Good morning! This is The Oakville Digest, your trusted guide to everything happening in the beautiful town of Oakville, Ontario.

Here is what to expect in today’s issue:

• 🌕 February Snow Moon this week

• 💙 Oakville charity gives back to the community

• 📅 Some events to get your week started!

Thanks for being part of our growing community. Let us know what you loved in today’s issue by replying to this email, and….

Let’s dive in!

News

🎉 Oakville Digest Reaches 2,000 Readers!

Exciting news, Oakville Digest has officially reached 2,000 readers, and it’s all thanks to you!

When I started this newsletter, my goal was simple: to build a community and keep everyone informed about what’s happening in our town. From local events and sports to important initiatives and stories, Oakville Digest has grown into a space where we can share and celebrate our town together.

I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for reading, sharing, and supporting this newsletter. Your engagement, feedback, and enthusiasm make this all worthwhile.

As we continue to grow, I’d love to hear from you! What stories do you want to see more of? How can Oakville Digest serve you better? Feel free to reply with your thoughts or suggestions—this newsletter is for you, after all.

Here’s to the next milestone!

🌕 February’s Snow Moon Set to Shine Over Oakville

Get ready, Oakville! February’s full moon, known as the Snow Moon, will illuminate the night sky this week, and it’s expected to be the brightest one yet. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, this moon gets its name from the heavy snowfall typical of the season, a tradition rooted in Indigenous and early settler history.

The moon will reach peak illumination on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 8:53 a.m., though it won’t be visible at that time. For the best view, look to the sky on the night of Feb. 11 or later on Feb. 12, when it will rise above the eastern horizon at sunset and reach its highest point at midnight. Fresh snowfall could enhance the moon’s glow, making it appear even more radiant.

Skywatchers can also enjoy a planetary highlight on Feb. 24, when Mercury and Saturn will appear close together near the western horizon after sunset. NASA recommends finding a dark location for the best view.

Community Spotlight

💙 Oakville Community Foundation Allocates $100K to Key Local Priorities

The Oakville Community Foundation (OCF) is directing $100,000 raised through its 2024 GIVEOakville campaign to four critical community priorities: intimate partner violence, food insecurity, mental health, and the environment.

For the first time, donors could contribute directly to these priority areas, and the response was overwhelming. "The community priorities model works because when we address big issues collaboratively, we can effect real change for people in need of support," said OCF CEO Wendy Rinella.

Funding will be distributed as follows:

• $30,000 for intimate partner violence support, benefiting organizations like Halton Women’s Place and The Women’s Centre of Halton.

• $35,000 for food insecurity, with distribution advised by Food For Life and Kerr Street Mission.

• $15,000 for mental health, supporting groups like the CMHA-Halton and Support House.

• $20,000 for environmental efforts, directed to the Oakvillegreen Conservation Association for urban forest growth.

Donations remain open year-round for those wishing to support these causes.

⚾ Oakville’s Eric Cerantola Making Waves in Minor League Baseball

Oakville’s own Eric Cerantola is proving that Canadian baseball players can make a big impact in the MLB minor leagues. The relief pitcher, drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 2021, has been steadily climbing the ranks, showing impressive growth on the mound.

After honing his skills at Mississippi State University, Cerantola transitioned to the Royals’ farm system, where he struggled with control early on. However, his 2023 season was a turning point, posting a 3.66 ERA with 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings. In 2024, he improved further, earning a promotion to triple-A after recording a 2.78 ERA in double-A.

By season’s end, Cerantola had a 2.97 ERA across 37 games and landed on the Royals' top 30 prospect list. If he continues his upward trajectory, Oakville fans might soon see him make his MLB debut.

Weather

Monday, February 10
🌤️ Partly sunny and colder.
High: -4°C | Low: -8°C

Tuesday, February 11
☁️ Cloudy.
High: -3°C | Low: -11°C

Wednesday, February 12
☁️ Mostly cloudy; breezy in the afternoon.
High: -5°C | Low: -6°C

Events

• James and the Giant Peach Jr. 7:00 PM | February 11,12 (more info)

  • Location: The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, 130 Navy St, Oakville

  • Description: Join Rotherglen School as they bring Roald Dahl’s classic story to life with a vibrant performance of “James and the Giant Peach Jr.” Featuring a cast of 97 students, ages 10 to 14, this family-friendly show is filled with adventure and heart. Running time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including intermission.

• Mixology Workshop: In the Spirit of Things 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | February 11 (more info)

  • Location: Canvas Art Bar, 80 Lakeshore Road East, Mississauga

  • Description: Dive into the art of cocktails and bartending in this hands-on mixology workshop! Learn the history of drinking, cocktail fundamentals, and bar etiquette from a knowledgeable mixologist. Participants will step behind the bar to craft their own unique cocktail creations. Includes two complimentary cocktails or mocktails.

• Funny at Figaro: Comedy Open Mic 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | February 11 (more info)

  • Location: Figaro Coffee House, 350 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville

  • Description: Enjoy a night of laughs at Oakville’s monthly comedy open mic! This free event welcomes performers and comedy lovers alike. Don’t miss the first show on February 11—grab your coffee and join the fun!

• Lunch and Learn | Harmony and Belonging: Celebrating Black Excellence Through Art 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | February 12 (more info)

  • Location: Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre, 2302 Bridge Rd, Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate Black History Month with an inspiring lunch and learn exploring the intersection of art, identity, and community. This engaging event features a panel discussion with Black artists and thought leaders, along with a live showcase of creative works, including storytelling, spoken word, and visual art.

• Photo and Film Scanning 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | February 12 (more info)

  • Location: Glen Abbey Branch, Creation Zone, Oakville

  • Description: Learn how to digitize photos, film, and artwork using the Creation Zone's pro-quality scanner and SilverFast software. Perfect for family archivists, artists, and photographers looking to preserve or enhance their work. Open to ages 13 and up!

Thank You!

Thank you for reading The Oakville Digest! We hope you found this edition helpful and insightful. We’d love to hear your feedback or any event suggestions you’d like us to feature in future issues. Don’t forget to share with friends and family, and we’ll see you Wednesday!

P.S. Interested in sponsoring our newsletter? Email us at [email protected].