The next time you visit our Ste. Anne Boutique, please be sure to check out this lovely sampler in our Art Gallery section. It comes from Bristol, England, and dates back to 1818 — that’s 200 years ago! It has recently been fitted with a frame and protective glass, so perhaps it will be just as beautiful 200 years from now.

And while you’re in our Ste. Anne store, don’t forget to admire the creation of one of our very talented volunteers. He put his talents to the task this morning, and prepared this “fresh” display of spring flowers. It should serve to help us welcome Easter … and hopefully, a good sampling of spring weather. Thank you, Mike.

Since we’re recognizing volunteers, it’s important to thank those of you who have very generously and kindly helped with a collection of toiletries. With your donated items, we have managed to put together 17 cosmetics bags, which we’ve passed on to the West Island Women’s Centre in Pierrefonds. The WIWC, in turn, hands them out to the women when they leave the centre. What an unexpected little pick-me-up! Because this has been such a successful project, we will continue the practice for another month. Thank you to all involved who have helped to make this possible.