Count Your Blessings, Don’t Curse Your Woes
The daffodils are shooting out in all of their glory and many of the perennials are beginning to poke their heads up through the ground. Soon we will have flower beds and bushes full of wonderful color. The maple trees are busy shedding red buds and pushing out new leaves. Two loons are busy diving for their morning breakfast. Swallows have been checking out the bird houses for nesting and are zooming over the water eating as many blackflies and other bugs as they can. A pair of mallards are near the beach each morning diving for a tasty meal. The finches are turning a bright yellow and of course, the robins are busy searching the yard for a juicy meal and are fat with eggs ready to be laid. Haven’t seen the barred owl as of yet, but hear it every day.
We are healthy enough to work the flower beds, get the veggie garden soil ready to plant, clean up branches blown off the trees over the winter and get the float ready to put out on the lake. We can now sit out in the sun for a bit after lunch. Got the lawn mower out yesterday and checked to make sure it would go. Zoomed on first pull! Got the power saw out, cleaned it, reset and sharpened the chain, checked the oil and gas and tried it out. A buzzing roar told me it was ready to go, and the chunking up of a fallen tree determined that the sharpening job was adequate.
I have gotten the quad ready for fishing. I take the dog for a few walks every day, which is great for both my physical and mental health. We are very blessed to have a roof over our heads, food in the fridge and great friends. The town is small enough that when we walk into a store, we know the people serving us.
I entitled this small note, “Count your Blessings, Don’t Curse Your Woes” on purpose. If I were to write all the little and big problems in our lives, it would cover a much greater space then the three small paragraphs above. It doesn’t mean that I never think of them or address them as best I can. It means that I do not dwell on them. It rains on the good and the bad. But when we see what the sunshine brings, we can focus on how the rain, itself, helps. If you don’t believe this, then just think of how thankful you are when we have a good rain when the woods are really dry. The point is that if we focus on our woes, we miss out on the sunshine. Our physical and especially our mental health pays a price. A good friend told me not to focus on my worries. He is very smart. Knows exactly what he is talking about. I cannot do this for anyone but myself. Count your blessings, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Don’t forget to look on the North Queens Medical Centre Facebook page. You will find our fundraiser under “Collective Caring”. There are many wonderful things to make a bid on. Our town businesses, and some from Liverpool and Bridgewater graciously donated many of the items up for grabs. Thank you so much to those who donated, and to those busy bidding and helping us make money to keep our important health centre in good repair. We give a big welcome to Janie Ryan our new admin person. She is very personable and a great asset to the health team. Thanks Janie, we can only hope that you will enjoy being with us as much as we enjoy having your cheerful face at the desk.
There will be a digital copy of the newsletter on the Facebook page from here on in. Our association AGM will be coming up on June 7th at 7:00 p.m. in the Hub. We will have guest speakers, one of whom is Margo Walsh-Leaman. She will be talking to us about the on-going search to replace Renate with a new Nurse Practitioner when she retires in June. Please be patient as the medical staff continues to serve us as best as possible at this time. We will get a new person. Please plan to attend the AGM and bring your good suggestions to help.
Well, as much as it is always a sadness to see someone leave a position, to Renate we say have a wonderful and blessed retirement. We are so glad that you live in our neighbourhood. It means that we get to see you about and keep an eye on your grandmother skills. Thank you so much Renate for all you have been and do for our community. We know that we will get a new nurse practitioner, but we will be unable to replace you. There will be a retirement tea for Renate at the Fire Department on June the 13th at 3:00 p.m. Plan to attend and bring along your wishes for a pleasant and long retirement. See everyone there!
The next newsletter will come out in September. Until then, have a great month. Blessings on you all.
Welcome to May. Today though, it certainly doesn't seem like May. It is very cold out, and seems more like March...Hopefully as the days go by we will get some warmer weather. I, for one, am ready for it. Black flies and all.
First of all, thank you goes out to everyone who purchased take-out from our April Ham and Salad luncheon and Supper, which was held this year at the United Church vestry, on April 21st. Thank you also, to all who helped in the "getting ready" of the event. And thank you to the United Church for having us there. It was very much appreciated. Tickets are on sale for the BBQ, It is on display at Mary Lake Home Hardware. Our publications, cook books and Wallace Earley are still available at the local business. There are a few 2023 calendars left which have been reduced in price to $6.00. We are pleased to welcome three new members to our Society. We have our meetings every 2nd Monday, at the Museum, in the summertime, at 7 pm. If anyone is interested in joining, please feel free to let one of us know and come to the Museum. Our next meeting is Monday May 8th. Meetings in the winter are held at one of our members' homes each month, weather permitting. We are hoping to be participating at the Canada Day festivities, at the Exhibition grounds, and the Annual 30 mile yard sale. Look for posters for these events. Posters are up for the hiring of 2 students for the July & August opening of the Heritage Society. If you are interested, students, please submit your applications as soon as possible. Thank you...The Heritage House Museum Facebook page also has a post.
QUOTE FOR TODAY. LIVING IS THE ART OF GETTING USE TO WHAT WE DIDN'T EXPECT.
TODAY ONLY HAPPENS ONCE, SO MAKE IT AMAZING
Take care of yourself, and each other. Be well, Marilyn Woodworth, Secretary
Have you always wanted to learn to use a computer, tablet, or cell phone, but didn’t know where to start? Are you seeking to upgrade your education, general skills, and/or get your GED? The Queens Learning Network can help you achieve your educational goals! Our programs offer a wide range of educational upgrading, including: reading/writing, digital skills, employability and digital skills, GED preparation and more!
Whether you need to upgrade skills for use at home, work, in the community, or to help with admission to other programs, we can help. Best of all? Everything is completely free! We currently have programs running in Liverpool, and if 5 participants sign up in North Queens, it may be possible to bring these opportunities to your area!
Queens Learning Network is part of the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning and has been operating in Queens County since 1995. Programs have been made available in North Queens in past years and we are hoping to once again establish programming in the area.
If you or anyone you know might be interested, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information! 902354-3635, queenslearning@ns.aliantzinc.ca
The Pleasant River Community Hall will be holding a penny auction on October 7,2023, from 10:00am2:00pm .
Members will be at the hall on Friday evening, October 6 2023 at 6:30pm-7:30pm for anyone wanting to get tickets. New and gently used items. There will be tickets on a grocery box and canteen will be open. We hope to see you there.
What did the Atlantic Ocean say to the Pacific Ocean?
What gets wetter the more it dries?
Laughter is a sunbeam of the soul.”
― Thomas Mann
Spring has sprung and so has the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute's staff, students and volunteers! Many of the wildlife species we work with are on the move, and we are not far behind them. We hope you enjoy hearing about our latest projects and if you would like to learn more or see upcoming events you can check out our website www.merseytobeatic.ca and follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@merseytobeatic).
Bat Hotline
Populations of bat species in Nova Scotia suffered a massive crash from the deadly white-nose syndrome in the early 2010s. Since then, MTRI has worked to learn more about and help these fantastic flying creatures, including launching the Bat Hotline. Last year we collected over 600 sightings in Nova Scotia, including many from Queens County! This information gives us and other researchers critical information on bat populations. If you see a bat, please report it at http://www.batconservation.ca or 1-866-727-3447.
Turtle Nesting Season Begins and A New Year for the Herp Atlas
It’s turtle nesting season and that means turtles are on the move to find a perfect spot to lay their eggs. Please watch out for turtles and other wildlife on the road, and slowdown in posted areas near lakes and wetlands. All four of Nova Scotia’s turtle species are now at risk, and losing even a small number of adult females can have a big impact on the population, especially for the threatened Wood Turtle and endangered Blanding’s Turtle. Turtles have a good sense of direction and know where they want to go, so please don’t move or disturb turtles unless they are in immediate danger. The start of a new year means the start of a new Herp (Herpetology) Atlas to help us learn more about our province’s turtles, frogs, snakes and salamanders. The Herp Atlas uses iNaturalist, a free wildlife tracking app, to collect volunteer observations of wildlife and help us get a better understanding of where amphibians and reptiles live in the province. To help us, upload your herp observations on iNaturalist and join the project NS Herp Atlas.
Launching Wild Roots Youth Nature Club!
MTRI is now hosting Wild Roots Youth Nature Club, held on select Saturdays from 10-12 p.m, geared towards youth ages 7-12. Wild Roots is a free program that involves hands-on, nature-based education and activities to get children immersed and inspired by the wonders of the natural world. You can learn more and stay up to date with upcoming dates, details and themes of each session by following MTRI’s Facebook, Instagram pages or emailing Info@MerseyTobeatic.ca Thank you to TD Friends of the Environment Foundation for making Wild Roots possible! Our Biggest Kespukwitk Municipal iNaturalist Competition Ever! This year, thanks to the support of the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, we are launching our biggest Kespukwitk (Southwest Nova Scotia) iNaturalist Competition ever! Over the next year, we will be hosting 4 seasonal, 2 weeklong Kespukwitk Municipal iNaturalist Competitions. These are fierce but friendly competitions between the municipalities of Annapolis, Digby, Clare, Yarmouth, Argyle, Barrington, Shelburne, Lunenburg and Queens to see who can collect the most wildlife observations with the free iNaturalist app. To join, all you must do is log onto iNaturalist and take observations in Kespukwitk during the competitions. Our competitions will run: Spring: May 15 – 28, Summer: July 17 – 30, Autumn: Sept. 11 - 24 and Winter: Feb. 12 – 25. During each competition, we will host guided nature walks around the region to get you out and inspired by the biodiversity around us! We will also have prize draws of wildlife guides, cards,swag and outdoor gear to help you on your next adventure. iNaturalist is a free app that allows anyone to ID wildlife, and it uses that data to support conservation projects and wildlife research.
This continues to be a busy spring in the Southwest Nova Biosphere. Staff members Nick Hill and Shayla Nickerson continue to work with municipalities and the province to identify lands that function as protected wilderness areas for biodiversity. A conference of Atlantic Biospheres was held in April that included a day at the Wildcat Reserve and a day at Kejimkujik with a focus on sharing ideas and our role in reconciliation. Adam Deveau and Shayla Nickerson have begun planting trees through a grant we received through the 2 Billion Trees initiative. Sites in each of the 5 counties in Southwest Nova have been identified for tree planting and a variety of native trees have been sourced. One thing we have learned in this process is that there is a shortage of some of our native trees and expansion of the supply, especially of hardwoods, will be necessary. We are working with some nurseries to address this need. Cliff Drysdale has been working with the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early childhood Development to expand the interactive science atlas project to cover the entire province so it can become a tool that is used in our schools. Our third newsletter has been published. Check it out online at www//http:swnovabiosphere.ca.
The Kespukwitk/Southwest Nova Scotia Priority Place is an initiative formed under the federal government’s Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada, a biodiversity hotspot in Canada, and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
MTRI is one of the partner organizations working with the Kespukwitk Conservation Collaborative to conserve species at risk and their habitats through research, sharing of knowledge, and on-the-ground actions.
Check out our news and events page (www.kswnsconservation.ca) to find ways to get involved, including links to report species at risk sightings, and read our news stories and stories from the field to learn about current projects. Consider bookmarking the site and checking in again as we develop tools and resources geared towards municipalities, volunteers, educators, and private landowners.
Mechanics Lodge #78 Gives Back
It is not known if any of the first settlers in North Queens were Freemasons, but since they were of British origin, either directly from the British Isles or New England States, it is very possible that some of them were members of the craft. However, it is known that men from the community became members of Masonic Lodges in Liverpool and Milton. One can only imagine the difficulty of traveling to theses Lodges to attend meetings. Travelling by stagecoach, horse back or walking, did not afford regular attendance at Lodge. The origins of Mechanics Lodge can be traced back to Prince of Wales Lodge in Milton where twelve brothers signed a petition requesting the establishment of a Lodge in Caledonia. In May, 1887 Mechanics Lodge #78 was established. The name “Mechanics” was determined because of the occupations of the founding members who the majority worked with mechanical tools. The first meeting was held August 11,1887. However in recent years the number of active members has steadily declined and the ages have increased to a point the membership could no longer sustain it obligation to it’s Charter. As this chapter of history comes to a close, the membership decided that they would liquidate their assets and give back to the community that supported them over the years.To that end Mechanics Lodge #78 has donated to six organizations within the community. Mechanics Lodge gave back approximately $47,000 as well as Lodge furnishings and memorabilia. In addition we donated to the Masonic Foundation of N.S., the capital of a significant investment made to Mechanics Lodge by Bro. Randal Dukeshire (deceased).
This reflects his last request. The recipients of these funds are the North Queens Fire Assoc and Wolfe Family Education Fund, North Queens Medical Center, North Queens Nursing Home, North Queens Ground Search and Rescue also the North Queens Fair Assoc. In addition to these donations, the North Queens Heritage Society received special funding through the Masonic Foundation, Shared Funding Program. The Hyland Cemetery Company, as well, received funding for ongoing maintenance of the Cenotaph, which Mechanics Lodge was the holder of those monies and responsibility. A sad day for the Masonic Lodge as this era comes to an end in this community but the positive work continues as most members have affiliated with near by Lodges that remain active and strive to support local community initiatives.
Submitted on behalf of the Brotherhood of Mechanics Lodge #78 - Gil Johnson, Past secretary
Region of Queens Municipality’s Council Approves the 2023-2024 Budgets
At the Regular Council Meeting held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, Council of Region of Queens Municipality approved the 2023 – 2024 Operating, Water Utility, Hillsview Acres and Capital Budgets for a total budget of $44,193,722. The Budget has no increase on the Residential, Commercial and Resource tax rates. Residents subject to a Hydrant Charge for the Water Utility will see a one cent decrease their tax rate, and residents in District 5 & 6 (Brooklyn) will see a half cent decrease in the area rate.
Area Rate for Residents of District 5 & 6 only (across all categories), add $0.055
June 1, 2023 is the due date for all property taxes, with no interest charged for any taxes being paid on or before June 30, 2023. The full 2023-2024 Budget, along with information about how to pay taxes, can be found online at: www.regionofqueens.com/municipal-services/finance/property-taxes
Region of Queens Municipality’s Council Investments in the Community
Although it is just a few months into the 2023-2024 fiscal year, Council has already approved grants to local organizations, many of which are in North Queens. Among those who have been funded this year are North Queens Visitor Information Centre ($15,000), North Queens Board of Trade ($10,000), North Queens Heritage Society ($1,500), Queens County Fair Association ($10,000), Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute ($5,596), Greenfield Community Park Society ($31,924), and multiple Athletic Travel Grants to individuals in the North Queens community. North Queens Active Living will continue to receive support for the Active Living coordinator position this year. Volunteers and those who work in the non-profit sector do much to enhance the lives of Queens County residents, and council’s funding support helps to make their vision become reality in their communities. Throughout the year, more grants will be given, as groups apply for project funding. To see a full listing of the grants given in in the 2022 – 2023 Fiscal year, please go to the Municipality’s website: www.regionofqueens.com/council-governance/grant-disclosure
Tax Exemptions for Municipal Taxes
During budget deliberations, RQM Council requested changes to the tax exemption amount and household earning threshold to aid those in lower income situations, considering the increased cost of many things. A new tiered system based on a range of total income levels has been put in place, with higher rebates available to eligible applicants:
Up to $300.00 $25,001 to $30,000
Up to $350.00 $20,001 to $25,000
Up to $400.00 $0 to $20,000
Bringing Council Meetings to Residents
More information is available on the Municipality’s website: www.regionofqueens.com/municipal-services/finance/property-taxes
Did you know that four times a year, Region of Queens Municipality’s Council meetings are held off-site, in community centres in different locations in Queens County? Regular Council meetings are scheduled on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays monthly (in July and August, there is only a meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of the month). On the 2nd Tuesday of the month, the meeting starts at 9 a.m. and on the 4th Tuesday of the month, the meeting begins at 6 p.m. Community locations in 2023 are: January 24 - Brooklyn Community Hall, April 25 - West Queens Community Centre, June 27 - Greenfield Fire Hall, & October 24 - Seaside Centre
There is time allotted for public comments early in the agenda at all Council meetings. Come to a Council meeting and see your local government at work.
News from the North Queens Fire Association
On May 15 the NQFA held the election of officers and the following were elected or re-elected for the upcoming year:
Chief : Chris Wolfe
Deputy Chief: Jonathan Roach
Treasurer: Sheila Delong
Secretary: Lisa Weare
Captain for 11&22: Mitchell Herman
Lieut: for 11&22: Evan Uhlman
Captain for 12: Willie Lowe
Lieut for 12: Carl Hawkes
Captain for 21: Peter Frank
LIeut for 21: Boone Seddon
Capt for 31: Lisa Oickle
Lieut for 31: Keegan Carver
Captain for 51,61,71: John Berry
Lieut for 51,61,71: Terry Saulnier
Appreciation was expressed to all those who served in the past year and to all those who are willing to serve for the upcoming year. At this time of election of officers, we were reminded of the recent passing of our member and long time secretary, Clifton Wamboldt. May he long be remembered for his faithful service to the NQ community through the NQFA.
Firehall Events
Breakfasts:
Jun 18, Jul 16, Aug 20 9:00am-1:00pm $10 Adults, eat-in or take-out (902 682-2696)
Penny Auctions:
Jun 4, Jul 30, Sep 10 12:00-3:00pm; early tickets Fri 6:00-8:00pm, Sat 10:00-2:00pm & 6:00-8:00pm
Events:
Jun 10 – Music Hillbilly Band; 7:00-9:00pm; $6 admission (under 5 Free); Bar & Canteen open; donation for band
30 Mile Yard Sale - Aug 5 – 10:00am-1:30pm; tables available call 902 682-2073
The Value of Communication
Throughout our lives, we are consistently reminded of the value of good communication, be it in our workplaces or in our relationships with our family and friends. If you have received a diagnosis of a life changing illness, good communication throughout the experience can allow for a more seamless approach to decision making and care. Likely the first step, it is important to develop a plan that may include a will, choosing a Power of Attorney, assigning a delegate for decision making, having an Advanced Care Plan as well as deciding on how your finances will be managed. These are all critical concepts to be explored, accomplished and communicated to all those involved in your plans. In healthcare, it is good to note that professionals like physicians, nurses and pharmacists operate within the principles of their licensing bodies. These groups have rules and guidelines that govern how the professional may work. Knowledge of this concept may help you understand apparent restrictions and rules for some services. Because there are so many nuances within ‘separate’ health services, individuals needing care (and their family and friends), will be best served if there is clear communication among all involved. This communication may include your wishes for treatment, goals of your care, homecare or hospital care and end of life care. Planning, recording and communicating your wishes is necessary for all those around you (medical team, family, caregivers, and possibly close friends).
A diagnosis of a serious health crisis can cause shock and confusion: so much is going through your mind. How will I get through this? It may be difficult to keep all the facts straight let alone understand all your choices and their implications. You may consider having a regular ‘buddy’ attend medical appointments with you. A second set of eyes and ears may help you with interpretation of conversations and remind you of questions to ask. They may also take notes to assist with reviewing later. Once a treatment plan has been established, there may be healthcare professionals moving in and out of your life and your home: add to that, family and friends, the influx may be confusing. Who is responsible for what? Some suggestions to consider: Would a communications book for your caregivers be helpful? Do I need a schedule to manage visits and food from family and friends? Who can pick up my medications at the pharmacy? Will a signature for these prescriptions be required? Does the pharmacy need my consent documented? What happens when your doctor changes a medication order and how does that impact nursing services and prescription needs? Is there an impact on continuity of care? Do I have a medical plan for homecare services and medical supplies (e.g. hospital bed) and how does that plan work? I am sure, this only represents a small sample of possible questions that may arise. The point is, once you PLAN for good communication to be a part of the process, a more seamless and focused level of care can occur for you and your loved ones. May that provide you and your family a level of comfort.
The South Shore Flying Club is pleased to announce that we have signed a long-term lease (20 years) with the Region of Queens to operate the airport in Greenfield. The field is known as the South Shore Regional Airport or in the Canadian Flight Supplement simply as “Liverpool Airport.”
The sale of the airport to a private company last year, fell through and after considerable negotiations with the Region, the SSFC was pleased to hammer out an agreement we could all live with. The Nova Scotia Drag Racing Association was also successful in signing a long-term lease, so both Aviation and Drag Racing will continue in Greenfield as before which is good news for everyone concerned. Under our new lease we have land available for sub-lease to anyone who wishes to build an aircraft hangar. Anyone interested can contact President Peter Gow at 902-298-2644. Reasonable rates apply.
The SSFC has a full slate of activities planned for this season. We held our first Fly-In Breakfast on May 13th, and our BBQ is coming up on June 3 rd . As always, everyone is welcome to come to the airport to watch, meet friends or to have a Burger or Hot Dog, see the planes on display, talk to the pilots, and ask questions. Bring the whole family. Look for our booth at Liverpool Privateer Days. Buy a ticket ($5) on one of THREE sight-seeing flights to be held this fall. Winners will enjoy a flight over Queens County to view the coloured leaves. Be sure to bring your camera for that one. Other events on schedule are a Fly-In Breakfast on Saturday July 15 th and on Saturday August 19th at the Clubhouse on the airport grounds. Eggs, sausages, hashbrowns, baked beans, toast, tea, and coffee $10. On Saturday September 16 th at a BBQ at the airport we will be drawing the winners of the three flights over Queens County.
The Hot Cup
Opening Day Wednesday 7thJune - 9am to 11am. Seniors, come and join us for a free tea or coffee along with a sweet treat! Bring a friend, sit, and chat with others within the community. Located in the Queens County Home Support office in Caledonia (Old Bank Building) and we are wheelchair accessible.
Upcoming Seniors events will be posted on the bulletin board at The Hot Cup. The Hot Cup will be hosted each Wednesday by Shelley Walker, Senior Safety Program Coordinator. The Hot Cup, in the Queens County Home Support building, 9853 Highway 8, Caledonia B0T 1B0. Call 902-350-0231 with any questions and hope to see you there!
The ladies of the Greenfield Sewing Circle are delighted to resume their Annual Strawberry Supper. It will be held on Saturday, July 8 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. The tasty menu includes sliced ham, baked beans, brown bread, potato salad and strawberry shortcake served with coffee, tea or juice. Adults $14, Children (5-12) $7, under 5 are free. There will be a craft/fancy work table as well as a home made baked goods table. Our venue is the Greenfield Fire Hall, 4960 Medway River Road. It is wheel chair accessible. We look forward to seeing everyone again
The North Queens Business Hub is pleased to share that The Medway Community Forest Cooperative has expanded their office space at The Hub as a result of adding staff. We are pleased to offer MCFC more space as they grow their organization. There remains opportunity at the Hub for community use, such as meetings or coworking space. To arrange a visit to the Hub or book our boardroom, please contact Hub Manager, Karin Rawding at info@northqueenshub.com, or phone 902-682-2154. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on what is happening at the Hub!
The Caledonia Visitor Information Centre will open for the Summer Tourism Season on May 19th , 2023. Our main event for the year will be the "Annual 30 Mile Yard Sale" - August 5th ,2023 starting at 9:00 AM
30 Mile Yard
June – can you believe it? I think I must have slept through spring or we didn’t have one. I’ll go for the latter. Whatever the reason, I’m ready for some sunshine and warmer temperatures and the changes they bring to the world around us.
The CFRN garden is being prepared and the bugs are out in full force. We are hoping for a bumper crop this year with all food grown going back into CFRN for distribution to our client base. I am bursting with pride when I tell people that we grew that in our garden! We are always happy to take your extra vegetables so keep us in mind if you have extra. We love rhubarb…hint, hint!
My big news this month, and lets just jump right in to it, is that we will be running our hamper program again. Hamper 5.0 as I call it because it is the 5th time we’ve handed out these glorious boxes of love. I’m concentrating on protein this time around because we all know that meat is so expensive, well, everything is to be truthful…but you know that. The protein portion of the hamper will consist of ground beef, chicken, pork chops and wieners (one of our most asked for items). The produce will vary depending on prices but should always involve apples, bananas, and the staples – potatoes, carrots and onions. I’ll do my best to make you proud. Our whole group is excited to be doing this and we can’t wait to start putting the hampers together. We could not do this project without a grant and this hamper program is brought to you by Community Services and our hard working team at CFRN. Just for your curiosity, this grant will bring $27,500 worth of great food into our community – our biggest to date. The program will have, hopefully, started by the time this arrives in your mailbox but it is not too late to get your name in. If you are having trouble getting the ends to meet, please reach out - you can call/text me at 902-682-7742, email ddawe@ns.sympatico.ca or contact me via Facebook by looking for Community Food Resource Network or by looking me up. I do collect some data for granting purposes but names and address are not shared.
Muriel’s Closet has been bustling this year. What a great little shop we have. Ideally we’d like to try being open every Saturday during the summer months but we need more volunteers. If you would like to join our team on a Saturday morning, please get in touch. Many hands make light work so the more volunteers we have for a Saturday at Muriel’s, the easier it is to be open. Our client base sure would love to see Muriel’s open more. CFRN and Muriel’s Closet rely on your donations. Monetary donations for CFRN can be made by cash, cheque or eTransfer. Our email address for donations is resourcenetwork9868@gmail.com, just include your mailing address and we’ll send out a receipt. Mailing address is PO Box 113, Caledonia NS B0T1B0. Donations for Muriel’s can be dropped off at the CFRN building on Monday morning’s or put in my garage on Westfield Road (just get in touch for the address). We do ask that donations for Muriel’s be of good, used quality – I always look at my donations and ask myself “would I buy this”.
Lastly, if you are struggling and need food support, please reach out. We do ask for a valid NS Health Card for each member of your household but that’s our only requirement. We work on an appointment basis to try and maintain some confidentiality and to keep the work flow moving smoothly. We support nearly 60 households so understanding the importance of being on time and keeping your appointment sure makes a difference in our work load.
Until next time, Dianne Huskins, Coordinator
Are you a parent or caregiver of a child with autism who could benefit from a positive, fun, social experience with same-age peers? The Caledonia Neurodiverse Connections Club, delivered by Autism Nova Scotia, is for autistic youth/youth on the spectrum ages 10-14.
According to the Government of Canada website, 1 in 66 children in Canada are diagnosed with Autism. However, there are many other youths who may not have a formal diagnosis, but still struggle with social communication and interaction. Research shows that anxiety disorders affect up to 42% of people with Autism, and depression affects 7% of children and 26% of adults with Autism. By providing social support in the tween years, we can reduce these statistics and improve the quality of life for neurodiverse youth in our community.
The Caledonia Neurodiverse Connections Club meets on Fridays from 6:30-8pm at the United Church Vestry (1888 Hibernia Rd). Our weekly meetings offer scaffolded social interaction, including a round table check-in where participants practice sharing information and responding to others' stories, a shared experience such as building a structure or solving a problem, and time to play board games or work on a craft. Quarterly field trips outside of the community provide additional opportunities for positive social interaction with same-age peers. We are seeking members, volunteers, and donations to help support our program. Members will benefit from positive social experiences with peers and the opportunity to further develop social communication skills. Volunteers can help with planning and supervising meetings, structuring meetings to meet participant needs, and planning and supervising quarterly outings. Donations of supplies and equipment such as board games, crafting materials, fidgets, and noise-cancelling headphones are also greatly appreciated.
To register or learn more about the Caledonia Neurodiverse Connections Club, please contact tteal@autismns.ca or call 782-414-0801. With the support of our community, we can provide a safe and supportive environment for neurodiverse youth to connect with their peers, improve their social skills, and reach their full potential.
Forest Operations Update
Springtime is an exciting time in the woods as the forest comes back to life after the winter freeze. During this important time for wildlife MCFC will respect our annual “Singing Season” pause in forest operations. This year we have expanded this shutdown in harvesting, road building and silviculture activities to cover May 15th to July 15th.
We’re excited to continue with our Species-at-Risk (SAR) Birds Beneficial Management Practices partnership with Dr. Cindy Stacier from Dalhousie University and the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute. This spring our team will be deploying automated acoustic monitoring devices to monitor upcoming harvest sites for the presence of SAR birds. We then work collaboratively to implement special measures to conserve and improve habitat for these important species. During the spring and early summer, we’ll be busy planning forestry operations throughout our license area. As with all MCFC’s forestry operations we’ll be encouraging feedback from our local community, so stay tuned to our website and social media to learn about opportunities to review and comment on our proposed operations.
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Treatment Program
On May 8th, Nova Scotia’s first ‘Hemlock Conservation Strike Team’ moved into the former bank building (9853 Hwy 8) located next to the pharmacy in Caledonia. Our team has begun intensive training to become the first official full-time crew to tackle Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), an invasive insect that is rapidly infesting and killing Eastern Hemlock forests in seven southwestern counties. Their objective, as supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada and funded federally by Nature Smart Climate Solutions, is to conserve as much old growth hemlock as possible in Provincial Protected Areas.
For the next eight months, the Hemlock Conservation Strike Team, consisting of 3-4 staff and Donna Crossland, Hemlock Conservation Coordinator, will focus on rendering chemical treatments to some of the most high-value hemlocks remaining in the province. At times, they may work alongside two Provincial Strike Teams from Natural Resources and Renewables as they also prepare to conduct similar work on HWA. Help for private landowners with hemlock forests: While the Hemlock Conservation Strike Team will be primarily treating hemlock forests in Provincial Protected areas, they will:
● Host demonstration and training days to aid private landowners to gain the knowledge and skills required for potentially treating their own trees.
● Welcome volunteers to learn how to conserve hemlocks through helping the Strike Team to treat trees.
While the Strike Team cannot treat privately-owned hemlocks without some security on cost expenditures for this long-term investment, there are opportunities arising that can help ensure that treated trees will not be cut by future landowners. For e.g., landowners who join the NS Working Woodlands Trust or a conservation easement could be eligible for treatments.
Become a Hemlock Hero!
We will be reaching out to folks who sign up as Hemlock Heroes to aid with hemlock conservation. Hemlock Heroes will be invited for volunteer training, so they are ready to join the Hemlock Conservation Strike Team to perform tasks such as tree-marking, tree injections and ‘timing’ the basal bark spray operations. There is a suitable task for nearly everyone! Spending a day under the protective canopy and soft, filtered light of hemlocks is an unforgettable experience.
Hemlock Conservation will welcome local interests and the Mi’kmaq and conservation community from everywhere to work together to save as many of our most precious and beautiful old growth pockets of remaining forests as we can.
Community Outreach Event – Naturalist Notebook
Do you love the intersection between art and nature? Join us for MCFC's Naturalist Notebook event led by local artist Kalen Roblee.
When: Sunday, June 11th, 2023, from 12-3 PM Where: Four Mile Stillwater Trail
What to bring: Sketchbook, pencils, watercolour paints and brushes. Hiking shoes, drinking water and bug spray recommend. Painting materials available for purchase.
Learn the principals of Plein air sketching and watercolor painting while you explore the beautiful Four Mile Stillwater Trail and learn the history and ecology of Wabanaki-Acadian Forests. All skill levels and ages are welcome! Space is limited for this event. To register, send us an email at elizabeth@medwaycommunityforest.com We have lots of community events in the works for this summer so stay tuned for more updates!
Region of Queens Municipality
Physical Activity Coordinator Update
Our equipment loan program is up and running! We have a canopy (20’x20’), large banner and small banner for promoting events, washer toss, lawn toss (like lawn darts, but not pointy), giant Connect 4, giant Jenga, bikes (4 - 2 adult and 2 youth with helmets, reflective vests, bike lights, and bike locks), and hike bags (partnership with Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL). Includes plant and cloud identifier, compass, maps of MODL and Queens County, first aid kit, various activities, and information – tick safety, hike preparation, etc.). The hike bags project will be launching this summer. We will also be launching a geocaching badge in partnership with Hike NS; more information to come. The Playboxes will be going out shortly – as in previous summers, one will be at Harmony Park! Funding for initiatives like additional equipment loan items and the geocaching badge has come from Active Communities Fund through the Communities Culture Tourism and Heritage division of the provincial government. This program supports unstructured movement and promotion of physical activity in small bouts throughout the day. Drop offs can be arranged for equipment loans if needed. Leaders on the Move, an after-school program for grades 9-12, is wrapping up. The program is a mixture of physical activity and life skills. Participants have done a food handlers course, budgeting workshop, hiked in Keji, a Teen Health workshop with Matt from Queens Place Emera Centre, and a visit is planned to QPEC soon. All of this is made possible by grant from South Shore Regional Centre for Education, Nova Scotia government, and NS Health Authority. Kidsport is a national organization that supports children in lower income situations to take part in organized sport programs. I’ve recently stepped into the local chair position and am the person to reach out to for information and applications. Email: khalliday@regionofqueens.com Phone: 902-354-3453 Applications are available online to fill in: www.kidsportcanada.ca/nova-scotia/queens/apply-for-a-grant/ Kimberly Halliday, Physical Activity Coordinator
Accessibility and Inclusion Coordinator Update:
There has been much happening on regarding accessibility in Queens County, with several items recommended in the Municipal Accessibility Plan being implemented, specifically in Municipally owned properties.
The Astor Theatre now has an (almost 100% ready) accessible entry leading from the parking lot to the front lobby. This is phase one, with more to come! Beach Meadows Beach will soon open a new change facility with running water and fully accessible, universal washrooms, more MOBI mat purchased as well as a ‘beach walker’ with sand wheels to borrow. Universally designed playpark and splashpad at Queens Place is on track to open this summer! A federal grant of $100,000 will go to 3 new universal washrooms in municipal properties: Queens Business Development Centre, Astor Theatre and Queens Place Emera Centre. Mini ellipticals for seated exercise at home are available to borrow for up to a month at a time. Work continues with the Diversity and inclusion Action Team (DIAT). Applications are being accepted for DIAT Small Grants - Groups based in Queens County can apply for up to $1,000 to develop and offer programs or services, create infrastructure, host events, or offer educational training that has a diversity and inclusion focus. The municipality is open to hear from residents on the barriers faced in the community. We have been working to shift our policies and perspectives according to first voice experience. For information about any of the above programs, or to borrow the equipment described, please contact (ejohnston@regionofqueens.com, phone: 902-354-3455).
Elise Johnston, Accessibility and Inclusion Coordinator