Jeff Dixon Books

Jeff Dixon is a renaissance man! An educator, an inventor, and an entrepreneur, Jeff is a multi-faceted individual whose love for books makes him an important part of Moncton Farmers Market Co-op on John Street where he can be found on Saturdays at his booth of previously owned books for sale.

Here one can browse at leisure through dozens of exciting and fascinating titles just waiting to be snapped up and taken home as silent companions on those blustery winter evenings in front of the fire.

Perfect for the book collector or book lover on your Christmas list, books make great stocking-stuffers and being previously owned means that prices are great!

Choose from a wide selection covering such diverse topics as history, art, literature, philosophy, theology, military, nautical, the natural world, and native people to name but a few. Real life adventure and biographies are favourites and Jeff’s collection, no doubt, contains some first editions that may be collector’s items.

Jeff is also the inventor of The Spongy Wonder Bicycle Seat and Dragonfly Footballs which have won recognition and praise among sporting fans worldwide.

Contact Jeff at 387-8092 or at 1-877-977-7328, email at jhdixon@rogers.com, or check out the website for his books at www.abebooks.com/home/jeffdixon and footballs at http://www.dragonflyfootballs.com/ and make this festive season a truly marvellous one with gifts from Jeff Dixon!

Merry Christmas!

Moonshadow Jewellery

An intriguing kiosk at the Marché Moncton Market is that of Moonshadow Jewellery by artist Suzanne Gaudet whose unusual talent harkens back to a bygone era - yet, it is surprisingly modern! Suzanne specializes in the Medieval art of chain-maille, crafting superb pieces from sterling silver and steel rings all intricately woven into bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and pendants of extraordinary beauty. Suzanne also creates other specialty items such as small change purses or pouches for dice, wedding crowns or headpieces, her Japanese "worry" cube, dice, and even a complete mini-armour for the fashion doll who has everything! Open to custom orders, Suzanne can often accommodate customer’s ideas as well.

A definite Renaissance woman, Suzanne is a mother of two, a wife, a career woman who is a shortwave radio transmitter technician and network administrator as well as an artiste extraordinaire. A multi-talented individual, Suzanne no doubt finds her art is a haven from her busy everyday lifestyle. Suzanne augments her wonderful jewellery with semi-precious stones and Starvoski crystal beads. A recent bracelet with turquoise and carnelian stones uses 25 feet of sterling silver wire intricately wound to create a true masterpiece. Enter the world of a bygone era Saturdays at the Market at Moonshadow Jewellery and experience the magic that is Suzanne Gaudet in the perfect juxtaposition between a modern working woman and an ancient skill - Moonshadow Jewellery! Superb!

The Gold Outlet

At The Gold Outlet, all that glitters really is gold! The most complete jewellery store in Riverview NB, The Gold Outlet, located at 19 Biggs Drive, has been serving area customers for 12 years. Carrying a wide selection of jewellery in classic and traditional designs as well as the latest in modern styles, The Gold Outlet shops all the best suppliers to bring the newest trends to their valued clientele. An independently owned jewellery store, The Gold Outlet is better able to offer flexibility by tailoring their inventory to current consumer demands in a real advantage over larger retail chain stores whose inventory is set by large corporations with Head Offices in the further reaches of Canada, out of touch with regional tastes. Got a special request for a particular item? The staff at The Gold Outlet will be pleased to special order for you! Their huge assortment of jewellery to suit every occasion ranges from the engagement ring and wedding band to vibrant gemstones, birth stone jewellery, the trendy "right hand" diamond cluster, family rings, the traditional school ring, and elegant watches as well as a terrific selection of earrings, necklaces, chains, and bracelets in gold and silver for men, women, the young person in your life and even children. There are items at unique beauty with one-of-a-kind designs at prices that are surprisingly affordable. With a price point to suit every budget, at The Gold Outlet there’s something for everyone!

The Gold Outlet is owned and operated by founder Elizabeth Phillips and co-owners Lynn and Kevin Steeves, who all bring with them a wealth of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to this special business enterprise. Fully committed to offering the best in customer service to their many loyal customers, they offer a complete layaway and repair service for convenient purchasing and timely jewellery problem solutions. Need a ring sized? Want a special engraving done? The Gold Outlet is happy to facilitate you. At The Gold Outlet, you can put your faith in service you can trust, and you can rest assured that the attention you receive will be second to none. Unhurried, individualized attention ensures you will be happy with the purchase you’ve made. For more information, call 386-2211 or drop by and browse.

In all the important occasions that mark your life - a new baby, a school graduation, a sweet sixteen birthday, an engagement and wedding, and anniversaries - let The Gold Outlet be that special partner in your life experiences with jewellery destined to become family heirlooms for generations to come!

Happy Holidays at the Market

Ah! The festive season draws nigh! In a few short weeks, we’ll celebrate Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men, the gift of family and friends in that annual onslaught of gift-giving and cornucopia of plenty! These few short weeks can be hectic, however, and filled with the stress at the thought of battling the busy crowds of shoppers at the big box chain stores at the mall. This year, tread a varied course and visit the area Farmers Markets where you will find superb handcrafted gifts, unique treasures, and festivity galore, all to be enjoyed at an unhurried, leisurely pace sprinkled with the friendly smiles and good wishes of the many industrious and talented vendors, all intent on making your festive season a truly memorable one!

Over the next few weeks, this column will feature a number of outlets specializing in great ideas for gifts, foods, and decor, offering many one-of-a-kind and unique creations in a distinct departure from the often mass-produced fare found in larger shops and stores. This season, use your own imagination in your gift-giving ideas and seek out specialized items off the beaten track - your friends and family will be amazed at your thoughtfulness and taste and you’ll have fun into the bargain! Here’s to wishing a Happy Holiday to you and yours, and as my gift to you all - here’s a little seasonal chuckle!

A Moncton Christmas

Make sure you grab your shopping bags
And don’t forget the Christmas tags
It’s that time of year in Moncton
And all the malls are packed!

Got a gift for Uncle Joe?
How about one for Auntie Sue?
Wading through the throngs of shoppers
Feels like Santa in a chimney flue.

Have I bought enough gift wrap?
There’re so many things to do
Gosh! I sure could use a nap
Or maybe a drink or two!

Now it’s time to deck the tree
And unravel all those lights
I’m all tied up in glitter
Every year it’s such a fight!

So fire up the oven
And prepare the butterball
Whip up the mashed potatoes
Fill up the glasses nice and tall.

Here’s to the blessed season
Of peace and love and joy
If it weren’t so darned hectic
I could sit back and enjoy.

So raise a glass and make a toast
To a season full of cheer
How I wish I could sleep though it all
And not wake up til next year!

Lupin Farm

Continuing our theme of baked goods and other delights from the kitchens of immigrants to our Canadian Family we now explore the offerings of Lupin Farm run by Holger and Heidi Renner. Specializing in organic farming, Lupin Farm’s pure and fresh products are all used in the making of wonderful breads and pastries made in the German style reminiscent of Holger and Heidi’s country of origin - Germany.

A complete list of breads include German 3 Kernel Ring Bread with sesame seeds, flax seed and caraway mixed into whole wheat and rye flour; German Stollen and Fruit Stollen with lemon and orange peel, raisins, cherries, almonds and cranberries; beer bread with real beer; buttermilk bread with buttermilk and coriander, olive bread; tomato bread with sun dried tomatoes; onions and herbs with black olives and rosemary; and a selection of Italian ciabatta breads, some with cheese. Rolls are just as fresh and delicious and their cakes and pastries include nut triangles with almonds and honey; streusel kuchen with vanilla pudding; pear caramel cake; fruit tartlets with seasonal fruit; cream cheesecake with whipped cream and pineapple; and, of course, German strudel with apples, raisins, and almonds! Have a special order? Call ahead by two days!

Lupin Farm’s booth can be found at Moncton’s Farmers Market Co-op on John Street and at Marché Moncton Market on Saturdays or you can visit the farm at 19 Lupin Lane, RR #2, Amherst, NS, B4H 3X9, during the week. Contact Holger and Heidi at 1-902-661-4793, or email them at holgerand heidi.renner@ns.sympatico..ca and enjoy the superb treats from Lupin Farm.

Croissant Soleil

As the fall air gets crisper, comfort foods offer sustenance and warmth, and what better comfort food to indulge in but the wholesome breads, pastries, and gastronomical delights to be found at Croissant Soleil in the Marché Moncton Market on Saturdays. Carrying a complete range of French breads, multi-grain loaves, and low-sugar pastries all made in the European style, the fare at this special market stall uses only the finest and freshest ingredients with no chemical additions or preservatives. Choose from a great selection of treats to eat on site or to take home for family and friends to enjoy. Want to experience Croissant Soleil’s terrific cooking mid-week? Visit their restaurant at 260 Amierault Street in Dieppe or call 858-8865 for catering services. A full list of goods and services can be accessed for their very comprehensive website at www.croissantsoleil.ca.

The delicious fare at Croissant Soleil is as unique as their story, and nowhere else but at our local farmers market can we experience foods from the world over made by the many immigrant groups to our fair region! Proprietors Catherine and Lionel Rouanes hail from France, bringing with them skills in aesthetic French cuisine with baking and pastry-making a specialty. Lionel has been a baker and pastry chef for over 20 years, and together, Lionel and Catherine ran a bakery and pastry shop in Bretagne, France. Seeking adventure, the couple emigrated to Canada in 2001, quickly setting up shop in Dieppe where they opened a restaurant in 2002, complete with a special oven imported from Italy that is designed to fit into an open-concept bake house with full visibility open to customers. In a bid to acquaint themselves with the Acadian people in their new home, the name of their new enterprise was chosen in a contest organized in the four grade 6 classes at L’école Anna-Malenfont of Dieppe, and "Croissant Soleil" was born! Now fully integrated into the Dieppe City landscape, Croissant Soleil’s excellent offerings can be enjoyed weekly at the Farmers Market. This fall, take advantage of the many fine treats at the Croissant Soleil. Bon appétit!