Originally posted as a short newsletter for Ontario Barn Preservation, Christmas 2024. The first year I did not send out real (not just email) Christmas cards to the members. Kind of sad. Now they are just sending an email each year. The print card was something I started. I'm not sure why it was discontinued after this year. At this time there was a Canada post strike. The next year there was not. But just an email was sent. Cheaper of course. But, people really noticed getting a print card. It was a much better promotion than just another email, probably not opened.

Dear Members,

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings, and all the other ways to wish you a wonderful winter holiday.

I'm sorry not to send out the printed Christmas cards this year. It just hasn't worked out due to the Canada Post strike. 

This year I asked my niece, Emma-Jeanne Brown, to create a Christmas card for us. She did! I hope you enjoy it. Emma-Jeanne works as a Pastry Chef, starting a new job at The Watering Can, Vineland, Ontario in January. 

Can a Barn Become an Event Venue?

Location, location, location... as the real estate people would say. Barns are not usually in areas with a lot of local traffic, but people will come to an event. A location might not be on main street but it could still be a place people can come to for a good evening out. Symphony in the Barn and Ontario Festival of Small Halls have concerts in rural Ontario. Could your old barn be restored and become a host to concerts, weddings, and other private, public, or corporate events? 

I thought the idea was interesting. Note, I'm not an architect, city planner, political analyst, or anything with professional knowledge. Just an Electrical Engineer's daughter with an interest in old buildings, art, and history. The following information is what I have found searching online for Ontario based/ relevant resources. 

TVO Today - Rescue mission: Fighting to save historical buildings in rural Ontario

Laura