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14 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday October 31, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Living Oakville Beaver LIVING EDITOR: ANGELA BLACKBURN By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Phone: 905-845-3824, ext. 248 Fax: 905-337-5567 e-mail: angela@oakvillebeaver.com · WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2007 Movies for Mommies a box office hit Quiet. The word alone -- never mind feedings and diaper changes -- can induce a cold sweat in new parents and makes it virtually impossible for them to take in the latest movie theatre fare. Not anymore though. Movies for Mommies is a hit at the box office and is now playing in Oakville. Moms and dads, with infants in tow, can buy their tickets at Encore Cinemas, get their popcorn and munchies, then watch one of the newest flicks to hit the silver screen. Every Thursday afternoon, it doesn't matter if babies cry during the movie -- everyone is in the same boat. And, if a diaper needs changing, there are change tables, complete with wipes and diapers, right in the theatre, so parents don't have to miss any of the on-screen action. Sharp surround sound that may injure a little one's ears is turned down, but the sound is up so no one cannot hear. The lights are up a little, too -- so parents can see what they're doing and find those wipes in the nick of time. While it may not sound like a good time to some, it's very likely akin to winning the lottery for new parents who have a tough time getting out and about with an infant. Movies for Mommies was welcomed with open arms in Oakville this fall. It began in Toronto in 2001, but is proving a hit and arrived here thanks to Laura Andrews. ents to also be nervous leaving the care of a baby to someone else, especially early on, so the ability to bring the baby with them is key," she said. "That's where Movies for Mommies comes in. Couples can enjoy a movie, with all the comforts available to allow them to easily care for their baby. Movies for Mommies can also be a great way for new parents to get out on their own. Having a new baby can be isolating and this is a great way to spend an afternoon, seeing a current movie on the big screen," said Brown. While the experience is ideal for those with children up to 18 months, those with older children are welcome to bring them along -- though it's best to check ahead to ensure if the movie is suitable for older children to take in. Brown said there's lots of family fare available and that will be especially true throughout the holiday season. Movies for Mommies Oakville is screening every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. Last week parents and tots filed in to see Elizabeth: The Golden Age. Tomorrow, In the Valley of Elah will take the screen. The screenings also always include special door prizes and giveaways. Admission is $8.50. Information and up-to-date listings are available at www.moviesformommies.com or by calling the theatre at 905-338-6397, Movies for Mommies caters to new parents offering a few hours of cinematic escape with a current film in an infant-friendly environment. Besides the change tables in the theatre, there's bottle warming and stroller parking. DEREK WOOLLAM / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER ROLL'EM: Laura Brown, her nine-month-old daughter Abbey, and her four-year-old son Evan open the doors to Movies for Mommies Oakville at the Encore Oakville Mews Cinemas every Thursday afternoon where it's okay to munch popcorn, change diapers, have some milk and generally make a ruckus -- all while watching the latest theatre fare. The 31-year-old Andrews lives in Waterloo, but jumped at the chance to bring Movies for Mommies here. When all the stars, and business details, were aligned just right, Movies for Mommies opened. It happens Thursday afternoons at Encore Oakville Mews Cinemas, located at 171 Speers Rd. Tickets go on sale at 1 p.m. and the show starts at 1:30 p.m. Andrews, herself a parent of a nine-month-old daughter Abbey and four-year-old Evan, knows how tough it can be for parents. "Date nights for new parents can often be an impossibility, but now they can enjoy a movie together with their baby at Movies for Mommies." Laura Brown, Movies for Mommies Oakville "Date nights for new parents can often be an impossibility, but now they can enjoy a movie together with their baby at Movies for Mommies," said Brown. She hosts the event through her company, Two Feet Up Productions Inc., producer of Movies for Mommies Waterloo and Oakville and the K-W Baby & Toddler Show every May. Brown urges new parents to make time to nurture their relationship by spending more time together. Having a new baby can be very stressful on a relationship and spending time together is essential, according to Brown. "It is not uncommon for new par- Seldon and firefighters add sizzle to Zonta brunch The Zonta Club of Oakville is hosting Winter Elegance on Sunday, Nov. 18 with decorating editor of Style at Home Kimberley Seldon and a menswear fashion show modeled by Oakville firefighters. The fundraising brunch will be held at the Burlington Convention Centre from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Funds raised will support a rehabilitation program for women who are victims of domestic violence. The event promises to be an "elegant" and fun-filled day as attendees watch Oakville firefighters strutting their stuff in a menswear fashion show during brunch. The event will be hosted by emcee decluttering guru Stephen Ilott and there will be a special appearance by comedian David La Fame. Also taking place will be a twohour presentation by Seldon, decorating editor of Style at Home and regular guest of Cityline who will speak on how to "dress" a home for the holiday season. There will also be silent auctions and raffles. Items will include a custom Brentwood sofa and two chairs designed exclusively for the event, an artwork valued at $5,000 and a week's stay at a five-star resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. A panel of local home décor experts will also be on hand to provide tips on topics such as lighting, flooring, faux painting, window coverings, furniture, and decluttering. They will also take home decorating questions from the audience. Home décor kiosks will also be available for more shopping opportunities. The goal of Winter Elegance is to fund as many needy women and their children as possible in Halton through an entire rehabilitation program. The program starts with the crisis call for help and consists of many steps including short term shelter, longer term accommodations, and the critical counselling/guidance services to assist women in establishing a new safe and self-sufficient life. There are more than 700 women in Halton who access temporary shelter every year and there are countless others who simply don't know where to turn. Partner organizations in this project include Assaulted Women's Helpline, Halton Women's Place and Home Suite Hope. Tickets cost $125. Buy seven tickets before Nov. 2 and get one free. For tickets or information contact Claire Wallace at 905-339-2460 or email claire.wallace@sympatico.ca, or visit www.zontaoakville.com. Kimberley Seldon