Friday 5 October 2012

Why thank you James Parry!


What a nice article in yesterday's edition of Your Local Journal.  (page 10)



One of the joys of writing this column every week – apart from the tax-free six-figure
salary and unlimited expense account (right!) - is that I get to meet some fascinating folk who are not fearful of trying something new. Combining pleasure with business, as it were, they are constantly thinking outside the box when it comes to innovation and creative endeavours in their commun- ity, generating income, and helping to provide for their families.
Something I have noticed – and don’t take this the wrong way guys – but they invariably seem to be women. I can think of at least a dozen ladies that I have reported on in recent months, all doing well in their new ventures and keeping me posted on develop- ments and upcoming promotions. Can’t recall one guy having called me about his new venture or project that he would appreciate a little blurb on. Go figure!
NEW POP CULTURE - Not that Hudson’s new Popsicle Lady did either. But having spotted her all over town this summer - at the Hudson Farmer’s Market every Thursday, Finnegan’s, Canada Day celebra- tions, Street Fair, British Car Show, and most recently at the 2 Barn Owls fundraiser for Le Nichoir, for example - I finally decided to stop by and pop a few questions. Learning a lot, I must
say, about her company – launched this spring after considerable private research and plenty of tasting – de- lightfully dubbed POP Culture.
Her name is Julia Schroeder, she is a proud Mom of two teens, and she says that, for a frozen treat, her pop- sicles have been very warmly received by the public. “I have to tell you James, I am extremely grateful and hum- bled by the excitement people have brought to my popsicle stand,” she told me. “And I have made so many new friends in the community who seem to love what I am doing, Namely, cre- ating the yummiest possible popsicles made from whole foods, fresh fruit and organic ingredients.”
POPSICLE GODS SHINE - Her children and friends were incredibly supportive right from the outset, she adds, while finding that her previous experience with making ice cream and sorbets, as well as what she calls ‘boozy fruiteritas’ definitely came in handy.
Laughs Julia,” The Popsicle Gods were certainly in favour of this en- terprise since they shone down their benevolence in the form of sun, sun, and more sun. Clients arrive hungry or thirsty. But more importantly, they ar- rive – and keep returning – with their intelligence, critical thinking, sense of fun, and curiosity.
“They want to eat better. They want
PHOTO BY JAMES
to know if the honey in the popsicles is supplied by McCaig ’s or whether the raspberries are grown locally. They expect the flavours to be extraordin- ary and challenging. And although a popsicle is a small thing, they are looking for - and finding, I think - an experience. Although I have worked like crazy this summer, every time gor- geous little kids run at me saying ‘The Popsicle Lady!’ or I see the visceral re- actions to the funky flavours with wide smiles, and see people sharing nibbles, I feel like the luckiest person ever.”
In addition to popping up all over town, Julia is also delighted to report that her popsicles are now hot sellers at Que de Bonnes Choses on Main Road, Quinn Farm on Île-Perrot, and Daoust on Harwood. Flavours include raspberry rhubarb with ginger, Indian lemonade (cumin, salt, pepper, and mint), strawberry with honey, maple baked plum, and lavender lemonade. Check ‘em out. You will love them. And for more info, Julia can be reached at (450) 458-2770 or (514) 834-2316.