Over seventy-five creative artists are showcasing their skills at the DDO Fine Arts and Crafts Holiday Market held at DDO’s beautiful Community Centre Building, spread out over 2 floors.

Make sure you make it to the top to enjoy the view from the heated outdoor rooftop terrace and to imbibe some holiday-themed drinks: 

• Hot drinks: hot chocolate and mulled apple cider (with the option to add a shot of Baileys or rum)
• Mocktails: The Candy Cane (cream soda, milk, peppermint extract, syrup and a candy cane) and The Rudolph (orange juice, cranberry juice and 7 UP)
• Cocktails: The Grinch (melon liqueur, grenadine, rum and 7 UP) and The Snowflake (milk, Baileys, whipped cream, rimmed with white chocolate flakes)
• and… 50% off the first non-alcoholic drink.

Admission to the Holiday Market and all events is FREE along with free parking and coat check

Wend your way through the tables of goodies, including: jewelry, floral arrangements (Zu Zu), accessories (Lulu’s Lanyards), woodworking (Fraser and Son and John McC), body and skin care (Savonnerie Le Chat Noir Nu), ceramics (Pot de Crème), stones, Fox and Feather creations, along with pet products, hats, beads, windchimes, Crocheted Critters, soap, baby gifts, crafts from the Beaconsfield Quilters’ Guild, and, of course, holiday decor.

Handcrafted edible treats go from decadent to wholesome, like Zano Macarons, The Eggnog Shop, Gluten Free Dreams, BonBons Gaal, Kitchy Cupcakes and Chocolat comme ça.

Showcased as well is the Artists’ Association of Dollard’s annual exhibition. Donations at the door are gratefully accepted for the West Island Mission and the Canadian Legion, and at the coat check for Trails Recreation Centre, who run a camp for neurodiverse children. There will also be a fun Lego table for the kids from the Inventor STEM School.

Don’t shop online – head out to support your neighbours and buy their artistic wares in this welcoming atmosphere. Some vendors even give a percentage of their sales to good causes. Here, creative passions are shared and livelihoods supported directly. There’s something for everyone in the family – even you!

Location: Dollard des Ormeaux Civic Center, 12,001 boul. de Salaberry, DDO
corner: Lake Rd
Dates: Sat & Sun Nov 9 & 10
Hours: 10-4
Phone: 514-684-7414
arts@ddo.qc.ca
Wheelchair accessible; public transportation nearby
web site: https://centreartsdollard.com/holiday-market

Artists you can discover here:

2 chefs, A&S Créations, Atelier Antheia, Atelier Chalet, Atelier Maudit, Banfill Ceramics, Beaconsfield Quilters Guild, Bertal Bougie, Bijoux-Art, BonBons Gaal, Boutique Femade, Bsbowzart: Floral Preservations, Chocolat comme ça, Créations Elaheh, Crochet Critters, Créations Giussy Fruit, Elegance in Wood, Elfe du Village, Erth Naturals, Fox & Feather Creations, Fraser and Son, Gaia mosaics, Gateries Buddy Treats, Gharze O Darze, Gluten Free Dreams, Happy Hats by Pat, Hats by Doreen, Ierba, Isabelle et Jacques, Jima Engraving, John McC, Kika Creation, Kitchy Cupcakes, Krème & Cacao, Ladykillers Hot Sauces, LanikArt, Le Papier En Folie, Little Beans Bakery, Love and Sparkle Co., Love Montreal, Lucia Maison de Café, Lucky Beads, Lulu’s Lanyards, L’artisanat de noha, Madame Botanica, Mark Quinsey Photography, Meadowvales Bundles and Baskets, Mika Rhenzy Designs, Mindful Art by Alice, Mon Peluchon, Moonstone & Myth, Moustaoudi, NUTOPIA holistic centre holistique, Patrick Duclos Céramiste, Percy & Pom, Pot De Crème, Pretty Little Things, Project Pomegranate, Rabbit loves Raven, RippleSplash Studio, Rocca Jewelry & Co, Savonnerie Le Chat Noir Nu, Shea Drea, Smashcracklepop, Soins de la peau ‘Kälejen Skincare, Southern Cross, Studio Stefina, Sweet Pop MTL, The Eggnog Shop, Timshel Gems, ValentiniHome, Veni Etiam Photography, Windchimes & Stuff/Carillons Etc., Your KeToRRific Journey, Zano Macarons, Zuzu

Sixty multi-generational artists are showcasing their skills at the DDO Fine Arts and Crafts Holiday Market held at DDO’s beautiful Community Centre Building. Spread out over 2 floors, you can wander the four rooms and also ogle the Artists’ Association of Dollard’s annual exhibition. Make sure you make it to the top to enjoy the view from the heated outdoor rooftop terrace, l’Étoile filante, with a menu of holiday-themed drinks.

Admission to the Holiday Market and all events is FREE along with free parking and coat check

Wend your way through the tables of goodies including: jewelry (Silver Dragon), floral arrangements (Zu Zu), accessories (Elie’s Bows and Lulu’s Lanyards), woodworking (Fraser and Son and John McCracken), body and skin care (Savonnerie Le Chat Noir Nu), ceramics (Pot de Crème) and gift items (Meraki and Artisanat Noha), along with pet products, photography, stationery, paintings, pieces from the Beaconsfield Quilters’ Guild, and holiday decor. Sheep and goats from Microferme Retour au Source help out too as humans craft wool dryer balls, soaps and natural wool right from the source.

Handcrafted edible treats go from decadent to wholesome like Zano Macarons, La Tarterie, Gluten Free Dreams, Bals Provisions, Lab à Mémé, and Chocolat comme ça.

Last year I spotted leather jewelry and card cases, wooden bowls and boards, winter hats and gloves, chocolate, fur ponytail bands, crystals, pottery, pet bows and bowties (okay for humans too), mosaics, soap, paintings, small human sculptures, jewelry, wall sayings, Christmas decorations, baby gifts, button and bead art.

After you walk around the main level’s two rooms, don’t forget that hiding in the back is a windowed Craft Cafe with snacks from Boulangerie Mira. On the second level, you can peruse two more rooms and then look for a doorway which leads to the heated terrace with wide views.

Don’t shop online this year; Head out to support your neighbours and buy their artistic wares in this welcoming atmosphere situated in a beautifully designed building. Some vendors even give a percentage of their sales to good causes. Here, creative passions are shared and livelihoods supported directly (instead of large chain stores). There’s something for everyone in the family – even you!

Location: Dollard des Ormeaux Civic Center 12,001 boul. de Salaberry, DDO
corner: Lake Rd
Dates: Sat & Sun Nov 11 & 12
Hours: 10-4
Wheelchair accessible; public transportation nearby
web site: https://centreartsdollard.com/holiday-market
contact: Special Events Coordinator, Megan Bradley: 514-684-1012 ext. 220 | mbradley@DDO.qc.ca

Looking for a stylish gift for the sharp dressed man – or the man you want to dress a bit sharper?

When it comes to men’s clothing, Made in Italy is synonymous with quality, craftsmanship and design. Les Importations J.E.A Polcaro Imports has been delivering high-end Italian menswear to the city of Montreal at wholesale prices for the last 30+ years.

Quietly located in Peel’s Hermes building, a hidden treasure right in the heart of the city’s most well known shopping street, you can up his fashion game with impeccable suits to casual weekend wear, everything from the necktie down to the socks, all branded with the true mark of quality Made In Italy.

J.E.A. Polcaro is importing and selling directly to you without the markup of a middle man, therefore offering you wholesale prices. A great way to get designer goods at deep discounts.

This is the perfect time to add a touch of sleek style to his wardrobe and treat him to some of the latest in men’s Italian fashion collections from designers and luxury brands that need no introduction, Cerruti 1881, Verace, Valentino and Corneliani.

Location: 1470 Peel, suite 420
Phone: 514-844-3014
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-6, Sat 10-4
polcaro.ca
email: polcaro@usa.net

Now is the right time to Kondo-ize your closets, garage, office or pantry by making the space more beautiful, more efficient and more functional. Closets by Design can simplifying your life by maximizing your space. They design, build and install custom closets, garage cabinets, home offices, laundry rooms, pantries and more. Right now, until December 31st take advantage of a 50% off promotion.

Schedule a free no obligation in-house design consultation.  The experts will take detailed measurements and will explore endless storage possibilities with you. They’ll guide you to the best choices possible taking into consideration your budget, style and preferences.  Once your system is designed, the work will begin at their state-of-the-art facilities. Each unit is built to your specifications and a professional team will install the units quickly and neatly.

Closets by Design can help you build the perfect closet storage solution no matter how cluttered your space is, taking your custom closet to the next level with gorgeous shelves, drawers and trim in a variety of finishes.

Closets by Design has built a reputation for integrity as an industry leader in customer service and satisfaction and pride themselves in offering the best value in the industry.

Location: 4747, rue Bourg , Saint-Laurent, QC H4T 1H9
corner: Off of Montee de Liesse
Tel: 514 – 631-6777
Hours: Mon – Fri 9-5
Sale: Til Dec 31st
www.cbdmontreal.com
info@cbdmontreal.com

Un Poyo Rojo translates as “a red rooster,” but the actors in this performance dance/act more like strutting peacocks. “It” takes place in an empty locker room with only two actors and very little dialogue. The “it” is hard to pin down. Is it dance? acrobatics? a play?

The physical comedy is a “pas de deux” where the deux are two men who act out this seductive battle of the dance. The moves run the gamut from wrestling to physical comedy and play out a courtship ritual with only body noises, facial expressions and a radio for the sound effects.

Un Poyo Rojo was developed in Argentina. Luciano Rosso trained in five kinds of dance while Alfonso Baron was famous in sports.  If you want to see more of Russo, you can check out his YouTube channel. Both men are remarkable in their performances and precision timing.

There’s plenty of testosterone, sweat and two sometimes silly performers showing off in a game of seduction where communication is conducted by a highly physical acrobatic dance and athletic competition. Expect every form of movement: martial arts, acrobatics,  mime, clowning and even body percussion.

It is worth coming to the Centaur Theatre to catch the fabulous physical virtuosity of dance, sport and sexuality in Un Poyo Rojo.

Location: Centaur Theatre, 453  St. Francois Xavier
Phone: 514-288-3161 or 514-288-3161
Dates: Sept 24-29
www.centaurtheatre.com

Closets by Design was here way before Marie Kondo was organizing us.  Simplifying your life is what they have always done. And til the end of June you can get 40% off and $250 worth of accessories.

For a complimentary design consultation, just contact Closets by Design and they will send a talented designer directly to your home. The experts will take detailed measurements and will explore endless storage possibilities with you. They’ll guide you to the best choices possible taking into consideration your budget, style and preferences.

They design, build and install custom closets, garage cabinets, home offices, laundry rooms, pantries. Once your system is designed, the work will begin at their state-of-the-art facilities. Each unit is built to your specifications and a professional team will install the units quickly and neatly. With their wide selection of finishes, accessories and hardware, you will get the customized look you have always dreamed of.

For a complimentary design consultation, just contact Closets by Design and they will send a talented designer directly to your home. The experts will take detailed measurements and will explore endless storage possibilities with you. They’ll guide you to the best choices possible taking into consideration your budget, style and preferences. Once your system is designed, the work will begin at their state-of-the-art facilities. Each unit is built to your specifications and a professional team will install the units quickly and neatly.

– Custom Closets: Each variety of closet systems will maximize your space and create a closet which helps organize not only your clothes, but also your life.

– Garage Cabinets: Think about transforming your garage into your workshop, garden center or arts and crafts room – all with plenty of storage space.

– Home Offices: Closets by Design created a line of innovative and effective office systems in a variety of styles and finishes to match your unique needs.

– Wallbeds: Maximize the use of your space with a foldaway designbedT system. Customizable, multi-functional and ideal for small spaces, designbedT offers a creative space-saving solution for any home.

– Laundry Rooms: There are numerous options to organize this room better, including long and short shelving, a variety of places to store cleaning supplies and items to compliment your laundry room needs.

– Pantries: The value of quick access to items in your kitchen is priceless, making meal prep quick and efficient. Their attractive pantries are developed to streamline cooking and cleaning with easy-to-reach shelves for easy-to-find items.

Closets by Design has built a reputation for integrity as an industry leader in customer service and satisfaction. They strive for and build quality, beauty, and commitment into each piece constructed and can easily meet everyone’s different household budgets.

Location: 4747, rue Bourg , Saint-Laurent, QC H4T 1H9
corner: Off of Montee de Liesse
Tel: 514 – 631-6777
Hours: Mon – Fri 9-5
Sale: Til June 30th
www.cbdmontreal.com
info@cbdmontreal.com

We are so lucky to have Galerie au Chocolat, a premium chocolate maker based right here in Saint-Laurent. They produce high quality chocolates for every occasion and season using the finest Belgian chocolate and wholesome, real-food ingredients in all of their products.

For Passover, they create a special collection of delicious handmade, kosher for Passover chocolates. These treats highlight the passion and the quality that they bring to the art of chocolate making. The selection at this holiday is similar to some of those offered the rest of the year, but all of the ingredients are certified in Cholov Israel as Pareve and kosher for Passover

The large assortment of special Passover items include perennial favourites such as almond barks, clusters, chocolate macaroons, chocolate covered matzoh, chocolate seder plates and much more.

The colorfully presented Easter collection includes a large selection of moulded chocolates in a variety of shapes and sizes, in white, milk and dark chocolates again using the same fine Belgian chocolate. A number of unique products only make an appearance at Easter including the delicious praline eggs and specially wrapped Easter gift boxes containing a tantalizing assortment of treats created with only the best ingredients.

New Location: 6665 Chemin de la Côte-de-Liesse, Saint-Laurent, QC H4T 1Z5
corner: Migneron
Tel: 514-331-8460
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5
www.galerieauchocolat.ca

Two-time Governor General’s Award-winning playwright Morris Panych takes simple ideas for plays, he says, “you take small events and spin them into larger issues”.  I see this play, The Shoplifters in that light, a bit like the TV series Seinfeld – they start out as Nothings – or the mundane aspects of life;  Panych takes something about nothing and makes it into something. This humorous yet poignant play as he notes, is about a “little grocery store episode”.

Along with Alma and Phyllis, we are thrown into the (fabulously imagined) back storage room of a grocery store as they are being questioned about a couple of steaks.  Though this seems a simple story about a woman and her preponderance for “five finger discounts”,  she sees it  more as her giving the “middle finger” discount –  taking from corporate profit and dispersing it in her neighborhood to those in need.

The Shoplifters was shoplifted from Morris Panych’s background; The two steaks go back to his Calgary boyhood. Panych admits that as a teenager “I also stole steaks. Lots of them. For fondues.” He also said, “If we wanted any joy in life, we had to steal it.”  Adding, “we were taking from The Man.” Aha, the theme of the play.

Another theme (and perhaps inspiration for Alma) came from a story he heard about a “an old woman in Florida who was arrested for shoplifting and didn’t want ‘rehabilitation’ because she actually enjoyed stealing”.

As usual Ellen David who, as Alma, lights up the stage with her spot on wise-cracking performance and subtle acting. She thrashes out to rookie security agent Dom in his ill-fitting new cop suit, “so those are training pants”. It’s not all laughs though as she bemoans to the guards, “We play the bad guys and you play the good guys”.

A wonderful pied-a-deux battle of wits with Alma is man-handled by Michel Perron as Otto, the world weary, seen-it-all, being-pushed-out-of his job, older security guard. Otto is aware of Alma’s sticky fingers and is fascinated by her “breezy confidence, daring-me-to-catch you” ways.

Alma is mentoring Phyllis, (played by Marie-Eve Perron) her twitchy nervous young accomplice, in the fine art of shoplifting, Phyllis unfortunately dropped a steak from under her skirt. Frustrated Phyllis, yells, “That’s what the double-sided tape is for!”  She’s caught by the brand-new (too) high strung security hire Dom (played by Laurent Pitre) and his crime fighting evangelist ways. He’s the black and white agent to Otto’s more learned greys.

The set developed by Ken MacDonald is brilliant. The Centaur stage became a giant Lego construction of perhaps 2000 supermarket boxes piled floor to ceiling.

Lucky for us, the playwright changed the play to make it sound like it’s actually happening in Montreal by hiring two francophone actors and sprinkling French throughout.

Panych wrote this  shout out about capitalist culture and how it affects the haves and the have-nots. He wants us to learn about ,  “people and how they rise or fall to the challenge of just living.”  But then adds, “Sometimes we secretly applaud the evening of the score.”

Location: Centaur Theatre, 453  St. Francois Xavier
Phone: 514-288-3161 or 514-288-3161
Dates: til Apr 7
www.centaurtheatre.com

When it comes to men’s clothing, Made in Italy is synonymous with quality, craftsmanship and design. Les Importations J.E.A Polcaro Imports has been delivering high-end Italian menswear to the city of Montreal at wholesale prices for the last 30+ years.

Quietly located in Peel’s Hermes building, a hidden treasure right in the heart of the city’s most well known shopping street, you can buy impeccable suits for discerning men of style to casual weekend wear, everything from the necktie down to the socks.

This is the perfect time to add a touch of sleek style to your wardrobe and treat yourself to the latest in men’s Italian fashion collections from designers and luxury brands that need no introduction, Cerruti 1881, Verace, Valentino and Corneliani.

J.E.A. Polcaro is importing and selling directly to you without the markup of a middle man, therefore offering you wholesale prices. A great way to get designer goods at deep discounts. Take advantage of 100% cotton, Made-in-Italy shirts at $79, Made-in-Italy suits at $550 and  Made-in-Italy ties at $29. You will not find synthetics here, only silk, wool, linen, cashmere and cotton.

Add a touch of  swagger to your personal style by allowing the salespeople at Les Importations J.E.A. Polcaro to guide you in the art of putting all of it together to achieve some distinctly winning looks. Discover Montreal’s best kept secret.

Location: 1470 Peel, suite 420
Phone: 514-844-3014
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-6, Sat 10-4
www.polcaro.ca
email: polcaro@usa.net