Art Bateman’s Jewels of the Deep

An important component of glass is molten sand! Frosted pieces of seaglass scoured by the action of waves and rock on glass is the sea’s attempt to regain that element of sand from glass and return it to its watery depths. True gems from the ocean, our Eastern Canadian stones abound with such treasure, many from the scores of shipwrecks that dot our Maritime coast, some going back hundreds of years.

One of the most interesting and pleasurable pastimes in our region is collecting these bright bits of frosted glass, and no one is more adept at finding these little pieces of history than Art Bateman of St. Edeuard, NB. Artist and entrepreneur, Art has parlayed his hobby into a lucrative business, transforming seaglass into lovely jewellery. Adorned with Sterling silver findings, Art creates lovely necklaces, pendants, and earrings in a range of colours muted by the ocean to become true "Jewels of the Deep." Passionate about his hobby, Art has taken the time to research seaglass and is well educated on the various colours and eras in history from which each piece hails. As he says, "My ‘jewels’ of seaglass are individually hand-picked on the beaches and seashores of Atlantic Canada by me and my dogs. Their shapes are unaltered and are exactly as the ocean surrendered them after hiding them for decades in its depths. Many are known to date back well over 100 years and no two are the same. Their histories are as varied as each piece is unique. Could they be from a long-forgotten shipwreck or a broken decanter thrown overboard years ago?

We know that purples and pinks, as well as some greens and clears, are from the Depression era. They are very rare, as are the aquas, mostly from the early 1900's. The very dark greens (black glass) are known to date back to the 1800's and are mostly European. Blues are rare because they are very soft glass. I use only those pieces that are time-worn to smooth edges. The rest, I return to the sea. The pendants are carefully drilled and fixed with a simple Sterling silver hanger to allow the beauty of the glass to be the focal point." Al also deals with vintage glass jars and bottles.

Art Bateman can be found during the summer months at the Bouctouche Farmers Market each Saturday or he can be contacted at 1-506-743-5678 or by email at achilles@nbnet.nb.ca anytime. Looking for jewellery that is beautiful and unique? Need a gift for someone special in your life? Invest in a piece of Art Bateman’s seaglass treasures and enjoy your gift from the sea!

The Flying A

A recent visit to the University Town of Sackville, New Brunswick, yielded an absolute gem of a store – The Flying A! Housed in a heritage building at 20 York Street in the downtown core, this lovely little shop specializes in quality clothing, giftware, and accessories all emblazoned with Mount Allison University insignia and logos. A wide and varied inventory includes T-shirts, sweatshirts, golf shirts, track jackets, pants, boxers, undergarments for girls and women, hats, scarves, mitts, outerwear and even infantwear for the future Allisonian! The Flying A carries a full range of sizes to choose from as well as various colours including the university colours of garnet and gold!

Quality giftware includes pen and pencil sets, mugs, tankards, calendars, note paper, and full lines of jewellery that range from white and yellow gold and silver university crested rings, cufflinks, tie pins, to a more casual line of popular Sterling Silver jewellery to appeal to the younger set. The perfect spot to shop for the freshman, career student, graduate, or seasoned alumni, at The Flying A, there’s something for everyone!

The Flying A is owned and operated by Sandy Harper, who, together with a team of friendly and helpful staff, exudes that timeless charm so typical of this lovely, small town. Just a 30-minute drive down the Trans Canada Highway from Moncton, Sackville is the perfect place to visit on the weekend. Drop by and enjoy their local farmers markets, stop at one of the many fine eateries, shop at their quaint specialty shops, and pay a visit to The Flying A and experience an important component in the flavour of this special university town. For more information, call (506) 536-1878, fax at (506) 536-1107, or visit their website at http://www.flying-a.nb.ca. Happy shopping!

Winegarden Estate Ltd. – Winery & Distillery

Taste the flavour of German culture! For an exclusive selection of local wines, Black Forest style schnaps, brandy, and liqueurs, visit the Rosswog family in Baie Verte.

In the 1860’s their great-grandfather, Johann Ziegler, senior, vine grower and master carpenter, received the right to distill fruit from the Grand Duke of the province of Baden, Germany. The products developed were specific Black Forest Specialities. The historical distillers-right was treated conscientiously by their ancestors and has been carried on by following generations, so that they may now present you with a wealth of delicious fruit distillates. The well guarded recipes and expertise immigrated with the Werner Rosswog family to Baie Verte, New Brunswick, Canada in 1983.

Winegarden Estate Ltd., formerly Rosswog-Farm-Distillery, was established by Werner and Roswitha Rosswog in 1991, marking the First and Private Fruit Distillery in Atlantic Canada. The first product, "Johnny Ziegler Apple Schnaps", dry, Black Forest style, was released in 1992. In 1997 the first N.B. Farm Winery License was granted, completing production of a wide and exquisite selection of both Wines & Spirits. Today you find more than 50 different products made and sold on site.

Their inviting store, with sampling area, is a liked destination. The friendly staff will help you with your choice of wine, brandy & liqueur. Take a stroll through the newly planted vineyard. Come for a visit and stay for the experience! Picnic tables are provided.

To accommodate bus groups, family reunions, birthdays and anniversary celebrations they offer tasting packages for up to 50 guests. Special events are held during the year. For more information, you may check their event calendar at: http://www.winepardenestate.com/. You can also email at srosswog@nbnet.nb.ca or telephone them at 1-506-538-7405.

Winegarden Estate Ltd. is located on Route 970 in Baie Verte, NB, close to the Confederation Bridge to PEI, just minutes off Hwys. 15 & 16. Hours are from 9 am to 5 pm daily. The Rosswog family welcomes you year round. Cheers!