MONTREAL —
The old adage states, “Where there’s a house, there’s a home.”

If that’s the case, then when there’s a home, there’s a home show.

The 34th Montreal National Home Show rolls into town at Place Bonaventure Friday, March 8, through Sunday, March 17. The show aims to help attendees renovate and decorate their own home sweet home. More than 500 exhibitors and 1,500 specialists will be offering the latest home-decoration and construction-design trends in heating, air conditioning and energy; kitchens and bathrooms; pools and spas; major appliances; landscaping; recreation; windows and doors; electronics; and decor.

“Everyone has a renovation or decoration project in mind, but what’s often missing are the tricks, advice, inspiration and new ideas to help make these projects a reality,” Montreal National Home Show manager Helene Cote said. “You can find this at the show.”

Cote said your level of renovation expertise doesn’t matter.

“The National Home Show is an annual rendezvous for home lovers, first-time home owners and industry professionals — all visitors are welcome,” she said.

“Whether it’s a small decoration project or larger-scale renovation, the NHS has answers to all your questions.”

BUBBLE ROOM

As always, the show boasts many special events and attractions. 

Don’t miss a visit to the CasaBubble, a dome-shaped, self-contained, all-transparent structure that can be used as an outdoor living room, winter garden or a bedroom under the stars. Each CasaBubble takes about 30 to 40 minutes to install, the press release states.

“You’ll really feel as if you’re living as one with nature,” Cote said.

GARDEN DISPLAYS

Landscaping and exterior design are a perennial National Home Show favorite.

“Our garden displays are always a crowd pleaser,” Cote said.

This year, the show features a 5,000-square-foot garden created by boutique landscape designer Ladouceur. The space incorporates rooftop, patio and balcony urban-garden designs complete with foliage, outdoor furniture, planters and ambient lighting.

OUTDOOR EXTRAS

Canadian retailer JC Perreault offers a grilling workshop to help attendees hone their outdoor-barbecuing prowess. On hand are grease-free, smoke-free and easy-to-clean grills; brick and stainless-steel outdoor islands; and outdoor refrigerators, patio heaters and furniture.

The space comes with some good taste, too, as visiting chefs cook up some tasty treats on-site. Guest chef Joel You offers a Cajun-inspired tasting menu. 

Swimming-pool retailer Trevi will also offer the latest design trends in leader pools, which are entirely built from concrete, as well as cabana spaces.

INDOOR LIVING

Moving indoors, the home show features L’Espace BMR, which is “entirely dedicated to renovation and home decorating,” Cote said.

This year, L’Espace BMR showcases 10 complete, staged living spaces — 12,000 square feet in all — as well as workshops devoted to current trends, paint, moldings, wall coverings and garage storage. While workshops are held in French, many bilingual experts are available to answer one-on-one questions in English as well.

And from the large to the small, the event also allows attendees to explore a 400-square-foot complete micro-condo unit. In addition, the National Home Show offers a new product showcase featuring the latest home innovations.

— Steven Howell is the author of Montreal

+++++

IF YOU GO

WHAT: The Montreal National Home Show.

WHEN: Presented Friday, March 8, through Sunday, March 17. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

WHERE: Place Bonaventure is located at 800 rue de la Gauchetiere W. (Metro station Bonaventure), Montreal.

ADMISSION: $16 for adults, $13 for seniors (60 and older) and students, and $6 for children 6 to 12. Save $3 off admission price by purchasing tickets online. The show celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8 with free admission to the first 5,000 women.

NOTE: The National Home Show devotes a specially designated day for industry professionals, including contractors and designers; this year, it is on Wednesday, March 13. The show is open to the general public as well that day, but professionals will have to register on the Home Show’s website.

CONTACT: For more information, visit www.salonnationalhabitation.com or call Place Bonaventure at (514) 397-2222.

.

Landscaper Leon Kluge will share his secrets.

Related Stories

• Gardening with the enemy

Johannesburg – Each year, representatives from 10 garden clubs across Joburg come together to organise the annual Gardens of the Golden City programme.

Established in 1996, Gardens of the Golden City has raised R1.75 million over 17 years through the opening of hundreds of gardens across Joburg. Last year, R140 000 was raised for charities including Johannesburg Child Welfare, Meals on Wheels and Ubebele, Alexandra.

This month, a host of gardens will be opened in Midrand, Senderwood and, by far the biggest event, in Jukskei Park (103 Robyn Street), where a largely indigenous, water-wise garden with a spiral vegetable garden will be open between 10am and 5pm next Saturday and Sunday (March 9 and 10).

Owned by Alan and Angelique Gravett, the Jukskei Park garden includes indigenous sections of garden next to lush corners. Being holistically inclined, and with the help of Jamie Shepherd, they created a spiral vegetable garden, complete with companion plants, which wraps itself along the edge of the property.

The spiral vegetable garden feature makes this an interesting site for the food security-conscious visitor. Some parts of the garden are a work in progress to show innovative ideas. Shepherd, the designer of this garden, will talk to visitors throughout the weekend.

A host of experts have thrown their weight behind the concepts of indigenous, water-wise, and permaculture gardening. To explain these concepts, a series of talks has been arranged at the Jukskei Park garden.

Leslie Hoy is to talk on being water-wise.

.

There are only 50 seats for each lecture, and booking is essential. Telephone Shelley at 083 409 7927. Cost: R40.

Celebrity gardeners have donated their time to this open garden charity venture. This is the programme:

Saturday, March 9

2pm: Alan Buff will give a talk on Effective Microbes. A horticulturist, Buff joined the Johannesburg Parks Department in 1970 and is one of the most senior executives in the organisation. “Effective Microbes is an absolutely fascinating concept for any gardener and is used widely throughout the world”, he says.

3pm: Leon Kluge will talk on landscaping. As part of the successful South African team at Chelsea in 2010 and 2012, Kluge is an award-winning landscaper who is known for his contemporary landscapes.

4pm: Jamie Shepherd will talk on how to create a vertical garden. Shepherd has designed and built permaculture gardens in home gardens for 15 years.

Sunday, March 10

10am: Leslie Hoy will talk on water-wise gardening. As an environmental services manager for Rand Water, Hoy has been associated with water-wise gardening since 1994. Over the past two decades, he has managed the growth and development of Rand Water’s water-wise gardening education.

11am: Tess Raynor will talk on the use of biomimicry in the garden. Raynor is an expert on the concept of nature-inspired innovation.

“Biomimicry is the practice of learning from, and then emulating, nature’s genius to solve human problems and create more sustainable designs,” she says.

2pm: Paul Fairall will talk on wetlands. As an award-winning wetland warrior, Fairall will talk on how water moves through and over the landscape in northern Joburg.

Create a permaculture garden

Are you interested in creating a permaculture garden? These are based on the ecological principles of sustainable gardening. Included in the principles are concepts such as placing a chicken house on a platform above a pond containing indigenous tilapia fish. The idea is that the droppings fall into the water, providing food for the fish.

Food gardens are a keystone to permaculture and are created with an informal design of stepping stones among herbs, strawberries, vegetables and fruit trees.

Wild garlic (Tulbagia violaceae) and marigolds will help to keep some of the plant-eating bugs away and compost for the vegetables is produced using the leaf rakings and grass clippings from the garden. All organic material waste from the kitchen is used for the production of compost.

Ponds and wetlands are important and should be situated at the lowest part of the property. All the water off the house roof and the hard landscape (driveways and patios) should be directed into the pond which can be sealed using bentonite clay or a PVC liner.

Open gardens

Interested in attending charity gardens? All gardens open from 10am to 5pm. Entrance R20. Children under 12 free.

* March 9 10

Spiral Vegetable Garden, Alan and Angelique Gravett, 103 Robyn Street, Jukskei Park (Parking In Platina Street). 10am-5pm. Tea garden.

March 16 17:

Digby and Penny Hoets, 125 Springfield Road, Midrand.

Tuareg Guest House, 44/1 Norfolk Road, Carlswald.

Thula Manzi Guest House, 68/1 Norfolk Road, Carlswald. Tea garden.

Candice and Alan Fuller, 94/1 Norfolk Road, Carlswald. Telephone Addis at 083 409 7927. – Saturday Star

Get our free Lifestyle newsletter – subscribe here…

Mar 4, 2013

Nicole Reitz /
Featured Stories /
Fulton Community Development Agency Executive Director Joe Fiumara, Terry Ettinger / 0 Comment

by Andrew Henderson

Get your green thumbs ready.

The seventh annual Fulton Area Home Show will be held Saturday, April 6 at the Fulton War Memorial, according to Fulton Community Development Agency Executive Director Joe Fiumara.

The annual event will include booths and exhibits from building suppliers, home repair specialists, and financial institutions.

“This is such a good opportunity for our community to see what’s available to them and to look forward to the spring and summer home improvement and landscaping months,” Fiumara said.

The free home show is an opportunity for local homeowners and potential homebuyers to get a glimpse of the many services available for buying, selling, renovating, and sprucing up a home.

The show will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature a special guest this year. Terry Ettinger will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to talk about gardening, pruning and other landscaping ideas.

Ettinger is the “Garden Journey” reporter for YYN. He is an expert in the field of environmentally sensitive lawn, landscape and garden design and management. He has spoken to professional groups across North America.

Ettinger’s interest in horticulture is the product of time spent at his grandparent’s northern Illinois Christmas tree farm. He received both B.S. and M.S. degrees in horticulture from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He’s done additional graduate work at the University of Minnesota-St. Paul and the SUNY College of Environmental Science Forestry.

He is also the host of “The Weeder’s Digest,” a radio call-in program heard on 106.9 WSYR. Ettinger owns the environmental landscape consulting firm, Terry L. Ettinger Horticulture Consulting Services.

To read the rest of the story, pick up a copy of The Valley News or subscribe today by calling 598-6397

Mar 4, 2013

Nicole Reitz /
Featured Stories /
Fulton Community Development Agency Executive Director Joe Fiumara, Terry Ettinger / 0 Comment

by Andrew Henderson

Get your green thumbs ready.

The seventh annual Fulton Area Home Show will be held Saturday, April 6 at the Fulton War Memorial, according to Fulton Community Development Agency Executive Director Joe Fiumara.

The annual event will include booths and exhibits from building suppliers, home repair specialists, and financial institutions.

“This is such a good opportunity for our community to see what’s available to them and to look forward to the spring and summer home improvement and landscaping months,” Fiumara said.

The free home show is an opportunity for local homeowners and potential homebuyers to get a glimpse of the many services available for buying, selling, renovating, and sprucing up a home.

The show will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature a special guest this year. Terry Ettinger will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to talk about gardening, pruning and other landscaping ideas.

Ettinger is the “Garden Journey” reporter for YYN. He is an expert in the field of environmentally sensitive lawn, landscape and garden design and management. He has spoken to professional groups across North America.

Ettinger’s interest in horticulture is the product of time spent at his grandparent’s northern Illinois Christmas tree farm. He received both B.S. and M.S. degrees in horticulture from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He’s done additional graduate work at the University of Minnesota-St. Paul and the SUNY College of Environmental Science Forestry.

He is also the host of “The Weeder’s Digest,” a radio call-in program heard on 106.9 WSYR. Ettinger owns the environmental landscape consulting firm, Terry L. Ettinger Horticulture Consulting Services.

To read the rest of the story, pick up a copy of The Valley News or subscribe today by calling 598-6397

NEW ALBANY —
After two years of waiting and frustration from residents and county officials, Bridge 23 is expected to be completed in August.

The old iron bridge, at John Pectol and Hamby roads, has been removed and a bid will be accepted by the state Wednesday, March 6. The construction of the new bridge is a federal aid project which means the county will be responsible for 20 percent of the total cost which is expected to be around $1 million.

Don Lopp, director of operations and Floyd County planner, said there have been several issues to solve to get to this point.

“The main thing is there are so many historical requirements to go through,” Lopp said. “There were a lot of regulations and procedures to follow.”

The county has already paved the way for the new bridge to be built by clearing trees. The bridge is 92 feet long.

Floyd County bridges are inspected every two years, and in 2011, a state inspector recommended closing Bridge 23 immediately due to safety reasons Lopp said. He also said about 900 vehicles a day used the bridge before it was closed.

Stormwater manuals approved

The Floyd County Commissioners recently approved two stormwater ordinances which should help spell out maintenance standards and along with the city, put together a new design manual which includes criteria for builders to follow.

“We were able to set our own guidelines and ordinances. The rules and regulations are now in one place,” said Chris Moore, GSI technician for Floyd County. “The design manual also provides specs and design ideas on catch basins.”

Moore said the guidelines were copied from Louisville’s Metropolitan Sewer District manual, but includes Indiana regulations.

“New Albany and Floyd County worked together on this. We have the same design standards,” Moore said. “This should help us out and give us more oversight. We can show this to people and say this is what is on the books.”

“It will allow folks to have a set of guidelines that everyone is supposed to follow,” Lopp said.

Council must redistrict

The Floyd County Council will soon begin the task of redistricting its four districts prior to the next election. A committee was formed following the February council meeting.

There is a large variation of the number of residents between the four districts represented on the council that needs to be more equal.

Cleanup day planned

Floyd County has planned a cleanup day April 27 near the Edwardsville-Georgetown exit off Interstate 64, which is known as the Edwardsville Gateway area.

Besides picking up trash, some landscaping will be completed that day.

BILOXI — Regina Pavlov wants to transform her yard’s landscape from drab to fab and hoped she’d find inspiration at the 12th annual Gulf Coast Garden Patio Show.

When she and her daughter Rachal Pavlov walked into the Coast Convention Center, they were met with the smell of the outdoors, bursts of spectacular color from flowering blooms and plenty of trees and shrubs in various hues of green.

“I wish it was all in my yard,” she said.

The three-day event ends today. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $6, and free for children 12 and younger.

Rudolph Hall with the Mississippi Nursery Landscape Association said the garden show has seen good crowds despite the cold weather.

Ted Battley, owner of Gulf Breeze Landscaping of Gautier, is a first-time vendor.

“We’ve heard good things about it,” he said.

Battley, who started his company 32 years ago, saw a good response during the show’s first two days.

Battley said he and his two sons can turn customers’ landscaping ideas into real yards for homeowners and businesses.

Most who stopped by his booth inquired about low-maintenance options.

“A lot of people are talking to us, seeing what we have,” he said.

Many customers at the show took advantage of the free convenient holding area, which was staffed by students from the landscaping department at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Perkingston campus. Customers can send their purchases there to wait for pickup at the rear of the convention center, Hall said.

More than 60 vendors are set up at the show with a variety of merchandise including flowers, plants, trees, equipment, accessories, pools, pottery and even food and jewelry.

Seminars today are “Preparing Your Home for a Wildfire” by the state Forestry Commission at 11:30 a.m., “Powerful Garden Color” by radio personality and author Nellie “Garden Mama” Neal at 12:30 p.m. and “Fearless Entertaining Favorites” by co-author Catherine Strange at 2 p.m.

ETTRICK – Virginia State University and Chesterfield County are considering opportunities for evolving Ettrick into a pededestrian friendly college town complete with retail, housing and other services. A panel of experts shared ideas for revitalization generated from a two-day study of the area.

The plans presented by the Urban Land Institute panel on Tuesday focus on evolving Ettrick into a microcosm of retail, pedestrian friendly areas and housing, with VSU at its core. Central to these plans is the opening of an 8,000-seat convocation center on VSU’s campus by August of next year. Plans were also discussed to increase usage and access to the Petersburg Amtrak station, and to possibly relocate Ettrick Elementary School and Fire Station 12.

The experts in housing, development, traffic and retail, see a convocation center, increased student enrollment; and Chesterfield’s plans to revitalize Ettrick as “central drivers” for revitalizing the area. The 6,000 student university is projected to grow to 10,000 in 2020.

“We have a village and we have a town, but we have don’t have a college town,” panelist Randy Holmes said about Ettrick and VSU’s existing relationship. He stressed fixing Ettrick’s lack of retail and other services for the community and students alike as a key part the vision.  

The panel discussion is not the first mention of these college town visions. A master plan for Chesterfield Avenue written in 2010 mentioned modeling the area after other college towns in Virginia.

“Charlottesville and Blacksburg, Virginia, and Davidson, North Carolina are college towns that have evolved around a distinct university presence. All have become desirable enclaves for a variety of economic and social classes,” planners wrote.

The plan cites VSU’s expansion along Chesterfield Avenue as a main driver, and proposed improvements such as street scaping, more parking areas and signage to help visitors navigate the area.

The businesses in the section of Chesterfield Avenue that spans from Lee Street to the roads’ eastern bend were emphasized as an essential link between the village and VSU.

“This is a logical place for businesses in that Lee Street is a main artery into the village and should serve as a principle link … Development on the northern side of the street should focus on this critical node and the existing presence of commercial use,” planners wrote.

They also envisioned, “mixed use buildings” with retail on the lower floors and residences and offices on the top.

A central driver of these visions – and the only item discussed on the panel’s agenda that is sure to see ground breaking – is a new convocation center.

The center is set to be completed in August and will provide a forum for campus and communitywide events. The 8,000-seat facility – which is much larger than the existing Daniel Gym – will take up 155,000 square feet and will require 1,500 additional parking spaces. Large local events, such as graduations for Chesterfield County Public Schools, could be held at VSU instead of at the Siegal Center in Richmond.

Planners envision the convocation center not only as a large and convenient gathering place, but as a defining north western edge of the campus.

“Every university needs a strong sense of edge, a strong center and consistent texture,” panelist Randy Holmes said about the need to link the convocation center with the rest of campus and Ettrick.

The center, as the “strong edge”, would be linked to the middle of campus, which would be more greatly defined by landscaping details such as a plaza. Planners discussed adding residences and 15,000 to 20,000 square feet of retail area on the campus’ northeastern edge near Chesterfield Avenue, which would also be linked to VSU via walkways. Much of this retail area would minimize the visual impact on the surrounding community of the proposed 1,500 car parking lot. Planners also hope that the pedestrian friendly retail boulevard would entice students to live closer to campus.

John Keegan, the chair of the panel stated that this area would, “give residents and students the opportunity to walk a short distance to get a sandwich … to shop… and to make this (Ettrick and VSU) a destination.”

Panelists also discussed improving the Petersburg Amtrak station – located in Ettrick off River Road – to make it more accessible and visually appealing. Panelist Craig Amos described the train station, built in 1955 by the Atlantic Coast Railroad, as “pretty uninviting.” He also said that access could be improved to increase usage.

Both Chesterfield and Petersburg officials are vying for a stake in the station’s future. Chesterfield hopes to persuade the state to allow the Amtrak station to remain in Ettrick, while Petersburg wants to build a new station near Interstate 85.

It was also suggested that the spot between the Amtrak station and the Triple Nickel Bridge would be ideal for a hotel.

Plans were discussed to relocate Fire Station 12 on the southern end of Chesterfield Avenue to a more modern building, and to revitalize the current building.

“You could end up with a neat restaurant or retail space,” panelist Chris Corrada said about the building.

Also mentioned was a proposal to relocate Ettrick Elementary, which occupies a 15.8 acre plot. The panel estimates that the area could yield up to 500 housing units. Panelists felt that the areas’ location near the northeastern end of campus, close to the envisioned retail area on the northeastern side of campus, would create more foot traffic.

“All of a sudden, you’ve got a bunch of students walking through this retail sector,” Corrada said.

One potential project VSU has access to now due to its ownership of the building is renovating Simms Hall. Panelists envisioned the space being used as student or alumni housing, a hotel or other facility.

A prime concern of Ettrick residents is the fear that the village is losing its historic character due to VSU’s expansion.

“Soon, it won’t be Ettrick anymore,” Jeff Anderson of the Ettrick Historical Society told The Progress Index last year. “We will just be part of Virginia State University, but the place that we know will be gone.”

In order to construct the convocation center, and structures mentioned in VSU’s 2020 master plan, VSU demolished many of Ettrick’s existing structures. As of Feb. 2012, VSU planned to demolish 171 buildings.

Ettrick sits on the site of an Appomattox Indian village burned to the ground in 1676 during Bacon’s Rebellion. It is also the location of a former plantation that was the boyhood home of John Randolph, a Virginia congressman who was in office in the early 1800s. In the early 19th century it served as a mill town.

The university plans to create an exhibit showing what Ettrick was like before it began its expansion to the surrounding area. VSU engaged The College of William and Mary Center for Archaeological Research to document the history of Ettrick. The center also identified historically significant structures that could be relocated.

The Urban Land Institute will publish a written report of its observations in about 45 days that can be found at www.ulirichmond.com.

By Emily Sorensen

Looking for a new fruit tree, or simply need some landscaping advice? Then Poway Nursery, 12237 Oak Knoll Road, has you covered.

Nelly Thornbury, Tim Thornbury and Mary Pitino of Poway Nursery.

Poway Nursery, owned by Tim Thornbury, has been serving Poway in its botanical needs since even before Thornbury purchased the business in 1988 from its original owners. “It’s known for being a small, hometown nursery, and giving people personal service,” said Thornbury. “The nursery has been here a long time. It started as a local, Poway nursery, and now people come here from all over [San Diego County].”

The nursery, which is run by Thornbury, his wife Nelly, and Thornbury’s sister, Mary Pitino, offers a wide variety of plants, from ornamental to fruit trees and vegetable seedlings, as well as decorative garden statues, pottery, trellises and benches.

Poway Nursery offers locally grown ornamentals like trees, shrubs and ground cover, water-wise plants, succulents, and a number of different fruit and citrus trees, as well as avocado trees. They also sell a large selection of spring and summer vegetable plants, blueberry, blackberry and strawberry plants, and herbs. “People like to eat what they grow,” said Thornbury. “People want to do their own gardening for the fresh produce.”

Of course, Poway Nursery also sells numerous flowers, including roses. “We have a wide variety of roses,” said Thornbury. The nursery also does special orders, and will help you select the best plant for your situation. “We want to make sure you’re successful with it,” said Thornbury.

In addition to selling plants and decorative garden pieces, Thornbury also offers landscaping consulting. With 35 years of landscaping experience, Thornbury is happy to consult on residential landscaping, including giving advice on the design, maintenance and irrigation, as well as answering questions and giving ideas. He also does residential relandscaping as his speciality, taking out old landscaping and putting in new.

Poway Nursery offers more to the community than just plants and advice. In the past, they have sponsored Poway Little League, and often sponsor or donate to events for Poway schools, offering donations for auctions.

Most of all, Poway Nursery focuses on providing hands-on, individual service to their customers. “It’s all about service,” said Thornbury. “Our service, and our selection, separates us [from other nurseries.]”

Poway Nursery is open seven days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For information, call 858-748-2254. The web site is www.powaynursery.com.

No related posts.

Short URL: http://www.pomeradonews.com/?p=33436

Posted by Emily Sorensen
on Mar 1 2013. Filed under Business, Business Profiles.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

MARICOPA HOME GARDEN SHOW MARICOPA HOME GARDEN SHOW Maricopa’s Home and Garden  Show starts Friday, March 1st and goes until Sunday, March 3.  You’ll find out everything you need to know about home improvement projects, from the inside and out.  Get great gardening and landscaping ideas and tips or attend a free seminar on how to refinish your cabinets or countertops.  The Wheel of Fortune of Wheelmobile will be there. Come take a spin and try to qualify to become a Wheel of Fortune contestant.  The event is at the University of Phoenix Stadium. For all the event information visit www.maricopacountyhomeshows.com

INDIAN FAIR AND MARKET

The Heard Museum is holding its Indian Fair and Market this Saturday and Sunday.  This year’s theme is, “Weaving Worlds With Wool”.  There will be more than 700 top American Indian artists. Visitors will be able to meet artists and purchase some of their works. There will be jewelers, sculptors, painters, weavers and bead workers, plus more. The Heard Museum is located off Central Ave. and Monte Vista. For complete details visit www.heard.org.

 

PARIS IN THE SPRING

The city of Glendale is holding its Paris in the Spring event. It’ll be from 10am to 4pm in historic downtown Glendale.  Visitors can experience the fine food, culture and shopping with a Paris flair.  There will be an Open Air Market, and plein air exhibition.  For more details visit, www.visitglendale.com.

 

SPRING FLING PET ADOPT-A-THON

If you’re looking to adopt a new pet, then head to the 8th annual Spring Fling Pet Adopt-a-Thon, taking place at the Franciscan Renewel Center. They’re located near 56th St. and Lincoln Drive in Paradise Valley. The Center is helping the Phoenix Animal Care Coalition group, host the event. PACC is a non-profit organization that helps care for pets don’t have homes. There will be over 60 animal rescue groups helping find new homes for pets.  The event starts at 10am and goes until 3pm.  For more information visit www.PACC911..org.

 

JOHN LENNON ART EXHIBIT

An exhibit showcasing a lot of original artwork by John Lennon will be on display at Kierland Commons all weekend. It starts Friday, March 1 and will have signed Lithographs of Lennon, over 120 serigraphs and signed song lyrics.  The event is free and will be near the Starbucks at the Kierland Commons Shopping Center off Scottsdale Road and Kierland Bvld. in Scottsdale.

 

GREAT ARIZONA BEER FESTIVAL

The Town of Tempe is holding its annual Great Arizona Beer Festival this Saturday. It’ll be at the Tempe Beach Park and goes from 2pm to 6pm.  More than 200 different brews will be available, from about 50 different local and regional brewers. Some of the brewers in attendance include; Four Peaks, The Phoenix Ale Brewery, San Tan, and Oak Creek Brewery. For ticket prices and other information, visit www.AZBeer.com.

 

FIESTA CLUSTER DOG SHOW

It’s the Southwest’s premier dog show.  Visitors can watch over 10,000 dogs perform agility, conformation, obedience and rally tricks.  The event takes place from Friday until Sunday.  It’ll be at Westworld of Scottsdale, off Pima Road and the Loop 101.  Admission is free and parking is $5. All the details can be found at www.fiestacluster.com.

 

CAREFREE FINE ART WINE FESTIVAL

Downtown Carefree will host its Fine Art and Wine Festival Friday through Sunday.  There’ll be more than 160 artists and over 5000 pieces of fine art.  Visitors will be able to look at and purchase things like pottery, jewelry, crafts, paintings and photography. The event starts at 10am and ends at 5pm, on all three days. All details can be found at www.thunderbirdartists.com.

 

OSTRICH FESTIVAL

Chandler’s Ostrich Festival is here. Events kick off on Saturday with an 8am Fun/Run. It starts on Arizona Avenue at Frye Road and heads north towards Ray Road. The parade then starts at 10am on Arizona Ave., heading south from Ray Road.  Ostrich races start next weekend, March 8^th, 9^th and 10^th. Complete details for all the week’s festivities can be found at www.ostrichfestival.com

 

ARCHERY COMPETITION

Participants in the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Archery in the Schools program will be competing on Saturday.  It’s the state Championship tournament. Over 300 young archers will be competing throughout the day. Competition starts at 9am and the award ceremony takes place at 3:15pm. Competition will be at the Ben Avery Shooting facility in north Phoenix, located off I-17 and Carefree Highway. 

• Previous article
  Horne, Campbell discuss dueling proposals for school safety
  

• Next article
  Rare Boeing B-29 Superfortress used during WWII lands in Phoenix
  

Movies reinterpreting fairy tales have existed for slightly less time than the written fantasy
genre itself. A slightly newer take on reinvented fairy tale is the kind made in the macabre style
of director Tim Burton.

Jack the Giant Slayer is the latest example. The movie, directed by Bryan Singer, darkly
revisits the classic story of
Jack and the Beanstalk.

The special effects create a world constructed differently from the fairy tale the audience
remembers from childhood. The biggest shortcoming in the film is that the script gives its talented
cast, including Ian McShane, Christopher McQuarrie and Stanley Tucci, little material with which to
work.

“There are moments of Shrek-like playfulness in the carnival set up at the base of the stalk as
our heroes and villains climb it. But the vast array of writers…can’t find anything funny for
McShane to do or say,” Roger Moore
said in his review. “And the hilarious Bill Nighy is lost inside an expensively
animated two-headed behemoth.”

Moore’s most stinging comparison sums it up nicely: “It’s
The Princess Bride without the laughs.”

 

 

Easily offended moviegoers would probably be best served skipping
21 Over, a college-aged take on
The Hangover. Those who enjoy low-brow comedies about drink- and drug-fueled hijinks,
however, will feel right at home.

The story is cut from the same cloth as others in the category (i.e. the
Harold Kumar series,
Animal House,
Superbad,
Dazed and Confused and more). Two friends take a third friend on a journey for his 21st
birthday complete with nudity, drugs and booze.

If you aren’t taken aback by this type of a movie, there should be plenty to like about 21
Over, according to critic Peter Harlaub.

“Once you suspend both disbelief and the moral high ground,
21 Over is rewarding. Writer-directors Jon Lucas and Scott Moore find a nice balance
between the over-the-top high jinks and an emotional core — which unexpectedly crystallizes
relatively late in the movie, “Hartlaub
said in his review.

 

More reviews

• Phantom: Talented actors lend depth to sloppy Soviet