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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, N ov em be r 12 ,2 02 0 | 18 While we are currently only open for urgent eye care, we are getting prepared for a full re-opening of our offices as soon as health officials will allow.We wish to assure all our current and new patients that strong safety measures will be in place when we do open. Hope to see you soon and stay safe! We are open but due to the current virus situation we have to limit the number of people in our office. If you are planning a visit (for routine eye examinations, eyewear purchase and repair, contact lens pick up etc), please contact us in advance and we will arrange an appointment time for you. This will prevent overcrowding and keep everyone safe! ON NOW AT THE BRICK!ON NOW AT THE BRICK! SAVING YOU MORE For more details go instore or online @thebrick.com. A Georgetown woman is striving to bring resi- dents together in a pan- demic-safe way to shop lo- cally and have some fun this holiday season. Melanie Ventura is the face behind the Better To- gether Virtual Holiday Market, an online shop- ping experience with doz- ens of local vendors and some virtual family events. "The holidays this year are going to be very differ- ent, so this will be a great way for the community to be together when we can't really be together," said Ventura. "We can support local businesses while having some fun." The event, running from Nov. 21 to Dec. 6 on Facebook, will include small businesses selling everything from hand- made gifts to books, décor, items for holiday cooking and more. Black Friday and Cyb- er Monday deals will round out the shopping experience. On the family fun side, children will be able to have a virtual visit with Santa the afternoon of Nov. 28, followed by a mag- ic and illusionist show that evening. Then, it's time to get creative on Nov. 29 with a virtual craft session. "I picture people gath- ering around with snacks and a hot chocolate, creat- ing this new tradition while watching the enter- tainment," said Ventura. The event will raise funds for Food4Kids Hal- ton, with those who take part in the entertainment being asked to donate to the charity. There'll also be prizes, like an iPad with smart cover and shopping spree. This isn't Ventura's first time organizing such an event. During the summer, she hosted a virtual back- to-school vendor show to help parents shop for what they need in a pan- demic-safe way. Based on its popularity, the Better Together Virtu- al Holiday Market was born. "We (the vendors) have become this community of local businesses who are encouraging each other, supporting each other and sharing each other's busi- nesses with people," she said. "It's become this re- ally great thing that I think a lot of people are going to enjoy." Some other businesses are participating as spon- sors, including Euro DNA, the Better Life Co., Puz- zles Canada, Generation Physiotherapy, Circle Foundation and One Life Family Chiropractic (Dr. Matt Bradbury). For further details visit bettertogethermarket.ca. WHAT'S ON VIRTUAL HOLIDAY MARKET BRINGS CHRISTMAS SHOPPING HOME MELANIE HENNESSEY mhennessey@ metroland.com Melanie Ventura, founder of the Better Together Virtual Holiday Market. Judith Ochoa Photography LEATHERTOWN LUMBER www. 264 Main St. N., Acton 519-853-1970 416-601-1259 .ca