Fall 2023
Why government efforts to bolster local media matter
In the August issue of Saltscapes, you may have noticed a small black and white photo on page 17. It’s one that hits close to home, showing retired New Brunswick publisher Dave Cadogan and his team celebrating a big win at an annual Canadian Community Newspaper Conference — a little slice of Canadiana, a glimpse of the golden days of community journalism, reflecting what our country is losing as we witness the slow death of our newsrooms. The photo predates my time as a journalist, but when I entered the scene in the early 1990s, community newspapers were still vibrant publications with robust advertising sales and ample page counts. But it wasn’t long into my career that our industry felt the first vibrations of disaster. Bit by bit, corporate publishing groups gobbled up small entrepreneurial papers. While it might not seem like a monumental shift, the annual national conference that for decades was as much a family reunion and one big hug for
Canadian community publishers and their kids became a shadow of its former self, losing its soul to big media and the bigger bully: the internet. Moments like the Cadogan team celebration have never looked quite the same. It will be too late for many media organizations, but the only way to restore journalism and have a healthy news ecosystem in Canada is to regulate the Goliaths that have been stealing our content and choking our life-giving ad revenue. The federal government’s recent Online News Act (Bill C-18) is long overdue, drawing a much-needed line in the sand and pulling millions of dollars of advertising out of Facebook and Instagram, and others may follow suit. The question is: will they direct that money to Canadian-owned media who employ the journalists seeking out a livelihood and writing the stories that matter to our communities? Bill C-18 gives me hope. Consumers of online news need to remember that Meta and Google’s link blocking does not mean that your news has disappeared. Urge your communities to keep supporting local media and trusted journalism, today and into the future. Crystal Murray, President
HUMAN CAPITAL UPDATE Changing seasons By Cathy Brown-MacLean, VP of Human Capital The trees have lost their colourful coats and pumpkin spice has invaded our coffee mugs — the human capital and payroll team is here to usher in the next few months with a bit of humour and important dates from your favorite department (or so we hope). Nov. 1. Post-Halloween Dental Care. Remember, candy wrappers may be gone, but those sweet memories linger. Don’t forget to brush! Nov. 11. Remembrance Day. Our local communities pay tribute to those who served in the military. Let’s remember their bravery and express gratitude for their service. Nov. 13. World Kindness Day. Let’s spread kindness throughout Advocate’s worksites and communities and be more compassionate. Dec. 18 to 26. Celebrating Hanukkah and Christmas. Embrace the joy and diversity of this festive season. May your holiday be as vibrant as our ink cartridges, and just as colourful! Jan. 1. Happy New Year! May your resolutions be as sharp as our paper cutters. Feb. 17. Random Acts of Kindness Day: Challenge yourself to spread cheer — it’s like free advertising for the soul and it’s contagious! Feb. 20. Helping Hands. Let’s warm hearts by helping others during the chilly days. Be it a colleague or a neighbor, a small gesture can make a big difference. As the days grow shorter and the nights cooler, remember that our HC and payroll team is here to support you in every season. Stay warm, stay kind, and let’s keep the printing presses rolling. Together, we’ll make these months memorable!
Jill Munro marks 25 years with Advocate By Kevin Adshade Who knew that 12 weeks could turn into a quarter-century? “What was supposed to be three months turned into 25 years,” Jill Munro says with a laugh. “It feels like the blink of an eye, it’s hard to believe I was only 20 years old when I started here.” The native of Miramichi, N.B., whose husband, Charles, is from River John, N.S., took on a three-month contract in 1998, filling in for a worker on maternity leave. She must have made a good impression, because she marked her 25th anniversary with the company in April 2023. Her first 18 months with Advocate Printing & Publishing in Pictou, had her doing colour correction. “There were three of us that did nothing but scan photos, crop and colour correct them and send them off to the design department,” she recalls. She then moved into customer service role “and I’ve been doing that ever since.” Munro has dealt with many clients over the years, at times juggling several of them at once. However, she now works exclusively with Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. in a marketing and advisory role. “I’ve dealt with many clients at once, but I think that my strength lies in building a relationship with one large client, building that relationship with a core group of people,” she says. Working at the same place for so long also means developing life-long friendships. “I’ve known a lot of people for a long period of time, and I’ve built friendships with a lot of people I’ve worked with over the years.”
Client testimonials Advocate clients share their delight with our team’s work “I picked up my copy of the guide … Your crew has done their usual excellent job.” — Custom publication client “Oh my goodness! And yes, I’m yelling from pure joy! You and your team are seriously the best!” — Brochure client “Thank you for reaching out and for making this connection! I've had the best experience working with one of your staff members, Tim Hicks, in my two previous roles and Advocate has been in my roster of printing agencies ever since!” — Custom printing client
Navigating the AI Frontier A new chapter for sales and marketing at Advocate By Esraa Mostafa In the dynamic landscape of sales and marketing, Advocate is working to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI). As technology continues to change our approach to business, it’s time to recognize the untapped potential of AI tools like ChatGPT, Dall-E, Bard, and others. AI is poised to revolutionize sales and marketing. Imagine the impact that crafting personalized outreach emails and proposal segments instantaneously could have on operations. Thanks to the capabilities of large language models like ChatGPT and the tools built on them, this is rapidly becoming possible. Interpreting and generating text are among the capabilities anticipated to boost productivity. AI can do everything from creating art and music to graphic design and software development. To capitalize, departments should look for ways to boost productivity. This involves the potential for streamlining workflows and exploring AI applications, while improving strategic alignment within our respective spheres. Acknowledging the uncertainties that accompany AI adoption, Advocate is committed to responsible applications of AI tools. Our forthcoming AI policy will ensure its ethical and secure integration. Let’s collectively embrace the opportunities AI brings to elevate our efficiency and strategically position Advocate for the future.
Holidays November 11 Remembrance Day (Canada). Veteran’s Day (U.S.).
November 23 Thanksgiving Day (U.S.).
December 25 Christmas Day.
December 26 Boxing Day (Canada).
January 1 New Year’s Day.
Dates of Note Continuing through December 31 Saltscapes and Maine Home + Design magazine holiday subscription campaigns.
November
Spotlighting a key Advocate client: NSLC By Kevin Adshade Five years ago last month, Advocate Printing & Publishing partnered with the Nova Scotia Liquor Corp (NSLC). “NSLC is an ideal Enterprise client,” says Jill Munro, explaining that Advocate works closely with the organization, doing printing work, IT and graphic design contributions, making a footprint on social media, and collaborating with the corporation for online ordering. Munro cites NSLC as “a company or organization that values a relationship with us and, together, we’ve established a shared commercial purpose. They share their ideas, goals and strategy, and look for our advice and expertise in what Advocate provides or outsources to other vendors.” NSLC is a “priority client,” and Advocate aims to provide quality, consistency, and fair market-value costs with leadership in technology, equipment, and materials, plus solutions to build and maintain relationships. Munro works exclusively with NSLC to produce marketing and other resource-based materials for the corporation’s 110 stores. The list of services Advocate offers is long. NSLC recently signed on for another two years with Advocate, and by the time that contract is up, the relationship will have lasted a full seven years, with hopefully many more to come. “All indications show NSLC are happy with their partnership with Advocate,” Munro says.
We had an enthusiastic and fun filled return of the Bruce F. Murray Memorial Golf tournament on Sept. 9.
Hindu Heritage Month.
November and December Pictou Advocate, LighthouseNow, and Saint Croix Courier holiday subscription campaigns.
November 12 Diwali.
November 21 National Entrepreneur’s Day.
November 24 – December 17 Halifax Evergreen Festival.
December 1 World AIDS Day.
December 5 International Volunteer Day.
December 6 106th anniversary of Halifax Explosion.
December 7 to 15 Hanukkah.
December 26 to January 1 Kwanzaa.
Supporting community on Nova Scotia’s South Shore By Keith Corcoran
Redesign brings new look to the Pictou Advocate By Raissa Tetanish A redesign is always a big decision for a newspaper. Recently, after 130 years, the Pictou Advocate redesigned and made a major shift, from broadsheet to tabloid format. Tabloid formats are easier to read, featuring shorter and punchier stories, bold images, and strong designs. Shawn Dalton, senior director of creative design and production, and his team spearheaded the new design. “Changing the size of the Advocate was no small decision,” said Dalton. “Moving from a broadsheet to a 17-inch tab meant efficiencies on press that would save time and be more economical in the long run. It was also an opportunity to redesign the paper and freshen it up, a process that will continue as time goes on.” Once Dalton and his team had some ideas, they passed them along for consideration and a decision on a final design. Time and consideration went into font selection for readability and accessibility, as well as what worked best for the paper. Style and tone for headlines and body copy were discussed, as well as how images work within the editorial copy. We continue to hear reader feedback on the change and would love to know what you think — contact us to share your thoughts and suggestions.
McBain immediately dove back into the community. He had a one-year stint on the Bridgewater Bulldogs baseball team board of directors and volunteered for scorekeeping at tournaments, and other fundraisers, where he secured Advocate’s support. “Thank you to Advocate Media for sponsorship of the Bridgewater Bulldogs Baseball Association's Heart and Hustle Award, which was presented at the association's year-end banquet Sept. 23,” he says. “I know this will mean a lot to the recipient and it means a lot to show our support to the community that we live in.” McBain's also a deacon and drummer for a local church, coached two youth soccer teams for two seasons, and is involved as a coach and vice-president of the South Shore Ice Storm sledge/para hockey team that last year had 33 members from ages five to 60. And ever the LighthouseNow promoter, he suited up as Captain Lighthouse, the newspaper's mascot for the Queens County Fair, winning second place for commercial participants. He encourages others to similarly dive into their communities. “Whether it's organizing fundraising events, participating in sports clubs, or mentoring local youth, volunteers play a big role in creating a stronger, unified area,” McBain says.
Community connection By Danielle Devine Early this fall, Maine Home + Design joined local organizations in sponsoring Maine Preservation’s annual gala at the newly restored Lemont Hall in Brunswick. Proceeds from the auction help Maine Preservation promote and preserve historic places, buildings, and neighbourhoods, strengthening the cultural and economic vitality of Maine communities. For a third year in a row, we put out a call to Maine designers to come meet us for a drink at Novare Res Bier Cafe in downtown Portland to create a napkin sketch. All participants were given a drink, a pen (however, as you might have guessed, many brought their own), a cocktail napkin, and five prompts. See the results of their Photo: Heidi Kirn work in an upcoming issue.
Photos: Dave Clough Photography
Photo: Steve Smith, VisionFire
Advocate’s LighthouseNow newspaper and its editor, Kevin McBain, continue a tradition of supporting local community groups through sponsorship and volunteering, allowing both to make a tangible difference in Nova Scotia’s Lunenburg and Queens counties. The seasoned scribe thrives when it comes to highlighting and contributing to the prosperity of his communities with resources, time and energy. “I love working with youth and passing on the life and athletic skills that I have learned over the years and being a mentor to the young athletes,” says McBain, who's led the paper since 2022 and coached youth teams in several sports. “As a journalist and editor, I also enjoy telling the stories and talking to youth and highlighting their accomplishments in the newspaper.” His current stint with LighthouseNow is his second. He was a graphic artist and sports reporter between 1992 and 1997. He moved back home to Saskatchewan, serving as a sports reporter and editor there before returning to Nova Scotia. He returned to LighthouseNow in 2018, as a contract reporter.
Building for success By Kevin Adshade Safety, quality, cost, performance, and people — these are key areas of focus that operations improvement director Charles Maxner and his team continue to focus on to achieve success for Advocate Printing & Publishing. “It’s a package deal,” says Maxner. “Sometimes you have to focus your energies on one more than the other, but each element is deserving of attention. They’re all important. We have been working with our people to collect and interpret data to help ensure we are focusing our energies appropriately. There is still a lot to be done.” Safety, scheduling, and planning have been key areas of focus over the past year, and they will continue to be as the company moves forward. One of the challenges the organization faced post-pandemic was recruitment and retention. “To help improve this situation we have worked closely with human capital,” Maxner says. “We continue to work hard to examine our onboarding processes, our training practices, and providing better direction regarding clarity around people’s roles and responsibilities. We are starting to see the results of this focus.” As the company moves into the new fiscal year, quality has been identified as an area of opportunity. Maxner uses the word “formality” to illustrate methods that teams can use to help reach company objectives. “Every time we produce, we need to focus on producing to specification, producing the correct quantity and producing our product on time to meet our customers’ expectations,” he explains. “We want to create more formality around our processes and expectations to better support our teams in this quality journey.”
Our phenomenal team of staff and volunteers hosted the largest-ever Fall Saltscapes Expo with great success. We couldn’t be prouder!
Around Advocate
Having Friday fun with our Bridgewater folks!
Rare sighting of our Flyer Services team taking a break.
PROFILES
Pizza Day
New teammates and long-time Advocate employees We invited a few of Advocate’s recent and long-time hires to tell us a bit about themselves. If you’re new to the team and would like to introduce yourself, email jillmurray@advocateprinting.com and we’ll save a spot for you in a future issue. Natasha Shea, Bridgewater, N.S. Position: Office administrator Hire Date: July, 2017 Hobbies: Painting and crafts, home improvements, and baking. Someone you would like to meet: My mom when she was young; she passed away just over a year ago and when I was going through family photos for the celebration of life, I found a picture of her when she was about 14, with wildly curled hair and a big mischievous grin. I would love to spend a day with her. Recent great movie: Great TV show actually — Only Murders in the Building. So much fun! Favourite saying/quote: “Life is short. Break the rules. Forgive quickly. Kiss slowly. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that makes you smile.” Favourite food: Not a single food, a group of foods: breakfast!
The Pictou, N.S., team recently took a break for a pizza lunch, celebrating recent wins, sharing news, and building team spirit.
10
Sports
Kullen Wrathall, Pictou, N.S. Position: First Pressperson Hire Date: March, 2017 Hobbies: Coin collecting, 20+ years of it. Someone you would like to meet: Conan O’Brien. Recent great book: The Brethren, by John Grisham. Favourite saying/quote: “Be yourself because everybody else is already taken.” Favourite food: Manicotti.
The Advocate September 28, 2022
Canada Winte highlights Alb r Games box-off ion boxing car d
www.pictouadvocate.com
By Steve Goodwin
said he’s anticipating a top-notch boxing season. He said amateur Albion Boxing boxing in Nova Club is hostScotia is in good ing an amateur card Oct. 1 that hands. will feature “I’m really happy a box-off that with the includes club member Noah club and looking forward to the Thompson. card,” he said. “I’m just thrilled Thompson will with the way boxing is going box in a 57-kilogram in the province. bout against Erin and Walter Josh proven Cull of Citadel are coaches, and Boxing Club Jay Martin in is moving Halifax to decide through the ranks Team Nova Scotia’swho will join coaching.” of boxing contingent for Worthen praised the 2023 Canada Thompson Winter Games and club in P.E.I. heavyweight Ian He is among MacLeod for nine of the 10 their gold medal competitive club performances boxers on the at the 2022 card. It resumed training for the Brampton Cup in July. MacLeod 2022-23 season has already qualified for earlier this month. Fifteen the Winter Games. other boxers are training for a “If Noah wins, possible chance he’ll make the to compete. That’s as many boxers team,” Worthen said. as the coaching Worthen staff can handle, noted the opportucoach Walter nity the club Linthorne said. has to host a card “We’re full,” May 27 next year he said. “The to help it mark boxers are looking 35 years. good.” Erin MacGregor “We’re really happy with that has also too,” returned to he said. coach the boxers, while former The club continues club to offer a Martin has become boxer Jay non-competitive a coach. Both gram for women boxing proMacGregor directed by Al and Archibald. Linthorne boxed in the Canada Games. The program starts at 6 p.m. “They’re doing Monday, Tuesday great,” she said. “This is and Wednesday the earliest we did the club’s for an hour before a show. We’re training hard other boxers and training begins they’ll be ready.” that includes exercises, MacGregor has as well as sparring also coached for the comat the Canada petitive boxers. Games level and is currently a Winter Albion Club’s card will preate coach with Games associ- cede cards scheduled for Boxing Nova Oct. 8 Scotia. in Sydney, Oct. 15 in Oxford and “I love coaching,” Oct. 29 she said. include in Glace Bay. Others “It’s been a great Citadel club experience.” in Halifax Club president on Nov. 5, New Jim Worthen Waterford on Nov. 15 and Eskasoni on Nov. 26. Noah Thompson, For The Advocate
13 September 27, 2022 |
News
Occupational tintype photography making comeback on Grand Manan By Heather Knight
DiMartino GRAND MANAN – John of Grand Jr. is reacquainting the people 150-year-old Manan with a more than photographic technique. tintype phoIn 1856, the invention of photography’s broadened tographs way. The photoreach in an entirely new for “democgraphic practice was known to its affordratizing photography” due people. left, evades a punch thrown ability for most everyday by Nolan Walsh those during a sparring In just a handful of minutes, have session at the Albion Boxing afford to Club. who previously couldn’t (Goodwin photo) John DiMartino Jr. photo had a tanan image of themselves taken tintype work at a given Taken while working on his occupational Darrin gible depiction of themselves By Steve Goodwin emptying their in Newfoundland, DiMartino photographed For The Advocate point in time, without Society, Hookey, a cooper at the Trinity Historical pockets. Hookey isMemories New York, of a titanic hockey where they have a working cooperage. DiMartino, an artist from or flowing doryare from aseries back for Clyde Fraser remembered art passions afmaking a small pail used to bail water Fraser. shifted his focus to his how unravelled Soviet fans tried with the in the first two A view of the to cheer them skiff. up after Canada mincontents of a ter leaving a 20-year career suitcase emphasizes blew a 4-1 lead utes when Canada was assessed Agency. The in the first what it game in Moscow several penalties, and meant for Fraser Environmental Protection Canadian and lost 5-4. to attend five forward J.P. a step back, of the eight games Parise became Then things pandemic forced him to take John DiMartino Jr. photo between Canada changed. so incensed when and the former in that given a penalty Soviet Union He noted someone that he swung Grand Manan. recognizing he was unfulfilled Cover, in what has been Woodwards in his hockey stick nets had his com- at referee mending called the Summit posed a cheer Josef Kompalla. that contained Series, including and scallop fisherman Bradley Small role. pose doing the same thing. the Russian translations “We thought career, Di- Retired weir, lobster image of Small’s father in the same games in Moscow.the last four it was going for ‘yes’ be Since leaving his previous and ‘no,’ which shot to replicate a black and white to A diary he a riot,” Fraser kept helped the Canadians John Coffer The image was said. him remember roared with They got Martino apprenticed with the great fervour: trip vividly. photographs involves constant for “Da representativeto see Canadian tintype centre Da, Canada; teaching added. he Nyet Nyet, Soviet.” Canada won Alan Eagleson big draw for at the world’s leading the series with “I think it says something,” The cheer coincided rescued by tinkering, which was a 6-5 victory in a Tintype. Canadian players with from the final game Canada winning been interested in people wet plate practices, Camp authorities after Sept. 28, 1972 the other three process en- “I’ve always he became that him. – 50 years games and Soviet angry when the manipuHe embraces the authentic something because I do Fraser is a retired ago. fans were not goal judge was pleased. His work involves no digital slow to turn on educator chemicals, var- who make tell a story.” who had been that techthe light to indimodern tirely – making his own of photographs teaching like trace I “We didn’t do cate a Canadian only for three years when he with black too. anything that goal in the project hit lation. The attended the endeared ourselves third period. the scanner he nishing thin pieces of metal first The inspiration for this game. Canada to them,” nology in his process is natural light he said. won, 4-1, in “That was discovering a book of Toronto after of his images. varnish, and using only right down its shocking The series was in front of us,” tintypes, DiMartino after uses to keep a digital copy 7-3 loss in the Fraser said. series opener to create historically accurate with two weeks in two parts, couldn’t “You me take your image, I give tintype images. let you get away with in Montreal. “If between The Soviets said. the the free that in four games in also known as ferrotypes. tied world.” Canada, 4-4, Canada and “It resonated with me,” he as a thank you.” in Winnipeg the hands dirty,” four in Moscow. Canada eventually is not an easy you one and won 5-3 in Vancouver. about his Fraser said he “Literally getting your won the Opting to shoot tintypes found it prophetic game with This past summer he spoke worked so Paul Henderson’s He had not planned which can be for Team at the Canada. said DiMartino. “I’ve never famous goal to attend undertaking. Unlike film, the game in with 34 seconds work and held a demonstration Toronto but “I felt maybe was hard in my life.” at your leisure, DiMartino’s Grand Manan Museum, which had been offered a ticket after two weeks left in the third period. if he could travel Clyde Fraser shares a view of preparation photographs processed The Canadian there. they’d be in have a 15-minute of a suitcase Occupational tintype fans were isobet- lated from full of memories ter shape,” he everyday tintype photographsthey must be pro- in the works for a few years. said. how much of “I thought, ‘Why from the 1972 Canada tioning was missing“The condi- became increasingly he goes, but Summit Series. forged a connection between couldn’t I in which trade places?’” He’s been selling work as before, and communities window galvanized he said, referring weeks of unpaid vacation so was the confidence.” by the series the subject matter of to the game working people and the from million (Goodwin photo) and how the created out of pure teaching to attend in Montreal. people?’ We saw Team is bring- cessed. Because The last game Canada was at most of his work is the last four “I’m games glad I didn’t. women matched rallying. was especially dressed Eventually, he in the revolves around people surrounding them. DiMartino I left here at 5 tense for the by the loud and “We didn’t a.m. his arrival, Soviet Union. Upon streets in coats sweeping the and got there Canadian fans, capturing im- his images sub- passion for the medium. an exhibit or a know how the some- with times raucous at 6 he was astounded with corn brooms. whole economy police and ing that connection back, requires him to travel from contingent of before the game,” p.m., an hour a society by were two These some had stopped might show his work in that seemed so and their tools work, it sonnel mounted military per- watch these he said. “I flew 3,000 Canadians entirely different to different styles back to Halifax ages of everyday workers on horseback games,” he from Canada. witness- and life- ing the now he’s focused on creject to subject. coming together.” the next day. said. action, compared “Everything lining the route It was just a fluke processing book, but right had come to “They’d give to the hotel from the stop.” Among the proud of, just in the age of all things digital. primarthat I got to a you just about He completes all the image where they stayed suitcase’s con- remaining, mostly stoic, Toronto.” ating a body of work he’s anything to get Soviet rink. to the fans. They would a pair of jeans,” tents are the tickets he bought Two things While occupational tintypes women in the back of his truck. The window of photographing are show their disFraser needed he said. “We wondered, for bother Fraser. the four games than re- as the subjects he’s to take two “It felt really One is the eight at the Luzhniki pleasure with whistling. ‘Where‘s intimidating,” all the traffic ily featured men rather Canadian playhas to complete his images “We outshouted he said. “We their work. in a city of seven Ice Palace in Moscow. photographers time he were wondering ers and the 15 Soviet them with natural light. proud of occupaThe on-ice 3,000 people,” available his players what on between 1850 and 1880, who continue would entirely will have since died. tension was Fraser happen if we DiMartino today have lies won.” The other drown them out.” said. “We’d focus and The eighth Grand Manan bringing the art form back game had its is the limited response Each photograph requires John DiMartino Jr. photo to the tional tintype work in moments. It almost completely anniversary due to the broadened the scope of inclusion. is im- dedication. He doesn’t have unlimited 2023. Russian invasion of Ukraine. Carly Maicher is a landscaper, fibre people fails and Maine in summer DiMartino Grand Manan’s Lifting up the working in a single day, and if he in Seal Cove. For more information on exactly what attempts the artist, songwriter, singer and musician portant to DiMartino, and shot, he must wait until day in front of the and his work, visit johndimartinojr.com Here she is pictured on an overcast Manan this to get his The Stellarton he’s been doing on Grand can U-13 dog, Ruby, Albions light is optimal again. him on Instagram (@john_di- treehouse she made in her woods. boys’ Her baseball team Team members turned into or follow past summer. include Chace recently as Atlantic came home coaches What started as a hobby they work Ian MacIntosh, in the bottom left corner. pur- martino_jr). Campbell, Noah seen champions. the be .ca DiMartino ourier John “The people here hustle, The Bungay, Greg bringing Fitt, Albions captured heatherknight@stcroixc MacIntosh, Park and Leigh Evan the title MacLennan, would make me a passion, with a 5-0 record, Brody hard,” he said. “Nothing missing in his life. Creating as well as comas well as players MacLennan, Nicholas pliments as the of a plumber. pose he was most polite and Matt Kennedy, Jack Cameron, MacKenzie, Lincoln happier than if I got shots
Clyde Fraser fondly
Albions capture
remembers Summ
it Series after 50
years
U-13 Atlantic title
friendly team Bungay, Chase Comeau, others have met. Ashton Chislett, William Butland, Max Barry Stellarton opened and Liam Park. the Atlantic tournament with an 11-1 win over the Jays, followed by whopping 20-5 a win against the CBS Raiders. In the Albions’ this time against third game, the Paradise Phantoms, they came out with a 20-4 win. They defeated the Cornwall Cougars, 13-8, followed by a 17-7 championship win over the CBS Raiders Stellarton’s Ashton Chislett and Evan MacIntosh placed first Members and second respectively in of the Stellarton the celebrate home run derby. Albions U-13 after capturing boys’ baseball the Atlantic team championship title. The Stellarton (Submitted photo) Albions U-13 boys’ baseball championship title recently. team kept a 5-0
record to bring
home the Atlantic (Submitted photo)
John DiMartino Jr. photo Ingersall. Due to Swallowtail lighthouse keeper Ken took DiMartino four changing sun and winds, this shot days to achieve.
John DiMartino Jr. photo sitting on a Grand Manan’s Elton Greene pictured spread field in dulsing barrel in front of his dulsing than 50 years. Castalia. He’s been dulsing for more
John DiMartino Jr. photo from Seal Lobster fisherwoman Jordan Ellingwood of lobster traps. Cove, Grand Manan, pictured in front
John DiMartino Jr. photo Jones Davey Jones in Port Aux Choix, Newfoundland. to the fire in the is holding the poker he uses to tend French bread oven.
Suddenly silver The hard work of Advocate’s communityteam recently garnered national recognition with a pair of Canadian Community Newspaper Awards. The Pictou Advocate earned silver for Best Sports Coverage, reflecting reporter Steve Goodwin’s many stories. The Saint Croix Courier won silver for best feature, following editor Raissa Tetanish’s guidance of the newspaper through a year with several challenges.
Wes Rolandson, Dieppe, N.B. Position: Shipper/Bindery Operator Hire Date: September, 2023 Hobbies: Brazilian Jiujitsu, working out, cooking, and watching sports. Someone you would like to meet: Conor McGregor Recent great movie: Batman. Favourite saying/quote: “Whether you love or hate me, stand up for yourself” — Alexander Volkanovski. Favourite food: Burgers and pizza. Marion Kuiper-Lampman, Pictou, N.S. Position: Production Assistant Hire Date: July, 2023 Hobbies: l love to walk on the beach and collect shells for windchimes. I love being a firefighter and collecting anything fire related, and love fires. Someone you would like to meet: Robert Bateman Recent great reads: Freedom Writers by Erin Gruwell and Indian School Road by Chris Benjamin. Recent great movie: Anything Western or Christmas related. Favourite saying/quote: “Always believe in yourself and live each day to the fullest with your eyes wide open. Don’t let others destroy your inner being.” Favourite food: Seafood or corn chowder.
HIRES AND CAREER MOVES
Bruce Murray retires
Recent Hires
By Kevin Adshade
PICTOU Kuiper-Lampman, Marion Coulter, Brandon Adshade, Kevin Singh, Gulsher Singh, Harjeet Singh, Garpreet MacKay, Jeremy Murdock, Aaron Murphy, Carter MacCulloch, Peggy Peel, Tracey
Production Assistant Jogger Journalist Jogger Jogger Jogger Industrial Electrician Industrial Mechanic Shipper/Receiver Production Assistant Inserter
HALIFAX Jung, Manon Darville, Eyeiessa Watson, Chantá Macmillan, Jordan
Manager, Marketing Production Assistant Business Solutions Representative Marketing Assistant
DIEPPE Rowlandson, Wes Casey, Sean
Shipper - Bindery Operator Business Solutions Representative
KENTVILLE Purchase, Jason
Casual Driver/Labourer
Career Moves PICTOU Bond, James Singh, Jora Butler, Dawson MacDonald, Chance Sarson, Mitch Russell, Chris VanDyk, Devon Hiscock, Kevin
Jogger Production Assistant Press Assistant 1st Press Person Production Assistant Feeder Production Assistant Business Solutions Manager
HALIFAX Ryan, Lori Colborne, Kevin Awalt, Kevin
Business Solutions Manager Business Solutions Manager National Director, Business Solutions
DIEPPE Murray, Tracy Hicks, Timothy Richards, Sue-Ellen
Business Solutions Manager Business Solutions Manager Business Solutions Manager
STELLARTON Parker, Tracey
Business Solutions Manager
Retirement Murray, Bruce 29 years of service
He won’t be putting down the camera for good, but Bruce Murray now has more time to pursue other passions, such as working on his home and banging on drums and other percussion instruments. Murray, the nephew of the late Bruce Murray, president and owner of Advocate Printing & Publishing, retired recently after almost 30 years with the company. “Advocate has been a wonderful place to work,” he says from his home in St. Margaret’s Bay, N.S., where he lives with Christina, his wife of 32 years. “I love creating, doing videos and photographs, but what I really love is meeting all kinds of people, people who are passionate about what they do, and trying to capture it with the lens.” Bruce and Christina were living in Vancouver in the early ’90s when they wanted to relocate to his home province of Nova Scotia. He owned a photography studio on Canada’s West Coast, but they had started having children and wanted them to grow up close to family. That’s when Sean Murray, his cousin and now CEO of Advocate, asked him if he knew anyone who might be capable of leading the Advocate’s photography division. “I said, ‘As a matter of fact we are looking to move back to Nova Scotia,’” he remembers. So, they moved home and he opened a photography studio here, serving print clients, most notably Sobeys. There have been major changes in the world of photography in the past quarter-century, the most obvious being the advent of digital cameras, making photography less time consuming. He had attended a photography conference in Chicago in 2000 and started paying more attention to the digital world. “There had been digital cameras before that, but they didn’t have the quality we were looking for. Once the prices went down and the quality went up, we converted our studio (which later became VisionFire Studios) over to digital around 2004. We were able to deliver the quality that our customers were used to.” Steve Smith, who has been with VisionFire Studios for nearly 10 years, now assumes the role of senior staff photographer for the company. Bruce and Christina are runners and participated in 25 marathons together around the world. Their first date was a 10K race and on their honeymoon, they ran the Honolulu Marathon. “On our 25th wedding anniversary we ran the original marathon route in Athens, Greece,” he says. Once a photographer, always a photographer, Bruce won’t completely abandon the camera. “I’ll still be doing photography, freelance work Advocate and other projects,” he says. And of course, laying down the beat behind his drum kit.
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Crystal made chocolate chip cookies for Steve Goodwin’s retirement party last spring, drawing several requests for her recipe. Happy baking! These cookies call for brown sugar. I made them with white sugar a few times, but brown sugar makes all the difference. The recipe easily doubles for a bigger batch. • ½ cup (1 stick) of butter at room temperature • 2 cups of brown sugar • 1 egg (I like to take the egg out of the fridge for about 15 minutes before using) • 1.5 tsp good quality vanilla. (I use Madagascar Vanilla like Nielsen-Massey) • 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour. (you can also use gluten free flour but increase to two cups) • 1 tsp of baking powder • ¼ tsp of salt • 2 cups of chocolate chips. (You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips. The Camino brand is nice, but regular old Chipits do the trick) Pre-heat oven to 375F. Line cookie sheet with baking parchment. Beat butter and sugar until smooth and creamy. Whisk in the egg and vanilla until well combined. In a separate bowl whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add you flour mixture to the bowl, scrape down the sides of the butter bowl so you get all the butter and sugar distributed. Don’t overmix. Stir in the chocolate chips. Using a small ice cream scoop or small spoon scoop out a ball of dough. Roll it into an even ball, place on cookie sheet and flatten it slightly. These cookies spread when baked so leave about 10 centimetres between each ball of dough. Every oven is different. I bake my cookies for exactly 12 minutes. Let them cool most of the way on the cookie sheet then with a cookie lifter, move them to a cooling rack. You’ll want to try one when they are still warm, but you get the chewiness when they cool.
Yes! It takes a village. Be a part of our next issue: Submission Date: December 8 Next issue: January Contact info: Jill Murray, Director of Marketing & Communications Phone: 902-455-2870 ext. 1818 902-499-9697 Email: jillmurray@advocateprinting.com
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
