 6

7pm – 9:30pm: - Open Mic Night at the Lockmasters Inn at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter’s. Bring your instruments for a great evening of music. No cover charge.

7pm – 9pm: - Trivia Night at the Groundswell in D’Escousse. Gather your team together and head to the Groundswell for an evening of fun.

Friday, February 7

6:30pm: - Hide-and-Seek Evening with young people - (7th to 12th grade) at Centre La Picasse, Petit-de-Grat. Sponsored by: La Picasse, cultural centre. Contact: Lynn Theriault, 902-226-0149. Email: programmation@lapicasse.ca

7pm -9pm: The Friday night OPEN MIC Jam Session at MacBouch Restaurant & Lounge in St. Peter's. Come enjoy the music. No cover charge.

Saturday, February 8

11:15am: - Winterfest Dart Tournament at the Grand River Fire Hall in Grand River. 11:15 am - Registration, 12:00 pm Start. Sponsored by: Grand River Volunteer Fire Dept. Contact: Joanne McCormack, 902-587-2143 or Email: bilmac1111@yahoo.com.

4:30pm – 6pm: - Lasagna Supper at Our Lady of Assumption Parish Hall, in Arichat. Sponsored by: Our Lady of Assumption CWL. Contact: Doreen Boudreau, 902-226-2810 or Email: dobocreations@outlook.com.

7pm - Valentine’s Dinner & Dance at the Riverdale Community Centre, in Lower River. 7:00 pm - Meal, 9:00 pm – Dance. Sponsored by: Riverdale Community Centre. Contact: Ken Reynolds, 902-631-4871 or Email: riverdale@bellaliant.com

Sunday,February 9

8am – 11am: Community Breakfast at the D’Escousse Civic Improvement Hall on Isle Madame.

Monday, February 10

Tuesday, February 11

2pm: - Valentine Tea & Bingo at the Louisdale Lions Community Centre in Louisdale. Sponsored by: Louisdale Fleur de Lis Seniors Club. Contact: Robert Goyetche, 902-345-2232 or Email: rgoyetche51@hotmail.com

6:30pm: - Creating Valentine's Day Cards at the Centre La Picasse, Petit-de-Grat. Sponsored by: La Picasse, cultural centre. Contact: Lynn Theriault, 902-226-0149 or Email: programmation@lapicasse.ca.

Wednesday, February 12

Thursday, February 13

7pm – 9:30pm: - Open Mic Night at the Lockmasters Inn at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter’s. Bring your instruments for a great evening of music. No cover charge.

Friday, February 14

2:30pm – 4pm: - Snowshoeing and maple shoot at La Ecole Beau School, in Arichat. Sponsored by: La Ecole Beau-Port School. Contact: Yevtte Tougouri, 902-631-4243 or Email: tougouriny@sepne.ca.

7pm -9pm: The Friday night OPEN MIC Jam Session at MacBouch Restaurant & Lounge in St. Peter's. Come enjoy the music. No cover charge.

6pm – 10pm: - Dinner Theatre/Play Matinee at the St. Peter’s Lions Hall in St. Peter’s. Sponsored by: St. Peter’s Community Club. Contact: Clair Rankin, 902-631-1601 or Email: crankin@ns.sympatico.ca.

6:30pm: - Valentine's Day Dinner at Centre La Picasse, Petit-de-Grat. Sponsored by: La Picasse, cultural centre. Contact: Lynn Theriault, 902-226-0149 or Email: programmation@lapicasse.ca.

Saturday, February 15

11am – 1pm: - Valentine’s Tea at the L’Ardoise Jolly Club. Sponsored by: L’Ardoise Jolly Club. Contact: Elaine Sampson or Email: e.blinn.sampson@gmail.com. Winter Festival

1:30pm – 3pm: - Dinner Theatre/Play Matinee at the St. Peter’s Lions Hall in St. Peter’s. Sponsored by: St. Peter’s Community Club. Contact: Clair Rankin, 902-631-1601 or Email: crankin@ns.sympatico.ca.

Sunday, February 16

9am – 12pm: - Community Breakfast at the St. George’s Channel Hall in St. Georges Channel.

Monday, February 17

1pm:- Crib Tournament will be held at the Riverdale Community Centre, Lower River. Sponsored by: Riverdale Club 55+. Contact: Margaret Windsor, 902-625-2183 or Email: graham.windsor@bellaliant.net.

6:30pm: - Family film at Centre La Picasse, Petit-de-Grat. Sponsored by: La Picasse, Cultural Community Centre. Contact: Lynn Theriault, 902-226-0149 or Email: programmation@lapicasse.ca

Tuesday, February 18

Wednesday, February 19

Thursday, February 20

7pm – 9:30pm: - Open Mic Night at the Lockmasters Inn at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter’s. Bring your instruments for a great evening of music. No cover charge.

Friday, February 21

7pm -9pm: The Friday night OPEN MIC Jam Session at MacBouch Restaurant & Lounge in St. Peter's. Come enjoy the music. No cover charge.

4:30pm – 7pm: - A Fish Supper will be served at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 150, Arichat.

Saturday, February 22

7:30pm: - Trivia in the Village at MacBouch Beverage Room & Restaurant in St. Peter’s. Sponsored by: Village on the Canal Association. Contact: Anne Digout, 902-535-2321 or Email: annedigout@hotmail.com.

Sunday, February 23

8am – 12pm: - Community Breakfast at the Louisdale Lions Community Centre in Louisdale.

Monday, February 24

Tuesday, February 25

4pm – 8pm: - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 150, Arichat. Admission is $6.00 per person. Contact Sylvia Boudreau at 902-227-1411 for details.

Wednesday, February 26

Thursday, February 27

7pm – 9:30pm: - Open Mic Night at the Lockmasters Inn at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter’s. Bring your instruments for a great evening of music. No cover charge.

Friday, February 28

7pm -9pm: The Friday night OPEN MIC Jam Session at MacBouch Restaurant & Lounge in St. Peter's. Come enjoy the music. No cover charge.

Saturday, February 29

Don't let the cold weather keep you from having fun, join us in Richmond County, Cape Breton for lots of great entertainment.

Richmond County Welcomes New Farm Business to Operate this Season.

Hens & Honey Owners Ashley & Matt

Owners of Hens & Honey are very excited to finally launch their farm business. And we are happy to share this statement released about their new business.

“My name is Ashley and my partner in life and crime is Matt. We run a small, built from scratch homestead in River Tillard, Richmond County, Cape Breton. We aim to share some of the products that we produce from our land. We sell fresh eggs and raw wildflower honey as well as handmade, natural cold processed soap (When in season, of course).

We are currently in the down season right now but keep watching because the busy season is almost upon us. Stay tuned to my page on Facebook, as we will be sharing our journey and showing you things that happen around here, most of them are fairly entertaining. Also follow us on Instagram @Hens_and_Honey”
Stay tuned for more up-dates as we approach the tourism season on this exciting new business, where home grown is always appreciated. Buy local and support your local businesses.