Welcome to [EDIT]ION Volume 71! We're so happy you're here! Your free, monthly digital publication is packed with stories, thoughts and opinions that will inspire you in between issues of the original, award-winning print magazine. 

Cover Story: Pomellato by James Mullinger
Cover design by Lindsay Vautour

Also in this issue:

• The Best Books for Christmas!
• Kaben on the Arm by Jennifer Wood 
• Rothesay Yule fundraising amount revealed
• Steve Patterson's new album
• Gala Ballet Productions presents The Nutcracker by Cortney Ellis
• Exclusive Film: The Most Exciting Inn in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, hosted by Jennifer Wood

POMELLATO

Pomellato’s globally renowned luxury Italian fashion fine jewellery is now available in Atlantic Canada courtesy of La Mine d’or in Moncton and Halifax

Italian jewelry company Pomellato was founded by Pino Rabolini in Milan in 1967 and is widely regarded as one the top European jewellers who spearheaded the concept of prêt-à-porter jewellery; that jewellery is not just a status symbol but an accessory to be worn at any moment of the day and should changed like clothes. Just in time for Christmas, Pomellato is now available in Atlantic Canada exclusively at the La Mine d’or showrooms in Moncton, New Brunswick and Halifax, Nova Scotia.

[EDIT]ION’s James Mullinger spoke with Carl Spicer and Elaiza Mendoza from La Mine d’or to learn now they brought Milan's finest jewelry to the Atlantic Canadian market for the first time.

[EDIT]ION: Pomellato is one of the most sought after jewellery brands in the word and thanks to you, it is finally available in Atlantic Canada, exclusively in La Mine d'Or showrooms in Moncton and Halifax. How did you secure exclusivity for Pomellato in Atlantic Canada?

Carl Spicer: It all began with our desire to feature Pomellato in our showcases. The brand’s bold and unique designs resonate the new generation of jewellery enthusiast. Then everything unfolded during our initial meeting at The Couture Show, at the Wynn hotel in Las Vegas. Pomellato presented an impressive and beautiful salon at the show. After some correspondence we then visited the Pomellato offices and showroom in Manhattan on Madison Avenue. This was the first meeting that we got to interact with the people managing the brand for North America. We had an opportunity to see the collections and some impressive high-valued pieces of jewellery.

The team of Pomellato is passionate and really understands the fine jewellery business. We had an instant connection with their team. We then went over the importance of the Atlantic Canada market. Our shared values, passion, and the heritage of La Mine d'Or as a trusted store played vital roles in establishing our exclusive partnership. And we are privileged to bring this prestigious brand to our customers in Atlantic Canada.

Pomellato’s design and brand philosophy aligned perfectly with our vision to only offer exceptional craftsmanship, innovative and unique designs to our clients. We want to be the destination for a curated selection of the finest jewellery serving New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

[EDIT]ION: What was it like meeting with the team at Pomellato?

Elaiza Mendoza: We toured their offices and stores in the United States. Prior to the partnership, we have conducted extensive research to ensure that the brand will be a good fit with La Mine d’Or and our local market. Our team is currently making arrangements to Europe next year to visit some of our Italian jewellery partners, including Pomellato.

[EDIT]ION: You have been in the watch and jewellery business for a long time. As the market leader in Atlantic Canada, how has the industry changed over the past decade?

Elaiza Mendoza: We have witnessed notable shifts in the watch and jewellery industry in the past decade, particularly following the pandemic. Technological advancements have influenced design and manufacturing. E-commerce and social media changed the way customers browse and purchase. Sustainability and ethical sourcing have become significant considerations for consumers.

With Carl growing up in the jewellery industry, he has led La Mine d’Or to the new age. We plan to continue La Mine d’Or’s vision of delivering value and superior service to our customers. We aspire to be to be part of our customer’s most important celebrations. Our commitment to our team, partnerships with trusted brands, and to offer carefully curated jewellery designs for our customers prove our dedication to evolving customer needs.

[EDIT]ION: What is the most exciting thing about Pomellato being available in this region now?

Elaiza Mendoza: Pomellato has pushed the boundaries of iconic style with its vibrant gemstones and modern design. Unlike conventional brands that emphasized jewellery as reserved only for special occasions or as extravagant gifts, Pomellato introduced fine jewellery that is accessible for everyday wear and empowered women to indulge in the luxury of buying jewellery for themselves. Each piece is a testament to the brand's dedication to creating jewellery that transcends trends and becomes a true reflection of the wearer's unique style.This is precisely what we aim to bring to our customers. Collectable fine jewellery that will have a long-lasting value. 

[EDIT]ION: The arrival of Pomellato could not have come at a better time with Christmas around the corner, what advice would you give to readers to ensure they don’t miss out on these essential gifts that last forever and stay in families for generations?

Elaiza Mendoza: We’ve had a successful launch of the brand on November 16^th in Moncton. On November 30^th we will host a launch at our Halifax showroom (pictured right). The feedback we received was very positive. From the handwritten invitations, red-orange flowers, Italian hors d'oeuvre and of course champagne, everything was carefully selected. These exquisite details create a powerful first impression and set the tone for Pomellato’s remarkable launch ahead. The breathtaking pieces left our guests in awe of the new collections, and we invite everyone to experience it firsthand. Try on Pomellato, see up-close the pieces of gold, diamonds and colourful gemstones. All Pomellato pieces are handcrafted, each gemstone setting is set by hand in at their workshop in Milan. This process has been passed down from generation to generation.

[EDIT]ION: What are you looking forward to in 2024, both professionally and personally?

Carl Spicer: 2024 will be a year that we focus on small improvements within our business. There is a new venture which we have started exploring with a partner. The project is exciting, creative, and challenging, and we are hoping it goes well. We are expecting a strong engagement and wedding season. There has been in delay in engagements and weddings for a few years and we are predicting that 2024 it will improve. We have a really great selection of engagement rings and wedding bands that focus on natural diamonds. These diamonds hold their value. They are rarer and have better sustainable practices. As a company we are passionate about custom designing fine-quality engagement rings, we enjoy that part of the industry, and are looking forward to that.

We are set to launch our new website at the beginning of the year. Special updates, and new features to enhance our customers’ shopping experience. We are attending to Geneva for the Watches & Wonders to see the latest releases in high watchmaking as well as to the Luxury/JCK Show in Vegas. Additionally, we plan to travel to South America to find high-quality gemstones. We're optimistic for a good 2024 and looking forward to the opportunities it may bring.

[EDIT]ION: La Mine d'Or is such a beautiful boutique and showroom and as the most trusted destination for jewellery buyers and collectors in the region that attracts people from across the country to Halifax and Moncton, do you expect a very busy upcoming season?

Carl Spicer: Thank you for your kind words. We are lucky to be amongst great jewellers here in the region. We are always hopeful for a busy season, and we are grateful with the trust of our loyal customers and support of jewellery and watch enthusiasts. Our newly renovated Halifax Showroom now offers an exclusive, appointment-only shopping experience. Daniel Ivanov is managing our showroom there. In Moncton, led by Frank Maillet, our store continues to grow as we introduce new Swiss timepieces and bespoke jewellery to our showcases. La Mine d’Or is here to make finding the perfect gift easy. The team is looking forward to making this Holidays memorable to all our customers and their loved ones. Hope to see you in our stores.

[EDIT]ION's Book Picks

What’s more perfect for the holidays than curling up with a good book and getting in some quiet reading time away from the hustle and bustle? To help you with your preparations for the season, our editors have selected a list of 10 perfect books for the holidays, whether you’re looking for an extra-special gift for someone else or choosing a good book for your own holiday reading. All available from Canada's oldest independent book publisher, Goose Lane Editions proudly based in Fredericton, New Brunswick who have tellingly won a record number of literary awards this past year.

Wondering where to find these literary gems? You can get them at your favourite neighbourhood bookstore or order them online at www.gooselane.com and other online bookstores for home delivery. Happy reading, happy sharing.

For the art lover on your list:

Mary Pratt: A Love Affair with Vision
The first full-length biography of Mary Pratt’s life and work. Art historian Anne Koval delivers a richly layered account of Canada’s most-loved and most-fascinating painter.
(Pictured above: Mary Pratt, Grilse on Glass (1980), oil on Masonite, 50.8 x 66 cm. Copyright @ Estate of Mary Pratt. Courtesy of the Estate of Mary Pratt and Goose Lane Editions)

No Ordinary Magic: The Art of Laurie Swim
For over 40 years, Laurie Swim has been a passionate practitioner of quilting. In this new volume, Carol Bruneau explores how Swim has transformed quilts into extraordinary works of art. 

Tom Thomson: North Star
The Toronto Star describes this book as “a stunningly beautiful volume that might well be considered the seminal work on Tom Thomson.” In this magnificent book, Sarah Milroy and Ian Dejardin bring fresh eyes and fresh voices on Thomson’s work to shed new light on the legacy of this renowned artist.

Gerard Collins: Fifty Years of Painting
The first book to encompass Gerard Collins’s prolific 50-year career. With more than 75 reproductions, this book spans the fullness of Collins's art, from his earliest work to his most recent paintings and drawings.

For the explorer of oceans and rivers:

The Deepest Map: The High-Stakes Race to Chart the World’s Oceans
What compels us to explore the ocean? Author and ocean journalist Laura Trethewey dives headfirst into the thrills — and dangers — of charting the ocean floor.

Atlantic Salmon Treasury, 75^th Anniversary Edition
For this 75th anniversary volume, Charles Gaines and Monte Burke brings together breathtaking photographs, spectacular paintings, and original essays by Canada and North America’s best nature writers. A treasury indeed.

For those who love good stories by master storytellers:

Away from the Dead
From David Bergen, one of Canada’s finest writers, an extraordinary novel set in early 20th century Ukraine. In this story about another war in another county in another century, Bergen writes about ordinary people tossed about in the tumult of history. A 2023 Giller Prize nominee.

This Other Eden
This year’s must-read novel from Pulitzer Prize-winner Paul Harding. Set on an island off the coast of Maine in the early years of the 20th century, this novel has enraptured readers and critics alike. A finalist for the 2023 Booker Prize and National Book Award for Fiction.

Brit Happens* - *Or Living the Canadian Dream
From the highs and lows of London to beginning anew in New Brunswick, this national bestselling book offers a laugh-out-loud look at life in Atlantic Canada from the country’s funniest outsider-turned-local — James Mullinger.  

Where the World Was
Rosemary Sullivan has spent her life chronicling the lives of Margaret Atwood, Gwendolyn MacEwan, Svetlana Alliluyeva (“Stalin’s Daughter”), and many others. In this new volume, she turns the camera on herself. In thirteen essays about her life and travels, she writes an extraordinary chronicle of a generation.

In short, there is no better way to show your love and appreciation for people in your life with a beautifully written, smartly printed book. Visit www.gooselane.com to order all of the books above and for many more amazing gift ideas.

Kaben On the Arm -
Where Urban Comfort Meets Tranquil Seclusion 
by Jennifer Wood

Nestled high above Halifax's Northwest Arm sits ‘Kaben On the Arm’ a stunning short-term rental property offering a serine getaway that blends urban convenience with tranquil seclusion. With sweeping views of the ocean, Point Pleasant Park, and an absence of city lights, this one-bedroom fully contained suite with a loft provides a perfect escape for two or for someone wishing to recharge on their own. Of its many tranquil offerings, the opportunity to gaze at the sea or at the star-studded sky views from the warmth and comfort of the property’s wood-fired hot tub remains a guest favourite. The property will soon have an outdoor fire area with a smokeless Solo stove.

The location of Kaben on the Arm is a standout feature. It’s positioned to provide unobstructed views of the Northwest Arm, the ocean, and Point Pleasant Park where guests can enjoy star-studded skies at night. Shaw Wilderness Park, with its extensive hiking trails, is conveniently located just across the road, offering nature enthusiasts an opportunity to explore and unwind in the great outdoors.

The property's amenities contribute to its charm, including a fully equipped kitchen, a wood-fired hot tub, a Jotul propane fireplace, and outdoor seating. Guests can indulge in a slow living experience with provided robes and Turkish towels from the Canadian company Silk and Snow. The loft-style bedroom with a king-sized bed allows guests to wake up to ocean views and sunrise from the comfort of their bed.

Its hosts, Sean and Candace, are well-aware of amenities guests seek in a stay. Candace has traveled the world as a highly sought-after motivational speaker (see [EDIT], Vol 26 for more details on Candace’s life and career), and as a facilities manager, Sean knows that any memorable experience is marked by its details.

To enhance the experience, Candace and Sean offer unique packages, such as the ‘Homemade pizza Package.’ Aptly named, this package provides guests with access to an Ooni pizza oven and all the fixings from local shops, promising a delightful culinary experience that is both delicious and relaxing.

Guest reviews echo the property's charm. “Danial” raves: “This guest house holds up well to the photos – it is modern, with a million-dollar view of the Arm and the ocean. Very happy with our stay. Candace and Sean were responsive friendly and accommodating hosts. Our stay was private, quiet, and romantic like a seaside getaway! It was an awesome way to celebrate our pregnancy. “Kelly” says of her experience: “Spectacular stay with breathtaking views. Kaben is brand new, modern, and super clean. Wake up to an ocean view and dine downtown in the evening. This place was perfect: so relaxing and beautiful. Fully equipped with everything you want and nothing you don’t need. Sean and Candace were so friendly and helpful with local recommendations. We will absolutely be back!

Whether you are looking for a rejuvenating weekend get-away or a one week or longer stay, Kaben On the Arm is sure to impress. Located close enough for a jaunt into the city, yet far enough away from its hustle that you feel worlds away, this property, complete with its amenities and personal touches, leaves guests wishing to return. Remember to pack your bathing suit.

ROTHESAY YULE FUNDRAISER 2023

We are thrilled to announce that the total raised at this year's Rothesay Yule for the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation is the incredible amount of... $16,564!

Support the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation by clicking here

Steve Patterson's Patterdad
A review by James Mullinger

Steve Patterson's new comedy album PatterDad is a thing of comedic beauty, masterfully delivered by one of the greatest ever Canadian comedians. Patterson is perhaps best known as the host of the much loved CBC's The Debaters, but he is every bit as warm, witty, wise and hilariously funny when performing live stand up and this new album is no exception. His first four comedy albums are bona fide masterpieces and have won every award going, but this latest release is just as hilarious but with added pathos, joy, thoughtfulness and profundity.

A 25-year veteran of the art form, Patterson has toured globally and entertained hundreds of thousands of people. He has also written two magnificent, hilarious and touching books - The Book of Letters I Didn’t Know Where to Send published by Goose Lane Editions and Dad Up! published by Penguin Random House, but listen to his latest album and you will be in no doubt that Steve Patterson is a comedian at the very top of his game. It is also worth noting that his album - like everything Patterson does - is suitable for and will be adored and embraced by all ages from 5 to 105, making it the perfect comedy album for the holiday season.

Steve Patterson's PatterDad is released by Canada's leading comedy album label Comedy Records. Click here to listen now.
 

Gala Ballet Productions presents The Nutcracker
by Cortney Ellis

For over a decade, Gala Ballet Productions has been performing The Nutcracker at the Imperial Theatre during the holiday season. For many, attending the performance is a tradition and enjoyed by people of all ages. This year, The Nutcracker will be performed between December 8th and 10th. Exclusively for [EDIT]ION, Cortney Ellis interviews the director of Gala Ballet to discuss the significance of this gloriously special annual performance. 

The enchanting sights and sounds of Gala Ballet Productions' annual performance of The Nutcracker returns to the Imperial Theatre from December 8th to 10th. In its 19th year as the not-for-profit performing arm of Rothesay Ballet School, founded in 1975 by Sylvia Logan, the organization’s volunteers work to bring quality dance performances to the community, matching Principal dancers from professional ballet companies alongside local dancers. This year’s Sugarplum Fairy and Cavalier Prince are from the Atlantic Ballet Atlantique and the Nutcracker Prince is formerly of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

Logan, having recently handed over operations of the school to four of her former students and teachers, continues to play an important artistic role in the production.

“The Nutcracker is part of Mrs. Logan’s legacy of bringing dance to the community. As a multigenerational outing for New Brunswickers, many looking forward to the show as part of their holiday traditions,” says Linda Yang Poirer, one of the school’s directors. 

Whether or not those attending the show have a connection to the school or dancing in general, it’s a magical experience for all.

“The word magic really is fitting because it’s like no other, especially if you’re seeing it for the first time. The heart-fluttering music, the lights and the costumes make for a special time.” Gala Ballet Productions also has its own tradition of giving back to the community. Partnering with local outreach groups, the organization ensures that everyone can experience the joy of The Nutcracker.

To purchase tickets to The Nutcracker visit the Imperial Theatre website and to learn more about Gala Ballet Productions visit: www.rothesayballetschool.com

Art Director: Lindsay Vautour
Senior Editor: Jennifer Wood
Publishing Director: Pamela Mullinger
Editor: James Mullinger

For all advertising enquiries, email Pamela: pamela@maritimeedit.com