Buddy's, home of Detroit’s original Sicilian square pizza, opens its 11th location in Novi, Michigan

Buddy’s Pizza, the home of Detroit’s original square Sicilian-style pizza has become more accessible than ever for Oakland County residents – just in time for National Pizza Month.

The 68-year-old family-owned restaurant business originated in Detroit, kick-started an expansion last fall and it continues as Buddy’s Pizza’s 11th location opened to the public on Oct. 23 at 44225 Twelve Mile Road, inside Novi’s Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk entertainment district.

Server Janine Braun delivers a "Henry Ford" pizza with a smile. (Jim Fox photo)

On its first day, diners felt good about contributing to breast cancer research during Breast Cancer Awareness month as $2 from every pizza sold at the Novi Buddy’s Pizza location was donated to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.

Robert Munsch exhibit closes with weekend festival in Guelph

GUELPH, ON, October 28, 2014: Guelph Museums is hosting MunschFest on Saturday, November 8, and Sunday, November 9, to mark the close of the Much More Munsch exhibition.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see the exhibit one last time, and participate in a number Munsch-related crafts and activities.

 

Among the activities planned is a Munsch-a-Thon, in which museum staff and special guests read as many Robert Munsch books as possible over the course of the weekend. Guelph Fire Chief Shawn Armstrong and Go-Go Grandma Sya Van Geest will be on hand to read stories. There will also face-painting and mural drawing.

“We are so proud that Robert Munsch calls Guelph home, and that it is from here his career as a beloved children’s author launched,” says museum manager Tammy Adkin.

Studio 180 Theatre presents the North American premiere of NSFW (Not Safe For Work) in Toronto

A Satire About Money, Sex and Photoshop

November 7 to 30, 2014

The Theatre Centre
 1115 Queen Street West, Toronto


Studio 180 Theatre is delighted to present the work of multi award-winning British playwright Lucy Kirkwood for the first time in North America. NSFW, Kirkwood’s acclaimed play from 2012, will be directed by Joel Greenberg and will be performed November 7 to 30, 2014 at The Theatre Centre. 

NSFW, which in this age of easy text-ready acronyms means, “Not Safe for Work”, pulls back the curtain on digital media and magazine culture. It’s a world where jobs are scarce, beauty standards are punishing and personal integrity is a luxury that few can afford.

For the folks at “Doghouse” (a tawdry men’s rag that traffics in titillation) and “Electra” (an elegant women’s publication), relationships, legal liability and self-worth are all at stake.

Everyone strives for professional success and financial stability – but at what cost? Who will hold tight to their values? Who will sell out to the highest bidder? And just how old is that girl in the photo?

Dog Tales and Horse Haven, a sanctuary of love

   One-Tank Trip for Oct. 25/14

   (c) By Jim Fox

   It’s a perfect Sunday drive – along country roads with rolling hills, scenic vistas and fresh air.

   And, it’s also a chance to return home with a new member of the family.

   Dog Tales, located north of Toronto in the picturesque horse farm community of King City, is a “one-of kind sanctuary for dogs, horses and animal-loving families.”

Maggie, the Neapolitan mastiff, relaxes on a divan with original artwork and a chandelier above in her new temporary home at Dog Tales. (Jim Fox photo)

   Opening for weekly public visits starting in November, the lavish setting is a “dream come true” for animal lovers Rob Scheinberg and Danielle Eden.

   Calling it a “unique day trip,” the husband-wife team will welcome visitors on Sundays to visit with the dogs – the lucky ones that have been rescued from “dire conditions.”

   “To help rescued dogs find new loving and caring families, Dog Tales will be hosting weekly Sunday adoptions,” Scheinberg said.

   The public is encouraged to visit the sanctuary whether they plan to adopt a dog or not and families are welcome to bring their pets and enjoy the outdoors space, he added.

Dog Tales also houses Horse Haven, a shelter for unwanted retired racehorses. (Jim Fox photo)

   It also houses Horse Haven, a shelter with a stable big enough for some 40 old and retired racehorses.

   This is a haven offering horses a “happy fulfilling place to spend their final years and with access to outstanding medical and farrier care, good food, room to roam, love and attention.”

VIA Rail goes international with AccesRail partnership

Montréal, Canada, October 29, 2014 – VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) goes international by establishing a partnership with the passenger rail carrier alliance company AccesRail.

This partnership will extend VIA Rail’s distribution reach to over 120,000 travel agencies around the world through AccesRail’s airline connectivity to Global Distribution Systems, which enable the integration of rail services into travel agents’ booking systems.

AccesRail offers an easy way for passenger rail carriers to sell tickets through IATA certified travel agents, by using their established airline booking systems. The integration of rail suppliers in the Global Distribution Systems will improve VIA Rail’s international sales by encouraging inter-modal transport.

Stratford Festival dedicates plays to three beloved actors

Memorial for Bernard Hopkins set for Nov. 16 at the Festival Theatre

October 28, 2014… The Stratford Festival has lost three beloved former company members over the past number of weeks and will be dedicating productions to their memory next season. The 2015 production of The Alchemist will be dedicated to Edward Atienza. She Stoops to Conquer will be dedicated to Joyce Campion. Love’s Labour’s Lost will be dedicated to Bernard Hopkins.

The Festival has also set the date for a memorial for Mr. Hopkins. It will be held on Sunday, November 16, at 11 a.m., in the Festival Theatre. All are welcome to attend.

“Joyce, Teddy and Bern were among the very finest talents to be part of the history of the Festival company,” said Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino. “Each one of them had an irrepressible spirit that brought wit, energy and charisma to any part they played. We dedicate these productions in recognition of their important contribution to Stratford and with a sad fondness for the passing of our fellow players.”

Ships passing in the night and day on the Welland Canal

   One-Tank Trip for Oct. 18/14

   (c) By Jim Fox

   These are the places where you can see ships that pass in the night – and day – too.

   Visitors to the Welland Canals Centre at Lock 3 in St. Catharines and Lock 7 in Thorold can view this historic example of engineering – Canada’s version of the Panama Canal.

   This is the fourth route of the Welland Canal that first opened in 1829 between Port Weller and Port Colborne.

The bulk carrier Federal Mackinac just barely squeezes into Lock 3 of the Welland Canal. (Jim Fox photo)

   It allows vessels to avoid both Niagara Falls and the mountainous escarpment so they can pass safely between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.

   The centre has an elevated observation platform that lets visitors see ships from around the world squeeze themselves into the lock on their way through the St. Lawrence Seaway.

   The season’s still in full swing as ships transit the canal 24 hours a day from April through December until the big freeze-up from January to March when it is drained and closed for maintenance.

   A visit provides the opportunity to “discover our community’s history” by visiting the St. Catharines Museum, also located at the centre, said Mayor Brian McMullan.

Fall Cottage Life Show coming to the International Centre

Show Info | Features & Events | Exhibitor List | Buy Tickets

October 24-26, 2014 International Centre, Toronto, 6900 Airport Road

Free Caesar Samples It’s the most celebrated cocktail in cottage country! Hang out with us in the Cottage Life booth and enjoy a free sample from Walter All-Natural Craft Caesar Mix. While you’re there, share your best stories with our editors and TV producers, take home a photo of you on the cover of Cottage Life magazine, and check out the t-shirts, books, and gifts that any cottager would love! 200 Exhibitors Now is the time to plan for next year’s big projects. Talk to cottage country builders, renovators, and designers. Plus all the fun stuff like boats, docks, furniture, outdoor kitchens, water toys, and cottage gifts.

Ein Prosit, eh, in Kitchener-Waterloo; giant veggies at the Norfolk fair; be a-maze-d at Leaping Deer

   One-Tank Trip for Oct. 11/14

   (c) By Jim Fox

   The familiar chant “Zicke zacke, zicke zacke, hoi, hoi, hoi” is being heard across Kitchener-Waterloo meaning it’s Oktoberfest party time.

   That rally call – loosely translated – means “down the hatch,” as revellers chug their beer and finish it off with a round of polkas before roaring into another rousing chorus of Ein Prosit, the Bavarian drinking anthem.

   The ceremonial tapping of the first keg of beer kicks off Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest.

   Yes, they’ve rolled out the barrel (of beer), so everything is wunderbar (wonderful) for Canada’s great Bavarian festival, the biggest outside Munich, Germany.

Bavarian sausages on a bun covered with sauerkraut are a big part of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest.

   It opened on Friday and runs until Oct. 18 with an expected turnout of more than 700,000 festival goers, said Dave MacNeil, executive director.

   Looking good in their dirndls at the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest.

Largest pumpkin tips the scales at the Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show

(News Release)

              

October 5th, 2014 Simcoe - The winner of the Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show’s giant pumpkin competition was crowned today.  Joel Jarvis of St. Thomas, Ontario is on a winning streak.

   Visitors check out the huge pumpkins at the Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show. (Jim Fox photo)

Jarvis took home the James I. Moore Memorial Award along with the $2,000 grand prize for growing the largest pumpkin for the second consecutive year with his pumpkin weighing in at a whopping 1,444 lbs. 

This is the third time that Mr. Jarvis has taken home first prize for the largest pumpkin.  Prize money for this competition is generously donated by O’Grady & Associates. John Butler of St.Thomas placed second with his pumpkin weighing 1,226 lbs.

Joel Jarvis also took first place and $500 in cash for the largest squash weighing in at 1,192 lbs. This is the second time Joel has walked away with first prize in this category.  John Butler came in second place with his squash weighing in at 1,084 lbs.

George Lloyd of Simcoe was also a big winner for the second consecutive year. George won $500 for the largest pumpkin grown in and by a resident of Norfolk County. This prize was generously donated by R.E.Mann Brokers Ltd. /Tri-County Insurance/McKiee Farrar. His pumpkin weighed in at 1204 lbs. This competition is open to all ages. 

 The Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show is in its 174^th year, and is the fourth largest fair in Ontario, with over 100,000 visitors each year. This year’s fair features agricultural displays, craft exhibits, food vendors, art demonstrations, talent competitions, midway rides, celebrity chefs,  plus many other special events.

This year’s fair has three amazing concerts featuring upcoming country singing sensation Jordan McIntosh on Tuesday and CCMA winner Gord Bamford on Friday. Saturday night Party on the Track features the Stellas and One More Girl, along with fire breather Terrance Drake, a mechanical bull and cash bar.  Don’t miss our perennial favourites with Monster Trucks, Demo Derbies and Tractor Pull.

For more information on the fair and any of the scheduled events, please visit our website at norfolkcountyfair.com , call the fair office at 519-426-7280 or download the Norfolk County Fair App FREE at the App Store.

                                                                           -30-

Fall tours in Ontario's Lake Country

View our interactive maps and explore Ontario's Lake Country by car, boat, bike or foot! Engage your senses; see the vibrant colours, hear the crunch of the leaves, and smell the fresh autumn air. According to Ontario Travel's Fall Colour report, 40%-50% of our leaves have changed colour!

View the Routes

ROM’s Of Africa project explores historical and contemporary African themes

(News Release)

Renowned African “Imaginer” Binyavanga Wainaina delivers ROM100 Speaks Keynote on October 23

Multimedia artist Nàstio Mosquito performs African, I Guess at the Of Africa Symposium

Of Africa continues with three years of exhibitions, lectures and performances

(TORONTO, October 7, 2014) - The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is proud to announce Of Africa, a three-year, multi-platform project exploring African experiences through exhibitions, lectures, performances and events.

With contributions by curators, artists, authors, educators, and academics from across Africa and the African Diaspora, Of Africa introduces visitors to historical and contemporary African cultural and artistic expressions.

This includes a new display, Maps, Borders, and Mobility in Africa, opening October 11, 2014; a ROM100 Speaks keynote with famed Kenyan author Binyavanga Wainaina on October 23, 2014; followed by Of Africa Histories, Collections, Reflections, a two-day symposium beginning on October 24, 2014.

Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival launches Canadian tour in 11 cities

Toronto Engagement: January 9-11/15 at Sony Centre For The Performing Arts

Tickets on Sale Now!

TORONTO, ON – October 7/14 –– Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival is launching a new Canadian tour this season with stops in 11 Canadian cities including Toronto.  

Mickey Mouse and his band of friends, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy will be performing in a music mash-up of mega proportions when Disney Live!  debuts in Toronto:  January 9-11/15 at the Sony Centre For The Performing Arts.

Concert goers will hear greatest hits from the blockbuster movies, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story remixed to rock, pop, reggae, hip-hop, jazz and country, among other jams.  Produced by Feld Entertainment, Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival strives to be the biggest concert experience to hit live family entertainment.  Tickets are on sale now! 

This live stage production will perform in the following Canadian cities:

REGINA – Brandt Centre:  December 6-7/14

SASKATOON – SaskTel Centre:  December 8/14

OTTAWA – Canadian Tire Centre: December 14/14

WINDSOR – WFCU Centre:  December 20/14

HAMILTON – Hamilton Place:  December 21/14

MONTREAL – Theatre St-Denis:  December 26 – December 31/14

KITCHENER – Centre in the Square: January 2/15

KINGSTON  –  Rogers K-Rock Centre: January 3/15

LONDON – Budweiser Gardens:  January 4/15

OSHAWA – General Motors Centre:  January 8/15

TORONTO – Sony Centre For The Performing Arts: January 9-11/15

Halloween fun at the Toronto Zoo

Prepare to be 'enchanted' in New York State's 'Enchanted Mountains'

   One-Tank Trip for Oct. 4/14

   By Jim Fox

   It’s called the “Enchanted Mountains” and is a four-season getaway destination for a growing number of people from southern Ontario.

   This rural part of Upstate New York in Cattaraugus County is a landscape of country roads and scenic drives, especially at this time of year.

A picturesque barn along the Amish Trail in Upstate New York. (Jim Fox photo)

   If you’ve seen Buffalo TV’s Eyewitness News, it’s the area referred to as the “Southern Tier” that gets all that snow in the winter.

   Less than an hour south of Buffalo, it takes in Allegany State Park, Holiday Valley and Sky High Adventure Park.

   There’s also the Amish Trail and the Seneca Nation with its Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino, historic Ellicottville has a collection of eclectic shops, fine dining and a brew pub.

   The village has been called one of America’s top adventure towns and reminiscent of something out of a Norman Rockwell painting.

Funky Ellicottville with its collection of eclectic shops. (Jim Fox photo)

   The area is so popular with Canadians that many Ontarians own ski chalets and vacation properties, said tour guide Jacquie Gardner of the county tourism office.

Caesars Windsor Colosseum fan favourite Max Pellicano's tribute to “The King”, returns Dec. 4

(News Release)

 
Windsor, ON – Caesars Windsor is excited to welcome the return of Max Pellicano as “The King” to the Colosseum stage on Thursday, December 4 at 3 pm and 8 pm.

A definite crowd-pleaser, this talented tribute artist performs a variety of holiday favourites and 60's hits, putting audiences in the spirit of the season.

Enjoy a Vegas-style revue show, backed by a live band and energetic dancers. Performing a selection of greatest hits like “Love Me Tender,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and festive tunes such as “Blue Christmas,” and more. Tickets start at $15 Canadian and go on sale at noon on Saturday, October 11.

The Toronto International Boat Show returns from Jan. 10 to 18, 2015

January 10 - 18, 2015

Special Preview Night – January 9

GOT BOATS??

 

The Toronto International Boat Show is the ultimate destination to board hundreds of new boat models, shop the latest marine accessories and navigate towards that first boat purchase with all-new educational features and in-water demonstrations!

 

Calendar Listing

 

(Toronto, ON) – With more than a million square feet of showroom and retail space, The 57^th Annual Toronto International Boat Show is the premier destination for boaters of all lifestyles to discover something new!!!  Whether it’s upgrading, economizing, purchasing a new boat or simply window-shopping the latest boating products and trends, the Toronto Boat Show is a one-stop shop. Visitors can board, tour, consult and buy at the best prices of the season among hundreds of new boats and products that are debuted at the Toronto Boat Show each year from Canadian and international manufacturers.

29th Annual Woodstock Wood Show returns Oct. 3 to 5

(News Release)

Woodstock, ON – The 29th Annual Woodstock Wood Show returns to the Woodstock Fairgrounds on Friday Oct. 3 (2014) & Saturday Oct 4, 10am- 6pm, and Sunday October 5 10am-5pm., featuring the best in Canadian woodworking.

The Wood Show includes seminars on miter saw, band saw & finishing techniques, carving tips, hand planes and even a seminar on how to build an electric guitar.

You won’t want to miss the West Coast Lumberjack Show; it’s an exhilarating showcase of fearless skills and daredevil displays as well as live entertainment all weekend.

Admission is just $10 a day or $20 for the 3 day pass, with children 12 and under admitted free when accompanied by an adult.